La Grenouille

Still sparkling after all these years: a classic French doyenne for romantic occasions and sumptuous food.

(212) 752-1495

3 E 52nd St (nr. Fifth Ave.)
New York, NY 10022 40.759748 -73.97619

Get Map & Directions »

Neighborhoods: Midtown Center, Midtown

la-grenouille.com

Hours:

Lunch and Dinner Tuesday through Saturday

Lunch is 12:00-2:30

Theater is 5:00-6:00 and after 9:30

Dinner is 5:00-10:30

Price:

$$$$

Last updated 9.12.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Romantic Dining, Quiet, Special Occasion Dining, Theater District Dining, Private Rooms, Group Dining, Fireplace, Notable Wine List, Prix Fixe Menu

Cuisine:

French

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About La Grenouille

The Owner

La Grenouille

Owner

Opened on a snowy night in 1962, La Grenouille is simply one of the most elegant restaurants in New York City. La Grenouille prides itself on a loyal clientele, intimate dining atmosphere, attentive service and sumptuous French cuisine. It is also known as a pioneer in fresh flowers. These amazing fragrant bouquets are made to complement the dishes and create art melted into a culinary masterpiece.There is a long history behind this magnificent restaurant. The expansive upstairs private party room was once the studio of Bernard Lamotte whose paintings still grace the walls and is like nothing…

Provided by CityGrid

Read more from the owner

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

Every day is Valentine's Day at this glorious homage to classic French cuisine. The airy and glittering dining room makes everyone feel like a prosperous boulevardier, with its deep red banquettes, gold-leaf sconces and the most lavish flower arrangements this side of the Rose Bowl. Like many old-line French restaurants, La Grenouille has loosened its tie and added a number of lighter, less-elaborate dishes to the menu, like a lovely grilled squab salad faintly aromatic of marjoram. That's all well and good, but the main reason to dine here is the timeless classics: foie gras with sweet-sharp…

Editor's Tips

Look Good:
Jackets are required downstairs, but not upstairs.
Know Before You Go:
The use of cell phones and other devices is prohibited.
What to Drink:
The wine list has mostly splurge-worthy options, but captains are very wine-savvy and are happy to guide you toward good and more modestly priced options.
The Extras:
Children over the age of 12 are welcome (little ones stay home).
Save Money:
A prix fixe theater menu is served from 5pm to 6pm and after 9:30pm for $59. There is also a two-course ($78) and three-course ($95) prix-fixe option as well.
ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. “The atmosphere was very good - beautiful flower arrangements.”
  2. “Overall, great atmosphere.”
  3. “The decor is lovely, and the flowers are amazing.”
  4. “The service and atmosphere were great.”
  5. “would recommend this place for couples because it is very romantic with the fresh flowers and beautiful colors in interior.”
  6. “It is a great place to have a special occassion, or merely, a romantic evening.”
  7. “Great atmosphere.”
  8. “The most romantic place and excellent food.”
  9. “While the romantic attraction is as strong as ever, the presentaion of food is heading in the direction of a a neigbhorhood diner.”
  10. “The food was superb, the ambiance (decor, flowers, lighting) gorgeous, and the service impeccable.”
  11. “When I was getting ready to spend a romantic dinner with my boyfriend I didn't realize I would be out of my league at this restaurant.”
  12. “no doubtt one of the most romantic spots in nyc.”
  13. “This is definitely a place to bring your wife or girlfriend for a romantic nite.”
  14. “The interior was beautiful and the ambience was great.”
  15. “would recommend another location.”
  16. “had a wonderful experience at this restaurant with a non-romantic friend.”
  17. “the fresh flowers all over the place gives a noticeable and romantic ambiance.”
dessert
91.66999816894531% positive
  1. “The dessert is fabulous.”
  2. “Needless to say, we tried many of the desserts and laughed ourselves silly with fantastic conversation.”
  3. “it has a limited selection, my wife a plate of mixed cold appetizer which was very nice i had a salad,she had the calves liver very tender and flavorfull i had the cod which was vey good all the different flavors melding perfectly for dessert we had one o”
  4. “Their desserts are also excellent: where else can you enjoy such a perfect "Ile flottante" (a light and airy classic French dessert of milk-poached egg whites over a creamy custard topped with caramel)?”
drinks
100.0% positive
  1. “The wine lists was really extensive and being that my mother considers herself something of a wine connosiuer.”
  2. “Everything is so good, it's hard to keep a little space for the delicious Petit-Fours served with coffee or tea.”
  3. “love French food and I applaud the head chef and the sommelier for their wonderful food/wine pairings.”
  4. “The wine we had was excellent and the service was impeccable.”
  5. “When presented with the wine list, we asked what bottle is recommended, and took him up on his choice.”
food quality
88.7399959564209% positive
  1. “Sure, their steak is delicious, but when people around you order the oxtail, kidneys, or calf's liver, you'll be sorry you weren't more experimental (I made this mistake).”
  2. “Went there for a special family meal during the week to celebrate a promotion.”
  3. “very good french food.”
  4. “food is pricey but worth every bite!”
  5. “And one thing is for sure, the dishes are created and cooked with access to some of the best ingredients in the United States.”
  6. “The dining room is always packed with fresh flowers; the smell is wonderful.”
  7. “with both a la carte and prix fixe menus, it is the best deal in town for magnificent food and service.”
  8. “The food was superb.”
  9. “The first thing that we noticed was the fresh flowers everywhere.”
  10. “Very good food.”
  11. “One of the best qualities of this restaurant is it's amazing flower arrangements with a fresh and seasonal look.”
  12. “The food is always excellent, the souffle perfectly done!”
  13. “The food is amazing and the service is great.”
  14. “The place is beautiful, very good food, and the prices are surprisingly not expensive for this kind of restaurant.”
  15. “While the romantic attraction is as strong as ever, the presentaion of food is heading in the direction of a a neigbhorhood diner.”
  16. “The most romantic place and excellent food.”
  17. “love French food and I applaud the head chef and the sommelier for their wonderful food/wine pairings.”
  18. “Everything is so good, it's hard to keep a little space for the delicious Petit-Fours served with coffee or tea.”
  19. “the food is off the charts, the staff is friendly, just talk to them.”
  20. “La Grenouille is an elegant dining experience for French cuisine in Manhattan.”
  21. “the food is very tasty.”
  22. “The evening that we spent there was unforgettably delicious :-)”
  23. “got the lamp chops which were mediocre but the Lagostinos that my boyfriend ate were delicious.”
  24. “The food was quite possibly the worst meal I've had in New York.”
  25. “Their desserts are also excellent: where else can you enjoy such a perfect "Ile flottante" (a light and airy classic French dessert of milk-poached egg whites over a creamy custard topped with caramel)?”
  26. “would highly recommend if you are looking to make a good impression or just enjoy really good food.”
  27. “Their breads and butter are so tasty, you have to resist to the temptation of eating too much before the order arrives.”
  28. “The food is good, I had a steak and while it was good, it wasn't exceptional but it came prepared to my specifications.”
  29. “it has a limited selection, my wife a plate of mixed cold appetizer which was very nice i had a salad,she had the calves liver very tender and flavorfull i had the cod which was vey good all the different flavors melding perfectly for dessert we had one o”
  30. “The menu is expensive, but the food is worth it!”
  31. “do have to say the food was very good.”
  32. “would recommend this place for couples because it is very romantic with the fresh flowers and beautiful colors in interior.”
  33. “The food was superb, the ambiance (decor, flowers, lighting) gorgeous, and the service impeccable.”
  34. “every single dish is magnificent.”
  35. “Delicious food and amazing service!”
  36. “The food is pricey but worth every bite!”
  37. “the fresh flowers all over the place gives a noticeable and romantic ambiance.”
menu variety
73.33000183105469% positive
  1. “it has a limited selection, my wife a plate of mixed cold appetizer which was very nice i had a salad,she had the calves liver very tender and flavorfull i had the cod which was vey good all the different flavors melding perfectly for dessert we had one o”
  2. “The wine lists was really extensive and being that my mother considers herself something of a wine connosiuer.”
  3. “with both a la carte and prix fixe menus, it is the best deal in town for magnificent food and service.”
  4. “we were pleasantly suprised all the staff was very friendly we decided to go for the pre theater menu which is about half of the the regular pre fixe.”
  5. “The menu is expensive, but the food is worth it!”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “this is my favorite restaurant in new york!”
  2. “We were greated and were led to one of the best areas of the restaurant.”
  3. “To be able to open something at this level and in essence "own" all the parts of what makes a great restaurant great would be a heady undertaking.”
  4. “best restaurant in new york”
  5. “One of the best qualities of this restaurant is it's amazing flower arrangements with a fresh and seasonal look.”
  6. “consider it to be my favorite restaurant in NY City.”
  7. “I've been to plenty of great French restaurants in NYC and France and this place poses as a French restaurant.”
  8. “It is a great place to have a special occassion, or merely, a romantic evening.”
service
91.66999816894531% positive
  1. “The food is amazing and the service is great.”
  2. “Very friendly service.”
  3. “the food is off the charts, the staff is friendly, just talk to them.”
  4. “The wine we had was excellent and the service was impeccable.”
  5. “the staff is great.”
  6. “The service was horrific, waiters were so PUSHY!”
  7. “The service is outstanding, not stuffy or snooty.”
  8. “we were pleasantly suprised all the staff was very friendly we decided to go for the pre theater menu which is about half of the the regular pre fixe.”
  9. “Sure, their steak is delicious, but when people around you order the oxtail, kidneys, or calf's liver, you'll be sorry you weren't more experimental (I made this mistake).”
  10. “The service was excellent.”
  11. “There are several other French Restaurants with staff and managers who are attentive and not full of themselves.”
  12. “Delicious food and amazing service!”
  13. “with both a la carte and prix fixe menus, it is the best deal in town for magnificent food and service.”
  14. “You can't help but the hear the conversations from neighboring tables and if you need to get up from your banquet seat, which is nice to be seated next to your partner, you would require the assistance of a server to pull the table.”
  15. “The staff is friendly.”
  16. “Our wait staff was very attentive to all our needs.”
  17. “The service and atmosphere were great.”
  18. “Everything was wonderful, the staff was very attentive.”
  19. “The food was superb, the ambiance (decor, flowers, lighting) gorgeous, and the service impeccable.”
  20. “The staff is very attentive and welcoming, and the waiters dance around you like their lives depend on it.”
value
42.85999774932861% positive
  1. “this is an expensive french restaurant, don't go there if you care about the prices.”
  2. “Very pricey though, but worth it for a special occasion.”
  3. “food is pricey but worth every bite!”
  4. “The food is pricey but worth every bite!”
  5. “The menu is expensive, but the food is worth it!”
  6. “it was such a memorable experience and although it was a furious weather because of the blizzard nevertheless, its worth our travel.”
  7. “The place is beautiful, very good food, and the prices are surprisingly not expensive for this kind of restaurant.”
1 Star Rating: Poor

01/12/10

Poor Service, Poor Staff

by soccerlord88 at Citysearch

I would recommend another location. There are several other French Restaurants with staff and managers who are attentive and not full of themselves.

  • Pros: Not much
  • Cons: Rude Waitstaff
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

09/21/09

What An Event!

by blades at Citysearch

Had reservations at 9pm on a Saturday. Usually, I don't eat this late but that was the only time available. It was my 1 year wedding anniversary so it was worth the wait. When I arrived, I had to wait about 10 mins or so. I was placed at the very first table on the left, near bar. Wasn't ideal as I wanted something in the back but took what was available. The menu was fairly small. We picked the price fix at $89. Had great foie graus as appetizer. Melted in my mouth! Main course was the lobster and monkfish. Not the best lobster I ever had but was very good. Was made in a light cream pea sauce. Had frog legs for the very first time and it was amazing!! great seasoning, light (italian style). My wife ordered a salad. Was very surprised on the portion. Huge! for a salad and very tasty. She ordered the steak. Wasn't impressed really. Too chewy. The portions overall are very small (as all French food is served) so I was expecting small portions. Don't come here starving. Eat a late lunch at least or a snack prior. Wasn't crazy about the dessert. Ordered just ice cream. Couldn't do the cake/pasteries. I ate too much bread! The little breads they give you are very declious! The service was right on. This is definitely a place to bring your wife or girlfriend for a romantic nite. The restaurant seemed more cater to bigger crowds as a lot of the tables were made for groups of 6 or more. Much older crowd (I think me and my wife were the youngest). Very classy, elegant. My only complaint was that it was a bit stuffy in there. Elbow touching close! A little too close for my taste. That was the table I was in. At least no one on the other side, just a mirrored wall. I wish we could of sat towards the back but it was late and I was hungry so I was not going to be picky. Overall, great atmosphere. Very pricey so won't expect to come back here for quite some time! Also, be prepared to double tip! Waiter and Captain. If you are looking for romance and want to really take your time eating and don't mind spending a lot of money, this is your place! Average guys like me can't afford it but for a special occasion, it's worth it!

  • Pros: Food, Service
  • Cons: Cramped, small, expensive
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

09/09/09

date spot

by boblablah at Citysearch

no doubtt one of the most romantic spots in nyc. i have gone with gfs and now with my fiance. i love it here and would recomend to anyone looking to woo.

  • Pros: romantic, charming
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

09/09/09

Delicious food and amazing service!!

by Bridgetann at Citysearch

La Grenouille is one of my favorite restaurants in the city!! I have not been there in a while so my boyfriend and I decided to go last night for dinner. The entire experience was amazing. The staff really knows how to make you feel special. I had the split pea soup and the cheese soufflé and both were delicious. I need to remind myself to come here more often!!!

3 Star Rating: Average

09/09/09

very good french food.

by ooie at Citysearch

I was very impressed with the day special. Would like to go back and try the rest of the menu.

  • Pros: price
  • Cons: location

The Details on La Grenouille

Place Categories:

  • superb good food
  • great service
  • favorite great restaurant
  • recommend place
  • fresh flowers
  • great atmosphere
  • fantastic everything
  • best meals
  • very good french food
  • elegant entire dining experience
  • not full several other french restaurants
  • memorable entire experience
  • mediocre lamp chops
  • sorry steak
  • unforgettably delicious evening
  • fabulous dessert
  • incredible extraordinary wine
  • best frog legs
  • impeccable went
  • best ingredients
  • very nice mixed cold appetizer
  • incredible ambiance
  • romantic nite
  • very attentive wait staff
  • seasonal look

Message from La Grenouille

  • Pre-Fix Lunch, Dinner, Theater
  • Extensive Wine List
  • Luxurious Private Party Room

Opened on a snowy night in 1962, La Grenouille is simply one of the most elegant restaurants in New York City.

La Grenouille prides itself on a loyal clientele, intimate dining atmosphere, attentive service and sumptuous French cuisine. It is also known as a pioneer in fresh flowers. These amazing fragrant bouquets are made to complement the dishes and create art melted into a culinary masterpiece.

There is a long history behind this magnificent restaurant. The expansive upstairs private party room was once the studio of Bernard Lamotte whose paintings still grace the walls and is like nothing else in Manhattan. Luncheon 2-course Pre Fixe is $40 and Luncheon 3-course Pre Fixe is $55. Casual "Ardoise" 3-course $35 Luncheon is served upstairs (limited availability). Pre-Theater menu for $60.00 served Tuesday to Saturday before 6:00pm. Dinner 3-course Pre Fixe is $95.

La Grenouille
Advertisement

Featured In

Recent Reviews In Manhattan

3 Star Rating: Average

Las Ramblas

170 W 4th St, New York, NY

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar - West Village

1 7th Ave S, New York, NY

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

Barolo Ristorante

398 W Broadway, New York, NY

Advertisement