Le Crocodile — Restaurant in New York

3.5 for me...Really was excited for some early dinner French food on this cold winters night and sadly it was just.... Ok.

But before the food... The ambiance and decor of this spot was great. Staff was really warm and attentive from the host to our server to the bussing staff. I loved that our server really knew the menu well and when asked about a certain dish she was able to give a thoughtful confident response about it.

We really wanted to love the food. Ordered both the mushroom patè and the country patè. I'm all for warm crusty bread but holy hell the sourdough bread they gave with these appetizers was wayyy too hard on the exterior and did not have enough soft middle to enjoy spreading either of the patè on. Mushroom patè was the clear winner here, reminded me of a luscious foie gras even. The country patè had a great presentation but lacked in seasoning. The steak tartare again was presented really nicely but waaay too much citrus in the dish that you couldn't even taste the raw beef in it.

Sadly the next 2 dishes had just too much going on. Ordered the steelhead trout, be forwarned this is not your usually brook trout, the coloring of the meat looks like salmon but it is definitely a trout! The fish itself was beautiful prepared, delightful pan seared crispy skin and the flesh was not overcooked and seasoned just so.. But the accompanying celery root and Marcona almonds just didn't meld well. Though the celery root was cut into tiny cubes, it has a very strong flavor that overpowered the entire dish. Who doesn't love anything in brown butter?! The Halibut in brown butter was something I was so looking forward to because one other French restaurant in LIC that did this preparation but with skate stopped doing it so I was excited to see this on the menu. Fish and smoking small white radishes were cooked perfectly! But the sauce... The brown butter just unctuous and silky on your palate but sadly all that amazingness was abruptly disrupted by a very bitter mouth puckering citrus flavor. It just threw the whole dish off for me. Someone in the kitchen is citrus happy here and sometimes a good thing can be too much of a good thing. Maybe use a sweater citrus next time on this?

The star of this dinner was the banana date pudding in caramel sauce, hands down!!!!

We may be back if they do have a seasonal menu to see if we were maybe there on...

As a very older unassuming retired AA female professional with kinda messy hair, I get to observe the goings-on, as though my fledgling discerning eye does not exist, including behaviors from the younger generation that may be perceived as racist.

The greeting staff was professional and helpful during my call to restaurant about being late and arranging to seat guest. The hotel staffer escorted me to the restaurant and waited until the host arrived to seat me, which made the Le Crocodile experience satisfying from the start.

The restaurant was spacious and clean without floor litter and minimal din. The tables were seated comfortable distances apart. The chairs were comfortable and a comfortable height. Most of the conversations were not distracting. The ambient environment was restful.

The service surfaces were organized and uncluttered. Staffers were busy. No cellphones were visible. Minimal chatting was evident. Many members of the service staff were pleasant, patient, and helpful.

Dinner service (tableware and appointments were calming and unobstrusive).

Food was absolutely delicious. The food was warm and brought in a timely manner. The food on the plates were tastefully arranged. Seasoning was pleasing. Portions were unexpectedly large for a French restaurant-No complaints. Each morsel was satisfying and the taste of each morsel lingered.

According to my guest/friend, the onion soup was very satisfying and filling.

The beverages, coffee and water, were delicious. Sparkling water was tastefully refreshing. Coffee was flavorful.

Restroom was clean without odors and well supplied.

A staffer provided the name of the chef upon request.

A very pleasant experience. My friend and I...

A hidden gem in Brooklyn? The word is out. Le Crocodile delivers on all of my review pillars:

1- Service was excellent from the hostess greetings to the well wishes from staff on the way out. Our waiter John C was courteous, professional and very helpful in planning and enjoying our evening, from drinks all the way to dessert.

2- The ambience was cozy and sophisticated with thoughtful lighting to match. The table and chairs were comfortable and the place features some very cozy and plush benches for other table arrangements.

3- TTE or time to eating, based on time elapsed from the order to delivering our plates, was short, considering the place appeared about 70% full.

4- The food quality was excellent, with everyone at the table enjoying the delicious French menu. There were no returns or surprises about our food not being cooked properly. Desserts were decidedly decadent and entrees spectacularly delicious and filling.

5- Pricing was adequate for the quality of food. I found it cheaper than a swanky French joint in Manhattan-many of which I frequent often. Apps, dinner and dessert with drinks and tip for 3, ran about $550. Lots more value compared to Boulud or Robuchon.

Le Crocodile didn’t disappoint and has officially made my definitive Brooklyn Eats gold list with this 5 star review. I am already planning my return, and I’d like John to work with us again!

Make this an experience by bowling across the street then ending at Le Crocodile for a...