L Ecole

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462 Broadway 1 (at Grand Street)
New York, NY 10013

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(718) 285-8105
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L Ecole - New York, NY
L Ecole - New York, NY
L Ecole - New York, NY
L Ecole - New York, NY
L Ecole - New York, NY
L Ecole - New York, NY
L Ecole - New York, NY
L Ecole - New York, NY
L Ecole - New York, NY
L Ecole - New York, NY
L Ecole - New York, NY
L Ecole - New York, NY
L Ecole - New York, NY
L Ecole - New York, NY
L Ecole - New York, NY
L Ecole - New York, NY
L Ecole - New York, NY
L Ecole - New York, NY
L Ecole - New York, NY
L Ecole - New York, NY
L Ecole - New York, NY
Reviews
( 35 )
( 16 )
( 10 )
( 3 )
( 4 )

Best

Must make reservations way in advance but well worth it. You get 5 courses. We chose an appetizer, a meat and a fish dish, then we get palete cleanser and a gourmet dessert. Well ...

Worst

the food was so-so, we expected it to be better because zagat gave a pretty high ranking on food quality. the service was terrible, we didn't even greeted when we came in. the wai...

Sad, Disappointing Experience 1/1/2012

After an enjoyable lunch we booked our son's 21st birthday 1 month in advance (per their reservation guidelines) in the separate private dining room. Being polite we called to say that we were running 20 minutes for the second and last seating. We were assured that our room would not be given away. Upon arrival with a 96 year old great grandmother and 2 grandmothers in their 80s we were greeted with ""oh there were some really nice visitors from the UK who really wanted that table and we figured you wouldn't mind"" Mind? That's why I called at 9:01 AM 30 days in advance. Restaurant was messy, carpets dirty, extremely noisy, food plentiful but mediocre and then the staff harangued my husband on the way out for the small tip which we explained in a notation. I responded that they ruined my son's once in a lifetime 21st birthday (how I regret not going to 21) and that they should get their big tip from the party that got the table that we reserved a month in advance who were still there when we departed. Ugh, Ugh triple ugh; so many terrific restaurants in NYC; this is not one of them and it isn't inexpensive either. more
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Will not go back again. 8/15/2011

It’s impossible to get a seat without a reservation weeks in advance. I can’t understand why people... more
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Will not go back again. 8/15/2011

Vadimbar Provided by Partner
It’s impossible to get a seat without a reservation weeks in advance. I can’t understand why people would bother? The food was average. The... more
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Service was top notch 7/21/2011

We were very impressed with the Restaurant Week menu. There was so much to choose from. I had the warm asparagus salad with soft boiled egg and pancetta crumbs (I wish I had more bread to soak up the yoke!), grilled hanger steak with vidalia onion rings and creamed corn (more like soup, we needed spoons to eat it), and fresh strawberry tart and creme fraiche ice cream (which nearly melted away by the time I got it).\r \r My friend had the seasonal salad with watermelon radishes, shimeji mushrooms, pickled cherry tomatoes with sherry shallot vinaigrette, hanger steak, and green tea opera cake with red currant sorbet (the cake was a small sliver and was too dry).\r \r The portions weren't large but we were satiated. Excellent service. more
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Many times was nice, once not 10/28/2010

Well prepared, not expensive, good taste.\r \r Went back 3rd time in december 2010 and nothig were right. Every dish had own problem. Probably new group of students. Way to much salt, too much dripping in oil-fat, way to much sharp dressing, pinenuts were tasting old. Even wine not good. Could not eat anything. Room manager was considering. more
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Very good restaurant. 8/22/2010

Very good restaurant. Prices are OK! (1) Seared Duck Breast And Braised Duck Thigh With Rhubarb: Good recipe! more
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Very good restaurant. 8/22/2010

brunoc Provided by Partner
Very good restaurant. Prices are OK! more
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A brunch that did not live up to expectations 2/28/2010

My highly anticipated brunch experience at L’ecole was underwhelming, to my disappointment. I had high hopes for the establishment, although it must be noted that the $19.50 2-course prix fixe brunch menu is not part of The French Culinary Institute’s curriculum. Students volunteer their time and work under the supervision of professional chefs. The course started off with the bread basket; an assortment of delicious and freshly baked muffins, gourmet pastries and crackers. I could eat these all day! The bloody Mary was one of the best I’d ever had – fresh and with excellent presentation! However, it was the food that disappointed: For appetizers, the Steak Tartar with quail egg didn’t taste very fresh and had a darker red color to it. The Cumin Roasted Butternut Squash and Almond Soup was tasty but a little too creamy and heavy. The Butter Poached Shrimp was the biggest disappointment – it was cold and a little ‘hardened’ for my taste. For entrees, my dining companions had the Croque Madame and the L’Ecole Burger, which were pretty good but the flavorful Duck Confit was probably the best dish for lunch, although no better than the duck at Balthazar. After a slew of yummy brunch cocktails such as the Ruby Blossom and Easy like Sunday Mimosa, we had no room for dessert. Overall, brunch was just mediocre although we enjoyed sitting at the bar and chatting up the friendly bartender. I would give it a second chance and come back for the 5-course dinner that is prepared by FCI’s students. Pros: Great value at $19.50; amazing brunch cocktails Cons: Subpar appetizers more
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Wonderful 5 star experience 2/27/2010

Must make reservations way in advance but well worth it. You get 5 courses. We chose an appetizer, a meat and a fish dish, then we get palete cleanser and a gourmet dessert. Well worth the $40 price tag. The decor was nice and it is a very busy restaurant. One day we will get to come visit again more
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Great food at a great price 12/14/2009

Darn. I thought I'd found a secret but there are already more than 50 reviews. Without repeating all the nice -- and true -- things that have been written about the food, let me praise this place for something else. I had an 8:30 reservation on a Saturday night and walked in to find no table ready for 20 minutes. This happens at a lot of restaurants, and most of them act like my time is no big deal. L'Ecole, on the other hand, comped my party to a round of drinks after just 10 minutes. By the time we were ready to order at about 9:15, the kitchen was already out of two things we had wanted. Again, this is pretty common when dining late, but L'Ecole went the extra step to make amends by comping us another round of drinks. I realize that running a restaurant is a very complex task, but too many restaurants make no effort to compensate customers for their inevitable mistakes. I was delighted to find one that did, and did so cheerfully. Pros: A really excellent dinner and an excellent value Cons: Food can be inconsistent, menu changes and favorites vanish more
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Precision dining 12/30/2008

It was cold and snowy when L'Ecole became our oasis for friendliness and warmth. The hostess seated us swiftly without circumstance followed by the waitress for our drink orders and to describe the specials. Our organization, Math for America, was particularly keen to hold our holiday luncheon at the French Culinary Institute because of the stellar reputation for quality food and to observe students who are being trained by the best. We believe that to teach math you must know math so we wanted to see a parallel culinary world in action. We were not disappointed and found the waitress friendly and knowledgeable while the food, especially the roasted octopus and smoked salmon, delectable. For entrees,the monkfish, striped bass and braised ribs were excellent. The cost, quality and experience for NYC dining is unrivaled. On a snowy day, or a sunny one, we will count on L' Ecole being our fine dining oasis in Manhattan. Pros: fresh, beautiful presentation, prompt service Cons: it was still snowing when we left more
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perfect french cuisine 12/6/2008

this place knows what's important - the focus is on the food. simple but perfect french food. food was delicious.i had the tomato goat cheese and the crusted lamb chops with ratatouille. this is a great place to bring the parents to but it's cheap enough that it can also be a more regular part of your diet. Pros: food,service more
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FANTASTIC.. 10/2/2008

FANTASTIC.\r Why?\r It's cute.\r It's tucked away and not screaming for attention (but still busy as can be, so you know they must be doing something right).\r It's casual and unpretentious, but very still very classy and oh-so-French.\r It's delicious. The food was so well-prepared, with flavors that were not too heavy or overdone.\r The portions were just about the right size.\r Our servers was perfect and did their job flawlessly with great timing.\r I sometimes hesitate to give 5 stars based on just one-time experiences, but the fact that I cannot wait to go back for more says enough for me.\r \r Pros: foods,servers more
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Useless. Spend the extra money and go anywhere else! 7/31/2008

We went here with a group of 5 after a special event here, and had heard the price for a 5-course dinner was really good. I must say, the menu was nice enough, and the manager was really friendly when we arrived, and had wonderful ideas for complimentary wines.\r \r However, after the experience I have two words: BUMBLING MESS! One of the meat courses was SUPPOSED to be medium-rare, and came out completely cooked through: well done. Even a child can cook a steak - it's not difficult. Another was supposed to be medium, came out well done. All the main plates were cleaned, the undercooked steak was left untouched and obvious on the table, and noone serviced the table for an HOUR. Honestly, noone said the waiters were useless amateurs - I thought it was a culinary school. They should think to hire useful waiting staff. The manager then came with a ridiculous apology and said they could replace it - but this was 1/2 an hour after the plates were taken; one hour after they arrived. Useless.\r \r The food they actually managed to get right was average, but I understand that they're students. I understand you cannot expect Jamie Oliver at such a place, but the culinary school in my home city has x10 better food, and my boss often takes important clients there for work dinners. So it can be done.\r \r Also, the service throughout the night was exceptionally slow. Not liked a packed diner slow - ignored slow. The meat course took over an hour to arrive after the fish. Not happy. And no apologies, no ""we'll be right with you"". Just ignored.\r \r So after our ridiculous, wasted experience, with no useful solution offered by staff there, I say spend the extra $50 and go somewhere nice. It really isn't worth bothering here - the $42 can even be much better spent in McDonalds. Pros: Manager had nice complimentary wine ideas; ambience was nice. Cons: Uselss waiting staff; ridiculously long time between courses; food was not cooked as ordered; won't ever go back! more
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Good! 7/6/2008

I ate dinner here and somehow didn't leave very full after 3 courses. I guess they serve French instead of American portions. I started with the bay scallop ceviche with caviar (deliciously salty). Then I ordered the Hanger Steak With Red Wine. The steak was soooooooo gooooood. something in that sauce was addicting. For dessert I had the passion fruit baked alaska wasn't so good. boohoo. more
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Great restaurant if lowered your expectations 7/3/2008

I love the fact that the staff here are also students of culinary. It makes the experience very unique. The food is actually very good. There are obvious flaws in the prep in some of the dishes and the taste combination doesn't always come out perfect. But go with such expectation and you'll find yourself enjoying the atmosphere quite nicely. I read about this restaurant on the WhereIsCID Blog and am definitely glad I tried it. Pros: atmosphere, service, creativity Cons: too much creativity more
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Amazing! 5/3/2008

One of the best complete meals I've ever had in my life. Servers were polite despite the fact that we were young and students, and gave us a seat in a window, and we were sent out a small dish gratis. Everything I had was great. I really highly recommend the duck with rhubarb, the trout, and the chocolate tart for dessert. Only complaint would be that service is a little slow, but if you're with someone you enjoy talking to, it's not a problem. Pros: Food, Service more
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Average! 4/29/2008

I have been there twice and i can say that the palce itself is nice.However the service and food quality is not good as you expect. more
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Bravo 2/9/2008

Great food, great experience and I will be going there everytime the menu changes. I love being a part of the students training. Every six weeks or so a new class is preparing the food so it's like a new experience each time. The location is warm and I never felt rushed. a ""must try"" for NY at a great price. Pros: A New York must! more
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best food, great customer service 1/28/2008

L'ecole was a such a treat! I went a few months ago with my fiance and sister and was so impressed. I'm a serious NY diner and I love to visit new spots. L'ecole was as good as some of the more expensive restaurants in the city but for a third of the price. I ordered the cod and my sistered ordered the seabass. The fish literally melts in your mouth. Literally every course was so light and refreshing and satisfying I was in disbelief. We had a 5 star dinner (5 courses!) for under $120 for all three of us. The service is also fantastic. Get reservations early b/c they book fast. Happy eating. Pros: price, ambience, service Cons: no good for large groups, kids more
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Menu for L Ecole


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Students at the French Culinary Institute prepare seasonal lunch and dinner menus with French flair.

Owner Message

  • When our guests look at our menu, they marvel at the bounty and creativity of its items. But what they find even more amazing is each delicious dish is being prepared by some of tomorrow's most-promising chefs: our own students.
    During the last two levels of our Culinary Arts Program, students cook for restaurant patrons under the supervision of our chef-instructors. The seasonal menu changes every six weeks, as classes advance to the next level, and are designed to ensure that students use the core techniques they've learned at The French Culinary Institute. The cuisine is contemporary French, rooted in the basics and spiced with other ethnic influences.

Editorial

  • There are no celebrity chef egos to be found at this restaurant, as Institute students helm the kitchen. Prix fixe options anchor the menu, and a la carte dining is available only at lunch. For...

  • 8/8/2007 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Sat: 5:30pm-7pm, 11am-3pm, 8pm-9:45pm, Mon-Fri: 5:30pm-7pm, 12pm-2pm, 8pm-9:45pm
  • Payments: American Express, Discover, Master Card, Visa
  • Neighborhoods: Downtown, Chinatown, Greenwich Village
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