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aymal Jun 16, 2011 07:18 AM

Solo dining at Le Bernadin?

Hi folks,

I'm flying across to NY in August (from London) and I have one night spare before I meet up with some friends. I'd love to check out Le Bernadin on a week night but is it viable to eat there as a solo diner? Is there a bar to sit at? Or to hell with it and take up a table?

Any other suggestions for top end solo dining in Manhattan?

Many thanks!
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›9 Replies . Latest Jun 18, 2011 by aymal
  1. b
     balabat Jun 17, 2011 09:20 AM

    Hi, Aymal.

    FYI, Le Bernardin will close for the entire month of August for renovations.

    http://ny.eater.com/archives/2011/05/...

    As a side note, I dine solo quite often, even in high-end restaurants, and it's never a problem for me or other diners. You go for the food, after all--if you wanted company, you'd bring it!

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    Le Bernardin
    155 W. 51st St., New York, NY 10019
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    1. re: balabat
      a
       aymal Jun 18, 2011 04:41 AM

      Many thanks for that! Phew :) Any other suggestions? In hindsight I'd prefer somewhere that didn't require me to wear a jacket, less to pack that way!
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    2. famdoc Jun 16, 2011 08:10 AM

      During our last visit to Le B, we sat next to a solo diner. He seemed to really enjoy his tasting menu. We broke with social etiquette and began to talk with him. By the end of the meal, email addresses were exchanged as was an invitation to join him for dinner if we ever visit his city. So, go for it.
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      1. re: famdoc
        Windy Jun 16, 2011 12:32 PM

        In my experiences as a solo diner, this is more likely to occur at the bar than at tables, especially if the restaurant caters to people on dates.
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      2. a
         aymal Jun 16, 2011 08:10 AM

        Thanks folks, mucho gracias. I'll stalk Open Table for a reservation. Any suggestions for lunch? I've heard The Modern (restaurant) at the MoMA is good.
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        1. re: aymal
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           fm1963 Jun 16, 2011 08:28 AM

          I see solo diners at Le Bernardin all the time.

          For a high end lunch, The Modern is great, though I prefer Jean Georges. Either restaurant would be wonderful.

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          Jean Georges
          1 Central Park W, New York, NY 10023

          Le Bernardin
          155 W. 51st St., New York, NY 10019

          The Modern
          9 West 53rd Street, New York, NY 10019
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        2. b
           bronwen Jun 16, 2011 07:29 AM

          I've gone many times solo as I love Le Bernadin, take a table! I've never worried about so-called "solo" dining.
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          1. n
             nmprisons Jun 16, 2011 07:25 AM

            There is a bar. If you prefer a table, take one.
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            1. re: nmprisons
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               kathryn Jun 16, 2011 09:30 AM

              Seconded. No shame in being a solo diner in Manhattan, it happens all the time.

              Dining at the bar at Le Bernardin:
              http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/784896

              -----
              Le Bernardin
              155 W. 51st St., New York, NY 10019
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