KenScale: 8.0/10 Visit: April 2026 Now that my wife Jun and I live in the DC metro area, we have been fairly behind on new restaurants in New York City. Given the limited number of evenings we would spend in the city (around four times per year give or take), we have prioritized returning to our old favorites instead of checking out newcomers. Some of these new restaurants have been quite impossible to book a reservation, and what if we are disappointed even after getting a table through all the hassles like constantly refreshing the reservation website? Le Veau d'Or, which was established in 1937, re-opened with much buzz in 2024 by chefs Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr behind the acclaimed French restaurant Frenchette and quickly become one of the hardest tables to book. On our recent visit to the city, we got to catch up with a friend and ex-co-worker and her husband over dinner. The husband had been dying to check out Le Veau d'Or and I managed to leverage my Chase credit card (more on below) to get a 5 p.m. seating for the four of us. So, did Le Veau d'Or live up to its hype? Overall, the food was delicious overall, but Jun and I agreed that other than one dish, we didn't have our minds blown. The format at Le Veau d'Or is a three-course tasting menu (at $135 per person) and given the large number of dishes in each section (starter, main and dessert), having four diners in the party gave us a great opportunity to sample different dishes to share. The starter dishes were all surprisingly somewhat pedestrian. Pate en Croute was solid but not particularly memorable; same goes to escargots. The biggest disappointment was probably the pommes soufflees with caviar and cream which was entirely forgettable. The main dishes were better. If there is one dish that you absolutely have to order at the restaurant, and that we would gladly come back for, is the duck magret. Given Jun's very high standard for duck meat, I was glad to see her thoroughly enjoy the duck with cherry sauce at Le Veau d'Or. It's deceptively hard to nail the texture of duck meat, and the kitchen at Le Veau d'Or certainly did that. My friend's husband was very eager to try the special on the menu of quail that was also quite compelling with its juicy texture. For something a little lighter, the lobster salad my friend ordered also seemed like a good choice. The only underwhelming main dish from our table was the lamb; the texture of the meat was fine overall but the flavor was surprisingly muted. Interestingly, the coco beans that accompanied the lamb stole the show with soulful flavor. The desserts were also mostly delicious. The ile flottante was surprisingly light without being too sweet, and we also enjoyed the citrus flavored mille-feuille as well as the strawberry dessert of sabayon aux fraises (a seasonal special at the moment). For anyone who had been to French bistro restaurants, all of these desserts would've been fairly familiar and I wished they had a bit more impact. As I noted above, Le Veau is still insanely hard to get a reservation. The reservation window opens two weeks in advance at 9 a.m. and the early and prime time slots disappear in an instant. One big perk of having a Chase Sapphire Reserve card is that OpenTable reserves a few seatings exclusively for the cardholders so if you have a card with Chase and are willing to go to a super early or late-night dinner, you may be in luck. There is full bar at the restaurant with exclusively French wine list across different regions of the country. The restaurant's vibe of an old school bistro gave a warm and cozy neighborhood restaurant atmosphere without being stuffy, and I suspect that the nostalgia factor is one of the major reasons the restaurant is constantly packed. Le Veau is a solid bistro restaurant and we would be happy to go back one day to try other dishes (I'm particularly intrigued to try the melon soup dessert that unfortunately wasn't on the menu on our visit). I just wish getting a reservation there wouldn't require such a heroic effort on our next visit. read more

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At Le Veau d'Or, this wasn't just a meal it was a culinarily pilgrimage. The kind you build a day around, maybe even quietly justify a whole trip for. Some meals are convenient. This one required intention. A little planning, a little movement, a little luck with scoring a reservation. And the second you walk in, the intimate feel, red banquettes, and warm welcome makes you feel right at home. The déjeuner is $85 and reads like a tightly edited love letter to French classics. No fluff, no trends, just conviction. Escargots Provençale? Obviously. Oysters? Non negotiable. There's something deeply satisfying about a menu that confidently serves tripe and calf's liver. Then the mains. Steak frites if you're leaning timeless. Duck confit if you're leaning into the moment. Lobster salad if you want to pretend you're being light. Everything lands with that effortless, practiced precision like it's been done this way forever and sees no reason to change. And somewhere between the first bite and the last sip, it clicks: this is the highlight. Not just of the day, the trip. The meal you'll keep referencing, the one that makes everything else feel like a prelude or an afterthought. It's the kind of place worth going out of your way for, and then some. read more

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Perfection in the classic New York tradition--refined, elegant, yet welcoming to all. The five-course prix fixe ($135) is undeniably an investment, but one that rewards in every respect. Each course is thoughtfully composed, and the service is flawless--attentive without intrusion, with every detail executed to precision. An exceptional choice for a special occasion. . read more

Le Veau d'Or is a classic French bistro located on the Upper West Side. One of the hardest reservations to secure in the city, small and charming spot, but definitely worth visiting. This restaurant was also named one of North America's 50 Best Restauants. Their lunch is an $85 per person prix-fixe menu with two courses and dinner is a $135 per person prix-fixe menu with three courses. Came here for lunch. They provided complimentary bread and I ordered a cucumber mule. I had the les escargots provencale, confit de canard, and île flottante. Everything from the service to food was beyond 5 stars, definitely worth the hype. I can't wait to come back and try their dinner. read more

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When a friend invited us to dine at Le Veau D'Or they said, "Do you like French food? It's very French." I said, "Of course. I like butter." And I do. And I did. Le Veau D'Or is extremely French, and the food is delightfully rich, and classic. The space is comfortable, but definitely classy. And despite the several specials, I doubt much has changed in how they prepare food in the past forty years or so. And I don't mean that disparagingly. After martinis, we enjoyed pommes souflées (with caviar rouge a la crème), pâté en croûte, and frogs' legs persillade. We loved the duck magret aux cerises and the excellent hanger steak au poivre; both were beautifully cooked. The gigot of lamb also ate like a prime rib, as our attentive and knowledgeable waiter promised, and he never steered us wrong. The only item I didn't love was the mackerel, as it was a bit too fishy, but I imagine that's just my own personal taste. The sommelier helped my friend pick a couple delicious bottles to go with all this delicious food, and we finished the evening with a dessert per person (riz au lait is perfect, and the crepes suzette is a winner as well) which was the cap on an evening that was too rich for my blood. And therein lies the rub. This is not an affordable meal (by my standards). We are firmly in special occasion territory. I truly wish everything (here and all over Manhattan really) cost about half as much as it does, because then I could dine at places like this more often. read more

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My colleague had reservations and was unable to go . Knowing that I'm a foodie, he gladly offered his coveted reservation. I was semi excited to go based on the hype and difficulty in scoring a table . The food was good , ended up sitting at the bar . I had the foie , lamb and Mille feuille which were all tasty but given my reduced appetite ( as I got older ) , it was way too much food even though I dined on the earlier side . Worth checking if the prix menu is mandatory at the bar ( if not , worth going and sitting at the bar ) The venue was gorgeous , somehow reminiscent of pastis back in the days but smaller and is in the ues . I can see the draw to the place especially given the neighborhood. I having traveled quite a bit and have dined at many restaurants globally . I did enjoy the food , ambiance and service but personally prefer a more low key setting ( to each's own ). Great trendy place to come with a group of friends and for a special occasion. My fave was the foie and the cocktails . read more

Le Veau D’Or - French Near Me - New York, New York

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Richard suggested Le Veau d'Or, which was either the most strategic first-date restaurant selection I'd encountered since moving to Manhattan or his assistant Googled "impressive Upper East Side date night" and copied the Resy link without reading. Le Veau d'Or. Established 1937. Grace Kelly ate here. Orson Welles ate here. Red banquettes, dark wood, linen tablecloths, the kind of room where men proposed to women who already knew the answer because they'd checked the ring size three weeks prior. This was a serious restaurant. I needed to determine if Richard was a serious man or just a man with a serious AmEx limit and a vague understanding of France. The problem was Richard's face. Handsome, yes. But distinguished in a way that had me doing math I hadn't attempted since SAT prep at Dalton. The temples were silver. Not silver-ish. Not "prematurely gray in a hot Anderson Cooper way." Silver like a man who remembers where he was when the Berlin Wall fell--live, not from a documentary he watched on a flight to Aspen. I texted Reilly a screenshot of his Hinge: "How old do we think." She replied in nine seconds: "47 minimum. Check his watch. If it's a Lange he's over 45, nobody under 45 buys Lange, it's the horological equivalent of saying 'I have a guy for that.'" I needed precedent. Gwyneth dated Brad Pitt at twenty-two, but he was only nine years older, which barely counts when your jawline has its own zip code. She married Falchuk at basically the same age. Chris Martin was younger, which is the reverse of my problem and therefore inadmissible. I needed her to have consciously coupled with, like, a sixty-year-old Swiss industrialist--just one shipping heir, anything--but the woman has been annoyingly age-appropriate her entire romantic career. Unhelpful. Very Goop of her. So I pivoted to Jackie. Jackie married JFK at twenty-four, him thirty-six. Twelve years. Now THAT is a gap you can build a legacy on. She wore Givenchy to state dinners and redecorated the White House like a woman who knew her worth was architectural. But sitting at Le Veau d'Or, watching Richard study the wine list like a man reading a contract he doesn't fully understand, I had a horrible, clarifying realization. Jackie's math only works if the man is JFK. The compound interest on an age gap requires a Kennedy-level principal investment. You can't apply Jackie's formula to a man from wealth management who summers in Montauk. That's not an age gap. That's just aging. I haven't had my JFK yet, and Richard, bless his silver temples, was not about to be inaugurated. The pâté en croûte was staggering. Richard ordered escargots and ate them without flinching--promising. A man who eats snails without saying "when in Rome" might be worth the crow's feet. Then I asked about hotels. "What's your go-to in Paris?" The Marriott on the Champs-Élysées. The MARRIOTT. Grace Kelly rolled over wherever she is. The waiter gave me the same silent funeral the bartender at People's once delivered over Tyler's Patagonia vest. I recalibrated. Maybe the Marriott was an anomaly. "Do you have a place out east?" Yes. "Near Gin Lane?" "We're more Montauk." MONTAUK. Not East Hampton. Not even Amagansett, which is at least directionally correct. Montauk is where men who say they surf own a share with seven guys named Jake and a bunk bed that smells like neoprene and abandoned potential. What else does he do? "Really into pickleball." Gwyneth appeared behind the bar, barefoot, glowing. She looked at Richard, looked at me, and mouthed: "Pickleball is a sport for men who've surrendered their knees and their ambition in the same quarter." She dissolved into a mist of Byredo and moral clarity. The gratin au chocolat arrived and Richard said, "This is like a lava cake at TGI Friday's but elevated," and something inside me died that I cannot get back. Le Veau d'Or: 5/5. The Frenchette team rebuilt this into a masterpiece. Every course, every napkin folded like it has somewhere important to be. Richard: No second date. Montauk, Marriott, pickleball--a portfolio of depreciating assets with no catalyst for re-rating. Jackie waited for JFK. I can wait too. I just need better deal flow. read more

Le Veau D’Or - French Near Me - New York, New York

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Pretty awesome classic French dishes. The price is pretty high but everything was done really well and the atmosphere is fun. Favorite was the duck. read more

Le Veau D’Or - French Near Me - New York, New York

As you enter through the nondescript door at 120 East 60th Street to the old world charm with unique warm ambiance you are gracefully greeted by the maître D'. Founded in 1937, Le Veau D'Or was revived in 2024 by the talented team of chefs Riad Nasr and Lee Hanson, of the well deserved rockstar famed restaurants Frenchette in TriBeCa and Le Rock at Rockefeller Center. We thoroughly enjoyed: - Sliced fresh French baguette & butter - Pommes Flambées avec caviar rouge - Lovely morsels of Escargots Provençale - Seared sublime Duck Magret aux Cerises - - - - - - desserts: - Chocolat Gratin - Napoléon Les tout sont splendide et superbe! We are looking forward to our next reservation, either lunch or dinner. You are in for a treat with a waitstaff that really enjoy what they do. Thank you - Merci beaucoup ! read more

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I don't understand the hype here. Came for a weekday lunch with a friend and we both disliked most everything we ordered. There was only a prefix menu ($85pp). I got escargot to start and fish for my entree. He got oysters with sausage to start and duck for his entree, and we shared a side of fries. The only decent things we enjoyed were the fries, oysters, and escargot. The sausage was meh. The duck was not very tender. And the fish was inedible as it was sitting on top of a pool of mayo. Sadly, was so disappointed and left very hungry. The waitress saw we didn't eat much at all of what we ordered but didn't say anything or ask if it was ok. Wouldn't recommend. read more

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The $85 two course lunch is still pricey, but perfect, culinarily speaking. The room is storied and you start with the Frenchette bread.. Nuff said. Ate: Bread of course Artichokes a la Greque Fluke over spinach with dijonaise sauce Athletic nob alcoholic beer $10 Firstly the bread is outstanding. The artichokes were so fine & delicately prepared & delicious. I asked for less potatoes with the fluke and the waiter asked if I preferred no potatoes- yes please. I was pretty full, but so impressed and I've eaten at all their restaurants. A treat for sure Psi ate here at the previous iteration and that was magical, but food wise the current iteration is pure French perfection. read more

5/5 stars all day long. One of the best restaurants I've been to in the city. I went for my birthday, and it was certainly a special experience. Discrete door on 60th street. Walk in and you are welcomed by a very friendly staff. The vibe is warm and cozy, upscale yet casual. The red and white linen tablecloths and yellow dim lighting definitely didn't make this your standard French bistro. The waiter was super friendly and was able to recite the menu backwards and forwards. Incredibly knowledgeable. Allowed my fiancé to sample two different kinds of wines to see which would better pair with the meal. We ordered the following: Specialty mussels - outrageous Ravigote - similar to the texture of a corned beef with a mustardy sauce. Great, but probably wouldn't order again Chicken - hands down best chicken ever ordered at a restaurant Duck - very deep and rich in flavor Chocolat au gratin - very good, but I don't think it was sweet enough Peach tart - highly recommend We had a "our way martini" - dry gin martini with the leftover ice used to make a spritzer - and a glass of gamay Place is not inexpensive - menu is set at $135 per person for three courses and drinks were prob $24-27 each if I recall. Really worth it for a celebratory occasion. Will be back! read more

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I had been to this restaurant years ago and enjoyed it. Having been closed for so long I expected it would have a carefully executed refresh to the interior. This was not the case. It seemed frozen in time and tired. The staff was really terrific though! They were the high point of the evening. The food was okay. The escargot were presented in 5 tiny thimbles on a dry plate, no extra fragrant butter sauce to enjoy. The duck with cherry sauce was generous but not hot and the sauce was a tart, cherry with balsamic. I don't recall my dessert but our friends had the Floating Island that they enjoyed. read more

Fantastic restaurant...great food and wonderful service. I ordered the Mackerel au Vin Blanc, Confit de Canard and Ile Flottante. The mackerel is pickled in white wine and tastes a little like pickled herring. It comes with various vegetables and a delicious green sauce...a little tangy, and very tasty. The duck leg, slow cooked in duck fat, is fall off the bone tender and juicy with crispy skin surrounded by mushrooms, small potatoes and natural juices...just wonderful. The dessert was also excellent ...Ile Flottante or "floating island" is a soft baked meringue, toasted on the surface, surrounded by a pool of crème anglaise, a vanilla custard. I had a nice glass of French Pinot Noir, and the meal came with bread from Frenchette Bakery...very good. The mood is casual but the room is rather elegant. The staff is friendly and helpful. I had a terrific meal and a wonderful time. My highest recommendation. read more

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Lovely quaint French bistro w/ French decor. The environment is lively though not loud, great balance of tables and space. Staff are all considerate, attentive and very nice. Started off lunch with mackerel, went well with sauce (seemed like pesto) and vegetables, a bit oily and soft but not fishy or crisp. Next was roasted chicken with mashed potatoes, sauce, sliced ginger and onions- the chicken was a bit dry but went nicely with sauce and balanced by ginger and onions. Would've like a little more ginger because it went so well! Appreciated the potatoes within the same bowl, easy to eat. Bread was airy with crunchy crust, perfect for mopping up sauces. The dessert I got mousse chocolat, just so rich but not overly sweet, with cream and crisp pastry, nice contrasting textures. I chose a fortified Banyul wine that paired excellently with the mousse. Overall delicious lunch and will definitely return to try dinner and more items! read more

Le Veau D’Or - Mackerel - French Near Me - New York, New York

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Le Veau d'Or This tiny, unassuming, French Bistro is not at all what we expected. Tucked away on East 60th street near Bloomingdales, the warm and friendly staff make you feel right at home. The ambiance is more "casual pub" than upscale, French Bistro, but it's very comfortable and unpretentious. The food is authentically French and very tasty. While we had reservations, we arrived early and opted to sit at the small bar. The bartender was affable, attentive and helpful with ordering. (Additionally, as it's difficult to snag a reservation, sitting at the bar is a good option.) We started with the soup of the day and escargot. The soup had a nice velvety texture and decent flavor. The escargot were succulent, beautifully seasoned and scrumptious. We then ordered steak frites. While they don't inquire as to your preferred level of doneness, the steak was served rare/medium rare and was tender and very well seared and seasoned. The fries were yummy (hey, they're French fries). With authentic French food, such an affable staff, and cozy atmosphere, we so enjoyed our meal. read more

Was invited by the gals to dine here on a Friday evening. We had a fabulous time and really enjoyed all the dishes we ordered. It's a prix fixe menu so you get a lot of food over 4 courses. We each ordered something different so we were able to try a lot of the menu. The menu is very traditional French featuring a lot of offal if you are into that. Standouts were the escargot, steak au poive, and the poached pears. The service was good but at times forgetful, especially with our bar orders. Overall we had a great night and enjoyed what felt like a trip back in time to a more nostalgic era. read more

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This was amazing. A serious splurge but if you're going to splurge, this is a pretty good place to do it. We got the pommes soufflees, quenelle, fries, duck, and fish of the day, followed by cheeses and gratin au chocolat. Every bite was great, with the duck and fries being my absolute favorites. I'd almost certainly do the chocolate again also. The menu is huge and I'd definitely like to try more. read more

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Wonderful service in this cozy midtown restaurant. So welcoming on a wet dreary day. Enjoyed our cocktails, escargot, lardons crispy in my salade lyonnaise and duck confit read more

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Delicious prefix in a cozy and classic New York setting. Came here with a group of 4 in a Friday night and we shared most of our dishes. Highly recommend having a reservation, every table was full during our dinner. We started with a round of drinks and complimentary bread and butter (the butter was amazing). For appetizers we got the pate, frog legs, puffed potatoes with caviar, and tripe. For mains we got the duck and lamb, both were delicious but I highly recommend the duck - one of the most succulent and crispy-skinned bites I've ever had. We then had a brief salad course before dessert. We finished our meal with the meringue, apple tart, chocolate and fruit pastries. The desserts were a table favorite but the winner of them all was the meringue. Great spot to come for a go with the flow/pick and choose dinner of high quality dishes. read more

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TLDR: can this place be easier to book I want to go back already lol I really had no expectations coming in. I saw Le Veau d'Or on social media thinking that it was just another hyped up place. I was wrong. The menu is prix fixe. You pick one app, one main, and a dessert. You also get a house salad after your main. We got the pommes soufflés, escargot for starters, duck Magret and steak au poivre for main and the gratin au chocolat and apple tart for dessert. I'm a huge fan of duck so whenever I see it on a menu I almost always order it. The duck magret was probably one of the best duck dishes I've had. I also loved the gratin au chocolat. Super chocolatey and rich. I couldn't finish it all but the flavor was great. Service was super attentive and fun. I forgot our servers name but she made the experience so memorable she deserves a raise. TLDR: give it a Michelin star or whatever read more

Big fan. The restaurant feels so jolly and transports you for a few hours to a happier world. You absolutely must order the duck, pate en croute and chocolate dessert. Though the menu is pre fixe you can add extra dishes which I recommend (the pommes frites are A+). As to be expected wine list leans heavily French which I don't love. They were super helpful in securing me a reservation for a special Birthday Dinner. Just go! read more

Partner surprised me with a rez here--Martini was excellent, food was incredible, service was attentive and the whole place just felt very warm and lively. read more

We went to this place with high hopes after securing a reservation and the only thing we were happy about at the end was our server because he was amazing but the food was not... especially due to price with the fixed menu . There were four of us who dined in for dinner and all made different choices to taste a little of everything and besides a few appetizers that we chose, the rest was not good at all. We paid 2x what we paid at other fine dining restaurants around the city and were very let down. read more

An amazing dinner experience. Fortunately had the opportunity to dine here. Had a 9:30 reservation, had to wait around 30 minutes to be seated in the small bar area. After being seated started with a martini "our way" which came with a vermouth sidecar. The bread and butter was delicious. The escargot was very tasty, especially when using the bread to scoop up the rest. The pomme soufles was also very taste. Ordered the pate en croute as an addition which came with Dijon. Highly recommend this dish. Then had the main courses of steak au poivre with fries and duck. Both were delicious. After the main courses a salad course for the table was served which was also good. Then dessert came which was the flottante and the apple tart. Both were amazing. Fun dinner out at a place close to a classic Parisian bistro. Staff was very friendly and attentive. Would check it out! read more

Le Veau D’Or - Pate en croute Escargots - French Near Me - New York, New York

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Like stepping back in time! Four Stars from Craig Claiborne himself in the New York Times in 1937, Le Veau D'Or has new life under the leadership of Chefs Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr of Frenchette and Le Rock fame. Those restaurants are terrific, but Le Veau D'Or is golden age New York. Truly quintessential UES. When I walked in I immediately spotted Barry Diller at the table by the door and at the table next to him is the President of the Knickerbocker Club (you don't get more patrician than that). The food and the service are what you would expect at a top bistro in Paris. A truly delightful evening. read more

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Absolute delight from start to finish - cocktails, meal, wine, dessert - all impeccable. Service was warm and attentive with no pretension.. My siblings and I were having a special dinner, and we were so glad it was here. read more

Fabulous service and a perfect elegant setting, sending us back to Paris without the flight. Perfectly cooked duck.

Food: 4 Decor: 4 Service: 4 Came here for dinner with friends after booking a week earlier. 3-course was $125 pp. I think you can get better value elsewhere, but the entrees were delicious. pommes soufflées with crème fraîche and trout roe ~3/5. Okay dish, although I wish it were caviar instead. magret de canard ~5/5. Duck was cooked perfectly with a crispy skin. Delicious especially with the stewed cherries. poisson du jour ~5/5. Halibut was cooked perfectly with a nice herb crust. mixed green salad ~2/5. Pretty boring and was a bit weird as a pre-dessert course. île flottante ~4/5. Pretty good. Very soft and light meringue (similar to a unbaked Alaska). The crème anglaise was a nice complement although I wish it were slightly thicker. chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream ~3/5. Pretty average for a chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream. soupe de melon ~3/5. Not the biggest fan since it was a bit boring and tasted very average. Service was good. read more

Le Veau d'Or in NYC is a rare gem. From the moment you step inside, the entire staff (from the hosts, to the bartenders, to the servers) is incredibly warm, friendly, and welcoming, ensuring an outstanding dining experience. Zoe, our server, was particularly delightful. The ambience is lively and vibrant yet perfect for conversation, all set in a beautifully designed room that feels quintessentially Paris. Zoe's recommendations were impeccable from start to finish. For appetizers, the pommes soufflées with caviar and escargots--both were delicious and perfectly prepared. For entrées, the Duck Magret was tender and bursting with flavor, and the Homard Macédoine showcased lobster in all its glory. Even the simplest dishes, like the fresh bread with butter and crisp salad with vinaigrette, were remarkable. Desserts--strawberries au sabayon and soupe de melon--were the perfect finish. The dirty martinis, featuring homemade bleu cheese stuffed olives, were excellent. Having dined at numerous French restaurants and bistros in NYC (and elsewhere), I can confidently say LVD is on a different level. I also want to extend my sincerest thanks to the team for their incredibly thoughtful gestures of providing a free round of drinks AND offering to cover my dry cleaning costs after a customer at the next table spilled red wine on me (although I do not intend to take them up on this generous offer). In sum, LVD might be my new favorite restaurant, and I cannot wait to return! read more

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Charming experience with outstanding French bistro classics done superbly. The Martini "Their Way" is 5:1 with a chaser of the shaken ice. Unique and strong. We enjoyed everything we had especially the foie de veau, assiette bouchon, escargot, frites, and the lobster with ile flotante for dessert with espresso and Calvados. Staff are very professional but friendly. The place has been restored to its original glory. Just as fun and so much cheaper than a trip to Paris. Great place for a party upstairs. read more

The food is incredible as is the wine list. The atmosphere is unique for Manhattan and is wonderfully intimate and romantic. I wish more restaurants kept this older aesthetic. Can't wait to return if I'm ever able to get back in read more

I think that during my first visit that I was so grateful to have scored a reservation that I overestimated this experience. In fact, it is French bistro cooking of a high order, but I think we have so many mediocre bistros here in Manhattan that one that is a level better seems to shine more brightly than it actually deserves. In fact, the place is crowded and noisy, the cocktails are insanely pricey ($29 for a Manhattan? Really?), and the food is routinely over-salted. The total bill for one person, two cocktails, with tip, came to $260. This is nobody's idea of a deal, and it will be quite awhile before I give this place a third try. read more

We have been to France many times, so to be honest, my wife and I went with another couple to Veau d'or largely because of all the hype uncertain of what we would experience. Wow, this is a great restaurant. It is also a relative bargain, given NYC prices. The $125 prix fixe menu offers an appetizer, main and dessert after a 'complimentary' salad. The mean can end, if you choose, with a complimentary coffee or tea. I started with quenelles de brochet à la lyonnaise, a longtime favorite I've had many times in Lyonnaise bouchons. This one, a bit lighter that I recall, nevertheless compared very favorably to what I've had in France. The nantua sauce was excellent. The portion was enormous, particularly given how rich the sauce was so I quickly regretted the three pieces of excellent baguette I had before the appetizer. My main was described as a lobster salad. It was, in fact, an entire superbly prepared and presented lobster accompanied by salad greens and some carefully prepared celery, carrots (and maybe another vegetable or two) in a light mayonnaise-based sauce. My baguette regret continued to grow! The salad was excellent with a light but dressing that enhanced but in no way competed with the high-quality greens. Dessert was the best rhubarb tart I've ever had. It too, was 'enormous' so I ate the fruit and nibbled at the excellent tart shell. We are seriously into wine and found the list 'challenging'. The prices seemed excessive to me, so I fruitlessly spent some time looking for a familiar, 'reasonably priced' wine so, once it was clear everyone was having seafood, I ordered a wine we have often with seafood, a muscadet, that was aged in an amphora. We have had Henri Giraud champagne (our absolute favorite) made this way and loved it. This muscadet was the best I've ever had! All in all, we can't wait to return! read more

Worth it, even with its drawbacks. Some of those drawbacks are from necessity (it's a very small space and seating is limited) and some of those are by design (the unmarked entrance is ridiculous). I thought the food was excellent and the choice of wines by the glass carefully chosen and delicious. It is all done under a glow of nostalgia for old nyc French bistros and for traditional French cuisine. It's a yearning for tradition that is also going on in contemporary French cuisines but perhaps with less slavish traditionalism over there. The flavors at Le Veau d'Or are bigger and bolder than traditional French cuisine which is fine with me. The excellent Pate en Croute had an American baked ham spiciness and depth to it but the pastry around it had just the right bit of flakiness on the top to chewy fat saturated doughiness at the bottom. You didn't need any of the accompanying mustard or gherkins to enjoy it. Lobster was generously portioned with a nice accompanying sauce but the real pleasure of the dish were the fresh herbs sprinkled throughout it. That was equally true of the salad that the restaurant serves as a palate cleanser. The traditional Ile Flottante had, again, bigger flavors than the traditional French version, with a sugary creamy kick from both the sauce and a caramel sauce drizzled on top of the meringue. The meringue itself had a nice textural variety to it, from the chewy skin to the fluffy interior. The bar stool that this aged rear-end sat on for the entire meal had no back but it was comfortable enough. read more

Wonderful experience. Staff could not have been any nicer. Food was excellent. Didn't care for the Ile Flottante, but we had three other desserts and all were great. It's a three course pre-fix. Cod and duck were outstanding. Bread excellent. Atmosphere is great. Can get a tad loud, it's a small place - but that makes it what it is. Fully recommend it! read more

Perfect classic menu, authentically executed. Warm attentive service. Everything you'd wish a French bistro should be.

Lovely small French restaurant on East 60th street. We got our reservations via the RESY wait list, we were flexible on dates so it was easy. Service was excellent though we had to wait a bit for our check as our server was busy with a table that kept her. For NYC the tables weren't too close. The food was good, swordfish with its side and duck were excellent. A vegetarian might find the menu difficult though possible -- oysters came with pork sausages, etc. The cookie served at the end of the meal didn't "work ", maybe a small plate of chocolates or nothing would have be better. Our one complaint was the noise. No music but just lots of people in a small area with mirrors, hard surfaces. I had difficulty hearing the waitress and even my companion that sat next to me. read more

Absolutely superb a real treat. Genuinely French bistro service food tops. We'll go back as often as we can.

Lunch prix fixe is less of a value than dinner. The options are disappointingly not the same as the dinner menu (lunch menu does not seem to appear on the website) and does not include salad or dessert. Food is fine, just not a good value at all, no wonder there were empty tables. read more