UES Restaurant Named One Of America's Best By TripAdvisor

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — An Upper East Side restaurant founded by one of New York City's most famous chefs was named one of the best in American fine dining by users of the travel site TripAdvisor.

Daniel, located on East 65th Street between Park and Madison avenues, was named the second-best restaurant in the United States in TripAdvisor's annual "Travelers' Choice" awards, the website announced Tuesday.

Unlike rankings put out by publications such as the Michelin Guide or Zagat, TripAdvisor's "Traveler's Choice" awards rely on the input of everyday diners and travelers instead of professional critics. TripAdvisor uses an algorithm that analyzes each restaurant based on the quantity and quality of user reviews.

"Millions of diners worldwide rely on TripAdvisor to discover their perfect culinary experience. The 2018 Travelers' Choice restaurant winners are what diners consider the best-in-class, and we hope these leaders in hospitality will inspire others to try something new," Bertrand Jelensperger, senior vice president for TripAdvisor Restaurants, said in a statement.

Daniel is the flagship restaurant of Chef Daniel Boulud, who operates a number of acclaimed eateries in New York City. Boulud opened Daniel in 1993 and the jacket-required restaurant has since become a staple in New York's fine dining scene. The French-born chef helmed the kitchen at the famed Le Cirque before striking out on his own.

Check out TripAvisor's top 10 fine dining restaurants in the United States:

1. Gabriel Kreuther – New York City, New York
2. Daniel – New York City, New York
3. Café Monarch – Scottsdale, Arizona
4. Circa 1886 – Charleston, South Carolina
5. Flight Restaurant & Wine Bar – Memphis, Tennessee
6. Halls Chophouse – Charleston, South Carolina
7. GW Fins – New Orleans, Louisiana
8. Charleston Grill – Charleston, South Carolina
9. Lahaina Grill – Maui, Hawaii
10. Geronimo – Santa Fe, New Mexico

Photos courtesy TripAdvisor