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Per Se
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Per Se
9.0
A landmark fine‑dining institution offering meticulous multi‑course tasting menus with sweeping views and refined service — a go‑to for once‑in‑a‑lifetime meals. The precision of execution and consistency night after night make it a standout even among NYC’s upper crust. Great for milestone celebrations or indulgent evenings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal nine‑course tasting menu, Vegetarian tasting menu option, Wine‑paired dessert course
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 9.4
Consistency: 9.5
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Meticulous multi‑course tasting menu with park views and stellar service.
Who should go: Gourmands celebrating something special.
When to visit: Dinner, with advance reservation (weeks ahead).
What to order: Seasonal nine‑course tasting, wine pairing, dessert.
Insider tip: Request a window seat overlooking Central Park for best experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service available for $25, limited street parking in the area, especially difficult after 6pm.
Dress code: Formal attire is recommended, business casual is acceptable but lean towards elegant.
Noise level: Low to moderate - intimate enough for conversation, though it can be a bit lively during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Expect a wait of 30-45 minutes without a reservation, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, especially during lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - a dedicated vegetarian tasting menu is available upon request.
Vegan options: Limited - a few vegan options are available, but they must be requested in advance.
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free options are available, with a separate prep area for safety.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely - Per Se offers a romantic, luxurious atmosphere, perfect for making a lasting impression. The intimate setting and exceptional service make it a memorable experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It's highly recommended to book weeks in advance due to high demand. Without a reservation, securing a table, especially on weekends, is unlikely.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly - Per Se is an upscale, fine-dining experience suited for adults. Children under 12 are not typically accommodated, but the ambiance may not appeal to younger guests.
Best For
Better for: Per Se excels in offering a luxurious, once-in-a-lifetime dining experience with world-class service and extraordinary views of Central Park. It's perfect for milestone celebrations and those seeking a high-end, curated tasting menu.
Skip if: If you're looking for a more casual or family-friendly dining experience, or if you prefer a quicker, more laid-back meal, you may want to explore other options.
Per Se
9.0
Set in Columbus Circle with sweeping city views, Per Se delivers refined tasting‑menu elegance where each course feels meticulously composed. It remains a go‑to for celebratory evenings and sophisticated dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters and pearls, Butter-poached fish, Seasonal dessert course
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Iconic tasting menu with skyline setting.
Who should go: Gourmands celebrating milestones.
When to visit: Special occasions or holiday dinners.
What to order: Oysters & pearls, butter‑poached entrée, dessert tasting.
Insider tip: Request window‑side seating for best views.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet parking available for $25, limited street parking in the area, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Upscale formal attire recommended; jackets required for men, elegant dresses for women.
Noise level: Low to moderate - the ambiance allows for intimate conversation, but some background noise from other tables is present.
Weekend wait: Expect up to 30-45 minutes wait without a reservation, especially on weekends.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, but reservations are recommended for a guaranteed spot.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - a dedicated section on the menu with multiple courses.
Vegan options: Limited - typically 2-3 options available upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes - they accommodate gluten-free diners with a separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, it's an excellent choice for a first date. The luxurious atmosphere and stunning views set a romantic tone, making it a memorable experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s highly unlikely to get a table without a reservation, especially on weekends or during peak dining hours. Always make a reservation in advance to secure a spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Per Se is not particularly kid-friendly as it focuses on fine dining. It’s more suited for adults and special occasions. Children under 12 are typically discouraged, though exceptions may be made for well-behaved kids.
Best For
Better for: Per Se excels in providing a refined, high-end dining experience with unmatched views and impeccable service. It’s the go-to spot for those celebrating a milestone or seeking a luxury dining experience.
Skip if: If you're looking for a casual meal or something more family-oriented, there are alternatives in the area that might suit you better, such as more relaxed eateries or places with a broader kid-friendly menu.
Per Se
8.9
Tasting‑menu fine dining with Central Park views — a classic for milestone celebrations. Meticulously plated French‑American courses and polished service make it a standout splurge dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters & caviar service, Butter‑poached lobster, Seasonal vegetable velouté
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Tasting‑menu artistry with skyline & park views for high‑end celebrations.
Who should go: Couples marking big occasions or fine‑dining aficionados.
When to visit: Dinner after Broadway or gallery nights.
What to order: Oysters & caviar, butter‑poached lobster, seasonal velouté.
Insider tip: Window tables facing the park deliver the best ambiance.
Per Se
9.1
Thomas Keller’s flagship in the Deutsche Bank Center delivers a serene, meticulously paced tasting-menu experience with sweeping Central Park views. The kitchen’s precision shows best in luxurious, quietly inventive French-leaning compositions that feel both classic and current.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters and Pearls, Butter-poached lobster, Coffee and doughnuts dessert
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A landmark three-star tasting menu with Keller-level technique and calm luxury.
Who should go: Fine-dining devotees celebrating something big
When to visit: Dinner for peak menu and views
What to order: Oysters and Pearls, lobster course, signature dessert finale
Insider tip: Request a Central Park–facing table when booking.
Per Se
9.0
Thomas Keller’s three-star dining room turns local and seasonal ingredients into a polished, French-technique tasting journey. Every course is calibrated for clarity and balance, with a dining pace that feels like a guided performance rather than a rush.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters and Pearls, Salmon Cornets, Coffee and Doughnuts
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 9.4
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Seasonal tasting menus built around pristine local farm and sea purveyors.
Who should go: Once-in-a-lifetime diners and serious fine-dining fans.
When to visit: Earlier seating for a calmer, more spacious feel.
What to order: Chef’s tasting menu; Oysters and Pearls; coffee and doughnuts finale.
Insider tip: Mention any produce or seafood preferences—kitchen personalizes gracefully.
Per Se
8.5
Thomas Keller’s three-star temple overlooking Columbus Circle offers one of the city’s most controlled fine-dining lunches. The tasting menu is long but impeccably paced, making it a statement choice for top-tier client entertaining. Every detail reads ‘deal-closing’ luxury.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters and Pearls, Butter-Poached Lobster, Seasonal Chef’s Tasting
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Three-star tasting menu with Keller-level precision.
Who should go: High-stakes client hosting.
When to visit: Lunch when you can commit 2+ hours.
What to order: Oysters and Pearls, lobster course, full tasting.
Insider tip: Let them know timing constraints at booking; pacing is flexible.