David Burke & Donatella
(212) 813-2121
133 E 61st St
New York,
NY
10021
40.7637
-73.9676
Neighborhoods: Midtown, Lenox Hill, Upper East Side
Hours:
Mon-Sat 12pm-2:30pm, 5pm-10:30pm
Sun 11am-2:30pm, 4:30pm-9pm
Price:
$$$$
Last updated 4.27.09
What People Are Saying About David Burke & Donatella
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
The series of showy white-on-white rooms reverberates with the gregarious chatter of a high-rolling clientele, many laden with Bloomingdale's bags. Tables turn over slowly, so would-be diners mill impatiently in the front bar area. The harried staff is accommodating, but keeps a cool distance.
The Food
The perplexing menu comprises rich dishes with dubious tweaks, like excellent foie gras terrine with superfluous breaded grapes, and tender scallops gussied up with quail eggs, chorizo oil and lobster foam. A delicious salmon filet benefits from sauteed greens in housemade XO sauce, but not from cloying Chinese sausage. Simple--though still unctuous--pasta with mushrooms is a refreshingly uncomplicated choice. The over-the-top desserts include cheesecake lollipops with a bubblegum-scented dipping cream.
User Reviews
desmarr
May 13, 2009
I finally risked altitude sickness and traveled "all the way" to the UES from Soho. Lets just say I will venture uptown more often! I expected a stuffy environment of wealthy businessmen wooing their mistresses and groups of botoxed, boozed-up women chatting away endlessly. Instead, we entered a charming townhouse where the crowd was friendly and high spirited- happy to be eating in a fine dining, albeit fun environment. When my sister and I entered we were greeted by an adorable, super friendly bartender, Raafet. Since he was so charming (i.e. hot and adorable), we decided to eat at the bar. Great choice. Seems as though their are a lot of regulars there and the conversation never stopped flowing (similar to the crisp Sancerre). For starters, my sister and I split the tartare which was creamy and melted in our mouth as well as the pretzel encrusted crabcake that was both fun, unexpected and extra decedent. (Seriously like anything I have ever had). For dinner I had the dover sole which was light and fresh and my sister had the braised short rib which she claimed was the best she has ever had! We eat at a lot of trendy "hot" restaurants where the food doesn't quite match the "scene"- this was a pleasant exception. We have already brought some of our downtown hipster friends up to experience the whimsical, playful food. David Burke- you rock! And to the handsome bartender Raafet- you rock my world! We will be back soon!
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girlsgottaeat
May 02, 2009
The food, service and presentation were all spectacular! I went there for Rioja week and was pleasantly surprised with the specialized menu. Dishes had a spanish influence and were executed perfectly.
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jacobk743
April 26, 2009
Great for brunch or dinner. The service is top notch. First they start off by serving you freshly baked bread in a small copper pan. The selection of food is excellent. I would highly recommend the pretzel crusted crab cake, the chocolate lollipops, and most entrees are excellent.
read full reviewThe Details on David Burke & Donatella
The Extras:
The curious can order Chef David Burke's gourmet lollipops online; they come in flavors like foie gras and cheesecake.
What to Drink:
The "wine atlas" lists wines by place of origin, an innovative, but only somewhat enlightening, approach. There are plenty of three-digit bottles on the menu, and only a few less than $40. Quite a few by-the-glass deals are available.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
People Watching, Business Dining, Online Reservations, Group Dining, Bar Scene, Notable Wine List
