One of my buddies hit me up with a comped meal at Le Rivage, and normally, I don’t do comp meals. I’m not traveling an hour and a half for a slice of pizza and a handshake. There are exception,s though. Steakhouses are one. And Le Rivage? That place has a soft spot in my dark little heart.
Why? The French onion soup burger. That thing hits every single time. Add solid steak frites, a chill vibe, and suddenly I’m very available.
There were three of us, and since it was a comp, we were each allowed one appetizer, one entrée, one dessert, and two cocktails. I would love to tell you I stayed within cocktail limits, but instead I handed over my card and chose chaos. Accountability is optional.
The Space: Cozy French Vibes Everywhere
If you’ve never been to Le Rivage, it’s gorgeous inside. The layout feels like a series of little Parisian scenes stitched together.
The front has a patio-style area that feels almost like a Van Gogh painting come to life. The back room is lined with intimate two-tops, perfect for quiet dates. The main dining room is classic French bistro energy with paintings on the walls and Christmas lights everywhere since it’s the holidays. Everything feels warm, comfortable, and relaxed.
Service: French Attitude Included
Our waiter looked like Alex Louis Armstrong from Fullmetal Alchemist and had the full French accent and attitude to match. Slight sass, confident recommendations, and perfect timing. Honestly, he made the night. When the service has personality and knows the menu, everything tastes better.
Appetizers: Go Big or Go Home
We went classic French across the board:
- Escargot
- Frog legs
- Steak tartare
The steak tartare was a non-negotiable for me. I can never pass it up, and Le Rivage does it right. The frog legs were perfectly cooked and absolutely the move if you’ve never tried them. Pro tip: order extra bread. You’ll want to keep dipping it into the escargot garlic-herb butter like your life depends on it.
Main Courses: The Real Reason I’m Here
The French onion soup burger showed up and reminded me why I keep coming back. Rich, messy, deeply satisfying, and worth every nap afterward.
We also had:
- Steak frites which, when paired with sauce-soaked fries, always hits.
- A classic French chicken stew dish (I’m not even going to attempt the pronunciation). Delicious, comforting, and admittedly very brown. Not photogenic, but absolutely worth ordering.
Dessert: End on a High Note
Dessert included:
- Crème brûlée, because obviously.
- An airy, cloud-like dessert that tasted incredible even though I can’t remember its name. If it looks like a cloud, order it.
Final Verdict
Le Rivage continues to deliver. Even when I’ve paid full price, it’s always been worth it. The music, the vibe, the food, and the service just work.
They’ve also opened a new fine-dining experience with a highly curated menu that runs once or twice a month. I’ve been trying to snag tickets, but holiday plans keep getting in the way. I’ll get there.
The best part? Everything runs on a $70 prix fixe menu, which in NYC is an absolute steal. Some items have a small upcharge (the burger is $25 extra), but honestly, that’s still a great deal for the quality and experience.
If you haven’t been to Le Rivage yet, you’re missing out. It’s cozy, classic, indulgent, and damn good.
But hey, what do I know.
Missed My Last Le Rivage Visit?
If this sounds familiar, that’s because I was here not too long ago. If you want a deeper dive into the atmosphere, the space, and why Le Rivage keeps pulling me back like a bad decision I don’t regret, check out my previous post:
French Atmosphere and New York Charm at Le Rivage
It’s a great companion read if you’re deciding whether this is a date night spot, a group dinner move, or just an excuse to order that French onion soup burger again.
Look, I’m just a Fat Guy from Brooklyn giving you my two cents. If you want more Top 10s—steakhouses, burgers, restaurants, you name it—click the words and keep going.