Le Bernardin or Jean Georges?
Hi, I'll be in NY with my mother in a few weeks and I'm treating her to a special lunch (can't afford the dinners!) on our last night. I've settled on two restaurants - Le Bernardin and Jean Georges. They're both great restaurants, but sadly I can only choose one. I'm tempted to go with Jean Georges as its fairly cheaper, but if Le Bernardin really is so good I don't mind spending the extra bucks (we're both huge seafood fans, after all).
Service is a pretty big factor in this. I'm not too picky, but my mother is... she's the type that likes friendly staff, the kind that doesn't wheedle you into ordering more food, etc.
As far as food goes, we're not too picky but since these have such great reputations we've got pretty high expectations. Neither of us are planning to drink so that shouldn't be of any concern.
What would you say is the better of the two?
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Jean Georges
1 Central Park W, New York, NY 10023
Le Bernardin
155 W. 51st St., New York, NY 10019
By petitepig
on Jul 17, 2011 05:29 PM
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Depending on your dates Le Bernardin might be closed for a month long renovation. I know because I had the same question for my upcoming trip, but because of the renovations my dilemma was answered for me. You'll want to check your dates on open table. ;O
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Le Bernardin
155 W. 51st St., New York, NY 10019
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I haven't been to Le Bernardin but the lunch at Jean Georges is absolutely wonderful and a steal in terms of price. My parents went to Le Bernardin for dinner on their own and to lunch at Jean Georges on their last visit, and both of them much preferred Jean Georges. Given the price of Le Bernardin's lunch ($70 for I assume 3 courses!!!!!!!!!!!?!?!?), I would DEFINITELY say go to Jean Georges - you can add two extra courses for each of you and it would still cost less than Le Bernardin. Jean Georges' menu is quite seafood heavy in any case.
BTW, regarding the service - as I said, I haven't been to LB, so I can't comment firsthand, but I have heard many comments on the coolness and sterility of the service at LB. My parents had nothing negative to say about it, but they didn't rave either. Service at JG was quite formal (and flawless), but still warm and inviting.
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Jean Georges
1 Central Park W, New York, NY 10023
Le Bernardin
155 W. 51st St., New York, NY 10019
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For me, because I am a huge seafood fan, this isn't a close call: Le Bernardin wins hands down.
That said, Jean Georges is the best deal of the two, as the food quality is close and JG is cheaper.
Three quick notes:
(1) LB might be closed for renovations during your trip. You should check.
(2) The JG lunch crowd is more informal. The first time I went, we were seated next to a father in son in polo shirts and jeans. JG is also much louder at lunch. If you want it to be "special" in the sense of quiet and calm, LB is the better bet.
(3) You will hear negatives about the service at both of those restaurants. I have only had very positive experiences with the service at both, but your results may vary. I don't think it is the case that one is better than the other on this front, just different.
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Jean Georges
1 Central Park W, New York, NY 10023
Le Bernardin
155 W. 51st St., New York, NY 10019
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Ah, you're right - Le B will be closed on the date I was planning. Shucks, I guess I'll stick with JG.
How far in advance would you suggest I make a reservation? Would I have to do it now, or would a few days beforehand be sufficient? I'm still not entirely decided on what time we could go, and I wouldn't want to pay a no-show fee.
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no fee if you cancel like 48 hours in advance, so might as well make one now
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Le Bernardin wins hands-down over Jean Georges. Had LB for dinner and it was flawless service and fantastic seafood. I would NOT recommend JG for lunch unless you are on a budget and don't mind waiting. We had reservations for lunch at JG (at 1:30 p.m.) and after waiting for 15 minutes to be seated called Masa across the street and they had room so we left JG and went to Masa instead. We booked a month in advance. YMMV.
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Jean Georges
1 Central Park W, New York, NY 10023
Le Bernardin
155 W. 51st St., New York, NY 10019
Masa
10 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019
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