Belcourt
New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 979-2034
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- 2nd Avenue
- Directions:
- F, V at 2nd Ave
- Hours:
- Daily 11am-12am
Editorial Review for Belcourt – by Aaron Barker
The Scene
A Parisian-style gastropub in the East Village passes for an authentic brasserie with distressed mirrors, petite marble tables, and light fixtures imported from Deco-era France. What Belcourt hasn't imported is French attitude: Its seasoned wait staff recites daily specials on the rotating menu with a polished warmth.
The Food
Pan-European classics form the basis of chef Matt Hamilton's seasonally changing menu. Impressive starters include roasted butternut squash raviolo with wild mushrooms and sage butter, and grilled sweetbreads--a twist on a dish he was known for back at his former restaurant, Uovo. A crowd-pleasing, grilled to order lamb burger, pungent with goat cheese and accompanied by salty miniature steak fries, might have you swearing off beef. Branzino that's been baked and sided with farro-stuffed escarole is a nod to sunnier Mediterranean climes (Hamilton cites influences as far afield as Tunisia). Dessert options are slim; hot ricotta fritters dunked in chocolate sauce are your best bet.
Hits: An ambience-rich slice of France on a hectic East Village arterial, with bistro fare that prods as it comforts.
Misses: The restaurant doesn't take reservations for parties of fewer than six.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
What To DrinkSample Prohibition-era cocktails like the Lucy's Julep ($9), made from champagne, pastis and house-made bitters. Wines open up nicely in Bordeaux-sized glasses.
BrunchThe brunch menu proposes some thoughtful alternatives to the standard eggs Benny: Try a full English breakfast with house-made baked beans, or salt cod hash with poached eggs, harissa and grilled flat bread.
Where to SitA semi-circular mahogany bar eases the wait during the evening crunch, and doubles as an option for solo diners.
The ExtrasDaytime diners can network while they nosh thanks to free Wi-Fi.
User Reviews for Belcourt
10/01/2008 Posted by huqleberryDOTcom
I was walking down second avenue the other day when I had the urge to have a beer, not just any beer, a Kronenbourg 1664. I racked my brain for the perfect place to go and I remembered seeing a Kronenbourg sign at the Belcourt. I'd never been there before and the architecture of the space was complemented by a decent crowd. Personally, I prefer 1664 on tap as opposed to the glass bottle. I waltzed and inquired if they served that refreshing beverage, I love so dearly , straight from the keg. The bartender answered no. I wasn't surprised, the only place I know of that serves it on tap is Nevada Smiths. Then I requested a bottle. The bartender answered, no. "Do you even have Kronenbourg?" "No, just the sign." The only thing worse then pretending you're something you're not is... Well, pretending to be something you're not. I don't care to even try their food much less give them a chance to serve me a coffee or a Bud Light. They can burn in hell until they take that sign down.
Pros: chairs
Cons: this isn't an MGMT song
04/22/2008 Posted by tanqandtonic
I admit, I was turned off by the exterior of Belcourt - it's a corner spot on 2nd Avenue with a drab exterior that I would normally bypass. But I heard the chef there was from Uovo, one of my old neighborhood favorites, so I gave it a shot. I am now in love with this place! The inside is lovely, a cozy and comfortable bistro. Service was great, very friendly and relaxed. And the food is fantastic. A tender olive oil poached octopus started the meal (one bite into my date's plate turned into three and wanting more!), along with a spinach salad that was simple, fresh, and big enough to serve three. I had a prawn and monkfish stew, similar to a bouillabaisse, that was wonderful - very well spiced and perfectly cooked seafood. A side of polenta was loaded with cheese and olive oil and therefore heavenly. A nice pot-au-creme for dessert (not the best dessert ever but perfectly suitable).
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
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