VIBE

Benoit New York is modeled after the Paris original of the same name, but the traditional tones have been tweaked to create a more dynamic, urban ambiance. The dining room repurposes oak paneling, red velvet banquettes, and black-and-white photographs from La Côte Basque (which formerly occupied the same space), while the separate bar space, featuring old pub tables and an original tin bar, is livened up by its ceiling: a colorful antique mural extracted from an old French bakery. During warmer months, Benoit opens its sidewalk café for people-watchers and those hoping to spend a leisurely, Parisian-style hour or two outside.

CROWD

Romantic couples, Midtown professionals, Fifth Avenue shoppers, and Europhiles.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Elegantly casual; go with a sweet sundress or blouse and slacks.

GO HERE WITH

Shopping companions; friends; coworkers; significant other; a date

WHY WE LIKE IT

The décor exudes Paris–dining here reminds us of elegant bistros on the rive droite. And if you’re seated inside the cozy interior, the trompe l’oeil blue sky ceiling in the main dining room almost makes you feel as if you’re dining alfresco. (Almost.)

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

A little more space between the tables would be nice.

GOOD TO KNOW

The original Benoit in Paris, which we are also fans of, has been open since 1912. Benoit New York borrows menu classics such as paté en croûte (an 1892 recipe). Benoit’s sidewalk café is open from May through September, weather permitting.

OTHER LOCATIONS

Benoit (Paris); Benoit Tokyo (Tokyo)

CLOSEST COMPS

Benoit (Paris); Pastis (New York); Balthazar (New York); Chez Georges (Paris)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.