Most evenings, you can find Chef Eric Ripert at his Midtown seafood temple, Le Bernardin, which has held its coveted Three MICHELIN Stars since 2005. But when he's off duty, Ripert embraces the city’s diverse cultural menu, from museum visits and leisurely walks through Central Park to sharing meals at renowned restaurants like Daniel and Jean-Georges.
Whether indulging in his favorite frites at Balthazar, exploring the spices at Kalustyan's, or rooting for the Knicks courtside, the French chef’s love for New York is as multifaceted as his cuisine.
Here, he shares with MICHELIN some of his top picks across the city.
In a city like New York, teeming with restaurants, what are some of your favorites, and what makes each one special to you?
I go to Balthazar two or three times a month with family or friends. I usually get steak frites, which are the best fries in New York. It’s hard to find a restaurant that’s more classic New York than this one.
Daniel is the Upper East Side spot that I love to visit time and time again when I’m looking for a delicious, elevated meal. If I’m downtown on the Eastside, I like to visit Jean Georges’s Tin Building. There are so many restaurants and food shops to try all in one place. The Chinese restaurant is excellent.
I love Atomix because the refinement of the service, food, and Arts de la Table is unique. The food is subtle yet refined, and they have preserved Korean culture in their experience for the clients.
Masa is the ultimate luxury experience for sushi and Japanese cuisine in New York City.
Eleven Madison Park's vegan tasting menu is one-of-a-kind.
The setting at Saga is very special as you can see all of Manhattan. The building is very well preserved Art Deco, which is rare to find. The service is friendly and professional, and I like the conviviality of the food experience.
After a long day, where do you like to go in New York for a drink or a bite?
I love Nubeluz for when I want a martini and small bite. And the view of the city from there is unbelievable. I go to Little Spain when I’m craving classic Spanish dishes that I would eat as a kid, like jamon or paella.
What are your go-to spots for taking out-of-towners?
Most people know about the Union Square Green Market, which is a gorgeous and terrific market. A little more under the radar is the Upper West Side Market (near the Museum of Natural History). It is charming and has great purveyors.
Outside of the kitchen, what are your favorite places to visit in New York City, and why do they resonate with you?
Central Park is my oasis in New York City. I walk through it each morning on my way to Le Bernardin. I love that every season is so beautiful in its own unique way. The juxtaposition of the natural beauty with the city buildings is incredible. I can find tranquility there.
There’s always something beautiful to see at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I could visit the Asian art wing over and over again.
Kitchen Arts and Letters is my favorite store for cookbooks, I’ve been visiting them for over 20 years. They have the ultimate selection of cookbooks, from the oldest classics to the newest releases.
Where might we find you on your day off when you’re out and about?
Korin is the best knife shop in town. If nobody stops me, I’d spend hours looking at their collection of Japanese knives and discovering new kitchen gadgets.
I love to go to Knicks games or concerts at Madison Square Garden, most often with my son.
La Boite and Kalustyan's—both of these purveyors are excellent for spices. Both sell the highest quality you can find.
I recently stayed at the TWA Hotel for the first time before an early morning flight, and it was an amazing experience. You’re transported back in time to when TWA and Pan Am were the most popular airlines. But the quality of the hotel is excellent and modern as well. It’s such a fun staycation.
Whenever I’m downtown on the Westside, I like to take a stroll on the Highline. It’s just so unique how they created such a beautiful walking area right in the middle of the city.
Address book:
Le Bernardin
155 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019
Balthazar
80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Kalustyan's
123 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016
Daniel
60 E 65th St, New York, NY 10065
Tin Building by Jean-Georges
96 South St, New York, NY 10038
Masa
The Shops at, 10 Columbus Cir Floor 4, New York, NY 10019
Eleven Madison Park
11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010
Saga
70 Pine St 63rd Floor, New York, NY 10005
TWA Hotel
1 Idlewild Dr, Queens, NY 11430
Hero image: Chef Ripert at his iconic seafood restaurant in midtown Manhattan ( © Le Bernardin, Daniel Krieger)
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