Allen & Delancey
New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 253-5400
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Delancey Street
- Directions:
- F at Delancey St; J, M, Z at Essex St
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 6pm-12am
Editorial Review for Allen & Delancey – by Justin Hartung
The Scene
With its overflowing bric-a-brac and mysterious air, this cavernous Lower East Side den looks like the setting of a classic gothic novel. Candles burn in every corner, throwing shadows across brick walls, and forlorn women gaze out of flea-market portraits. Look deeper, however, and you'll find that the diners lounging in cozy leather booths are wearing slick suits and tight-fitting cocktail dresses.
The Food
Chef Neil Ferguson was let go from Gordon Ramsay's restaurant at the London, but his misfortune is our New American gold mine. Pickled fennel and grapefruit rounds out the subtle flavor of thin-sliced, lustrous hamachi, while a rich bolognese binds sweetbreads, carrots and cabbage in an oversized raviolo. Entrees are the stuff of rustic-fare dreams: wonderfully gamey lamb mellowed by ambrosial pureed potatoes, and cod supercharged by lemon confit. For dessert, caramelized tangerine, sabayon, basil and financier combine for the world's most decadent fruit salad.
Hits: The English-born Ferguson shows the Yanks just how nuanced New American cooking can be.
Misses: The studied bohemian earthiness clashes a bit with the substantial prices and well-heeled crowd.
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe refreshing, not-too-sweet Delancey--made with pomegranate, Prosseco and elderberry liquer--is well-worth its $12 price tag; the international, manageably small wine list runs $30-$350.
Where to SitGroups are best off in the comfy booths, or the large table in the middle room, while couples are best off at the two-tops scattered throughout.
Dine at BarThe front room offers 12 seats for a pre-dinner cocktail or even a full meal.
User Reviews for Allen & Delancey
04/28/2008 Posted by foodie4114u
Well, what can I say, the was good, atmosphere nice but the service, eh. 6 of us had dinner so the tip was included. At the end of our meal we went to the coat check when I realized I left my Blackberry at the table, by the time I got to the table (less than 60 seconds) the table was clear and the blackberry was gone!!! The manager insisted that his staff would never do such a thing but since no one else walked by the table or left the restaurant in that 60 seconds you tell me where it went??? All I can say is be careful!!! And did I mention the manager didn't even offer a free soda? I will cross this one off my list.
Pros: Food
Cons: Service
04/28/2008 Posted by chowfiend
Went for my second time this weekend and it was very good, definitely hitting it's stride from a few months back. Our table enjoyed every dish--from Sweetbreads and Foie Gras to Tazmanian Sea Trout and Roasted Chicken and morels, the chef Neil Ferguson can certainly cook. I like the menu--very English and understated, despite the bold flavors and unapologetic simplicity of the way the menu reads.
Pros: food, vibe of the room
Cons: tough reservation
