Les Enfants Terribles

The Scene – This worldly little bistro, filled with palm fronds, primitive masks and sand-colored leather banquettes, is an oasis of cool in an otherwise culture-deprived block, where the LES meets Chinatown. Creative cocktails alone are worth the trek: Patrons sip them around the circular bar, and spill them when squeezed into wood tables. But even at its busiest, casual service is swift and friendly. – – The Food – The mid-priced French colonial cuisine arrives via the Cote d'Ivoire. Goat cheese toasts with fruity frisee, and rich lobster bisque are crowd-pleasers,…

Read full featured review

Editor's Tips

What to Drink:: The gregarious bartender mixes chic, fairly priced ($7) cocktails--the Maracana, made with crushed, fresh grapes is a fave--until 4am.
Where to Sit:: If you're planning a meal with five or more friends, ask for the table in the nook at the rear of the room.
The Extras:: Still hungry but craving something sweet? Try their coconut soup savored with fresh mango pieces and sesame seeds.

Write a Review

User Reviews (32)

ambiance	92.8600025177002% positive	“This place has a great ambiance, but unfortunately, the dinner just isn't good, especially for the price they're charging.” “the food is delicious and the atmosphere is adorable.” “Good atmosphere, good food **TERRIBLY RUDE AUSSIE OWNER” “Service was excellent and the atmosphere quite comfortable.” “now go only for the occasional cocktail which is still fun.” “The atmosphere was fun, not full of hipsters but not old, and the staff was great!” “have been to many "new and eclectic" places in NY and I have to admit this is in line with places like Esperanto, BAO, Casimire and Paladar (etc.) If you like an energetic atmosphere in addition to a possitive crowd and funky-gormet (meaning traditional”
dessert	100.0% positive	“We had just ordered another drink, when the owner came up to us and asked if we planned to order any more food or dessert and we said that we just wanted to enjoy one last drink after our meal.”
drinks	78.5699987411499% positive	“It can use some improvement, however , there are some pretty good wines there.” “Depite not being able to find a host to tell that we were there for our reservation, the wait to get the bartender's attention for drinks, and the really odd part of the LES (this was the only thing open within sight), the crowd was friendly, the small st” “We had a nice bottle of rose wine with dinner.” “What was a simple matter of opening a new bottle and pouring replacements became the perfect opportunity for the bartender to scold the stupid American for ordering the wrong wine or whatever he was muttering under his breath and then, UGH!” “Horrible service horrible wine” “We had just ordered another drink, when the owner came up to us and asked if we planned to order any more food or dessert and we said that we just wanted to enjoy one last drink after our meal.” “Not the place to go if you are looking for a great alcohol mixed drink but they did have their own house special drinks if you've tried them all and are in search of something new.”
food quality	86.66999816894531% positive	“Depite not being able to find a host to tell that we were there for our reservation, the wait to get the bartender's attention for drinks, and the really odd part of the LES (this was the only thing open within sight), the crowd was friendly, the small st” “While the food was actually good, it was not worth the uncomfortable wait and substandard service.” “The food was surprisingly delicious.” “oh, by the way, the food is mediocre at best.” “Scallops on a sweet bed of corn were really delicious.” “Once seated, I got an amazing pureed carrot and ginger soup, my sister had their nice house salad.” “have been to many "new and eclectic" places in NY and I have to admit this is in line with places like Esperanto, BAO, Casimire and Paladar (etc.) If you like an energetic atmosphere in addition to a possitive crowd and funky-gormet (meaning traditional” “My guest had the impossible to pronounce steak - we both thought it passed as a good steak.” “We shared the Koroghofefemugu which was a nice pc of steak.” “The food is delicious and it's just wonderful.” “I'm surprised by the bad reviews, both the food and the service were great.” “We had just ordered another drink, when the owner came up to us and asked if we planned to order any more food or dessert and we said that we just wanted to enjoy one last drink after our meal.” “Good atmosphere, good food **TERRIBLY RUDE AUSSIE OWNER” “My favorite was the leg of lamb- an amazing and subtle mix of buttery french cooking with more balanced, slightly bitter african spices.” “the food is delicious and the atmosphere is adorable.” “The food was excellent, but it wasn't worth the lack of intimacy and uncomfortably close quarters.” “The casssava fries were just incredible.” “terrible service, sub par food” “The entrees were equally as good (except the steak which was good but not exceptional).” “Just as a lot of the comments below indicated, the food was good (not great), but we were treated absolutely horribly.”
menu variety	100.0% positive	“They had a great prix fixe menu which included half a bottle of Veuve Cliquot.” “The djs play a fine selection of international dance music and the waiters are friendly and never pushy.”
return potential	100.0% positive	“Depite not being able to find a host to tell that we were there for our reservation, the wait to get the bartender's attention for drinks, and the really odd part of the LES (this was the only thing open within sight), the crowd was friendly, the small st”
service	47.10000038146973% positive	“Our server (who may have been a host or a manager) was friendly and efficient.” “used to enjoy brunch but have had too many bad experiences with the service being slow to practically non-existent.” “While the food was actually good, it was not worth the uncomfortable wait and substandard service.” “After two hours, the rather obnoxious and self-righteous manager came over to let us know that there had been some sort of "mix-up" with our order, and it would be up in five minutes.” “The djs play a fine selection of international dance music and the waiters are friendly and never pushy.” “The atmosphere was fun, not full of hipsters but not old, and the staff was great!” “BTW, look closely at some of the good comments below--they sure look like shills from staff or friends, not like real citysearch comments.” “The service can be a little slow, but it's warm and friendly.” “Believe me - if you're a new yorker, you will enjoy the tight, crowded, friendly and crazy space.” “The terribly rude Assie owner of this restaurant ruined an otherwise pleasant experience.” “If the service was a more attentive, this place would be a must.” “LONG wait and poor service” “Depite not being able to find a host to tell that we were there for our reservation, the wait to get the bartender's attention for drinks, and the really odd part of the LES (this was the only thing open within sight), the crowd was friendly, the small st” “terrible service, sub par food” “I'm surprised by the bad reviews, both the food and the service were great.” “had been to this restaurant several times in the past, and while its flaky service used to be charming, they have taken bad service to a new low.” “My friends and I were literally astounded at the rude tone she had with us.” “The bartender there on a slow rainy Saturday night was a miserable S.O.B.” “Our waitress was good, so we didn't penalize her with a bad tip.” “the worst service from a waitress that i have ever had.” “We made a reservation and waited 30 minutes to be seated and the staff was really rude to us!” “Horrible service horrible wine” “What was a simple matter of opening a new bottle and pouring replacements became the perfect opportunity for the bartender to scold the stupid American for ordering the wrong wine or whatever he was muttering under his breath and then, UGH!”
value	76.66999816894531% positive	“The food was excellent, but it wasn't worth the lack of intimacy and uncomfortably close quarters.” “Finally, if you don't want to waste a nice evening, definitely don't go there and don't foraget that in NY you have a huge choice of nice places.” “Everything was superb (especially for the prices).” “While the food was actually good, it was not worth the uncomfortable wait and substandard service.” “This place has a great ambiance, but unfortunately, the dinner just isn't good, especially for the price they're charging.”
wait time	10.0% positive	“used to enjoy brunch but have had too many bad experiences with the service being slow to practically non-existent.” “After two hours, the rather obnoxious and self-righteous manager came over to let us know that there had been some sort of "mix-up" with our order, and it would be up in five minutes.” “The service can be a little slow, but it's warm and friendly.” “We made a reservation and waited 30 minutes to be seated and the staff was really rude to us!” “The bartender there on a slow rainy Saturday night was a miserable S.O.B.”

08/02/09

No more fun

by shanghai

We recenlty went to Les Enfants for drinks. We used to go there a lot last year, best is Sudnay late afternoon, before the crowds come. This time the host asked us to move tables because he had some other guests with better revenue prospects. I can't believe this is happening to me, how can I be so bad in judging a place. Anyway, when I complained he almost started a fight with me and said if I don't like it I should leave. I don't understand where they find hosts like that, but please don't go there with kids, it will not be fun. Well, I guess the canal street hood will never take off if places like that still do business. Not recommended

Pros: Nice sitting outside
Cons: Arrogant Host

helpful (0) not helpful (0) comment share

05/20/08

Nasty treatment

by jcesar4

This saturday night me and 4 friends went here for a celebration dinner. Just as a lot of the comments below indicated, the food was good (not great), but we were treated absolutely horribly. We made a reservation, ordered apps, bottles of wine, cocktails and entrees. Five minutes after our entrees were finished, the host (bald, french accent) came over and said we really had to leave the table, he had someone waiting for it. I've been asked to leave tables before, generally after either finishing dessert or declining it, and usually with a sort of sheepish, apologetic tone. Actually, more than once I've been encouraged to step to the bar where the host offered to buy a round of drinks. But I've never been:

A.) asked to leave before even seeing the dessert menu

B.) asked to leave 5 minutes after plates were cleared

C.) asked to leave w/o any forewarning: it's not like they said 'oh, and btw, we need this table at 10:00.' this came out of the blue.

Needless to say, we refused to leave, we ordered dessert, and we stayed another 30 minutes. Our waitress was good, so we didn't penalize her with a bad tip. But we will penalize the management by never going back! BTW, look closely at some of the good comments below--they sure look like shills from staff or friends, not like real citysearch comments.

helpful (1) not helpful (1) comment share

03/08/08

eh....

by randomperson123

fine. ok if in neighborhood

Pros: atmosphere
Cons: service

helpful (1) not helpful (1) comment share

01/07/08

Amazing food coupled with great environment!

by aramat84

Les Enfants was such a pleasant surprise. I didn't know what to expect, but from the moment we walked in I knew it would be a good night. It's a super small place, but you don't feel crowded. I was part of a party of 6, and we were sat in the back corner (just like is recommended). The people who work there seem to have so much fun. Everyone was dancing and singing. The music was sick. The food was just as great. Everyone had a hard time choosing an item off the menu. We each ordered apps and entrees and ended up sharing everything. The Les Enfant salad is light and refreshing. The zucchini and goat cheese app is super delicious. 2 of us had the filet mignon special which was super yummy. The lamb is really tender. And the fish is light but tasty. I always have space for dessert, but I was so full and content that we skipped. We decided to leave and get drinks somewhere, but realized that it was way more fun in there. So we walked back in and continued to drink and eat. I highly recommend it!

Pros: food, environment, energy

helpful (0) not helpful (1) comment share

10/27/07

Good atmosphere, good food TERRIBLY RUDE AUSSIE OWNER

by sknyc313

The terribly rude Assie owner of this restaurant ruined an otherwise pleasant experience. My girlfriends and I were looking for a relaxed restaurant to enjoy on a Friday night. We arrived rather early and decided to start with a drink at the bar. Then, we moved to a table and enjoyed appetizers and a nice dinner. We had just ordered another drink, when the owner came up to us and asked if we planned to order any more food or dessert and we said that we just wanted to enjoy one last drink after our meal. She informed us that she needed our table for some people who had a reservation. We looked around and noticed that it had become kind of busy and decided to leave as soon as we finished our drink. Fifteen minutes later, the owner came back to our table, stopped my friend mid-sentence as she was telling a story, and despite us not having yet finished our drinks, curtly informed us that it was time for us to go. She said, "I gave you a time warning earlier, you've had this table for two hours and I need this table NOW." My friends and I were literally astounded at the rude tone she had with us. We had spent nearly $200 at her restaurant, tipped our waiter well, etc., but were basically being kicked out before we had even finished our drinks! We hurriedly gulped down our drinks and started to gather our things. On our way out the door, my friend told the owner that she really could have been a little more polite with us and that there was no need to be rude. The owner's response was, "I am the owner and if you have any problems you can call tomorrow to talk to me. If you have issues, you need to go home and sort yourself out ." I'm afraid my friends and I aren't the ones who need "sorting out". Needles to say, we will never step foot in this restaurant again. I highly suggest spending your valuable time and money at an establishment that actually appreciates and values its customers.

Les Enfants Terribles

Hours:

Price:

Category:

Payment Methods:

Restaurant Special Features:

Cuisine:

What People Are Saying About Les Enfants Terribles

Contributor

Contributor

Editor's Tips

08/02/09

No more fun

by shanghai

05/20/08

Nasty treatment

by jcesar4

03/08/08

eh....

by randomperson123

01/07/08

Amazing food coupled with great environment!

by aramat84

10/27/07

Good atmosphere, good food **TERRIBLY RUDE AUSSIE OWNER**

by sknyc313

The Details on Les Enfants Terribles

Place Categories:

Things To Do Nearby Les Enfants Terribles

Lists In Manhattan

Recent Reviews In Manhattan

More Info

Contact

More Navigation

Partner Sites:

Good atmosphere, good food TERRIBLY RUDE AUSSIE OWNER