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I can report on the basis of only one dinner for two since I have no intention of going back. The three types of bread, the butter, the three amuses bouche, and the four plates were just mediocre. Not one of the above was even good, much less very good or excellent (on my scale). I passed on desert because I did not feel like risking it.

Living on the UWS can make you downright apathetic about eating out in the neighborhood, especially when you want to go out before an event near Lincoln Center. I hate that it took us 4 years to try Telepan, but we're already looking forward to our next visit. The food was quite good (not "the best," but never less than pleasant and occasionally very good), the wine pairings with the tasting menu were truly outstanding, but I think it was the fantastic service that makes this place a true standout. It is so rare to find knowledgeable, gracious service in this city, but this place has every aspect tuned perfectly. First class experience at mid-class prices - I can't wait for the Symphony season to start!

I took my husband out for dinner here to celebrate his birthday. We live on the UWS and sadly never experienced Telepan before. My husband and I entertain clients often and our pallets are very lucky to be able to enjoy fine NYC dining, however, this also makes us tough critics. We ended up ordering the 4 course tasting with wine and I am enthused to say that Telepan exceeded our expectations! Our waitress was knowledgeable, passionate, and honest about the dishes. The sommelier was so impressive and like something I have never witnessed…he was a wine encyclopedia!! The tasting had large portions (we didn’t have to hit up a slice on the way home) and was married up to the finest wines. In NYC, 4 courses and 4 glasses of wine for $105 is QUITE a bargain. To top off the fabulous dining experience, without solicitation from us, Chef Bill Telepan came out to personally introduce himself. We are so excited to go back for more of this delicious UWS treat!

We were treated so well and all of the staff were so welcoming. Sadly, this is a rarity in NY...Our food was excellent. They made a vegan pea plate for me that was outstanding. I did'n't know that peas could be so versatile! My husband loved his meat entree and the dessert was also very flavorful. We will definitly go back. Oh yeah, we had a great table too.

I had dinner with friends here on a Saturday night. Let me begin and say that the service is wonderful. However, the atmosphere is too snotty, and the food is ok. Not bad at all, but not cheap and not worth the price. We paid more than $200 for the both of us, sharing only one bottle of wine with 5 other people (bottle was about $50). The portions are tiny, and we filled ourselves with bread (some of it was previously frozen and still cold and soggy when served). The lobster ragout ravioli stood out, but other courses like the hanger steak were dull and not satisfying. I would not go back anytime soon.

Friends were in from out of town last week, one of whom is very picky. I knew I could depend on Telepan, having been there many times before. The food was, as always, wonderful. They have brought out their Spring menu, and the mid-course pea concoction, which included fresh peas, a crispy pea pancake and a pea tortelloni, was spectacular. My Heritage Pork main course was a wonderful surprise, with a vinegary sausage and bean salad that perfectly offset the richness of the pork. But it was the service that won the day. The afore-mentioned picky friend is allergic to onions, and she made that very clear to the waiter. He listened! He listened to the point of arranging for an individual amuse bouche especially for her. She was delighted, and so was I. By the way, we went for the 6:00 "pre-theater" special, which is the most extraordinary bargain in NYC, I think: three courses for $39! Unbeatable.

When you splurge, avoid all UWS restaurants in favor of Telepan. It's high quality with high prices but probably worth it. Go here for fancy theatre night over all other choices. . .it beats all of its comps north of 69th street . ..