Dovetail is a Michelin-starred restaurant operated by chef and proprietor John Fraser. Serving contemporary American fare and located on Manhattan's Upper West Side, Dovetail received three stars from The New York Times as well as its first Michelin star in the 2011 New York Guide.
"To be honest, Dovetail was reserved as a backup since we were on a wait list elsewhere. How fortunate we didn't get the call and came here, it was magnificent from the amuse bouche, do not miss the arancini if there to the rests of the dinner, sweetbreads, squid, lamb, were all fantastic. The server was superb, his advise well taken, there-but not intrusive.
The cuisine was superb, creative, yet not the foo foo of molecular. For example, the squid came with a farro ramp puree, Fantastic, the lame with a green vegetable pie, another do not miss.
And as a bonus, it was quite reasonable. The food was a good as some of the temples of gastronomy at 2-4x the price.
Don't equivicate, make the reservation."
Dined on 5/20/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"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!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"Every 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."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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"lovely 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."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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"We 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."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list, special occasion
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"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."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Appreciate 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."
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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"Chef 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."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"I 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!"
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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"A 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."
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Had 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!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Have 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."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"This 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."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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"On 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."
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We had high hopes of this restaurant, so we saved going to Dovetail until our last night in New York. But sadly our night was a bit of a let down. On the positive side the food did look pretty and well designed, but food is first and foremost about the taste and not just the style of it. So with that in mind we were served overcooked fish, bland sauces & jus and an amuse bouche which was not pleasant at all. The bad experience wasn't solely down to the food, be warned the wine list is way overpriced."
Dined on 04/28/2013
2013
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"we went for Sunday brunch.......while the food was excellent, the service was off--have had much better at dinner time at the restaurant. And for $32 per person, no beverages of any kind are included, which makes Sunday Suppa at Dovetail a much better value."
Dined on 04/28/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"What 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."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"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."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2007
Special Features: special occasion
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"Had a very good Sunday brunch here. The starters come for the table and were all delicious. I had a lobster omelet that was good but nothing out of this world. The side of bacon was great. The dessert selection was great. Service was a bit slow, and special requests took a bit of time to arrive, but overall a good experience that I would recommend."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2008
Special Features: great for brunch
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"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."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"What 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."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"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."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"The most abominable service I have ever experienced in a restaurant of this caliber. Our 90-minute meal ended up being 3 hours because they were so short-staffed.
If you don't eat meat or dairy, steer clear of their Meatless Monday prix fixe - it's a rip off! You'll leave hungry."
Dined on 04/15/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list
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"The 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."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"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."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"We arrived 15 mins early for our table so we could have a drink at the bar. An hour later we still hadn't been seated. We asked the hostess 3 times if we would be seated soon and all she said was she had no idea. The only saving grace was the bar tender, she was gracious, apologetic and tried to make amends. She went to get the general manger's card so we could email, he saw us leaving but didn't bother to address it or explain our hour long wait. It was 10pm by then. There was no way we felt inclined to stay and spend $200 a head after such poor treatment and no indication of when we'd actually get to our table."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2010
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"We have probably dined here 10 times but never had the poor service we had last Thursday evening. The waitress seemed disinterested, was not very attentive and just did not seem to generally have a pleasant attitude. Examples: She placed some tastes of wine in front of us and just walked away without saying which red was which. She did not check on us during the meal. Just not the level of service expected at a restaurant like this and it actually makes us hesitant to return because although the food was very good and we like the atmosphere, the service has a big impact on the dining experience."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2001
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Do they usually give OpenTable users the worst possible tables...and then have the bus person try to act as sommelier. Our wait person was a the worst I have had in years!
Food actually pretty good...but ruined by the service."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2010
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"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."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"The 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."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"Dovetail 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."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"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."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"This was my fifth or sixth time dining at Dovetail. It's a very nice place overall, and I have had great dining experiences there in the past. This time, however, the service was really off. Perhaps it was because it was a busy brunch on Easter Sunday, but my companion had to ask our server three separate times for coffee, which she waited 20min for. She also told our server she's gluten free and ordered one of the appetizer dishes without granola. It arrived with granola, but he was quick to correct it. My only complaint with my meal was that the lamb loin was quite rare (to the point of really having to work to cut through parts) when I ordered medium rare, as is my usual preference and how the chef recommends the dish."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We visited Dovetail for the Monday night vegetarian tasting menu on March 25 and tried all 6 dishes (plus two desserts). Our waiter told us that it was the first night of a new menu. The beet salad and the potato fondue were excellent and the consomme exceptionally clear and vibrant. But the ricotta and chard filling of the swiss chard crostillant/en bric was rather bland and the cabbage galette was much too salty (I had to leave a half of it uneaten). I would expect more attention to such details at this level. But with the right dish choices the veggie tasting menu represents very good value."
Dined on 03/25/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Two 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!"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2012
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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"Our 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, Montreal"
Dined on 03/29/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Went 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."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Dovetail 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."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, scenic view
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"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!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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"What'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."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2006
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