Essential by Christophe التقييمات

From start to finish, the experience was flawless. Alphonse provided impeccable service, attentive and personable, while GM David Gagnon, truly orchestrated the perfect evening. His warmth, professionalism, and genuine passion for hospitality were evident in every interaction—anticipating our needs before we even voiced them. He set the tone for an exceptional dining experience. Later in the night, Christophe himself graciously introduced himself, a testament to the care and dedication behind every dish. The food was nothing short of extraordinary, and the atmosphere struck the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. A must-visit!

Can't wait to try the burger at the bar.

The bill was reasonable the first time I went there with two friends—about $40 per person. However, the second time I went with just one friend, we ordered the same amount of food, but I was charged $390. It was ridiculous! This place is a huge scam. Don't go. To be honest, their food is not worth the money at all.

Perfection. Elegant but not snooty service & decor & crowd. The execution & delivery of the courses was impeccable, and the wine flight was creative & matched without flaw. Loved everything; thanks Alfonso! And ugh, the butter. Sauces, bread course, every other way they did perfect French buttery goodness…we’re still smiling. Thanks for a great evening. We’ll return to sit at the bar & try the burger!

I chose this Michelin-starred restaurant to celebrate my brother’s birthday. Beyond the extraordinary cuisine, the attention to detail, the seamless harmony of the ambiance, and the impeccable service made the evening nothing short of exceptional. Every dish was a masterpiece, executed with brilliance. I find myself at a loss for words to fully capture the experience.

We had the pleasure of meeting Chef Christophe, whose kindness and welcoming presence made our dinner even more special.

I look forward to returning to Essential by Christophe and would highly recommend!

Loved it at the bar. The simplest thing made special. Who serves a half a burger and chips on a horizontal plate with a creamy dipping sauce for the fries? And very special sense. The dining room is several cuts above.

Christophe’s Essentials was the hottest haunt on the Upper East Side—effortlessly chic, unmistakably New York, and irresistibly French. Perfection in every bite.

I loved his philosophy: strip away the excess, focus on the essentials. The spotlight was on seafood, with each dish honoring the integrity of its ingredients. The creativity, paired with masterful finesse, elevated the dining experience to something extraordinary.

It wasn’t just a meal; it was an artful performance. A feast for the eyes, a symphony for the senses, and an indulgent journey for the palate. And the finale? A dark chocolate masterpiece that lingered like a beautiful memory.

Christophe is a star in New York’s culinary scene—an artist in his own right. I highly recommend this experience.

Top 3 restaurants in NYC right now, easily. From the food, to the ambience, to the service, everything is perfect every time. Recently, I had a very important guest in town and David went out of his way to make our evening even more special. Thank you to all the staff that make this restaurant so wonderful, with special thanks to Hector and Flannery. I will continue to spread the word and come back as soon as I am able.

Truly amazing. Interior space is well designed and food is some of the best in the city. Wine pairing is a must!

Had a beautiful valentine’s dinner at Essential. David and the rest of the staff were wonderful. The attention to detail, both in the food and the experience, was outstanding. Every course was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. Cannot recommend it enough!

10/10 tasting menu, black bass and appetizers were amazing

I’ll be honest—I went bracing myself for the dreaded Michelin stiffness. You know, the kind where the service is either robotic or aggressively warm, the atmosphere so hushed you’re afraid to cough, and the whole thing feels more like a performance than a meal. But this place? It completely shattered those expectations.

Yes, it’s high-end, but it doesn’t smother you in formality. The design is modern and elegant, with warm beige tones that feel inviting rather than sterile. Noise levels are perfect—you can actually have a conversation without shouting, but it’s lively enough that you don’t feel like you’re dining in a church. And the best part? People aren’t sitting around in stiff suits looking miserable. You’ll see diners in polos, jeans, and nice shoes, which makes the experience feel effortlessly cool rather than pretentious.

Now, let’s talk about the food—because wow. Every course was a knockout. The plates are small, sure, but you get options (3, 4, or 7 courses), and the quality-to-price ratio is way better than other so-called fine dining spots that don’t even come close to this level of execution.

They kick things off with bread, and not just any bread—perfectly baked, crusty sourdough that’s so good you don’t even need butter (but trust me, use theirs, it’s worth it). Then comes the amuse-bouche: a mushroom cappuccino with a sweet potato custard that just melts in your mouth. If it had been twice the size, I still would have wanted more.

First course? I went with the tuna, and let me tell you, whoever is in charge of acidity here knows what they’re doing. Finding a raw dish with seasoning this spot-on is rare. Then came the langoustine—perfectly cooked, bathed in a sauce so good I genuinely considered licking the plate (I didn’t, but it was a close call). The lobster? Another win. The black pepper and coconut sauce actually delivers on the pepper part—a rarity in the world of “au poivre” anything.

Dessert sealed the deal. The chocolate tart is everything a chocolate dessert should be—rich but not cloying, with a deep bitterness that makes you want a second slice instead of regretting the first. And if you’re feeling adventurous, the L’Ardéchois (chestnut, rum, pear) is a knockout—it’s got a punch, but in the best way. They finish the night with a few petit fours because, of course, they do, and yes, they’re also great.

Service? Impeccable. The staff actually looked happy to be there (a small miracle in fine dining), and our server, Michael, was the perfect balance of warm, attentive, and never intrusive.

This place is a gem. A Michelin-starred spot that doesn’t feel like a museum exhibit. A high-end restaurant that actually makes you want to come back. And now that I’ve told you about it, I just hope I can still get a reservation.

Fabulous new discovery for me on the UWS (thank you Bill Ackman for recommending). Such a warm, inviting, and elegant spot (and altho music was being played, the sound level was optimal for conversation). Since I was solo dining, I opted for bar seating and it was perfect. Food is fantastic. The chicken dish is amazing. I ordered a la carte but other diners around me ordered the set menu which looked great also. I will definitely be back.

love the lobster and shrimps here