Craft
New York, NY 10003-1304
Phone: (212) 780-0880
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Between Park Avenue South and Broadway
- Directions:
- N, R, W, Q, L or 4,5,6 to 14th Street / Union Square
- Best of Citysearch:
- New American Restaurant 2006
- Hours:
- Sun-Thu 5:30pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11pm
Editorial Review for Craft – by Allison Austin
The Scene
There's a rough-hewn aspect to the decor, from the scruffed wood floors to the curving patchwork leather wall that swoops from the entrance to the dining area in the rear, where a civilized crowd of foodies and their dressed-up companions gather. An all-glass wine loft perched above adds drama. Service is professional and informed.
The Food
The menu is entirely a la carte and diners choose a cooking method--braising or roasting, for instance--and an ingredient, such as soft-shell crab or sweetbreads; each dish is then put in the center of the table to be shared. The kitchen's strength lies in its braised dishes, such as bone-in lamb shank and buttery ramps. Exceptionally fresh, high-quality ingredients elevate dishes like roasted hen of the wood mushrooms and a simple, innovative octopus terrine dotted with preserved lemon. Desserts are excellent, especially a near-perfect apple tarte Tatin.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoThe restaurant is often booked a month out, so reserve well in advance, or try the more casual menu at nearby Craftbar.
What to DrinkThe wine list features an extensive selection of domestic bottles and many full-flavored reds from Italy and France. One moderately priced choice is the Domaine du Vissoux gamay (2002), a smooth and drinkable wine from the Beaujolais region.
User Reviews for Craft
09/18/2008 Posted by jessjlp
My husband and I were in New York for the weekend and wanted to go someplace special for dinner. We regrettably chose Craft. The overall experience was disappointing with the exception of a couple of bright spots. The hostesses were very nice, the bar was quick, the Bloodless Mary was great and you can be happy sitting at one of Dale's tables. However, the food was mediocre at best, especially considering the ownership. Our Sucrine Salad with pickled egg was completely bland and lacking of taste. The servers tout the dishes as being "large family-style", but this is not the case. Our delicious Roasted Cauliflower side was hardly enough for 1 person & the Day Boat Diver Scallops entrée provided 3 small/ medium sized scallops. Our sirloin was cooked properly, but seemed to be a less than stellar cut of meat since it was like chewing on an old shoe. The Gratin potatoes were basically a milky liquid mess without any flavor. Throughout the meal we politely commented to our server (Elliott) about our dissatisfactions, to which he would reply "oh" or "ok, well I am sorry to hear that"! He offered nothing to accommodate us. We then advised the manager of our overall disappointment. Her solution was to deduct two $10 drinks from our bill. Again, not what we would expect from such a “fine” restaurant. We eat regularly at other comparable restaurants and have never come even close to experiencing such disappointment in the food & unwillingness of the staff to make amends. I guess the sole focus there is ambiance, not necessarily food or service. We chose to go somewhere else for dessert deciding against throwing additional money away at Craft. If you are seeking a "place to be seen" rather than a place for good food and service, then you should definitely check out Craft. However, I recommend going someplace else if you want to enjoy delicious food and great service. We recommend Veritas instead.
Pros: Cool ambience
Cons: Food and service
08/08/2008 Posted by vhg1
Hands down this is the best restaurant in New York. The food is always great. The menu is simple, to the point and delicious. The staff is alwasy welcoming and glad that you are there. Go to this restaurant often and try everything. You will find your favorites, but there is not a single thing that is bad on the menu. To end the meal, though, try the donuts for dessert. You won't be sorry! Victoria Glavin
Pros: Excellent Food
Cons: Expensive
