I’ve been coming to Cosme for 12 years, I’ve dined over 30 times and gave this a 5 star review for a decade. After my last two visits, the restaurant has fallen to a subpar experience not worth visiting.
The service is average and if you are a table of two, they really pack you in. You are uncomfortably close to the table next to you. However, there used to be a value proposition at Cosme, amazing food, great portions, high prices but you left full and satisfied.
The restaurant team has decided to shrink their food items while simultaneously raising prices, to leave you unsatisfied and wanting more.
The corn husk meringue has been an iconic dessert that put Cosme on the map, why after 12 years have you decided to shrink it ? It’s almost a half portion now for $23 !?
The duck carnitas have been shrunk so they are now a good starter, not a good main. $115 + tax and tip results in a $140 duck that makes about 4 large tacos. It used to make 6 large tacos and was fairly priced at $90.
This restaurant has fallen off many lists, it’s no longer a top 50 and I see why. It’s so disappointing. It’s been a great decade together. But unless they reroute this tasteless course of greed they are on, this will be the last time we dine at Cosme.
Bring back the original corn husk meringue. I’m sure at $23 your profit margins are high enough.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 2
Andrew White
I'm surprised this place gets low reviews. Food was thoroughly excellent and inventive. Spicy Marg was one of the best I've ever had. Wine list was very well put together - shout-out to having Jura on the list, the Chardonnay was excellent. Service was very professional and warm. Highly recommended.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ana María Serrano
We chose Cosme for our last night in New York and honestly wish we hadn’t. For the price we paid, we left feeling completely robbed. Our stomachs were full, yes—but we didn’t enjoy a single dish, which is something I’ve never experienced at a restaurant in this price range.
The biggest disappointment was the famous duck carnitas. Everyone talks about this dish, so we were excited to try it. But it had almost no flavour whatsoever. No matter how much sauce you added, it still tasted bland. I honestly don’t understand why it’s called “Peking duck carnitas.” There was no Peking duck flavour, no crispy skin—just soft, slightly soggy skin and tender duck meat. Yes, the meat was tender (it’s duck, after all), but it simply felt like eating flavourless protein. For a dish that is supposed to be the highlight of the restaurant, it was incredibly underwhelming.
We also ordered two other entrées, and unfortunately they were just as forgettable. Nothing stood out, nothing had depth of flavour, and nothing justified the price.
What makes it worse is that we saved this restaurant for our final night in New York thinking it would be a special meal. Instead, we left genuinely disappointed and a bit sad. Food has never made me feel sad before, especially not after spending this much money.
My honest advice: save your money. There are far better places to eat in New York where the food actually delivers flavour and value.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 3
Kate Dildy
I was so looking forward to an upscale Mexican restaurant for our anniversary. Unfortunately they pander too much to a fancy audience, take for instance the pork chop, which didn't have much flavor or make sense with the tortilla serving suggestion. The mole was unique and delicious. Service and decor were great.
Adil Sharma
Cosme delivers a refined, modern take on Mexican cuisine that stands out in New York’s dining scene. The flavors are thoughtful and layered, balancing tradition with contemporary technique in a way that feels intentional rather than flashy. Each dish is composed with precision, highlighting high-quality ingredients and bold, clean seasoning.
The atmosphere strikes that rare balance between upscale and comfortable — polished but not pretentious. Service is attentive, knowledgeable, and well-paced, adding to the overall experience without overshadowing it.
This is elevated Mexican dining done with confidence and restraint. Creative, well-executed, and memorable without trying too hard.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
David
The service was great. The atmosphere and food were good. The cocktails were pretty good and their wine was really nice.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Stu Bergen
As you would expect it is a loud NY restaurant but the food and service are good.
Food: 4
Service: 4
Darryl Chiang
Great food and cocktails--lively atmosphere
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Austin
We came here for fiancés birthday. The food was 10/10 especially the corn meringue. The wait staff and the servers were wonderful and acknowledged my finances birthday with a candle in our dessert after dinner without me having to remind them. Great attention to detail. Can’t wait to come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Husk Meringue Corn Mousse
Mel P
Food too salty, tiny portions, expensive for what you get Service was horrible - didn't bring out my appetizer which was part of a pre-fixe meal so I ate my entrée before my salad. Entrée was so tiny .... two pinky finger sized rolls covered in super salty mole sauce. Had to order another dish (octopus) because portions were too small for my 3 course pre-fixe (and this is coming from a petite lady). When I ordered the octopus they immediately brought out my dessert. When I asked her to hold my dessert until after I finished my octopus, my waitress rolled her eyes. I will not come back to this joint total waste of $ and frustrating dining experience
A complete delight, don’t miss the opportunity to come here.
I had the pleasure of coming with my wife during Restaurant Week, and everything we tried was incredible. If I go again, I would definitely order the Icelandic Arctic Char Everything Bagel Tostada, the duck enmoladas, and the hazelnut flan. The mole is unbelievable, and the flan is so enjoyable. Even the tortillas were amazing, they truly taste like authentic handmade Mexican tortillas.
The place itself is beautifully decorated, perfect for a date night or even a more formal dinner. The staff was extremely nice, Alejandra and Fidel were the best.
I truly loved this place and I’m definitely coming back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Frederick Seddon
Don't be obtuse, get the duck tacos.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marta Parke
Disrespectful staff. First time walking out of a restaurant in nyc before getting food. Do better
Kyle Bansavage
A lackluster experience, both in culinary terms and in atmosphere. Server never once asked how anything was. Prix fixe Service was rushed. I’ve had better food at Los Tacos #1. The price echelon they strive to be part of warrants better service and food.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 2
Sophia Li
We came here to celebrate a birthday and left extremely disappointed. The food was just okay — the duck carnitas were the only standout — but the service was genuinely confusing and unacceptable for a restaurant of this caliber. Plates were cleared while there was still food on them, and our cocktails were taken away with at least a third left. It felt rushed and careless the entire night. It got worse: the waitress offered to take our bouquet of flowers to put them in water, but never did. The flowers were returned dry, and then forgotten entirely — we had to make a second trip back to the restaurant to retrieve them. We also brought a birthday cake to be served at the end of the meal, and when it came out, the springform ring was still on the cake. Incredibly embarrassing, especially after being told their pastry chef would know how to handle it. We had to remove it ourselves at the table… For a place with this reputation, the service was shockingly sloppy. I would not recommend Cosme for any kind of celebration — there are far better options in NYC.
I’ve been coming to Cosme for 12 years, I’ve dined over 30 times and gave this a 5 star review for a decade. After my last two visits, the restaurant has fallen to a subpar experience not worth visiting.
The service is average and if you are a table of two, they really pack you in. You are uncomfortably close to the table next to you. However, there used to be a value proposition at Cosme, amazing food, great portions, high prices but you left full and satisfied.
The restaurant team has decided to shrink their food items while simultaneously raising prices, to leave you unsatisfied and wanting more.
The corn husk meringue has been an iconic dessert that put Cosme on the map, why after 12 years have you decided to shrink it ? It’s almost a half portion now for $23 !?
The duck carnitas have been shrunk so they are now a good starter, not a good main. $115 + tax and tip results in a $140 duck that makes about 4 large tacos. It used to make 6 large tacos and was fairly priced at $90.
This restaurant has fallen off many lists, it’s no longer a top 50 and I see why. It’s so disappointing. It’s been a great decade together. But unless they reroute this tasteless course of greed they are on, this will be the last time we dine at Cosme.
Bring back the original corn husk meringue. I’m sure at $23 your profit margins are high enough.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 2
I'm surprised this place gets low reviews.
Food was thoroughly excellent and inventive. Spicy Marg was one of the best I've ever had. Wine list was very well put together - shout-out to having Jura on the list, the Chardonnay was excellent. Service was very professional and warm.
Highly recommended.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We chose Cosme for our last night in New York and honestly wish we hadn’t. For the price we paid, we left feeling completely robbed. Our stomachs were full, yes—but we didn’t enjoy a single dish, which is something I’ve never experienced at a restaurant in this price range.
The biggest disappointment was the famous duck carnitas. Everyone talks about this dish, so we were excited to try it. But it had almost no flavour whatsoever. No matter how much sauce you added, it still tasted bland. I honestly don’t understand why it’s called “Peking duck carnitas.” There was no Peking duck flavour, no crispy skin—just soft, slightly soggy skin and tender duck meat. Yes, the meat was tender (it’s duck, after all), but it simply felt like eating flavourless protein. For a dish that is supposed to be the highlight of the restaurant, it was incredibly underwhelming.
We also ordered two other entrées, and unfortunately they were just as forgettable. Nothing stood out, nothing had depth of flavour, and nothing justified the price.
What makes it worse is that we saved this restaurant for our final night in New York thinking it would be a special meal. Instead, we left genuinely disappointed and a bit sad. Food has never made me feel sad before, especially not after spending this much money.
My honest advice: save your money. There are far better places to eat in New York where the food actually delivers flavour and value.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 3
I was so looking forward to an upscale Mexican restaurant for our anniversary. Unfortunately they pander too much to a fancy audience, take for instance the pork chop, which didn't have much flavor or make sense with the tortilla serving suggestion. The mole was unique and delicious. Service and decor were great.
Cosme delivers a refined, modern take on Mexican cuisine that stands out in New York’s dining scene. The flavors are thoughtful and layered, balancing tradition with contemporary technique in a way that feels intentional rather than flashy. Each dish is composed with precision, highlighting high-quality ingredients and bold, clean seasoning.
The atmosphere strikes that rare balance between upscale and comfortable — polished but not pretentious. Service is attentive, knowledgeable, and well-paced, adding to the overall experience without overshadowing it.
This is elevated Mexican dining done with confidence and restraint. Creative, well-executed, and memorable without trying too hard.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The service was great. The atmosphere and food were good. The cocktails were pretty good and their wine was really nice.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
As you would expect it is a loud NY restaurant but the food and service are good.
Food: 4
Service: 4
Great food and cocktails--lively atmosphere
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We came here for fiancés birthday. The food was 10/10 especially the corn meringue. The wait staff and the servers were wonderful and acknowledged my finances birthday with a candle in our dessert after dinner without me having to remind them. Great attention to detail. Can’t wait to come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Husk Meringue Corn Mousse
Food too salty, tiny portions, expensive for what you get
Service was horrible - didn't bring out my appetizer which was part of a pre-fixe meal so I ate my entrée before my salad. Entrée was so tiny .... two pinky finger sized rolls covered in super salty mole sauce. Had to order another dish (octopus) because portions were too small for my 3 course pre-fixe (and this is coming from a petite lady). When I ordered the octopus they immediately brought out my dessert. When I asked her to hold my dessert until after I finished my octopus, my waitress rolled her eyes. I will not come back to this joint total waste of $ and frustrating dining experience
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
A complete delight, don’t miss the opportunity to come here.
I had the pleasure of coming with my wife during Restaurant Week, and everything we tried was incredible. If I go again, I would definitely order the Icelandic Arctic Char Everything Bagel Tostada, the duck enmoladas, and the hazelnut flan. The mole is unbelievable, and the flan is so enjoyable. Even the tortillas were amazing, they truly taste like authentic handmade Mexican tortillas.
The place itself is beautifully decorated, perfect for a date night or even a more formal dinner. The staff was extremely nice, Alejandra and Fidel were the best.
I truly loved this place and I’m definitely coming back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Don't be obtuse, get the duck tacos.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Disrespectful staff. First time walking out of a restaurant in nyc before getting food. Do better
A lackluster experience, both in culinary terms and in atmosphere. Server never once asked how anything was. Prix fixe Service was rushed. I’ve had better food at Los Tacos #1. The price echelon they strive to be part of warrants better service and food.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 2
We came here to celebrate a birthday and left extremely disappointed. The food was just okay — the duck carnitas were the only standout — but the service was genuinely confusing and unacceptable for a restaurant of this caliber. Plates were cleared while there was still food on them, and our cocktails were taken away with at least a third left. It felt rushed and careless the entire night.
It got worse: the waitress offered to take our bouquet of flowers to put them in water, but never did. The flowers were returned dry, and then forgotten entirely — we had to make a second trip back to the restaurant to retrieve them. We also brought a birthday cake to be served at the end of the meal, and when it came out, the springform ring was still on the cake. Incredibly embarrassing, especially after being told their pastry chef would know how to handle it. We had to remove it ourselves at the table…
For a place with this reputation, the service was shockingly sloppy. I would not recommend Cosme for any kind of celebration — there are far better options in NYC.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
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