It’s nice when you go into a restaurant, and you know that it’s not their first rodeo. In the case of the iconic Fouquet’s in Paris, they’ve been to rodeos in the most glamorous places in the world. The latest location in NYC somehow balances the elegance of a Parisian Grande Dame and the effortless chic of New York. This is the review.
Overview
Brasserie Fouquet’s in NYC has landed in the trendy Tribeca neighborhood, and it turns out this is exactly what was needed. In the Hotel Barriere, the addition of both the hotel and restaurant adds a unique elegance factor to Tribeca. While this isn’t new news that Fouquet’s in NYC is open, it’s not overrun with too much riff raff and has become an elevated neighborhood restaurant option.
With all this said, I’ve traveled all over the world where Fouquet’s has ten locations including Paris, Cannes, Marrakech, Switzerland and St. Barths. I’ve never run though to Fouquet’s as my go-to, but of course if I stumble upon it for an easy drink or coffee, I never object. I will say that Fouquet’s in NYC is different for me though. I think the food, atmosphere, crowd and service are tops. Although I live on the Upper West Side, Fouquet’s in NYC is one of my easy go-to’s like I’m a neighborhood local.
Atmosphere
The dining room and bar of Fouquet’s in NYC are one of the most compelling reasons to go. I would say that the atmosphere does elegance with ease, like it’s just effortless to be beautiful. I’ve found the other Fouquet’s locations to be a little too dark and heavy for my color palate and aesthetic. Even though Fouquet’s in NYC has red velvet and wood paneling throughout, they’ve lightened up the atmosphere with a mirrored and gold bar. The bright white ceiling and white light fixtures throughout are traditional yet feminine and add a lightness to the room. In other words, it sure is pretty in there.
There’s always a nice crowd and in the main dining area the bar is central to the room and the people watching is tops. Sometimes it can be a little heavy on larger attractive groups of women, but there’s generally a nice mix. This is the kind of spot that you would drop in for date night to eat at the bar, birthday dinners, large groups or dinner with another couple.
The one note of caution is that when you’re not in the main dining area, like in the room right behind the bar, you’re cut off from what makes Fouquet’s in NYC so beautiful. Instead you look at a wood-paneled wall, which I think was a major design flaw of the restaurant. So make sure you get a prime table in the main area.
Food
The food is so French it hurts. So of course the first thing you see on the menu are their caviar offerings. However while yes there is definitely butter in the dishes, you’re necessarily going to feel like the food was heavy. You can opt for dishes like the fluke carpaccio, classic crab and avocado and the lettuce heart salad to keep it clean. I also liked the salmon which did have honey butter as well as the lobster in a cognac bisque sauce, which were just rich enough. Whatever you order food wise it’s in the theme of Fouquet’s in NYC – elegant, classic and elevated.
Service
The waitstaff are in their formal bow ties, but their attitude is welcoming and at times, elegantly friendly. They are going for a vibe at Fouquet’s so these are not your hipster servers trying to break into the acting world. Instead, the waitstaff are people you feel like are doing this for a real profession. On my visits the service has been tops.
Overall: 7.7/10
I would go back here in a heartbeat.
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FAQ’s
Q: What are the hours of operations of Fouquet’s in NYC?
A: The hours of operation at Fouquet’s in NYC are as follows:
| Wednesday | 7–10:30 AM, 5–10 PM |
| Thursday | 7–10:30 AM, 5–10 PM |
| Friday | 7–10:30 AM, 5–11 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–2:30 PM, 5–11 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–2:30 PM, 5–10 PM |
| Monday | 7–10:30 AM, 5–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 7–10:30 AM, 5–10 PM |
Q: Do you need a reservation at Fouquet’s in NYC?
A: Reservations are highly recommended so you’re not waiting around, but unlike other restaurants, you don’t need to sell your soul to get one at Fouquet’s in NYC. If you plan ahead, you can get a decent dining slot on Resy.
Q: Is there a dress code for Fouquet’s in NYC?
A: There is no formal dress code, but this is an elegant restaurant. With that said if you have Downtown style anything goes here as long as you are fashionable.
