Ouest
(212) 580-8700
2315 Broadway
New York,
NY
10024
40.7869
-73.978
Neighborhoods: Upper West Side, Midtown
What People Are Saying About Ouest
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
Confident, straightforward and comfortable, it's the kind of restaurant that feels like it's been around for decades. The mood is as robust as the signature two-olive martinis that typically begin meals. Red-leather banquettes and dark woods give the dining room the air of an Ivy League supper club--few restaurants in Manhattan scream louder for blue blazers and slacks.
The Food
Chef-owner Tom Valenti's food makes just as much noise; he cooks in a masculine, big-flavored, meat-and-potatoes style, rich with terrines, mustards, eggs and bitter greens. A bedrock understanding of good cooking underlies every dish: smoked duck breast is ignited by a sharp salt-and-pepper crackle and an oozing egg; juicy slabs of pork loin are wrapped in crisp bacon; perfect foie gras agnolotti is set off by oniony leeks.
User Reviews
clarknyc
April 09, 2009
Ouest is one of my favorite restaurants. It's that simple. Time after time I've enjoyed my experience at this Upper West Side standout. After several years, chef Tom Valenti continues to offer up exciting, creative and flavorful food, he has not rested on his laurels, like some New York chefs. As for service, it is just how I like it - helpful and aware, but not hovering. A favorite appetizer is the grilled baby octopus which comes with a roast tomato and caper vinaigrette. It is amazingly tender and the vinaigrette compliments it boldly without overpowering the fresh seafood. My entrée of choice is a guilty pleasure, bacon wrapped pork tenderloin with grilled pork belly, yes, triple pork! I'm sorry, wrap it in bacon and I'm there. Words to describe this decadent course - crispy, juicy, smoky goodness. Pair that with their magnificent mashed potatoes, they are special. For desert, if you have room, you might as well close your eyes and see where it lands on the menu because for the life of me, I've never had a bad one at Ouest. Maybe that's not helpful, but that's just how I feel. Ouest is certainly one of the best restaurants in New York, that makes it a rare standout in the neighborhood.
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zanewynand
July 21, 2008
I had the $28 price fix special for Sunday brunch, and both the food and the atmosphere was excellent. They start you off with a bread basket, which included scones so soft that they melt in your mouth. Very fresh, possibly baked just minutes earlier. For appetizer, I recommend the Spicy Tomato Bisque, which is incredible and addictive. It's like having your first alcoholic drink after staying sober for 10 yrs. For your entrees, go for the Sturgeon or the House Smoked Duck Breast (just google my name, Zane Wynand, and Ouest, and you can see some pictures of the dishes). All the flavors go together very nicely.
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kittykatnyc
July 05, 2008
I live in the area and have dined there twice. I give a place 2 chances. $31 for fish?!? #38 for meat!?! Really?!?! I hate having to pay for pretense. The red leather chairs don't make up for poor service and prices that are as rich as the heavy heavy sauces everything gets. I had to wait for 20 mins between appetizer and entree, and 30 mins between entree and dessert. No explanation, our waiter just kept walking by, ignoring us. Thankfully the manager modified our bill when we complained the 2nd time. But we will not be back. This place trys too hard and misses on a lot of different levels. More negative than positive time, food, service
read full reviewThe Details on Ouest
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Online Reservations, Date Spot, Group Dining, Notable Wine List, Bar Scene
Cuisine:
Notable Chef:
Tom Valenti
