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alexiakatz

Joined 6 years ago

Lovely place, great food. Wonderful little place slightly off the beaten-path. We all had various salads and all were delicious. I highly recmmend the Tuna Tartar or the Gravlax Salmon Salads. For dessert - the Ile Flotainne (sp?) Meringues in a creme englaise sauce with espresso..YUM!!

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gsbegley

Joined 8 years ago

Attention Deficit?. we have been to Le Chat Noir three times and find it good...3 of us had different fish dishes on Tuesday night and they were all perfectly cooked, we also asked for some celeriac as a vegetable and the chef had no trouble with our request..think the wine list is a little overpriced, but what is not on the Upper East Side? The only thing I have a problem with is that if you are very well known you get very special extra attention. WE noticed that at a couple of tables there were always at least 2 people hovering around, talking about specials, wine etc. We found we always had to ask for everything. I think my point is if you want to be stroked, do not go there..if you do not mind being ignored you will have a fine, if expensive time.

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sbjshs

Joined 6 years ago

Home away from Home. Service and food were both great at this warm and friendly neighborhood spot. I loved the steak frites with choice of three sauces, the Chat Noir salad was also wonderful. Our guests enjoyed the short ribs cooked to perfection along with the french onion soup and we ended our meal on a very high note with the Artisanal cheese plate and Profiterols.

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nycmlh

Joined 8 years ago

Great Hostess!. We were warmly greated by the hostess/owner of Chat Noir. We had a wonderful table in the back and quickly handed menus. The Chat Noir salad was superb and the onion soup was tasty though could have used some more gruyere on top. Our main courses consisted of the skate and the "poussin" (chicken). The skate was good, but the purees were horrible. The poussin was dry and needed some extra sauce. We ended the evening with a small tart tartin to share and 2 cappucinos. The wine list had a nice selection of Sancerre's, Reislings and Pinot Noirs. I think the lunch might be a better bet.

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Justin Hartung

Joined 9 years ago

Around the corner from Museum Mile, Upper East Side shoppers break for by-the-numbers French fare.. Scene
Set in a landmark townhouse, Chat Noir strikes a balance between elegant neighborhood bistro and tourist-friendly dining hub. Original cubist art and gold framed mirrors provide respites of color in an otherwise white-walled, boxy and overlit space. Attending to socialites coming down from shopping highs, an army of model-ready waiters buzz around a station in the middle of the room, but dishes don't always make it to the right table.

The Food
There's not a frosted hair out of place on the menu of French basics. Wild salmon tartare with a bright citrus dressing takes the appetizer crown over a gluttonous pan-fried goat cheese cake, while a juicy rabbit roulade, dotted with olives, scores an unpretentious victory among entrees. Slightly chewy scallops benefit from farm-fresh zucchini and leek accompaniment, but rack of lamb, despite an advertised four-spice crust, remains bland. Homemade cookies tempt post-meal, off-diet pecking.

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bgtb

Joined 7 years ago

Paris without attitude!. Chat Noir is like one of those side street gems one finds when exploring Paris, except this intimate little bistro and wine bar is right here in New York! Just off Madison Avenue, but without the sticker shock or the attitude, this place is at once elegant and a neighborhood joint. The always packed room was a mix of young and trendy, hollywood hunks and just plain folks from around the block, all watched over by the lovely owner, Suzanne Latapie, formerly of La Goulue.

I'll admit service was a bit shaky the first visit or two, but now it's firing on all cylinders. Try the outstanding steak tartare with pesto and a side of truffle oil and parmesan french fries, the delicately roasted baby poussin, sumptuous scallops or a truly great steak frites with your choice of sauces. There is a great selection of wines by the glass, too.

Bon chance, Chat Noir. You've won me over!