Last Updated: 18 days ago
Phone: (973) 746-1510
Address: 103 WEST 77 STREET 10024
Elegant French fusion dining w/ bold Asian influences. A sophisticated, memorable experience w/ top-notch service.
This elegant French restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience with a fusion of classic techniques and bold Asian influences. Praised for its attentive service and refined ambiance, it's a memorable spot for special occasions. From delicate white asparagus to innovative blue prawns and a standout orange soufflé, each dish is crafted with 'simple elegance.'
This restaurant serves French cuisine with notable Asian influences, described as 'simple elegance.' Standout dishes include white asparagus with bergamot crème, blue prawns with genmaicha tuille, braised black sea bass with shiitake chutney, and a highly recommended orange soufflé. The burger at the bar is also frequently mentioned as exceptional.
"The orange soufflé is frequently cited as a must-try, described as bright, fragrant, and delicious. The burger served at the bar is also highly recommended, with one user calling it one of the best in the city, complemented by fantastic fries."
Customers highly praise the food and service, with many considering it one of their best dining experiences. The restaurant is noted for its sophisticated ambiance and is a popular choice for special occasions.
Important Note
Some diners have expressed concern or criticism regarding the portion sizes of the tasting menu, with a few feeling they are too small for the price. However, others defend the tasting menu as being filling and a justified expense for the quality.
"Commenter recommended Essential by Christophe, calling it the best meal they've had recently and noting it's around the price point with drinks/wine."
Positive"This user recommended Essential by Christophe for its proper glassware and attention to detail in drinks, wine, and food, which made for a memorable anniversary occasion and allowed for better tasting of the wine."
Positive"This user likes Essential by Christoph, noting it has a nicer space and is slightly less expensive than L'abeille, despite being very pricey. They also mention its Tribeca location is less desirable than L'abeille's UWS location."
Positive"This user simply commented 'Essential'."
Neutral"This user has not yet been to Essential by Christoph."
Neutral"This user simply commented 'Essential'."
Neutral"This user has not been to Essential by Christophe but has heard good things."
Neutral"Essential by Christophe is included in a list of recommendations for splurging on a meal in NYC, with links to articles about fancy dining."
Positive"Suggests Essential by Christophe on the Upper West Side, contingent on the budget being for food only."
Positive"Essential by Christophe was suggested as a great choice for the occasion if the user is staying on the west side of Central Park."
Positive"This commenter lists Essential by Christophe as a French fine-dining option in NYC with Michelin stars, noting that some high-end establishments offer full tasting menus at the bar."
Positive"This was a suggestion for an engagement gift for a couple in their early thirties living on the UWS. The suggestion was a specific restaurant name."
Neutral"This commenter recommended Essential by Christophe on the UWS, noting it has one Michelin star."
Positive"The user is happy the review didn't imply a star loss. They frequently visit the bar for the burger and orange soufflé, and found the tasting menu for their engagement dinner excellent. They feel the dining room is pricey but the bar offers great value."
Positive"This user clarifies their previous comment about tasting menus, stating they sometimes leave hungry but never starving, and humorously mentions grabbing fries from Shake Shack after leaving Eleven Madison Park."
Neutral"The user is relaying a quote from Eric Ripert, who apparently praised the chef and restaurant, suggesting it deserves daily press coverage. They also commented on portion sizes in a separate comment."
Positive"Essential by Christophe is listed as a French restaurant recommendation."
Positive"This user speculates about the restaurant potentially paying for a Michelin star and compliments the author's writing style, comparing it to a well-known food critic."
Neutral"In response to criticism of tasting menu pricing, the user suggests that such experiences might not be for everyone and highlights the training and effort of the restaurant staff."
Positive"This user suggests that $100 omakase experiences in the city are often 'cookie cutter' and may leave one hungry, contrasting it with tasting menus that don't typically have that effect."
Negative
