3 years later and I'm still a fan! The Dining Lab has not missed a beat since my last visit. I returned with my family for dinner on a week night in March. The process for making reservations has not changed, simply send an email with your requested date/time and they'll confirm or offer alternatives. They seem to be limited in reservations or they book fast, so don't wait. I can definitely see why as well, for just $36 you can get a 3-course meal. Thats such an amazing deal! On the night we visited, they had a unique menu that included some Asian and Indian dishes. In true fashion, we were seated promptly and offered a basket of fresh bread. But it's not just one type of bread in there, its a variety of delicious, freshly baked bread. I especially love to dip the rosemary bread in the olive oil they provide. I started my meal off with their leek risotto. It was pretty good but I would have loved a more bolder flavor. My hubby had the pork dumplings which were delicious! The outer dumpling shell was moist and soft, while the inside was cooked well with hints of ginger. Next up, for my main entree I had the crispy salmon which came with 2 potato pierogies, all on top of a butter-garlic sauce. The salmon was visually beautiful. The skin was indeed crispy and the overall texture was perfect with a tasty sauce. However, the flavor could've used just a little salt. I also wished they went with a different, more hearty side. The pierogies left me feeling like I needed a bit more to fill me. On the other hand, my partner had the Shrimp Biriyani. Not only was it beautifully made, but it tasted delicious! The basmati rice was on-point and the shrimp was cooked perfectly. Even the aorma of the dish was delicious. To round out my meal, I chose the pineapple crostada which included vanilla ice cream. It was exactly what I needed to end my meal and very delicious. Overall it was a good meal. In terms of service, the staff and students were pleasant and welcoming however, things were slower than I've known it to be in the past. We had a long wait after our entrees, just for dessert. I don't know why but we waited a while throughout the service. For reference, our reservation was at 6:30pm but we did not leave until 9. We did not get any explanation or updates along the way. If there is anything I would suggest, it is there reservation process. Although I understand this is a school/community initiative, their process seems outdated. Moreover, sometime the person answering the emails can be very short with responses. A bit more proactiveness would be helpful. For example, when I reached out to make my recent reservation, I inquired about 2 dates and times. Someone responded and said they were "booked". That was literally it. I had to email back and ask for further availability, then additional emails to provide my contact info and confirm. A more appropriate response would've been to inform the customer of the unavailability then ask if they had another day in mind or let them know a few dates available. It feels more welcoming and cuts down the back and forth. Ultimately, it would be nice to see them have an online reservation system. A simple Microsoft or google form is probably the simplest way and convenient for all. Overall, it was a good experience, as usual. I'm so glad to see the service is still in service and offering such a great meal at an affordable price. I will definitely be returning and I will continue to recommend it to others! read more

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This was the second night of service for the students. They all did an amazing job! The instructors' approach on teaching was very patient and she explained the what's and the whys. Food was good. My gnocchi was a little surprising and the cod was a bit overcooked--the rest of the plate was very salty. All in all though would definitely come back. My group is going to return at the end of the semester to compare the experiences! read more

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Totally a hidden gem. The latest seating on Wednesday was a 7pm, and my friends and I were easily able to snag a table (which you reserve over email). It was about 2/3 or 3/4 full on this fall weekday night. I was honestly blown away by the variety of options and, ultimately, how awesome the food tasted and looked. You could definitely tell it was a training kitchen and restaurant, but it added to the charm and uniqueness of the experience. The manager (teacher?) came by to every table, which was a nice touch, as well. We really enjoyed all the food we tried. You can't beat the price, either. Easy parking on the street. read more

The Dining Lab At Monroe College - Mahi Mahi - New American Near Me - New Rochelle, New York

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The starter was mediocre, both entree and dessert were tasteless. Service amateurish and slow. All in all, a sad experience.

Run don't walk to the dining lab. What unique here is the student lead and driven experience. The food is delish - service impeccable and ambiance just right. This is also one of the most delicious & economical 3 course meals, you will find anywhere in town. The menus are seasonal so you are guaranteed a great experience every time read more

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I loved eating at the dining lab tonight! Tiffany was our server was great , and she was warm and friendly and knowledgeable ! They were running a bit late tonight but everyone was patient and the staff apologetic. The ambiance was lovely with fresh flowers in every table! The food was excellent, creative , and beautifully plated! It was truly a special culinary experience! read more

You check in with the host just like a regular restaurant. When you go in it looks like a small cafeteria turned restaurant. You could see the chefs in the kitchen with the front of staff being students as well. My first course was a chickpea, onion, and peach tart. I have never had anything like it and loved it. Would totally order again. The salmon was served over a lemon sauce which was great. The salmon could have used a minute longer but that's personal preference as I like it cooked a bit more. Lastly I had their take on a Boston crème doughnut. It was a round chocolate mousse cake with crème filling around the outside. For $30'i highly recommend coming. read more

The Dining Lab At Monroe College - Salmon Entree - New American Near Me - New Rochelle, New York

For a fully student run restaurant, this place was great! They are only open on Wednesdays for a 6, 6:30 or 7pm seating. You must call to make a reservation. Lots of street parking was available for $1/hour. It's byob so we brought a bottle of red wine; they do charge for soft drinks. The meal is 3 courses for $30! I loved the risotto and the tart app was so flavorful! My pork came out undercooked but I sent it back, they apologized and corrected it. My boyfriend said the salmon was a little dry. I loved the Hurricane dessert which tasted like key lime pie. Overall, I would definitely come back especially if they change the menu up in the future. It's interesting to see how the students are taught how to provide a fine dining experience. Definitely a fun cheap date night! read more

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Best kept secret in New Rochelle. Get a 3 course dinner for $25! Great value for the morning and excellent quality. Reservations only. Been coming here for years to allow the culinary students wow mw with their food and service. Plenty of street parking and BYOB. read more

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Dining Lab's smaller, smaller, smaller, smaller-scale answer to the CIA (Culinary Institute Of America). And seeing a show several years ago- (either on PBS or NYC's Channel 22), convinced me to mentally bookmark Lab. Design is simple and sort of modernish. By definition, this 'Restaurant ' is part of a Culinary program where students at Monroe College show their skills. On paper, 3-Course Dinner selections are mouthwatering- and for $25, it can't be beat. I immediately skipped the Dijon dressing on my Spinach/ Goat Cheese/Roasted Grape Salad and asked for Balsamic & Olive Oil instead. To my surprise, the end result, wasn't even what I asked for but an interesting Citrus Emulsion. Medium-well Salmon over dressed Spinach and Fennel Salad- was very, very good and prepared as requested. Hubby's Risotto had good flavors and raved about his moist in the inside and crunch on the outside, bone-in Chicken breast. Remember though, no Cocktails but it's BYOB and no cost for corkage. Their professor Yokairi (?) runs a tight ship and treats each and every evening as if you're really dining at a restaurant. From 'Hostess', 'Servers', etc. Take note- DL runs from October til about December 6. New semester and menu, start in January (but check website or call to make sure) and can choose between 6:15, 6:45 and 7pm reservation seating. And depending where you're sitting, you might catch a glimpse of the cooking action. I'm giving these guys credit for firing up an interesting and good tasting menu run by students- located on this side of Westchester. Because there's no skin in the game for these kids, their hospitality comes across as real genuine and delivered an evening that was different and believe it or not...nice to experience. read more

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I live very close to hear and I've seen it in passing but did not realize that this was open to the public, for those who don't know, this is available from the Monroe college culinary arts program, they have a price fixe menu available that is prepared by the students in the program under the supervision of instructors. The wait staff are also students currently learning, it is cool to see the process, the space itself is very nice with probably about 10-12 tables and a nice modern decor, it is byob with no corkage fee but they do sell soft drinks. All the staff was nice and eager to learn, some seemed a little more experienced or natural in the setting but it's all about learning. The food itself was very good, for the price you get 1 starter, 1 entree and 1 dessert, for starters I opted for the chestnut risotto while my wife went with the past fritter, this might've been my first time having risotto so I can't compare but it was really good, it was savory with some small cuts of meat, the pasta fritter was good and unique, for entree I had the flat iron steak which was good! Seasoned well but not overdone, crispy onions on top was a good touch, my wife had the New Orleans chicken which I was jealous of because it was just delicious! For dessert the apple option was good, it had cinnamon ice cream on top of a apple cider donut and what looked like an apple but was a dessert, my wife had the pear dessert which was tasty. The food here is very impressive, we really wouldn't be able to tell we were having food prepared by students, the service was inconsistent but we understood that they are in the process of learning, the experience was nice but we felt it took to long to get the check at the end, honestly you don't want to go to dinner and feel like you're getting kicked out but also don't wanna feel like you're being held their either, again we understand the process, check the website for more info on how to reserve a seat, we would definitely come back, thanks again to all the great students and staff! read more

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Ok. So I really want to give this place 5 stars, but it is not a 5 star experience. I know it's a school restaurant but the service wasn't great and it took forever to get our dinner. We were there for over two hours. This is too long. The food was good, but some dishes missed the mark. I say try it, but don't expect a fine dinning experience and prepared for a wait. read more

I am surprised more people don't know about this place. It's mazing food served in a relaxed atmosphere. The food is high-end and the service is impressive. While there may be occasion hiccups, you need to go in knowing that it is a student-run restaurant. It's not Le Bernadin. If they accidentally serve you from the wrong side, roll with it. The quality and creativity of the food, the value of the meal, and the overall satisfaction of the experience make it well worth it. Kudos to Monroe College for giving their students such a fantastic opportunity to get some hands-on experience while giving those of us in the neighborhood a fabulous fine dining option. read more

Really good experience, solid well-plated food at a bargain. It's great to see the kids working hard, and the instructor who is tough on them, but a very good teacher. The food is very good, and always plated beautifully. Tough to get a reservation for a large group, but fairly easily 1-2 days in advance for a small table. BYOB also with no corkerage fee, which is always a big plus Will definitely return, and props to Monroe College for this program read more

AWESOME!!! Dr. Constantino was awesome! Professor Luna was awesome! Ameera (our server from the Bahamas) awesome! The Captain Morgan chocolate rum cake was delicious and the sea bass world class. The service, meal and the ambience were phenomenal. Monroe has developed a Class A culinary program (including over 800 competition medals). Impressive! My compliments to the chef! read more

Great experience. You get to help these kids grow professionally and you get a great meal for the value. Overall it's a fun experience, it's BYOB so that helps also. No corking fees Would definitely go again. read more

A lovely experience while helping the next generation of restaurateurs. Great food with several selections and excellent value. If you were served these dishes at a top venue you'd be happy. read more

The Dining Lab At Monroe College - New American Near Me - New Rochelle, New York

This is without a doubt one of the best restaurants I have ever eaten at. For $21 you get an appetizer, entree, and a dessert. Everything that I tired was absolutely amazing. They also gave me Arancini with my appetizer and cookies along with my ordered dessert, which were nice surprises. Apart from the amazing food it's nice to be able to participate in the students learning experience. The students' instructor seems to be omnipresent and ensures that the students are performing up to the highest standards of fine dining. Overall, amazing. read more

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Great little gem where you can get a 3 course dinner that is fresh and delicious while being served by our future restaurant chefs and servers. Patrick watches over all while making sure the diners have the best dining experience. A true gem. read more

The Dining Lab At Monroe College - Chocolate Beggars Purse - New American Near Me - New Rochelle, New York

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Awesome, awesome, awesome, the food there is awesome! The menu changes every semester but the selections so far have been good. The best items I've had so far was the Lobster Bisque and the Almond Financier Cake with Prosecco Sorbet. The students of Monroe College are fantastic with their service and the price for a three course meal is $18.00 which is contributed toward the students scholarship fund. I've been there twice and I look forward to visiting again in the future. read more

Went back for a second visit tonight. It continues to be the all time bargain for "great" food and "great" service at an incredible price. "Who Needs Restaurant Week" when you can go to the Dining Lab. We already have made our 3rd and 4th reservations. Do something good for your community "go to the Dining Lab" & be sure to "leave a BIG tip" since the money you tip goes to their scholarship fund. read more

We went this past Friday. The food was incredible and there was a variety of dishes to choose from. The culinary program is teaching the students well........from the kitchen to the servers, all of them were exceptional. Very friendly and professional not to mention very affordable! We'll be there again in the Spring when they start the new semester. read more

I was a student who worked at the dining lab once and honestly it was the best experience working there and eating there. We are trained so perfectly that you would actually forget there is a class going on. As for the culinary class cooking, the chefs are honestly the best and make the most amazing menu every semester. The menu changes twice a semester and so do the desserts. Its really worth the price and the experience overall. read more

The Dining Lab presents a unique dining experience in New Rochelle that is also a real bargain. The food is prepared and served by culinary students. For the price and quality it is a great choice! $18.00 for three courses. read more

Awesome experience! I had never heard of this concept before but it makes sense...same thing as getting a haircut from students in cosmetic school I guess. The culinary students at Monroe College host a "restaurant" every Tues, Wed, and Thurs. We paid $21/person for apps, entree, and dessert. I wasn't really expecting much, so when I had the food, I was blown away! Each dish was beautifully prepared and presented. The flavors were fresh and delicious. The meals/sides were seasonal. I had the pasta dish, the pork mignon with cornbread stuffing and sweet potato hash, and the raspberry mousse/gelee with spice cake. All was delicious! My friend's dishes were good as well. They also have a pastry cake with yummy looking things that you can buy to take home. The students do the serving, ordering, and pouring also. They are all nice and knowledgeable. It's a BYO place, so we brought beer and wine. Only downside is that they poured the beer incorrectly so it was mostly foam on top, but whatever. Small dice. Can't wait to come again! read more

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I went with my husband and friends not knowing what to expect. This was a fun experience and the food was very good!! It is a real Resturaunt but also a class for all the people working there. Most importantly the food was really good and very reasonable. It is also BYOB which was nice because we brought 2 bottles of nice wine. Would recommend for sure. The manager/professor Patrick could not have been more hospitable as well! Will definitely go back!! read more

LOVED IT, LOVED IT, LOVED IT!!!! My husband and I went there for our anniversary. My husband is a serious foodie and I am a vegetarian and an adventurer always looking for new experiences. We were both more than satisfied. The food was fabulous (even my risotto to which the chef added tofu), the ambiance was novel, and the whole experience was interesting and meaningful. It felt so good to be able to help students learn while savoring a meal and then having a tour of the kitchen. The price was unbeatable and I'd love to go there way more often but have to remember to call first as it has limited hours (unfortunately). Would recommend to anyone- I already have! read more

I am sorry to have to write this review. This is our third visit here and until tonight we absolutely loved it and recommended it to everyone. The food as usual was delicious and our server was pleasant enough, but we have been here 2 hours and 20 minutes and counting. Still waiting for our last course. I I'm not sure what happened tonight, but the wait tonight has been excruciating, and unfortunately I won't be able to recommend it, and we won't come back any time soon. read more

Great food, environment, and staff. The students there are eager and friendly and the teachers come around I say hello. Take the advice from the menu and be adventurous with your choices. It's very cool that the restaurant is in the school and its nice to be a part of the experience. FYI the tips go towards a scholarship fund, so since the prices can't be beat, be generous! read more

Overall the service wasn't bad actually. Read comments on each picture I posted. My waitress was nice . I was surprised at how busy the place was as small as it is. Good job read more

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I was taken there this past spring, and I was quite impressed at the combination of stellar cuisine and affordable pricing. I will definitely return! read more

Completely fantastic food. The service was awesome, and it was such an added pleasure getting to speak with the students. Mr. Hayes, the floor manager and professor treated us like gold. I will be going back once a trimester if i can. read more

Although we have been to the DL for almost a year, today's dinner visit made us recall why we keep coming back. The food itself is absolutely the very best, delicious in every respect. Although the menu is not extensive there is enough variety for any taste. The learning process that the students are going through does not diminish the service at all. You immediately realize that what these young people are going through will make them better servers than most of the professionals throughout the U.S, It has been a wonderful experience and each time it get a little better. Joe F read more

Not only is the food at The Dining Lab delicious, but it is wonderful to be part of the learning experience for Monroe College's Culinary and Hospitality students. If you're looking for an affordable meal that tastes like a million bucks, I highly recommend visiting! read more

We came here for a girls night out on a Wednesday night. The food, the service, the price, what can I say? Every thing that we ate was fabulous. Presentation of the food was beautiful, wait staff acted the way waiters and waitresses are supposed to be. Every single college student working and learning in this program was courteous, helpful, and polite. Good job. We will be back. read more

Terrific experience! We were a table of six so we each ordered an app- salmon rigatoni and risotto were our favorites. Had the flank steak- super tender, tostones were crunchy and chimichurri sauce was perfectly balanced. Dessert was divine- wonderfully imaginative combinations that were also a feast for the eyes. Service was excellent- everyone so friendly and attentive. They even called ahead to the complimentary valet service for our car when we were leaving which was a very thoughtful detail on such a cold night! Cannot wait to come back next month for the new menu. Thank you for an outstanding experience!!! read more

Very interesting experience . . . the food was fantastic and it is fun to be served by the Monroe hospitality students who are clearly being trained well. A nice friendly and welcoming atmosphere. My guests and I had 4 different menu selections, and all of us were impressed . . . well worth a visit . . . and all this for $18! read more

I enjoyed the dining experience at the Dining Lab. Because this is part of a culinary program the supervision is great. I enjoyed the meal and look forward to further dining experiences at Monroe. Great price! read more

A wonderfully delicious dining experience. Great service and a price that can't be beat. As a gastronome I am always looking for quality meals at a great price...this is not to be missed. Go and treat yourself, bring a few friends. I recommend the milk chocolate soufflé for dessert and everything else on the menu. The students are doing a fab job and they should be supported. Don't walk, Run to the Dining Lab. read more

We had an amazing time at The Dining Lab - from the moment we entered the restaurant the staff was friendly and very accomodating. The food was delicious and prepared exactly the way it was ordered. The presentation was as if we were in a high priced Manhattan restaurant. Great experience all the way around. read more