Last Updated: ~1 month ago
Phone: (973) 746-1510
Address: 103 WEST 77 STREET 10024
Elegant French-Asian fusion w/ bold flavors & a sophisticated vibe. A must-try for fine dining enthusiasts.
Chef Christophe Bellanca presents a modern, elegant dining experience, masterfully blending traditional French techniques with bold Asian influences. The sophisticated space, with its leather and brass accents, offers both a lively bar and a comfortable dining room. Diners rave about the "simple elegance" of the cuisine, with standouts including innovative blue prawns and a memorable braised black sea bass.
The cuisine is described as "simple elegance," expertly merging French techniques with Asian influences. Standout dishes include white asparagus with bergamot, blue prawns with genmaicha tuille, and braised black sea bass. The orange soufflé is a highly recommended dessert. Some diners have expressed concern about the portion sizes in the tasting menu, though many find them to be satisfying.
"The burger and fries served at the bar are highly recommended, as is the orange soufflé. The Mushroom Cappuccino is also mentioned as a standout dish."
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of food and service, often comparing it favorably to more established, highly-rated restaurants.
Important Note
Some diners have debated the portion sizes and value of the tasting menu, with a few finding them insufficient.
"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"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
