l’abeille — Restaurant in New York

What an insult this experience was. From the quality of the food to the hospitality, or lack thereof, everything was subpar, to say the least. Whoever awarded this abysmal place a Michelin star should be charged with fraud. It is possibly one of the biggest traps I've walked into in my three years living in the city. Do not waste your time or money, as there are far better dining experiences at that price tag.

Adding my response following the comment left by the owner:

Thank you for taking the time to follow up with us. I’d like to clarify why we left the evening feeling blindsided and, frankly, rather let down by our experience at l'abielle. Moreover, it baffles me that you would make such a statement as "blindsided" when reading through the other unfavorable reviews, similar concerns were raised. This should come as no surprise.

While your staff was courteous and service appeared synchronized at first glance, the interactions felt profoundly transactional and impersonal, which is unacceptable at a restaurant of this caliber. Our server didn’t introduce herself or try to establish any rapport, a simple gesture that could have made a significant difference in creating a warm atmosphere.

At the beginning of our meal, I appreciated being asked about dietary restrictions, especially since I had responded to a text message I received two nights prior informing your team that no one in our party consumes pork. However, I was the only one who didn’t receive chorizo with the lobster course—a detail that, while seemingly minor, reflects a lack of attentiveness to our needs. It’s small touches like this that demonstrate whether a guest’s needs are genuinely being prioritized and catered to.

We noticed that glasses were left uncleared throughout the evening unless we specifically requested it. For example, my first glass remained on the table the entire time, which diminished what should have been a smooth dining experience.

Regrettably, the food did not meet the expectations set by a restaurant promising "Japanese-influenced French" cuisine. The flavors were muted to the point of blandness, the lentils were undercooked, and the fish was somewhat dry. The dessert box was another disappointment; the non-edible decorative stones adhered to the edible elements, which themselves were dry and pasty, leaving a less-than-ideal final impression. And, if you choose to serve bread, please ensure it is edible and not stone hard.

Aesthetic choices felt inconsistent as well. The mismatched wine glasses varied in shapes and sizes; while this may have been intentional, it wasn't explained or integrated into any coherent theme. This points to a larger issue—the experience lacked a cohesive story. At this level of dining, guests seek not just quality food but also intentionality behind every detail, from plating to ambiance.

Finally, seeing staff casually lounging on bar stools, posing for group photos, and congregating in the dining room while guests were still finishing their meals did not convey the professionalism or hospitality typical of a fine dining establishment. Even if we were the last seating, the atmosphere should respect the dining experience until the very end.

In summary, we arrived hoping to be delighted but left feeling disappointed. We’re sharing this not out of malice but in the hope that it encourages a greater focus on the experiential aspects of your service rather than just its performative facade. We are quite disappointed and feel very duped by this...

I've been meaning to post for a while about our very positive experience at l'abeille. I was treating my 3 under-20 sons to a nice dinner before getting on a flight back home to Asia. We got stuck in terrible traffic coming down from CT and ended up being over an hour late for our reservation. As a result, we had less than an hour to eat before we had to leave again to catch a flight. The restaurant was very professional and accommodating when they could simply have cancelled us and charged the cancel fee. I arrived in a total frenzy, and the cocktail they made me was once of the best I've ever had :). It was one of my son's birthday's that day, so they even managed to squeeze in a little cake with candles before we all had to dash out again. I know that with 3 teen sons in tow and less than an hour to eat close to closing time, we were not l'abeille's ideal clientele. But we appreciated that they went out of their way to give us a delicious meal without any snobbery. The decor is modern classic, and beautiful. Service very polished. 4.5 stars for the food as a few of us felt our entrees were straightforward and fine, but perhaps not what we would expect from a 1-star Michelin (desserts were excellent). But we are all looking forward to returning again with confidence that the menu will keep developing as this restaurant matures.

UPDATE: I wanted to update my review to include our recent private dining experience. I can't think of a more perfect venue for a private seated dinner for 20 people and below. The private dining space is intimate, warm, and beautifully decorated, with its own private bar. We were a party of 18 celebrating my son's college graduation. We fit in the space perfectly, with enough room to move around, but with the feeling that we were in an elegant dining room of a private residence, vs. the cold/industrial/commercial feel that so many private rooms suffer from. The dining tables are narrower than usual to allow for easier conversations. We had a stellar staff led by Ernesto who struck the ideal balance of warm but professional. Michelins can so often feel stuffy and snobby, but that was not at all the case for our dinner. The food was perfect for the occasion--elegant, straightforward, well-executed. Thank you L'abeille for making such an important evening so special...

L’Abeille is nothing short of a revelation. As someone who appreciates the fine art of gastronomy, I can confidently say that this Tribeca gem redefines what it means to dine exquisitely.

From the moment you step in, the ambiance is captivating. The setting is understated yet profoundly elegant, with an open kitchen that invites you to witness the meticulous craft behind each dish. The muted lighting and plush seating create an atmosphere where time seems to pause, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Chef Mitsunobu Nagae’s approach is nothing short of genius. Each course in the seasonal tasting menu is an interplay of precision, creativity, and harmony. The foie gras crème brûlée, paired unexpectedly yet brilliantly with onion ice cream, balances richness and acidity with an effortless finesse. The scallop crudo, enhanced by beet sorbet, exemplifies how simplicity can be elevated when ingredients are at their peak of freshness and flavor.

One standout moment was the miso-glazed roasted squab. It was an umami revelation accompanied by crispy quinoa, which added an unexpected texture that complemented the tender meat. This dish alone is worth the visit.

The wine pairing is impeccably curated, elevating each bite with thoughtful selections that echo the French-Japanese fusion at the heart of L’Abeille’s philosophy. The sommelier’s passion and knowledge add another layer to the experience, making it not just a meal but a journey through taste and terroir.

Service is equally remarkable. The staff navigates the line between attentiveness and discretion with precision, making you feel truly welcomed without being intrusive. Their genuine passion for the craft mirrors that of the kitchen. There is a tangible sense of pride here.

L’Abeille is more than just dining. It’s a curated experience where every detail is considered and executed to perfection. Whether you’re a seasoned epicurean or someone simply looking to celebrate a special occasion, this is the place that will remind you why food is an art form.

Prepare to be captivated. I left inspired, grateful, and already planning...