John DeLucie is the Chef Proprietor of The Lion, Bill's Food & Drink, and Crown restaurants in New York City. The Lion opened in May 2010 on beautiful tree-lined West 9th street – it features a menu consistent with the Chef himself, classic American with undeniable Italian influences. Bill's Food & Drink opened in November 2012 in Midtown, and features hearty American cuisine. Crown opened September of 2011, in a 1930's mansion steps away from The Metropolitan Museum of Art on the Upper East Side.
"Too much hype from others=huge culinary disappointment!
We ordered scallops and lamb, the scallops looked like an appetizer although they were good. My husband's lamb was bland. We ordered the burrata which came with the most minuscule shred of truffle. It was completely tasteless and boring.
We ordered the strawberry shortcake which was completely dry. Huge thumbs down.
The bar is great. We had a few cocktails and would definitely come back to sit at the bar. Definitely a cool place to meet for a drink. The service is very good, too bad the food was just ok."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The food was good but not great. There is so much hype about the Lion, it really is no different than other restaurants in West Village.
I ordered the scallops and my husband ordered the lamb. The scallops looked like an appetizer and the lamb was bland. We also ordered the burrata which was so bland and had the most minuscule piece of truffle. Don't order it!
For dessert we ordered the shortcake which was terrible. The cake was so dry!!
If we ever return it will be for drinks. The setting is amazing though, kudos for whoever designed it."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, romantic, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"the lion has a nice setting and has a few good drinks, but i've never really cared much for the food. certainly overpriced for what it is. is trendy/fun though on a positive note."
Dined on 4/07/2013
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Woody Allen's shots of New York, whether interiors of apartments, fall in Central Park, or street scenes make the city seem vibrant, sensuous, alluring. Eating at The Lion is like being in a scene in a Woody Allen movie. Interesting people, hip neighborhood, provoking decor, and, fortunately, good food. Prices are NYC prices, but worth it. Come enjoy tasty victuals in a surrounding that enhances the meal. Eat at The Lion, and you'll be getting a true New York experience."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The entire staff was professional, friendly and knowledgeable. The Food was very good and we had a thoroughly enjoyable experience and would definitely return."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Although the staff were really nice about it this was the second time in a row I have waited for an hour for a table at this place even though I had a reservation. It's a shame because the food is great and I love the place. But I probably won't be rushing back soon."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"What a great place! Wonderful atmosphere, good food, terrific service. In had read about The Lion but had to experience for myself. I was, to say the least, very pleased. have a drink at the bar first; beautiful setting and a bartender worth talking to."
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We had dinner here on our annual girls weekend in NY. We were given the first table as you enter the dining room in the middle of traffic and near the kitchen -- the worst table in the house. I asked to be seated at another table, I was told they had nothing available. The chairs were uncomfortable, rickety and old and bothered my back. I switched my chair and the manager offered me a pillow. He made no effort to seat us at a more comfortable table-- I basically suffered through dinner-- which with the quality of the food was really not worth it. The calamari was slightly burned, the salmon just OK, but the chicken pot pie was good. The cocktails were bland. The 3 of us agreed-- we would definitely not go back."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Share:
-1point
0of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The ambience is amazing, if you're sitting the bright main room, surrounded by framed portraits, or in the black-wooded tavern in the front. Food is hearty and awesome - for a group of guys it's perfect. Lots of great drinks, wines, and meats. Burger is exceptional - I would recommend."
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I really love this place. My last experience was a little less than satisfactory: I had made a reservation well in advance, and then upon arriving had to wait 15 minutes -not just because it was busy, but because the host chose to seat two 4 tops tops ahead of us. I get that "rich people" have a certain glow, but I thought this place was classier than that....I would also have left a more generous tip if the waiter didn't look at me with those eyes of: "oh you can't leave as big a tip as they can.""
Dined on 04/26/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The Lion, with its lovely atrium and soft, live music during the weekends is a always a top brunch choice for us. Bloody marys are excellent, and the food is on point."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, romantic
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The first time we visit this restaurant it was excellent. So this time we expected the same experience. The food was good. However after we had finished the starter, directly was the maincourse served. (wthin 2 minutes) We told the servant, we are not in an hurrie. So he took the food away and said. This is common in America. This was not the right answer. Because we are not eating in a fast food restaurant. A very bad experience, so we come never again!!!!!!!!"
Dined on 04/21/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I'm still getting used to The Lion. Sometimes there is a nice buzz there and other times it can be very empty. Love the layout and the 'Ye Olde Worlde' decor but I haven't yet landed on whether or not the staff add to or detract from the vibe. I find they can be distant and often talk to each other rather than welcoming their guests. A shame in such a nice establishment."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2012
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We loved The Lion's Sunday Brunch. The Fritatta was perfect, and we're in love with the Greek Yogurt with Blood Orange and grapefruit. The flavors were delicious. We had that afterwards, like a dessert."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2003
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The bread at the beginning is amazing... and so is the $55 ricotta gnudi with truffles (basically it's gnocchi) - but it's a really small portion... so if you can justify ordering a small $55 pasta dish go for it- my boyfriend and i split it as an appetizer. the chicken potpie was amazing... i hate peas, and i love that it didn't have peas in it. also the peanut butter bar for dessert was delish. very expensive restaurant, but delicious food"
Dined on 04/14/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We were about twenty minutes late for a birthday celebration on a Saturday night and the restaurant held our table for two. They people up front knew it was a birthday and tried to make everything as pleasant as possible, and they succeeded. The waitstaff was professional, knowledgeable and upbeat without being intrusive. The person who took our drinks order knew about the different bourbons and ryes that the bartender uses for Manhattans, and we had excellent ones, with the big square ice cubes that melt very slowly. As for the food, the oysters were decent, the kale salad used kale that was a bit tough, but it was tasty. The Delmonico Steak was pricey and probably not worth it. The duck breast was superb. The decor is charming."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The Best! One of my favorite restaurants in NYC! The Chicken Pot Pie is my favorite along with the Kale Salad, Spinach Parmesean Casserole and Brussel Sprouts. Can't wait for their corn to return this summer!"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Had an absolutely wonderful brunch here -- the service was attentive and very knowledgeable. The food was great and the live music was a perfect accompaniment. Even though we were sitting just inches away from the musician, it was a lovely background and not at all intrusive. Can't wait to go back....a bit pricey but worth it!"
Dined on 03/03/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Although I've been to the Waverly Inn, did not know that the Chef also had the Lion. Absolutely wonderful restaurant with a refreshing menu. We had Easter brunch which incorporated some of there dinner items as well. Wonderful mix. The atmosphere is warm and inviting with different rooms that surprise at every twist and turn. The main dining room sports a huge skylight. I remember coming here in the late 70's early 80's when it was Danny's Starlight Garden. Looks like it has fabulous bar, but on Easter it was a bit quiet. Definitely on my list of resturants to return too!"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"It was not my first time and as usual, it was an enchanting moment. The Maitre d'hôtel went out of his way to accommodate and please us. I highly recommend this restaurant."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The frittata were absolutely terrible. the brunch was so disappointing and the service was so awkward. they sat a party of four at a table meant for probably only two and our plates were hanging over the edges of the table. the waiters were inexperienced. my friends and i were actually upset at how disappointing the brunch was. if the service wasnt so bad i would consider giving it another shot for dinner. i wanted to like the lion so bad but... it failed. it was evident why it would never be considered for a michelin star. its a very beautiful place though."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"My wife & I had a wonderful experience at The Lion. The staff is incredibly friendly & accommodating. The food was fantastic and the service was great. Don't be scared away by the tight dining room. Everyone is in a good mood and having alot of fun. The closeness adds to the experience! We will be going back very soon..."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Dining at The Lion is always a pleasue. The ambiance of the establishment conveys the perfect combination of a friendly West Village spot and an intimate, exclusive insiders' paradise. Whether it be for a business dinner, a romantic date or a table for one and a good book, The Lion is one of Manhattan's best gems."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2011
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Very enjoyable "gem" of a restaurant...historic decor...had taken 3, new attendees & all rated this a fantastic place for food. Try the Duck, kale salad and salmon. Our waiter forgot our cheese order so we were not able to try but we adjusted. Fantastic selection of wine."
Dined on 03/04/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Although the atmosphere was fun and lively, we were disappointed that our reserved table was in the bar area and not in the dining room. We should have been told this when we reserved. The menu was somewhat limited and the waiter forgot one of our entrees. The wine was ridiculously over priced per glass."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We went to the Lion for Sunday brunch last week and had a wonderful time. Not only was the food excellent, but the service was friendly and attentive. There was also talented live music playing (blues and jazz singer / guitar) at a pleasant volume that still allowed for normal conversation. The main room is an atrium flooded with natural light from the greenhouse-like cupola above."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, romantic
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Food was good; but definitely just barely good. Service was efficient; but somewhat rushed. Quite a noisy scene; but a very interesting buzz. Not a deal for the money."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
I had a a roast tomato soup which was good, not inspiring followed by what was basically a NY strip steak. It was well cooked but again, not inspiring.
Dessert was the stand out - a chocolate bombe with a dollop of ice cream. Overall an enjoyable meal but not worth $90 for food before we got to the wine.
Ambiance is very cool and I believe that is why it continues to stand out. The back room in particular is neat with its open floor plan and high ceilings."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.