Menus
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:-
Blue Prawns
pike roe / genmaicha tuile / dill & chive bouillon
Riesling, Forge Cellars, “Peach Orchard Vineyard” 2017, Finger Lakes, New York
-
Hokkaido Uni
crustacean royale / sora pickles / timut wasabi velour
Blanc de Noirs, Schramsberg 2021, North Coast, California
-
Scallop
lightly smoked / gold ossetra caviar / champagne hazelnut
Grüner Veltliner, Mantlerhof, “Reserve” 2019, Ried Spiegel Kremstal, Austria
-
Amadai
braised / green florets & satsuma / turmeric
Pouilly-Fuissé, Château-Fuissé, ‘Tête de Cuveé’ 2023, Burgundy, France
-
Poularde
roasted / chanterelles / 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
gariguette / orange blossom / lime basil sorbet
Jurançon, Clos Guirouilh 2026, Sud-Ouest, France
-
La Framboise
crispy fine feuilles / linzer / madagascar vanilla
Tokaji 5 Puttonyos, Royal Tokaji Company 2018, Tokaji, Hungary
The Pre-Theatre Experience
three course menu 145
classic 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, discover, and savor. Our Upper West Side dining room offers an elegant escape where guests can experience the Discovery Menu, a thoughtfully curated four course prix fixe menu showcasing Chef Christophe Bellanca’s refined approach to contemporary French cuisine. Seasonal ingredients are transformed into artful, precisely composed courses, with optional wine pairings and sophisticated non alcoholic pairings available to complement the experience.
Ideal for a romantic dinner, special celebration, pre theater evening, or memorable night of fine dining near Lincoln Center, the Discovery Menu offers an approachable introduction to Essential by Christophe’s Michelin starred dining experience 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 / citrus bouillon gourmande
-
La Lisette
fumé délicate / grilled / cucumber & green apple espuma
-
Cherokee Tomato
wild red king crab / basil essence / romesco pulp
-
Hokkaido Uni
crustacean royale / sora pickles / timut wasabi velour
-
Toro Saku
mi cuit / tamarind / mandarinquats / sea condiment
Deux
-
Blue Prawns
pike roe / genmaicha tuile / dill & chive bouillon
-
Celtuce
à la flamme / cucumber / buddha’s hand
-
Scallop
lightly smoked / gold ossetra caviar / champagne hazelnut
-
Langoustine
slightly cooked / stuffed zita / swarnadwipa / green curry
-
Rouget Barbet
grilled / piperade / bouillabaisse reduction
Trois
-
Amadai
braised / green florets & satsuma / turmeric
-
Kampachi
barely grilled / makrut / château-chalon
-
Lobster
cuit sur la braise / shiitake & snow pea / kampot pepper sauce
-
Squab
racan / roasted / fukushu kumquat / toast à gratin / sauce diable
-
Iberico Pork
presa de bellota / king oyster / omija berries jus
Dessert
-
La Tarte au Chocolat
warm / roasted vanilla ice cream
-
Le Vacherin
gariguette / orange blossom / lime basil sorbet
-
La Framboise
crispy fine feuilles / linzer / madagascar vanilla
-
Brebirousse D’Argental
caramelized walnuts / pineau des charentes
Discovery Menu
four course menu 195
classic wine pairing 95
reserve wine pairing 140
non-alcoholic pairing 50
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 Chef’s Tasting Menu is the signature expression of the kitchen at Essential by Christophe. This seven course tasting experience reflects Chef Christophe Bellanca’s philosophy of precision, elegance, and contemporary French refinement, unfolding as a thoughtfully paced culinary journey from beginning to end.
Each course highlights seasonal ingredients and polished French technique, with optional wine pairings and bespoke non alcoholic pairings selected to complement the progression of the menu. Ideal for romantic dinners, milestone celebrations, and guests seeking a Michelin starred tasting menu near Lincoln Center and Central Park, the Chef’s Tasting Menu presents 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
Sake Junmai Daiginjo, ONO, Niigata Prefrecture, Japan
-
Hokkaido Uni
crustacean royale / sora pickles / timut wasabi velour
Blanc de Noirs, Schramsberg 2021, North Coast, California
-
Blue Prawns
pike roe / genmaicha tuile / dill & chive bouillon
Riesling, Forge Cellars, “Peach Orchard Vineyard” 2017, Finger Lakes, New York
-
Scallop
lightly smoked / gold ossetra caviar / champagne hazelnut
Grüner Veltliner, Mantlerhof, “Reserve” 2019, Ried Spiegel Kremstal, Austria
-
Amadai
braised / green florets & satsuma / turmeric
Pouilly-Fuissé, Château-Fuissé, ‘Tête de Cuveé’ 2023, Burgundy, France
choice of-
Iberico Pork
presa de bellota / king oyster / omija berries jus
Crozez-Hermitage, Jean-Luc Colombo, ‘Les Fees Brunes’ 2019, Rhône Valley, France
-
Squab
racan / roasted / fukushu kumquat / toast à gratin / sauce diable
Gamay Noir, Liska 2023, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
-
White Nectarine
marmalade / sorbet herbacé / fleur de sureau
choice of-
Le Vacherin
gariguette / orange blossom / lime basil sorbet
Jurançon, Clos Guirouilh 2026, Sud-Ouest, France
-
La Tarte au Chocolat
warm / roasted vanilla ice cream
Rivesaltes Ambré, Rancy 2000 Languedoc, France
Chef's Tasting Menu
seven course menu 245
classic wine pairing 170
reserve wine pairing 245
non-alcoholic pairing 75
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
-
Gazpacho
zebra tomato & strawberries / whipped ricotta calabro / thai basil
$18
-
Dorade Royale
artichoke / gold ossetra caviar / citrus bouillon gourmande
$26
-
La Lisette
fumé délicate / grilled / cucumber & green apple espuma
$28
-
Blue Prawns
pike roe / genmaicha tuile / dill & chive bouillon
$32
-
Scallop
lightly smoked / gold ossetra caviar / champagne hazelnut
$36
-
Cherokee Tomato
wild red king crab / basil essence / romesco pulp
$28
Deux
-
Amadai
braised / green florets & satsuma / turmeric
$39
-
Kampachi
barely grilled / makrut / château-chalon
$39
-
Penne Millerighe
maine lobster / tarragon
$36
-
Poularde
roasted / chanterelles / albufera sauce
$48
-
Iberico Pork
presa de bellota / king oyster / omija berries jus
$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
-
White Nectarine
marmalade / sorbet herbacé / fleur de sureau
$16
-
La Tarte au Chocolat
warm / roasted vanilla ice cream
$19
-
Le Vacherin
gariguette / orange blossom / lime basil sorbet
$19
-
La Framboise
crispy fine feuilles / linzer / madagascar vanilla
$19
-
Le Soufflé
grand marnier / cara cara 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
lychee & umeshu / yanagita shochu
$20
-
The Essential Martini
gin & vodka / cyril zangs eau de vie de cidre
$25
-
Verdant Pink
strawberry & rhubarb / helix vodka / fontbonne
$23
-
Spring Harvest Highball
lavender / brooklyn gin / centum herbis
$23
-
Bartender’s Choice
essence of coconut & pineapple / chairman’s white / el dorado 8 / rum fire
$25
-
Esperanza
passion fruit / tepozán reposado & bosscal mezcal / drambuie
$24
-
Old Yeller
toki whisky / yellow chartreuse / suze
$25
-
Mister Moonlight
afficionado espresso / new riff rye & cardamaro / cacao
$25
Spirit-Free Mixed Drinks
-
Golden Path
ginger / honey / turmeric
$16
-
Seventy-Seventh Street
peach / basil / orange / lime
$16
-
Christophe’s Favorite
rose / amalfi orange / pink peppercorn
$16
-
N.A.groni
the path nder ‘hemp & root’ / pentire ‘seaward’ / joy’s island sorrel
$16