Le Gamin — Restaurant in New York

Let me start by saying I waited tables for 20 years in Manhattan and then worked for Danny Meyer’s catering company for another decade until the pandemic hit. I understand and empathize with waiters more than most. So...we had dinner here last night for my birthday. It was our first time. We sat in the back garden and had the place ourselves. Our waitress was the only one on the floor and although she was efficient, she was cold and unfriendly. I decided to ignore that and enjoy the food - which was great and very authentic- and the company. Right before our entrees arrived my friend noticed rustling in the corner planter. It was a rat. Then we discovered- it was more than one. Then they started fighting and squeaking! We told the waitress as she arrived with our plates and we grabbed our stuff and ran to sit in the front of the restaurant. Honestly- it’s 2020- seemed appropriate this year to see a rat fight at my birthday dinner. We had a good attitude and a good laugh but still - there were rats! Our server didn’t apologize. Didn’t seemed phased and didn’t even offer to comp a round of drinks - which were all sodas. Once again- RATS - outside yes but still ... We had dessert without coffee because apparently and disappointingly the coffee machine was broken? We paid and left and I’m sure my husband tipped her nicely because he’s married to an ex waitress and always does. So - is the food good? Yes. It was excellent! At least the appetizers were. For that alone I would consider going back. And do things happen in NYC especially during Covid? Sure. Even rats. And that’s not the server’s fault. But attitude is EVERYTHING when waiting on tables and I was incredibly disappointed by the one our waitress had last night. I have comped rounds of drinks or a dessert for simply making a table get up and move during their meal never mind having to run away from a rat fight. So if I ever do decide to come back I hope I get a different server and I will definitely avoid the...

Good food, but the servers never come to the table if you wanna order more…probably because there was only 2 servers on a Sunday afternoon: one male w a ponytail and one male w short dark hair. I walked in and was met by a female worker who told me to wait for a table inside…I asked her if she needed my name or number and she said they didn’t need. So I waited outside the restaurant by the door bc inside was cramped. After a while I go in bc I was scared someone was going to get my table as a walk in, and these girls w no reservation walk in and they get the first table available without having to wait and were seated by the male server with the pony tail. I didn’t make a big deal bc I got a table not too long after another table opened up. What bothered me was that at the end of my meal I told the waiter (male dark short hair) about how they should be more careful about keeping track of walk ins…and gave him my example that the table the other girls got should have been mine… the waiter (male w dark short hair) said that I was seated according and that those girls were on a waiting list and that the Girls came back. I know the waiter (the male w dark short hair) was lying because I was right behind them when I heard the girls saying how it’s their lucky day that didn’t have reservations and got a table right away. Also how could there be a wait list if they never took down my name? Ultimately the servers don’t communicate w each other or have a system for walk in… I go eat to both locations all the time, but the waiter w short dark hair made me feel bad w his defensive reasons which were not true…And my friends told me he gave me a dirty look and rolled his eyes at me after that. I even tipped the normal amount bc I get it that it’s hard being understaffed but the waiter making me feel bad as a customer is a huge turnoff.

The location in Sharon, CT has more much service than...

Le Gamin exudes casual Parisian charm, making it a fitting spot for a leisurely meal or a laid-back happy hour. On my recent visit, I opted for the croque monsieur, a classic choice that delivered on richness and nostalgia. While some edges of the bread veered into overly crisp territory, the sandwich overall was satisfying, with melty cheese and a savory béchamel that hit the right notes.

The accompanying salad, however, leaned heavy on the dressing—what could’ve been a crisp, refreshing contrast instead felt weighed down. A lighter hand here would have gone a long way.

One friend ordered the burger, which she found decent, though she noted the flavors didn’t quite meld as well as they could have—perhaps a seasoning issue or simply a matter of execution. Meanwhile, the other two in our group were more than pleased with their sandwiches, finishing them enthusiastically and without a single note of complaint.

Though I didn’t get the chance to try the oysters or escargot this time around, both are on the list for a future visit. I’d especially recommend stopping by for happy hour, where the atmosphere truly comes alive—and if you’re a fan of a well-poured Aperol Spritz, this is the place for it.

Le Gamin doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it leans into comfort and charm, with just enough personality to...