Amélie Upper West Side Bistro & Wine Bar — Restaurant in New York

[Updates after the owner’s arrogant response]

If you have read the original review, the waiter’s behavior happened AFTER we told him twice politely that we were ready to order. Yet he went straight to that couple. And even before the couple started saying their orders, the couple actually looked at us and told him we were there first, nevertheless the waiter proceeded to ignore and ask what they want.

This kind of arrogance is just baffling. Put race aside, is this how you should treat a customer AFTER they have told you twice that they're ready to order? And being “busy” totally justify any type of awful service? (btw, when we were seated, the restaurant was half empty, so I had no idea they were this “busy”)

The fact that you blame us for “being victims” instead of taking a look at your own service issue just screams arrogance. I've never been treated like this or felt like this in NYC before, yet you blame me for “being a victim”. You just don't want to take accountability and make any effort to address the issues. Looking at other reviews I know I’m not alone.

Just really sad that there's no basic decency in a response.

[Original Review below]

Whoever worked the shift between 12-1pm on Feb 1st, 2025, thanks for giving me the worst restaurant experience ever in my 6-year life living in NYC. This is a big achievement because I basically dine out every week.

We waited for 30 minutes for the waiter to take our orders. When he finally came by (after we told him twice that we were ready to order), he outright dismissed us and started talking to the table next to us and take their orders, which he just seated 3 minutes ago. When we raised this with him that we arrived first and have been waiting for 20 minutes, he literally SHUSHED us and said just 20 seconds and continued ignoring us.

We stormed out in anger and unfortunately did not have the chance to even try any food. This type of hostile and discriminative behavior was unbelievable. Was it because we’re Asian and the couple next to us is white? Because for some reason we don’t deserve being treated with respect or at least be apologetic with the mixup?

Sad...

I want to start with saying get the French toast. Just do it. Listen, we walked seven blocks home and a full avenue and not once did we stop talking about the meal we had. Five stars isn’t enough. Do yourself a favor and go during brunch hours. So reasonably priced for the quality. I’ve eaten at many Michelin restaurants that don’t even come close. The bread and butter were bottomless to start which has become a rarity in the city. Here are the items that stood out to me — 1.) oysters, very typical and always delicious, and very reasonably priced. Would certainly order again. 2) chev salad (the one with melted goat cheese) this blew my mind. The dressing was outstanding and fresh and the butter lettuce was everything. The flavors complemented each other so well. I have NO NOTES. 3.) Beef tar tar - it was perfect. Just perfect. No notes. The tar tar was so perfectly chopped along with the herbs and mixed so well. No notes. None. 4.) FRENCH TOAST. This is the most important part. This changed my life. The toast was toasting (seems like without sauce you could run a knife long the outside edge and get that perfectly crisp sound) and the inside was so thoroughly soaked with butter and milk and egg that it forms a custard. Topped with caramelized banana like that? It’s unreal.

You know how you try a highly rated place and you leave excited about how good it was but there was still SOME element that wasn’t perfect to you? You have at least one note deep inside despite thinking the meal was fantastic? Yeah, that won’t happen here. I think you’ll find yourself screaming about it for seven blocks...

My husband and I have decided this is our favorite dinner spot in NYC due to the exceptional and kind service, the expertise of the staff, the vibe and atmosphere of the place, and most of all, the truly delicious food. Olivier has been an amazing source of wine knowledge for us and his recommendations are always on point. The glassware for the wine, too, complements the variety of wine offerings they have. My current favorite wine there is the cab franc in the middle-grade offerings of wine. The Mouvoudre is also fantastic. My favorite thing to order here is always whatever soup du jour they have. There’s nothing better than a good restaurant that knows its soup. I’ve had chilled pea, tomato basil, and more recently the watermelon gazpacho and then honeydew gazpacho. To date, the honeydew gazpacho has been my favorite. If you like duck, you must get the seared duck breast. It is divine. I love the mini raviole dish they have. But my favorite is always whatever special they’re offering that suits my taste. Most recently I had an heirloom/goat cheese/melon/corn/basil salad that I loved as well as a seared cod/fennel/ratatouille dish that knocked it out of the park. The mussels are also good! I highly recommend this spot for date night, for a great sexy vibe, for any celebration, and especially if you’re looking for good wine....