L'Ecole, The Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
Students at the French Culinary Institute prepare seasonal lunch and dinner menus with French flair.
(718) 285-8105
462 Broadway
(at Grand Street)
New York,
NY
10013
40.7209
-74.0005
Neighborhoods: Chinatown, Downtown
Hours:
Mon-Fri 12:30pm-2pm, 5:30pm-9pm
Sat 5:30pm-9pm
Price:
$$$
Last updated 4.30.09
What People Are Saying About L'Ecole
The Owner
L'Ecole, The Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
Owner
When our guests look at our menu, they marvel at the bounty and creativity of its items. But what they find even more amazing is each delicious dish is being prepared by some of tomorrow's most-promising chefs: our own students.
During the last two levels of our Culinary Arts Program, students cook for restaurant patrons under the supervision of our chef-instructors. The seasonal menu changes every six weeks, as classes advance to the next level, and are designed to ensure that students use the core techniques they've learned at The French Culinary Institute. The cuisine is contemporary French, rooted in the basics and spiced with other ethnic influences.
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
There are no celebrity chef egos to be found at this restaurant, as Institute students helm the kitchen. Prix fixe options anchor the menu, and a la carte dining is available only at lunch. For dinner, guests must choose between a four-course or five-course menu. The dishes are classic French without being stuffy, and incorporate other ethnic cuisines taught at the Institute. Offerings might include country pate, spring pea soup, wild striped bass, and end with a sweet dessert.
User Reviews
leeumphrey
December 30, 2008
It was cold and snowy when L'Ecole became our oasis for friendliness and warmth. The hostess seated us swiftly without circumstance followed by the waitress for our drink orders and to describe the specials. Our organization, Math for America, was particularly keen to hold our holiday luncheon at the French Culinary Institute because of the stellar reputation for quality food and to observe students who are being trained by the best. We believe that to teach math you must know math so we wanted to see a parallel culinary world in action. We were not disappointed and found the waitress friendly and knowledgeable while the food, especially the roasted octopus and smoked salmon, delectable. For entrees,the monkfish, striped bass and braised ribs were excellent. The cost, quality and experience for NYC dining is unrivaled. On a snowy day, or a sunny one, we will count on L' Ecole being our fine dining oasis in Manhattan.
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juliekal
December 06, 2008
this place knows what's important - the focus is on the food. simple but perfect french food. food was delicious.i had the tomato goat cheese and the crusted lamb chops with ratatouille. this is a great place to bring the parents to but it's cheap enough that it can also be a more regular part of your diet.
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sweetemmy
October 02, 2008
FANTASTIC. Why? It's cute. It's tucked away and not screaming for attention (but still busy as can be, so you know they must be doing something right). It's casual and unpretentious, but very still very classy and oh-so-French. It's delicious. The food was so well-prepared, with flavors that were not too heavy or overdone. The portions were just about the right size. Our servers was perfect and did their job flawlessly with great timing. I sometimes hesitate to give 5 stars based on just one-time experiences, but the fact that I cannot wait to go back for more says enough for me.
read full reviewThe Details on L'Ecole
Know Before You Go:
The menus change about every six weeks. Check the restaurant website for details.
Save Money:
The prix fixe menus are more reasonable than at most of the city's other fine French restaurants. While a three-course lunch costs $28, both four-course and five-course dinner menus are $42.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Cuisine:
Message from L'Ecole
- Prix fixe daily menu
- Seasonal/Artisanal
- Elegant new setting
When our guests look at our menu, they marvel at the bounty and creativity of its items. But what they find even more amazing is each delicious dish is being prepared by some of tomorrow's most-promising chefs: our own students.
During the last two levels of our Culinary Arts Program, students cook for restaurant patrons under the supervision of our chef-instructors. The seasonal menu changes every six weeks, as classes advance to the next level, and are designed to ensure that students use the core techniques they've learned at The French Culinary Institute. The cuisine is contemporary French, rooted in the basics and spiced with other ethnic influences.
