Le Coucou

We visited Le Coucou for dinner. Getting a reservation was fairly easy — booking about a month ahead on the reservation platform was pretty relaxed, no real struggle. The foie gras was very good — tender and springy, but not in a dense, creamy way. It had an almost pudding-like texture, which was unexpected and quite nice. The duck à l’orange was another highlight — a generous portion, and the orange paired really nicely with the duck. The beef was also well done, nicely tender. Service was fine, nothing to complain about. Prices are on the slightly expensive side. The seasoning here is on the heavier side — some people find it too salty, but for us it was fine, and it actually paired really well with wine. Overall a solid one-star French dinner. Worth a visit if you’re in the area.

Without a doubt, this is my favourite restaurant in NYC. What a wonderful experience from start to finish. This was the first time we’ve dined at a restaurant in NYC where we didn’t feel rushed. We were able to enjoy our conversation without constant interruptions, repeated check-ins, or any pressure to finish quickly. Every course was served at the perfect pace, and the staff never hurried to clear the table while we were still enjoying our meal. Having spent time dining in France, this is exactly the kind of experience I always associate with great French restaurants—unhurried, relaxed, and centred around enjoying both the food and the company. It’s something I’ve been hoping to find in NYC, and this is the first restaurant that truly delivered that feeling. The food was outstanding, the atmosphere was beautiful, and the service was exceptional. I’m so happy I chose this restaurant to celebrate my birthday because everything was absolutely perfect. A special thank you to Angelo, who was incredibly kind, warm, and attentive. He made us feel truly welcome, and his hospitality made an already wonderful evening even more memorable.

Such a great restaurant for special occasions! We ordered prime steak and lamp chops, both were absolutely delicious! And omg, crème brûlée was 100/10!! Also, chef send us as a gift mini freshly baked Madeleine cookies, it was out the world! Our server was amazing, I forgot his name. The only thing we were ordered that was pretty ordinary is leeks with hazelnuts. Overall great experience!

I had a very disappointing experience at Le Coucou. We visited for lunch and ordered the A Very Coucou Lunch to celebrate my birthday, but it turned out to be one of the most underwhelming dining experiences I've had. I should have listened to another reviewer who gave this same lunch menu one star—their comments turned out to be surprisingly accurate. While the raw ingredients seemed fresh, several dishes were served at temperatures that didn't allow their quality to shine. The duck was disappointingly tough, and the sauce did little to elevate it. What disappointed me most was how ordinary everything felt. There was nothing memorable or distinctive about the menu, despite the restaurant's reputation. Ironically, the only thing I still remember is one of the cocktails. To make matters worse, this lunch was meant to celebrate my birthday. I had noted it in the reservation, and the staff even wished me a happy birthday when we arrived. However, that was the only acknowledgment. There wasn't even a small candle or any thoughtful gesture. I understand that's not something every restaurant is obligated to provide, but for a place known for its hospitality and attention to detail, it was disappointing. It's rare to leave a restaurant feeling that the kitchen didn't fully understand its own menu, but that's honestly how this meal felt. Some dishes lacked seasoning, others were over-seasoned, and there was little sense of balance or refinement throughout.