BEST BISTRO IN MIDTOWN EAST/MURRAY HILL
Blessed are the cheesemakers indeed. Boasting more than 250 varieties from which to choose, Artisanal is veritable holy ground for cheese enthusiasts. With multiple fondues, charcuterie and fromage samplings for the whole table, and every wine available by the glass, Artisanal inspires decadent dining. Beyond the cheese –– yes, it's difficult to get beyond the cheese, but try –– Artisanal offers both classic and creative renditions of French bistro fare with onion soup, hanger steak frites (made with filet) and sautéed skate wing with a blood orange Grenobloise. Bouillabaisse and steak au poivre are among rotating daily specials. And all of this can be enjoyed in a chic art deco dining room reminiscent of a Parisian bistro. For dessert, there's chocolate fondue for two or the apple tart Tatin with a cheddar cheese crust. If you've overindulged, you can choose any number of selections from the "cheese cave" to take home.
Full bar with extensive wine list. Serving lunch Mon–Fri, dinner nightly. Late-night Mon–Sat. Sat–Sun brunch 10:30 am–5 pm.
The New York Times: ** (very good); Top Pick
New York magazine: ** (very good); Critics' Pick
Zagat 2010: 23 food rating (very good to excellent)
Time Out New York: Critics' Pick
The Village Voice: Critics' Pick
"... More than seven years since it opened, it remains an alluring destination for all kinds of gustatory debauchery. Cheese is only the gateway indulgence."
– Frank Bruni, The New York Times, June 18, 2008
"In true peasant fashion, the house fondue puts to good economical use 100 or so different cheese ends and comes in two sizes: petite and grande."
—New York magazine
"Artisanal carries on the grand café tradition. Great acoustics muffle the roar of the crowd enjoying [chef/proprietor] Terrance Brennan's quality bistro fare-like fantastic warm gougères, flavorful steak frites, charcuterie and provençal fish soup."
—Time Out New York