Artisanal

Went there for a Saturday brunch. I was not initially impressed by the ambience... it felt very cold and uninviting perhaps due to the high ceilings (though peeking in the cheese room was a treat), but I was completely bowled over by the food and service. Our waitstaff seemed knowledgable of the available cheeses and gave us plenty of time to move from course to course. Everything from the coffee to the smoked salmon to the obscure French goat cheese was well-presented and delicious. Though it was a bit overpriced for brunch (no free mimosa with entree), I would recommend to anyone in search of a unique dining experience.

I was so excited to try Artisanal--the reviews I'd read made the place sound fabulous. My friend and I were disappointed to say the very least... poor service (my beverage that I ordered when first seated actually arrived at the table after I had finished my brunch entree)...we sat with empty dishes for 15 minutes (no exageration), even though the Maitre D' walked by us several times (but could not be bothered--keep in mind it was late afternoon and not at all busy with only 3 other tables in the restaurant). The food was decent, but not above average. The dessert menu was the biggest disappointment of all.

I don't know what people are talking about re. snooty service... this place is nothing short of fabulous... the service, food, ambience--everything is terrific... the food is fresh, the cheese selection is divine, the wine selection is great (I have never been greeted with a glare when ordering a non-alcoholic beverage). I go here once a month and cannot say one bad thing about it!!

While the food is really amazing (the cheese here is hard to beat) the service leaves much to be desired. They are really snooty especially over the phone and glared at us because we didn't order a bottle of wine. Delicious food, poor service.

Went there last night with a friend. Had a 6:30 reservation and they sat us down earlier which was nice. French onion soup was sooooo good, with three kinds of onions and 3 kinds of cheese. Fondue was yummy though I wish it came with more than bread, all other items you would have to pay extra for. Service was fine, nothing horrible about it. Would definitly go back again and try some of the entrees this time because they looked wonderful.

If you love wine and cheese, this is the place to go. I have never had a problem with the service as people have complained about, and I have been there 4 times. This is one of my favorite restaurants in NYC (I've been to many of the "top rated" restaurants) and I return as often as possible. Also try their sister restaurant, Picholine.

I read a couple of these reviews and wasn't sure if I really wanted to go to Artisanal. My friend encouraged me to go because she had a great experience so she talked me into it (and I really wanted fondue anyway). Sure, the service isn't the fastest in NY, but our waiter was knowledgeable, and not at all snooty. He was friendly and helpful. The food is delicious. I highly recommend the cheese souflee basket (so good!) and the platter of cheese, meat, and fruit, which is actually just an appetizer, but very filling. The chocolate fondue for dessert is also really good. I didn't get a chance to have some wine because I had a dirty martini (which was also really good) but there was an impressive list. I will recommend it!