In an area with several French options, one of the best. Really enjoyed the Fish Stew.
Food: 5
SheLovesHerFood
I treated myself to dinner before the opera and enjoyed my meal and the service immensely! The restaurant has narrow steps leading down, so the outdoor seating area is a nice option if you have mobility issues. The tables inside are close together but I did not consider it a problem (although getting in and out can be tight). I had the chance to see what others were ordering (LOL!). The escargots and seafood crepes were delicious! When making my reservation, I mentioned that it was my birthday. The staff made sure I was taken care of. The special birthday dessert that I was not expecting was a wonderful surprise. Thanks to everyone who made my birthday dinner and trip to NYC a pleasure!
MarilynO
The seafood crepes were a disappointment due to the canned mushrooms and overcooked shrimp. The sauce was mild. The best fish at our table was the fish stew (although no clams were to be found—the gigantic mussels more than made up for it). The bread was wonderful as was the crème brûlée. Two members of our party ordered the crepes. It saw other dishes that were much more appealing later. Near Lincoln Center. Rustic French atmosphere. Visiting from out of town. Not sure we'll return in the future.
SANJ
Our dinner at La Boite en Bois was as good as we expected it to be. It is one of our favorite manhattan restaurants, and consistently delivers. We had the mushroom ravioli and endive salad as appetizers, and followed that up with the lamb stew and salmon in a honey-mustard sauce. The cocktails were perfectly made and the ambiance is so relaxing.
Polina Nagovitsyna
This is the place if you want zero privacy and to enjoy 2 other table conversations next to you! Host gave us a table at the entrance and I was freezing the entire night because the door was opening every 5 seconds. Posted pictures how close are other tables. Tables are so small that this is how my escargot was served (btw, it was not hot at all)
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 2
PolinaN
This is the place if you want zero privacy and to enjoy 2 other table conversations next to you! Host gave us a table at the entrance and I was freezing the entire night because the door was opening every 5 sec. Distance between the tables - around 7 inches (!) Tables are so small that my plate was served at the very corner of the table, almost falling from it. Never again
Jordan Dolan
There surely was a time when La Boite en Bois was known as one of the premier pre-theater eateries in the UWS, serving classic French food in a white-linen-adjacent environment. Sadly that reputation seems to have fallen by the wayside - aside from the white linen bit.Dropped in with two friends for a quick, low-key bite around 5PM to be told by the maitre'd they only had outdoor seating available. They had one occupied table at the time. We're flexible, so we sat outside - no bother aside from having to reclaim out coats from coat-check.The menu is, honestly, pricey. It is expected every French spot on the UWS serve a good soupe à l'oignon gratinée - it's surprising when they charge 19.95 for it. We ordered the specials - the beef bourguignon and the soup of the day, as well as the chicken from the menu. All classic French, done decently enough, but certainly not worth the 45 dollar price tag on the bourguignon nor the 35 dollar price tag on the chicken.Service was fine aside from the staff spilling a third of my stew onto the floor and my sleeve, and offering nothing as an apology.The environment was fine aside from the malcontent who joined us in the outdoor dining hut, who after walking into the previously abandoned but for our group shed, immediately "shushed" us as he sat alone at a 4-top.That interaction really sums up this place: self-absorbed and dated, serving French classics to people who don't know, or are unable to manage the walk to, one of the four better, more reasonably priced, French restaurants within 10 blocks.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 2
RickNY
La Boite en Bois is one of our go-to standards when attending something at Lincoln Center. This time it was up to its usual high standards... possibly even better. It is a charming little restaurant. Possibly a bit tight seating, but that sometimes makes for even more enjoyment as we always chat with the people around us. A special entree of the branzino was excellent, perhaps the best we ever had. Definitely a keeper!
nydiner
A lovely restaurant that has been around for a while. Great location especially if headed to Lincoln Center. Excellent food. But service is very lackluster with inattentive waitstaff.
EricG
We celebrated Valentine's day at La Boite en Bois. We had dined there several times before and on every occasion, everything, the food, the service and the ambience, have been very good. It is an especially cozy restaurant and we always look forward to going back.
Feels like Valentine’s here. Maybe it was the ambience or creme brulee. The seafood crepes unique and superb. For me though, it’s the simple things some times. Ok, mushroom ravioli are not simple —my favorite at La Boite. They have a wonderful wild mushroom flavor that pair with any wine. Overall, kudos to the chef and team for making it feel like Valentine’s as I fell in love with that generous mushroom appetizer. You know it’s good when you see regular locals (see photo) here. Tout le repas était une force merveilleuse.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chocolate Mousse with Creme Anglaise, Creme Brulee, Seafood Crepes in a Mushroom Sauce & Couscous
daniel johnson
Authentic. Quaint. Fantastic food. Yep. Quiet. Yep. But this is great bistro food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mimidancer
Lovely evening. Friendly, efficient service, charming ambience. A bit noisy but we had a nice table in the corner. Food was excellent- we ordered lamb stew, coq au vin, duck. All terrific. The pate hors d was perfect. Celebrating a birthday- the dessert plate was beautifully decorated. Highly recommended!
dancer
So glad I decided to bring my friend for lunch before the ballet--she loved it-- the food was served beautifully and at the right temperature-- the tables are close but not intrusive to conversations-- the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, everyone was enjoying themselves -- definitely returning and can't wait to try more of the menu
KellyH
Classic French restaurant to get an intimate meal before a show. I went here with my husband before the opera. They did not have a table available inside despite having made a reservation but the outdoor area was quiet, ambient, and comfortable/adequately heated. The food was fantastic- we had the crab cakes, seafood crepes, and escargot for an appetizer. We also split a bottle of champagne. Overall a top notch choice for a pre-show dinner!
In an area with several French options, one of the best. Really enjoyed the Fish Stew.
Food: 5
I treated myself to dinner before the opera and enjoyed my meal and the service immensely! The restaurant has narrow steps leading down, so the outdoor seating area is a nice option if you have mobility issues. The tables inside are close together but I did not consider it a problem (although getting in and out can be tight). I had the chance to see what others were ordering (LOL!). The escargots and seafood crepes were delicious! When making my reservation, I mentioned that it was my birthday. The staff made sure I was taken care of. The special birthday dessert that I was not expecting was a wonderful surprise. Thanks to everyone who made my birthday dinner and trip to NYC a pleasure!
The seafood crepes were a disappointment due to the canned mushrooms and overcooked shrimp. The sauce was mild. The best fish at our table was the fish stew (although no clams were to be found—the gigantic mussels more than made up for it). The bread was wonderful as was the crème brûlée. Two members of our party ordered the crepes. It saw other dishes that were much more appealing later. Near Lincoln Center. Rustic French atmosphere. Visiting from out of town. Not sure we'll return in the future.
Our dinner at La Boite en Bois was as good as we expected it to be. It is one of our favorite manhattan restaurants, and consistently delivers. We had the mushroom ravioli and endive salad as appetizers, and followed that up with the lamb stew and salmon in a honey-mustard sauce. The cocktails were perfectly made and the ambiance is so relaxing.
This is the place if you want zero privacy and to enjoy 2 other table conversations next to you! Host gave us a table at the entrance and I was freezing the entire night because the door was opening every 5 seconds. Posted pictures how close are other tables. Tables are so small that this is how my escargot was served (btw, it was not hot at all)
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 2
This is the place if you want zero privacy and to enjoy 2 other table conversations next to you! Host gave us a table at the entrance and I was freezing the entire night because the door was opening every 5 sec. Distance between the tables - around 7 inches (!) Tables are so small that my plate was served at the very corner of the table, almost falling from it. Never again
There surely was a time when La Boite en Bois was known as one of the premier pre-theater eateries in the UWS, serving classic French food in a white-linen-adjacent environment. Sadly that reputation seems to have fallen by the wayside - aside from the white linen bit.Dropped in with two friends for a quick, low-key bite around 5PM to be told by the maitre'd they only had outdoor seating available. They had one occupied table at the time. We're flexible, so we sat outside - no bother aside from having to reclaim out coats from coat-check.The menu is, honestly, pricey. It is expected every French spot on the UWS serve a good soupe à l'oignon gratinée - it's surprising when they charge 19.95 for it. We ordered the specials - the beef bourguignon and the soup of the day, as well as the chicken from the menu. All classic French, done decently enough, but certainly not worth the 45 dollar price tag on the bourguignon nor the 35 dollar price tag on the chicken.Service was fine aside from the staff spilling a third of my stew onto the floor and my sleeve, and offering nothing as an apology.The environment was fine aside from the malcontent who joined us in the outdoor dining hut, who after walking into the previously abandoned but for our group shed, immediately "shushed" us as he sat alone at a 4-top.That interaction really sums up this place: self-absorbed and dated, serving French classics to people who don't know, or are unable to manage the walk to, one of the four better, more reasonably priced, French restaurants within 10 blocks.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 2
La Boite en Bois is one of our go-to standards when attending something at Lincoln Center. This time it was up to its usual high standards... possibly even better. It is a charming little restaurant. Possibly a bit tight seating, but that sometimes makes for even more enjoyment as we always chat with the people around us. A special entree of the branzino was excellent, perhaps the best we ever had. Definitely a keeper!
A lovely restaurant that has been around for a while. Great location especially if headed to Lincoln Center. Excellent food. But service is very lackluster with inattentive waitstaff.
We celebrated Valentine's day at La Boite en Bois. We had dined there several times before and on every occasion, everything, the food, the service and the ambience, have been very good. It is an especially cozy restaurant and we always look forward to going back.
Restaurantji Recommends
Feels like Valentine’s here. Maybe it was the ambience or creme brulee. The seafood crepes unique and superb. For me though, it’s the simple things some times. Ok, mushroom ravioli are not simple —my favorite at La Boite. They have a wonderful wild mushroom flavor that pair with any wine. Overall, kudos to the chef and team for making it feel like Valentine’s as I fell in love with that generous mushroom appetizer. You know it’s good when you see regular locals (see photo) here. Tout le repas était une force merveilleuse.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chocolate Mousse with Creme Anglaise, Creme Brulee, Seafood Crepes in a Mushroom Sauce & Couscous
Authentic. Quaint. Fantastic food. Yep. Quiet. Yep. But this is great bistro food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lovely evening. Friendly, efficient service, charming ambience. A bit noisy but we had a nice table in the corner. Food was excellent- we ordered lamb stew, coq au vin, duck. All terrific. The pate hors d was perfect. Celebrating a birthday- the dessert plate was beautifully decorated. Highly recommended!
So glad I decided to bring my friend for lunch before the ballet--she loved it-- the food was served beautifully and at the right temperature-- the tables are close but not intrusive to conversations-- the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, everyone was enjoying themselves -- definitely returning and can't wait to try more of the menu
Classic French restaurant to get an intimate meal before a show. I went here with my husband before the opera. They did not have a table available inside despite having made a reservation but the outdoor area was quiet, ambient, and comfortable/adequately heated. The food was fantastic- we had the crab cakes, seafood crepes, and escargot for an appetizer. We also split a bottle of champagne. Overall a top notch choice for a pre-show dinner!