DovetailEvery interaction with theEvery interaction with the staff was lovely. Appropriately attentive. Cheerful and knowledgable.Food was very special. Wine pairings were great and generous. So accommodating of our lactose intolerant guest. Nothing we asked was a problem for them.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing!Been to Daniel, Per Se, Eleven Madison Park and Jean Georges and we LOVED Dovetail, a little more than all those others. The tasting menu had less courses but the portions were larger, and it just so happens that we loved everything on the tasting menu, although we did substitute the souffle for the caramel mousse. I probably could've done with a larger serving of bread, but that's about it. My husband had the wine pairing and we were impressed with the serving portions of wine given, it was definitely more than enough and he had a good buzz by the time we got to the 4th course. We will definitely be back!5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMA gem in The upper west end
EverythA gem in The upper west end
Everything working as ir should
A ubique and rewarding experience5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMDelicious and great atmosphereWe had a wonderful date night here, it was delicious, service was excellent and the ambiance was very nice. We did the 4 course tasting menu and all of the food was wonderful. Would recommend for a romantic dinner or special occasion for small groups.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMRun, don't walk, to Dovetail.This restaurant is simply outstanding. My partner and I are vegetarians. We have been to Dovetail 3 times in 5 months, because they serve some of the best and most creative vegetarian food we have ever tried. The food at this restaurant doesn't pander; it challenges the person eating to think about food and taste in new ways. We've tried many of the most notable restaurants in the city, and this is among the best. Considering the quality and creativity of the food (plus spectacular service and lovely ambiance), Dovetail is an amazing value.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMgreat vegetarian tastinglovely and quiet (until it gets crowded) ... but the feeling is still quite relaxed and gracious, even as it gets louder.
the vegetarian tasting menu was delicious. creative and with lovely ingredients.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMSimply Great!Everything was beautiful and delicious. Will most certainly return :)5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMrespectful to the naturalChef respects the natural flavors of the ingredients. All dishes are not abusive to them, which is often seen recently in top-rated expensive restaurants in the world. They taste how they should taste. Try Beets Salad and grilled Guinea Hen. Dovetail can be highly recommended to foodies in the real meanings.5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMBirthday to rememberI recently celebrated my birthday here with a party of five. I had read reviews online and decided to try dinner. The layout of the restaurant is beautiful and sophisticated. The server was attentive and personable, he addressed any questions we had about the menu and explained the components of each dish as it was brought out. The sommelier recommended an excellent bottle of wine to compliment our entree choices (there is an extensive wine list). The cocktails were also creative and tasty- we each enjoyed one before our wine. The food itself was perfectly plated and delicious. There was a very high level of service. Everyone in our group was extremely happy with our experience and we will be back soon!5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMfine star restaurantAppreciate that Dove Tail also cares for vegetarians and serves outstanding veggie dinners on Mondays. Please continue.
Good wines too.
As European visitors my wife liked the style.5/6/2013 12:00:00 AMA vegetarian find dining gemA vegetarian find dining gem in the city on Mondays. Thanks a lot to the chef for some vibrance and character and expression in vegetarian cooking. It's much appreciate and I believe going forward extremely important.
Overall, the experience is awesome - it really is a must visit.5/6/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat, interesting foodThe food was amazing and very unique. The menu changes often, so you can come back and will not get bored. Get dessert! The desserts are amazing.
Service was a bit slow (and i was there on a Monday night!) but food makes it worth going back. Servers were also very friendly and knowledgeable.5/6/2013 12:00:00 AM40th Birthday celebrationHad booked for my wife's 40th Birthday. I had to change the party size 3 times in a week and the restaurant were very understanding each time. We had the tasting menu for the table (incl one Vegetarian). All the courses were great and were well explained each time. Three of us had the wine pairing which was very good.
Great atmosphere for a Saturday night and made the evening memorable for the birthday girl and all the guests!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMValue VictualsHave eaten thrice at this restaurant with three different menus which changes with the season and have been very satisfied with the food, the service, and the creative menus. The prix fixe meal is a very good value.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMBest restaurant on UWSWorth every penny. Service and food are excellent. Eat everything they put in front of you.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMExquisite foodThis place reminds me of the truly great Paris 2 star restaurants of the early 90s; chef is brilliant, atmosphere subdued, and the service is impeccable. It won't be for everyone--portions are small, people watching is beside the point and the wine list is an idiosyncratic disaster. But, and it's a big "but," there are very few restaurants that deliver the kind of culinary transport that this one does. I had the salt baked carrot salad with lentils and Harissa: inspired and superbly delicious. Husband had arctic char, green tomatoes, horseradish, lettuce--he's most often unimpressed with my foodie enthusiasms--but he raved about it. Halibut entree for me & scallops for him were out of this world.5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMOn our recent quick trip toOn our recent quick trip to New York, my daughter and I had picked three restaurants to try for dinner and Dovetail was by far the most pleasurable dining experience. We were graciously welcomed and shown to our table. The service was very attentive and the staff were knowledgeable about the food and wine. We were delighted with the three course vegetarian prix fixe menu. The food was exceptional from the complimentary tasting salad at the beginning, to the complimentary sweet at the finish of the meal. Even the chai tea was enjoyable which rarely happens whether you dine at an Indian restaurant or not. Both my daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and will definitely return on our next visit to New York.4/29/2013 12:00:00 AMWhat a great meal! The foodWhat a great meal! The food was uniformily spectacular -- esp the white asparagus appetizer. The service was stellar -- we had a 9 year old child with us and the staff went out of the way to take care of her needs. The wine list is well thought out and well priced. Dovetail is definitely one of our go-to spots. It is amazing that it is possible to get a reservation on relatively short notice.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a 8:15 reservation,We had a 8:15 reservation, but ended up arriving a bit early and we were seated immediately. We both chose from the 4 course tasting menu. The standouts for us were the crayfish appetizer and the fried green strawberry dessert. This is the type of place where you take your time and want to savor each bite.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways Perfect!When I come to NYC I have to fight myself as not to make another reservation at Dovetail, its one of my favorite places to go to. I have been 3 times and will continue to go back, from the service to the food they never disappoint. I was given a tour of the kitchen which was a delightful surprise, only disappoinment was that Chef John Fraser wasn't working that day But his Sous Chef Nick P more then made up for his absence. I can't remember how many courses I ended up having, as they always throw in extra Amuse-bouches. Yes it's expensive but will I be back ABSOLUTELY.4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMAwesomely delicious.My husband and I went to Dovetail knowing the meal would be expensive, and boy was it, but with such and exceptional meal, it was hard to complain about the cost. The experience was priceless.
The food was wonderful husband started with the we had six dished, my husband had: The Fluke Crudo, The Gulf Snapper and kaffir lime semifreddo all dishes perfect for his palate, ok for mine but I preferred my choices. The roasted beets, Halibut and soft chocolate ganache. Everything was scrumptious. I enjoyed our server- Aaron, incredibly knowledgable and the minimalist yet warm design of the restaurant.4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMA Great DiscoveryWhat a treat! My husband and I ate here for the first time -- and can't wait for another occasion to return. The food was very imaginative, beautifully presented and most of all, delicious. The service was impeccable, wine list was very good and the atmosphere of the restaurant is romantic, but you could have a business dinner here, as well.4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMOnly problems were overcookedOnly problems were overcooked salmon and ice-cream-based desserts that sounded better than they were. overcooke4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMWho needs expensive French ?One of the best "American" restaurants in New York. With the overload of French and Italian, it was so nice to enjoy an American experience. Just ate a Le Bernardin a week earler, the service at Dovetail is far more refined, but relaxed and the check was half the amount for the same food quality.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMWhew on wine pricingThe food was excellent, as I have come to expect at Dovetail. We had a tasting menu, and the restaurant cooperated by switching two dishes for us. Very good.
The only distressing element is the pricing on the wine list. The list itself offers good diversity and a large number of choices, but the pricing has escalated dramatically. Perhaps Dovetail might consider reducing its pricing, at least on week nights. People might order more wine.4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMI had one of each from "vegetables"I had one of each from "vegetables", "entrees" and "dessert" section. The portion was a rather small side but it was carefully prepared and the combination of each material including the sauce was wonderful. The staff was very attentive but not pushy. This place is great for both business and private occasion.4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMThe vegetarian-focused menuThe vegetarian-focused menu on monday is are favorite and we make a special trip to it out. It is a true inspiration, and despite being small portions, the 3 courses plus dessert is far more than we could eat. Wonderful special occasion and a must stop for vegetarian foodies.4/1/2013 12:00:00 AMEaster BrunchTwo of us went for an Easter Brunch and were not disappointed. The prix fix menu was delicious and the choices were varied and excellent.
First came a basket of small warm breads each with its own distinctive flavor. We had to ask for butter. Then a plate of little portions of four delectable appetizers.
After the lovely main course where we both had Crab Benedict with swiss chard, a plate of three little desserts arrived. We each had a mimosa as well as tea. The price was high ($150) but service was very good. The large room was filled but not impossible. I noticed a big table downstairs that seats a party of 10 which faces the glassed in kitchen. That would be fun to try sometime!3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful dining experience.Wonderful dining experience. The service was just a little rushed in the beginning, we were still enjoying the amuse bouche when the first course arrived making us set these aside too quickly.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMPerhaps the best restaurant in townDovetail may well be the best restaurant in New York. This was the first time that we had been there for Sunday Suppa, bringing along a favorite nephew and his g/f. While we have become accustomed to Dovetail's excellence, they were new to the restaurant and were totally blown away. The food, service, and ambience were all that one could have wanted. In addition, The staff is warm and welcoming as well as knowledgeable and efficient.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was greatWent on a Saturday night and food and service was great. Ordered the 4 course prix fixe where you can choose 4 of what you want from the menu. Each dish was in the right proportion and was delicious; in total it was the perfect amount of food. Service was attentive, food came quickly and I left with a good impression.
nice place to take a date, it's intimate, but not over the top.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMgreat with a tailspinDovetail is idyllic for a cozy relaxed super meal. Portion sizes are quite small though delicious and admittedly we were satiated. However, for the steep price the portions could have been more generous. Everything was in miniature. They did remember the birthday we were celebrating in a thoughtful tasteful way. Thugh food was marvelous, the skimpy portions coupled with high price would preclude visiting here often.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent service. On theExcellent service. On the pricey side for the food, but everything was beautiful and perfectly presented.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMOur dining experience wasOur dining experience was perfect! The restaurant's atmosphere was intimate, quiet and friendly. We felt we had all the time in the world... The service was impeccable and discrete, and we really appreciated the wine and drink suggestions. The dishes were beautiful, which made it hard to plunge a fork into... But once we did, it was pure pleasure. The dishes were wonderful, and most of them had dried fruits in them (wow); refreshing and delightful. The amuse-bouche were also very welcome and delicious.
Many thanks to the Dovetail team for a great night!
Catheline Moreau, Montreal3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMNeeded to be near Beacon TheaterNeeded to be near Beacon Theater and was so happy to find Dovetail. Food was exquisite and very extremely thoughtfully prepared. Will return.3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMWhat's not to like, givenWhat's not to like, given my ratings?
It's WAY over-priced. The 4-course prix-fixe is $84.
Telepan's 4-course is $69, and the servings are more generous.
Bar Boulud's 3-course is $45.
Both are just as good as Dovetail, and more generous in serving-size.
Also, I ordered a "gin and tonic." I was not asked about a brand preference.
What I got was not a highball glass as is (or was) usual with g&t, but a tiny
globe - and the cost was $16: the same price as for the "specialty cocktails."
Hate to say it, but this has become a rip-off joint, just like Boulud Sud.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMA truly amazing restaurant.A truly amazing restaurant. In addition to the food and service being spectacular, they were extremely accommodating of our dietary restrictions. The chef customized a tasting menu for us while my husband is vegetarian and doesn't eat cheese and I don't eat pork or shellfish. We usually can't do tasting menus due to our restrictions and were delighted that we were able to do one here and an excellent one at that! The quality of the food was top notch and extremely creative. Highlights of the evening in terms of creativity included Foie Gras with huckleberry and graham cracker puree and a cocktail my husband had with tequila, chamomile & pomegranate that worked brilliantly! We will definitely be back!3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMa Vegetarian friendly restaurantWe went to Dovetail for a birthday dinner. We are both vegetarians, and had heard about their vegetarian menu. The service was very good and the space quiet, understated and comfortable.
Between the vegetarian menu and the regular one we found ample choice suitable to our dietary limitations. The amuse-bouche and appetizers were interesting, complex and subtle. My wife's main course, a pastry-encased chard slaw, was rather blapd, and I had a hamachi crudo appetizer as a part of my main course that was blisteringly salty, though interesting. Our desserts - two different chocolate dishes - were uniformly excellent, really top notch.3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful service and veryWonderful service and very attentive. Food is outstanding. Try the four course tasting menu.3/19/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat location and fantasticGreat location and fantastic restaurant ,every detail was taken care of to make a greatExpierience .The food and service were both perfect.3/17/2013 12:00:00 AMFabulous food-creative, unique,Fabulous food-creative, unique, truly memorable. It was expensive but the evening reminded us how wonderful dining out can be. It's also a favorite of locals which creates a more relaxed feel than if this restaurant were on the UES. We're planning to return seasonally. Thank you for a wonderful dining experience.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMThe vegetable tasting menuThe vegetable tasting menu was superb, with the potato fondue and the consommé being particularly memorable.3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMAstonishingly good.I love Dovetail. I've been a half dozen times and each meal replaces the last as my favorite. The wine steward is extremely knowledgable and listens carefully to your preferences. The staff is highly professional, attentive, never fussy or overly formal. And the food is astonishing. I've been for brunch, dinner, Sunday suppa, and Monday's vegetarian prix fixe. They're all great. I had the veggy-dominant prix fixe this Monday, and the sunchokes and bone marrow dish I had was lick-the-bowl good. If only I earned more money and could eat here once a week--then, my life would be complete.3/11/2013 12:00:00 AMReally really impressive.Really really impressive. The 4 course tasting menu paired with wines was beyond our expectations. The pairings were perfect. I highly suggest you leave yourself completely in the hands of the very talented staff. Service was impeccable. Thanks!2/9/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was superb and serviceThe food was superb and service attentive. The downside is that we had to wait at least 15-20 minutes past our reservation time, as did a room full of others waiting to be seated. Rarely do we have to wait past our reservation time at other restaurants and we resent the lack of respect for our time. According to your reviews, this is not the first time this has happened.1/30/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways sublime!A true gem! We have been many times althougth we are an hour and a half away in the Hudson Valley. I believe this to be the best in NYC! Not as well known as the other places and I hope it stays that way. As good as the best in Europe,high praise indeed.1/29/2013 12:00:00 AMAn excellent evening and greatAn excellent evening and great food! Presentation outstanding!1/23/2013 12:00:00 AMSimply the best in NYC!Another stunning meal! The four course vegetable focused menu for $46 is the best deal in NYC(monday nights). I really can't think of any way this restaurant could be better. Our favorite place in the entire USA. Good job!1/21/2013 12:00:00 AMAn Elegant Eatery for BrunchElegant without being pretentious, this wonderful little eatery is an excellent choice if you're looking for a slightly upscale brunch. Atmosphere is, again, elegant and warm. Food was served promptly and was absolutely delicious, especially the assortment of sweetbreads and other starters served tapas-style and their version of Croque Madame, which is ground veal, a sunny side egg, and provolone cheese. I didn't want the meal to end. Definitely going to return and try Dovetail for dinner.1/6/2013 12:00:00 AMNow that the restaurant hasNow that the restaurant has done something about decreasing the noise level it is a great place to go for dinner. The food, service and ambiance make for a great evening and dining experience1/5/2013 12:00:00 AM