Le Bernardin
New York, USA
â3 Stars
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
Maguy Le Coze and Eric Ripertâs icon has been entertaining the cityâs movers and shakers for close to 30 years and its popularity remains undimmed. Seafood restaurants have no hiding place when it comes to cooking fish or crustaceans and this kitchen always hits its marksâwhether thatâs lusciously sweet, seared langoustine in a truffled broth or golden-brown fluke with a bouillabaisse enriched with sea urchin. While seafood remains Ripert's passion, his vegetarian tasting menu makes waves with dishes like the Himalayan morel, spring pea and fava bean casserole or the warm artichoke panachĂ© with vegetable risotto and PĂ©rigord black truffle vinaigrette. Finish with purple sweet potato baba au whisky cloaked with caramelized pecan whipped cream.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
- Lounge with Onyx Bar and Mother-of-Pearl Tiles: Le Bernardinâs lounge offers a unique seating option at a curved onyx bar with mother-of-pearl tiles, a departure from the traditional dining room experience.
- City Harvest Menu with Weekly Updates: The lounge features a three-course City Harvest menu, updated weekly, where $5 from each order is donated to City Harvest, a food rescue program.
- Loaner Jackets for Dress Code Enforcement: The restaurant enforces a strict dress code (no short-sleeved shirts for men) and provides loaner jackets for guests who do not meet the requirements.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
- Tuna: Le Bernardin's tuna dishes, such as the layers of thinly pounded yellowfin tuna, showcase the restaurant's focus on fresh seafood. The tuna is often paired with luxurious ingredients like foie gras.
- Caviar: Caviar is a central ingredient, often used in dishes like the Hamachi-Osetra Caviar Tartare or the Salmon-Caviar dish, which combines Royal Osetra Caviar with slowly baked salmon. It adds a luxurious touch to the menu.
- Kampachi: Kampachi sashimi is a notable dish, served with pink peppercorn pickles and hibiscus vinaigrette, highlighting the restaurant's emphasis on fresh, high-quality fish.