Brasserie Boulud, the new restaurant from acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud, has officially opened across from Lincoln Center in New York City, reviving the area’s well-known restaurant row. The 225-seat brasserie, situated at 1900 Broadway, replaces Boulud’s previous establishments, Bar Boulud and Boulud Sud, both of which closed in June 2025. Although the opening was delayed by several months, the extended timeline allowed for extensive construction and a complete reimagining of the space rather than a simple renovation.
The project faced challenges, including relocating the Epicerie, a grab-and-go concept that previously stood between the former restaurants, and navigating a complex permit process involving multiple city agencies. Boulud and his Dinex Group team opted for a traditional French dining experience, focusing on classic dishes executed with precision rather than contemporary reinterpretations.
The menu draws heavily from French culinary staples, offering items such as escargots persillade, coq au vin, and a variety of charcuterie prepared by chef Arthur Dehaine. Signature offerings include boudin blanc— a garlicky pork and veal sausage— and Moroccan-style merguez lamb and beef sausage served with harissa-spiced chickpeas and spinach, evoking flavors reminiscent of the former Boulud Sud. Another highlight is a lobster soufflé featuring creamy lobster mousse and a tomato- and white-wine-based sauce l’Americaine, ideal for colder seasons.
Prices remain competitive in a challenging economic climate marked by inflation. For example, the “burger classique,” featuring cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and cornichon mayo, is priced at $25, slightly below the comparable offering at neighboring restaurant The Smith. The clientele includes a mix of affluent Manhattan residents, cultural patrons attending performances at the nearby Metropolitan Opera and Philharmonic, as well as local diners.
Adjacent to the main dining area is Bar Viv, a 40-seat lounge named for Vivian Milstein, a financial supporter of Lincoln Center and mother of building owner Philip Milstein. The lounge maintains an adult-focused atmosphere, excluding children and pets.
Brasserie Boulud has been operational for just over two weeks and continues to adjust its offerings. Lunch service is expected to begin in November, with outdoor seating planned for spring. Additional menu options, such as a prix-fixe, may be introduced based on customer feedback and sales data.
With its return to classic French cuisine and a revitalized space, Brasserie Boulud is positioned to restore a sense of culinary tradition to Lincoln Center’s dining landscape.