Menus
- Pre-Theatre Menu
- The Dinner Menu
- The Essential Menu
- Bar À la Carte Menu
- Mixed Drinks
- Wine List
- Easter Menu
Essential by Christophe offers contemporary French fine dining on the Upper West Side of New York City, just moments from Lincoln Center and many of the city’s renowned Broadway and performing arts venues. Our four-course prix fixe menu showcases Chef Christophe Bellanca’s refined, seasonal cuisine, with optional wine and non-alcoholic pairings.
For guests attending performances nearby, our pre-theatre dining experience offers an elegant option for dinner before the show, making Essential by Christophe one of the most refined restaurants near Lincoln Center for a romantic evening or special occasion in Manhattan.
Menu Available
Monday - Thursday
5:30 pm
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.
Pour Commencer
-
Mushroom Cappuccino
sweet potato / madeira reduction
Un & Deux
choice of two:-
Razor Clams
eventail / chawanmushi inspired / saffron kashmiri
Champagne, Moussé, ‘L’Or d’Eugene,’ Blanc de Noirs NV, France
-
Blue Prawns
smoked pike roe / genmaicha tuile / dill & chive bouillon
Jurançon Sec, Bellegarde, ‘Pierre Blanche’ 2023, Sud-Ouest, France
-
Toro Saku
mi cuit / tamarind / mandarinquats / sea condiment
Manzoni Bianco, Alois Lageder, ‘Forra’ 2022, Alto Adige, Italy
-
Scallop
lightly smoked / gold ossetra caviar / champagne hazelnut
Listan Blanco, Arautava, ‘Finca la Habanera’ 2021, Canary Islands, Spain
-
Black Bass
braised / artichoke & manila clams / turmeric shoyu
Savagnin, Pierre Girardin, ‘Le Noyer’ 2023, Côtes de Jura, France
-
Poularde
roasted / morels / albufera sauce
Gamay, Mommessin, ‘Côte de Puy’ 2023, Morgon, Beaujolais, France
Dessert
choice of one:-
La Tarte au Chocolat
warm / roasted vanilla ice cream
Rivesaltes Ambré, Rancy 2000 Languedoc, France
-
Le Vacherin
clementine marmalade / orange blossom / makrut lime sorbet
Icewine, Liliac & Kracher 2023, Transylvania, Romania
-
Rhubarb
marmalade / sorbet herbacé / parfum de rose
Tokaji Aszú, 5 Puttonyos, Royal Wine Company 2018, Tokaji, Hungary
The Pre-Theatre Experience
three course menu 145
wine pairing 75
réserve wine pairing 110
non-alcoholic pairing 40
⚫
Menu Available
Monday - Thursday
5:30 pm seating only
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.
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
-
Razor Clams
eventail / chawanmushi inspired / saffron kashmiri
-
Madai
sashimi / cucumber / lemon verbena / ajoblanco
-
La Royale
foie gras / root vegetables / double black truffle consommé
-
Octopus
smoked / puffed gnocchi / bottarga & aioli
-
Toro Saku
mi cuit / tamarind / mandarinquats / sea condiment
Deux
-
Blue Prawns
smoked pike roe / genmaicha tuile / dill & chive bouillon
-
Comté Cheese Soufflé
steamed & caramelized / black truffle émulsion
-
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 & manila 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
clementine marmalade / orange blossom / makrut lime sorbet
-
Le Soufflé
orange marmalade / green cardamom ice cream
-
Brebirousse D’Argental
caramelized walnuts / pineau des charentes
Four Course Experience
Un / Deux / Trois / Dessert
215 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.
-
Mushroom Cappuccino
sweet potato / madeira reduction
choice of-
Toro Saku
mi cuit / tamarind / mandarinquats / sea condiment
Manzoni Bianco, Alois Lageder, ‘Forra’ 2022, Alto Adige, Italy
-
La Royale
foie gras / spring vegetables & morels / double black truffle consommé
Sparkling Rosé, Lieb Cellars, Reserve NV, North Fork, Long Island, New York
-
Langoustine
slightly cooked / stuffed zita / swarnadwipa / green curry
Muscat Réserve, Trimbach 2021, Alsace, France
-
Scallop
lightly smoked / gold ossetra caviar / champagne hazelnut
Listan Blanco, Arautava, ‘Finca la Habanera’ 2021, Canary Islands, Spain
-
Black Bass
braised / artichoke & manila clams / turmeric shoyu
Savagnin, Pierre Girardin, ‘Le Noyer’ 2023, Côtes de Jura, France
choice of-
Squab
racan / roasted / fukushu kumquat / toast à gratin / sauce diable
Bierzo Tinto, La Vizcaina de Raul Perez, ‘Las Gundiñas’ 2023, Castilla y Léon, Spain
-
Beef Cap
wagyu / brussels sprout coussin / juniper berries reduction
Rioja Reserva, López de Heredia, ‘Viña Tondonia’ 2012, Haro, Rioja, Spain
-
Rhubarb
marmalade / sorbet herbacé / parfum de rose
choice of-
Le Vacherin
clementine marmalade / orange blossom / makrut lime sorbet
Icewine, Liliac & Kracher 2023, Transylvania, Romania
-
La Tarte au Chocolat
warm / roasted vanilla ice cream
Rivesaltes Ambré, Rancy 2000 Languedoc, France
The Essential Experience
265 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
-
Razor Clams
eventail / chawanmushi inspired / saffron kashmiri
$28
-
Madai
sashimi / cucumber / lemon verbena / ajoblanco
$28
-
La Royale
foie gras / root vegetables / double black truffle consummé
$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 & manila 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
-
Kalamata Olive Loaf
salted butter
$8
-
Half Country & Half Kalamata Olive
salted butter
$8
Desserts
-
Rhubarb
marmalade / sorbet herbacé / parfum de rose
$16
-
La Tarte au Chocolat
warm / roasted vanilla ice cream
$19
-
Le Vacherin
clementine marmalade / orange blossom / makrut lime sorbet
$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
-
Lychee Prélude
yanagita shochu / lychee / umeshu / lillet blanc
$20
-
The Essential Martini
gin / vodka / cyril zangs eau de vie de cidre
$25
-
No. 3
helix vodka / pomegranate / suze / grapefruit
$23
-
Winter Harvest Highball
brooklyn gin / blood orange / ginger / lime
$23
-
Alpine Snow
toki japanese whiskey / routin blanc / campari / zirbenz / contains milk
$24
-
Rosalita
tepozán reposado / drambuie / passion fruit / lemon / cayenne
$24
-
Mint Condition
el dorado 8 / peppermint / amaro / chocolate
$24
-
Moonlight Sérénade
mestizo mezcal / la colombe espresso / masala chai
$25
Spirit-Free Mixed Drinks
-
Szechuan Story
szechuan / chamomile / elderflower / grapefruit
$16
-
La Brise
peach / basil / pineapple / lemon
$16
-
Christophe’s Favorite
hibiscus / orange / winter spice
$16
-
N.A.groni
the path nder ‘hemp & root’ / pentire ‘seaward’ / joy’s island sorrel
$16
Celebrate Easter with us! Enjoy a refined dinner featuring a thoughtfully curated four-course menu, crafted by Chef Christophe Bellanca to highlight the best of the season. This menu is priced at $225 per guest, plus tax and gratuity. Optional wine & non alcoholic pairings are available, carefully selected to complement each course. We look forward to welcoming you for a beautiful Easter celebration filled with exceptional cuisine, warm hospitality, and the spirit of spring.
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.
Pour Commencer
-
Mushroom Cappuccino
sweet potato / madeira reduction
Un
choice of:-
Razor Clams
eventail / chawanmushi inspired / saffron kashmiri
Champagne, Moussé, ‘L’Or d’Eugene,’ Blanc de Noirs NV, France
-
La Royale
foie gras / spring vegetables & morels / double black truffle consommé
Sparkling Rosé, Lieb Cellars, Reserve NV, North Fork, Long Island, New York
-
Toro Saku
mi cuit / tamarind / mandarinquats / sea condiment
Manzoni Bianco, Alois Lageder, ‘Forra’ 2022, Alto Adige, Italy
Deux
choice of:-
Scallop
lightly smoked / gold ossetra caviar / champagne hazelnut
Listan Blanco, Arautava, ‘Finca la Habanera’ 2021, Canary Islands, Spain
-
Comté Cheese Soufflé
steamed & caramelized / black truffle émulsion
Spätburgunder, Wasenhaus 2022, Baden, Germany
Trois
choice of:-
Lobster
cuit sur la braise / kabocha squash / kampot pepper sauce
Pinot Bianco, Cantina Terlan, “Vorberg Riserva’ 2022, Alto Adige, Italy
-
Kampachi
barely grilled / combawa / château-chalon
Pouilly-Fuissé, Château Fuissé, ‘Téte de Cuvée’ 2023, Burgundy, France
-
Spring Lamb
roasted saddle & loin / stuffed pomme fondante / eggplant gremolata / salad pastoral
Mencia, La Vizcaina de Raul Perez, ‘Las Gundiñas’ 2023, Castilla y Léon, Spain
Dessert
choice of:-
Rhubarb
marmalade / sorbet herbacé / parfum de rose
Tokaji Aszú, 5 Puttonyos, Royal Wine Company 2018, Tokaji, Hungary
-
La Croustillant Chocolat & Cara Cara
orange salad a l’oriantale
Single Harvest Madeira, Henriques & Henriques 1997, Portugal
-
Petit Fours
for the table
Easter Sunday
225 prix fixe
135 wine pairing
65 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.