The Pardner and I recently celebrated an anniversary at Essential by Christophe, a Michelin-starred restaurant on the Upper West Side. The beige walls and neutral tones in the space gave us flashbacks to when we used to dine at Dovetail, the restaurant in this space many, many years ago (before children). Of course, our dinner at Essential far outshone any we had at Dovetail, both because this was a "date with the whole family" as the progeny puts it, and because the kitchen at Essential is unusually precise and deliberate, distilling onto each plate the pure, fresh, unadulterated flavors of premium ingredients. You can choose a four or seven course "experience", with or without wine pairings. Children may order à la carte or from an unpublished children's menu that includes burgers and pasta for picky eaters. Three of us went with the four course experience and chose our own wine and mocktails to accompany; the 11-year-old went à la carte. Our meal began with a more-substantial-than-usual amuse bouche of mushroom cappuccino. We were advised to sink our spoons all the way down to the bottom of the cup for each bite, so we could experience all three layers at once: sweet potato purée at the base, topped with Madeira reduction and umami-rich mushroom foam. First courses: Dorade Royale (artichoke / gold ossetra caviar / bouillon tiède gourmand): A neatly presented square of layered raw dorade and tender slivers of artichoke hearts came topped with a generous mound of caviar. Bouillon tiède was poured around the square tableside, which slightly warmed the dorade and intensified its delicate flavor. Hokkaido Uni (crustacean royal / sora pickles / wasabi velour): Despite the brilliant green of the gently creamy wasabi sauce / soup, there was no heat and little, if any, of fresh wasabi's distinctive scent. This was just as well, since the bits of Hokkaido uni in the dish were sweet and delicious, and a stronger sauce may have overwhelmed. Toro Saku (mi cuit / tamarind / mandarinquats / sea condiment): A fair sized slab of toro was probably prepared sous vide and very soft, but not flakey, reminiscent of aged sashimi. It was quite difficult to cut given the sometimes fibrous texture and the large slab felt clunky, monotonous, and indelicate, quite unlike our other dishes. Lovely little loaves of warm, brown kalamata bread were brought to the table after our first course was cleared, with little volcano-shaped ramekins of good butter alongside, sprinkled with perhaps Maldon sea salt. Second courses: Celtuce (grilled / cucumber / buddha's hand) -- I didn't get to try more than a teeny bite. But what I tried of it (mostly the sauce) was slightly citrusy, very complex and pleasantly light on the palate. Scallop (lightly smoked / gold ossetra caviar / champagne hazelnut) -- Two generously sized, sweet and delicate sea scallops were served with more of that excellent caviar (an ingredient that makes frequent cameos). This was my favorite dish and probably one of the best scallop preparations in the City. Langoustine (slightly cooked / stuffed zita / swarnadwipa / green curry): I could not pin it to any specific culinary tradition, but the curry worked well and not compete with with sweet langoustine. Third courses: Kampachi (barely grilled / combawa / château-chalon): A generous portion of what was essentially kampachi sashimi was very gently dressed with the tiniest touch of lime, cilantro, scallion, and (I think) sea beans, with a light drizzle of a thin, umami-rich, savory sauce. Squab (racan / roasted / fukushu kumquat / toast à gratin / sauce diable): Pigeonneau de Racan was exceptionally tender and juicy, the liver pate in a pastry shell rich. A pretty orange quenelle of something kumquat-y balanced the fat. Iberico Pork (presa de bellota / sweet peas & chorizo / jalapeño condiment / omija berries jus): A well raised, high quality product from acorn-fed, free-range pigs. Sweet, tart omija berry jus was the perfect foil, a bit reminiscent of cranberry sauce. Desserts: La Tarte au Chocolat (warm / roasted vanilla ice cream): Classic and uncomplicated, the ice cream was scented with pleasantly rounded and understated natural vanilla. La Framboise (crispy fine feuilles / linzer / madagascar vanilla): This confection was simple, yet elegant, strongly leading with the pure flavors of fresh raspberries. Le Soufflé (orange marmalade / green cardamom ice cream): The soufflé was beautifully made, impossibly light and airy, delicately scented with bitter orange. The accompanying green cardamom ice cream stole the show. All around a lovely meal and a lovely evening. We love Chef Christophe Bellanca's mashups of culinary cultures. They're fun and they work! read more

Absolutely blown away by my experience at Essential by Christophe. From the moment we walked in, the level of service was nothing short of exceptional warm, precise, and completely effortless. Not a single detail was overlooked. The attention to every meticulous element, from pacing to presentation, created a dining experience that felt truly special. The meal itself was extraordinary. Each course was not only beautifully executed but deeply flavorful and thoughtfully composed. The Mushroom Cappuccino was a perfect start rich, earthy, and comforting with incredible depth. The sweet potato with madeira reduction was a standout, balancing sweetness and richness with elegance. Le Royale was indulgent and refined, while the blue prawns were cooked to perfection delicate and bursting with flavor. Le Tropical brought a bright, refreshing contrast that tied the progression of the meal together beautifully. Even the bread service deserves recognition often overlooked, but here it was exceptional. Paired with the Winter Harvest Highball and the No. 3, the beverage program matched the food in both creativity and execution. What truly elevated the evening was having the pleasure of meeting Chef Christophe and touring the kitchen. He was incredibly down to earth, and his philosophy about food thoughtful, intentional, and rooted in passion clearly shines through in every dish. Every bite was delicious, every detail intentional. This is dining at the highest level refined, memorable, and truly deserving of its Michelin star. I can't wait to return. read more

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Our first visit to this 1-star Michelin restaurant convinced us it should seriously be in contention for a second star. The setting is contemporary with a touch of French flair, highlighted by large floral arrangements, and the service was attentive and flawless over the course of our three-hour meal. Two of us chose the 4-course tasting menu and two went for the 7-course, and the kitchen executed both formats seamlessly at the same table. Two diners opted for the wine pairings, while the others enjoyed cocktails and additional glasses of wine, all thoughtfully matched to the dishes. The evening was spectacular from start to finish, with no weak courses. Standouts included the sashimi, frogs' legs, scallops, beef cap, and squab, each beautifully prepared and memorable. With tip, the total came to about $1,800 for four, which we felt was good value for the quality, service, and overall experience. Surprisingly, most guests were dressed business casual, so the atmosphere felt relaxed rather than stuffy. read more

Solid meal. Excellent service. Went here with a friend and it is a solid fine dining experience. Heavy on the seafood for those who like that and decidedly French with the emphasis on sauces. Had the signature essential menu. Was fortunate to try nearly everything as we shared: Mushroom cappuccino- signature dish of the chef and delicious. An excellent start to the meal. Very strong mushroom flavour with great umami flavour nearly punches you in the face on first bite. Toro Sami- Best dish of the meal. Beautifully plated and excellent tuna taste. Condiments really enhanced the flavour. Wild red king crab - a bit lost and tasteless. The worst dish of the day. Langoustine - very seafoody aroma may be a touch off putting for those who are sensitive. Langoustine cooked rare. The stuffed sits accompaniment was mediocre though. Scallop - caviar on top was delicious. The star was the sauce though. Be sure to dip your bread in it. Wild turbot - nice solid dish. Beef cap - Wagyu likely American as jt was from snake river farms. Nice taste with an excellent Robuchon-style mashed potatoes on the side. Ruby red - decent palate cleansing sorbet. La torte au chocloat- best dessert. Very creamy hazelnut taste. Le Vacherin - supposed legend. Overrated in my opinion. Nice orange taste but uninspired. We added a torte. It was not good. Bread was fantastic. We asked for two more rounds. Petite fours. Delicious. The hazelnut and the preserve were fantastic. Service was excellent. I really appreciate them using a silver coaster whenever they removed a glass or sat down a bottle. They also noticed one of is dropped a napkin and they quietly served another one on a plate. It's the little things. Overall. Solid 1 star restaurant. read more

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Oh. My. God. This place is fantastic! The service is amazing. Our server treated us like family, welcoming us into his home. His recommendations were spot on and he was able to maintain that delicate balance between sophistication and warmth. We had: - Sea Urchin Chawanmushi - delicious take on a very complex dish. - Octopus with Gnocchi - so good, the sauce was next level. - Langoustine - perfection! - Scallop - with the caviar and the sauce - so good!!! - Black Bass - delicious with the razor clams. - Kampachi - delicious, and the sauce was amazing! - Bread - normally I don't mention the bread but this was exceptional, especially the olive bread. - Orange Soufflé - Light and fluffy deliciousness . The space is comfortable and modern without being pretentious. We didn't feel rushed nor did we feel like the meal dragged on. Overall a great experience! read more

So I really just come on here once every three years when I feel like something deserves five stars enough that I need to endure the humiliation of writing on Yelp: Essential by Christophe earned that. A high end French restaurant with a specialization in superbly constructed seafood dishes. Ambiance and wine is competitive with anywhere I've eaten in New York, London, etc. Feels like it's just waiting to be named as a west side peer to Le Bernardin. We enjoyed a birthday meal here and I couldn't be more impressed with food, quality and care of service (we had a toddler with us), and overall environment. Two particular stand outs were the black bass, which was among the best dishes I've had in the last few years (or longer) and the experience our host/sommelier provided, given we brought four generations of our family to the restaurant. As a lifelong west side resident, it's long been a sore spot that we lack as many truly high end food options as the east side. Essential helps even that score a bit. Check it out read more

Simply outstanding! The food is amazing. The service is refined and friendly. The room is beautiful and comfortable. Essential by Christophe is a truly great restaurant. My only complaint is that it is not downtown. read more

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Likely our 10th time having dinner here and it just gets better every time. Jose at the bar was fantastic explaining how everything is made in house and made us the most fantastic cocktails including a slightly spicy margarita and a Paloma and a delicious martini for my wife. The service especially Cassandra was exceptional all three courses, particularly the Cuttlefish and the Rouget as well as the turbo were phenomenal. The Sommelier did an exceptional job recommending a fantastic bottle of Bourgogne. It's too bad we missed Christophe but hope to see him again sometime and thank him in person for the always exceptional food and service of his staff. read more

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Don't understand the Michelin star for this place...went here for an anniversary meal...the staff was lovely, the amuse bouche, appetizer and desserts very good...but parts two and three of the meal (basically the mains) were meh (bones in the turbot and oversalted potatoes )..after all was said and done, a $700+ bill with tip and we did not do a wine pairing and bought a bottle of champagne .... YIKES!! Had a better meal at a French bistro in Paris for a quarter of the price!! read more

I'm sorry to say this, but when you pay for a Michelin-starred restaurant, especially one priced above the average for a one-star restaurant in New York, you naturally expect the best. Unfortunately, the best never arrived. I waited two hours for the first course. Two hours. During that time, they kept serving bread and butter, which, yes, was good, but I ended up full of bread. When you go to a restaurant like this, you want to experience the quality of the food, not eat simply because you are hungry. The first course of king crab was extremely delicate, as was the langoustine. However, the sea bass was overcooked for me and too spicy. The smashed potatoes were far too heavy on butter, so much so that they mostly tasted like butter, no potatoes taste, pure butter. The le vacherin dessert, on the other hand, was truly amazing, with beautiful notes of lemon and clementine and a wonderful ice cream in the center. Still, for a restaurant of this level, and for the price you pay, such long waiting times are simply unacceptable. In addition, the basement dining room is quite unattractive, with servers constantly going back and forth and slamming the door. Overall, it was not a good experience. Quite disappointed. read more

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I came here for a business dinner. We were in the private room and had such good service. The chef Christophe came down and showed us around a little bit as well! Fantastic dinner. We were treated to the Essential Menu. Although I had a light lunch, I was full by the end despite the small fine dining portions. Everything I had is listed in the pictured menu, and while all was good, there were some standouts for me. Scallops: my favorite savory dish. Lightly smoked, it went well with the caviar and hazelnut sauce. Ruby Red: I liked this more than the chocolate dessert. It was a perfect combination of refreshing and sweet. The hojicha mint sorbet balanced the tartness of the grapefruit so well. There were complimentary warm bread throughout, and the olive bread was better than the other. Interestingly, I didn't find myself liking the butter as much. The petit fours were also just okay, although the Paris brest type pastry was the best. I enjoyed this dinner more than Daniel as a comparison. read more

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What a great tasting menu!! Would highly recommend. The food and service was amazing. I think it deserves way more recognition. Will definitely be back. read more

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What stood out to me at Essential wasn't even the food (although it was great and had unique flavors I wasn't expecting) - it was the service. From the moment I got to my table, I was treated with such care and attention without feeling like I was being watched over. They were very considerate of my allergies and cleaned the table each time from any crumbs between courses. I have never received better service than at this restaurant. We got the three course, which came with: 1. For the Un, we got the Tuna and Sea Urchin. The Sea Urchin was more unique, so I would recommend that one which had a strong veggie-forward flavor. 2. The Deux we got Scallops and Frog Legs. Both were incredible. The Scallops was one of the stand-outs of the entire meal. The trick is to save some bread to soak up the sauces, as both the sauces in our dishes were phenomenal. 3. The main entree we did the Kampachi and Lobster. I loved both - the lobster was sweet and coconut-y, and I had never had lobster done like that before. The Kampachi had a more classic flavor but recommended for someone who likes raw and tender fish. 4. Lastly, for dessert we got the Exotique and the Vacherin. The Vacherin is sweeter, and has a delicious basil sorbet inside. My mom loved the Exotique because it actually tastes a lot like an Asian dessert. The final complimentary desserts had the most delicious hazelnut pastry, and I only wish I could have had another bite of it. All in all, we had a great experience celebrating my mother's 55 birthday and we loved how attentive the service was. They even surprised us with an Essential kitchen towel as a souvenir. read more

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It's not often that I finish a Michelin starred tasting menu and walk away thinking "Wow, this place is underrated!" Essential by Christophe has one Michelin star but should really have two. And at $255 for a 10 course tasting (including the amuse bouche and petite four) it is very reasonably priced - some might even say it's a great bargain. Here is my breakdown of our dining experience. Ambiance: 4/5 - Clean, modern and comfortable space. It is a bit on the smaller side and nothing is super unique about it but it is very fine dining. Service: 5/5 - Super attentive servers, definitely up to the Michelin star standard. Our main server (I think his name was Michael) spent a lot of time explaining each dish and also sharing his personal experiences at the restaurant. He really made the dinner special! Pacing of courses was perfect. Food: 5/5 - Usually with a 10 course tasting you expect a few duds. Not the case here. Every dish was beautifully presented, with flawless cooking and perfect sauces. Mushroom cappuccino - 5/5. Rich, creamy, the sweetness of the sweet potato balances the madeira reduction. (Bread service with butter) Foie Gras - 4/5. This is a HUGE portion of foie gras. I struggled to finish my portion and my wife could only finish half. The condiments are delicious. Honestly, they could easily halve the amount of foie and I would be satisfied. Langoustine - 4/5. The langoustine is so tender and the green curry is mild but flavorful. The sauces at this restaurant are all so different but delicious and pair perfectly with the protein. Scallop - 6/5. I love scallop and this was probably the best scallop dish I've ever had. Perfectly cooked scallop but the champagne hazelnut sauce is so rich, buttery and interesting. Several dishes expertly balance the flavors of wine with umami elements. We were literally spooning up every drop of sauce. Wild turbot - 4/5. Another perfectly cooked protein with an interesting sauce. I felt it was a bit similar to the scallop sauce but also very delicious. Wagyu beef cap - 5/5. Wow, the beef is so tender and again the hazelnut/juniper berry reduction is killer! My wife had the same dish with the sauce diable (which usually accompanies the squab dish) and it was equally good. The mandarin/carrot condiment is so tart and helps offset the richness of the beef. We were served a portion of pomme puree which was so decadent (clearly a Robouchon-inspired pomme puree i.e. it was 50% butter). Orchard - 3/5. This tastes like eating a underripe apple. It doesn't sound super appetizing but it does its job perfectly in cleansing your palette and readying you for dssert. Le Vacherin - 5/5. This dessert looks like a jeweled snowball. It's tart, sweet, crunchy, soft, all in one. It's interesting in a good way and different from any other dessert you've had. Tart Tout Chocolat - 5/5. My wife ordered this and I tried a bit of the tart. It's like a molten ooey gooey dark chocolate cloud. So so good. Petite four - 4/5. Three different varieties which I don't recall but they were quite delicious. We were so stuffed that we had to force these down. We were also gifted a branded torchon (dish towel) to take home! *** This restaurant should really have two Michelin stars. The food was all flawlessly executed, unique, delicious and service was impeccable. If I had to think of ways to improve: 1. Think of some way to make the dining space more memorable. 2. I would reduce the size of the foie gras portion to perhaps 75% or even 50% of the current size. 3. Give your tasting menu dinners a printed menu to take home. I've had many tasting menu experiences before (including at several two and three Michelin star restaurants) and could argue this was the best I can remember! We will be back! read more

The food was absolutely amazing. The amuse bouche and bread were so good. But my favorite dish was the kampachi. The lemongrass broth was absolutely amazing. We also had the tuna and burger. Both were good but not mind blowing. The tuna was a bit too weird for me. The mashed potatoes were an impressive consistency and it was so nice that they gave us extra potatoes. The soufflé was one of the best ones I've ever had. The cardamom ice cream was so good. The grapefruit dessert was also so good and light. Wish I could taste the Hojicha a bit more. The little desserts at the end were pretty good. I liked the hazelnut one the most. We sat at the bar which was a fun experience. I loved the essential martini. However the wait staff and bartenders were fighting which was a bit unprofessional. Overall thought the experience was good though. read more

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Wonderful dinner in a beautiful restaurant. The staff and hospitality is out of this world. I mean truly perfect. My table did the Essential menu. It was thoughtful and beautifully presented. I wish there was a little more to the bread course and something more interesting and different. Otherwise it was wonderful. read more

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9.30.2025 i celebrated my birthday here with mom & i can say with full confidence that this is the best meal ive had in 2025. comparing to other michelin french fine dining establishments, i would pick this as my top 1 for overall hospitality, food and price point. essential offers a truly unique seafood-focused menu with every course being as memorable or even better than the last. the flavor combinations are rich, perfectly well-balanced & all-around luxurious. dont underestimate the simple presentations because the taste will blow you away. alfonso was our server--he was AMAZING! very attentive & made my night feel extra special with personal touches, check-ins throughout the meal as well as assisting me with my annoying vlog/photo sessions. cant forget to mention that the dining room is extremely gorgeous with its warm yellow hues, flowers & intimate table settings--perfect for date night. im already looking forward to revisiting & telling all my friends about it. simply exceeded all my expectations--wont be surprised to see essential gain another star soon. thank you so much team! read more

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Amazing. Absolutely loved this place, which surpassed my high expectations! The food was amazing - loved every dish but the real standout was the langoustine - flash cooked to perfection and quite unique. Also loved the steak, duck, halibut, king crab, and everything else. We did the 7-course ($255) and not a single course was a miss. Service was good. Courses came out at a nice pace and our waters were constantly refreshed. The ambiance and interior were beautiful - we appreciated it was quiet. For my birthday, they brought out a candle on the dessert with a birthday note on the plate, which was a nice touch. There's a private dining room downstairs that seats up to 14 or 20, that we will have to check out next time. What a gem. Highly recommend!! read more

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Essential by Christophe was an absolutely memorable experience. The space is elegant and understated, the service impeccable without ever feeling intrusive, and the food beautifully crafted...with such interesting confluences of flavors and textures. The wine pairing took it completely over the top. read more

Essential by Christophe - French Near Me - New York, New York

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A new 1 Michelin star addition to the upper west side! Cozy and cute spot. Service was great! Fine dinning service! We had the 3-course, as we had multiple events before head. Appetizers were great, while the main course wagyu was amazing! Not so impressed by their desserts but one of their popular item was sold out! Good for friends catchup business dinner, causal date night, but not to consider as formal /romantic date night as the vibe was pretty casual, most people do not dress formal here, we saw sneakers, even athletic clothing mixed in the dining room. read more

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There's nothing worse than going out during a polar vortex. It was December 22nd, and NYC was in the midsts of its deepest freeze in our collective, goldfish like memory when it comes to weather or meteorological phenomenons. I heard about this place because two close friends had their second anniversary here. And THEY are socially stratified Broadway financiers. I figured if they considered this place to be the best restaurant in NYC, than surely I had to try it. Their Michelin star (my benchmark for reputable fine dining) didn't hurt either. While I had full intentions of doing the full tasting, I made a critical mistake hours beforehand. You see, I was at Manhatta sucking down multiple winter themed cocktails. By the time I arrived at Essential, I was pretty hammered. If I'm hammered, I can't dedicate myself to the culinary endurance contest that a tasting menu requires. As a result, I settled on the 3 course prix-fixe. To say I was blown away is an understatement. I left Essential gobsmacked and void of sensations - and it wasn't the -3 degree windchill. The leek appetizer, with its show stopping plating, dissolved in my mouth and left me with a deep, visceral impression of a traditional Ashkenazi style soup I remember having at the Chabad house when I was in college bumming a free meal from a team of professional grandmother volunteers. The wagyu main and accompanied sauce was one of the best hunks of meet I've ever had, and could compete with anything being slung in a 2 star restaurant in Paris. The Vacherin dessert, which was described by the staff as an extremely elevated love child of both orange creamsicle and fruity pebbles, was one of the single best bites of food I've ever had. Essential deserves 2 Michelin stars, and I'm rooting for their success. I am returning, and not drinking beforehand so I can get the full experience! read more

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Cuisine: 9 Service: 10 Decor: 8 Value: 9 Overall: 9 From food to service, this was a fantastic meal start to finish. This restaurant recently received its first Michelin star, and it is certainly well deserved. I have been looking forward to this meal and very happy that it did not disappoint. First of all, our server Eddie was excellent. We had some great conversations with him about various things, including his own dessert shop Avrililily's Creamery in Harlem. Other servers were just as friendly and attentive, without being overbearing. As for the food, my favorites of the evening were the perfectly prepared squab and the tender black bass in a turmeric emulsion. Another top dish included the ruby red prawns, which had the most flavorful dill and chive broth to pair with it. Not to be outdone, the intense sauce from the lobster that had a spicy kick was quite memorable too. Honestly, everything was great, including the surprisingly wonderful pairing of sweet potato with the earthy taste of mushroom in the amuse bouche. You really can't go wrong with langoustine, scallop, and wagyu rib cap. They were all outstanding. My only gripe of the evening was that the sea urchin was covered in too much cream sauce. The first course of dessert was made with Bartlett Pear, which was refreshing and delightful. I'm not a huge fan of meringue, but the Vacherin provided such a nice touch of citrus that I actually enjoyed it. Lastly, the Warm Manjari Chocolate Tart was so dark, rich and insanely divine. Btw, this restaurant is extremely accommodating. We swapped out multiple courses to achieve our perfect meal. I love restaurants like this because they are willing to adapt to please their client, which results in a more satisfying experience. Coming back soon to order a la carte at the bar. read more

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Absolutely incredible dining experience. The food was meticulously prepared and served at a level I haven't experienced very often in NYC. A very sophisticated menu that doesn't adequately prepare you for how the dishes will taste. Layer upon layer of flavors and texture that delight the pallet at every turn. We also had an exceptional bottle of rosè that the entire staff commended us for selecting. A truly wonderful experience in a delightful atmosphere. Service was top notch! We want the 7 course menu next time. read more

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I was excited to try the four course menu at this Michelin restaurant for 195. It was an elegantly designed restaurant without feeling too stuffy. They had complimentary bread service with butter. They were warm and a good way to start as well as a nice amuse bouche. I got the octopus, frog legs which was a new addition to the menu and the wagyu. The first two were good but nothing memorable whereas I would definitely consider ordering the wagyu again. The souflee was ok. I'm not sure why I prefer less fancy desserts as I've not been impressed with many of the dessert courses across the Michelin restaurants I've tried. read more

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Expensive. Well worth the splurge. They also have a separate bar area and menu. This is a contemporary French restaurant with a focus on seafood. Loved that the service was friendly, relaxed and warm, rather than stiff and pretentious. Frog legs were such a delite, but honestly, everything was great. read more

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Oh my. This is the top, as good as it gets. Remember Chanterelle? That good. From amuse bouche through to dessert, all the flavors...the combinations or individually, it all worked together, macro, micro, no matter how you cut it, every single thing was the absolute top, the meal was simply a great adventure from beginning to end. No point in parsing it, throw a dart and choose anything on the menu, it's all great. I don't write much for Yelp any more, but when something knocks me out I want to share it, let people know. My hat's off to this restaurant. I can't believe I didn't have to wait two months for a seating. Don't miss it! read more

Came to Essential by Christophe for an anniversary dinner after hearing really good things about it. Made a reservation several weeks prior without any issues. Parking situation around the restaurant is not terrible, there are some garages nearby, but we were able to find a few street parking as well. I loved the decors of the dining room. It's one main dining room, mainly beige/cream toned, and it's very elegant and well lit. Personally I always appreciate the better lit restaurants where I can see my company. The restaurant filled up pretty well around dinner time so it's not the super quiet type of ambiance, but still very pleasant. Food was amazing, there was a several options for their tasting menu to choose from, and that gave us some flexibility bc my husband does not eat seafood. The meal started with their mushroom soup, which had amazing flavor! It was already a great start from there. Then we got the foie gras, scallops, frog legs, wagyu, squab, souffle, and feuilles, all of which were just so delicious! The squab really surprised me bc I've had pigeons before but not so tender like this one, and very well seasoned. Honestly everything was great, the desserts were heavy on the fruity flavors, especially orange, which I personally wasn't the biggest fan but if I liked orange, then everything would be great. The souffle had the most perfect texture to it. Price I think is reasonable given the current NYC situations, around $400 at the end. 100% would recommend this restaurant! read more

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What an experience this was for the 7 course menu. The service was superb, as it should be in this price range and they were very accommodating for preferences. The only things I didn't really enjoy were the mocktails and the cucumber palette cleanser. I was expecting to be blown away by the mocktails, but they were pretty close to sodas. I was most impressed by the mushroom starter, scallop and the wagyu cap/mased potatoes. The scallop was super tender and finishing it with the osetra caviar was amazing. The wagyu cap was so tender, but I felt like the eggplant piece on the side was not necessary aside from a slight texture component. However, the potato dish that came with the wagyu cap, I could live in that. It was so smooth and creamy, unlike any other mashed potatoes I've ever tried. I asked them to replace the cucumber palette cleanser since I hate cucumber anything and they did so with a fruit sorbet, which was a great surprise. The souffle was basically 80% air and it was a wonderful light fluffy dessert thst wasn't too sweet to finish off the meal. I'd definitely go back since everything was well executed except the mocktails. read more

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We came here to celebrate an anniversary and was a perfect place. We liked the ambiance and it was not very noisy. Service was great from start to finish. We had the Essentials Menu. While it looks like a lot of food, portions were sized just right. Everything was presented beautifully and tasted great. We were not a fan of the turbot. Its not a fish we typically get and lacked a bit of flavor. Definitely deserving of 1 Michelin star, possibly 2. Will be back. read more

Essential by Christophe - French Near Me - New York, New York

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Essential has solid food and a great wine list. Our sommelier was super helpful. I love the menu's seafood focus and the freshness of ingredients they source. The latter is not that easy to come by, and I have had my share of slightly funky seafoods at $$$ or $$$$ places, the citrus dressing or caviar wouldn't even mask it. My favorite dishes at Essential may have been the coffee/mushroom amuse bouche and the scallops. The pricing is reasonable/great value in my opinion. I would recommend Essential to anyone who wants to have a tasting menu/fine dining experience but doesn't wish to commit to something stuffy or hurting the wallet too much. The ambiance was great. read more

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I'll be honest--I went bracing myself for the dreaded Michelin stiffness. You know, the kind where the service is either robotic or aggressively warm, the atmosphere so hushed you're afraid to cough, and the whole thing feels more like a performance than a meal. But this place? It completely shattered those expectations. Yes, it's high-end, but it doesn't smother you in formality. The design is modern and elegant, with warm beige tones that feel inviting rather than sterile. Noise levels are perfect--you can actually have a conversation without shouting, but it's lively enough that you don't feel like you're dining in a church. And the best part? People aren't sitting around in stiff suits looking miserable. You'll see diners in polos, jeans, and nice shoes, which makes the experience feel effortlessly cool rather than pretentious. Now, let's talk about the food--because wow. Every course was a knockout. The plates are small, sure, but you get options (3, 4, or 7 courses), and the quality-to-price ratio is way better than other so-called fine dining spots that don't even come close to this level of execution. They kick things off with bread, and not just any bread--perfectly baked, crusty sourdough that's so good you don't even need butter (but trust me, use theirs, it's worth it). Then comes the amuse-bouche: a mushroom cappuccino with a sweet potato custard that just melts in your mouth. If it had been twice the size, I still would have wanted more. First course? I went with the tuna, and let me tell you, whoever is in charge of acidity here knows what they're doing. Finding a raw dish with seasoning this spot-on is rare. Then came the langoustine--perfectly cooked, bathed in a sauce so good I genuinely considered licking the plate (I didn't, but it was a close call). The lobster? Another win. The black pepper and coconut sauce actually delivers on the pepper part--a rarity in the world of "au poivre" anything. Dessert sealed the deal. The chocolate tart is everything a chocolate dessert should be--rich but not cloying, with a deep bitterness that makes you want a second slice instead of regretting the first. And if you're feeling adventurous, the L'Ardéchois (chestnut, rum, pear) is a knockout--it's got a punch, but in the best way. They finish the night with a few petit fours because, of course, they do, and yes, they're also great. Service? Impeccable. The staff actually looked happy to be there (a small miracle in fine dining), and our server, Michael, was the perfect balance of warm, attentive, and never intrusive. This place is a gem. A Michelin-starred spot that doesn't feel like a museum exhibit. A high-end restaurant that actually makes you want to come back. And now that I've told you about it, I just hope I can still get a reservation. read more

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Ever feel that fine dining does not fill you up? A tasting menu that makes if it was worth it? Well Essential is just the place that WONT give you those feelings. Worth every penny and you will leave feeling stuffed while experiencing pinnacle flavors from French cuisine. I fully recommend Essential as a fantastic place for foodies and a date night! I had the 4-course meal. Around 200 not including tip. Website has the current menu. Food is highly presentable and each dish is carefully crafted. My favorite hands down is the langoustine! Really had no complaints and can see why they are gunning for 2-star Michelin. They can do it for sure. Essential is being hyped and it fully deserves it. Service is spectacular as it has a good balance between comfortable and formal. Decor gives a luxurious dining experience and the bar a high-quality lounge. I had the tasting menu during Spring so they have new options: White Asparagus is in season people! PS Bathroom is clean and fantastic Parking is a little difficult as it is situated in a tight section of a street. Good luck! read more

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We came in and did the full 7 course menu with wine pairings. The staff is really exceptional, very attentive and accommodating. The somme and restaurant manager were incredible. The ambience was nothing to write home about, your basic fine dining vibe. Unfortunately, what disappointed me was the food. This place wasn't cheap and the only thing that jumped out at me as tasting really delicious was the first complimentary amuse-bouche. Everything else was underwhelming and I actually left a little bit hungry because the portions are comparable to the size of an unshelled peanut. Nothing was gross... just nothing was really good. I expected better from a starred establishment. Not worth it in my opinion. read more

I'd say the most amazing meal experiences I've ever had! 7 courses of perfection. If you come to this amazing city, you're time isn't complete until you've need to Essential by Christophe. Mike was great! Thank you for the evening!! read more

We recently celebrated a birthday at Essential by Christophe, and the entire experience was nothing short of wonderful. From the moment we walked in, the service was warm, attentive, and professional. The tasting menu was beautifully curated, with each course thoughtfully prepared and plated. Among all the highlights, two dishes stood out as absolute favorites: the frog legs and the wild turbot. The ambiance is refined yet intimate, ideal for a special occasion. One thing I do hope the restaurant considers in the future is implementing a dress code. As a Michelin-starred establishment, the quality of food and service sets a high bar, and it would be great if the overall atmosphere matched that standard more consistently. Several diners were dressed very casually (t-shirts, athletic wear, etc.), which felt a bit at odds with the elegance of the experience. That said, we had a truly memorable evening and would highly recommend Essential by Christophe to anyone looking for elevated, modern French cuisine with impeccable execution. read more

My wife and I were able to secure a same-day reservation here a couple of weeks ago. We chose the prix fixe menu with the standard wine pairings. Our server, Michael, could not have been more accommodating and engaging. The perfect intensity of the sauces - with the Squab, Langoustine, Scallops, to name just a few of our dishes - was terrific. I've never had better. The wine pairings were also perfectly matched. We have family on the upper west side and will certainly look forward to a return visit. read more

Wow incredible dining experience. My bf and I picked the "essential" 7 course menu. Started off with bread on the house and the mushroom cappuccino which was so unique and delicious. Out of the next few courses, my personal favorite was the langoustine. For the main meat course, my bf got the venison and I got the duck and tried each other's. I loved the duck flavor more but the venison texture was absolutely perfect. The extremely silky smooth mashed potatoes that came with the meats were unexpected but also a highlight. Finally for dessert, le gin dandy was my fav bc the flavors were so unique, never had anything like it. Aside from food, the presentation was awesome. They paid a lot of attention to geometry, always adjusting our plates and silverware into a triangle formation. And many of the dishes arrived with interesting shaped covers (not shown in pics) that made the experience feel particularly artsy. The inside of the restaurant seemed trendier, less intimate than other fine dining places I've been and there were a lot more people than I expected. I personally didn't mind that so I thought it was still an excellent vibe! read more

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This restaurant is good, but not good enough to charge three dollars less than Le Bernardin for a four-course meal. It's last price increase has pushed over the boundaries of what I find acceptable given its food, ambience and location. Consequently I have had my last meal at Essential by Christophe. read more

Recently ate at the french style restaurant "essential" located on the upper west side, with my family. We decided to choose the "7 course essential menu" there are also 3 and 4 courses you can choose from as well. Overall since the food was very small portions I felt it allowed me to try a little bit of everything without feeling over stuffed. The restaurant was very clean and elegant. The service was super fast and efficent. The detailing on each of the dishes allowed such a warm welcoming experience. The duck was by far my favorite as well as the dessert. The waiter does a pristine job explaining each and every course so you know exactly what you are eating and why it taste the way it does. I do have a gluten allergy which was written on the required reservation to attend essential, they made sure everything I was eating was for me and treated my allergy with care and caution which was very appreciated. Essential is a older atmosphere as well as young couples. We wen't around 9:30 and ended at 11:30 so it wasn't very packed or overwhelming. read more

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Fantastic dinner at Essential by Christophe. A true Michelin star dining experience for an anniversary dinner. Spectacular wait staff and truly amazing food and wine pairings. Everything was perfect. read more

Essential by Christophe - French Near Me - New York, New York

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