Benoit restaurant is a Parisian gem in the heart of Manhattan, New York. With impeccable service, expertly executed classic dishes, and an impressive wine list, this is a lovely fine dining experience you’re sure to remember.
Let’s feast on a fine Parisian meal, but make it New York.
Benoit NYC is your passport to a chic Parisian bistro for the evening—without having to board a transatlantic flight.
Located in the heart of Manhattan, Benoit restaurant’s gilded mirrors, red velvet banquettes, and warm wood paneling, exudes vintage charm and upscale comfort. Whether you’re here for a romantic date night, a celebratory dinner, or just a glass of Burgundy at the bar, this Alain Ducasse gem strikes the perfect balance between fine dining and casual French conviviality.
Tucked away just off Fifth Avenue, Benoit draws an effortlessly stylish crowd. Think polished professionals unwinding over wine after work. Groups of friends sharing charcuterie and laughs. And couples clinking glasses over candlelit tables.
I dined here during a girls’ trip combined with a work trip to New York earlier this year, and absolutely fell head over heels for Benoit. My friends and I never wanted to leave, and we still talk about our incredible dining experience there to this day.
Benoit is also a favorite for pre-theater bites and celebratory occasions, from birthdays to anniversaries. The menu is classically French with modern finesse, making it a destination not just for the food, but for the full Paris-meets-NYC experience.
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A storied past with global pedigree
Benoit NYC is the sister restaurant of the original Benoit, which opened in Paris in 1912.
In 2008, Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse brought the beloved bistro across the Atlantic. He reimagined it for a New York audience while honoring its French roots. Renowned for his culinary empire spanning three continents, Ducasse ensured that Benoit NYC carries the same tradition of classic French cuisine with contemporary touches.
Timeless Parisian ambience
Step inside Benoit and you’re instantly transported to a Parisian bistro circa 1920. Not that I was alive back then, but this is exactly what I imagine it would have been like.
The interior is cozy yet elegant, with a welcoming glow from brass light fixtures, mosaic-tiled floors, crisp white tablecloths, and a classic zinc bar. Soft French jazz floats through the air, setting a tone that’s equal parts romantic and relaxed.
In the warmer months, the outdoor seating brings a European-style café vibe to the Midtown sidewalk, perfect for people-watching with a glass of rosé in hand.
The food
The cuisine at Benoit NYC is a love letter to classic French bistro fare, elevated with just the right touch of modern finesse.
Think buttery sauces, slow-braised meats, crisp salads, and impossibly flaky pastries. Each dish is crafted with the kind of precision and passion you’d expect from a restaurant under Alain Ducasse’s wing.
From onion soup gratinée bubbling with golden Gruyère to perfectly seared duck à l’orange and dreamy chocolate soufflés that practically levitate off the plate, the menu is indulgent without being intimidating.
Whether you’re a lifelong Francophile or a curious first-timer, Benoit delivers that unmistakable joie de vivre—one forkful at a time.
Author’s note
A word about the menu
The Benoit menu changes seasonally, and the photos shown in this article reflect the menu at the time I dined here. The items mentioned in the body of the post below tend to be menu mainstays, and while there is no guarantee these will be available when you dine here, they do give you a good sampling of the type of food you can expect.
Appetizers to start the soirée
- Onion soup gratinée – A rich, bubbling crock of slow-cooked onions and beef broth topped with molten Gruyère cheese. Comforting and deeply flavorful.
- Duck foie gras terrine – Silky and decadent, served with fig chutney and toasted brioche. A classic start for those who want to indulge.
- Escargots with garlic-parsley butter – Served in their shells with just the right amount of garlic. Order extra bread—you’ll want to sop up every last drop.
Main courses
- Poulet rôti (roasted chicken for two – Carved tableside and served with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s rustic, refined, and incredibly juicy.
- Beef bourguignon – A slow-braised classic with tender chunks of beef, carrots, and pearl onions in a rich red wine sauce.
- Roasted duck – Crispy skin, succulent meat, and a well balanced agrodolce (sweet and sour sauce). It’s a standout dish that screams old-school French glamour.
- Lobster pasta – A luxurious plate with sweet lobster meat, delicate pasta, and a saffron-tomato bisque. It’s comfort food with a couture twist.
- Filet mignon aux poivres + pommes frites – Steak that’s cooked to perfection and paired with golden fries. Sometimes simplicity is pure magic.
Decadent Desserts
- Creme Caramel – Velvety, silken custard topped with that classic crunchy caramelized top.
- Chocolate soufflé – Airy, rich, and dramatic. Served with a warm chocolate sauce you’ll dream about later.
- Tarte Tatin – This upside-down caramelized apple tart is buttery, crisp, and beautifully nostalgic.
- Île flottante (floating island) – A cloud of meringue floating in crème anglaise. Light and sweet, it’s the ideal end to a rich meal.
Sips to Savor
Benoit’s wine list is a Francophile’s dream: Burgundy, Bordeaux, Alsace, and Loire Valley all make strong showings.
Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or just want a lovely glass of rosé, the knowledgeable staff can help guide you. Our waiter was extremely knowledgeable and helpful, as was the Sommelier.
For cocktails, Benoit’s bar menu features French twists on classics. While the cocktail menu is also subject to some changes, look for a lavender-infused gin and tonic or a champagne cocktail with elderflower and bitters. The aperitifs and digestifs (including Cognac and Armagnac) offer a smooth finish to your meal.
Benoit restaurant FAQs
Please note that the answers provided here are subject to change. Please contact the restaurant directly if you have questions.
Street parking is limited, but there are several paid garages nearby.
Expect to spend around $150–$200 for dinner for two with drinks.
Yes! Often, there will be a vegetarian risotto on the menu, seasonal salads, and sometimes a seasonal vegetable tagine.
Smart casual is perfect. Think polished but not overly formal. Jackets are optional, but leave the ripped jeans, shorts, and flip flops at home.
Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables.
Absolutely. Children are welcome.
Dine at Benoit NY
If you’re looking to capture the magic of Paris without leaving Manhattan, Benoit NYC is an elegant, delicious, and utterly charming place to start. Come for the classics, stay for the wine, and let the old-world hospitality win you over.
My friends and I had the most marvelous time dining at Benoit. I truly cannot wait to dine here again on my next trip to NYC!
Benoit NYC
60 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019
Phone:
(646) 943-7373
Email:
info@benoitny.com
Website:
https://www.benoitny.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/benoitnyc
HOURS:
Mon–Thurs 8am – 10pm,
Fri–Sat 8am – midnight,
Sun 8am – 9pm
If you visit, please be sure to let them know that you read about it on Urban Bliss Life! And if you snap some pics, tag us @UrbanBlissLife and #UrbanBlissLife on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.
