French restaurant in the Theater District with prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus; full bar, private party options.

(212) 765-7374

340 W 46th St (nr. Eighth Ave.)
New York, NY 10036 40.7603 -73.9891

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Neighborhoods: Clinton, Midtown

lerivagenyc.com

Years in business

Established in 1983

Hours:

Mon 11:30am-9:30pm

Tue-Sat 11:30am-11pm

Sun 11:30am-10pm

Price:

$$$

Last updated 11.30.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Travelers Check

Restaurant Special Features:

Outdoor Dining, Theater District Dining, Lunch Spot

General Info:

Open 7 Days

Cuisine:

French

Dress Code:

Casual

Editor's Tips

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What People Are Saying About Le Rivage

The Owner

Le Rivage

Owner

Le Rivage is one of New York's most famous French restaurants. The Denamiel family has owned and operated Le Rivage for over 25 years. The current Chef, Paul Denamiel not only has the restaurant business in his blood, but brings culinary merit to Le Rivage as a graduate of CIA & experience as a sous chef in the City's best restaurants. As an NYC restaurant, Le Rivage changes over the years to stay with the times, but is consistently cozy & romantic serving authentic & expertly prepared French cuisine. Located on 'restaurant row' (46th St bet 8th & 9th Avenues), Le Rivage is a perfect…

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Featured Review

Josh Ozersky

Contributor

Nobody looks to Restaurant Row for culinary innovation, and Le Rivage may have the distinction of being the most outdated place even in that gastronomic backwater. In fact, the place is a time machine--a glance backward at what French restaurants were like in the ‘60s and ‘70s, before the first whiff of nouvelle cuisine made its way to New York. The food, like the decor, is heavy--but also delicious. All the old warhorses are here--frog legs, escargot, coq au vin--back like hall of famers at an old timer's game, and still packing a wallop. Just don't come counting calories: There's enough…

Editor's Tips

Fun Fact:
The proprietor, a suave elderly Frenchman, delights in conversing with patrons (especially female ones) and is one of the best things about the place.
Save Money:
A $25 pre-fixe pre-theater menu (which is what everybody gets) is one of the top bargains in the Theater District.
The Extras:
Don't pass on dessert, which includes such long-lost antiquities like the floating island (clumps of meringue adrift in a sea of creme anglaise).
ambiance
90.90999603271484% positive
  1. “We liked the cozy atmosphere and will return.”
  2. “Pre theatre can get a bit busy but it never has affected the food, service or ambience and we highly recommend this place.”
  3. “Its 1960s decor was not comfortable and its rest rooms were worse than Penn Station.”
  4. “Not only is the decor cozy, but in my opinion, Marcel treats all his guests as if they are long time patrons.”
  5. “Creating a romantic atmosphere doesn't necessarily mean too dark.”
  6. “The ambience at Le Rivage was good and there was enough space between tables to have a private meal.”
  7. “The decor is very pleasant.”
  8. “Friendly, capable service (the waitresses are Polish, the hosts French), Piaf and the like playing in the background, and pleasing decor make for a really wonderful experience.”
  9. “The food is always good and the atmosphere is quiet enough to have conversations at your table, unlike some places.”
  10. “The service is prompt and the atmosphere is friendly.”
  11. “The location is great for pre-theatre.”
dessert
66.66999816894531% positive
  1. “All of the Restaurant Row restaurants have to be good in order to survive, but Le Rivage outdoes them all: sumptuous entrees, wonderful desserts, and an appetizer display that'll knock your socks off.”
  2. “We have tried a wide variety of the entrees and desserts all of which were very good.”
  3. “The cheesecake was not particularly memorable, a tad on the flakey side, but I had a bite of my sister's mousse and found it to be not too bland, not too rich--just right.”
drinks
100.0% positive
  1. “The specials are always superb and the wine list is terrific.”
  2. “The servers were friendly and knowledgeable about the food and wine had a really nice relaxing dinner”
  3. “The wine list isn't stunning, but it has some good bottles and is likewise reasonably priced.”
  4. “The service was attentive but not intrusive and the food really was good with a fantastic wine list to match.”
food quality
82.43000030517578% positive
  1. “The staff is friendly and helpful, the prix fix choices suit all tastes, the food is wonderful (especially the sweetbreads entree and sole bon femme), and the value can't be beat.”
  2. “The service was attentive but not intrusive and the food really was good with a fantastic wine list to match.”
  3. “None of the dishes were bad.”
  4. “The servers were friendly and knowledgeable about the food and wine had a really nice relaxing dinner”
  5. “We have recommended Le Rivage to family, friends and business associates because of the food and price value of the meals.”
  6. “We had the fixed price menu and they managed to get through all three courses in 40 minutes; this would have been fine if we were heading to a show but we weren't we were after a nice lesuirely meal.”
  7. “can assuredly say that in that time, Marcel and Paul have never created nor served a bad meal to us or any of our guests.”
  8. “delectable food - especially the duck”
  9. “The food is excellent always.”
  10. “every course was so delicious, I couldn't believe it.”
  11. “Great french food and fast, attentive service for pre-theatre diners.”
  12. “The chicken cordon bleu was a little rich in the sauce department, but overall very tasty.”
  13. “The ambience at Le Rivage was good and there was enough space between tables to have a private meal.”
  14. “Great value for excellent food”
  15. “Pre theatre can get a bit busy but it never has affected the food, service or ambience and we highly recommend this place.”
  16. “It was the worst creme brulee I have had; and I have liked creme brulee ever since the first time I had it in Paris when I was 12.”
  17. “could not ask for better food, especially given that I have paid twice as much for food that wasn't as good at other places.”
  18. “The food is good especially it's a $18 lunch comees with 4 courses.”
  19. “Average food fast service”
  20. “Aside the food being fantastic, the french Marie antonette fashion show was excellent and in very good taste.”
  21. “The frogs legs did taste weird, almost like chicken, but not close enough to where I did not rememeber what I was eating.”
  22. “The food was outstanding.”
  23. “also had coquille soup which was wonderful; shrimps and scallops, in some kind of sauce.”
  24. “This isn't the best french food I've ever had, but the place does a great job of combining charm, convenience, and overall good experience.”
  25. “Duck was good, lamb chops were really nice.”
  26. “Wow, I didn't know food could be this bad”
  27. “The veal is good but we don't like the salmon, it's kind of over cooked.”
  28. “In fact, if Paul knows we're coming, he'll prepare his famous Le Rivage peas as a side dish for us.”
  29. “We both agreed its the best french food we had on restaurant row.”
  30. “Outstanding food at great prices”
  31. “However, the food was so good that I didn't care.”
  32. “If you are expecting excellent french food look elsewhere.”
  33. “You hardly find such a good value with such a tasty lunch in Manhattan!”
  34. “Le Rivage is a must dining experience, especially if you're on a budget for gourmet french or a simply great meal.”
  35. “The food is always good and the atmosphere is quiet enough to have conversations at your table, unlike some places.”
  36. “most always order the duck, because I have never found another restaurant that could match the preparation of this delicious dish.”
  37. “The food was great with plenty of authenticly prepared classic dishes.”
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. “We have tried a wide variety of the entrees and desserts all of which were very good.”
  2. “The prix fixe menu was quite extensive.”
  3. “The staff is friendly and helpful, the prix fix choices suit all tastes, the food is wonderful (especially the sweetbreads entree and sole bon femme), and the value can't be beat.”
  4. “We had the fixed price menu and they managed to get through all three courses in 40 minutes; this would have been fine if we were heading to a show but we weren't we were after a nice lesuirely meal.”
overall
90.0% positive
  1. “We both agreed its the best french food we had on restaurant row.”
  2. “This isn't the best french food I've ever had, but the place does a great job of combining charm, convenience, and overall good experience.”
  3. “The service was good but it is certainly not a 4 and half star place and I wanted to let people know that perhaps this place has gone downhill somewhat and perhaps go somewhere else.”
  4. “This is a great place for pre- and post-theater dinners.”
  5. “Whether it is to go to a museum, shop or attend a play, my visit is never complete without going to Le Rivage, my favorite restaurant.”
return potential
100.0% positive
  1. “We liked the cozy atmosphere and will return.”
service
94.73999977111816% positive
  1. “The service was above par; our servers were very attentive and made sure the eve.”
  2. “The service is prompt and the atmosphere is friendly.”
  3. “Friendly, capable service (the waitresses are Polish, the hosts French), Piaf and the like playing in the background, and pleasing decor make for a really wonderful experience.”
  4. “The staff is friendly and experienced at getting customers out in time for the curtain.”
  5. “found the waitresses are friendly and very efficient.”
  6. “The staff is friendly and helpful, the prix fix choices suit all tastes, the food is wonderful (especially the sweetbreads entree and sole bon femme), and the value can't be beat.”
  7. “Average food fast service”
  8. “The wait staff has always been pleasant, helpful and professional.”
  9. “The staff and manager were very friendly.”
  10. “The service was very nice and the owner was very visible, how nice for a change.”
  11. “The service was good but it is certainly not a 4 and half star place and I wanted to let people know that perhaps this place has gone downhill somewhat and perhaps go somewhere else.”
  12. “Great french food and fast, attentive service for pre-theatre diners.”
  13. “The servers were friendly and knowledgeable about the food and wine had a really nice relaxing dinner”
  14. “If you are going to a show, the waitress generally will inquire if you need to leave at a certain time and with their friendly ,efficient service we have never missed a curtain call!”
  15. “Bad service.”
  16. “It's close the theaters and service was very good.”
  17. “The service was attentive but not intrusive and the food really was good with a fantastic wine list to match.”
  18. “The restaurant is quiet and the service is good.”
  19. “Pre theatre can get a bit busy but it never has affected the food, service or ambience and we highly recommend this place.”
value
100.0% positive
  1. “What a good value!”
  2. “Its pricey, but everything is really good.”
  3. “Our beaujolais nouveau was good as well, but I noticed a bit pricey.”
  4. “We have recommended Le Rivage to family, friends and business associates because of the food and price value of the meals.”
  5. “Outstanding food at great prices”
  6. “You hardly find such a good value with such a tasty lunch in Manhattan!”
  7. “We had the fixed price menu and they managed to get through all three courses in 40 minutes; this would have been fine if we were heading to a show but we weren't we were after a nice lesuirely meal.”
  8. “Incredibly good value, especially the prix fixe.”
  9. “Where in NYC can you eat all that for good prices?”
  10. “The staff is friendly and helpful, the prix fix choices suit all tastes, the food is wonderful (especially the sweetbreads entree and sole bon femme), and the value can't be beat.”
  11. “Great value and you are never rushed.”
  12. “Great value for excellent food”
wait time
62.5% positive
  1. “We had the fixed price menu and they managed to get through all three courses in 40 minutes; this would have been fine if we were heading to a show but we weren't we were after a nice lesuirely meal.”
  2. “Not only is the decor cozy, but in my opinion, Marcel treats all his guests as if they are long time patrons.”
  3. “Service was slightly slow, but since we were just taking a long lunch it didn't matter as much.”
  4. “Service was somewhat slow, but thats time to enjoy your company.”
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

11/05/11

French Food as it should be, New York dining as it must

by Sergio63 at Citysearch

Le Rivage ("The Shore") is one of the best restaurants in Manhattan - period. I almost hate it to disclose on line because I am almost greedy to share this information. This is a jewel found by chance and held dear. Why do I write review? Because I was surprised to read 1 star reviews and what people write in there. Come on, it is just about folks too rustic to understand what good cuisine and great service is all about. If one judges about restaurant by the size of portions or by how much the tip should be, then don't waste your time - this place is not for you. On the contrary, if you know and love food, especially French food, and if you want it to be served in pleasant atmosphere with sufficient, but not annoying amount of attention, if you like your Coffee Française with a full shot of cognac in a cup as it suppose to be - then you'll like this place and will come back again. Try Calf Liver, Veal in Madera wine, try French Duckling or Lamb Chops (medium-rare is awesome) for your own goodness sake. Appetizers are great! Do not forget about deserts - Éclairs and my personal favorite - Napoleon. And if you do - you'll sure will appreciate that the New York City still has places like that. (By the way, for those looking for lobster bisque that is not yellow in color - Red Lobster has it!) Merci beaucoup, Le Rivage, for great food and service!

1 Star Rating: Poor

11/16/09

Won't go there again

by mama12345 at Citysearch

Went to celebrate my mom's bday. We set there for almost 2 hours, were done with food and paid the bill. But the conversation was flowing and we didn't leave right away. We paid cash and included good tip. Waitress decided that tip was too much and brought the change. We left it and didn't take. The other waitress came along and asked why we left such a small tip... That was embarrassing for my dad as she asked in-front of our guests. He explained how much he left and this was just a change.... She went and confirmed this with our waitress, then came back and apologized...But the mood was already ruined and we were unhappy with such service. Ridiculous. Tip is always voluntary and should never be questioned!!! And sad part is we left such a good tip that our waitress decided to give some back!!!!

  • Pros: Good location, interesting design
  • Cons: Service
1 Star Rating: Poor

06/18/09

Maybe I missed something

by jjpmom at Citysearch

Maybe we experienced this place on an off night, but I did not have 4 1/2 star food or service at Le Rivage on my recent visit. I had the "Artichoke and tomato salad" which consisted of a few lettuce leaves, 2 slim slices of tomato and 4 pieces of artichoke that looked and tasted like they had come out of a can. It looked like a plate you would get at a roadside (and I mean highway) cafeteria in Europe- minus the cellophane wrap. The main course, Coq au Vin was terribly dry and accompanied by very bland and also dry, not to mention uninteresting red potatoes and a birds nest of some unidentifiable vegetable, perhaps parsnip. It came off as a meal that had either been long prepared (a la a hotel banquet meal that sat in the hot box too long) or it had been microwaved. My husband's salmon tasted as though it had been pulled out of the Hudson- last week. Yuck. Dessert held little hope for us and we weren't surprised by the quality of the creme brulee which again smacked of something pre-prepared/frozen/purchased through a vendor like Sysco and definitely not made on premises , nor made recently. It was the worst creme brulee I have had; and I have liked creme brulee ever since the first time I had it in Paris when I was 12. It seemed to me by the staff on hand that the proprietors are not French, nor are the cooks (and I mean cook and not chef), which could be part of the issue. I regretted choosing this restaurant as the location where I had my last meal in New York before I left the next day. Talk about leaving a bad taste in your mouth.

  • Pros: Ambiance
  • Cons: everything else
1 Star Rating: Poor

04/14/09

Not worth it

by hunter1gbr at Citysearch

Having read the reviews on city search my boyfriend and I decided to treat ourselves to a romantic night out. We were the only people in the restaurant which was concerning but we sat down and ordered. Although we ordered completely different meals it appeared we both had the same brownish sauce. Everything seemed to be made from this one sauce. We had the fixed price menu and they managed to get through all three courses in 40 minutes; this would have been fine if we were heading to a show but we weren't we were after a nice lesuirely meal. The service was good but it is certainly not a 4 and half star place and I wanted to let people know that perhaps this place has gone downhill somewhat and perhaps go somewhere else.

  • Pros: Location
  • Cons: Food and decor
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/15/09

Food worth every penny, in every course.

by kareemahb at Citysearch

SO me and the boyfriend did a Valentine lunch, cause of our hectic schedule. This restaurant has been here for like 40+ years so you;ll find a lot of umm Mature people in here during the lunch on saturday for the cheap prix fixe meal. and its opens at 12. we were there by one. the place was packed. its very popular. every course was so delicious, I couldn't believe it. cause there is always one course that's just okay.Not the case here. We both agreed its the best french food we had on restaurant row. and will definitely y come back again.

The Details on Le Rivage

Place Categories:

  • excellent french food
  • good attentive service
  • helpful wait staff
  • favorite duck
  • charming french restaurant
  • great value
  • romantic cozy atmosphere
  • great whole french experience
  • never bad lesuirely meal
  • bad service
  • very attentive servers
  • bad taste
  • not comfortable decor
  • worst creme brulee
  • very good desserts
  • great prices
  • friendly waitresses
  • rich chicken cordon bleu
  • friendly efficient service
  • strongly suggest reservation
  • best deal
  • very good theaters
  • great place
  • fabulous prix
  • not particularly memorable cheesecake

Message from Le Rivage

  • Traditional French Cuisine
  • Pre-Theater & Post-Theater
  • Prix Fixe Menu

Le Rivage is one of New York's most famous French restaurants. The Denamiel family has owned and operated Le Rivage for over 25 years. The current Chef, Paul Denamiel not only has the restaurant business in his blood, but brings culinary merit to Le Rivage as a graduate of CIA & experience as a sous chef in the City's best restaurants. As an NYC restaurant, Le Rivage changes over the years to stay with the times, but is consistently cozy & romantic serving authentic & expertly prepared French cuisine.

Located on 'restaurant row' (46th St bet 8th & 9th Avenues), Le Rivage is a perfect pretheater and post-theater restaurant. Le Rivage is a fantastic lunch spot for the theater crowd and mid-town business. Along with an array of entres and appetizers, a $20 lunch prix fixe is also available & an after 8pm $25 dinner prix fixe. Call or visit the website to make reservations.

Le Rivage