The Chef's Counter at FOUR

4 Spring St, Oyster Bay
(516) 624-6877

Recent Reviews

Tamara R.

So I struggle with the star rating on this one. The food- the tastes- were excellent but the experience leaves a whole lot to be desired. We had a party of 10 specifically so we could have the place to ourselves. This was a group of people that all knew each other, know food and appreciate good wine. The seating is not optimal for conversation. There is an L shaped seating table. A U shape would be MUCH more conducive to group seating. There is a way to overcome this however... the host/chef could have the attention of the group and facilitate the conversation. You are not given a menu at the beginning - they tell you you will receive one at the end. We did but by the end you forget some of the tasting notes you had on each dish. As each dish came out, there was little to no explanation. I was asking questions and the chefs were just not engaging. As a matter of fact, my group spoke afterwards about feeling as if the 2 chefs had had an argument before we entered because they appeared annoyed. With each other, with plating, with answering our questions... The host Jared was quite friendly and polite. He served the group well. Wine was requested and dispensed but again, not one explanation of where the wine came from, why it was chosen, etc. Interestingly we asked for a second bottle of a particular wine and he came back and said we'd been served the last of that bottle "but I brought you another Pinot". No reasoning as to why this was a worthy follow up or a similarly tasting wine. Nothing... With each course, we had to ask what it was. And if I asked what a particular garnish was or the preparation I was given a very evasive response. I've been to many Chef's Tasting Tables and this is obviously a comparison. While the bites were great, there was no Chef's table. The chef's barely spoke. The vessels for presentation were interesting although some were obviously chosen for the drama of the vessel not the function of the bite. Some of the standout dishes were: Dry aged beef; Wagyu; Hamachi and the Key Lime Mousse. I don't even like Key Lime Pie yet this bite was epic. Lastly, without the caviar add on, the pricing came to $490. pp including gratuity.

The most incredible dining experience ever! Highly recommend. You may be thinking well what “dining experience “ does she have to make this statement .... I have dined at some of the most highly recognized restaurants in both NYC and throughout the world. Michelin rated as well. The food was beyond my expectations and I savored every bite. Staff was like family .. they could not have been more attentive! I even forgot to grab my take home and they texted me to come back If you can grab a seat at this unique personal dining experience please do ! Can't wait to go back !

MichaelR

I cannot recommend this experience enough. The staff, food, wine, and service were all exceptional. Attention is paid to the smallest details, which is one thing that sets the good apart from the great and the great from the exceptional.

Mich R.

After going to 2 spring me and a friend on mine went here to experience the chefs table. At first I was really excited. The ambience pretty ..upon arrival I was asked if I wanted to add on wine pairing, and they also had an additional add on of caviar and truffle.My friend decided to do the winetasting, and we both wanted to add on the caviar and truffle however, we were not given the market price. Throughout the meal, we were very confused as to how many courses there were, and what would come out. The whole experience was very secretive. as the food came out, we didn't know what we were eating until it was right in front of us. Throughout the tasting, my friend, didn't eat at least three or four plates, because she doesn't eat certain items that were given. Maybe if we knew what things were beforehand, she would have told them so she could at least enjoy some food. I also noticed that the wine tasting was about a half an ounce each course. I'm not even sure which items had caviar and truffle, and how much we actually received, but it didn't seem like much. The tasting courses overall were great but nothing to write home about. at the end was severe sticker shock to seatings cost 275 each... the wine tasting was 185 and im not even sure she had a whole glass. ...the caviar was an additional 150 a person and the truffle was an additional 100 a person making the bill $1300 not including tip. We were both shocked by the sticker price.. we both left hungry and aggravated. I would have never thought that the truffle and caviar add on were separate charges but also costing more than the actual seating. I believe three or four dishes out of 12 tiny tastings had either caviar or truffle. I didn't wanna make a scene or get upset to ruin the evening, but I did call and speak to the manager the next day. He told me that they never tell anybody the price of anything because the clientele in that neighborhood get offended if you talk about price. I'm not sure what version of reality they live in. I just felt very tricked nothing was transparent everything was secretive and I will never be going here again or 2 spring as I felt it was very bad buisness .I hope someone reads this review and saves themselves close to $2000 for nothing. they are better chefs tasting like blue hill at Stone barn that are 20+ courses where you actually feel like you've eaten. This place needs to be exposed for their trickery. Save yourself, the money, not worth it at all.

Frank M.

Expensive but delicious fine dining in a nice setting with good service. Being able to watch and interact with the chefs is nice.

Karen

Every bite of our meal was absolutely delicious and the service was excellent. It is a treat to enjoy a meal in such an intimate setting (only 8 people at the counter, in total). I do wish that the chef would have interacted with us more. I would have liked the opportunity to watch him preparing each of our courses and to learn a bit about the preparation and sources. I think it would have added to the experience. We went on a weeknight with a set menu (not the chef's tasting menu). It was 5 courses for $150. There were lots of supplemental upgrades available (wine for $75, seafood platter for $105 -- +$75 for caviar, truffles for $45, shrimp scampi for 35, different steak cuts ranging from $40-$250). We got 1 seafood platter for 4 of us (even though they say it's for 2 people). It was DELICIOUS, but not sure it was really worth $105. NOTE: Each course is shared with your dining partner. That was odd to me. I thought $150 each to share was a lot. But actually, the portions were generous and there was more than enough food.

ConradC

Did somebody put perfection on my plate?! That was the exact sentiment of both my wife and myself at the end of this delectable and scrumptious, multifaceted dining experience!! Already planning to bring some of my city dwelling friends on our next visit to the Counter !

GeorgeP

This is our 3rd visit, all for special occasions and offering totally different menu experiences. This made each visit special and unique. Chef James shines in each of our events, ranging from Japanese to Mexican. Jared was courteous, friendly and professional in greeting us.

GregoryC

My wife and I went to FOUR last night for our shared birthday celebration. It is a special occasion kind of place. It turns out we were the only two patrons last evening (it seats only 10). It was an amazing experience. Every bite Chef James prepared was phenomenal and we thoroughly enjoyed his company as he engaged with us throughout, not only explaining every course, but making the night a personal and special one. Jared's champagne and wine recommendations were wonderful and his attentive service made us feel pampered. Chef Audrey came to check in with us at the end of the evening, making us feel even more like we received the full royal treatment. We can give this place no higher recommendation; it is expensive and worth it.

pamelab

Very expensive for what it is . Food was great , servers were very nice, wine pairing added 185$ a person . So not worth it! Wines were ok and you barely got a taste . It came to 1000$ a couple , just not worth that

KarlW

Loved our third visit to Four. We go for special occasions and have yet to be disappointed. The total experience sums up as being pampered. From the quality of the dishes to the attention to detail of the service and, notably, the sommeliers it all adds up to a great experience. You do have be "adventurous of palate" as almost all the dishes are going to present you with something you've never seen, or tasted, before.

Pamela B.

Food and service were good. Complete ripoff. 4 ppl with wine paring 600 a person. Very small wine pours . Still thirsty and hungry. Way over priced.

One of best restaurants I've ever been too and this is comparison to many other excellent places nationally and internationally. Just be aware that prices are at higher end of NYC prices.

Puffin

Another wonderful experience at Four. This dinner was a tasting menu focused on the tastes of Mexico. Food was creative with diverse menu of seafood, and meats, it was also fun to interact with the chefs who were willing to adapt the level of heat to each dish.

Truly great dinner. The chef has a deft hand with local seafood and produce. Langousitjne, scallop, foraged local mushrooms were standouts. Expensive but certainly not more so than a comparable experience in Manhattan, and if you live on Long Island, without the associated travel time, parking expense, etc. Service and ambiance were a pleasure - relaxed but extremely professional. We went to celebrate a special event, but could absolutely see coming back more often as the menu evolves with the seasons.

Load More