Respite
My coworker lives in Midtown East and recommended this restaurant called Respite (looks like 50th between 2nd and 3rd Ave). He's gone quite a few times and I trust his food judgement.
On Yelp (yes, I generally trust the aggregates), it's gotten very positive reviews. I'm a frequent visitor of CH, but I've never seen it mentioned. Search doesn't return anything as well.
Also, it looks like they have 7 and 11 course tasting menus, which are generally only put out by ambitious restaurants.
Has anyone been? Opinions?
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Respite
247 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022
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I was actually surprised it was never mentioned here, but took the plunge and visited it about a month ago. We definitely enjoyed ourselves; while the food had a few misses, there were definitely some hits as well. I had a special of hamachi sashimi, which was very nicely done; one of our fellow diners enjoyed the scallop ceviche as well. As a warning, however, avoid at all costs the octopus, which is tougher than an old tire (especially disappointing since I had recently had an excellent version at La Fonda del Sol) For an entree, I had the red snapper, which was moist with a crispy skin-very well prepared. Others had the pork belly and the lamb "under pressure," which were well-received; I have to admit I did not taste these.
In between these and dessert, we were given a drink with pumpkin rum and cider courtesy of the house; that alone may be reason enough to go.
For dessert, had the pumpkin and goat cheese cheesecake. I would have liked a bit stronger of goat cheese flavor, but for those who would rather have only very mild goat cheese, it would have done the trick. My SO had the molten chocolate cake which was your standard molten cake at a decent restaurant. Nothing to write home about.
The space is very comfortable, and it was quiet enough for good conversation. Service was pleasant and attentive.
All in all, a good spot to have in that area, especially if one avoids dishes such as the octopus.
Would like to hear about the tasting menu if you end up trying it!! I don't think they had it the evening we were there as it was around Thanksgiving.-----
Respite
247 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022›1 Reply
