Last Updated: 11 days ago
Phone: (973) 746-1510
Address: 103 WEST 77 STREET 10024
Michelin-starred French-Asian fusion with a legendary bar burger & standout souffle.
This Michelin-starred establishment offers a sophisticated dining experience with a modern, elegant ambiance. Chef Christophe Bellanca masterfully blends classic French techniques with vibrant Asian influences, creating dishes that are both refined and flavorful. Diners often rave about the unique flavor profiles, with particular praise for their soufflé and an exceptional burger served at the bar. While the tasting menu portions have sparked some debate, the overall consensus points to a memorable culinary journey.
The cuisine is a modern French style with Asian influences, praised for its elegance and bold flavors. Standout dishes mentioned include the white asparagus with bergamot crème, blue prawns with genmaicha tuille, braised black sea bass, and a highly recommended orange soufflé. The burger at the bar is also a notable favorite, with some deeming it one of the best in the city.
"The orange soufflé and the burger served at the bar are frequently highlighted as must-try dishes. Other praised items include white asparagus, blue prawns, and braised black sea bass."
Customers generally have a very positive experience, with many praising the food quality and unique flavor combinations. Some discussion exists around the portion sizes of tasting menus, with differing opinions on whether they are filling.
Important Note
Some diners have commented on the small portion sizes of the tasting menu, leading to debate about value and satisfaction, though others find them appropriate for the dining experience.
"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"The user clarifies they found their omakase experiences unique and interesting, despite the previous comment suggesting otherwise for $100 meals."
Neutral"Echoing a previous sentiment, this user agrees that people defending high-priced, small-portion tasting menus are likely justifying their own spending."
Negative"The user believes that tasting menu portions are minuscule and that people defending them are justifying the high cost rather than genuinely being full."
Negative"The user expresses appreciation for the information about the bar being walk-in only and plans to visit before a show at AMC Lincoln Square."
Neutral"This user criticizes the pricing of tasting menus, calling it 'lunacy' and suggesting people defend it to avoid feeling foolish for paying so much."
Negative"This user quotes the 'meal for ants' comment and humorously suggests the portions should be three times larger."
Negative"The user sarcastically comments on the amount of food, implying it's insufficient."
Negative"This user makes a crude comment about one of the dishes, implying it looks unappetizing."
Negative"The user is inquiring if reservations are needed for the bar, to which another user confirms it's walk-in only and wait times are usually short."
Neutral"This user had not heard much about the restaurant before visiting but was very impressed with the quality of both food and service, considering it a great place that is undermentioned."
Positive"The user sarcastically comments on the small portion sizes, suggesting miniature cutlery would be appropriate."
Negative"The user is responding to the previous commenter, explaining that they personally never need a second meal after a tasting menu."
Positive"The user clarifies that they are not complaining about portion sizes but are trying to understand the volume of food in tasting menus, as they have sometimes found them unsatisfying."
Neutral
