Ambitious tasting menus at a steal; inventive fusion cuisine that rivals Michelin-starred spots. Expect bold flavors & accommodating GF options.
This dining experience offers an ambitious and terrific tasting menu that is surprisingly affordable, delivering quality comparable to Michelin-starred restaurants. The cuisine is a creative fusion, drawing influences from Indian, Swiss, Southeast Asian, Japanese, Spanish, and American traditions. While the food is consistently praised for its inventive flavors and excellent execution, there are mixed reports regarding the ambiance, with some diners experiencing tension due to observed chef behavior towards staff.
The restaurant is celebrated for its ambitious and flavorful tasting menus, often described as a fantastic value and comparable to much more expensive fine dining. The cuisine is a fusion, incorporating elements from Indian, Swiss, Southeast Asian, Japanese, Spanish, and American influences. Standout dishes include the Fushka with fermented green tomato aguachile, French Onion Tartlet (with an option to add caviar), and Indonesian Ayam coated Kansas City Beef, which has been called the best expertly cooked beef ever. The restaurant is also noted for its ability to accommodate dietary restrictions like gluten-free and pescatarian needs with advance notice. Some dishes are noted as being quite spicy.
"The tasting menu is highly recommended for its ambitious concepts, excellent execution, and surprising value. Specific dishes like the Fushka with fermented green tomato aguachile, French Onion Tartlet (consider adding caviar), and Indonesian Ayam coated Kansas City Beef have been singled out as highlights."
Customers overwhelmingly praise the food quality and value, often comparing it favorably to Michelin-starred establishments. However, some diners have noted a negative ambiance due to observed chef interactions with staff, though others report positive and friendly service.
Important Note
Some diners have reported a negative dining ambiance due to observed instances of the chef publicly yelling at or berating staff. This has led to discomfort for some guests, despite the high quality of the food. Additionally, some dishes can be quite spicy.
"The commenter suggests Luthun as a solid option, stating that obtaining a reservation should be relatively easy."
Positive"Luthun was mentioned as a restaurant recommendation."
Neutral"Luthun is highly recommended for its chef (trained at 3-star Michelin spots) and exquisite food. The commenter believes it will earn a Michelin star soon and praises the chef and staff for treating guests like family."
Positive"Correction of a previous typo, the restaurant name is Luthun."
Neutral"Luthun is recommended as a more 'off-the-beaten-path' option without Michelin stars yet, but offering fantastic, innovative food from a tasting menu. The chef cooks very close to the diners, creating a cool 'only in NYC' experience."
Positive"This commenter recommended Luthun as a good option for a special dinner."
Positive"This user believes Luthun should have a star and finds it amazing."
Positive"This commenter agrees that Luthun is not getting enough attention and deserves more praise."
Positive"The commenter expresses that Luthun deserves more recognition and fears it might become too popular for easy reservations."
Positive"The commenter expresses increased excitement for their Luthun reservation, agreeing with the previous sentiment about desiring flavor over mere refinement."
Positive"The author shares the sentiment that refined versions of dishes are less satisfying than flavor-packed experiences, believing Luthun will meet this expectation."
Positive"Luthun is described as a contender for the commenter's favorite meal of the year, highlighting its tasting menu which included welcome spice."
Positive"This commenter is looking for flavorful food and hopes Luthun provides it, contrasting with disappointing experiences at expensive, starred places in San Francisco."
Positive"Responding to excitement about Luthun, the author reiterates that the restaurant won't disappoint, emphasizing the explosion of flavors and friendly staff."
Positive"The commenter is very excited for their upcoming anniversary dinner at Luthun, influenced by the original post's positive review."
Positive"The author considers Luthun one of the best value propositions in fine dining, praising its amazing flavors, generous spice, and lack of misses."
Positive"This restaurant was recommended as a fine dining option for a date night in NYC."
Positive"Luthun is mentioned as a restaurant that fits the budget for fine dining."
Neutral"Luthun is suggested as a suitable option for 'special occasion semi-fine dining' that aligns with the user's budget."
Positive"Luthun is recommended as a romantic dining option."
Positive
