It is owned by French celebrity chef and restaurateur Daniel Boulud.

[5] It is named for a restaurant just outside Lyon, France, that was once owned by Boulud's family.

[3][6] In the summer, the restaurant's original location had terrace tables.

[7][8] Café Boulud’s menu was inspired by Daniel Boulud’s four culinary muses: La Tradition, classic French cuisine; La Saison, seasonal delicacies; Le Potager, the vegetable garden; and Le Voyage, flavors of world cuisines.

[9] A review in 2000 in which The New York Times gave it three stars said: "Cafe Boulud is sleek and easy, and the entire staff has been given permission to have fun.