It’s been years since I last went to Le Rivage, located in the heart of Restaurant Row and the theater district. At no fault of the restaurant, it’s going near Times Square, and everything to do with tourists is a true nightmare to most New Yorkers. But after my last dining experience, it may be worth it. As you walk down the stairs and enter the main dining area, you feel transported out of all the notice of the outside world. There is art of the French countryside on every wall. The lighting is set just dim enough that each table feels isolated from everyone else but light enough that you see your party. Le Rivage looks and feels like a traditional French restaurant, but from the menu and the staff, you notice the touch of New York City.
Traditional French Cuisine meets New York Style
That is due to Chef Paul Denamiel, who has been the owner and executive chef of Le Rivage for over 30 years. He has been updating the menu to keep up with the times without betraying his French heritage. A perfect example is 2 Times Burger Bash Winning French Onion Soup Burger. It’s all of the flavors of a French onion soup but executed perfectly on a burger. Your first bite is a pure flavor explosion. Sweet, Juicy, and just the right texture. It’s a simple idea that many have tried to copy, but they can never get it as good as someone who has been cooking French cuisine for 30 years.
Prix Fixe or a la carte?
Le Rivage is one of the few places I recommend the Prix Fixe. Why You may be asking? Well, 3 courses for $70 in NYC is a steal. To top it all off, they are regular-sized portions, not some BS half-sized specials. Want the deal sweetened? It’s Le Rivage’s regular menu with no strings attached. ( yes, there are extra charges for steak ect. Are they worth it? Yes) The only limitation is that it is from 4 pm to 7:30 pm. That’s not too bad. Not too hungry? Well, then order the burger and sit at the bar.
Hows the food?
Appetizers helped us fight off the cold NYC winter night just right. There is nothing like some good French onion soup and ESCARGOTS to warm you up. Plus, a few cocktails, but more on that later. Right now, just focus on the cheese and broth. How warm do you think you would be after having that?
The entrees included two of my favorite foods: steak and burgers. Everything was solid, to the point that I may even go deal with tourists this week to have that burger. Do not sleep on the Le Rivage CANARD À L’ORANGE roasted duck. It is done flambe at your table. It is a fun experience for both your eyes and mouth.
I took a liquid dessert becuase i never had a sweet tooth. Cocktails were on point. Nothing insane just a clean simple bar menu a few drinks done correctly. I am sick and tried of all of these places have 40 mixed drink but they cant get one that tastes good and is balanced.
Take the Journey down the River?
Le Rivage is worth the trip and should be added to your rotation, especially for someone who likes the theater. It can be a calm feeling from the storm in the theater district. My personal recommendation is to try the French Onion Soup Burger. The burger is perfect for any meal or snack.
As always, this is just the opinion of some Fat Guy from Brooklyn. What do I know? If you want to read more about my adventures in steakhouses or restaurants, click on the words.