TLDR
Iconic, three-Michelin-starred fine dining featuring precise, French-inspired tasting menus 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 is an esteemed three-Michelin-starred institution offering a luxurious, French-inspired tasting menu with sweeping views of Central Park [1]. While many diners cherish the restaurant for its impeccable, highly personalized service and world-class fine dining atmosphere [1], [2], others have expressed concerns that the experience may no longer justify its significant price tag [3]. Despite polarized reviews regarding current consistency and value, it remains a frequently recommended destination for celebratory meals and those seeking an iconic New York culinary moment [4], [5].
Food Overview
The menu is centered on precise, French-inspired preparations, featuring signature dishes like the 'Oysters and Pearls' and the salmon cornet amuse [1], [2]. While many diners laud the high-quality ingredients, some have reported feeling the cuisine is excessively rich or unmemorable for the cost [3], [4].
Caveats
Potential diners should be aware of a strict dress code and a very high price point that may not consistently meet every guest's expectations for 'wow' factor or value [1], [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About PER SE
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Weekly Reservation Transfer Thread
"The user is attempting to sell a tasting menu reservation for two at Per Se."
NeutralFrom post: Per Se By Thomas Keller 3 Michelin Nyc July 2026
"A highly critical review citing poor service standards, uninspiring food, and a general lack of effort from the staff."
NegativeFrom post: Per Se By Thomas Keller 3 Michelin Nyc July 2026
"Despite acknowledging the menu is not daring or exciting, the user enjoyed their three visits due to perfect execution and phenomenal service."
PositiveFrom post: Per Se By Thomas Keller 3 Michelin Nyc July 2026
"The reviewer noted everything was good but lacked a 'wow' factor compared to French Laundry, with menu stagnation across visits."
NeutralFrom post: Per Se By Thomas Keller 3 Michelin Nyc July 2026
"Defending a dish described in the original post, noting it is a delicious cone with filling."
PositiveFrom post: Per Se By Thomas Keller 3 Michelin Nyc July 2026
"The user felt the decor and presentation were incredibly dated, though technically impressive, and questioned if they were stuck in the past."
NeutralFrom post: Per Se By Thomas Keller 3 Michelin Nyc July 2026
"The user visited for a work function and found it fine but unmemorable; they would not return on their own dime."
NeutralFrom post: Per Se By Thomas Keller 3 Michelin Nyc July 2026
"The dining experience was negative, citing mediocre food and a disruptive fire alarm that occurred for ten minutes while they were dining."
NegativeFrom post: Per Se By Thomas Keller 3 Michelin Nyc July 2026
"The user felt the 4-course Salon Menu was extremely mid, under-seasoned, and lacking flavor. They criticized the dessert quality and found the service awkward compared to other high-end restaurants."
NegativeFrom 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'."
Positive