Le Pavillon, Daniel Boulud’s restaurant on the second floor of the One Vanderbilt tower, marked its fifth anniversary this week. The milestone comes as Midtown’s office corridors show mixed signs of recovery. On Friday evening, the dining room was busy with a mix of suits, tourists, and couples marking the start of Memorial Day weekend.
When Le Pavillon opened in the spring of 2021, commercial towers nearby were largely vacant. SL Green, the building’s developer and landlord, partnered with Boulud to anchor the skyscraper with a marquee restaurant. At the time, some questioned the timing. On Wednesday, Boulud and staff toasted the anniversary with oysters and sparkling wine just before dinner service.
The restaurant, known for its seafood and green interiors, has kept its focus on prix fixe menus, currently priced at $135 for three courses. Reservations remain steady, though walk-ins are easier to secure on Monday and Tuesday nights, according to a manager. Lunch service, once uncertain, is now a fixture for corporate groups and visitors.
Le Pavillon’s ability to draw crowds has been closely watched by neighboring businesses. Several nearby restaurants closed or scaled back over the past three years. A few blocks away, new openings this spring suggest a slow return of commuters and office tenants. Still, foot traffic on Vanderbilt Avenue thins out after 8 p.m., especially on weekends.
The anniversary has prompted some in the industry to reflect on Boulud’s role in Midtown’s recovery. Few other high-profile projects have maintained momentum through the neighborhood’s ups and downs. For now, Le Pavillon remains a steady presence, even as the district’s future remains uncertain.