103 W 77th, New York, NY 10024 646- 478- 7928
103 W 77th, New York, NY 10024 646- 478- 7928
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    • 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
    Tuesday - 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.

    The Pre-Theatre Experience
    three course menu 145
    classic wine pairing 75
    réserve wine pairing 110
    non-alcoholic pairing 40
    ⚫
    Menu Available
    Tuesday - 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.

    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

    • Dorade Royale

      artichoke / gold ossetra caviar / citrus dressing

      Champagne, Ployez-Jacquemart, Extra Quality Brut, France, NV

    • Foie Gras

      raviolo / choux rouge condiment / truffle bouillon

      Champagne, A Margaine, ‘Le Demi Sec,’ Demi Sec, France NV

      *2g alba white truffle supplement $55

    • Hokkaido Uni

      crustacean royale / sora pickles / timut wasabi velour

      Champagne, La Caravelle, ‘Sparkling Rosé,’ Brut, France NV

    ‎

    • Blue Prawns

      poached / lime kosho / crispy genmaicha / dill & chive

      Aligoté, Bjornson, Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon 2024

    ‎

    • Scallop

      lightly smoked / gold ossetra caviar / champagne hazelnut

      Sauvignon Blanc, Cep, ‘Hopkins Ranch,’ Russian River Valley, California 2025

    ‎

    • Amadai

      confit / green florets & satsuma / turmeric

      Pouilly-Fuissé, Château-Fuissé, ‘Tête de Cuveé,’ Burgundy, France 2023

    ‎

    choice of

    • Venison

      ribeye / celery vanilla / black truffle & omija berries jus

      Tinto Fino, Familia Torres, ‘Celeste,’ Reserva, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2020

    • Squab de Racan

      roasted / fukushu kumquat / toast à gratin / sauce diable

      Gamay Noir, Justin Dutraive, Régnié, Beaujolais, France 2023

    ‎

    • Le Tropical

      pink pineapple / rum granité / coconut

    ‎

    choice of

    • Le Vacherin

      clementine marmalade / orange blossom / Thai lime sorbet

      Petit Manseng, Clos Guirouilh, Jurançon, France 2016

    • La Tarte au Chocolat

      warm / roasted vanilla ice cream

      Macabeo, Rancy, ‘Rivesaltes Ambré,’ Languedoc, France 2000

    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.

    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.

    Download PDF

    Thanksgiving at Essential

    On Thursday, November 26, 2026, Chef Christophe Bellanca serves a $210 Thanksgiving menu from 12:30 PM to 8:30 PM, a short walk from the start of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

    View Thanksgiving Menu

    Book Thanksgiving Dinner


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