The balance of outstanding food, excellent customer service, and the just-right level of formality reminds me of Seattle’s Canlis. I’m excited to try Le Bernardin the next time I’m in New York!
Had the wonderful opportunity to dine there back in August. We took a family vacation to NYC and Le Bernardin kept coming up on places you must eat in NYC. I looked at the website and clicked on Reservations. There was one opening on a Tuesday at 6:30pm for 4. I took it. It was a perfect time to go with kids, ages 13 and 16. We were all blown away by the service and the food. My wife and I had the Dover Sole with an incredible Montrachet and the kids had filet. Looking back , I remember thinking the portions were small. Tiny "shot" of soup with a tiny spoon. But when it was all over, it turned about to be the right amount of food.
Happy belated! Every experience there has been an absolute delight. The quietness and deliberateness in the kitchen when having a quick peek was amazing. A dining experience for sure 👌🏼
David-what a phenomenal series. I look forward to seeing them all!
My now fiancé and I had a spectacular meal there last December and both indulged in the tasting menu to celebrate her graduation. Several courses still rank among my favorites of all time and the service—much as you describe it—set the standard.
Planning to be back this winter for work, but will stop in for an armagnac and a look at the salmon menu.
The ambience defines or dominates the experience of fine(er) dining. I’m glad to know there’s places where cuisine still defines or dominates. Maybe I need to visit nicer restaurants.
Went there for the first time for my wife’s ten year NYC anniversary. Can’t wait to get back there. Lunch is a nice alternative I guess if you don’t want to broach four digit dinner ticket bill.
There was one person not wearing a sport coat. And that just gave the rest of us a chance to shake our heads gently. But the level of formality feels just right.
I don’t get to New York as often as I’d like but I consider this piece a kick in the butt to take advantage of the diverse (and mostly underrated) restaurants available to us in Houston. Laziness, for lack of a better term, has crept in to our routine. Thank you!
I used to cook at Momofuku Noodle Bar and WD-50. Had the pleasure of dining at Le Bernardin early on in my career. You really captured the essence of the experience. Looking forward to more of these.
I’ll point you to the opposite end of the dining spectrum. Great NY Noodletown on Bowery is a truly magnificent New York dining experience. They’re an exceptional Cantonese restaurant. Nothing fancy at all but it’s one of the late night spots all the fine dining cooks would go to after service. Cheap beer. Amazing dishes. Superb people watching.
I agree about table linen (actual linen not cotton) being high quality. It matters. Also silver (plated) cutlery shows they appreciate style and is a hat tip to tradition.
Great idea for a series!
I agree--looking forward to many more of these. Always a subject that I glean from your writings and podcasts.
The balance of outstanding food, excellent customer service, and the just-right level of formality reminds me of Seattle’s Canlis. I’m excited to try Le Bernardin the next time I’m in New York!
Had the wonderful opportunity to dine there back in August. We took a family vacation to NYC and Le Bernardin kept coming up on places you must eat in NYC. I looked at the website and clicked on Reservations. There was one opening on a Tuesday at 6:30pm for 4. I took it. It was a perfect time to go with kids, ages 13 and 16. We were all blown away by the service and the food. My wife and I had the Dover Sole with an incredible Montrachet and the kids had filet. Looking back , I remember thinking the portions were small. Tiny "shot" of soup with a tiny spoon. But when it was all over, it turned about to be the right amount of food.
Had dinner there for the first time last Friday - what a treat!
Very nicely done, David.
Thank you. Next time you’re up here!
You have a Financial Times entertainment account, right?
Oh yes, absolutely. Although the budget on it is £0... I'll start saving instead.
Happy belated! Every experience there has been an absolute delight. The quietness and deliberateness in the kitchen when having a quick peek was amazing. A dining experience for sure 👌🏼
David-what a phenomenal series. I look forward to seeing them all!
My now fiancé and I had a spectacular meal there last December and both indulged in the tasting menu to celebrate her graduation. Several courses still rank among my favorites of all time and the service—much as you describe it—set the standard.
Planning to be back this winter for work, but will stop in for an armagnac and a look at the salmon menu.
The ambience defines or dominates the experience of fine(er) dining. I’m glad to know there’s places where cuisine still defines or dominates. Maybe I need to visit nicer restaurants.
I hear Armagnac is the next big thing...
Great article, thank you!
For some of us it’s the greatest thing.
It’s the next vodka according to my good friend Artie Bucco
Ha!!! Classic.
Went there for the first time for my wife’s ten year NYC anniversary. Can’t wait to get back there. Lunch is a nice alternative I guess if you don’t want to broach four digit dinner ticket bill.
Lunch is much more reasonable and just more relaxed. There's also a "salon menu" if you want to eat something smaller in the bar.
Thanks, David! Le Bernadin has been on my list for years! What are your thoughts on the "jacket recommended, but not required" change?
There was one person not wearing a sport coat. And that just gave the rest of us a chance to shake our heads gently. But the level of formality feels just right.
I don’t get to New York as often as I’d like but I consider this piece a kick in the butt to take advantage of the diverse (and mostly underrated) restaurants available to us in Houston. Laziness, for lack of a better term, has crept in to our routine. Thank you!
I used to cook at Momofuku Noodle Bar and WD-50. Had the pleasure of dining at Le Bernardin early on in my career. You really captured the essence of the experience. Looking forward to more of these.
I’ll point you to the opposite end of the dining spectrum. Great NY Noodletown on Bowery is a truly magnificent New York dining experience. They’re an exceptional Cantonese restaurant. Nothing fancy at all but it’s one of the late night spots all the fine dining cooks would go to after service. Cheap beer. Amazing dishes. Superb people watching.
I agree about table linen (actual linen not cotton) being high quality. It matters. Also silver (plated) cutlery shows they appreciate style and is a hat tip to tradition.