Essential by Christophe

An underrated and underdiscovered elegant restaurant with amazing service. A Well deserved Michelin star, they went out of their way to make my friend's birthday a fabulous experience. The burger (not on a tasting menu) was top class and tasting menu was also a hit, especially caviar topped scallops. The dessert was a bit too sweet though.

Came here with my friend on the second day of my NY trip and it was great! From start to finish, every dish was creative and beautifully balanced in flavor. I ordered a drink that was a bit too spicy for me, and when they asked how it was, I jokingly said that I liked my friend’s better. They immediately offered to make me a new one. I didn’t take it because it was honestly fine, but I was genuinely touched by their generosity :) The pacing of the dishes was just right, they gently wiped our table between each course. They were super thoughtful. I had a truly wonderful experience, and this was definitely one of the highlights of my short trip.

9.30.2025 i celebrated my birthday here with mom & i can say with full confidence that this is the best meal ive had this year. comparing to other michelin french fine dining establishments, i would pick this as my top 1 for overall hospitality, food and price point. essential offers a truly unique seafood-focused menu with every course being as memorable or even better than the last. the flavor combinations are rich, perfectly well-balanced & all-around luxurious. dont underestimate the simple presentations because the taste will blow you away. alfonso was our server—he was AMAZING! very attentive & made my night feel extra special with personal touches, check-ins throughout the meal as well as assisting me with my annoying vlog/photo sessions. cant forget to mention that the dining r

Absolutely Exceptional Dining Experience We had the most incredible experience at Essential by Christophe. We were there celebrating the newlyweds, and choosing the Chef’s Room truly made the evening unforgettable. The level of service was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, every single staff member made us feel welcomed, comfortable, and genuinely cared for. They anticipated what we needed before we even asked and made sure every guest had exactly what they wanted. The food was outstanding. The Wagyu beef cap was melt-in-your-mouth perfection, the scallop was a clear highlight, and the mushroom cappuccino was one of the most unique and delicious dishes. Every course was beautifully executed and thoughtfully balanced. If you’re looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion or

Very much enjoyed this meal. Pro tip is that you can order à la carte if you sit at the bar, great if you want to keep it more casual than the formal dining room. The must gets are the lobster pasta and the burger — the Wagyu steak was great, but didn’t stand out versus other versions of it I’ve had. The desserts also stood out and were probably my favorite part of the meal. Service was great at the bar. can’t speak to the dining room, but I’m sure excellent as well. Value for money was excellent, we spent about $180 post tax & tip for two people. Also, we’re were given a couple small complementary bites.