Ouest

A Brother & Sister dinner. It was the first time I had dined at Ouest. The seating layout is unique, open and quite comfortable for what were treasured moments spent with my Brother. The food, oh my...the food. I love to cook and that's good and it's bad. I am a huge critic of restaurants trying to overdo dishes. Ouest approaches food with the skill and art of combining fresh ingredients, perfectly seasoned fresh herbs and a plate presentation that has you eager to dive in! I ordered the range roasted chicken and my Brother insisted upon having me share the polenta with him. I must admit I thought what could be so wonderful about the polenta, I've tasted polenta before. I tasted the silky smooth potatoes that came with my dinner and then proceeded to fall in love with the polenta. What is the Chef's secret? The potatoes did not go to waste. I had enough food to enjoy the next day for my lunch and not a morsel was wasted. I live on the Upper Eastside but Ouest, in an instant, became a new favorite spot and I will be coming across Central Park more often now to enjoy this jewel. What's this I hear that the owner is from Syracuse? ... I'm from Manlius!

I've traveled far and wide, dined in over 60 countries, and have had some of the greatest cuisine on earth. I came to New York for a three day business trip-- planned a visit to the highly acclaimed Ouest on my first night and subsequently went to Ouest the last two nights of my trip. The food was clear, fresh, simple, elegant, and amazing. I could eat at Ouest every night-- too bad I live in San Fransisco. Thank you Chef Valenti.

Went to this lovely place for the first time to celebrate an early mother's day with my daughter. The place is very cozy and inviting. We had a great time, very attentive service, I have some food related problems, they made a special dish for me. The food was so good, my daughter had the rack of lamb, it was out of this world. We really enjoyed ourselves. I would come back to this place anytime.

We went for brunch and ordered from the prix-fixe menu (which I believe is all they offer at brunch.) I had the tomato bisque and ham/cheese sandwhich which was a substantial amount of food. Very happy with the space, service, and the food. It's a bit pricey but I'm starting to accept that as a fact of life in NYC. The place has a happy vibe to it and I look forward to trying dinner there.

The cooking last night was really pretty spectacular. Oyster chowder was rich and inventive, Salmon main was also creatively prepared. Both dishes arrived in proper cadence and at correct termperatures. Had a banquette for only two people, romantic and spacious (more difficult to achieve on a Fri/Sat night I imagine). Relatively reasonable corkage at $20. Professional service start to finish. This is the best place on the UWS for a modern restaurant experience, IMHO.

We love Ouest! By no means the best restaraunt in the city, but it has a nice atmosphere with great service. I love the poached lobster in cauliflower custard, followed by the ribeye with creamed spinach. Every desert we have had has been great. We probably hit Ouest 2-3 times a year for that special celebration where we don't feel like heading farther than a few blocks from the apartment. Give it a go - you will not be dissapointed.

I was pretty disappointed by my experience here. For a $135 meal (including tip) for two, I expect something outstanding, which this was not. Our salad was just okay. In the smoked duck appetizer, the duck was served like one strip of a fruit roll-up - tasty but fussy. The tuna was not as good as tuna I've had elsewhere, though I'll admit the skate was delicious. (And would it kill them to serve a vegetable with the main course without charging for it as a side dish?) I did enjoy the dessert. The service was slow. For me, the place did not live up to its billing, though perhaps I expected too much.