Lucien Restaurant

I was told that this place is very scene-y, so I was skeptical of the food. And while it is definitely scene-y - I've never seen so many pairs go in and out of a single stall bathroom on a Thursday at 7pm - the food is really good and worth the visit on its own. Usually I avoid fillet mignon in favour of meatier cuts, but the steak au poivre is delicious and reminded me of how good a lean, tender steak could be - highly recommend. I'd suggest making a res, the day we tried to walk-in, they were booked for the evening, there is bar seating you can hang out for, but we got really lucky and snagged a table from a no-show reservation. In all, if you're looking for a French bistro style meal, Lucien is a great option, if you're looking to be seen, then it's great for that too.

I've heard so many good things about this establishment and was looking forward to a great meal. It was mediocre, and the portion to value was way overpriced. The Escargot and Onion soup were the good. Just to be clear, I know it's my responsibility to check my bill; however, a Lucien staff member swiped my credit card at the table and added a 28% tip without consulting me. I normally give +20% on average when I dine, and it is not the extra 8%; it's the nerve and audacity to just add a tip in the first place. There is nowhere on their website that states they automatically add a tip. Though very NY, with its energy. It's more of a scene than quality and value. I don't recommend this establishment.

A fantastic little French café! Just happened upon it on a Saturday night while exploring for a place to have dinner with my partner. We didn’t have a reservation so we couldn’t sit inside but the host sat us at a cozy, little table outside under a heat lamp. The wine selection is excellent and the prices are reasonable. I had the duck for dinner and it was amazing! Will definitely make a reservation next time as the inside of the restaurant looks quite charming. The staff was lovely as well. Can’t wait to come back!

I was so excited to enjoy a cassoulet, I was told that, of course, since Lucien passed away, quality was not the same. But it is just the worst restaurant I experienced in NYC so far. 40 minutes to be seated with a reservation, half the entrees menu were strikethrough (of course, included the Cassoulet). 3 back and forth to have a wine because the menu was not updated, either the wine was not anymore available, or they brought a 5 year younger wine for the same price! Food was acceptable, but not worth the price at all… Entrees came before the appetizer we had to cancel.!!! Cherry on the cake when we discovered we were charged $4 for a white, dry, disgusting bread… Lucien should roll over in his grave! To avoid if you want to have a sense of French food and welcome…