Following a five year absence, acclaimed French chef Joël Robuchon returns to NYC to bring the 12th in his L'Atelier line to the Meatpacking District. L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon will actually be two concepts in one: L'ATELIER, serving an a la carte menu and two tasting menus at a counter overlooking the kitchen; and LE BAR, offering a separate and more casual dining and drinks menu for walk-in customers.
Chef Robuchon—"the most decorated in the world with a total of 31 Michelin stars among his restaurants worldwide," the restaurant's opening press materials proudly state—conceived of two tasting menus, "Le Menu Decouverte de Saison" ("Seasonal Discovery Menu") and "Le Menu Végétarien," both nine courses and "priced in the upper $200s, including tip," according to Eater. "Beloved signature dishes" from the tasting menu and a la carte menu include La Caille (foie gras-stuffed quail) and Le Caviar (caviar and king crab with shellfish gelée and cauliflower cream).
Veteran Robuchon staff will be working the kitchens, including Executive Chef Christophe Bellanca; Executive Pastry Chef Salvatore Martone, who's been part of team Robuchon since 2005; and Head Baker Tetsuya Yamaguchi, who's been with the chef for the past 20 years.
"We selected the Meatpacking District because it is reminiscent of the first L'Atelier in Paris's Left Bank," Robuchon says, with cobblestones but fewer puking bros, he might have added. The 34-seat dining counter, designed to mimic the sushi counters of Japan, will be flanked by tables and two private dining rooms. The front bar space is quite large, with additional seating for 56 patrons at surrounding tables.
The restaurant begins taking reservations on Wednesday, November 1st.
85 10th Avenue, 212-488-8885; joelrobuchonusa.com
