L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute Reviews List
L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
Behind every meal at L’Ecole is the passion and dedication of a team of exceptional Chef-Instructors and students from every corner of the school. As a true collaboration between the Culinary, Pastry, and Bread departments at The French Culinary Institute, L’Ecole is where the skills and training of our students shine through in thoughtfully prepared and elegantly presented dishes created with the finest and freshest seasonal ingredients.
"Had been there a few times for lunch (during shopping) and found L'Ecole nice an good food for the price. Went for the first time in the evening with my wife and we were really impressed by the nice classic and still original french cuisine and the good service, Were also impressed with the wine options and with the advice received."
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 4 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"I went with my family for Mother's Day. We arrived about 15 minutes late, but did call to let the hostess know and we were seated immediately upon arrival. The restaurant was bright and the food was delicious. The busboy was more attentive and helpful than our waiter, however. Still, it was a great experience overall and I'd definitely recommend it."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 5 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"A menu with a selection of all the best! Attentive service from a happy friendly staff made for a perfect birthday dinner! Just go and be happy! I can't wait to go again!"
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, romantic, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 6 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"We went there for brunch. The french onion soup was awesome. All other people were also ordering the soup. The price was not expensive. The place was located in next to TOPSHOP. Therefore if you want to have a good brunch in Soho, you should defenitely visit this restaurant. best restaurant in Soho I think."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 7 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"I have been a patron over a dozen times throughout the past eight years. This place is consistent, server friendly and the ambiance is just awesome. Highly recommended for its quality French food."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 8 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"My husband and I had dinner with three friends here last week. Everything about the occasion was extraordinary. All of us admired the choices on the price-fixed menu, the presentation of the food, and the attention to detail. A minor slip up with a reservation months ago - completely forgotten by us - was remembered by the management who presented us with glasses of an interesting sparkling wine (from New Mexico!!) to drink with the appetizer in atonement.
There were lovely flowers on the table, the staff was attentive and polite, the food was delicious - all-in-all it was a grand affair."
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"I chose this restaurant for a special occasion and it didn't disappoint. The ambience was elegant but relaxed, the service was beyond excellent wtih several wait people and a mgr. always aware of our needs without hovering or interrupting. The food was really good, as expected in a French cooking school. The daily pasta special, handcrafted thin pasta with arugula pesto and halibut with fava beans and some other things, and the squash flowers stuffed with crabmeat were fabulous. My trout with horseradish and dill with baby bok choy in a delicious liquid was a winner. I loved that they kept a beautiful water bottle on the table. And, last but not least, we had extra to take home in nicely designed containers. Can't wait to return!"
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, romantic, notable wine list, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 13 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"We loved this restaurant. This was our Second visit. The choice for appetizers and main course was excellent. We all had giger glazes mahi mahi and loved it. Pre fix menu is a steal."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 14 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
Overall rating
(Outstanding)5/5
L'Ecole le menu superbe pour un gra
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/02/2013
Food
(Outstanding)5/5
Service
(Outstanding)5/5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)5/5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This classy restaurant run and menu cooked by the étudiants is a very special treat. I went here with my husband for our 22ns anniversary. We were very delgihted with the service the meal and the ambience. They made us feel special offering us champagne, sample tastes and a chocolate message on our plate for anniversary wishes. Master Chef Jacques Pepin said this was an excellent restaurant not only because he is dean but because he is right."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 15 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"The food was fresh, beautifully presented and the choices were excellent! Compliments to the chef (s). Our wait staff was very attentive and made the meal even more enjoyable."
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 18 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"I was very excited to come here for Brunch. My friend and I had the Prix fixe - (as that was the only option). My first course of fresh fruit was nicely presented however I opted for the yogurt and granola addition and was disappointed how little of a scoop they gave me (wait did I even have granola?). The frusit was very good. My friend had the French Onion soup which looked great. We both ordered the Turkey BLT- however I asked where was the Turkey? I have gotten more Turkey at the deli for $6.00 then I did here. It was disappointing. In a Prix Fixe lunch No drinks were included, not even coffee.. Don't think I would run back as there are plenty of other restaurants that give more for your buck."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2006
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Review 19 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"L'Ecole may be the best kept secret in NY. Recently took a NY native, foodie friend there who'd never even heard of it. He was so blown away at every fresh morsel, during dinner he talked about coming back.
Fresh ingredients married with imaginative ideas equal irresistible tastes. From the fresh fish, subtle, tasty sauces that make every ingredient shine through, combined with bold, beautiful presentation. I'm not a lover of sweets, but had to taste what magic they whipped up for dessert. And as for price, you simply get this caliber of food for this price anywhere else in NY."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"A gastronomic experience for a reasonable price. The concept of the wine pairing for each meal provides the customer with nice discoveries. Nice service, original and well executed meals. As French customers we appreciated the high quality (which would be next to impossible to get for such a price in France or anywhere else in NY)."
Dined on 04/22/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 23 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"I went to L'Ecole last week for dinner and it had been my second time going. I thoroughly enjoyed dinner. The wait service was excellent, friendly, and knowledgeable. Everything about the restaurant was wonderful and I would highly recommend it to others. I look forward to going again soon."
Dined on 04/22/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 25 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"Previous visits to L'Ecole were excellent. This time just 'good'. The side dish for our main course did not arrive until we had half eaten the serving. As we were the first diners that day, 12 noon, this was not acceptable - we complained and were not charged but it should not have happened."
Dined on 04/22/2013
2012
Special Features: great for brunch, great for lunch
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Review 26 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"Presentation of all dishes without a doubt were aesthetically pleasing and looks delicious to the eyes. The food was unique and different, a play on typical dishes. It wasn't super great with taste but still decent. The dessert menu was delicious! A few members from my table even said that dessert might have been better than the meal lol still a great place, I'd go back to try their lunch and brunch menu :]"
Dined on 04/12/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 27 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"I was as impressed this second time as my first visit. The menu was outstanding, the portions perfect. The best part of my meal was how perfect the lamb was cooked. We also received a lamb appetizer as complement from the chef that was so tender it melted in my mouth. My doctor friend was so impressed on her first visit she wants to go back and take the kitchen tour :) Compliments to the Chef and future Chefs and of course the Manager."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 28 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"We went to L'Ecole on a Friday at seven and the place was lively but not intrusive. The food is very good especially as a prix fixe. The mango puree with rosemary was a delightful surprise."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 29 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"Service was fantastic; food was generally good, dishes well executed, though we found them all slightly too salty (that being about the only negative point I can come up with)."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2008
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Review 31 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"The five of us gathered for what was to be a festive celebration of a special birthday. It was spoiled by an extremely noisy party of 20 who gathered at the bar (which occupies a significant part of the not-very-large room) for happy hour before dinner. We could not converse with each other and ate in relative silence. An observant management should have noticed the situation and asked the party to lower the volume or they should have warned/called us to warn us of the large party. As for the food, most of us enjoyed it, but my duck was quite tough. For a pricey restaurant, very disappointing. Do not make a reservation here without ascertaining management's prediction of their bar scene on "your" night."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2009
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Review 32 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"The food was very good and with the wine tastings was a lot of fun. Friends meal came half cold and hot, seems the potatoes were pre made and they forgot to heat them, by the time they got them heated, I had almost finished my meal. There was a group in house at the bar, was pretty loud, but the food and atmosphere were really good and was better when the group left as the bar is in the middle of the restaurant..."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2004
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 34 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"Loved the presentation. Part of the duck confit was rare. I was not asked 'quelle cuisson' for my duck confit, which was really not a confit at all.Confit ,as referred to by the French, is usually cooked in its own fat and therefore would not be rare or medium rare.A puzzle?"
Dined on 04/17/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 35 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"We celebrated a 50th birthday with a group of 6. We were given a quiet table in an alcove with a huge window which was very nice...the view could be better as it overlooked a scarf vendor and construction on the street. The food was great--colorful and tasty. We had the wine pairings as well. The three teens in our party enjoyed the food. Service was good. Dessert was served with a candle and a Happy Birthday inscription on the plate...nice touch. We will definitely go again...quite affordable!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 36 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"We dine at L'Ecole serveral time a year and it's usually worthwhile. Appreciate the changing menu. Food was very good this time but the steak was very chewy. Service was good but not great considering the number of staff buzzing about. Food was delivered promptly but no one followed up leaving our drinks empty for the main course. Unfortunately this was repeated for desert. I expected more."
Dined on 04/15/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 37 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"It was my birthday and I went with my husband and our 21 and 19 years old daughters. We all enjoyed it. We appreciated the $30 prix fixe and we, the parents had the wine pairings to go with the food. The service was excellent and the food tasty and nicely presented. I recommend this restaurant to anybody."
Dined on 04/15/2013
2012
Special Features: notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 39 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"Good food and good service but could be so much nicer with a little interior design update. Perfect for a Sunday brunch before shopping. Very convenient to all the good shopping in SoHo. Don't be fooled by the $24 brunch menu....drinks, bread, coffee, etc. are not included and you will quickly be at $50 per person with tip."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, kid-friendly
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Review 41 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"Returned here after 9 year gap and great to see L'Ecole still vibrant and great value and quality. The food was very good, although a slightly short menu which is fine, but the service was slightly chaotic, slight language problems but friendly and helpful nonetheless. The wine pairing from the extensive cellar was interesting but perhaps not quite as informed as it should be. Overall very good, thank you. P"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 43 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"You really should have a reservation. We tried to eat here a few times in the last few years while walking in the neighborhood and the restaurant was completely booked. We made a reservation for Friday night and sat right away. The food is very good and the staff, although students, seem pretty well versed in the food and wine choices. The price fixed meal they serve is well worth it, $39.50 for a meal such as this is excellent. I guess there are some students that have trouble in some way but we haven't encountered any. Professional chefs have set hours to cook, as do students, so check on line for their hours if you want one or the other. I don't really know that it makes a difference in this type of setting. We will go back"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 44 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"Except for the pasta dish that dry with noodles that stuck together the food was excellent. We enjoyed the wine pairing and the explanation for each selection."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 46 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"I really can't rave enough about the service and attention we received from the staff. From wine recommendations through a special dessert treat, the service was excellent."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, romantic, special occasion
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Review 47 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"Presentations were very nice, but almost everything at our table of 4 was too salty. Best dish was the Pre-dinner "surprise" and chocolate/espresso frozen dessert."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2005
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 48 for L'Ecole - Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute
"Amuse bouche très relevé (pâte à chou fourré au fromage de chèvre), ce qui va à l'encontre d'une amuse bouche qui se doit délicat ouvrant l'espace aux saveurs. Les ingrédients sont utilisés sont de bonne qualité mais pas extraordinaire, en effet j'ai trouvé plusieurs nerfs dans mon roast-beef. Les plats était tous trop salés, vraiment trop salés. Les quantités n'étaient pas équivalentes d'un choix à l'autre (presque du simple au double). Je regrette également avoir eu des légumes préparé en wok sans même avoir été déglacés, un peu minimaliste pour ce type de restaurant. Le choix de dessert est très particulier. En effet des ingrédients originaux sont présent sur chacun d'entre eux, dommage je n'en ai pas pris."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic
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