Andrew Lim

Le Coucou is a 1 Star Michelin Restaurant on Lafayette street serving classical French dishes. Dishes are perfectly cooked, highlighting strong technical skills and flavors are delicious, rich and heavy. Restaurant is in a cozy, beautifully lit space and is perfect for a special meal or date. Service could benefit from a bit more warmth, but is otherwise professional and efficient.

I really wanted to like this restaurant given that it is one of the few 3 Star Michelin restaurants in NYC and was one time listed among the World's 50 Best. Unfortunately, it is starting to show its age (along with the Shops at Columbus Circle) and there is a sense that that the restaurant is trading off of its former glory and accolades. The portions are small and the majority of dishes taste okay (but are not mind-blowing). We also found the menu to be imbalanced and overweighted in favor of desserts. The lamb was also shockingly cold and tough, suggesting too much time on the pass and some of the classic dishes such as the "Oysters and Pearls" felt underprepared. At times it feels that the kitchen and the staff are simply going through the motions of service, which is disappointing given how Per Se presents itself.

Given the extremely high price point (about $1,000 with tax, tip and drinks for two people) it is difficult to recommend Per Se given the host of other restaurants competing for your time and money.

Note that service is already included although there is another line for "additional gratuity".