The only restaurant to maintain all four of The New York Times' stars for its two-decade lifespan, Le Bernardin was born from the dreams of French-born/Michelinstarred/ brother-sister duo Maguy and Gilbert Le Coze. Gourmet magazine's once-No. 10 pick on its America's Top 50 Restaurants list came from Parisian beginnings to Manhattan's Equitable Building (between 6th and 7th) in 1986. The principles of purity acquired in the Le Coze's small Brittany fishing village haven't faltered since, even after Gilbert's unexpected death brought Eric Ripert to the team. The conscientious Ripert consistently shuns a celebrity-chef media circuit in favor of Le Bernardin's kitchen, from which his impeccably prepared French seafood dishes with Asian accents - from sea urchin risotto to wild striped bass in bouillabaisse - continually win over the food world's toughest critics with depth and subtlety of flavor. Jacket required. Reservations required. Full bar. Serving lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat. Closed Sun.
Where the Locals Eat rating
Best Seafood
Top 100 Restaurant, New York City
"Le Bernardin has aged with astonishing grace ... it is a high church of reverently prepared fish."
– Frank Bruni, The New York Times, March 16, 2005
"The impeccable French service is the best in the city. The wood-paneled room is grand, but in an oddly soothing way."
—New York magazine
"Every dish is a reminder that the celebrity chef hasn't lost his edge."
—Time Out New York
"Ripert is a master in the treatment of fish and ... sauces here obtain their depth of flavor from ingredients imported from around the globe."
—Michelin New York City
How others rate Le Bernardin
Michelin Guide 2009
*** (exceptional)
The New York Times
**** (extraordinary)
Top Pick
New York magazine
***** (ethereal; almost perfect)
Critics' Pick
Zagat 2009: 28 food rating (extraordinary to perfection)
Time Out New York
Critics' Pick
James Beard Foundation
Michael Laskonis, Outstanding Pastry Chef 2007 (national)
Aldo Sohm, wine director, Outstanding Wine Service Award 2009 (national)