The Four Seasons

The definitive New York power scene, even since 1959.

by Josh Ozersky

The Four Seasons is totally unique as a New York institution: For over half a century it's defined the New York power restaurant experience. The world's leading moguls, millionaires and bankers come to sit in either the Pool Room, with its central marble pool and the hum of quiet deal-making everywhere, or the equally elegant Grill Room, with its shimmering metal curtains. Designed by Philip Johnson, it's the essence of sleek modernism. But the food, as the name implies, has always hewed more to seasonal fresh cooking than to slickly contemporary trends of the times; the menu, like the restaurant itself, is timeless. Even the death of longtime chef Christian Albin in 2009 hasn't changed a thing: It's still Dover sole, Maine lobster, Long Island duck and the like, all simply and perfectly prepared.

02/15/09

There is "Expensive-but-worth-it" and there is "Expensive-and-WTF"?

by rgmx

This is a twenty-something guy that doesn't mind laying down $300 for a fine and delicious meal for 2 on special occassions. But $500 for a dinner for two that didn't include Wine? Are you freaking kidding me?

Look, the appetizers were really good. The entree was also very good. Can't argue about that, but they are clearly over priced. What you are paying for is the environment and the name. Yes, the place is classy and beautiful, but they most certainly target the uber whealthy. Not the common joe that wants to go all out every once in a while.

$500 included:

Drinks: 2 glasses of Dom Perignon at $35 each.

Starters: Kobe Beef Sashimi. Which of course is not real Kobe but Wagyu beef. Surprised that a place of this caliber would advertise it as Kobe. A beef Consomme.

Entrees: Vanison steak and Bison Steak. Vanison was good but not amazing. Bison was quite excellent however.

Dessert: pure disaster. Just not good at all. Some Pineapple covered in a glaze of some kind and some pear tart thing. Not impressive at all.

I read reviews that called the restaurant too expensive and I thought to myself, but may be it is worth it. I was wrong.

The Four Seasons has history and it is a sort of landmark of New York City restaurants, but trust me, they will charge you through the nose just so that you can say "I've been to the four seasons restaurant". I wanted to go there to see if it was worth it and sadly, curiousity got the best of me and I paid dearly for it.

All in all, the food was great (except for the dessserts). The environment is very upscale and you will see a lot of rich guys with trophy wives or just highly paid escorts. If you are going for the food, it will not be worth it. Yes, it is good, but I've had better for cheaper.

You would think they would make up for it with service, sadly, no. Service was just ok, it is not what you'd expect for $500.

• Pros: Beautiful Restaurant, environment is very upsale.
• Cons: Unless you're a 40+ man that loves throwing money, this restaurant is not for you.

01/11/09

Best Occasion Dining

by ritzgirl21

Menu items were innovative. Service was top notch. The pool room was the most relaxing dining ambience that I've ever experienced in Manhattan. Our server even presented us with a great presentation of cookies and cotton candy with a candle at the end of our lunch. I'd love to come back soon, if I can only get a reservation at one of the few places where reservations are still hard to come by.

• Pros: Ambience (Pool Room), Bread Basket, Service
• Cons: Takes a while, if you're in a rush

11/30/08

nice dinner

by lakej

Very grateful for my parents who invite me to really nice dinners. And The Four Season was definitely good...but way overpriced for the portions. And a little too upscale for my liking. The grilled octopus appetizer was amazing. The steak was good. All in all, an intimate restaurant for special occasions .

11/01/08

Not because you are "The Four Seasons"...

by ur2nite

you are allowed to charge an arm and a leg for a romatic dinner. The food was excellent as well as service, however, I left The Four Seasons very dissappointed. I do not think dinner in Manhattan should cost $400.00 where I am not swept off my feet.

10/07/08

Great food,excellent service

by ShnnnS

I've been visiting this restaurant a lot lately and I will most indeed keep going there. The menu has a little bit of everything, the presentation is brilliant and the food is simply amazingly cooked. They seem to have changed the manager recently and the new one seems to be making a difference. The service and customer attention has improved greatly. I feel almost at home when I'm there and the serving is fast and efficient. So has the cocktail menu, too. That is certainly the way to business growth.

01/14/08

Good Experience

by rachelb82

During our trip to NYC, we made reservations to dine in the pool room of the Four Seasons for their pre-theater menu (offering a modified menu for $65 pp). The wine list was extensive - though the staff did not seem knowledgeable about wine pairings. The bread we received was horrible - rock hard and cold - and the "free" appetizer of olives was disappointing. However, our main course was wonderful. I had fish and my husband had the filet - both of which exceeded our expectations. The dessert (we had a pear torte) was good - but, once again, the staff was unable to provide appropriate drink suggestions. When we inquired about ports - the waitress listed off several but did not know taste variations or cost. Not what I would expect for the price and prestige of this location. All in all, I would return - as it was a beautiful restaurant - but I hope the staff pays more attention to the little details in the future.

• Pros: Ambience, Main Course
• Cons: Price, Unknowledgeable staff

12/10/07

I was speechless!

by leilaaa

I was speechless by the horrible food. I attended a holiday dinner at the restaurant, and the food was majorly disappointing. Rather than eating the meat entree being offered, I requested a vegetarian dish. Rather than preparing vegetarian dish, the chef presented me with a plate of steamed vegetables (minus sauce, seasoning, or any form or aesthetic presentation). I was so stunned, and I left the dinner hungry and majorly disappointing. This place survives on reputation alone. I will NEVER return.

• Pros: The decor in the pool room is interesting, although the entire place should be updated.
• Cons: HORRIBLE food

04/13/07

Definitely Slipping!

by ramchalice

I have been dining at the Four Seasons regularly since 1967. It has been one of my favorite restaurants. Therefore my recent experience was a surprise and disappointment. Our waiter was bored and indifferent and monosylabically answered inquiries. The food and plates arrived microwave hot. Most items were average at best and uninspired. One dessert was terrible. The room remains fantastic but considering the prices, a beautiful space isn't sufficient reason for me to return.

01/11/07

It was alright....

by mb22

Went here for a treat a few weeks ago. While the service was one of the best I have seen, I felt the place to be extremley overrated. There are so many better places to go in the city! I don't consider the restaurant romantic at all (city search lists that as one of the restaurants ammenities). If you do decide to splurge 500 on the dinner, request to sit next to the pool.