(212) 627-3737

18 Cornelia St (nr. 4th St.)
New York, NY 10014 40.7314 -74.0014

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Neighborhoods: Greenwich Village, Downtown

LEGIGOTRESTAURANT.COM

Hours:

Lunch: Tue-Fri 12pm-3pm.

Dinner Tue-Thu 5pm-11pm

Fri-Sat 5pm-11:30pm

Sun 5pm-10pm

Brunch Sat-Sun 11am-3pm

Price:

$$$

Last updated 10.17.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express

Restaurant Special Features:

Romantic Dining, Brunch

Cuisine:

French

What People Are Saying About Le Gigot

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

The Scene – In another example of food knowing no boundaries, Senegalese chef Alioune Ndiaye turns out superb French cuisine at this cozy, if a bit cramped, West Village bistro. With warm lighting, a welcoming bar and friendly service, this Cornelia Street shines among the very best restaurants on its block. – – The Food – Rock-solid starters among the full-flavored bistro staples include onion soup and a chevre plate that includes a piquant caper and olive tapenade. Entree standouts include the location's namesake dish, a sublime leg of lamb served with exceptional…

ambiance
96.42999649047852% positive
  1. The space is intimate and tiny, the ambience quiet and romantic, and the food delightful.
  2. this restaurant serves truly delicious food in a fantastic, personal atmosphere.
  3. Very friendly and personal atmosphere.
  4. It's small and romantic plus the service and food are wonderful!
  5. The ambience is warm, charming, and very romantic.
  6. Everybody loved the cosy atmosphere and cuisine.
  7. The ambience at Le Gigot is utterly charming, the service is impeccable, the food is delicious.
  8. The food was superb, the atmosphere was warm and romantic and the service was perfect.
  9. We sat close together at a small table and had one of the most romantic evenings we've ever had in New York!
  10. My boyfriend brought me to Le Gigot for my birthday, and I fell in love with this charming and romantic little French restaurant immediately!
  11. had a great romantic dinner here with a new friend.
  12. have to say the food and service is amazing, and the atmosphere is exactly what a nice quant restaurant should be.
  13. Cozy, romantic spot, although a little cramped
  14. classic old-fashioned restaurant with great service, tons of atmosphere and fantastic food.
  15. While the atmosphere is charming and the service gracious, it is the food that draws us back.
  16. Le Gigot is a tiny place (8 tables) on a lovely tree lined street in the Village that is romantic and serves very good bistro food.
  17. tiny little gem that is so cozy, you will leave there feeling so mellow.
  18. That said, the ambiance is cute and cozy and staff provided excellent service.
  19. The food is consistently excellent, the ambience is perfect and the price range for the quality that you get makes it one of the best values.
  20. The food was absolutely yummy, the service was amazing, the wine was tastful, the decor was enchanting.
  21. the food does nt have to be complicated: in my view, in simple well prepared dishes bad ingredients are harder to hide.
  22. With an 8:30 reservation, we were promptly seated; the host and wait staff were friendly, informative and effecient; the noise level was relatively quiet; the space was properly lit (not bright) and romantic.
  23. Not rushed, great atmosphere, nice bathrooms, small place, make reservations.
  24. The service was great and the atmosphere is so comfortable.
  25. Amazing spot for romantic dinner
  26. The two of us shared a cozy little table for Sunday brunch and loved every bite.
  27. would recommend this restaurant if you want somewhere a little quieter and romantic.
  28. The service is wonderful, the place itself is cozy and romantic without being cheesy.
dessert
88.88999938964844% positive
  1. Excellent food, outstanding service, short (safe)walk from the 1 9 subway at Christopher St. Great value, between two people had two appetizers, three glasses of wine, two specials (lamb & lobster/shrimp), one desert, one cap, all for $118.00.
  2. Apps and entrees were very good with desserts being a little disappointing but still good.
  3. We usually are celebrating when we go there, so we order appetizers, entree, dessert and wine AND cocktails, and spend about $250.
  4. recommend the flambe desert (which of course the waiter lights on fire on the table).
  5. The chocolate cake with creme Anglaise was superb.
  6. The crab cakes are the best Ive had anywhere and are no doubt made with the highest quality fresh crab meat and no bread filler The soups are always exceptional and the salads are delicious.
  7. ordered the crab cake special which was mouthwatering to perfection (probably the best main dish that night).
  8. From splashing water over me, to forgetting to put a candle into my wife's birthday dessert (although I specifically called and reminded them couple of times), it was not a pleasant 'special occasion' experience at all.
  9. Everything was delicious, from the lobster salad and escargot to the duck confit and chocolate dessert.
drinks
90.90999603271484% positive
  1. The Prix Fixe menu was outstanding value - espresso coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice, and a brunch dish (I had the eggs benedict) for only $15.
  2. He recommened a fantastic french white wine, and struck a very pleasant and extremely friendly conversation with him!
  3. We usually are celebrating when we go there, so we order appetizers, entree, dessert and wine AND cocktails, and spend about $250.
  4. The service sucked--we didn't get bread, our eggs were cold, and their brunch prix fix does not include an alcoholic drink.
  5. especially recommend them for their wine selection and terrific service.
  6. Excellent food, outstanding service, short (safe)walk from the 1 9 subway at Christopher St. Great value, between two people had two appetizers, three glasses of wine, two specials (lamb & lobster/shrimp), one desert, one cap, all for $118.00.
  7. Sitting there, its interesting to watch the two side-by-side tables behind the bar get rejected a lot (although some repeat guests seem to demand them too!)
  8. The service is terrific, the chef turns out consistently wonderful food (I love the Duck Confit) and the wine is carefully selected.
  9. Great coffee too!
  10. The food was absolutely yummy, the service was amazing, the wine was tastful, the decor was enchanting.
  11. Fairly reasonable (but small) wine list.
food quality
92.23999977111816% positive
  1. the food does nt have to be complicated: in my view, in simple well prepared dishes bad ingredients are harder to hide.
  2. Food is always good and they will accomodate your requests to remove or add ingredients to a dish.
  3. Thirty bucks for cold eggs and a mimosa--give me a break!
  4. Service was attentive and the food was fabulous.
  5. Despite it's tiny space and smallish tables the food was excellent.
  6. The salad with apples was delicious as well.
  7. The food was very good and reasonable.
  8. The food was superb, the atmosphere was warm and romantic and the service was perfect.
  9. The French onion soup is the best in the US (and France), but don't overlook the butternut squash/crayfish and mushroom/roasted garlic soups.
  10. Excellent food, outstanding service, short (safe)walk from the 1 9 subway at Christopher St. Great value, between two people had two appetizers, three glasses of wine, two specials (lamb & lobster/shrimp), one desert, one cap, all for $118.00.
  11. The food was absolutely yummy, the service was amazing, the wine was tastful, the decor was enchanting.
  12. The space is intimate and tiny, the ambience quiet and romantic, and the food delightful.
  13. Wonderful food (try the scallops), great and personal service, no rush.
  14. have to say the food and service is amazing, and the atmosphere is exactly what a nice quant restaurant should be.
  15. Great service and food
  16. especially love the escargot, lamb chop, and seared tuna.
  17. The mixed green salad was the best!
  18. For example, a beautiful lobster salad, heirloom tomato salad, killer frites, or just the great berries and sorbet make a nice, but well prepared change.
  19. It's small and romantic plus the service and food are wonderful!
  20. The food is always exquisite and unlike the usual french fare, it is never too greasy or heavy.
  21. escargot, duck confit and the steak, was wonderful.
  22. Charming with good food
  23. It is about the best French food for the price in Lower Manhattan.
  24. Flexibility and quality (rather than tasteless quantity) here seem to be key: Firstly, the food: the kitchen seems talented, and even 'basic' veg seems to have a special effect of herbs and spices - perhaps its the head chef's senagalese influence (accord
  25. Delightful food--especially the lamb.
  26. Authentic French food in a delightful (if cramped) space.
  27. ordered the crab cake special which was mouthwatering to perfection (probably the best main dish that night).
  28. Fantastic food!
  29. While the atmosphere is charming and the service gracious, it is the food that draws us back.
  30. It was a bed of soft, fresh, baby mixed greens with an extremely light and refreshing, cool dressing.
  31. The service sucked--we didn't get bread, our eggs were cold, and their brunch prix fix does not include an alcoholic drink.
  32. The waiter was pleasant and professional -- the food delicious and attractively presented.
  33. Oysters are always fresh and amazing.
  34. Brunch is great too-eggs benedict is so yummy.
  35. My lamb shank was great, osso bucco was just amazing!
  36. The ambience at Le Gigot is utterly charming, the service is impeccable, the food is delicious.
  37. Everything on the menu is delicious!
  38. Talked to other dinner who said he ate there maybe 5 times a week and never had a bad meal.
  39. Everybody loved the cosy atmosphere and cuisine.
  40. The service is terrific, the chef turns out consistently wonderful food (I love the Duck Confit) and the wine is carefully selected.
  41. Le Gigot is a tiny place (8 tables) on a lovely tree lined street in the Village that is romantic and serves very good bistro food.
  42. Our waiter was excellent, pacing out our meal so nicely.
  43. The eggs benedict are the best in NY.
  44. nice meal for two ran about $110, but it was worth the price if you're looking for something special!
  45. Everything was delicious, from the lobster salad and escargot to the duck confit and chocolate dessert.
  46. The crab cakes are the best Ive had anywhere and are no doubt made with the highest quality fresh crab meat and no bread filler The soups are always exceptional and the salads are delicious.
  47. The Prix Fixe menu was outstanding value - espresso coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice, and a brunch dish (I had the eggs benedict) for only $15.
  48. Great food, superb service and friendly staff.
  49. The food is consistently excellent, the ambience is perfect and the price range for the quality that you get makes it one of the best values.
  50. There are too many good dishes I've tried to name but there really does seem to be an emphasis on quality, locally sourced organic ingredients (According to the wait staff) - and you can taste the difference, I think.
  51. wonderful food and delightful service.
  52. I've enjoyed every meal I've had there.
  53. this restaurant serves truly delicious food in a fantastic, personal atmosphere.
  54. The fish selections are always fresh.
  55. the food was finger-licking good.
  56. Crabcakes were excellent, however steak and lamb were okay - certainly not worth the price they were charging.
  57. Most amazing food I've ever ate, outstanding service, and a very reasonable price.
  58. classic old-fashioned restaurant with great service, tons of atmosphere and fantastic food.
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. especially recommend them for their wine selection and terrific service.
  2. The Prix Fixe menu was outstanding value - espresso coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice, and a brunch dish (I had the eggs benedict) for only $15.
  3. The chef has a wonderful sense of favor which is reflected throughout the menu.
  4. Everything on the menu is delicious!
  5. The fish selections are always fresh.
overall
100.0% positive
  1. Not rushed, great atmosphere, nice bathrooms, small place, make reservations.
  2. Le Gigot is a great restaurant to take a date.
  3. stumbled upon this wonderful place by chance about four years ago, and it has become my favorite special occasion restaurant.
  4. Le Gigot has become my favorite New York restaurant.
  5. have to say the food and service is amazing, and the atmosphere is exactly what a nice quant restaurant should be.
return potential
66.66999816894531% positive
  1. highly recommend Le Gigot and will go back in the future.
  2. would not go back there and would not recommend this place
  3. come back to this place every few months for the last 4 years and I've never had a bad experience.
service
93.17999839782715% positive
  1. If you like good cooking, well presented by a chirpy team of staff, then this might be it.
  2. Very friendly and personal atmosphere.
  3. The service was warm and friendly and caring.
  4. have to say the food and service is amazing, and the atmosphere is exactly what a nice quant restaurant should be.
  5. While the atmosphere is charming and the service gracious, it is the food that draws us back.
  6. The service was divine - polite, friendly and very quick.
  7. It's small and romantic plus the service and food are wonderful!
  8. With an 8:30 reservation, we were promptly seated; the host and wait staff were friendly, informative and effecient; the noise level was relatively quiet; the space was properly lit (not bright) and romantic.
  9. Service was attentive and the food was fabulous.
  10. Great Experience (Jon the waiter was perfect)
  11. Friendly staff.
  12. The food was absolutely yummy, the service was amazing, the wine was tastful, the decor was enchanting.
  13. This restaurant was recommended to me by many people.
  14. The service was very attentive as well.
  15. The hostess was rude and after 10 minutes wait, she didn't want to give us a table and said "they were not baby friendly", even though the restaurant was empty.
  16. The waiter was pleasant and professional -- the food delicious and attractively presented.
  17. Authentic French Cuisine at reasonable prices with a friendly staff.
  18. wonderful staff
  19. classic old-fashioned restaurant with great service, tons of atmosphere and fantastic food.
  20. The food was superb, the atmosphere was warm and romantic and the service was perfect.
  21. That said, the ambiance is cute and cozy and staff provided excellent service.
  22. The service was great and the atmosphere is so comfortable.
  23. Our server, Jay, achieved perfection -- professional yet completely at ease and affable.
  24. Wonderful food (try the scallops), great and personal service, no rush.
  25. Our waiter was excellent, pacing out our meal so nicely.
  26. Great service and food
  27. found the restaurant very accessible to the 1 and 9 subwayline, the staff was most helpful and warm.
  28. Excellent food, outstanding service, short (safe)walk from the 1 9 subway at Christopher St. Great value, between two people had two appetizers, three glasses of wine, two specials (lamb & lobster/shrimp), one desert, one cap, all for $118.00.
  29. He recommened a fantastic french white wine, and struck a very pleasant and extremely friendly conversation with him!
  30. The service is terrific, the chef turns out consistently wonderful food (I love the Duck Confit) and the wine is carefully selected.
  31. Service was impeccable, but the waiter had trouble keeping our wineglasses from running out.
  32. There are too many good dishes I've tried to name but there really does seem to be an emphasis on quality, locally sourced organic ingredients (According to the wait staff) - and you can taste the difference, I think.
  33. The service sucked--we didn't get bread, our eggs were cold, and their brunch prix fix does not include an alcoholic drink.
  34. Great food, superb service and friendly staff.
  35. Thank you to our waiter Jon for his fabulous recommendations and perfect service!
  36. The service is wonderful, the place itself is cozy and romantic without being cheesy.
  37. The service was perfect.
  38. especially recommend them for their wine selection and terrific service.
  39. The ambience at Le Gigot is utterly charming, the service is impeccable, the food is delicious.
  40. Most amazing food I've ever ate, outstanding service, and a very reasonable price.
  41. And when I said we were leaving, the hostess looked incredulous at my complaint, feigning amazement at the idea that her comment had been rude.
  42. recommend the flambe desert (which of course the waiter lights on fire on the table).
  43. wonderful food and delightful service.
  44. The service and attention was flawless.
value
78.5699987411499% positive
  1. very good value.
  2. Authentic French Cuisine at reasonable prices with a friendly staff.
  3. The Prix Fixe menu was outstanding value - espresso coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice, and a brunch dish (I had the eggs benedict) for only $15.
  4. Excellent food, outstanding service, short (safe)walk from the 1 9 subway at Christopher St. Great value, between two people had two appetizers, three glasses of wine, two specials (lamb & lobster/shrimp), one desert, one cap, all for $118.00.
  5. For an expensive restaurant like this, this is unforgivable.
  6. It is about the best French food for the price in Lower Manhattan.
  7. The place is a bit expensive but definitely worth every penny.
  8. And the pre-fix brunch prices make it one of the best deals around.
  9. Thirty bucks for cold eggs and a mimosa--give me a break!
  10. The food is consistently excellent, the ambience is perfect and the price range for the quality that you get makes it one of the best values.
  11. Crabcakes were excellent, however steak and lamb were okay - certainly not worth the price they were charging.
  12. nice meal for two ran about $110, but it was worth the price if you're looking for something special!
  13. great value
  14. Most amazing food I've ever ate, outstanding service, and a very reasonable price.
wait time
50.0% positive
  1. The service was divine - polite, friendly and very quick.
  2. The hostess was rude and after 10 minutes wait, she didn't want to give us a table and said "they were not baby friendly", even though the restaurant was empty.
2 Star Rating: Below Average

11/01/10

Totally agree with last 2 reviews - owner is a nightmare

by crandalla

It is so sad when a lovely, picturesque cozy little restaurant such as this is ruined by an arrogant, offensive self-absorbed owner, who rather unfortunately, insists on being in the restaurant from time to time. We also sent a steak back, only to have it returned to us by this sour woman telling us it was fine, and that we were wrong and she was right. I am an investor in another (successful) restaurant, and I would lose it entirely if I saw any of the managers treat a customer that way. When you begin to concern yourself about the cost of the lost piece of meat, rather than the repeat business from that customer? You've completely lost the plot. For the record, it's a restaurant, not your personal dining room. Keep it up though, it may just be soon.

Will come back here, but only after poking my head in first to see if that wench is ensconced in her "spot"....ie taking up half the bar with her newspaper glaring at everyone who walks in. If she is, I'd rather eat at McDonalds

3 Star Rating: Average

10/31/10

Great atmosphere, rude owner so-so food

by TomL62

I'm a foodie who eats dinner out at least three times per week and lunch out just as often. Went here for the first time a few nights ago and while the bartender was very nice, the woman who owns the place has a really negative attitude.

The crab cakes tasted good but had lots of bits of thin, inner shell in them which means the crab meat was not picked over well. The cassoulette was packed with meats but overpowered with a backed bean base which, although interesting, basically ruins it.

The waiter was attentive but when I paid my bill (had to run to an ATM because they do not take anything but Amex which, being an accountant, tells me they must have issues with credit as no one in their right mind would pay 3.5% of every transation for an Amex card when they could pay 1.3% for Visa/Mastercard transactions) in cash he asked me that rude question "do you want change" and when I said yes was annoyed. I left him a 25% tip but clearly as with many waiters today he seemed to think it was too much work to make an extra trip to give me change. Usually when waiters say that I let them have it as I find it to be very unprofessional.

I might try the place once more but if their other food is of less than stellar quality that will be it. Atmostphere is great but when the food and owner AND service is somewhat in question - who cares?

2 Star Rating: Below Average

10/30/10

Ok food given the price point, keep the owner out!

by Exiledwasp

When you're paying $38 for steak/frites, the steak should be cooked as instructed..kitchens make mistakes I understand but for the owner (the one who took the best seat at the bar to herself and not for customers and then kept the door open to please herself whilst others were cold) is bad enough, but to then return from the kitchen with my returned steak and say "it is medium isn't it" (it was but I'd ordered medium-rare (as I said for $38 I get picky) is indefensible...almost as much as her "enjoy the steak snipe as she finally (and to everyone's joy) left! I will go back, but I will check who's around first...the bar-tender made up for her lack of social skills however.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

03/08/09

A gem

by db1647

I'm far from a hard core foodie but my date and I both thoroughly enjoyed our meals and the overall experience for dinner here on a busy Friday night. With an 8:30 reservation, we were promptly seated; the host and wait staff were friendly, informative and effecient; the noise level was relatively quiet; the space was properly lit (not bright) and romantic. And the food, incl. escargot, duck confit and the steak, was wonderful. Factor in the upbeat yet unpretentious vibe, and I will certainly be back.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

03/03/09

Great everything

by chivali

I love this place. I usually go alone and I like sitting in the front by the bar. Oysters are always fresh and amazing. Big pour on the wine. Food is always good and they will accomodate your requests to remove or add ingredients to a dish. Staff always greets you with a smile. True it is small but it doesn't feel cramped like other places in the area. They don't try to fit in just one more table. They keep it comfortable.

  • Pros: Great food and service

The Details on Le Gigot

Place Categories:

  • great personal service
  • wonderful bistro food
  • friendly staff
  • love small place
  • comfortable atmosphere
  • great overall experience
  • delicious everything
  • favorite new york restaurant
  • utterly charming ambience
  • professional waiter
  • bad meal
  • delicious lobster salad
  • outstanding value
  • favorite le gigot
  • fairly reasonable french white wine
  • extremely friendly conversation
  • like good cooking
  • romantic spot
  • great dining experience
  • amazing oysters
  • wonderful duck confit
  • outstanding espresso coffee
  • especially love escargot
  • romantic dinner
  • romantic little french restaurant
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