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Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare
8.9
Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare is an omakase-style, seafood-focused tasting counter hidden in the back of a Hudson Yards grocery, now led by chefs Max Natmessnig and Marco Prins. Multi-course menus lean heavily on Japanese technique and pristine product, with meticulous pacing and polished service that make it one of Midtown’s most serious splurge destinations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bluefin tuna taco, Uni and king crab course, A5 wagyu beef course
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A Michelin-level, Japanese-leaning seafood tasting counter hidden inside a Hudson Yards market.
Who should go: Fine-dining fans chasing elaborate omakase-style tasting menus.
When to visit: Prime evening seatings for full-length tasting and wine pairings.
What to order: Seasonal tasting menu, especially bluefin taco, uni–king crab, wagyu.
Insider tip: Ask for counter seats near the pass for the best view of plating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid garages dominate Hudson Yards; the nearest is on W 33rd St between 10th–11th Ave. Street parking is scarce after 5pm and often restricted.
Dress code: Formal smart-casual to elegant; jackets not required but common. Avoid overly casual attire.
Noise level: Low—hushed, controlled dining room where conversation is easy at the counter.
Weekend wait: No walk-in availability; reservations book out weeks to months in advance.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner service only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited; the tasting menu is seafood-heavy and substitutions are minimal.
Vegan options: Not accommodated—core menu relies on seafood, dairy, and animal-based broths.
Gluten-free options: Partially accommodated with advance notice; some soy-based components may not be replaceable.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for high-impact, celebratory first dates—intimate counter seating and a choreographed tasting menu create focus and conversation. Not ideal if you want a casual or flexible format.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No—Chef’s Table operates strictly by reservation with no walk-in seats due to its limited counter format.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for young children; the long, formal tasting and quiet room suit mature diners comfortable with extended dining etiquette.
Best For
Better for: Top-tier omakase-style precision, pristine seafood sourcing, and a meticulously paced fine-dining experience few Midtown restaurants can match.
Skip if: You want à la carte flexibility, shorter meals, or accommodations for strict vegetarian or vegan diets.
Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare
9.1
A two-Michelin-star counter experience hidden behind the Brooklyn Fare market, built around a seafood-forward tasting menu that leans Japanese-French in technique and precision. Expect a long, structured progression of small plates where the service is choreographed and the best bites land on pristine shellfish, caviar moments, and impeccably timed hot courses.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna tartare taco, Abalone course, Uni & king crab add-on
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Two-star, seafood-centric tasting menu hidden inside a grocery market.
Who should go: Milestone diners chasing a high-end counter experience
When to visit: Weeknights for the smoothest pacing
What to order: Tasting menu, uni/king crab add-on, beverage pairing
Insider tip: Aim for early seating and request counter for full interaction.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is very limited in Hell’s Kitchen; nearby paid garages are the most realistic option.
Dress code: Dressy smart casual to formal. Jackets are common; jeans are technically acceptable but out of place for most diners.
Noise level: Low to moderate. Quiet, focused counter setting where conversation is easy but subdued.
Weekend wait: No walk-in availability; reservations are required and typically booked weeks in advance.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable – dinner-only tasting menu.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Not recommended. The menu is fundamentally seafood-driven and substitutions are extremely limited.
Vegan options: No. This is not a viable option for vegan diners.
Gluten-free options: Yes with advance notice. The kitchen can accommodate gluten-free diners, but the experience may be slightly modified.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you already know each other well. The long, structured tasting menu and quiet counter format create pressure and limit casual conversation, but it’s exceptional for a serious, high-end date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No. Reservations are mandatory and released in advance; walk-ins are not accommodated.
Is it kid-friendly? No. The formal, multi-hour tasting menu and counter setting are designed for adults and special-occasion dining.
Best For
Better for: Precision-driven seafood tasting menus, counter interaction, and Michelin-level technique with Japanese-French influence.
Skip if: You want flexibility, à la carte dining, vegetarian-friendly options, or a relaxed, social atmosphere.
Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare
9.1
A high-intensity counter tasting that leans French technique with Japanese precision, served in a tight, chef-forward room that makes every course feel like an event. Expect luxury ingredients handled with control—your best move is to commit to the full pacing, add the wine pairing if you like structure, and treat it as the main night, not a stop on a crawl.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal caviar course, Uni-focused bite, Wagyu course (seasonal)
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Two-star-level tasting precision in an intimate chef-counter format.
Who should go: Milestone diners who want a serious tasting menu.
When to visit: A weekday seating for the most focused service.
What to order: Tasting menu, wine pairing, any caviar/uni add-ons.
Insider tip: Eat lightly beforehand—this is a long, composed meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Paid parking garages throughout Hudson Yards; expensive and time-limited. Public transit strongly recommended.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual to formal. Jackets and dresses common; jeans are allowed but most diners lean polished.
Noise level: Low to moderate. Quiet room with chef narration and focused energy—easy to converse, but attention stays on the counter.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—prepaid reservations only with fixed seating times.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—prepaid reservations only; no walk-ins.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Generally not accommodated. Menu is protein-driven; exceptions are rare and must be discussed far in advance.
Vegan options: Not accommodated.
Gluten-free options: Limited accommodations possible with advance notice; expect modifications rather than a fully parallel experience.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you already know each other well. The experience is long, expensive, and highly focused—better for established pairs or milestone nights than casual chemistry testing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No. Reservations are required and prepaid; there are no walk-ins or bar seats.
Is it kid-friendly? No. This is an adults-only, multi-hour tasting with no children’s options or flexibility.
Best For
Better for: Precision-driven tasting menus where technique, luxury ingredients, and chef control are the entire point.
Skip if: You want flexibility, à la carte ordering, dietary customization, or a relaxed, conversational dinner.
Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare
9.1
A high-intensity chef’s-counter tasting built on luxury seafood, tight French technique, and long-form pacing. The room is intimate and chef-forward—best treated as the entire night, not a pre-theater stop. When it’s on, it delivers the kind of structured, celebratory “destination meal” people plan a trip around.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tasting menu, Uni + truffle courses (when offered), Caviar add-ons (if available)
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Luxury tasting-menu precision in an intimate, chef-led format.
Who should go: Milestone diners chasing a serious tasting menu.
When to visit: Weeknight seating for the most focused service.
What to order: Tasting menu; wine pairing; any caviar/uni add-ons.
Insider tip: Arrive ready for the full pacing—this is a 3+ hour night.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid garages throughout Hudson Yards; expect $35–$45 for evening parking. Street parking is extremely limited and unreliable.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Jackets aren’t required, but most guests lean polished—this is a celebratory, photo-worthy room.
Noise level: Low to moderate. Quiet, focused room where conversation is easy and chef narration is part of the experience.
Weekend wait: No walk-ins. Reservations required; seats often book weeks in advance.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner-only tasting experience.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited. Can sometimes be accommodated with advance notice, but the experience is seafood- and technique-driven.
Vegan options: Generally not recommended. Vegan accommodations are extremely limited and may not reflect the full intent of the menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes, with advance notice. The kitchen can adapt courses, though substitutions may occur.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if it’s a serious, intentional first date. The long pacing, fixed menu, and high cost make this better for established pairs or milestone nights than casual chemistry checks.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No. This is a ticketed, reservation-only chef’s counter with fixed seating times. Plan well ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? No. This is an adults-only, fine-dining tasting experience designed for focused, uninterrupted dining.
Best For
Better for: Guests who want a tightly controlled, luxury tasting with chef interaction and long-form pacing—this excels as a true destination meal.
Skip if: You want flexibility, à la carte ordering, shorter dinners, or broad dietary accommodation—choose a classic fine-dining room instead.
Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare
8.9
A two-MICHELIN-star counter that turns precision into theater—quiet room, bright spotlights, and a tight brigade working inches from your seat. Expect a seafood-forward tasting with luxury ingredients and meticulous pacing; the experience is built around control, refinement, and rhythm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffle-and-uni bite, Seafood-centric tasting menu, Petit fours
Scores:
Value: 6.2
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Two-star, counter-seat tasting where technique is the main event.
Who should go: Milestone diners chasing a high-control tasting.
When to visit: Weeknights for the calmest, most focused pacing.
What to order: Chef’s tasting; truffle-uni bite; petit fours.
Insider tip: Eat light beforehand—this is a long, concentration-heavy meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking; garages on W 37th–38th St typically $35–$50 in the evening.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual to formal—jackets common, jeans technically allowed but most diners dress polished.
Noise level: Very quiet—conversation is hushed and secondary to the counter experience.
Weekend wait: No walk-in wait—reservation required; cancellations are rare.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner service only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Not accommodated—the menu is seafood- and protein-forward.
Vegan options: Not accommodated.
Gluten-free options: Limited accommodations possible if noted far in advance, but not guaranteed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re already comfortable together—the meal is long, quiet, and highly focused, with little room for casual conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No—seats are sold in advance and tied to a fixed tasting; monitor cancellations if you’re flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? No—this is an adults-only, multi-hour tasting with no accommodations for children.
Best For
Better for: Diners who value technical precision, chef-driven control, and an intimate counter format over comfort or flexibility.
Skip if: You want menu choice, relaxed pacing, or a more social, conversational fine-dining experience.
Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare
8.9
A two-Michelin-star counter where precision is the point: seafood-forward courses, meticulous technique, and pacing that feels engineered rather than improvised. The room is quiet, spotlight-lit, and built for diners who want a long, focused tasting with zero distractions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s tasting menu, Truffle-uni bite, Petit fours
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 9
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Two-star counter dining with ultra-controlled, seafood-led technique.
Who should go: Milestone diners who want a serious tasting.
When to visit: Weeknights for the calmest pacing.
What to order: Chef’s tasting, uni course, dessert finale.
Insider tip: Eat light beforehand—this runs long and rich.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is very difficult in the Garment District; nearby paid garages are the realistic option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy. Jackets aren’t required, but most guests dress polished for a fine-dining tasting.
Noise level: Very quiet — hushed, focused room where conversation is easy but subdued.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — counter-only tasting, reservations required; walk-ins are not accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — dinner service only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited. The menu is seafood-forward and not designed for vegetarian substitutions.
Vegan options: No — this is not a vegan-friendly restaurant.
Gluten-free options: Possible with advance notice, but expect modifications rather than a fully parallel experience.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both serious food people. It’s long, quiet, and intensely focused — more shared concentration than casual chemistry.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No. Reservations are required and typically booked well in advance; cancellations are the only real opening.
Is it kid-friendly? No. The length, formality, and pacing make this appropriate for adults only.
Best For
Better for: Precision-driven tasting menus, immaculate technique, and diners who value control and refinement over spontaneity.
Skip if: You want flexibility, à la carte ordering, strong vegetarian options, or a livelier, more social dining room.
Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare
8.9
A tightly choreographed counter tasting built around seafood precision and luxury ingredients, where pacing and technique are the main event. It’s at its best when you treat it like an immersive chef-led performance—minimal distractions, maximum focus on execution. Review volume is strong across platforms, reinforcing reliability despite a high price point.
Must-Try Dishes:
Uni waffle add-on, Tuna tartare taco, Foie tart with huckleberry
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Chef-led seafood tasting where precision and pacing drive the experience.
Who should go: Milestone diners chasing a serious counter tasting
When to visit: Weeknights for the calmest pacing
What to order: Tasting menu, uni waffle add-on, petit fours
Insider tip: Sit at the counter for maximum immersion and flow.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is extremely limited; plan on a nearby paid garage within a few blocks.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Jackets aren’t required, but most guests lean polished rather than casual.
Noise level: Low. Quiet, focused room where conversation is possible but subdued.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — reservation-only with fixed seating times.
Weekday lunch: Not offered — dinner service only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: No — the tasting menu is seafood-forward and not adaptable to vegetarian diets.
Vegan options: No — not suitable for vegan diners.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some accommodations may be possible with advance notice, but the menu cannot be fully reworked.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you already know each other well. The experience is long, expensive, and highly focused, with limited flexibility or casual interaction.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No. Reservations are mandatory and released in advance; walk-ins are not accepted.
Is it kid-friendly? No. This is an adults-only, multi-hour tasting designed for quiet focus, with no accommodations for children.
Best For
Better for: Diners who value precision, technique, and controlled pacing over variety or spectacle; excels as a milestone or special-occasion tasting.
Skip if: You want flexibility, à la carte options, shorter meals, or accommodations for dietary restrictions.