Le Bernardin, New York, New York, French Restaurant Details

Reserve a table - Le Bernardin - Inactive
Restaurant: Le Bernardin

Address: 155 West 51 Street, New York (Manhattan), New York (NY), 10019

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Phone: (212) 554-1515

Dress code: Jacket required

Head Chef: Eric Ripert

Rating: Rating
4.2 based on 6 ratings
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French, Seafood
Food: Food
04/27/2015 9:33 am

Nothing short of amazing, this stellar Midtown stalwart via Maguy Le Coze and chef Eric Ripert showcases an elaborate menu of French seafood and extraordinary wines, served by a deft team in luxurious environs – no surprise, it's garnered No. 1 Food and Service honors in NYC; though the prix fixe–only dinners are very expensive (starting at $140), admirers insist this magical experience is not just a meal, but rather dining perfection; P.S. Aldo Sohm, a new nearby wine bar at 151 W. 51st Street, offers a well-curated wine list along with small plates, cheese and charcuterie.

Food: Food
01/15/2015 1:39 pm

We were very excited to finally go to Le Bernadin - and the food was very good, and beautifully presented, but....
When the restaurant called to reconfirm our reservation, the caller asked if we were going to the theater afterwards (we had an early reservation), and seemed almost disappointed that we did not. She then mentioned that they had another party who would be sitting at our table 2 1/2 hours after our reservation, and they just wanted us to know that. Ok, fine.
Although the service was very good, and everyone was nice, we definitely had the feeling that we were being rushed - we had barely opened the wine list when they wanted to take our wine order, and the same with the food. When we got to the end of the meal, I realized that they had never asked if anyone wanted coffee or tea - which they certainly could have done prior to dessert and brought the coffee with it. None of us actually wanted coffee, but still, the offer should have been made. And we were not running over our time, we left with 15 minutes to spare.
One other surprising thing is that our water glasses were never re-filled. Not a big deal if we were at a diner but in a restaurant like this, it should have been done. Our wine glasses were constantly topped off, and I'm wondering if it was because we might have ordered more wine, but we were drinking tap water.

Some of this is petty, but in a restaurant with this reputation and with these prices, I should have no complaints at all.

Food: Food
01/13/2015 9:36 pm

When I first entered this establishment, I smelt the most horrid rancid smell. It was the smell of rotting fish. I choked and gasped but sat down at the ugly decorated seating arrangement. The food was too mushy, not even close to perfection. I am disappointed. All in all, I never want to see this terrible restaurant ever again.

Food: Food
11/29/2014 2:36 am

Le Bernardin was the first restaurant my partner and I tried that has 3 stars on the Michelin Guide. Prior to enjoying lunch here, I had never really understood this form of fine dining but really wanted to experience it first hand.

The entire lunch from start to finish was an experience.

We entered to be greeted. My partner had her coat checked in by a nice lady, and I kept my jacket on (it is a must, suit jackets are necessary at all times) -- this rule does add to the pristine of the restaurant.

After being seated in the elegant waiting area, we were given very simple yet tasty snacks -- one sweet, one salty, and one fairly neutral to pick from as we waited.

Our waiter Cesare guided us to our table 2 minutes after. The lunch is prix fixe. I had the Octopus to start, then the Snapper and ended with a dessert that I do not recall.

Review of dishes in order:
The octopus was by far my favourite -- cooked well, in a very light, perfectly seasoned, sauce.
The snapper was cooked well, and tasted great. The off-putting part was that there were 3 little circles on the side. I am still unsure what fruit they were but they were extremely sour and did not go well with the dish in my opinion. Besides that, the tomato-based sauce went well with that neutral type of fish.
The dessert tasted great. I am not much of a dessert person so I don't have much to say there.

Review of service:
The service was absolutely spectacular. Cesare continually checked in with us to see how things were going. He always told us our choice was excellent when we decided on what we wanted. My partner and I poked a bit of fun at him for always saying that and he was very easy going and funny.
When a new dish arrived, the waiters arrived in tandem, and were absolutely flawless in serving my partner and I our dishes in tandem. I can definitely see why so many people speak highly about their service.

Review of drinks:
We decided to order a couple of cocktails. They were extremely expensive in my opinion. As well, the water selection (not tap water) was $9 per person which seems pretty extreme. I believe if there was something I'd change next time, it'd be that I'd settle with just tap water, and focus on enjoying the food!

Overall, it was an amazing experience. Oh, and don't forget they offer 4-5 types of bread in between meals!!

If in New York again, we will definitely be back.

Food: Food
11/12/2014 1:12 pm

We visited Le Bernardin for our engagement dinner. The service was top notch and the food was fantastic. They made us feel special and treated us like a king and queen. Definitely will return for our first anniversary.

Food: Food
09/16/2014 7:18 pm

Eric Ripert deserves 6 out of 5 stars. He is the obvious master not only of French cuisine, but of seafood. And trust me, when we travel, we seek out fine French restaurants. I know I said it in a review of his restaurant "Blue" in Grand Cayman, but it bears repeating. My wife, who has never liked seafood, has converted to the faith after dining at Le Bernardin and Blue. The restaurant is delightfully and slightly stuffy, the service is beyond attentive and the food is truly inspired, creative and perfect in every way. Price is irrelevant when the cuisine is flawless. Bravo, Eric!

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