Tree
(212) 358-7171
190 1st Ave
New York,
NY
10009
40.7296
-73.9836
Neighborhoods: East Village, Downtown
What People Are Saying About Tree
The Editor
Justin Hartung
Citysearch
The Scene
The interior of this tiny store-front space hasn't changed much since its days as beloved restaurant Brunetta's. East Villagers--those who live there, and those who party there--wait at the bar for a table inside the intimate, warmly lit dining room, or better yet, in the plant-filled, 60-seat back garden. The small kitchen can be slow, but the gracious, knowledgeable service helps ease frustration.
The Food
The bistro fare is as fresh and steadfast as the restaurant's name would imply. In a richly decadent rendition, foie gras is seared, so that a savory crust protects the creamy center. Potato galette anchors a pink, mouthwatering mound of tuna tartare, green peppercorns add zip to a thick, well-charred steak and tender fennel gets along swimmingly with the subtle flavor of flaky ruff fish. A few bad seeds sprout up, however, especially dull desserts like gloppy chocolate mousse and freezer-burned gelato.
User Reviews
DonyBarbara
May 28, 2009
While the food was fresh and the portions large, the preparation showed a truly shocking lack of imagination and almost total incompetence in execution. Ie., a "hacker" in the kitchen. Don't waste your money, there has got to be 10 better places within 3 blocks for the same $ or less.
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epicurian0003
February 07, 2009
Had dinner from their pre-fixe ($25!) menu the other night and was so pleased that my friends and I are going again next week. I started with the french onion soup that was divine and my steak was delicate and flavorful. My dining companion had the salmon, which he loved. The desserts were just as lovely, a perfect and affordable meal. There is a beautiful garden in the back which is also heated, can't wait to go back there for my next dining experience. I highly recommend!
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deyolm
February 04, 2009
I went with a friend tonight only because I had a gift certificate from restaurant dot com. The waiter tells us they no longer participate in the restaurant dot com thing and refused to acknowledge our gift certificate even though we bought it before they stopped participating. Disappointed and annoyed, we order from their overpriced menu. The salad came with absolutely no dressing on it. Just a pile of dry lettuce. The steak was flavorless, unseasoned and tough. My friends' salmon was completely tasteless, along with the lentils that filled his plate. My creme brulee was grainy and in a shallow dish so the majority of each bite was the crunchy hard top and not the custard. Overall I feel like I wasted money and was completely unsatisfied with the tasteless meal and unaccommodating waiter. Stay away from this place.
read full reviewThe Details on Tree
What to Drink:
The French-only reasonably priced wine list includes a $26 bottle of hearty Bordeaux Chateau Molin de Lavergne that holds up well with the heavier dishes.
Dine at Bar:
The restaurant only takes reservations for parties of six or more, and the garden fills up quickly, but often the wait is shorter for one of the bar seats.
Brunch:
The more internationally minded brunch menu include dishes like Eggs Sardou, made with spinach and artichokes, and huevos rancheros ($9 each).
Category:
Payment Methods:
Restaurant Special Features:
Late Night Dining, Brunch, Outdoor Dining
