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Le Bernardin
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Le Bernardin
9.3
A seafood‑focused French institution where pristine fish and shellfish are prepared with surgical precision and a global sensibility — consistently one of NYC’s most acclaimed dining spots. Locals and travelers trust it for special occasions, power lunches and refined dinners alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature yellowfin tuna with foie gras on baguette, Grilled scallops, Roasted peanut brittle with chocolate custard
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 9.4
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Three‑Michelin‑star seafood temple led by Chef Eric Ripert.
Who should go: Seafood lovers seeking luxury dining.
When to visit: Dinner for special occasions or upscale lunch weekdays.
What to order: Pounded tuna with foie gras, grilled scallops, chocolate‑custard dessert.
Insider tip: Reserve far in advance — especially for Saturday dinner; bar/lounge menu offers à la carte if tasting feels too heavy.
Le Bernardin
9.0
A globally renowned seafood temple that delivers pristine fish and shellfish in exquisitely refined preparations, favored by both critics and frequent diners alike. Locals choose it for its unwavering consistency, sophisticated ambiance, and masterful execution night after night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna Tartare, Poached Lobster, Sea Bass (seasonal)
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: World‑class seafood refined with French technique and global acclaim.
Who should go: Seafood lovers seeking top‑tier fine dining.
When to visit: Dinner for special occasions.
What to order: Tuna Tartare, Poached Lobster, seasonal Sea Bass.
Insider tip: Request a window seat for a quieter experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet parking available for $25, street parking is limited and difficult to find, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual attire is recommended; jackets for men are optional but encouraged. No sneakers or shorts.
Noise level: Moderate - the ambiance is refined, allowing for comfortable conversation, but it can get slightly lively during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Expect a wait of 30-45 minutes without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though reservations are advised.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - there are several vegetarian options, though seafood is the focus of the menu.
Vegan options: Limited - there are a couple of vegan dishes available upon request, but the menu is seafood-centric.
Gluten-free options: Yes - there are gluten-free options, and the kitchen is equipped to prepare them separately.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely - the elegant ambiance, world-class service, and intimate atmosphere make it a fantastic choice for a romantic first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? While it’s possible, it's highly unlikely to get a table without a reservation, especially on weekends. Booking ahead is highly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Le Bernardin is not primarily geared towards children. It’s best suited for adults, particularly those looking for a refined dining experience. There are no specific children's menus.
Best For
Better for: Le Bernardin excels at delivering exquisite seafood dishes with an emphasis on French techniques, making it a top choice for seafood enthusiasts seeking fine dining.
Skip if: If you're looking for a more casual atmosphere or are not particularly fond of seafood, you might want to explore other options.
Le Bernardin
9.1
Refined, seafood‑centric tasting menus make Le Bernardin one of the city’s defining fine‑dining temples. Locals and visitors alike choose it for elegant seafood served with precision and grace.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna tartare, Divers scallop with truffle, Barely cooked fish of the day
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Three‑Michelin‑starred seafood mastery at scale.
Who should go: Seafood lovers seeking luxury tasting menus.
When to visit: Dinner for special occasions or splurge nights.
What to order: Tuna tartare, scallop with truffle, seasonal fish.
Insider tip: Ask for the bar/lounge a‑la‑carte menu if tasting is too heavy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available for $15, street parking challenging after 5pm due to high traffic.
Dress code: Smart casual – no shorts, sneakers, or hats. A jacket is recommended for men.
Noise level: Low to moderate – perfect for conversation with a bit of ambient noise from other diners.
Weekend wait: 60-90 minutes without reservation, especially on weekends.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, especially if you arrive early.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - there are dedicated vegetarian options, although they are limited.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options, but the tasting menu can be adapted with advance notice.
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free options available, with a separate prep area to ensure safety.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, absolutely. The intimate ambiance, exceptional service, and refined menu make it a perfect choice for impressing someone on a special occasion.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s very difficult to get a table without a reservation, especially during peak times. It's best to book at least a few weeks in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? While not typically a family-friendly spot, Le Bernardin is open to well-behaved children. However, it’s best suited for older kids who can appreciate fine dining.
Best For
Better for: Le Bernardin excels in precision seafood and Michelin-level tasting experiences, offering a refined atmosphere that's ideal for serious food lovers.
Skip if: If you're looking for a casual dining experience or non-seafood options, consider other restaurants that offer a broader menu or more relaxed ambiance.
Le Bernardin
9.0
World‑class French seafood in an elegant, refined dining room — ideal for celebrations. Known for impeccable service and a polished tasting menu that highlights fish and shellfish with understated precision.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna and foie gras terrine, Poached lobster, Day‑boat scallop carpaccio
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 9.3
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Legendary French seafood executed with surgical precision and consistency.
Who should go: Seafood lovers seeking a refined splurge.
When to visit: Dinner for weddings or major milestones.
What to order: Tuna terrine, poached lobster, scallop carpaccio.
Insider tip: Book well in advance — bar seating sometimes opens same‑day.
Le Bernardin
9.0
Eric Ripert’s seafood icon remains a benchmark for clean flavors and elegant restraint. The three-course structure lets pristine fish shine, with subtle sauces and textures that feel effortless despite extreme technique.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barely cooked scallop with brown butter dashi, Tuna foie gras, Langoustine with truffled broth
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A long-running three-star seafood institution with flawless sourcing.
Who should go: Seafood lovers and classic fine-dining fans
When to visit: Lunch for slightly easier reservations
What to order: Scallop course, tuna foie gras, langoustine
Insider tip: Choose the chef’s tasting for best seasonal balance.
Le Bernardin
9.3
Eric Ripert’s seafood temple delivers pristine fish cookery with French technique and quiet confidence. The private dining program is polished and flexible, making it a go-to for high-stakes celebrations and corporate dinners where execution can’t wobble.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barely Cooked Salmon with Coconut Curry, Tuna Carpaccio, Langoustine in Truffled Broth
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 9.4
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Three-Michelin-star seafood precision paired with a purpose-built private dining studio.
Who should go: Milestone diners and executives who want flawless seafood.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for the full tasting experience.
What to order: Barely cooked salmon, tuna carpaccio, chef’s seafood tasting.
Insider tip: Ask about seasonal chef add-ons for private menus.
Le Bernardin
9.1
A Midtown seafood institution led by chef Eric Ripert, built around pristine fish and immaculate French technique. The lunch prix-fixe is a classic business splurge: polished, quiet, and engineered for conversation. Expect flawless service and a menu that rewards both tradition and subtle creativity.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna Carpaccio, Barely Cooked Scallops, Oysters and Pearls
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Three-Michelin-star seafood executed with near-clinical precision.
Who should go: Client lunches and seafood diehards.
When to visit: Weekday lunch for the smoothest pacing.
What to order: Tuna carpaccio, scallops, chef’s tasting.
Insider tip: Ask for the dining room prix-fixe; it’s the best way in.