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Le Relais de Venise L'Entrecôte
Master Critic Review
Le Relais de Venise L'Entrecôte
7.9
This Paris-born steak-frites specialist sticks to a single formula: walnut salad to start, then thin-sliced sirloin with a herb-laden secret sauce and endless shoestring fries. In Midtown East, it functions as a comparatively affordable, no-choices date spot where the energy comes from fast-moving servers and tightly packed two-tops.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Frites with Secret Sauce, Green Salad with Walnuts, Profiteroles
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: A one-dish steak-frites bistro with set pricing and fast, French-style service steps from office towers.
Who should go: Couples wanting classic steak frites without full steakhouse prices
When to visit: Early evening right at opening to avoid lineups
What to order: Set steak frites, house Bordeaux, profiteroles for dessert
Insider tip: Arrive before peak dinner hours; they don’t really do menu customization, so focus on doneness and dessert choices.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East, especially after 5pm. Best bet is nearby paid garages within a 2–3 minute walk; no valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual; most guests lean slightly dressy for date night. Dark jeans and a nice top are perfectly acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate—lively bistro hum but still suitable for conversation across a two-top.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes depending on arrival time since they don’t take reservations.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; tables turn quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—no dedicated mains beyond salad and sides.
Vegan options: Effectively none; even salads and fries may not meet strict vegan requirements.
Gluten-free options: Steak can be accommodated without sauce; fries may share fryers, so confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want an easy, low-decision meal in a lively Parisian-style room. The single-dish format removes ordering pressure and keeps the experience relaxed and efficient.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's first come, first served. Arrive close to opening for the shortest wait; peak dinner hours build predictable lines.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who enjoy steak and fries; no children's menu and the tight seating layout isn’t ideal for strollers or very young children.
Best For
Better for: A fast, affordable steak-frites experience with consistent execution, efficient service, and a reliably lively Parisian bistro vibe.
Skip if: You want menu variety, precise steakhouse-level doneness control, or robust accommodations for vegetarian or vegan diners.