Everyone says this is a place to see and be seen by the power brokers. So maybe the food is not the point. But for $200 for lunch for three the food should hold it's own. I had the Sashimi of Hamachi, Pickled Jalapeño, Bell Peppers, Salmon Roe, Yuzu Vinaigrette to start. It was light and fresh but a bit fussy with too many flavors and tastes obscuring the fish. For my main course I had the Grilled Mediterranean Branzino, Haricot Verts, Forbidden Black Rice, Leeks, Pesto, Cabernet Sauce. I had better Branzino at Kefi a few days ago although the Forbidden Black Rice was quite nice and I enjoyed it without guilt. So, this is a place you don't go for the food and you don't go if you are expecting any kind of value because the values here are not about the food. read more

Impeccable. At lunch you can get a Cobb salad or perhaps a burger with fries for only $27. The burger features succulent ground ribeye. The ambiance speaks for itself. Celebrity sightings aren't an occurrence they are mandatory. read more

start with great bar that had my husband's favorite bulleit rye manhattan and the best mojito i ever had(not sure what's the secret - not too sweet - very minty - they strain it) - outstanding wines avail by the glass; we had delicious watermelon and stone fruit salad - perfectly dressed, delectable hamachi again perfect and lightly topped, fantastic broiled crab cakes and duck breast was great and perfectly prepared - loved the sauce - even the side of mashed pototos were so smooth and delicious and fresh tasting. It was quiet - we went at five-thirty after theater - very zen and lovely calming atmosphere - beautiful decor with great music and paintings; service could not be more friendly and accomodating yet not intrusive. Will be back! this place is a bit expensive - but it is manhattan - tablecloth restaurant - expected quality and great presentation and precision and they delivered. read more

The food is amazing, I've never taste something like this,and they got candle on the table,the atmosphere is perfect for having a date.We got two waiters,one tall and good-looking,the other short .the tall one is in charge of our ordering and serving food,the short one helped us to push the chair in while we're about to sit down and he also filled up our cups,but I don't think the tall one is treating the short one really well, I personally don't like this kind of things,that's why I give it a 4 instead of 5. read more

From the ambiance to the food, everything was superb! I ordered the Branzino and it was delicious and the sides were very flavorful and really complimented the fish. Also had some sort of apple dessert that was equally as good. The service was wonderful, my water glass never went empty. read more

I so enjoyed my lunch at Michael's. They make everyone feel like "someone". A lovely setting and the pea soup was the best I ever had in my life. The steak tacos were excellent and my boss really enjoyed his chicken paillard topped with a mound of fresh arugula, parmesan, and cherry tomatoes. A tad pricey but so worth feeling like a million bucks. read more

You won't get bread automatically with your lunch... You have to ask for bread... They charge for bread... ($5.00) Coffee starts at $7... Glass of Wine starts at $15... That's NOT gracious dining, imho,... it's greed....... read more

Having read good reviews online and being from out of town we were expecting a much better experience than what we received. Our waiter was belittling, pushy, inconsiderate and made us very uncomfortable after choosing what he deemed as 'small' meals after ordering. It was obvious he saw us as second class patrons and would not bring in the big bucks for him tonight. Mind you the restaurant was just about empty and it was obvious he was bitching about us to his fellow worker at the bar. Needles to say we left pretty quickly after our meal feeling very out of place. And the cherry on top was paying $10 for still water. read more

I went to Michael's for lunch on a whim and was NOT disappointed. Yes, it's expensive but you are paying for amazing food and great service. I sat at the bar and the bartender was friendly and helpful. I had the best Cobb salad of my life. All the ingredients were fresh and delicious and it was an very generous portion (I was able to bring it home for dinner that night). The salad was dressed perfectly without large clumps of blue cheese to overpower it. I also had the sweet potato ravioli with mascarpone butter sauce and pomagranate seeds. It was perfectly al dente and the pomegranate seeds were a wonderful fresh touch. Would certainly recommend this place. read more

Could not ask for a friendlier establishment for lunch. Always greeted with a welcome and a smile.... Today was the special Octopus as an appetizer and a casual gruyere burger both outstanding... The burger doesn't get any better.... read more

Went for valentine's day, food was OK, nothing great, but OK. However -- major problem with them afterwards. They said they wouldn't give a reservation unless I gave them my email address to mail a confirmation. I said no, cause I don't want spam; but they insisted they needed the email anyway. They promised they wouldn't send me anything except the confirmation. So I finally gave them an email address and now I'm getting emails from them every month about crap like "We got a new bartender -- come to our restaurant for 20% drinks!" or "Our daughter made an independent short film -- come have dinner at our restaurant for the viewing party!" I have clicked the "Unsubscribe" link five times now, but they still keep spamming me with their crap anyway. But it gets worse. The email address I gave them was a special kind of address that lets me know if they ever share my address with someone else. (It's a geek thing, search for "plus sign in email address" if you care). But the upshoot is they sold/gave my email address to their "marketing affiliates" and I'm getting tons of spam messages from other people now that have nothing to do with Michael's restaurant, but because of my special address, I can prove Michael's was the one who gave them that address. WTF, Michaels? It's not enough to overcharge for wine, but you have to make money selling my email address too? read more

This midtown wonder magnificently orchestrates lunch and dinner from the beautiful settings to the perfectly grilled steaks and lamb chops. Seafood is fresh, portions are so delicious, and the place oozes with elegance. On the casual side, I really enjoyed the Korean Tacos. Most recently, we went for appetizers and small plates, and loved the Crabcake, the Beets with orange and feta, and the Hamachi. And for dessert, the Apple Crisp Pie was fabulous. The well versed staff puts you at ease to enjoy every facet of the meal. Bartender still shakes a mean martini. Just too cool to not return for yet another helping. read more

Expensive Expensive... dated, bad food, nothing special for what they charge.

I booked Michael's because I wanted someplace quiet and low key on our first night in the city. Plus, we had reservations to go to the Top of the Rock and I wanted to be able to walk. Michael's fit the bill in terms of being quiet and low key. The dining room was quiet and comfortable, full mainly of locals and we were greeted warmly. The food was good and the menu had a nice variety. Prices were high for what you got, but, what can you expect in New York and midtown? Service could have been better, especially given that the restaurant was maybe half full. We had to ask multiple times for the wine list, but, did get an excellent wine recommendation when we got the list and asked for assistance. The servers had trouble keeping our water glasses and wine glasses topped off, which is unforgivable in a restaurant wanting to be of high caliber. We had to ask for the check multiple times then they were having a computer snafu which delayed our check considerably. It would not have been a big deal except that we had timed tickets to the Top of the Rock. I would've given the restaurant a higher rating if the service had been better. read more

I went here for lunch with a few coworkers & was very impressed. They are well equipped to handle the very busy lunch crowd they have. Good portion sizes, not too big / not too small. We went at noon and by 12:30 it was extremely busy. My only complaint was that our server took a while to bring us water/ take our drink order but otherwise a great meal & experience. Would definitely recommend / go back. read more

A really really nice place for a special occasion, in this case my mom's Big 7-5. I'm being a little cheap with my stars and saving a solid 5 for places that really knock my socks off, but if you're not too concerned about the price and want a Nice Place with really really good food, attentive service and comfortable seating at a table where you're not cheek by jowl with the next party, I can't recommend any place more highly. We went with a $75 Restaurant.com coupon and the bill for the 3 of us (2 apps, 3 entrees, 2 desserts, 5 glasses of wine, 3 coffees) before the discount was $280. Ouch! Not a place for poor folks. However, even the Broke have Special Occasions and here the food was creative and delicious, the menu changes seasonally, the wine list comes in an iPad and has some very interesting selections -- I had a California Zinfandel Blend called The Prisoner from Orin Swift and it was quite complex and delicious at $18 a glass. Mom's Red Snapper was beautifully seared, my Long Island Duck, served two ways, included a tender and flavorful roasted breast and a crispy melt-in-your-mouth confit, and Boyfriend's steak was expertly cooked and well seasoned. The Brown Sugar Cheesecake was an unusual and not too sweet take on the genre., read more

Great classic NYC restaurant. Wonderful food, great ambiance and LOVELY wine selection. The service is great. The lunch scene is amazing there. read more

I wish I could give this place 10 stars!! They don't have many reviews on here and as one yelper pointed out "the people that go here don't yelp", well I was there and I'm a yelper extraordinaire!! So I did go last night for restaurant week and had the best experience from the time I walked in until the time I left. I arrived early so I sat in the bar area and had a drink. There really wasn't a waitress at that time as it was only 5:30 but the nicest woman came over and helped me pick out one of their specialty cocktails. It was AMAZING! It had Campari, Agave nectar, prosecco and a few other ingredients and it was delish. I found out later that the woman was the sommelier. The 10 stars would go to the service as well. EVERYONE was so attentive, accommodating and just plain sweet! We sat down and we immediately were served with a warm mini baguette. I ordered a glass of prosecco to start and my friend wanted a glass of white. Our waiter recommended the Sancerre and it was perfect. The wines by the glass are a bit pricey but I think worth every penny. Oh and my starting cocktail was $12... a pittance in that area for an artisinal cocktail. I started with the soup which turned out to be a fennel and apple soup with just a touch of cream...delish! I then had the Hake with the most amazing little vegetables...the fish was cooked perfectly and the brussel sprouts?! ta die for! The Sommelier who is ABSOLUTELY amazing paired my dinner with 2 different wines. The first was a Sauvignon Blanc and with the fish I had a Tempranillo from Santa Ynez valley...my FAV wine region..in my opinion blows Napa/Sonoma away. For dessert I had the Pear Tart with cinnamon ice creme and again, another home run. I'm not a dessert person normally but this was perfect. I LOVED everything about this place!! Will DEFINITELY be back! read more

Wow!!! Amazing cuisine and over 750 wine options! The management was terrific there. What a wonderful way to close out the evening after renewing our vowels at St. Patrick's! read more

We went there for restaurant week dinner. Had the watermelon salad & fluke for starters; duck breast & ravioli for mains; and had an order of each dessert to share. All the dish were good - fluke and duck breast in particular were outstanding. The food on its own deserved 4 stars. I do have some complaints about the service though, thus 3 stars. Probably because it was restaurant week - we were told that we had to order every dish together (I wanted to decide on my dessert later and the waiter said I couldn't do that). I wasn't too happy about it but we ended up ordering one of each dessert to share - not a big deal. When we told the waiter we wanted to order wines, he gave us an ipad which had the wine list. As we were looking through the wine list, a lady whom I believe was the manager of the restaurant (she was in a suit) came by our table and started telling us about the menu, not realizing we already ordered our food. When we told her we already ordered but were just looking at the wine list, she told us about the wine pairing option at 15$ per person. I don't know why the waiter didn't tell us about the wine pairing when we ordered our food or when we told him we wanted to order wine! Anyway, the manager took care of us in terms of the wine pairing after that and she was wonderful - we loved her. Not sure I will return due to the service issue we had. read more

I often eat out with a friend who lives in the area and uses a wheelchair (which can sometimes be a challenge). We tried Michaels during restaurant week, and were so happy we did. The staff were great, quickly producing a ramp to help us down the several steps to the dining room. The service was very nice, friendly, unhurried, and the menu was creative. Our meals were delicious. We'll be back. read more

Went here for restaurant week. The steak was good but not the best I've had for that price. I thought the salad and dessert were both excellent. I would come here again but not for steak. I loved the ambiance but the service was not great. read more

I have been to Michael's a few times over the years and it never disappoints. The food is wonderful and it is not impossible to get in for dinner. The meal will be pricey, but you get what you pay for. read more

Are you kidding me????? If you want bread with your meal, they CHARGE you $3.00 for each roll!!!!! That is just wrong!!!! The bread is good but not $3.oo worth! The meal was ok but certainly not good enough for the outrageous price! read more

Went here for a business lunch. Food was good but service was frustratingly slow and place was very very noisy. Hard to hear my lunch companion. read more

This is an extractive venue with attentive service. The food however was oversalted, not particularly good and greatly over priced for what it was. The coffee tasted like maxwell house, Bread was $5, wine starts at $14, coffee was 7 and dessert is 14 even for two scoops of ice-cream. In sum simply an overpriced mediorce midtown restaurant. read more

"The experience overall was very good. The lobster appetizer and the beet salad and soup and bread were fabulous. My friends loved their entrees (lamb, salmon, and duck)." read more

I've been to many restaurants in the area, but Michael's has to be my favorite. I love the new change they have made, definitely if you haven't been here, or you haven't been here in a while, you should go like today! It's such a great place, everyone is nice, and knows you by name the minute you enter. This is what dining should be, not waiting in lines and eating selected (by the restaurant or god forbid fast food chain) food, but options and side dishes, and great tasting wine. I will be going here on all my special occasions; I just love it. read more

Delicious food... the best I've had in years! Fantastic service... especially with Steve M., who made us feel very welcome and special! Comfortable atmosphere and great service all around! I will definitely return with family when they come to town! read more

Had dinner there on tues evening. My friend and I each ordered a glass of wineby the glass , each had salad,and each a small plate and ordered additional glass of the wine. Bill arrived which came to 145 before tip and tax. When I got home that evening I had been charged 17 and 18 for each glass of wine which meant that our 2 glasses of wine were more than our meal. I knew that the wine list had listed all wines by the glass at 7,8, and 9 each....but guess what that was for 3 ounces and we were poured 6 ounces. Who orders 3 ounces .... But the real galling thing is the Pinot Griigio I ordered was actually 1 dollar more because I got a 6 oz glass as opposed to 2 -3 ounce glasses. What a misleading thing . I called manager and his response was that it was clearly printed on menu and did I want him to refund me a dollar. Are you kidding me. Will ever be back ad I strongly suggest if you want a glass of wine be prepared to e charged 18 ish or you can get a couple of sips for a normal price. read more

We tried Michael's for our children's anniversary because it was close to MOMA, where we spent the afternoon, and it had such raves. The setting is lovely as promised and the service was excellent throughout. I figured the limited menu meant high quality. The quality was uneven, however. Like so many such places, the appetizers far outdid the mains. The salmon tartar and crab cakes were extraordinary, fresh, light, properly dressed (or breaded in the case of the crab and quinoa) and presented beautifully. By contrast, the bib lettuce salad was over-dressed and the endive almost swimming. The waitress urged me to get the fish special, two nice filets of lightly battered dover sole in a subtle butter wine sauce, but without revealing the 45$ price tag, 50% more than the most expensive dish on the menu. Note: its not the price I mind, but not being told given this difference. It was good, but not memorable and I immediately regretted not getting the salmon or chicken alternative. The duck rested on a bed of french lentils and was perfectly sauced and cooked. While the scallops were broiled and seemed fresh, they had less pizzazz. In all, the fish didn't compare to some of the fine Italian places in the area. The best dinner was the salad Nicoise, large, perfectly dressed with a perfect balance of bacon, avocado? and potato. The selection of beer is very limited, though there are a couple of neat draft choices. All veggies only come as sides. We had asparagus and spinach, which were fresh and served almost plain, the best way to bring out their flavor in season. The wine list has both a good price range and nice variety and the house wines are excellent. We skipped desert, since we'd had sweets at the MOMA cafe. read more