Dovetail

01/06/09

Fun Sunday Night Suppa

by foodie3462

I went on a Sunday to try the supposed pri fixe that I had heard about. The menu, to my surprise, was absolutely fantastic. Portions were a little small but I understand the pri fixe thing so won't judge on that. The crudo was awesome and my friend had the duck "goulash" which was nothing like what you would expect, with a beauitful broken egg on top! Can't wait to go back for the regular menu!

09/28/08

About Time UWS!!

by islesglass

Been to Dovetail twice. Once did a la Carte. Once did the tasting menu (which is now $88.) Being a complete foodie, I found Dovetail one of the most interesting menus I've experienced, with what appears to be simple food, but instead offers an excellent tasting experience. Though the first time I did a la carte and was blown away, I recommend the prix fixed because it offers the most flavor for the dollar. Add to the fact they bring out many extras during the meal, I think it was the best tasting I've experienced in NYC. Also, the restaurant was more that willing to swap out meat dishes for more fish, something most won't do.

• Pros: Best food in NYC
• Cons: Decor is a little bland.

07/14/08

A great addition to NYC dining

by JonRoss15

I live on the UWS and I took my family here when they came into town. It was close by and I read a lot of great reviews. As soon as we sat down, the waiter brought us some warm cornbread to start. They also gave us sparkling wine which I thought was a nice touch. My favorite dishes of the night were the potato gnocchi, crab ravioli and the red snapper. I expected ?pretty food? and was pleased by the healthy portion size and delicious flavor pairings. The bread pudding and carrot cake for dessert were winners. We were all impressed with the food and thought the service was perfectly nice. Glasses were always filled, the timing between courses was good and the manager stopped by frequently to check in. I would definitely go again ? the whole family had a great time.

• Pros: food, service and ambience

05/04/08

Heavy on the salt

by kaalel

I'm not sure what I was eating, I've never eaten that much salt before in my life. The soup, and the entree had too much salt. Additionally they tried to jam as many tables in as possible. I kept having my seat kicked in by the staff everytime they walked by. Sadly they were never around when i needed water to wash down the salt. If you're looking for a nice atmosphere, so-so service, salty food that Dovetail is the place to go.

• Pros: nice ambience
• Cons: poor service, too much salt in the food

04/12/08

"OUCH" OOPS THAT WAS THE SOUP!!!

by jjjkleats

My very good friend Fred had very hot soup poured all over him on Saturday night. It wasn't even his soup. The staff had the order wrong and to correct the confusion they mistakenly poured the bowl on Fred. Our waitress did not know any of this and asked "how is everything?" She walked away and did not clean up the mess that was left under the table dripping all over the now clean Fred. The manager tried to be helpful by saying to Fred well you did not seem mad. It was really difficult to enjoy the meal. There are many other restaurants to go to where they don't spill the soup.l. Telepan for example.

• Cons: poor service, had to wait for table.

04/07/08

Great UWS Restaurant

by md2059

My husband and I went to Dovetail on a Sunday night. We were able to get a reservation on a few hours' notice. On Sundays, Dovetail serves a $38 prix fixe dinner. The food was amazing from the amouse bouche of salmon caviar and sour cream to the divine miniature red velvet cupcakes we were given after dessert and the small containers of homemade peanut butter granola we got to take home. The service was warm and attentive, but unobtrusive. We really liked the cozy, inviting ambiance, and the crowd was a nice mix of people. Dovetail is a terrific addition to the UWS restaurant scene and we will definitely be back for both, the Sunday prix fixe and the regular menu nights.

If you go on Sunday, I would highly recommend the pork belly and the gnocchi with veal short ribs appetizers (the latter well worth the $8 supp) and the yoghurt panna cotta dessert served with candied grapefruit and grapefruit sorbet.

• Pros: Everything! A great dining experience
• Cons: None

03/22/08

The evening started!! by asking a wine in the list that they didn't have....

by Chefecita

and then the dinner started by the most awfull and greassy plates on nyc

sorry my dear chef , butter and animal fat are out of fashion, ow people want to eat beautiful balance plates, it's ok to have flavour but to much fat can be hazardous for digestion

te worst dinner in nyc

• Pros: i can tell my friend not to go there
• Cons: knowing I dont have to go there again

03/04/08

Chef John Fraser whips up culinary flights of fancy in an Upper West Side townhouse.

by Justin Hartung

Although this Upper West Side restaurant is located just blocks from Central Park, the design of the townhouse space is anything but lush. Instead, the overall aesthetic is subdued, with a color scheme that leans heavily on brown, beige and gray--maybe the park in winter? As if making up for the restrained dining room, the New American plates of chef John Fraser burst with color, starting with a kaleidoscopic "wings" appetizer composed of skate, chicken, gigante beans and orange slices. But it's the simplest dishes that taste best, including lean duck breast accompanied by velvety risotto and ultra-rare lamb sided with fluffy tabouleh.

02/25/08

Worth every penny

by Bonesmaker

Went to Dovetail Saturday night with my girlfriend and it lived up to and exceeded my expectations. I read Bruni's review and ordered almost everything he recommended. The pork belly was super moist and had a ton of flavor. My steak and cheek ravioli were also perfectly cooked and delicious. My girlfriend had the oysters and scallops and they both were rich and cooked perfectly so the seafood melted in your mouth. The bread pudding with bacon brittle was hands down the best desert I've ever had. It really did blow-my mind. It tastes like french toast and bacon with a salty maple syrup underneath the whole thing. We sat downstairs where you can see into the kitchen which was cool. It also was much quieter than upstairs and we had our own personal waiter for half the meal before some other couples showed up. I would recommend the bottom floor if you can get it. For the quality of the food I would say this place is reasonable compared to Daniel or Gramercy Tavern. With a 60 dollar bottle of wine 2 courses each and desert to share it was 215 with tip. I have spent 185 by myself at Gramercy Tavern in the past.

Bottom line if you can get a resy eat here before its gone.

• Pros: Consistantly excellent food, ambience is quiet and romantic downstairs
• Cons: None on my one trip

01/17/08

FINALLY Excellent Food matched by comfortable service

by foodaddict22

What a relief. Finally you can get unique complex food without all the fuss. I highly recommend the Gnocchi with short ribs and the Pistachio crusted duck. Also do not skip dessert here. Although the dessert menu may read a little bizzare trust the pastry chef and try a few, you won't be disappointed. I especially recommend the carrot cake and the cheesecake with peanut butter and kafir lime.

Service is formal but comfortable. Wine by the glass prices are fair and offer some unique options. No complaints to offer.

• Pros: All food and desserts!
• Cons: Room could use some color, a little monotone.