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Essential by Christophe is a Michelin-starred French restaurant on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, led by Chef Christophe Bellanca. Known for refined tasting menus, seasonal ingredients, and a minimalist approach to modern French cuisine, the restaurant blends classic technique with subtle global influences. Guests can enjoy three, four, or the full-course experiences in a sleek, intimate space with an open kitchen. Recognized by the Michelin Guide, Essential offers one of NYC’s top fine dining experiences, perfect for special occasions, culinary enthusiasts, and those seeking an elegant night out in New York City.
Hours
| Friday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Sunday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Monday | 5:30–9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:30–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:30–9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5:30–9:30 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 103 W 77th St, New York, NY 10024
Phone: (646) 478-7928
Website: https://www.essentialbychristophe.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.comtripleseat.com
Photo Gallery
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Reviews
HANE Xxxx
An underrated and underdiscovered elegant restaurant with amazing service. A Well deserved Michelin star, they went out of their way to make my friend’s birthday a fabulous experience. The burger (not on a tasting menu) was top class and tasting menu was also a hit, especially caviar topped scallops. The dessert was a bit too sweet though.
… morePearl Zeng
Came here with my friend on the second day of my NY trip and it was great! From start to finish, every dish was creative and beautifully balanced in flavor. I ordered a drink that was a bit too spicy for me, and when they asked how it was, I jokingly said that I liked my friend’s better. They immediately offered to make me a new one. I didn’t take it because it was honestly fine, but I was genuinely touched by their generosity 🙂
The pacing of the dishes was just right, they gently wiped our table between each course. They were super thoughtful. I had a truly wonderful experience, and this was definitely one of the highlights of my short trip.
… moreThe pacing of the dishes was just right, they gently wiped our table between each course. They were super thoughtful. I had a truly wonderful experience, and this was definitely one of the highlights of my short trip.
Jennifer Lu
9.30.2025
i celebrated my birthday here with mom & i can say with full confidence that this is the best meal ive had this year.
comparing to other michelin french fine dining establishments, i would pick this as my top 1 for overall hospitality, food and price point. essential offers a truly unique seafood-focused menu with every course being as memorable or even better than the last. the flavor combinations are rich, perfectly well-balanced & all-around luxurious. dont underestimate the simple presentations because the taste will blow you away.
alfonso was our server—he was AMAZING! very attentive & made my night feel extra special with personal touches, check-ins throughout the meal as well as assisting me with my annoying vlog/photo sessions.
cant forget to mention that the dining room is extremely gorgeous with its warm yellow hues, flowers & intimate table settings—perfect for date night. im already looking forward to revisiting & telling all my friends about it. simply exceeded all my expectations—wont be surprised to see essential gain another star soon. thank you so much team!
… morei celebrated my birthday here with mom & i can say with full confidence that this is the best meal ive had this year.
comparing to other michelin french fine dining establishments, i would pick this as my top 1 for overall hospitality, food and price point. essential offers a truly unique seafood-focused menu with every course being as memorable or even better than the last. the flavor combinations are rich, perfectly well-balanced & all-around luxurious. dont underestimate the simple presentations because the taste will blow you away.
alfonso was our server—he was AMAZING! very attentive & made my night feel extra special with personal touches, check-ins throughout the meal as well as assisting me with my annoying vlog/photo sessions.
cant forget to mention that the dining room is extremely gorgeous with its warm yellow hues, flowers & intimate table settings—perfect for date night. im already looking forward to revisiting & telling all my friends about it. simply exceeded all my expectations—wont be surprised to see essential gain another star soon. thank you so much team!
David L.
Very much enjoyed this meal. Pro tip is that you can order à la carte if you sit at the bar, great if you want to keep it more casual than the formal dining room. The must gets are the lobster pasta and the burger — the Wagyu steak was great, but didn’t stand out versus other versions of it I’ve had. The desserts also stood out and were probably my favorite part of the meal.
Service was great at the bar. can’t speak to the dining room, but I’m sure excellent as well.
Value for money was excellent, we spent about $180 post tax & tip for two people. Also, we’re were given a couple small complementary bites.
… moreService was great at the bar. can’t speak to the dining room, but I’m sure excellent as well.
Value for money was excellent, we spent about $180 post tax & tip for two people. Also, we’re were given a couple small complementary bites.
한누리
Aside from the desserts, every course was phenomenal. Textbook level of cooking for the perfect temp/texture on the main ingredient highlighting its natural flavor, which is then flawlessly balanced and enhanced by all the other components. Loved the progression/composition of the tasting menu as well. Definitely one of the most memorable dining experiences in recent years. To me this is a minimum 2 stars in nyc. At $255pp right now, I’d go as often as I can before they receive additional recognition and the prices increase.
Wine list definitely overpriced but they offer corkage service at $95/bottle which is fair
… moreWine list definitely overpriced but they offer corkage service at $95/bottle which is fair
Shaun Crimmins
Essential is restraint as a flex.
Christophe’s cooking is quiet, precise, and deeply confident. Nothing here is trying to impress you. It simply does.
The meal unfolds with intention. Bread with real character. Foie gras that’s clean and balanced, never heavy. Shellfish treated with respect — sweet, briny, exact. The scallop with caviar is a standout in its simplicity: perfect cook, pristine product, zero excess. Fish courses lean on texture and sauce rather than unnecessary technique.
The main course is classic French luxury, executed without drama. Deep flavor, impeccable sauce work, and portions that honor the tasting format without feeling precious.
Desserts follow the same philosophy: focused, restrained, and flavor-forward. You leave satisfied, not weighed down.
Service is polished but human. No stiffness, no lectures. The room mirrors the menu — calm, refined, and quietly confident.
Bottom line:
Essential isn’t chasing trends or Instagram moments. It’s classic French technique filtered through modern restraint. A serious restaurant for people who actually care about food, not theater.
This is the kind of place you think about days later — because it didn’t shout.
… moreChristophe’s cooking is quiet, precise, and deeply confident. Nothing here is trying to impress you. It simply does.
The meal unfolds with intention. Bread with real character. Foie gras that’s clean and balanced, never heavy. Shellfish treated with respect — sweet, briny, exact. The scallop with caviar is a standout in its simplicity: perfect cook, pristine product, zero excess. Fish courses lean on texture and sauce rather than unnecessary technique.
The main course is classic French luxury, executed without drama. Deep flavor, impeccable sauce work, and portions that honor the tasting format without feeling precious.
Desserts follow the same philosophy: focused, restrained, and flavor-forward. You leave satisfied, not weighed down.
Service is polished but human. No stiffness, no lectures. The room mirrors the menu — calm, refined, and quietly confident.
Bottom line:
Essential isn’t chasing trends or Instagram moments. It’s classic French technique filtered through modern restraint. A serious restaurant for people who actually care about food, not theater.
This is the kind of place you think about days later — because it didn’t shout.
QIAN MAO
Had a wonderful birthday dinner at Essential by Christophe. The flavors were amazing and every dish was beautifully balanced. The service was attentive and thoughtful throughout the evening. I’m very happy I chose to celebrate my birthday here!
… moreRussell Torrisi
One of the most amazing places we’ve been. Every dish was exquisite. The flavors, the textures, the meat/fish choices, the bread including the gluten free selections. Christophe came out to chat with us after the meal and it was obvious he has a true passion for what he does, and it shows in how dishes are prepared. His staff was amazing, taking plenty of time to describe the ingredients and preparation that goes into each dish. Not cheap, but worth every penny. You must go when in NYC.
… moreMatt
I am a little reticent (selfishly) to write the glowing review this restaurant deserves, purely because I want to keep it a secret all for myself! I know it’s maintained a loyal customer base since opening, but I can’t express how nice it is to be able to still walk in and grab a spot at the bar most nights here. Most restaurants of this caliber that is not the case. This one just hits all the marks. My partner and I say it’s one of our favorite, if not our very favorite, restaurant in all of New York. The food, ambience, service all are of course 5 stars. Beyond those though there are many little intangible things about this place that really just push it into another realm. It’s truly special. It’s a true privilege to dine here and be treated by this staff. We will keep coming back.
… moreDave August
We’ve tried Essential 3 times now and all 3 times it was superb. The staff is beyond excellent. The food has such elegance and all 3 times we were surprised at the new and interesting ways it was plated and served. Chef Christophe came out for a chat at our table the first time and it was such a pleasure to meet him. We can’t recommend this gem more.
… more