Papilles

I can't believe this place doesn't have a Michelin star yet. The food is extraordinary. We literally had to stop talking every time we were eating because the visual effect as much as the taste were breathtaking. The cocktails will make you rethink what you thought a cocktail was all about. This restaurant offers an exquisite, heart-stopping, perfect culinary experience and takes your taste buds for a joy ride.

I enjoyed Papilles last summer on 3 separate visits. The chef and bartender are both so talented. If i has one wish it would be for them to have more options on the menu. (Slightly more would he fine.) It’s only because my husband doesn’t eat fish. But I do agree that having a few dishes of perfection is better than more of any lower standard.

The restaurant venture Papilles, located just above the East Houston St, and thus sitting on the border of the Lower East Side and East Village, across the street from the famous (or infamous, depending on one's point of view) Tompkins Square Park, is one of our very best dining experiences in the city. "N'importe" that Papilles is a restaurant étoilé, proudly carrying its Michelin star distinction, for we have dined in a multitude of restaurants distinguished in all kinds awards and figuring at the top of competing lists, and the end result was a veritable 'blah'. Not so the Papilles, what an amazing food, what an amazing degree of deliciousness, attention to the minute detail, unparalleled mastery in both preparation and plating and care about their customers! The dynamic trio of the young entrepreneurs, Chef Calstier, Elena Oliver, and Nicolas Thoni have combined their efforts to offer one of the best food in the city. Also, to bear in mind, a five-course tasting menu (of generous portions, at that), with a possibility to choose your own dessert (or a cheese platter) is priced at $95, which is an honest bargain for a restaurant of that level (and a Michelin-star establishment). Unlike many a restaurant that try to include into their tasting menus the least expensive dishes, Papilles does an excellent job of featuring the most elaborate (and expensive) courses in their tasting menu, offered as 3,4, or 5 courses. And the amuse-bouche we enjoyed immensely was of a bigger size that many of the main courses served by the famous and celebrated restaurants in NYC (the size shouldn't matter, but it is a great demonstration of a an honest and considerate approach by the Papilles team). The amount of care and effort that goes into every dish is exemplary. We won't elaborate on specific dishes here, for the restaurant changes its menu pretty frequently. Just refer to our photographs, and no comment would be needed. The restaurant is small, numbering only about 9 tables. For our taste, the tables on the left side of the restaurant (facing the open kitchen) allow for better privacy. The reservations are available through Resy. We with lots of success à toute l'équipe. Great job, guys!

Update:Quarantine takeout. A great presentation and continuation of the Vagabond concept. Very balanced and flavorful cuisines. Chicken breast cooked perfectly, dessert is of high quality as well👌🏼👌🏼Worth the price! Excellent execution of contemporary French cuisines. Portion probably below average American diet, but dishes are of great quality! Very sophisticated and balanced flavor combination, great value from $55 3 course menu. Friendly staffs as well. À bientôt😉