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L'Atelier De Joël Robuchon
Category: Restaurants French French [Edit]
The Four Seasons57 E 57th St
New York, NY 10022
Neighborhood: Midtown East
(212) 829-3844
- Nearest Transit:
-
59 St (4, 5, 6, 6X)
5 Av/59 St (N, Q, R)
Lexington Av/59 St (N, Q, R)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 6 pm - 10:30 pm
Fri-Sat 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Valet
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Classy, Upscale
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
151 reviews for L'Atelier De Joël Robuchon
Review Highlights
"I think I've died and gone to foie gras heaven."
(in 60 reviews)
"All of the other items on the tasting menu were superb."
(in 35 reviews)
"Crispy Langoustine Papillote, Basil Pesto."
(in 12 reviews)
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151 reviews in English
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Review from Andrew C.
Manhattan, NY
1/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Worth the visit if only for their famous "Potato Puree."
Brother flew out from CA to spend the holidays with me, went for a dinner tasting menu with wine flights. Sea urchin with a carrot mousseline infused with earl grey tea, Potato gnocchi with pumpkin veloute and black truffle, roasted maine lobster with seasonal vegetables and yellow wine emulsion, and squab stuffed with foie gras, signature potato puree, and ginger bread flavored mascarpone mousse, cranberry compote and milk ice cream. Briefly, everything as good as it sounds, with the lobster a highlight. Anyone can do buttery, fresh, good-tasting lobster--not many mastered the balance of additional flavors as L'atlier did.
Do:
-Sit at the "sushi-style" bar (sounds weird in concept, but worth the experience in witnessing the preparation and plating of your art (food))
-The famous mashed potatoes deserve their superlative; epically creamy; tried to replicate the recipe at home and it turned (no surprise) disastrous. Who am I to dare... Sorry Joel.
-Skip the novelty iPad wine list and ask the sommelier for wine recs although for the dinner I took the accompanying wine flight, which perfectly complemented each dish. They know their stuff. "I want a white with the acidity, complexity of a red." Yep, they found that. (Btw, it's highly recommended: Kistler "Les Noisetiers" Sonoma Coast, 2009.
As you'd expect, the consistently creative presentation of the dishes exemplifies the meticulous, attention-to-detail provided for all aspects of your dining experience. Great location for a upscale business lunch or place to impress that special someone. -
Review from Daniel C.
1/13/2012 8 photos
Okay, so I take that ravioli into my mouth and bursting out comes that warm sweetness of foie gras mousse.
I got there early and the waiter Adis who had our counter space could not have been more friendly. I hate stuffy restaurants and he helped make it as comfortable as possible with little fuss throwing out jokes and easy conversation. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and he let us try a few wines before settling on one. Very nice. The overall restaurant won't exude that grand space as Per Se/La Bernandin so I agree, sit at the counter for that more intimate feel while you watch the chefs use surgical tools to get your micro-flower placed just right. Seriously, 1st world problems.
The food? French with profiles of other cuisines. Being Asian, I noticed more Asian overtones such as their La Poule foie gras ravioli having ginger. The calpico sorbet part of our pre-dessert.
omg, the La Bulle De Sucre purple sugar bubble filled with violet cream, blueberry sherbet and compote, lemon jam was one of the more inventive desserts I've ever had. Looks like something that might've come out of Alinea's kitchen.
First, it had me scratching my head as to how they made this. And then we gently broke through the sugar sphere and there were more surprises inside. Definitely get this.
Oh, if you're a fan of their mash potatoes, it's 60% butter/ 40% potatoes. Yes, that ratio is correct. They should rename it 'Mashed Butter flavored with Potato' -
Review from John C.
Alexandria, VA
1/7/2012
Ever had undercooked sweetbreads? Its like mushy gross paste. I would have sent it back, but my waiter could not be found.
Bland food, slow service, super expensive. Waited 40 minutes in between courses while waiter upsold on cocktails. Chestnut soup was bland, quail was one note, and the waiter failed to mention the super hot peppers with my hanger steak, which ruined my pallet. Staff was hardly charming, and inattentive, waiting nearly 15 minutes for someone to clear my plate often
We refused desert, and they tried to save face with a complimentary mousse, but we had enough.
Save your money. -
Review from Nhi H.
Sacramento, CA
2/9/2012
Young & hip place, an alternative to the original JR restaurant. Creative dishes and fun atmosphere. Great hang out place w friends while enjoying great cuisine.
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Review from Angela K.
New York, NY
12/31/2011
Let's start out with an acknowledgement that every restaurant has a bad night, and we may have gone on one of those nights. But when you drop $500 on a meal, there are some expectations.
I'm really surprised that L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon has received two Michelin stars in the 2012 guide. In fact, now that I study the guide, it's beginning to look suspect. Lots of obvious finds, nothing imaginative, and it kind of seems like unadventurous and tired taste buds are running that guide. I want it to be about food. Good, good food.
Let's start from the beginning. The amuse bouche was quite amazing with a depth of texture and taste. "Recherche", as they say in french. I can still taste it... deep dark chocolate beginning, foam to lighten the texture, and then a satisfying not-too-salty ending. Love. We were off to a great start! My husband and I were excited to try the rest of the dishes.
The service was friendly (our waiter was very eager and sweet) but no one was knowledgeable in the food or wines. I felt that the waitstaff could use one more day of training in how to speak about the food. I asked if they could explain the difference between Kobe beef vs. Wagyu beef, and they simply said that Kobe beef is superior (they only offer Wagyu beef on the menu).
I still ordered the Wagyu beef because they said it was very tender. I was terribly disappointed. Firstly, it was cut in cubes. I think this is a mistake because you are forced to eat in chunky bites. Don't mess with meat! Beautiful meat should be left to the diner to cut as s/he likes. That way, I can cut in thinner slices instead of being forced to eat in chunky portions. The mean was dry and not perfectly seasoned. The other ingredients were way too salty.
My husband's dish, the steak tartare, was good but very standard, nothing special. The "hand cut fries" were so salty that it made everything else taste bland.
After we decided against dessert, they offered us a complimentary Mango dish. That was a very kind and appreciated gesture. As for the dish... well, I kind of feel bad critiquing something that was a gift so let's leave it at that.
Go here for the Four Seasons ambience. Go here if you want to impress your guest. Go here at least once to say that you've gone. But don't go expecting amazing mind-blowing food. Check out some of my West Village restaurant reviews to find some authentic gems.
I only wish I had chosen a more satisfying place for a special gift for my husband. :( -
Review from Chris W.
Los Angeles, CA
12/23/2011
What can I possibly say that hasn't been said before about this place? I dunno. What I do know is that we completely enjoyed ourselves and were blown away by EVERYTHING we ate. Sure ... it was about $600 for the two of us but ... damn ... I'd spend it again.
Try sitting at the counter. We were told to sit up there and were not disappointed.
Not only that our server suggested a Ken Wright pinot. Even though it was about $40/glass I went online later that night expecting to see that the bottles were at least $100 only to see that they were $30. Yes, I ordered a case. It was waiting for us by the time we made back from NYC.
This place definitely deserves three Michelin stars. We were told the only reason it didn't have them was a) no white table clothes and b) no restroom on the same floor as the restaurant. That's B.S.
Why can't L.A. have restaurants like this one???
When we go back to NYC this place is definitely on our must-go-back list.
All-in-all we were blown away. Bravo! -
Review from Kimberly F.
Manhattan, NY
12/9/2011
I've done Robouchon in Vegas for a NYE tasting dinner and it was fabulous. Was less impressed with the food at the New York location, but am a huge fan of their service.
I am still on my semi-vegetarian kick, so it was a bit challenging ordering from the menu. Ended up with 2 fish entrees (Sauteed Amadai in a Yuzu Broth with Lotus Root
Pan-Seared Sea Bass, Lemongrass Foam and Baby Leeks), Crab Meat with Avocado Cream and Tomato Powder and one other appetizer that I have completely forgotten (it was that memorable). The Sea Bass was so salty it had to be sent back to the kitchen.
Finished with a cheese plate. -
Review from Tony T.
11/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Tried the tasting menu on a Saturday night. The amuse bouche was a shot of foie gras, which was an interesting, although no less tasty, way of preparing foie gras. Started with a corn veloute with caviar and the caviar was great. The sauce was creamy and sweet, and went perfectly with the brininess of the caviar.
Next was the scallop carpaccio with sea urchin, which were slices of scallops topped with sea urchin and herbs. The scallops were sweet and the sea urchin tasted like the ocean. Again, a nice mix of sweet and savory. Third course was custard of mushroom in a parsely cappuccino. The cappuccino was green and the mushroom and parsely taste were prominent in this dish. This was followed by seared duck foie gras with muscat grapes and ginger confit. The foie gras was perfect and the grapes were very sweet.
The fish course was seared black cod with diakon and yuzu broth. The yuzu broth was a little sour to go with the buttery black cod and perfectly cooked daikon. Paid extra for the glazed Wagyu tenderloin and it was not worth it. The beef was cooked as ordered but there was nothing special about it. If the meat had been Japanese, it would have worked much better.
Desserts were both OK. There was a passion fruit cream with rum granite and coconut silk, and a chocolate cream with bitter chocolate sorbet and Oreo cookies. Not sure why Joel Robuchon is serving Oreo cookies (or why they couldn't make it themselves).
Service was wonderful and this meal was one of the better meals I have had in NYC, likely in my top 10 of fine dining establishments. -
Review from Mimi L.
11/9/2011
What can I say about this place that hasn't been said or that people don't already assume? Yes, the mashed potatoes really are the best in the world. Yes, everything else is delicious as well.
I think the one thing that surprised me (in a good way) was that it was relatively unpretentious. The lounge-and-bar feel of the restaurant lends a slight air of casualness to what could easily become a stuffy French restaurant. Don't get me wrong - I'm not saying that you can walk in wearing jeans and a t-shirt. I'm just saying that you won't feel out of place if you're not (a) French, or (b) a multimillionaire. I really liked sitting at the bar because you can interact with the servers and with other patrons, making your dining experience that much better. -
Review from Sharon T.
Los Angeles, CA
11/29/2011
They say, "Where words fail, music speaks" ...so instead of a review, perhaps Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 should play for this atelier.
To make short work of it - the kitchen runs with as much precision as a Swiss watch, the wait staff is impeccable, and the food is celestial.
I daresay the service you receive when you're perched up at the counter may be better than sitting at a table, and the experience is not to be missed. -
Review from Lauren C.
Sewell, NJ
1/7/2012
Very,very disappointed. For amazing French cuisine at the same (or lesser) cost, go to Daniel instead, I'm begging you! Don't waste your time or money (huge chunks of it) here. Sorry, Joel- I think you have lost your touch.
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Review from Jerry S.
Manhattan, NY
10/22/2011
Foie gras ravioli in warm chicken broth with herbs - personally, my favorite on the menu. The herbs in the chicken broth made the dish very light and aromatic, despite the heavy cream. There were several of raviolis served. I definitely recommend these delightful pillows for everyone who loves foie gras.
All of the other items on the tasting menu were superb. The seafood dishes were especially fantastic, and my Chardonnay glass complemented them very well. Definitely going back sometime soon! -
Review from evelyn w.
Manhattan, NY
11/20/2011
Great food . Albeit quite formal.
Special occasion treat for the fans of great French cuisine. -
Review from Joanne C.
Boston, MA
12/31/2011
It was exceptional. Exceeded my expectations. We ordered degustion (small plates) between the two of us, and ordered about 6 dishes plus a dessert.
We ordered 2 sea urchin dishes, 2 foie gras (seared foie gras and the foie gras in chicken broth), a black cod dish, and a fried shrimp. I think the foie gras dishes were the best, definitely not to miss paticularly because it's a French restaurant. The wine selections even by the glass were great, and the souffle for dessert was excellent too.
The highlight was the foie gras amuse bouche (complimentary). It was a shot of heaven for me! YUM. The palette cleanser with cactus foam and lime was a delight as well.
Service was attentive, not too much and not too little. The decor is warm, a little oriental feel, even the food has a bit of oriental hint. The foie gras in the chicken broth has the asian wonton influence, the fried shrimp and uni are also asian hints.
A fabulous experience!
The photos of the restaurant on their website are underwhelming. The actual restaurant looks much better. We sat in the seats which are comfy and intimate sofas. I heard the bar area is a lot of fun too. Obviously pricey but a perfect place for a special occasion. Thumbs up! -
Review from Won C.
New York, NY
Updated - 9/25/2011
Some observations after several more visits:
We visited the new location near L'Arc de Triomphe with our children, who are finally able to sit down for more than an hour. The boys had a blast and kept talking about the mashed potatoes (they take after their father). A few weeks later, we made a "reunion" visit to the NYC location and the kids had a great time again. There are often families with children at the earlier seatings -- they really are great with kids, even marginally behaved ones like ours.
The man himself comes every few months, and the restaurant takes on a different, more festive atmosphere for these visits. The restaurant is bustling and the staff are completely en pointe. The food is the same though -- impeccable.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/3/2008
Superb.
Sitting at the counter is an experience. The kitchen clearly operates with great precision.
I… Read more »
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Review from Grace G.
Manhattan, NY
10/26/2011
went there on a Tuesday night with clients. Love Le Porc!!! Just can't stop eating it tho it's really a giant portion for me after already having an appetizer (eggplant) and an entree (sea bass) and two pieces of bread and some wine. It's just amazing!!!
Not very into the sea bass coz the herbal they put aside the dish kinda make the taste too fresh which is weird for me.
the waiter is from Egypt and is really helpful in ordering food - that's his job but still appreciate it! -
Review from Todd S.
Miramar Beach, FL
12/23/2011
I visited in the spring along with several other great NYC restaurants for my foodie vacation. I thought that the food was ok, but certainly nothing to write home about. Maybe I just don't get the draw of mashed potatoes with 50% butter. Seriously, it is as if I just ate a stick of butter. The Quail with very good, but nothing memorable otherwise. I would not return as there are too many other restaurants that were better on this trip.
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Review from Leslie T.
New York, NY
First, I have to saw that L'Atelier De Joël Robuchon at the Four Seasons i exquisite. The atmopshere wasn't stuffy but welcoming with a serene calm.
Had a very romantic,comfortable and exquisite dinner here. The sommelier was extremely helpful and patient, and the service top-notch - attentive at all times.
I cannot recall the exact names of our dishes - there was a sea urchin gelee, a crab/seafood tapas, then the main dishes - veal cheeks, quail with foie gras, and wagyu beef rib-eye steak.
I had the quail with foie gras. It was elegantly plated, the taste rich but not overwhelming and there were soft and fluffy potatoes on the side. We also had veal cheeks and wagyu rib-eye (medium-rare, always the way to go).
The taste - unbelievably glorious. How can I even begin to describe the perfection of each dish, the artistic plating of the food and the gorgeous dishware that complemented each dish? Only with photos, only with photos. (See what I've posted).
Dessert - a chocolate torte mousse and peach champagne iced ball(?) Both beautiful, fresh tasting, flavorful and perfectly done.
The menu is seasonal.
Absolutely will return to see what's in store next season! -
Review from Mina K.
Brooklyn, NY
9/5/2011 Seated via OpenTable
Well I came here with a friend and we sat at the bar which at first seemed weird. My friend didn't really like that but once we sat there we realized that it was way cooler then the booths.
The decor and ambiance was modern and sexy. It looked more like a sushi bar which was cool. It was hip chic and pretty trendy which I thought was a bit cool for the four seasons. My male friend and I went on a week long fine dining binge and since it was the hurricane weekend and per se and danielle were closed we decided to check out l'atelier.
Greatest idea ever! Not only was it fun but the staff was amazingly knowledgeable and very hospitable as well. My friend got drunk and started knocking over glasses multiple times which was hilarious to us but we thought the staff would flip. Instead they joked around with us and smiled. Very good people!
We had the tasting menu with the wine pairing. Omfg FOIE GRAS HEAVEN!!! Amazing amazing food. Best beef I have ever had! Best white wines I ever tasted! Best deserts! Best pasta and caviar! Best alot of things. I went back to the hotel happy and full! Go there!!! -
Review from Robert Z.
Boston, MA
7/6/2011 3 Check-ins Here
L'Atelier De Joël Robuchon delivered on everything I thought it would be. The service was amazing including the host who made sure my reservation was noted that I do not drink. I merely mentioned that I didn't want to sit at a traditional "bar" situation and he must have made a notation. All the courses that were suggested by my servers afterwards were made subtly that they could make alcohol free alternatives. I thought that was an awesome touch and very respectful.
I wasn't sure about sitting at their restaurant bar for a meal but it turned out to be a great experience, especially being a single diner. You get to see the kitchen, chat with the servers and not get that alone feeling at a table for one.
My appetizer, entree and dessert were sheer perfection. Flavors were right on target and perfectly executed.
Although I was solo this trip to NYC, this would be an excellent place for a date or special celebration. The ambiance is very tranquil and relaxing. If you want a special evening of dining, splurge and enjoy! -
Review from Will C.
Los Angeles, CA
5/31/2011
I've never met a tasting menu that I didn't like. However, there are very few that I can say that I loved. Though highly recommended and highly anticipated, L'Atelier unfortunately fell into the former category.
It's not that I have anything bad to say about this restaurant. Everything -- and I mean everything -- was made to spot on perfection. Every dish was superbly thought out and assembled; every wine pairing brought out the subtle flavor profiles and added to each dish without overwhelming. They must even have someone counting out the individual caviar eggs that top the sublime langoustine carpaccio.
I cannot find one thing in which to criticize L'Atelier for not doing perfectly. Every dish was the perfect portion; you get enough to fully enjoy what you're served, yet still excited for what's to come next. If you're sitting at the counter -- which I highly recommend -- they'll even refill your wine glass infinitely if you go for the pairings. But, I still left the restaurant feeling like I wanted something more. Don't get me wrong, I was totally full when I left, but I still felt like something was lacking.
L'Atelier is like a Lexus LS430: the relentless pursuit of perfection has left it totally safe and slightly lacking in character. Each successive model has slight refinements over the one that came before. When building upon something that was near perfection already, there's only a very small envelope that one can push to get closer to perfection. I've had all these dishes before -- from other restaurants -- and they were all just as delicious. But, nothing that I had left an indelible mark nor would any of it haunt my dreams. Sometimes, you just want to get behind the wheel of an American muscle car, with all its quirks and imperfections. -
Review from Jim U.
How can one go wrong with having dinner at the Four Seasons hotel? Though, I must say that I sat down for my meal with some trepidation. The problem is that I have already been to the flagship restaurant in Las Vegas. My 3 Michelin star meal there was astoundingly good. As a result, it was not clear to me how one could replicate the feel of that experience in a chain of ateliers around the world. My fear was that the name would be used, but the techniques and diligence would suffer in the diffusion. My concern was unfounded though. Having dinner at a mere atelier makes for a superb dining experience, easily worthy of its Michelin star, if not two.
Though I reserved a table in advance, since I was alone, I was still seated at the bar. I was told that this was a good thing since it is part of the dining experience as the bar affords a direct view of the open kitchen. It was fine and all, I suppose, but I was definitely more conscious of the fact that I was eating alone with this arrangement, especially since I was seated all the way at the end of the bar next to the wall.
Looking through the menu, I was surprised there was no tasting menu. I would learn at the end of my meal, that this was an error on my part, since I missed that extra page detailing the tasting menu for the evening. Still, I wish my server would have mentioned something, since I was forced to cobble together a progression from the a la carte menu.
Dinner began with an amuse bouche served in a shot glass bedecked with a spoon at its side. At its base, foie gras mousse, topped with parmesan foam. As delicious as that sounds, it tasted even better! It came together surprisingly well and really set the tone for the dinner that would follow.
For the first course, I went with the foie gras ravioli ($30). These were exceptional! There were several of them, and a bite into any of them provided a liquid explosion of foie gras. It was unexpected and delightful. The pasta was really nicely done too. Further, the ravioli were aided considerably by the chicken and oriental herb broth and the dollop of cream in the middle of the dish. The aroma was intense and pleasing. A sound dish created by a capable hand, well worth the high price point.
For the second course, I had the caramelized quail ($52) served with potato puree, Robuchon-style of course. This was considerable fun to eat, with Frenched legs and a finger bowl rounding out the experience. It was such a joy to see quail prepared perfectly. I have pretty much avoided ordering it anymore, since it usually ends up being quite dry in less capable hands. Wonderful caramelization with abundant taste, all classically prepared. This was complemented simply enough with a hint of a fines herbes salad and a dollop of potato puree. To the side though, there was a Staub cocotte of potato puree prepared in the Robuchon way using, quite likely, more sticks of butter than actual potatoes. It was all rather decadent, really.
After a delicious and refreshing palate cleanser, I awaited my choice of dessert. Being a classically French restaurant, I obviously went with the souffle ($17). This was served grandly on slate, with the orange souffle to my left and a small bowl of straciatella to my right. A dollop of ice cream was dropped into the souffle before my eyes, making for a lovely contrast in temperatures and flavors. Elegantly done, it could not have tasted better. A wallop of flavor that proved memorable. What a lovely finish to an exquisite meal. My pairing of coffee ($10) was quite good, but the price point was a bit high for the meager offering.
And the wine. Well, there was quite the list of bottles, but dining alone, I was left looking at choices by the glass. I found an agreeable Rioja, but at $23 a glass, I only found it so pleasing.
The prices overall are really only friendly to those with expense accounts or Four Seasons regulars. I mean, it is among the best dining experiences in the city, but, it's pretty bad when having dinner at Le Bernardin would have saved me money. They are good, but not that good. While the food is sound, their service is in need of improvement for example. Strongly recommend only if money is not a key concern. Otherwise, seek out the 3-star restaurants in town or head to the flagship in Vegas.
4.5 starsListed in: Michelin Madness
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Review from Helen V.
5/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
Chef's Tasting Menu 5/28/11:
Complimentary Champagne toast at the counter
Heredia Bosconia Rioja
Foie Gras soup, port reduction, Parmesan foam
Langastino carpaccio
Scallop with ginger, cilantro, and olive oil
Pea soup with pea cappuccino
Amadai with yuzu
Hangar steak with wasabi greens, mashed potatoes and fingerling potatoes
Watermelon cream, gelatin, and mint sorbet
Chocolate Ganache, Chocolate sorbet covered with Oreo cookie crumb
Passion fruit sorbet and cream
Since everyone has already praised Joel Robuchon, I assure you that I am probably no different. I can, however, try to offer my observations which made this experience so grand.
This is probably my first $200/person dinner, but I have been to other wonderful restaurants with impeccable service as well. I expected no less from L'Atelier and even more since Joel Robuchon was named 'Chef of the Century'. All my expectations were met and my perceptions of presentation and dining were challenged and even tickled.
The plates were playful in presentation as they took different shapes throughout the meal. From your standard square and rectangular plates to a cylinder container for mashed potatoes to a sphere for passion fruit pudding, I was fascinated by these vessels for harmonious concoctions. Truly creative and amazing!
Since we had reservations at the counter, we were able to dine directly in front of the bustling kitchen. The kitchen itself is a display of art! With fresh vegetables carefully placed in vases around a small square of dedicated sous chefs, it seemed like it was a concert of chefs and we were the audience cheering them on with our 'oooohhhs and aaaahhhs' as the plates would be set before us. To me, those are the best seats in the house.
I enjoyed every moment there...I left full and happy. My belt on my dress even became undone! :P
I can't wait until my next excursion to a Robuchon restaurant! -
Review from ciprian t.
Long Island City, NY
this was a great experience, all the way from the bread to the espresso
amazing creativity in the kitchen, every bite is a piece of heaven, this is for serious gourmet foodies
the wine list is fabulous and so is the decor
everyone should eat ( at least once ) at L' Atelier -
Review from Alexandre H.
Manhattan, NY
5/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
vrai gastronomie francaise adaptee pour les americains.
Food is refine, elaborate, elegant: la classe
portions are decent and wine selection is great.
they actually have rouget, a small fish from Mediterranean sea that you can't eat often in New York.
Desserts are out of this world (and I'm not a dessert person)
service was impeccable.
too bad the four seasons hotel is a bit gloomy. -
Review from Amber J.
New York, NY
7/31/2011
My boyfriend and I came here on a Friday evening, and we were lucky enough to get seats at the bar. Personally, it really enhances the overall experience because the waiters and cooks can interact with you and explain how all the food is made. Our waiter truly made our dinner a unique experience. But let's get to the food....
The two of us shared 5 small plates and then ordered 1 entree each.
SMALL PLATES:
- Beef and Foie Gras Burgers. (If you try any of the small plates, this must be one of them. Perpare for the ultimate food-gasam.)
- Crab Meat with Avocado Cream and Tomato Powder
- Seared Foie Gras with Sautéed Peaches (melted in my mouth. It is a MUST.)
- Quail Stuffed with Foie Gras
- Sautéed Amadai (This fish is ONLY available at Joel Robochon restaurants... cooked to perfection!)
ENTREES:
- Sliced Wagyu Rib-Eye, Wasabi Spinach and Harlequin Peppers
- Dover Sole with Baby Leeks & Mussels.
Dessert:
Chocolate Ganache & Chocolate sorbet covered with Oreo cookie crumbs.
Then, they brought out complimentary tarts because it was our anniversary. (The tarts were blueberry, raspberry, lemon with GOLD LEAF! and a chocolate coconut.) This was so sweet. Our waiter even offered to take several photos and made sure they were perfect.
Overall: This might be one of my favorite French restaurants in NYC. The attention to every detail and love put into each dish really shows. I can't wait to come back. -
Review from Ray W.
Manhattan, NY
9/25/2011
Better than most restaurants in NYC. When we went on a Sunday, it was completely empty, so not sure how it is usually,...of course service was excellent.
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Review from Annie M.
I really enjoyed and loved what I had at L'Atelier De Joël Robuchon!!
It really well spent my money on such fabulous food.
Tasting menu on Jun 18, 2011.
Langoustine Carpaccio with Poppy Seeds and Caviar
Scallop Cooked in the Shell with a Spicy Chive Oil
Sugar Peas Cappuccino on Spring Onion Custard
Steamed Dover Sole with Asparagus and Lemon Emulsion
Caramelised Black Cod with Daikon and Yuzu Broth
Free-Range Caramelised Quail Stuffed with Foie Gras, Potato Purée
Le Parfum Des Îles - Passion Fruit Cream, Rum Granite, Coconut Silk
Le Tendance Chocolat - Chocolate Cream, Bitter Chocolate Sorbet and Chocolate Cream Cookies -
Review from Bill E.
4/29/2011
Obsessed detail-oriented chefs, great menu, wonderful food, and even an iPad-based wine and cocktail menu come together at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon. Nearly all of it worked. And only due to a few nitpicky things, I withheld that sacred fifth star.
The location in the Four Seasons was elegant, but not inaccessible. Loved all the fresh cut flowers all over the place. There were just two of us, and we were seated at the bar area with a view of the kitchen. If you want to see three chefs obsess and take tons of pride over the position of a rice grain on somebody's appetizer, this is the seat to have.
The food was good all around, everything was the hit. The standout for us, though, was the hangar steak -- moreso than the Wagyu beef filet dish. The enoke mushrooms on the Wagyu beef were a great example of creativity. Dessert were fun, creative, and delicious.
For people that like to try lots of things, this is a great place to do it... most of the menu is based on "small plates"... two small plate entrees + 1 main = a meal.
At times, the service was a bit awkward. Perhaps the bar location hurt that. I didn't really dig some of the wine suggestions. Again, minor things, but given the investment and expectations this place involves, minor setbacks are a bit more noticable. -
Review from Cici W.
Edgewater, MD
8/8/2011
If I could award this place10 stars, I certainly would! My husband and I just went here over the weekend to celebreate our 5th anniversary, and it was absolutely positively the meal of a lifetime!
The setting is gorgeous and very intimate, set in the Four Season's Hotel. The staff is very attentive, on point, and surprisingly down to earth. Unlike some other high-end restaraunts, we found the staff at L'
Atelier De Joel Robuchon to be quite friendly and unpretentious. Our waiter, William was fantastic!! The Sommerier was also quite insightful and helpful.
Of course, the best part of the evening was the FOOD! We decided to do the tasting menu with the wine pairing, and though I am a bit of a picky eater, they were able (and very willing) to accomodate me. Some of the dishes were beyond my culinary imagination and were absolutely amazing! My favorite dish was a potato puree that tasted so good I think I could have put it on a cupcake and eaten it like frosting!
One bite, and it's easy to see that there is a tremendous amount of creativity, ingenuity, and passion that goes into every thing that comes out of their kitchen. -
Review from David J.
11/1/2011
This place is fantasic. The second dinner I had with my gf in NY City last time we went for New year EVE. It is located in Four Season Hotel, founded from YELP which already reminds me that its high level of dinning.
FOOD: EXECELENT! Wonderful French style. We chose a set menu. 6 or 7 courses, all of them were wonderful.
PRICE: 2 Set Menu cost $750-ish. The price was really matched with the enviroment,place, etc.
SERVICE: Great. Nothing much to say about. (Except we asked the server to took a photo, which photos were all flashed or unclear LOL)
We will go back to this place if we go to NY city again next time. -
Review from Bob R.
10/10/2011
Will C has a point so well sensed and articulated. Robichon's shine through personality never is a strenghth. STILL, holy shit! OOO wow perfect uni in lobster gelee : foie gras ravioli a pointe wi deep flavored chicken broth; alperfect pasta eg.etc.
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Review from Ken L.
4/6/2011
Got the tasting menu there, which was all very very good. (The foie gras sliders we had were the best.) So were the cocktails. Even the bread there is delicious.
Wanted to mention the service though. We were walking to dinner and got caught up in a sudden thunderstorm and were drenched. The host was kind enough to grab towels and t-shirts for us to dry off in (though we didn't use the shirts) and was great about helping us along and not worrying about the reservation time. Very helpful of them. -
Review from Marlon A.
Manhattan, NY
I wanted to learn, through my taste buds, about "molecular gastronomy", a.k.a. Frankenstein food, but was given pause by the hefty "tuition fee" (about $200 per person for dinner at L'Atelier De Joël Robuchon). An overdue catch-up with a good friend provided the excuse and dining companion for a lesson (meal) neither of us will soon forget. We sat at the kitchen counter as advised by previous yelps. The iPad wine list (see photo) set the schoolboy tone and our motherly Asian server, aided by seemingly a dozen assistants, guided us on our culinary field trip. We ordered 8 small dishes and a bottle of Langhe Bianco from Italy.
I recommend the Foie Gras Burgers. I'm not a burger fan AT ALL but these are the best I've had, unseating my previous favorite burger by db Bistro Moderne (sorry Daniel!). The Crab Meat with Avocado Cream was mind blowing and, in my humble opinion, best scooped out with a hand-fashioned spoon made from the complimentary baguette-style dinner rolls. The La Caille (quail) was sensuously exquisite -- really tender and perfectly cooked. My friend liked the Sea Urchin but I didn't know what to make of the creamy science-experiment froth. The Sheep Cheese with Blackberry Jam is also worth noting.
I'm hooked. I can't wait for my next lesson. -
Review from A G.
Wellesley, MA
4/27/2011
Took a shot in the dark and called for reservations 2 days before. I snapped up a 6:15 spot.
The early seating was to our advantage - we had excellent service and our server had time to offer information about the new, young, French chef and of course, the food.
Opted for a la carte as we had specific dishes we wanted to try.
Entrees:
Crispy Langoustine Papillote, Basil Pesto
*Maine Lobster in Sherry Vinaigrette, Méli-Mélo of Vegetables, Maki-Style
Mains:
Sautéed Amadai in a Yuzu Broth and Lotus Root
Roast Hanger Steak, Sautéed Shallots, Shishito Peppers
*Free-Range Caramelised Quail Stuffed with Foie Gras, Potato Purée
Sides:
Server brought 2 extra sides of Robuchon's infamous potato puree. It's really potato-flavored butter, and it's amazing.
Palate Cleanser:
Mint-grapefruit granita/sorbet (Copied from L'Auberge Chez François?)
Dessert:
*La Sphere - Golden Bubble Filled with Champagne Sabayon, Mandarin Sorbet and Orange Supreme
Les Tartes - Selection of Traditional Tarts (uzu blueberry, hazelnut mandarian orange, lemon, can't remember the 4th)
Wine:
'03 Chateau Tour Seran Medoc, a "Joel Rubochon selection"
'07 Black Slate Porrera - I'll be looking for this Spanish treat at home.
*Must-haves - fabulous flavor and presentation
Summary:
Exquisite food and wine, presentation, attention to detail and service. Bill for 2 with tip was around $300. -
Review from Shannon E.
Manhattan, NY
4/25/2011
Just enjoyed an awesome meal and dining experience at the Paris outpost of this restaurant. Good service....patient with our terrible attempt at speaking French, dining with a child and my elderly relatives...etc, etc....and fantastic food.
One point to note is that your reservation time...is your reservation time. Period. Don't attempt to show up early (unless you definitely want to enjoy a drink at the bar first)...and don't even think about turning up late. Your seat will be gone.
Ordered the vegetable special of the day (a seasonal blanched asparagus) which was unnecessarily pricey at 55euro for 5 spears...eek! But the rest was reasonable enough, well presented and excellent tasting. We ordered a la carte, but the folks sitting next to me (it's bar-style dining) ordered the prix fix and raved about it.
I plan to visit the NYC outpost soon as I'm still dreaming about the foie gras entree and magical potatoes. -
Review from Jean-Lionel M.
Brooklyn, NY
4/25/2011
For an Easter Sunday evening, it was my best in NYC.
The hostess- Estelle, welcomed us in French with grace and professionalism since from my earlier conversation in the day with her, she knew I speak French.
Our server in training, Alam did a wonderful job in serving us by being knowledgeable about the menu and food ingredients included in each choice.
The pricing of the menu is a true reflection of the excellence of any Four Seasons hotel restaurant worldwide.
Tous mes compliments au chef Xavier Boyer et la belle equipe! -
Review from Akira O.
6/6/2011
Very suitable restaurant to kick off my birthday week and have any private celebrations. We had the tasting menu on Saturday evening. All the dishes except one were seafood. In terms of the menu I cannot really say what stood out compared to its peers like Le Bernardin but L'Atelier is a total package - grandeur and chic space in Four Seasons, polite but friendly service, beautiful people. We were seated at the bar and the wait staff made sure we were enjoying the experience throughout the dinner without being too formal or too friendly. This is a contrast to many other Michelin star restaurants and even L'Atelier in Vegas. I will definitely go back for a la carte menu next time.
Listed in: Best of the Best, Michelin Star
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Review from Corwin C.
Las Vegas, NV
10/11/2010
The tasting menu, with wine, eaten at the counter, was one of the best meals I've ever had. It was not cheap, but I didn't care - it was actually quite a bit cheaper and somewhat more enjoyable than the prix-fixe that I recently ate at Guy Savoy at the Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. At least in that comparison, it was an amazing value.
Eight courses, two desserts. They led with a pasta! This was surprising, but decadent. I suspected that the sauce was comprised of the seeds and juice of uncooked tomatoes, so I asked the server. He was impressed that I realized it, and treated us to enthusiastic and helpful descriptions of all the rest of our courses throughout the night. The service was immaculate - genuinely friendly rather than routinely polite. I would not typically mention this in a review of such a restaurant, because it's the type of service that comes standard, but this particular server truly went above and beyond what I'm used to.
All the wines were brilliant, and one dish was paired with a sake. With dessert, a sparkling red wine unlike anything I'd ever had before - not a thick and syrupy port or icewine, but light and fruity and refreshing. Nothing was heavy, and each dish was enjoyed with a "WOW!" from all three of us. Sea bass, foie-gras stuffed quail with soy-honey glaze, simply beautiful dishes all prepared perfectly, presented marvelously, and served by passionate people.
My friends and I have been raving about this tasting menu to every person we've talked to in the week since we ate here. You can't miss this. If you're nowhere near New York, check out the Las Vegas branch of this restaurant - last time I was at that location, there was a great deal on a smaller, 5-course prix-fixe menu for only $80 without wine and about $110 with wine, and it was also delicious.
Sit at the counter and watch the kitchen. If I see you sitting at a table, I am going to be disappointed in you! -
Review from Lama B.
5/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
How do I describe this Atelier? How do I find words to explain the beauty that emerges when a chef is conscientious, detail oriented, and brilliant? We came for our friend Chris' birthday, and were thrilled to finally get a chance to try it.
It was a night Joel Robuchon was in house, supervising and meeting the guests, which only added to the excitement in the air.
Once we got an idea of what the menu entailed, and got the insider tips from Chris and our gracious server, Georges and I decided to share...well everything. We ordered the fois gras burgers, the quail stuffed with fois gras, the fois gras ravioli, the uni and lobster gelee, the beef tartare and the Amadai. I will not go into a long winded description of the gustatory bliss that ensued but I think it is safe to say I have never, with the exception of Per Se, experienced such a perfect meal. Many elements of the meal, I have to admit, were even better than Per Se, for there was not a single faux pas in the preparation of any of the dishes. The seasoning was perfect, the portion sizes pristine, and the complexity of each dish was astounding. The server explained to us that each portion of each dish is weighed out individually, ensuring consistency and excellence across the board. THAT is dedication.
For dessert we tried the bourbon souffle with salted caramel ice cream and Le Tendance chocolat. I am ashamed to admit to the whole world of Yelp that this was my first experience with a souffle. I had never ventured there as I always thought they were heavy, and my misguided preconception has probably denied me many souffles that I must now make up for. Nevertheless, being my first souffle it is a shame that all others will pale in comparison. It was light and airy, yet rich and flavorful. We ended by singing happy birthday, indulging further in a perfect passionfruit creation, and were happy to leave content at this point.
Helas, the evening ended up being more perfect when we met Joel Robuchon outside of the restaurant for a picture. He turned out to be working with a good friend back in Lebanon and we discussed Beirut and all its virtues in lilting French.
An autographed picture on my fridge now commemorates this fantastic evening.
Go here. Indulge. Live a little. It's so worth it.
