ZipPicks Awards
Best Michelin Star Restaurants in Lower East Side
Best Chef's Table Restaurants in Lower East Side
Best Farm to Table Restaurants in Lower East Side
Best Tasting Menus in Lower East Side
Master Critic Review
63 Clinton
8.8
63 Clinton is an intimate tasting menu restaurant where chef Samuel Clonts channels fine-dining technique into a tightly choreographed progression of seasonal plates. The space feels low-key and neighborhood-facing, but the cooking and wine service land firmly in special-occasion territory.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast taco with optional uni, Caviar hand roll, Arroz de mariscos with langoustine
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A Michelin-starred, chef-led tasting menu that feels refined yet unpretentious.
Who should go: Dinosaurs of fine dining who love intimate tasting rooms.
When to visit: Prime dinner seatings or later midweek reservations.
What to order: Trust the set menu; add caviar hand roll and uni taco.
Insider tip: Ask for a counter or bar seat if you enjoy watching the kitchen at work.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Clinton Street; expect metered spots to be scarce after 6pm. No valet or dedicated lot—rideshare is strongly recommended.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale. Dark denim is fine, but most diners opt for elevated pieces given the tasting-menu format.
Noise level: Low to moderate. The small room and controlled pacing make it easy to hold intimate conversations.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-ins are rarely seated. Without one, expect to be turned away.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service is offered.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Vegetarian accommodations are available with advance notice; the team can adjust the tasting progression.
Vegan options: Very limited—vegan requests may not be accommodated due to the menu’s reliance on dairy, seafood, and refined sauces.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free adjustments are possible with notice, though certain dishes may be replaced to preserve menu flow.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its intimate size, thoughtful pacing, and polished service create an ideal environment for meaningful conversation without formality overpowering the mood.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. As a Michelin-starred tasting room with limited seating, reservations book out early, and walk-ins are rarely taken. Check for last-minute cancellations on weeknights.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. The multi-course tasting menu, slow pacing, and quiet room are better suited for adults or teens experienced with fine dining.
Best For
Better for: Refined tasting menus in an intimate, neighborhood-scale setting—perfect for diners who want Michelin-level cooking without the theatrics or stiffness of larger fine-dining rooms.
Consider Alternatives If: You prefer à la carte flexibility, have strict vegan requirements, or want a lively, high-energy dining room.