La Boite En Bois

I was extremely disappointed from start to finish. Here's why. I showed up with a date to a nearly empty restaurant, and yet it took them 20 min to bring out our salads...and we were starving. When it came, it was cold, and a bit brown, so I knew it wasn't fresh. The waiter never offered us bread as we waited, and then brought it mid-way thru our salad. He neglected to bring butter or oil, so we eventually asked him for some. He brought us a bottle of olive oil you would buy in the market, and placed it on the table. My date and I looked at each other, then unscrewed the cap, and poured it ourselves. Literally. I then asked him what he recommended for dinner, and it was as if he had never been asked the question. To which he then said, "Well, I'm not eating." I was shocked. So I asked if he were eating, what he would get, and I stupidly followed his recommendation. I was hoping to be saved by the quality of the food, which everyone on here has raved about. I ordered the veal dish per the waiter, and was very disappointed. It wasn't bad, but simply nothing special. I expected a lot from the sauce, given it was a French restaurant, but it had little flavor at all. The veal was tender, but quite a small portion. Standard julienne vegetables, a fancier hash brown potato side. I couldn't believe it. I really expected that the food would deliver. I'm not sure why everyone on here likes it so much, but I did notice that many posting seem to be out of towners visiting Lincoln Center. I have lived in the neighborhood over 10 years, had never been here, went based on the reviews here, and can tell you there are many better options nearby. It was so bad that I may in fact give it another try, simply because I must have caught it on an off night (maybe the chef wasn't there, other issues???). Then again, I may not.

My wife and I are visiting NYC and found this gem while exploring the area. We had lunch and thought the food was fabulous, and a great value as well. In particular, the chocolate mousse for dessert was superb - "the best I've ever had," said my wife. The staff were attentive, informative, courteous, and friendly. The restaurant setting is comfortable and warm, relaxing after a long walk from downtown. We highly recommend La Boite En Bois.

This is a neighborhood bistro and you have to know it there. It is almost always booked and turns people away. The food is good, the service needs work and the host is very condecending. Do not order the prix fix withous looking at the full menu because there are more choices and unless you are having desert it is more expensive. Al in all it needs to remember its roots - the neighborhood and local patrons.

I live down in Gramercy Park and was on the UWS to visit a friend. They took me to this place and said they thought it always great. I'm not a French food type but this place had a good mix and my dinner was really quite amazing (in my case I had the veal). The sorbet dessert (which we split) must have been hand made and was really great. Guess its one of those unkown places that the locals keep a secret. Its just off Columbus down some stairs but if you can find it........GO!

My husband and I picked out this restaurant because it was close to Lincoln Center as we were going to see South Pacific to celebrate an occasion. Food was excellently prepared and presented. Portions were perfect. Service was excellent. Restaurant was on the small side, but so are many other Manhattan restaurants. Ordering the chef's specials are highly recommended. Prices were moderate to a little expensive based on what was ordered. An alcoholic beverage will add considerately more to the final tally. We have gone back 2 times so far. We hope to try Sunday brunch for the next visit.

My husband last came to this hidden gem about ten years ago, yesterday was my first time. Everything about this place was excellent ! Food, service, ambience, and staff ! We had lunch there with a friend and it was so nice we went there in the evening for dinner with another friend. Crab cake special was divine and the chocolate mousse to die for ! Great value at lunch and dinner too !

I was very shocked to find a place like this... it's not a big restaurant and tables are close together but that's what makes it interesting... because you never know who you are going to meet.... the food is great and the service is spectacular, i had the poached salmon special and it was fabulous followed by a nice creme brulee and a beautiful cappuccino.... in other words it's to die for!!!