Le Charlot — Restaurant in New York

If there’s one thing Le Charlot excels at, it’s making you question why you ever bothered stepping foot into their overpriced, underwhelming establishment. My family and I recently dined at this so-called "French" bistro, expecting a charming meal in the heart of Manhattan. What we got, instead, was a masterclass in rudeness, poor service, and utter disregard for basic decency.

As we finished our meal and waited for the check, my sister needed to use the restroom. After a leisurely hour of dining, she got up and was immediately body-blocked by one of the waiters, who proceeded to aggressively escort her outside—because, apparently, the restaurant’s restroom is a privilege reserved for “paying” customers who are seated at their table. Keep in mind, she had just been eating in the restaurant for an hour, and her family was still sitting at the table, actively waiting for the bill. The sheer audacity of this action is something I’ve never experienced at a New York restaurant before—and I’ve dined in some of the city's most notorious spots.

When my sister, understandably upset, tried to explain the situation, the manager—who witnessed the whole debacle—he finally intervened. The waiter was called over to apologize, but instead sarcastically bowed to our table and mutter a half-hearted "sorry," before scurrying off into the kitchen as if we were an inconvenience. This mockery of an apology was the final straw.

The entire incident left us feeling humiliated and disrespected, and we left the restaurant absolutely stunned by how badly we’d been treated. To be clear, nothing about the food, the ambiance, or the service at Le Charlot warrants their lack of human decency. The food is mediocre at best, and the staff clearly has no idea what hospitality means.

I cannot recommend Le Charlot to anyone. There are so many better dining options in New York City where your money and your presence will be appreciated. Save yourself the trouble and avoid this disaster of a...

I never want to leave a bad review because I think most places like this are really trying. Moreover, it’s important to support local business…especially now. But the reviews here are inconsistent with our experience and I hope that the chef/owners can make changes to create an experience for most guests consistent with some of these reviews.

High level:

Food was either bad or terrible. Fish came out overcooked and the veggies tasted like they had been sitting in oil for a while (prepped way ahead of time). The Steak Tartare was egregiously bad. Meat came out grayish red, not red. Meat was smushed together not diced. And one of us hasn’t eaten anything since because of feeling sick to their stomach. Only explanation is that it wasn’t fresh. Also nothing came salted/seasoned.

The Prices are nuts considering the above. By comparison, a fabulous tartare somewhere else would be around $30. This was slightly more for old meat. Same with the fish. Dinner for two ran to $175 with a couple of $19 glasses of truly forgettable wine. The cost is honestly why we are writing this review to make sure others know what they’re getting in to.

Service was totally lovely. They clearly have regulars who like the place. But they can’t be going there for the food….or they simply don’t know what food at that price is supposed to taste like. I’m sure there was a good bistro there at some point, but they’re priced like they are a top French bistro in the city and the food was just executed terribly. No idea if it was an off night in the kitchen, but the execution could not have been worse and they’re cutting a lot of corners sacrificing quality in hopes people won’t notice.

We did notice. We hope they figure out their stuff because others will notice soon and they won’t last long if they don’t...

Le Chatlot on the Upper East Side shines brightly with a well-deserved five-star rating. This culinary gem offers an exceptional dining experience that captivates patrons from the moment they step through the door.

The ambiance at Le Chatlot is a harmonious blend of sophistication and warmth. The inviting decor, combined with an atmosphere that exudes charm, creates the perfect setting for a delightful meal. Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner or a celebratory gathering, Le Chatlot delivers an atmosphere that enhances the overall dining experience.

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show – the cuisine. The menu at Le Chatlot is a culinary journey through French gastronomy, showcasing a careful balance of traditional flavors and innovative twists. Each dish is a masterpiece, thoughtfully crafted with premium ingredients that elevate the dining experience to a level of excellence.

Service at Le Chatlot is impeccable, with a staff that embodies the essence of hospitality. Attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly, they contribute to the overall sense of refinement, ensuring that patrons feel not only satisfied but truly indulged.

In summary, Le Chatlot is not just a restaurant; it’s a destination for those seeking a five-star culinary experience on the Upper East Side. From the inviting ambiance to the exquisite cuisine and exceptional service, Le Chatlot sets a standard of excellence that leaves an indelible mark on every diner fortunate enough to savor...