Cafe des Artistes
(866) 551-2146
1 W 67th St
New York,
NY
10023
40.773
-73.9783
Neighborhoods: Central Park, Midtown
Hours:
Mon-Fri 5pm-12:30am
Sat 11am-3pm
5pm-12:30am
Sun 10am-3pm
5:30pm-11pm
Price:
$$$$
Last updated 4.27.09
What People Are Saying About Cafe des Artistes
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
This cozy, upscale haunt once catered to a cutting-edge art crowd, which explains the blush-inducing nude murals. Mirrors multiply the frolicking wood nymph paintings and plush yet stodgy decor, making the two small dining rooms and bar seem larger than actual size. Owners George and Jenifer Lang oversee an expert team of venerable waiters who pamper tourists, moneyed regulars, and, increasingly, serious foodies.
The Food
Rather than cast aside the old French standbys, chef Ari Neimenin has discreetly updated them while adding intriguing new ones. Brown-buttered Dover Sole is still succulent, and fat-laced pot au feu is rich as ever in beefy consommé with baby vegetables. The famed "salmon-four-ways" has spawned a fifth: don't miss the plate of house-cured, poached, smoked, gravlaxed and tartared fish. Freshness prevails, from crisp endive-stilton salad to steely sardines, char-grilled with a zippy lemon-tomato salad. Top prize goes to tea-smoked duckling with buttery confit and braised, cinnamon-stoked cabbage.
User Reviews
roadetot
January 28, 2009
Given the inordinate amount of attention this restaurant received following its extensive renovation, I expected, perhaps a bit unrealistically, to be swept up in romance and old NY glamour, garnished by fabulous meals and impeccable service. Cafe Des Artistes, however, is the place where one brings their mother, rather than their lover, for an evening of ok food, stodgy, overdone atmosphere, and service that is, at first glance, passable - just don't look too closely (hint to wait staff: when one orders a new wine mid-dinner, change one's glass before pouring). You will not be blown away by anything at this restaurant, except the bill - and unless Mummy is leaving you a sizeable inheritance, take her to a less ornate place that doesn't over-cook your skate or charge you for an extra bread basket.
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hagstorm
November 04, 2008
Rating is a reflection of price relative to serving size. Definitely a place to go if you've got money to burn or if dining on an expense account. Also, if you're hungry you will either leave hungry or broke trying to satisfy the hunger as portions aren't particularly generous. I'm not saying the food or service was bad but the appetizers ranged in price from $11-20 ea and mains at least double that.Seating was a bit uncomfortable . I had the squash soup and the grilled steak frites . Both delicious and artfully presented. Restaurant atmosphere was nice. Place was busy . Service was very attentive.
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eatingnyc
October 21, 2008
My wife and I went to Cafe des Artistes for our first wedding anniversary. Big mistake. We were treated like children (we are 30 and were dressed very nicely). Not only were we were seated in a terrible seat (even though there were plenty of seats available), our service was terrible (we were handed off to a second waiter after our 1st waiter was horribly rude to us), and the food was sub-par (I had the braised pork, she the scallops) and over priced. The atmosphere was terribly stuffy - I think the average age of the customer was over 75- and louder than I expected, more like a steakhouse. I honestly believe they did not want us there because they thought we were not going to spend money (we make enough a year to eat out quite often and spend on dinner) - so we didn't. I refused to buy a bottle, got the prix fix dinner, and left immediately after the dessert. I am very disappointed with this place - I would not recommend anyone young to venture there as you will be treated as second class citizens and pushed to the side.
read full reviewThe Details on Cafe des Artistes
Look Smart:
Howard Chandler Christy, a famed illustrator and portrait painter who was one of Hotel des Artistes' first residents, finished his murals--six sequences of feisty wood nymphs in the buff--in 1937.
What to Drink:
The wine list runs the gamut from expensive to very expensive. The Trimbach Gewurztraminer is a reliable, spicy favorite.
Know Before You Go:
Just across from the restaurant entrance, in a nook of a room to the left, there are a few stools, a lovely carved wood bar, and---surprise--- more Christy paintings. It's perfect spot for a night-cap.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Romantic Dining, Quiet, Brunch, Historic Setting, People Watching, Business Dining, Online Reservations
