Menus
- The Dinner Menu
- The Essential Menu
- Bar À la Carte Menu
- Mixed Drinks
- Wine List
- Valentine's Day Weekend
At Essential by Christophe, dinner is an invitation to slow down and savor. Our Upper West Side dining room offers an elegant escape where guests enjoy a thoughtfully curated four course prix fixe menu designed to showcase Chef Christophe Bellanca’s French mastery. Seasonal ingredients are transformed into artful plates, with the option to enhance the experience through expertly selected wine pairings or refined non alcoholic pairings. Whether for a romantic evening, a special celebration, or a refined night of fine dining near Lincoln Center, our dinner menu captures the essence of Michelin level French cuisine in New York City.
Essential by Christophe is a Michelin-starred French restaurant on Manhattan’s Upper West Side offering fine dining and modern tasting menus by Chef Christophe Bellanca. Located near Lincoln Center, the restaurant highlights contemporary French cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and refined wine pairings. Guests visiting the Upper West Side will discover one of New York City’s top destinations for romantic dinners, celebrations, and tasting menu experiences.
Un
-
Dorade Royale
artichoke / gold ossetra caviar / bouillon tiède gourmand
-
Sea Urchin
chawanmushi inspired / minneola tangelos / hoshi nori
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Madai
sashimi / cucumber / lemon verbena / ajoblanco
-
Wild Red King Crab
foie gras royale / ginkgo / bouillon corsé
-
Tarbouriech Oyster
fennel & sunchoke / sea bean / nuage marin
-
Toro Saku
mi cuit / tamarind / mandarinquats / sea condiment
Deux
-
Blue Prawns
smoked pike roe / genmaicha tuile / dill & chive bouillon
-
Celery Rave
gently braised / black truffle / angry orchard émulsion
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Scallop
lightly smoked / gold ossetra caviar / champagne hazelnut
-
Langoustine
slightly cooked / stuffed zita / swarnadwipa / green curry
-
Frog Legs
blanquette / garlic bouillon / parsley velour
-
Rouget Barbet
grilled / piperade / bouillabaisse reduction
Trois
-
Black Bass
braised / artichoke & razor clams / turmeric shoyu
-
Wild Turbot
white asparagus / stuffed morel / galangal / zanzibar-amontillado sabayon
-
Kampachi
barely grilled / combawa / château-chalon
-
Lobster
cuit sur la braise / kabocha squash / kampot pepper sauce
-
Squab
racan / roasted / fukushu kumquat / toast à gratin / sauce diable
-
Beef Cap
wagyu / brussels sprout coussin / juniper berries reduction
Dessert
-
La Tarte au Chocolat
warm / roasted vanilla ice cream
-
Le Vacherin
rosé pineapple / coconut sorbet / pampero aniversario
-
Le Café
mariposa cristal / tonka chai ice cream / opaline
-
Le Soufflé
orange marmalade / green cardamom ice cream
-
Brebirousse D’Argental
caramelized walnuts / pineau des charentes
Four Course Experience
Un / Deux / Trois / Dessert
205 prix fixe
95 wine pairing | 140 reserve wine pairing | 50 non-alcoholic pairing
Our offerings may vary based on ingredient availability and chef inspiration. We appreciate your understanding.
Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions.
The Essential Menu is the signature expression of our kitchen ~ a full tasting journey that reflects Chef Christophe’s philosophy of precision and elegance. This multi-course experience showcases the harmony of French technique with modern refinement, paired seamlessly with either distinctive wines from our collection or bespoke non-alcoholic creations. Dining here becomes a narrative, unfolding course by course in one of the most sophisticated fine dining restaurants on the Upper West Side. Ideal for discerning guests seeking a Michelin-caliber tasting menu near Central Park and Lincoln Center, this is Essential by Christophe at its most inspired.
Essential by Christophe is a Michelin-starred French restaurant on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, offering an immersive tasting menu experience created by Chef Christophe Bellanca. The Essential Menu showcases contemporary French cuisine with seasonal ingredients, elegant presentation, and refined wine or non-alcoholic pairings. Located near Central Park and Lincoln Center, the restaurant is recognized among New York City’s premier destinations for fine dining and modern French gastronomy.
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Mushroom Cappuccino
sweet potato / madeira reduction
choice of-
Madai
sashimi / cucumber / lemon verbena / ajoblanco
Etna Bianco, Tenute Nicosia, ‘Contrada’ 2023, Monte Gorna, Sicily, Italy
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Wild Red King Crab
foie gras royale / ginkgo / bouillon corsé
Sparkling Rosé, Lieb Cellars, Reserve NV, North Fork, Long Island, New York
-
Langoustine
slightly cooked / stuffed zita / swarnadwipa / green curry
Riesling Kabinett, J.J. Prum, ‘Bernkasteler Badstube’ 2024, Mosel, Germany
-
Scallop
lightly smoked / gold ossetra caviar / champagne hazelnut
Gruner Veltliner Smaragd, Rudi Pichler, ‘Terrassen’ 2024, Wachau, Austria
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Wild Turbot
white asparagus / stuffed morel / galangal / zanzibar-amontillado sabayon
Chardonnay, Domaine des Carlines, ‘Tremoulette’ 2019, Côtes du Jura, France
choice of-
Squab
racan / roasted / fukushu kumquat / toast à gratin / sauce diable
Santenay 1er Cru, Jacques Girardin, ‘Clos Rousseau’ 2019, Burgundy, France
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Beef Cap
wagyu / brussels sprout coussin / juniper berries reduction
Rioja Gran Reserva, La Rioja Alta, ‘Viña Arana’ 2017, Rioja, Spain
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Ruby Red
grapefruit textures / puffed rice / sorbet herbacé
choice of-
Le Café
mariposa cristal / tonka chai ice cream / opaline
Madiera, Henriques & Henriques, 10 Year Boal, Portugal
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Le Vacherin
rosé pineapple / coconut sorbet / pampero aniversario
Tokaji 5 Puttonyos, Royal Tokaji Company 2018, Tokaji, Hungary
The Essential Experience
255 prix fixe
170 wine pairing | 245 reserve wine pairing | 75 non-alcoholic pairing
Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions.
Our offerings may vary based on ingredient availability and chef inspiration. We appreciate your understanding.
Our bar is where refinement meets ease. Perfect for those seeking a more casual yet upscale dining experience on the Upper West Side, the Bar Menu offers a curated selection of à la carte dishes alongside a collection of wines, champagnes, and cocktails. Guests may enjoy dinner at the bar or linger over artisanal cocktails crafted with French elegance and modern creativity. It is a setting for both spontaneous evenings and polished nights out, where every sip and every bite reflects the signature sophistication of Essential by Christophe.
The bar at Essential by Christophe blends the warmth of an Upper West Side cocktail bar with the elegance of a Michelin-starred French restaurant. Guests can enjoy à la carte French dining, champagne, and signature cocktails crafted with precision and creativity by Chef Christophe Bellanca’s team. Located near Lincoln Center and Central Park, the bar offers one of New York City’s most refined yet relaxed destinations for drinks and upscale dining on the Upper West Side.
Un
-
Vichyssoise
potato & leek velouté / pine nut
$18
-
Dorade Royale
artichoke / gold ossetra caviar / bouillon tiède gourmand
$26
-
Sea Urchin
chawanmushi inspired / minneola tangelos / hoshi nori
$28
-
Madai
sashimi / cucumber / lemon verbena / ajoblanco
$28
-
Wild Red King Crab
foie gras royale / ginkgo / bouillon corsé
$28
-
Toro Saku
mi cuit / tamarind / mandarinquats / sea condiment
$28
-
Blue Prawns
smoked pike roe / genmaicha tuile / dill & chive bouillon
$32
-
Scallop
lightly smoked / gold ossetra caviar / champagne hazelnut
$36
-
Langoustine
slightly cooked / stuffed zita / swarnadwipa / green curry
$36
Deux
-
Black Bass
braised / artichoke & razor clams / turmeric shoyu
$39
-
Wild Turbot
white asparagus / stuffed morel / galangal / zanzibar-amontillado sabayon
$48
-
Kampachi
barely grilled / combawa / château-chalon
$39
-
Penne Millerighe
maine lobster / tarragon
$36
-
Poularde
roasted / morels / albufera sauce
$48
-
Beef Cap
wagyu / brussels sprout coussin / juniper berries reduction
$48
-
Leo’s Favorite Burger
prime beef / vermont cheddar / essential secret sauce / french fries
$38
Sides
-
French Fries
house made ketchup
$6
-
Pomme Purée
our signature side
$6
Bread
-
Country Bread
salted butter
$8
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Kalamata Olive Loaf
salted butter
$8
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Half Country & Half Kalamata Olive
salted butter
$8
Desserts
-
Ruby Red
grapefruit textures / puffed rice / sorbet herbacé
$16
-
La Tarte au Chocolat
warm / roasted vanilla ice cream
$19
-
Le Vacherin
rosé pineapple / coconut sorbet / pampero aniversario
$19
-
Le Café
mariposa cristal / tonka chai ice cream / opaline
$19
-
Le Soufflé
orange marmalade / green cardamom ice cream
$19
-
Brebirousse D’Argental
caramelized walnuts / pineau des charentes
$19
Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions.
Our offerings may vary based on ingredient availability and chef inspiration. We appreciate your understanding.
Our cocktail program highlights French technique, seasonal ingredients, and a refined sense of balance. Signature serves sit alongside timeless classics, aperitifs, and digestifs, each crafted with precision to complement Chef Christophe Bellanca’s cuisine. Enjoy Champagne, thoughtful wine selections, and creative zero proof options at the bar or in the dining room. Whether you join us for a pre theater drink near Lincoln Center or linger over a nightcap on the Upper West Side, every pour reflects the calm sophistication of Essential by Christophe.
Essential by Christophe offers French inspired cocktails, aperitifs, digestifs, Champagne, and zero proof drinks on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Crafted to pair with modern French cuisine by Michelin-starred Chef Christophe Bellanca, the cocktail list features seasonal ingredients and precise technique. Located near Lincoln Center and Central Park, Essential by Christophe is a refined destination in NYC for cocktails, wine, and elegant bar dining.
Cocktails
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Lychee Prélude
yanagita shochu / lychee / umeshu / lillet blanc
$20
-
The Essential Martini
gin / vodka / cyril zangs eau de vie de cidre
$25
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No. 3
helix vodka / pomegranate / suze / grapefruit
$23
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Winter Harvest Highball
brooklyn gin / blood orange / ginger / lime
$23
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Alpine Snow
toki japanese whiskey / routin blanc / campari / zirbenz / contains milk
$24
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Rosalita
tepozán reposado / drambuie / passion fruit / lemon / cayenne
$24
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Mint Condition
el dorado 8 / peppermint / amaro / chocolate
$24
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Moonlight Sérénade
mestizo mezcal / la colombe espresso / masala chai
$25
Spirit-Free Mixed Drinks
-
Szechuan Story
szechuan / chamomile / elderflower / grapefruit
$16
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La Brise
peach / basil / pineapple / lemon
$16
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Christophe’s Favorite
hibiscus / orange / winter spice
$16
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N.A.groni
the path nder ‘hemp & root’ / pentire ‘seaward’ / joy’s island sorrel
$16
Valentine’s Day Weekend at Essential by Christophe
Friday, February 13 - Sunday, February 15
Celebrate Valentine’s Day Weekend with an intimate holiday tasting menu crafted for romance at our Michelin-starred contemporary French restaurant on the Upper West Side. In celebration of the holiday, this exclusive menu will be the only offering available Friday, February 13, through Sunday, February 15.
Un / Deux / Trois / Dessert
280 prix fixe
125 wine pairing
175 reserve wine pairing
55 non alcoholic pairing
Book Valentine's Day Weekend
View Wine Pairings
Pour Commencer
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Tarbouriech Oyster
fennel & sunchoke / sea bean / nuage marin
-
Mushroom Cappuccino
sweet potato / madeira reduction
Un
select one-
Sea Urchin
chawanmushi inspired / minneola tangelos / hoshi nori
Champagne, Famille Moussé, ‘L’Or d’Eugene,’ Blanc de Noirs, Brut NV, France
-
Foie Gras
royale / red king crab / ginkgo bouillon corsé
Sparkling Rosé, Lieb Cellars, ‘Reserve’ NV, North Fork, Long Island, NY
-
Toro Saku
mi cuit / tamarind / mandarinquats / sea condiment
Cremant de Loire, François Chidaine, Brut Nature 2021, Montlouis-sur-Loire, France
Deux
choice of:-
Langoustine
slightly cooked / stuffed zita / swarnadwipa / green curry
Riesling Kabinett, J.J. Prum, ‘Bernkasteler Badstube’ 2024, Mosel, Germany
-
Scallop
lightly smoked / gold ossetra caviar / champagne hazelnut
Gruner Veltliner Smaragd, Rudi Pichler, ‘Terrassen’ 2024, Wachau, Austria
Trois
select one-
Wild Turbot
white asparagus / stuffed morel / galangal / zanzibar-amontillado sabayon
Chardonnay, Domaine des Carlines, ‘Tremoulette’ 2019, Jura, France
-
Lobster
cuit sur la braise / kabocha squash / kampot pepper sauce
Pinot Bianco, Cantina Terlan, “Vorberg Riserva’ 2022, Alto Adige, Italy
-
Beef Cap
wagyu / brussels sprout coussin / juniper berries reduction
Rioja Gran Reserva, La Rioja Alta, ‘Viña Arana’ 2017, Rioja, Spain
Sweet
-
Ruby Red
grapefruit textures / puffed rice / sorbet herbacé
-
Peony
chocolate / raspberry / rose
Rivesaltes Ambré, Domaine de Rancy 2000, Languedoc-Rousillion, France
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Petit Fours
for the table
Our offerings may vary based on ingredient availability and chef inspiration. We appreciate your understanding.
Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions.
Essential by Christophe is a Michelin-starred contemporary French restaurant on the Upper West Side of New York City, offering one of the most romantic Valentine’s Day dining experiences in NYC. Guests searching for the best Valentine’s Day restaurant, a romantic French restaurant, or an elegant place to get engaged, impress a partner or client will find an exclusive holiday menu available February 13–15 only. Ideal for couples, anniversaries, and Valentine’s weekend dining in Manhattan.