Daniel Boulud Restaurants: Key Takeaways
- Chef Daniel Boulud owns 15 restaurants worldwide spanning the United States, Canada, Asia, and the Middle East.
- His portfolio includes 3 Michelin-starred restaurants based in New York City, totaling 4 stars.
- Signature brands like Café Boulud, Boulud Sud, and Maison Boulud blend fine and casual dining with French and Mediterranean inspirations.
- Recent expansion targets Beverly Hills, USA, supported by partnerships with high-profile hotel groups.
Chef Daniel Boulud is a French-American restaurateur renowned for his refined approach to contemporary French cuisine. With a restaurant footprint spanning North America, Asia, and the Middle East, Boulud exemplifies an elegant culinary empire sustained by quality and innovation.
This article examines how many restaurants Daniel Boulud owns, highlighting his Michelin-starred venues, signature concepts, and global reach — from distinguished fine dining to approachable casual eateries.
Daniel Boulud Restaurants: Global Presence and Restaurant Count
Daniel Boulud presently owns approximately 15 restaurants across four main regions as of 2025. His holdings reflect a curated mix of fine dining establishments, casual bistros, and gourmet markets predominantly concentrated in North America but also extended into Asia and the Middle East.
These restaurants are fully owned rather than franchised or licensed, demonstrating Boulud’s commitment to direct management and quality control over his culinary brand.
The portfolio includes refined venues serving contemporary French cuisine, Mediterranean-inspired casual dining spots, and unique concept kitchens primarily located in major metropolitan areas.
The below table summarizes Daniel Boulud’s current restaurant distribution by region along with notable examples:
Region | Approx. Number of Restaurants | Notable Examples |
---|---|---|
United States | 10 | Restaurant DANIEL (NYC), Le Pavillon (NYC), Café Boulud (NYC, Palm Beach), Boulud Sud (NYC, Miami), Bar Boulud (NYC), Épicerie Boulud (NYC), Jōji (NYC), Le Gratin (NYC) |
Canada | 2 | Café Boulud (Toronto), Maison Boulud (Montreal) |
Asia | 2 | Maison Boulud (Singapore), Unique venues upcoming |
Middle East | 1 | Brasserie Boulud (Dubai, UAE) |
Total (Global) | circa 15 | Owned restaurants worldwide as of 2025 |
Note: Count reflects fully owned outlets; does not include licensed or franchised locations.
While the majority of Daniel Boulud’s restaurants are clustered in New York City and other key North American cities, his presence in Asia and the Middle East demonstrates strategic international growth. Notably, the Beverly Hills area is a target for expansion from 2023 to 2025.
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Michelin-Starred Flagship Restaurants
Daniel Boulud’s acclaim is anchored by his Michelin-starred flagship restaurants, most of which are located in New York City.
As of 2025, Boulud holds a total of four Michelin stars across three restaurants:
- Restaurant DANIEL (New York, USA) – 2 Michelin stars. Opened in 1993, this fine dining institution is renowned for its exquisite seasonal French cuisine and refined ambiance. It is the cornerstone of Boulud’s culinary empire and a New York dining landmark.
- Le Pavillon (New York, USA) – 1 Michelin star. Launched in 2021, Le Pavillon is a modern venue celebrating sustainability and local ingredients within elegant surrounds.
- Jōji (New York, USA) – 1 Michelin star. Opened in 2022, Jōji offers an exclusive omakase experience featuring an intimate 10-seat counter and innovative Japanese-French fusion tasting menus.
Together these represent Boulud’s pinnacle of gastronomic achievement — combining classic French techniques with contemporary creativity and exclusive dining experiences.
These Michelin-starred establishments consistently earn praise for their attention to detail, quality ingredients, and impeccable service, reinforcing Daniel Boulud’s reputation in the fine dining world.
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Notable Daniel Boulud Restaurant Concepts and Locations
Daniel Boulud’s restaurant empire spans several distinct concepts that showcase his versatility across price points and dining styles, from fine dining to casual bistros and marketplaces.
“Café Boulud” Restaurants
Café Boulud is a refined fine dining concept highlighting seasonal French cuisine in an elegant yet approachable ambiance.
There are four Café Boulud locations in New York, Palm Beach (USA), Toronto (Canada), and The Bahamas. Typical price range per person is $50–$100.
The brand emphasizes classical French techniques with seasonal ingredients, providing an intimate neighborhood feel with culinary sophistication.
Boulud Sud
Boulud Sud offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu with a vibrant, casual dining atmosphere.
Currently, there are two locations in New York City and Miami. Price range typically falls between $40–$80 per person.
This concept focuses on fresh, bright flavors from the Mediterranean basin, including dishes drawing on North African and Middle Eastern influences.
Bar Boulud
Bar Boulud is a French bistro-style restaurant featuring classic bistro fare and an extensive wine list.
There is one Bar Boulud location in New York City, offering a relaxed yet sophisticated setting, with prices averaging $30–$60 per person.
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Épicerie Boulud
Épicerie Boulud is a gourmet market and café offering artisanal food products and casual dining options.
This concept currently operates four locations within New York City and offers a price range of $15–$30, appealing to customers seeking quick, high-quality meals and specialty items.
Maison Boulud
Maison Boulud represents Boulud’s luxury fine dining concept with a contemporary French cuisine focus and opulent settings.
It has two locations in Montreal, Canada, and Singapore, with typical pricing from $60–$120 per person. The venues embody a refined atmosphere catering to an upscale clientele.
Brasserie Boulud
Brasserie Boulud in Dubai offers classic French brasserie dining in a chic, casual environment.
This single location provides traditional French comfort dishes and is part of Boulud’s growing Middle East presence, with a price point around $50–$100.
Jōji
Jōji is an exclusive fine dining venue in New York City featuring a unique omakase experience.
Opened in 2022, the restaurant’s 10-seat counter presents an intimate setting with menus priced between $200–$300, merging Japanese and French culinary artistry.
Unique Venues in New York City
Aside from the main concepts, Daniel Boulud operates several unique establishments in New York including Le Gratin, Jōji Box, Centurion NY, and Blue Box Café. These venues vary in theme and format from casual cafés to event-driven gourmet experiences, enhancing Boulud’s diverse presence in the city.
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Daniel Boulud Restaurant Empire: Conclusion
In summary, Chef Daniel Boulud currently owns approximately 15 restaurants worldwide, with a strong concentration in New York City and select locations across North America, Asia, and the Middle East.
His empire combines 3 Michelin-starred establishments totaling 4 stars and a broad range of fine and casual dining concepts that showcase classic French cuisine alongside Mediterranean and Japanese influences.
Boulud’s ownership model emphasizes full control rather than franchising or licensing, ensuring consistent quality and brand integrity. Strategic expansion, such as the planned Beverly Hills location, along with partnerships with luxury hotel groups, underscores his ongoing growth ambitions.
This blend of flagship Michelin venues, approachable neighborhood restaurants, and unique food markets solidifies Daniel Boulud’s reputation as a globally influential chef and restaurateur.