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 may choose between our three-course and four-course prix fixe menus, each designed to highlight Chef Christophe Bellanca’s French mastery. Seasonal ingredients are transformed into artful plates, with the option to enhance the experience through thoughtfully curated 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
Tuna
akami / artichoke / aji amarillo
Sea Urchin
cauliflower / minneola tangelos / green apple
gluten free
Madai
sashimi / cucumber / lemon verbena / ajoblanco
gluten free
Foie Gras
medjool date / sea condiment / marco polo tea
Cuttlefish
white truffle / fermented daikon / makrut / galangal yogurt
Three Course Experience Un or Deux / Trois / Dessert 175 prix fixe 70 wine pairing | 105 reserve wine pairing | 40 non-alcoholic pairing
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.
Mushroom Cappuccino
sweet potato / madeira reduction
choice of
Madai
sashimi / cucumber / lemon verbena / ajoblanco
gluten free
Foie Gras
medjool date / sea condiment / marco polo tea
Langoustine
slightly cooked / stuffed zita / swarnadwipa / green curry
The Essential Experience 255 prix fixe 170 wine pairing | 245 reserve wine 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
Tuna
akami / artichoke / aji amarillo
$26
Sea Urchin
cauliflower / minneola tangelos / green apple
$28
gluten free
Madai
sashimi / cucumber / lemon verbena / ajoblanco
$28
gluten free
Foie Gras
medjool date / sea condiment / marco polo tea
$28
Cuttlefish
white truffle / fermented daikon / makrut / galangal yogurt
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.
Christmas Eve 5:00 pm - 9:30pm 4-course menu $275 per person + beverage, tax, and gratuity $175 wine pairing $50 non-alcoholic pairing
Celebrate Christmas Eve in New York City with an elevated French prix fixe dinner by Michelin-recognized Chef Christophe Bellanca. Nestled on the Upper West Side, Essential by Christophe offers an elegant holiday dining experience featuring refined seasonal flavors, exceptional wines, and the understated warmth of true hospitality. Please note that the restaurant will be closed on Christmas Day so our team may enjoy the holiday with loved ones.
slightly cooked / stuffed zita / swarnadwipa / green curry
Trois
choice of
Lobster
cuit sur la braise / kabocha squash / kampot pepper sauce
gluten free
Wild Turbot
slowly cooked / caramelized mikado endive / black truffle
Venison
loin / celery / cranberry / perigourdine sauce
Dessert
Red Kuri
citronelle / turmeric / kaffir sorbet
Le Mont Blanc
clementines / chestnut / vanilla chantilly
Petit Fours
for the table
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.
New Year's Eve ~ First Seating 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm 4-course menu $275 per person + beverage, tax, and gratuity $175 wine pairing $50 non-alcoholic pairing
Begin your New Year’s Eve celebration on the Upper West Side with an elegant early seating at Essential by Christophe. Guests will enjoy a refined multi course menu crafted by Chef Christophe Bellanca, featuring the finest seasonal ingredients in a modern French style. Located moments from Central Park, our early seating offers a serene and luxurious holiday dinner experience for those wishing to begin their evening with exceptional cuisine before continuing their celebrations in Manhattan. ns.
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.
New Year's Eve ~ Gala Seating 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm 4-course menu $350 per person + beverage, tax, and gratuity $175 wine pairing $50 non-alcoholic pairing
Welcome the new year in true New York elegance with our late seating celebration at Essential by Christophe on the Upper West Side. Guests will indulge in Chef Christophe’s elevated multi course holiday menu, along with live musical entertainment and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Situated near Central Park, this festive late night experience blends fine dining, live music, and warm hospitality to create one of the most memorable New Year’s Eve dinners in Manhattan.
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.
