TLDR
A quintessential three-star fine dining experience at Columbus Circle, famous for iconic tasting menus, impeccable service, and sweeping Central Park views.
Per Se is a celebrated restaurant in East Harlem known for its roast pork and authentic Puerto Rican classics, offering a taste of 'Busan to New York'.
Details
Per Se offers a luxurious, three-Michelin-starred dining experience at Columbus Circle, featuring stunning views of Central Park and Chef Thomas Keller's French-inspired tasting menus [1]. Known for its gracious hospitality and precise, seasonal cooking, the restaurant serves as a premier destination for those seeking a highly memorable and sophisticated celebratory meal [1]. While some patrons question its value and modernity, it remains a pillar of New York's high-end fine dining scene [2].
Food Overview
The restaurant is celebrated for its precise, seasonally driven French and New American tasting menus, with signature courses like 'Oysters and Pearls' and various foie gras and caviar preparations [1]. While vegetarian options are well-received and highly customizable [5], some critics argue the food can feel overly rich or unmemorable relative to the high price point [6].
Highlights / Recommended
"The 'Oysters and Pearls' and the salmon cornet are frequently lauded as essential signature dishes within the tasting menu [1]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •oysters and pearls(3)
- •wagyu(2)
Caveats
The experience is extremely expensive, and some diners report that the atmosphere can feel formal or sterile rather than vibrant [1]. Additionally, it is not currently open for lunch service [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About PER SE
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Weekly Reservation Transfer Thread
"The user is selling a reservation for Per Se for 2 people on July 1st at 5:30 PM. The reservation is transferable through Tock and will be sold for $400, which is the original price paid."
NeutralFrom post: Recommendation For Celebratory Dinner 800 Omakase
"Per Se was listed as a tasting menu recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: On The Hunt For For Good Or Interesting Bread
"Per Se is mentioned as a place with great bread, alongside Orwasher's."
PositiveFrom post: Going To Le Bernardin For Lunch Per Se For Dinner
"Had a wonderful experience with the salon menu at Per Se, noting that they were offered a dining room table despite a salon reservation, and found both the service and food to be excellent."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendations For An Elopement Dinner In
"The commenter suggested that Per Se might have last-minute openings and to call and explain the elopement situation."
PositiveFrom post: Making An Impression Introducing Friends To Fine
"Per Se had a peculiar experience where a waiter attempted to ascertain the commenter's apartment location and a sommelier offered a business card, which was perceived negatively."
NegativeFrom post: Making An Impression Introducing Friends To Fine
"The decor and ambiance at Per Se leave a strong impression, making it a potentially impressive choice for newcomers to fine dining."
PositiveFrom post: Making An Impression Introducing Friends To Fine
"Per Se was friendly and accommodating, providing an enjoyable, albeit somewhat mechanical, experience."
PositiveFrom post: Making An Impression Introducing Friends To Fine
"While not stuffy, Per Se is described as formal and brittle."
NeutralFrom post: Making An Impression Introducing Friends To Fine
"Per Se offers excellent food, and its staff are adept at balancing formality, ensuring newcomers won't feel out of place."
PositiveFrom post: Making An Impression Introducing Friends To Fine
"Per Se is a great option, despite its decor possibly appearing 'stuffy'."
PositiveFrom post: Making An Impression Introducing Friends To Fine
"Per Se is not considered stuffy."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendations For An Elopement Dinner In
"Per Se was suggested for making an occasion special, noting it's worth the cost for a once-in-a-lifetime event."
PositiveFrom post: Going To Le Bernardin For Lunch Per Se For Dinner
"Per Se provided an incredible fine dining experience. The meal started with a salmon cornet and oysters and pearls, with the kitchen accommodating a dislike for raw oysters. The meal included seafood (lobster) and a meat dish (wagyu upgrade or lamb loin). The highlight was the extensive dessert selection. The staff was attentive, and children enjoyed mocktails and teas."
PositiveFrom post: Whats One Fine Dining Restaurant That
"A friend who works in food service found Per Se to be amazing and met the hype."
PositiveFrom post: Whats One Fine Dining Restaurant That
"Per Se reportedly provided a delicious experience when they accommodated the commenter's parents on their anniversary."
PositiveFrom post: Whats One Fine Dining Restaurant That
"Per Se is suggested as a fine dining recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Throwback Got This Punch Card From Emp After
"This user provided a breakdown of the estimated cost for a meal at Per Se for two people, including tasting menu, wine pairing, tax, and tip, totaling $1,851."
NeutralFrom post: Spacious Restaurants Anywhere In Manhattan Or
"Per Se is suggested as a restaurant that might offer ample space between tables."
NeutralFrom post: Throwback Got This Punch Card From Emp After
"This commenter has dined at Per Se three times over a decade ago and found each experience to be mediocre. They preferred Le Bernardin, having dined there twice and would return."
Negative