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
Reviews & Ratings for L'Ecole
57 reviews
What users are saying:
Showing 1-10 of 57 reviews
Precision dining
by 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.
- Pros: fresh, beautiful presentation, prompt service
- Cons: it was still snowing when we left
perfect french cuisine
by 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.
- Pros: food,service
FANTASTIC..
by 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.
- Pros: foods,servers
Useless. Spend the extra money and go anywhere else!
by Jenna1070899
July 31, 2008
We went here with a group of 5 after a special event here, and had heard the price for a 5-course dinner was really good. I must say, the menu was nice enough, and the manager was really friendly when we arrived, and had wonderful ideas for complimentary wines.
However, after the experience I have two words: BUMBLING MESS! One of the meat courses was SUPPOSED to be medium-rare, and came out completely cooked through: well done. Even a child can cook a steak - it's not difficult. Another was supposed to be medium, came out well done. All the main plates were cleaned, the undercooked steak was left untouched and obvious on the table, and noone serviced the table for an HOUR. Honestly, noone said the waiters were useless amateurs - I thought it was a culinary school. They should think to hire useful waiting staff. The manager then came with a ridiculous apology and said they could replace it - but this was 1/2 an hour after the plates were taken; one hour after they arrived. Useless.
The food they actually managed to get right was average, but I understand that they're students. I understand you cannot expect Jamie Oliver at such a place, but the culinary school in my home city has x10 better food, and my boss often takes important clients there for work dinners. So it can be done.
Also, the service throughout the night was exceptionally slow. Not liked a packed diner slow - ignored slow. The meat course took over an hour to arrive after the fish. Not happy. And no apologies, no "we'll be right with you". Just ignored.
So after our ridiculous, wasted experience, with no useful solution offered by staff there, I say spend the extra $50 and go somewhere nice. It really isn't worth bothering here - the $42 can even be much better spent in McDonalds.
- Pros: Manager had nice complimentary wine ideas; ambience was nice.
- Cons: Uselss waiting staff; ridiculously long time between courses; food was not cooked as ordered; won't ever go back!
Good!
by MarkMunafo
July 06, 2008
I ate dinner here and somehow didn't leave very full after 3 courses. I guess they serve French instead of American portions. I started with the bay scallop ceviche with caviar (deliciously salty). Then I ordered the Hanger Steak With Red Wine. The steak was soooooooo gooooood. something in that sauce was addicting. For dessert I had the passion fruit baked alaska wasn't so good. boohoo.
Great restaurant if lowered your expectations
by NYCfoodguy
July 03, 2008
I love the fact that the staff here are also students of culinary. It makes the experience very unique. The food is actually very good. There are obvious flaws in the prep in some of the dishes and the taste combination doesn't always come out perfect. But go with such expectation and you'll find yourself enjoying the atmosphere quite nicely. I read about this restaurant on the WhereIsCID Blog and am definitely glad I tried it.
- Pros: atmosphere, service, creativity
- Cons: too much creativity
Amazing!
by michelle6887
May 03, 2008
One of the best complete meals I've ever had in my life. Servers were polite despite the fact that we were young and students, and gave us a seat in a window, and we were sent out a small dish gratis. Everything I had was great. I really highly recommend the duck with rhubarb, the trout, and the chocolate tart for dessert. Only complaint would be that service is a little slow, but if you're with someone you enjoy talking to, it's not a problem.
- Pros: Food, Service
Bravo
by nixon99
February 10, 2008
Great food, great experience and I will be going there everytime the menu changes. I love being a part of the students training. Every six weeks or so a new class is preparing the food so it's like a new experience each time. The location is warm and I never felt rushed. a "must try" for NY at a great price.
- Pros: A New York must!
best food, great customer service
by lovetodine08
January 28, 2008
L'ecole was a such a treat! I went a few months ago with my fiance and sister and was so impressed. I'm a serious NY diner and I love to visit new spots. L'ecole was as good as some of the more expensive restaurants in the city but for a third of the price. I ordered the cod and my sistered ordered the seabass. The fish literally melts in your mouth. Literally every course was so light and refreshing and satisfying I was in disbelief. We had a 5 star dinner (5 courses!) for under $120 for all three of us. The service is also fantastic. Get reservations early b/c they book fast. Happy eating.
- Pros: price, ambience, service
- Cons: no good for large groups, kids
