wd~50 offers fine dining in a casual atmosphere on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The restaurant is open for dinner seven nights a week from 6pm to 10pm, and offers two tasting menus: twelve courses for $155, and five courses for $90 featuring classic dishes from past menus. Bar diners can enjoy either tasting menu or select two courses from the menus (sweet or savory items) for $25; additional courses can be added for $15 per course. We no longer offer an a la carte menu. Wylie Dufresne, Sous Chef Sam Henderson and Pastry Chef Malcolm Livingston II serve modern American cuisine renowned for its flavor, sophistication, and innovation. The dining room seats 70 and the private dining room 14 people. wd~50 has a Michelin star and in March of 2008 was awarded three stars by Frank Bruni of the New York Times.
"We had the tasting menu which was incredibly creative and truly delicious. Service was very responsive and friendly. Ambience was very pleasant. A "10"."
Dined on 5/20/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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"The ~15 course tasting is just the right amount of food. Each portion is enough to taste without feeling stuffed at the end. The food is bold, creative, and different. You will be surprised. The wine pairings are equally creative. The wines are assertive, but do not compete with the food. I tried varietals I never knew existed.
Almost all of the dishes are very good to outstanding. A couple items "missed," though that seems a great trade for all of the new ideas I never would have tasted.
Plus, the place is vun and the service is outstanding."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"As self-professed foodies, we had been wanting to try this place for years and finally got to try it until the other night. Despite some of the negative reviews on here, it is still worth a shot. I believe it is overpriced for what you get, but considering Wally Dufresne is one of the most notable chefs to popularize molecular gastronomy in the U.S., we were willing to shell it out for the experience. There were some absolutely incredible dishes (the 'Pho Gras' stands out, as do each of the desserts and I'm not even a dessert person), some very good dishes (the Wagyu that is so beautifully seared that it looks like it was sous vide), and one dish that I don't want to ever taste again (the Walleye Poke...terrible combination). Worth trying."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"We enjoyed our meal here - being able to order four courses a la carte was a nice way to do a late night meal, though the service was a bit slower than we'd normally like."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"We had the same tasting menu as requested . Wine pairing was great , food was really good our waitress was nice attentive and professional . I just have to say one thing , when you walk in , it is a little too bright and open . I feel that it would just be nicer to separate the entrance and the bar from the dinning room . Something a little more sultry . It is an expensive experience well worth for but I've had the feeling of walking into a cafeteria..."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"I was looking forward to this restaurant as I heard they did great pairings w- the meal. I called before hand and let them know that I was bringing clients and to please accommodate any "special" requests and naturally I would pay for whatever needed to be done. I specifically mentioned I had 1 diner who might ask for something off the tasting menu - they said no worries they get these requests all the time. Needless to say we were met with rules and regulations- and my client didn't eat. She liked 1 item we asked for more of that waitress said no. We would have paid extra. Baffling. - all we asked is that on some dishes they leave the protein off -we didn't want something special made?"
Dined on 5/10/2013
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"Loved the tasting experience. Fabulous contrasts, unexpected combinations, and foods masquerading as different foods or even objects kept us off-balance in delightful ways. The quality and taste were top-notch. A limited tour of the kitchen made these foodies' hearts even gladder!"
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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"The decor was surprisingly casual but smart. All the dishes were nice. While most seemed "normal" or classic there were a handful of dishes that were surprising and surprisingly amazing. The Pho Gras with foie gras in a pho noodle soup does not sound like it'll work but tasted wonderful. The Walleye Pike was the best cooked fish we'd ever eaten. The final dish of s'mores looked exactly like real s'mores but the ingredients were turned on its head and tasted so good I was scraping the plate. I also recommend the bar where the bartender was able to mix me some of the best drinks on request."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Needs no introduction, really, but even better than imagined. Innovative, fascinating, but never simply for its own sake, always in the service of an amazing culinary experience."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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"We were really disappointed with this place. It is incredibly expensive and really not worth it. The food is fine, but not spectacular and the same goes for ambience and service. At this price, I would expect a little more. I certainly would not recommend it."
Dined on 5/01/2013
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"Some friends had recommended WD-50, so my wife and I tried it out. We were impressed with the attentive service and comfortable yet refined atmosphere. However, the food was hit-or-miss. Some dishes were expertly crafted with balanced flavors, but about half missed the mark in one way or another. Worst of all, both of us were still hungry after 12 courses, which has never happened to us after a tasting menu. While there were enough gems to warrant trying, between the hit-or-miss nature and the want for more afterwards, I don't think it was worth $155 - at that price point, there are just too many great tasting menus in this city. We have tried many of them, and they offer more consistent quality and satiety."
Dined on 4/30/2013
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"WD-50 is a place to visit - at least once. The food is an awesome experience. If you really get into the concept of food and preparation, you won't be disappointed. But you'll pay for it. This place is pricey! Not sure if I will drop that kind of money on a dinner agian for a very long time."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"Decent food but at absurd prices and little choice. There were only 2 menu options, one tasting menu for $90 per person or another for $150. The food was good for the most part but at $45-$60 at the absolute maximum. For such and expensive restaurant the decor had all the ambiance of a college dormatory cafeteria. A mid-range restaurant priced like a 3 star, this was my first and last visit."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Way to overrated,stuff ok, but Not very charming...Food prepared Not very Creative, and very Bad Choice of combinations...all in all the biegest disappointment,Not worth the Money at all...beside the wine....definately Hügel waste of Time and Money!!!!!"
Dined on 04/23/2013
2010
Special Features: notable wine list
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"An interesting find for very adventurous foodies searching for something unique and a bit bizarre. We found the combinations a bit hit and miss (fois gras with pho soup, two things I love but would never eat together) and the plates were presented with very little to eat on them. No ala carte is a downfall and prices are way too high for the environment. It was a trip for the tastebuds, but not the journey I was searching for."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Shockingly good food. Completely impressed. Asked so many question we got a tour of the kitchen. One of my most favorite nights out. Skip the set menu and just go for the ala carte in the bar. While sad to miss out on the cushy booths two courses and the most amazing deserts ever was plenty."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Great with dealing with allergies; the food was excellent and varied. Staff was very knowledgeable and efficient. Great decor and ambiance. Can't wait to go back and do the wine pairing!"
Dined on 04/10/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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"This was a memorable one of a kind experience to be shared during our first visit to New York. I have never had such a wide variety of creatively prepared new-to-me foods. It was also neat to be able to say we were at the restaurant of one of Top Chef's judges, Wylie Dufresne. We were only sort of disappointed to know that he was not there that evening as he was busy opening up a new restaurant. We were happy to be able to enjoy this 12 course tasting menu with wine pairings with others who love to try new things. If you like new foods and preparations, this is the place for you!
Favourites: Pike fish, and S'mores!"
Dined on 04/07/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Enjoyed a great Anniversary dinner, although not every dish in the tasting menu was a winner none were not enjoyable and several were awesome! Service was attentive without being overbearing"
Dined on 04/08/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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"This was a cerebral dining experience. The food wasn't the best I've had, but it was fascinating. It's certainly worth going if you've got some spare cash and you're into molecular gastronomy and cleverness with food, but I wouldn't put it on my best-ever dining experiences."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"WD-50 tries and succeeds to serve adventurous food. Unfortunately it is just not very tasty. If you are going to a Michelin-starred restaurant, you expect the food to be absolutely delicious, however exciting or classic it turns out to be, and this place really does fail in that respect. I would really try to discourage foodies from going, particularly as the bill came to ~$400 all in
The wine was (mostly) good though..."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2013
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"Outstanding food... I have been to 4 restaurants in NYC: 11 madison park, Jean Georges, Le Bernadine, WD-50... And I rate this restaurant top 2 restaurants among the 4 (after Eleven Madison Park). GOOD JOB, better than the 3 michelin stared restaurants :)
Will definitely, visit WD 50 again if I come back to NYC :)"
Dined on 03/24/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion
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"I took my boyfriend here as a surprise, special 25th birthday present. We both love everything food and have always wanted to try a place like WD-50. I decided we were going to splurge and do the 9 course tasting menu. It did not disappoint. Every dish was so carefully thought out and presented. Each bite was different than the last on any given dish. The whimsical elements had us stunned (i.e. "pho gras" pho soup with foie gras). The staff was EXTREMELY friendly and attentive. They answered every question we had about ingredients (and believe me, we had a lot). They even gave us an extra dessert with a candle when they overheard me say it was his birthday. This was one of the best food experiences I have ever had."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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"Very welcoming staff - despite it being such an iconic resataurant. We had high expectations - and they were met! Beautiful delicate tastes, lovely compositions. Only complaint was that the size of the portions were really tiny. We have smaller appetites than most - and we were still a bit hungry at the end of the five courses."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"You already know you're going to get amazing food at wd-50. (It's true.) What you might not expect is the rest of the experience is just as good. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming - they let me in without a second glance after a day of sight-seeing around New York in jeans, sneakers and a hoodie. The staff were all incredibly inviting and friendly, happy to answer questions and go to the extra mile to make the evening enjoyable for a couple of amateur foodies.
The 12-course menu is definitely worth it. Stick with the special cocktails - the "Duck Blind" (scotch, sherry, smoked maple, cocoa oil) was great, while the more traditional Old Fashioned was underwhelming."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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"My second time at this gem. The food is full of lots of flavors. The chef(s) are incredible at creating flavors and textures that tantalize your tastebuds. It's pricy but wort h every penny/dollar."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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"This is the worst dinner I had in NY in the last 3 years: outrageously expensive (350 $ for 2 persons, wine included, and that what's the cheapest menu). Service not professional (except for the wine). Wine pairing not good. This restaurant tries to play classy and chic but they just want your money and do not deliver."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2010
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"Probably one of the best dining experiences ever, Wylie was willing to take time to me us and the staff is world class. This is a must when in New York"
Dined on 03/27/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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"We tried the tasting menu, 12 course, with wine pairing. Some good, but too many tastless. It took 2,5 hour, so we was not finished with one course before next one was served, too fast. Not worth the money."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2013
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"We have been to WD50 many times over the years and always were happy to go back. Now that the menu has changed to a tasting menu only, this visit will be our last. The lack of choice and price means this restaurant has changed substantially from it's original roots."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"This was our second time to wd-50, and we were excited to try the new menu. The first time we had been here was amazing and mind-blowing... an everything bagel made out of ice cream, pine nuts somehow turned into red beans and rice, and a foie gras falafel. This time was just as delicious, with a bigger menu, and better wine pairing. The first course made you feel like you are eating a bowl of the ocean. The next one turned around and made you feel like you were in the forest, complete with "pine needles" that looked exactly like the real thing, but were delicious. Pho gras, unreal. Smores, unreal.This place is not just delicious, but fun. I'll be coming back."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Interestingly created menu, with inventive dishes. A nice change of pace for high end food, the restaurant was fairly casual for its price point and quality. I was disappointed not to have the full trading menu but the short 'from the vault ' was still very good.
Among restaurants of its level it holds its own, and probably should receive a 4/5 overall in comparison to places like Le Bernardin and Corton."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot
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"Of WD-50's choice of 2 tastings, I opted 4 new fare,a 15 course (small bite) sublime journey through the culinary mystique spun by Chef Wylie. The decor is warm, including a fireplace, and comfortable. The wait staff was excellent, attentive and not too pushy. The wait in-between the dishes was just enough for romantic banter... We sat close to the kitchen which is immaculate bolstering confidence in the purity of the food itself. Each course had a flavor profile unique unto itself, but built from each plate to the next. I love smoke and the S'mores dessert was like none other & indeed left me wanting.. S'more! Overall a commitment to sit through all the courses, I will certainly go back and try the more retrospective tasting."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"What was inventive, has become rote. The food was good but not that good and certainly notworth the $720 it cost (including wine and tip) for four people. After a ten year run, I predict wd-50 will be closing within a year."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2010
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"While I understand this is a molecular gastronomy experience, it felt too precious and overly thought through to be enjoyed. It was massively disappointing. However, the service was amazing - friendly, knowledgeable and approachable. Best part of the experience."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2006
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