Went to get a table, no reservation... Was told no tables are available. Okay. Fine. My fault for not making a reso. Offered to sit at the bar to dine. I agreed.
Once they figured out I was an influencer, a table magically opened up next to other tables that were empty.
Horrible way to treat a customer. I hope the owner reads this and trains their staff to be better.
EDIT IN RESPONSE TO OWNER: It is clear to me that your staff have a pattern of mistreating patrons at your establishment. If they did it to someone else, and did it to me... I'd say you have a big problem with how your staff conduct themselves. I wish your messaging to me would have been more regretful and reassure me that it wouldn't happen again. But it's your business, do what you want.
My review is an accurate depiction of my experience; future guests have been warned and can decide for themselves if they want to subject themselves to horrendous service from your staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Lobster
david de lucia
Best meal of the year. Every dish was perfectly executed, balanced flavors, no frills. Smooth service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jacqueline Sheehan
As return customers, each visit continues to exceed our expectations. From the moment you walk in, the service is nothing short of impeccable: warm, personable, and genuine.
We have enjoyed almost every dish on the menu over multiple visits, and not a single bite has ever fallen short of phenomenal. This most recent experience was no exception with memorable standouts including the Madai and Zebra Tomato starters, and Black Bass main. We always find a fantastic bottle of wine from their extensive wine list and their sommelier staff is highly knowledgeable.
It’s not just a meal here—it’s a culinary experience we look forward to every single time. We’re already looking forward to our next visit!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amanda D.
Essential by Christophe was a delightful experience! The food was incredibly fresh with rich, deep flavors—I enjoyed every single course. We had the three-course prix fixe menu, and the team was very accommodating with allergies and extremely attentive throughout. Overall, a fantastic meal and wonderful service. I can’t wait to come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Andrew
so yummy food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Russell Torrisi
One of the most amazing places we've been. Every dish was exquisite. The flavors, the textures, the meat/fish choices, the bread including the gluten free selections. Christophe came out to chat with us after the meal and it was obvious he has a true passion for what he does, and it shows in how dishes are prepared. His staff was amazing, taking plenty of time to describe the ingredients and preparation that goes into each dish. Not cheap, but worth every penny. You must go when in NYC.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dave August
We’ve tried Essential 3 times now and all 3 times it was superb. The staff is beyond excellent. The food has such elegance and all 3 times we were surprised at the new and interesting ways it was plated and served. Chef Christophe came out for a chat at our table the first time and it was such a pleasure to meet him. We can’t recommend this gem more.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Scallop Dish, Le Vacherin, Zebra Tomato, Dover Sole, Scallops with Truffle, Jalapeño Mashed Potatoes
Victor Frost
Outstanding seafood prepared to perfection. Every dish was delicate, delicious, and clearly crafted with precision. The food here is truly a cut above. The staff is exceptional as well. From the sommelier to the bar team and food runners, everyone was attentive, friendly, and respectful, striking the perfect balance of professionalism and warmth.
If I had to mention one minor flaw, the air conditioning at the bar could be a little stronger. But honestly, that’s the only critique I can think of.
Highly recommend, this is a restaurant that delivers on every level.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Moojig Chimid
Excellent food and service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Frankie V
I have been to many restaurants in the area and this is one of the best. The food is clean, fresh and so tasty. I couldn’t say enough good things.
Truly exquisite. celebrated birthday on 26 june. Impressive parissiene standard cooking. This is a master chef - super fresh ingredients, sophisticated unfussy dishes. People who dine often in Paris will understand. We grieved the loss of Robuchon in NY, finally, now we have Essential. Best french restaurant in New York.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Eric Lupo
Experience- living the dream of tasting menu..delightful wonderful place Special occasion..
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Julia C
This was my first time dining at Michelin one-star restaurant. I visited with my family, and it was truly a special experience for all of us. We ordered the three-course meal, and each dish was crafted with great care and attention to detail. The lobster dish, in particular, was absolutely delicious-perfectly cooked and full of flavor. The staff were very friendly, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. The presentation was beautiful, and the service was impeccable. It was memorable evening, and I would love to come back for another special occasion.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Iryna Shoturma
5 star
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gerry W
Birthday celebration was memorable for so many reasons. Our party of 7 sat in the large round table; a bit tight for serving the large plates but we had plenty of room. And it was perfect for conversation for our early dinner. We had the 3 & 4 tasting menus; a bit of a serving challenge that staff handled effortlessly. With the amuse buche, freshly baked breads, extra birthday dessert and petits fours, it was an exquisite dining experience. Each dish was a revelation for the senses (waygu, scallops, langoustine, lobster, crab, zebra tomato, bass, vacherin, tart, etc.). While we could not have been happier or more satiated with our dinner choices, we do want to return for the full essential tasting menu. A special shout-out and thanks to essential’s maître d’hôtel, who graciously accommodated our every request, especially the round banquette table, and answered many questions - often with wonderful humor; and to our superb server, Juan David, who gave helpful guidance and menu descriptions in the most charming and mesmerizing delivery — that I could have listened to all evening. The service @essential was beyond exceptional and is what made our evening particularly memorable. We will return!
Went to get a table, no reservation... Was told no tables are available. Okay. Fine. My fault for not making a reso. Offered to sit at the bar to dine. I agreed.
Once they figured out I was an influencer, a table magically opened up next to other tables that were empty.
Horrible way to treat a customer. I hope the owner reads this and trains their staff to be better.
EDIT IN RESPONSE TO OWNER: It is clear to me that your staff have a pattern of mistreating patrons at your establishment. If they did it to someone else, and did it to me... I'd say you have a big problem with how your staff conduct themselves. I wish your messaging to me would have been more regretful and reassure me that it wouldn't happen again. But it's your business, do what you want.
My review is an accurate depiction of my experience; future guests have been warned and can decide for themselves if they want to subject themselves to horrendous service from your staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Lobster
Best meal of the year.
Every dish was perfectly executed, balanced flavors, no frills.
Smooth service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
As return customers, each visit continues to exceed our expectations. From the moment you walk in, the service is nothing short of impeccable: warm, personable, and genuine.
We have enjoyed almost every dish on the menu over multiple visits, and not a single bite has ever fallen short of phenomenal. This most recent experience was no exception with memorable standouts including the Madai and Zebra Tomato starters, and Black Bass main. We always find a fantastic bottle of wine from their extensive wine list and their sommelier staff is highly knowledgeable.
It’s not just a meal here—it’s a culinary experience we look forward to every single time. We’re already looking forward to our next visit!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Essential by Christophe was a delightful experience! The food was incredibly fresh with rich, deep flavors—I enjoyed every single course. We had the three-course prix fixe menu, and the team was very accommodating with allergies and extremely attentive throughout. Overall, a fantastic meal and wonderful service. I can’t wait to come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
so yummy food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
One of the most amazing places we've been. Every dish was exquisite. The flavors, the textures, the meat/fish choices, the bread including the gluten free selections. Christophe came out to chat with us after the meal and it was obvious he has a true passion for what he does, and it shows in how dishes are prepared. His staff was amazing, taking plenty of time to describe the ingredients and preparation that goes into each dish. Not cheap, but worth every penny. You must go when in NYC.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We’ve tried Essential 3 times now and all 3 times it was superb. The staff is beyond excellent. The food has such elegance and all 3 times we were surprised at the new and interesting ways it was plated and served. Chef Christophe came out for a chat at our table the first time and it was such a pleasure to meet him. We can’t recommend this gem more.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Scallop Dish, Le Vacherin, Zebra Tomato, Dover Sole, Scallops with Truffle, Jalapeño Mashed Potatoes
Outstanding seafood prepared to perfection. Every dish was delicate, delicious, and clearly crafted with precision. The food here is truly a cut above. The staff is exceptional as well. From the sommelier to the bar team and food runners, everyone was attentive, friendly, and respectful, striking the perfect balance of professionalism and warmth.
If I had to mention one minor flaw, the air conditioning at the bar could be a little stronger. But honestly, that’s the only critique I can think of.
Highly recommend, this is a restaurant that delivers on every level.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent food and service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I have been to many restaurants in the area and this is one of the best. The food is clean, fresh and so tasty. I couldn’t say enough good things.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Truly exquisite. celebrated birthday on 26 june. Impressive parissiene standard cooking. This is a master chef - super fresh ingredients, sophisticated unfussy dishes. People who dine often in Paris will understand. We grieved the loss of Robuchon in NY, finally, now we have Essential. Best french restaurant in New York.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Experience- living the dream of tasting menu..delightful wonderful place
Special occasion..
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This was my first time dining at Michelin one-star restaurant. I visited with my family, and it was truly a special experience for all of us. We ordered the three-course meal, and each dish was crafted with great care and attention to detail. The lobster dish, in particular, was absolutely delicious-perfectly cooked and full of flavor. The staff were very friendly, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. The presentation was beautiful, and the service was impeccable. It was memorable evening, and I would love to come back for another special occasion.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
5 star
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Birthday celebration was memorable for so many reasons. Our party of 7 sat in the large round table; a bit tight for serving the large plates but we had plenty of room. And it was perfect for conversation for our early dinner. We had the 3 & 4 tasting menus; a bit of a serving challenge that staff handled effortlessly. With the amuse buche, freshly baked breads, extra birthday dessert and petits fours, it was an exquisite dining experience. Each dish was a revelation for the senses (waygu, scallops, langoustine, lobster, crab, zebra tomato, bass, vacherin, tart, etc.). While we could not have been happier or more satiated with our dinner choices, we do want to return for the full essential tasting menu. A special shout-out and thanks to essential’s maître d’hôtel, who graciously accommodated our every request, especially the round banquette table, and answered many questions - often with wonderful humor; and to our superb server, Juan David, who gave helpful guidance and menu descriptions in the most charming and mesmerizing delivery — that I could have listened to all evening. The service @essential was beyond exceptional and is what made our evening particularly memorable. We will return!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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