Menus
- Pre-Theatre Menu
- Discovery Menu
- Chef's Tasting Menu
- Bar À la Carte Menu
- Mixed Drinks
- Wine List
- Peay Vineyards Wine Dinner with Andy Peay
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.
Un & Deux
choice of two:-
Hokkaido Uni
crustacean royale / sora pickles / timut wasabi velour
Xarello, Llopart, Cava Gran Reserva ‘Leopardi,’ Brut Nature 2018, Penedès, Spain
-
Madai Ikejime
leche de tigre / plum / lemon verbena
Riesling, Selbach-Oster, Sparkling Sekt 2020, Mosel Valley, Germany
-
Blue Prawns
kirby chutney / genmaicha tuile / dill & chive bouillon
Chenin Blanc, Plaisance 2024, Anjou, Loire Valley, France
-
Scallop
lightly smoked / gold ossetra caviar / champagne hazelnut
Melon de Bourgogne, l’Ecu, ‘Orthogneiss’ 2023, Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine, Loire Valley, France
-
Amadai
confit / green florets & satsuma / turmeric
Pouilly-Fuissé, Château-Fuissé, ‘Tête de Cuvée’ 2023, Burgundy, France
-
Poularde
roasted / chanterelles / albufera sauce
Tinto Fino, Torres, ‘Celeste’ Reserva 2020, Ribera del Duero, Spain
Dessert
choice of one:-
La Tarte au Chocolat
warm / roasted vanilla ice cream
Rivesaltes Ambré, Domaine de Rancy, ‘Vin Doux Naturel’ 2000, Languedoc, France
-
Le Vacherin
gariguette / orange blossom / lime basil sorbet
Petit Manseng, Clos Guirouilh, Jurançon 2016, Sud-Ouest, France
-
La Framboise
crispy fine feuilles / linzer / madagascar vanilla
Tokaji Aszú, 5 Puttonyos, Royal Tokaji 2018, Tokaj, Hungary
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.
Pour Commencer
-
Mushroom Cappuccino
sweet potato / madeira reduction
Un
-
Dorade Royale
artichoke / gold ossetra caviar / citrus bouillon
-
Hokkaido Uni
crustacean royale / sora pickles / timut wasabi velour
-
Madai Ikejime
leche de tigre / plum / lemon verbena
-
Celtuce
à la flamme / cucumber / buddha’s hand
Deux
-
Blue Prawns
kirby chutney / genmaicha tuile / dill & chive bouillon
-
Scallop
lightly smoked / gold ossetra caviar / champagne hazelnut
-
Langoustine
slightly cooked / stuffed zita / swarnadwipa / green curry
-
Rouget Barbet
grilled / piperade / bouillabaisse reduction
Trois
-
Amadai
confit / 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
-
Le Vacherin
gariguette / orange blossom / lime basil sorbet
-
La Framboise
crispy fine feuilles / linzer / madagascar vanilla
-
La Tarte au Chocolat
warm / roasted vanilla ice cream
-
Brebirousse d'Argental
sheep's milk / caramelized walnuts / pineau des charentes
-
Le Soufflé
grand marnier / cara cara marmalade / green cardamom ice cream
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-
Madai Ikejime
leche de tigre / plum / lemon verbena
Riesling, Selbach-Oster, Sparkling Sekt 2020, Mosel Valley, Germany
-
Hokkaido Uni
crustacean royale / sora pickles / timut wasabi velour
Xarello, Llopart, Cava Gran Reserva ‘Leopardi,’ Brut Nature 2018, Penedès, Spain
-
Blue Prawns
kirby chutney / genmaicha tuile / dill & chive bouillon
Chenin Blanc, Plaisance 2024, Anjou, Loire Valley, France
-
Scallop
lightly smoked / gold ossetra caviar / champagne hazelnut
Melon de Bourgogne, l’Ecu, ‘Orthogneiss’ 2023, Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine, Loire Valley, France
-
Amadai
confit / green florets & satsuma / turmeric
Pouilly-Fuissé, Château-Fuissé, ‘Tête de Cuvée’ 2023, Burgundy, France
choice of-
Iberico Pork
presa de bellota / king oyster / omija berries jus
Tinto Fino, Torres, ‘Celeste‘ Reserva 2020, Ribera del Duero, Spain
-
Squab
racan / roasted / fukushu kumquat / toast à gratin / sauce diable
Gamay Noir, Justin Dutraive, Régnié ‘Les Bulliats’ 2023, Beaujolais, France
-
White Nectarine
marmalade / sorbet herbacé / fleur de sureau
choice of-
Le Vacherin
gariguette / orange blossom / lime basil sorbet
Petit Manseng, Clos Guirouilh, Jurançon 2016, Sud-Ouest, France
-
La Tarte au Chocolat
warm / roasted vanilla ice cream
Rivesaltes Ambré, Domaine de Rancy, ‘Vin Doux Naturel’ 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
-
Corn
fin velouté / zebra tomatoes / lemon verbena
$18
-
Dorade Royale
artichoke / gold ossetra caviar / citrus bouillon
$26
-
Madai Ikejime
leche de tigre / plum / lemon verbena
$28
-
Blue Prawns
kirby chutney / genmaicha tuile / dill & chive bouillon
$32
-
Scallop
lightly smoked / gold ossetra caviar / champagne hazelnut
$36
-
Langoustine
slightly cooked / stuffed zita / swarnadwipa / green curry
$36
Deux
-
Amadai
confit / 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
sheep's milk / 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
-
Summer Harvest Highball
brooklyn gin / ginger & thyme / batavia arrack
$24
-
Bartender’s Choice
essence of coconut & pineapple / chairman’s white / el dorado 8 / rum fire
$25
-
Esperanza
passion fruit / el tequileño reposado & bosscal mezcal / drambuie
$24
-
Le Griottier
redwood empire pipe dream bourbon / griottes / burlesque bitters
$25
-
Résolution
afficionado espresso / licor 43 / chocolate
$25
Spirit-Free Mixed Drinks
-
The English Garden
rose / cucumber / elderflower
$16
-
Seventy-Seventh Street
orange & basil / peach / lime
$16
-
Christophe’s Favorite
rose blossom / amalfi orange / pink peppercorn
$16
-
N.A.groni
joy's island sorrel / the pathfinder 'hemp & root' / pentire 'seaward'
$16
Peay Vineyards Wine Dinner with Andy Peay
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
6:30 pm
5-course menu
$450 per person + tax and gratuity
Join us as we celebrate the wines of California’s West Sonoma Coast with Andy Peay, co-founder and marketing director of Peay Vineyards. Together with his brother Nick and sister-in-law Vanessa Wong, Andy has helped pioneer cool-climate winemaking on a small, rugged patch of land just four miles from the Pacific.
For this evening, a small number of carefully chosen estate bottlings have been thoughtfully paired with selections of Chef Christophe’s refined, seafood-focused cuisine. The result is a harmonic balance of two maritime-influenced sensory art forms, joined to highlight the intricacies of each dish’s flavor components and enlighten the delicate complexity of each wine pairing.
Reserve Here
Pour Commencer
-
Mushroom Cappuccino
sweet potato / madeira reduction
Un
-
Madai Ikejime
leche de tigre / plum / lemon verbena
-
Viognier
'West Sonoma Coast Estate’ Peay Vineyards 2024
Deux
-
Scallop
lightly smoked / gold ossetra caviar / champagne hazelnut
-
Chardonnay
’Maritima - Estate,’ Peay Vineyards 2022
Trois
-
Rouget Barbet
grilled / piperade / bouillabaisse reduction
-
Pinot Noir
’Scallop Shelf Estate,’ Peay Vineyards 2022
-
Pinot Noir
‘Scallop Shelf Estate,’ Peay Vineyards 2012
Quatre
-
Squab
racan / roasted / fukushu kumquat / toast à gratin / sauce diable
-
Syrah
’La Bruma - Estate,’ Peay Vineyards 2020
Dessert
-
Brebirousse d'Argental
sheep's milk / caramelized walnuts / pineau des charentes
-
Roussanne/Marsanne
‘Estate,’ Peay Vineyards 2017
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.