Majorelle feels like a secret hideaway for those in-the-know, tucked inside The Lowell Hotel on East 63rd Street. This elegant French-Mediterranean spot manages to be both sophisticated and welcoming – no small feat on the sometimes stuffy Upper East Side.

The dining room strikes that perfect balance between luxurious and comfortable, with its powder blue chairs, gleaming tableware, and the tranquil garden room that feels worlds away from the city bustle. Chef Richard Brower’s cuisine shows remarkable restraint – letting stellar ingredients speak for themselves rather than drowning them in unnecessary flourishes.

The dover sole, deboned tableside with quiet expertise, is perhaps the best in the city – buttery, delicate, and worth every penny of its admittedly steep price tag. Their roast chicken for two arrives golden and fragrant, having been kissed by herbs from their kitchen garden. Even simple starters like the tomato tart taste like they’ve captured the essence of summer regardless of season.

What truly elevates Majorelle is the service – attentive without hovering, knowledgeable without lecturing. In a neighborhood filled with see-and-be-seen spots, Majorelle offers something more valuable – a genuinely excellent meal where you can actually hear your dining companion and leave feeling genuinely cared for.