TLDR
Intimate subterranean wine bar serving creative American-European shareables. Famed for sizzling shrimp, decadent pasta, and a controversial-yet-beloved chocolate cake.
Instagram Posts References
The creator met a friend at Claude for some cake. A matcha mango cake was featured, suggesting a pleasant dessert experience.
Details
Located in the East Village, this chic, subterranean wine bar helmed by Chef Joshua Pinsky offers an approachable, creative take on American and European cuisine [1]. It is widely celebrated for its shareable plates, including the viral sizzling red shrimp and chicken liver agnolotti [2], [3]. While often praised for its excellent wine program and intimate atmosphere, the dining experience has become a subject of debate due to viral videos showing unconventional preparation techniques for its signature chocolate cake [4], [5].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on flavorful, shareable small plates, with the chicken liver agnolotti and sizzling red shrimp served in garlic oil consistently receiving high praise [1], [2], [3]. While the chocolate cake is a frequent subject of conversation for its rich quality, it has also sparked significant criticism regarding its preparation method [4], [6].
Highlights / Recommended
"Highly recommended dishes include the sizzling red shrimp with sourdough, chicken liver agnolotti, and the signature six-layer chocolate cake [1], [2], [3]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •chocolate cake(26)
- •cake(7)
- •agnolotti(4)
- •chicken liver agnolotti(3)
- •pork chop(3)
- •foie gras(3)
- •devil's food cake(2)
- •shrimp(2)
- •chicken liver tiny ravioli(2)
- •rice pudding(2)
Customer Sentiment
Customer feedback is highly polarized; many diners laud the creative cuisine and excellent wine program as a top-tier date night experience [2], [3], while others find the experience overhyped, overpriced, or off-putting due to hygiene concerns surrounding certain preparation techniques [4], [6].
Caveats
The restaurant is subterranean, can be quite noisy, and some diners feel the portion sizes are small relative to the high price point [5], [6]. Additionally, the controversial chocolate dust preparation method has deterred some potential visitors [4], [6].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About CLAUD
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: If You Could Have Just One Dish From One
"The original poster cited the chicken liver agnolotti at Claud as a dish that is a singular reason to go to the restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: Which Reservation Should I Keep For My Birthday
"This comment highlights Claud's killer wine list, noting that it features hard-to-find bottles that are not prohibitively expensive."
PositiveFrom post: Which Reservation Should I Keep For My Birthday
"This commenter suggests Claud if the dining companions are open-minded, viewing it as a safe option."
NeutralFrom post: Which Reservation Should I Keep For My Birthday
"This user found Claud to be wildly overrated, stating they were served three bad dishes there despite the chef, Penny, being awesome. They suggest L'Artusi as a more solid alternative."
NegativeFrom post: Which Reservation Should I Keep For My Birthday
"This user implies that L'Artusi might be a better fit than Claud for a family dinner, suggesting Claud is less ideal for that context."
NegativeFrom post: Which Reservation Should I Keep For My Birthday
"This user describes Claud as fun but more suited for a date or friends, suggesting the original poster keep reservations for both L'Artusi and Claud for different occasions."
NeutralFrom post: Really Need Advice On A French Restaurant For A
"Claude is recommended primarily for its cake, though the commenter notes it's not classic French and might be a long trip."
PositiveFrom post: Easiest Upper Level Nyc Restaurants To Walk In As
"Claud was mentioned as a restaurant option outside of midtown."
NeutralFrom post: 11 Days In New York Some Of The Things I Ate And
"On their second visit, the author reiterated that this is one of their favorite spots in the city and noted that the rice pudding is better than the chocolate cake."
PositiveFrom post: 11 Days In New York Some Of The Things I Ate And
"This is the author's second visit, and they maintain it is one of their favorite spots, noting the rice pudding is better than the chocolate cake."
PositiveFrom post: What Are Your Favorite Fancyhigher End Restaurant
"The CHOCOLATE CAKE at Claud is mentioned."
PositiveFrom post: New York Times Top 100 Restaurants X Michelin
"Claud is listed on the NYT top 100 list for 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, with a Michelin selection."
NeutralFrom post: What Is The Best Dish Youve Had In 2026 And Where
"This user found the sweetbread at Claud to be very, very good."
PositiveFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"This is one of many restaurants listed by the commenter from the NYTimes list."
NeutralFrom post: Heading To Nyc And Dont Want To Leave With Regrets
"The original poster inquires if it's acceptable to visit Claud just for wine and dessert without a full meal."
NeutralFrom post: Heading To Nyc And Dont Want To Leave With Regrets
"This commenter strongly recommends Claud and specifically advises getting the cake for dessert."
PositiveFrom post: Swanky Dinner For Moms 70th
"This commenter noted that Claud has a small greenhouse out back that might be able to accommodate a group."
PositiveFrom post: Swanky Dinner For Moms 70th
"Claud in the East Village was listed as a potential restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: Cheesecake
"This commenter had a delicious basque cheesecake from Claude in the West Village, and considers it even better than Little Grace Bakery's version."
PositiveFrom post: Where Can I Find The Most Fudgy And Dense Cake
"A user mentioned the chocolate cake at Claud, and another user recommended looking up a video about it."
Positive