Last Updated: 8 days ago
Phone: (973) 746-1510
Address: 103 WEST 77 STREET 10024
Elegant townhouse dining w/ refined French-Asian fusion. Highly praised for its tasting menu & standouts like orange soufflé. A sophisticated culinary gem.
This elegant townhouse restaurant offers a refined dining experience with a menu that artfully blends classic French techniques with vibrant Asian influences. Expect sophisticated dishes such as delicate white asparagus, creative prawn preparations, and sea bass with unique accompaniments. For a sweet finish, the orange soufflé with cardamom ice cream is a highly recommended treat.
The cuisine is a sophisticated blend of French techniques with Asian flavors, resulting in refined dishes. Highlights include an exceptional orange soufflé with cardamom ice cream and a highly-rated burger served at the bar. While tasting menus are generally praised for their quality, some diners have commented on the small portion sizes, though others find them sufficient.
"The orange soufflé with cardamom ice cream is frequently mentioned as a must-try dessert. The burger and fries served at the bar are also highly recommended, with one reviewer calling the burger one of the best in the city."
Customers overwhelmingly praise the restaurant, with many considering it one of the best fine dining experiences they've had, even surpassing other acclaimed establishments. Specific dishes like the souffle and burger receive notable mentions for their excellence.
Important Note
Some diners have expressed concerns about the small portion sizes of the tasting menu, questioning the value for the price. The bar area is noted to be walk-in only.
"This Michelin-starred restaurant in NYC was identified as potentially offering halal options through a dietary filter on the Michelin Guide website."
Neutral"This user recommended Essential by Christophe, calling it amazing."
Positive"Recommended Essential by Christophe as a potential romantic dinner spot on the Upper West Side."
Positive"Essential by Christophe is recommended for its fine dining experience at the bar, which doesn't require a reservation but is first-come, first-served. The food is described as among the best ever tasted, and the service is stellar."
Positive"Confirmed that for the prix fixe, each person would select three dishes, totaling six dishes served separately. Also noted that the pricing on the menu does not seem to add up when comparing options."
Neutral"Inquired about the prix fixe for two people, asking if they could each choose different options per course."
Neutral"The items on the a la carte menu are typically one serving for two people, while the prix fixe is plated individually. At the bar, they may not split dishes, which can be awkward for sharing. Amuse-bouche and bread were provided with a la carte orders."
Neutral"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
