No more lunch today, only dinner. But only heared good things so far

That's too bad, it was relatively reasonable, maybe 125� and about 4 courses.

That�s true! Otherwise I don�t think I would have done it for dinner as I need the time for sightseeing

Headed to NY for vacation and trying to decide between EMP, Per Se, Masa, and Le Bernardin. Was leaning towards EMP at this point. Only have time to visit one place, so any help is appreciated - will be for dinner.

I've been to EMP (under Danny Meyer), Per Se and Le Bernardin. I haven't been to EMP in their current format so won't comment, but I liked both Per Se and Le Bernardin, but would give the edge to Per Se. I felt the service at Le Bernardin lacked a little, but the food was great. Per Se had both good food and service, but I haven't been since the NYT review and I agreed with Pete Wells on some points.

If it were me, I'd go to Jean-Georges though. Consistently great. Why are you not considering it?

Know EMP, Masa and Le Bernadin, but it�s a while. Found Masa always totally overpriced. Al 3 are special on their own way, perhaps I tend to Per Se but didn�t heared many good things the last time. I would have a look on the menu and take what you like most.

Was simply an oversight not including it on my list. The menu looks intriguing.

Like I said, I'd go there. But like offerendum, I would probably gravitate towards Per Se or maybe Le Bernardin if not.

I have not been to Masa, but of the other 3 - I think Le Bernardin has the best food, albeit with a seafood-centric menu. EMP is very much about paying homage to NYC, so if you want something to remember the trip by, I would go there. Per Se is very good, but it's not as unique as the others. Jean-Georges is similar in style to Per Se, albeit not quite the same level (IMO).

If you want my recommendation - if you are looking at 3-star Michelins in NYC, I would pick Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare, which I think is the best of the 3-star Michelin spots in NYC. Getting a reservation here is insanely difficult to do, though, but you won't regret it one bit. When I think of the best meal I have had here, this is consistently on the top of that list.

I had a great meal at Jean Georges, not sure I would rate EMP higher.


P.S. At my upcomming journey Rabanel is out, they are not able to offer a meat-free menu.... In NY it would be bankrupt in a few weeks.....

I've been to all, each at least several times.

My vote? EMP, hands down.

From the space/setting, to the service, to the food and beverage, you will have a very special meal.

The one thing to note about EMP that I neglected to mention in my earlier post is that the meal goes a LONG time. I think 4 hours is at LEAST how long you should expect the whole dinner to be.

Definitely an experience, though. I went before the menu change some years back and really enjoyed it. My wife has been there since and did not recall being as impressed (but it was still very good).

Which one of the NY places have a more casual dress attire? (Even any that you can wear nice pants and a tshirt?)

I think for dinner, most are jackets required for men. At lunch, I've seen some pretty casual people at Jean-Georges. Not pants and t-shirt, but maybe a Polo style shirt.

That's for the 3* places. You could easily find a 1 or 2* place where a t-shirt is accepted.

A t-shirt outright is pushing it. I would consider one that has logos/pictures on it (e.g. like a "I Love NYC" shirt) to be tacky, but a plain solid-color t-shirt would probably pass muster at a place like Gramercy Tavern, if you were sitting in the tavern room.

Pants - as long as you're not wearing distressed jeans or cargo pants, you should be fine.