An opulent fine-dining experience with breathtaking Central Park views [1]. Indulge in French-inspired New American cuisine, impeccable service, and signature dishes like "Oysters and Pearls".
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'.
This fine dining establishment, known for its French-inspired New American cuisine, offers a luxurious experience with stunning views of Central Park. Chef Thomas Keller's menu emphasizes seasonal ingredients and precision, featuring signature dishes like "Oysters and Pearls". The impeccable and personalized service contributes to an atmosphere of pure class and comfort, making it a top choice for special occasions [1].
Per Se offers a French-inspired New American tasting menu with a focus on seasonal ingredients and precise execution. Signature dishes like "Oysters and Pearls" are frequently highlighted [1]. While some diners find the food not particularly memorable or overly rich, others praise specific dishes like a short rib or the chocolate bon bons [2, 3, 4]. The restaurant also offers well-received vegetarian tasting menus [5].
"Signature dishes such as 'Oysters and Pearls' are highly recommended [1]. Specific mentions include a well-executed short rib and delightful chocolate bon bons [2, 3]. The restaurant also offers a well-regarded vegetarian tasting menu [4]."
Customer sentiment is largely positive, with many praising the impeccable service and luxurious atmosphere [1]. While some find the food not memorable or too expensive [2, 3], others consider it a worthwhile, albeit costly, special occasion destination.
Important Note
Some diners have noted that the restaurant can be pretentious and overly expensive [1]. There are also mixed opinions on whether the food justifies the high cost, with some finding it not memorable or excessively rich [2, 3]. It is also noted that winter tasting menus might feature fewer seasonal ingredients and could be less exciting [4].
"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."
Neutral"Per Se is suggested as a restaurant that might offer ample space between tables."
Neutral"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"This commenter noted that Per Se, despite being a three-star restaurant, was once heavily criticized but has since maintained its three stars. They contrasted this with EMP's changing reputation."
Neutral"The original poster ranked Per Se as their favorite of the three-star restaurants, describing the meal as special and highlighting the oyster caviar as a standout dish. They also mentioned witnessing a proposal during their visit."
Positive"This restaurant uses a lot of French preparations, so it might be best to avoid it. However, their lunch three-course prix fixe might work better as there are more options in each course."
Negative"This French-leaning restaurant frequently utilizes butter and cheese, but you could ask if they can reduce dairy usage. They may not be able to accommodate."
Negative"Per Se is described as being like a white banquet hall, and the food was excessively rich, causing one diner to become ill."
Negative"Per Se is mentioned as an option with a great view, though the environment is described as feeling like a hotel conference room due to its location in the mall."
Neutral"The user mentions they were waffling between Per Se and The Modern before deciding on Per Se."
Neutral"The original poster (OP) has not included Per Se on their list, even though it's been four years since the last relevant review mentioned."
Neutral"This user had a very positive experience at Per Se, finding it wonderful and worth the full dinner service for a first-timer, contrary to some critic reviews."
Positive"This user references a New York Times review from 10.5 years ago regarding Per Se and is reconsidering a reservation based on it."
Neutral"This user states that Per Se is very good and has been revamping in the last 3 months. They recommend the lounge over the dining room."
Positive"This user is surprised that Per Se is not included on the list of New York Times Top 100 Restaurants x Michelin Overlap."
Neutral"Per Se was cited as one of the gold standards for tasting menus in New York, with no budget specified."
Positive"The commenter had a positive experience using a gift card at Per Se, which worked well."
Positive"Responding to a question about mobile vs. physical gift cards for Per Se, the commenter clarified they received a physical gift card and used it successfully with a Tock reservation."
Positive"The commenter received a gift card to Per Se and had a seamless experience, noting they sell cards in exact amounts for tasting menus."
Positive"Per Se is listed as one of the few restaurants in NYC that typically has a strict dress code."
Neutral