Reviews of Chez Napoléon (Restaurant)

Edward Khoury

The cervelle is to die for! And the Bombay saffire BLEU tops it all. Worth a visit every time we are in town. Bravo!

Stig Aannø

This place is truly extraordinary. Great classic french cuisine. Authentic atmosphere and good service. A hidden gem in NY city.

Jose Lugo

Small, intimate restaurant with Parisian charm. Food was very good and service was outstanding.

Rich Meegan

My favorite old world restaurant in New York City. Friendly staff, excellent service, and awesome French food. I visit each time I travel to New York. Be sure to make reservations. They are very popular and often fill up quickly.

Chad Johnson

Wonderful Authentic French food

Darah L Sueme

Presumed best French restaurant in all of new yawk!

Andrew Vilacky

Fair prices and great food. Had me feeling like I was at a Parisian cafe. Service was fantastic

David Pastilha

Lovely place. Great old school French food like Duck A L'orange.

Stacie Hoffmeister

Food overpriced and poorly presented. Service slow. Goth bartender was only bright spot in the evening.

AJ Lee

Excellent service and excellent food!!! The perfect soufflé for dessert.

Jonathan Conlin

Cozy little place with amazing food.

Alexander Obraztsov

Despite lots of positive marks the place definitely turned to be below expectations. We took a prix-fix menu which included only very basic dishes outside of main menu. The food tasted as if it was precooked somewhere else in advance and just microwaved for us. Chocolate muss was like from the nearby grocery shop and was served with Lipton bags tea. Despite this "fast food" experience, we paid 100$ in total for the dinner.

Charles Denholm

Just like hell's kitchen French restaurants from the 70's. Mediocre food.

Forrest Hedden

Amazing

Gus Cam

We have been going there for over 23 years and still love it..best boullabaise and cassoulet not to mention soufflet

Maxime Roussel

37 dollars for microwaved fries and some meat. A disgrace to french food.

Iker Fernandez

Croque Madame is great and the chocolate and vanilla soufflé was amazing. The prices are good and the place is quiet and cozy. Hidden gem in the neighborhood.

Devlin Murray

The food was amazing and the staff delightful!

Martin Coxell

Upon arrival we immediately noticed the musty and unpleasant smell. I'm not sure if this was a hygiene issue or the aged, dated fixtures & fittings. Upon ordering drinks, we were surprised to learn that they don't even have lemonade! The Côte du Rhone wine was average. We ordered the Coq au vin for main, and when it showed up we were quite shocked. The sauce and meat were black and it looked more like Beef Bourginon. The flavour was very dull, and it lacked the quality we'd expected given all the positive reviews we'd read. The staff were really rather eccentric, though some may see that as part of the charm. Overall a very underwhelming experience

Christian Zorn

Great French food classics

Artem Ipatev

Classic French food, very high quality! Awesome experience of old school French culture:)

Stephanie George

Turned us down when they had an empty restaurant over 2 hours before closing. And the server was rude about it

Kevin Meenan

A hidden gem right in the middle of midtown. Best date restaurant I have found in this neighborhood. They serve the classic French dishes (think duck a L'Orange) and the proprietor, Marguerite, is there to answer questions, refill your wine glass, or chat. She made our experience. Food is excellent, the carafe wine pour is generous. Great atmosphere with Parisian feeling decor, nice ambient lighting. How you think a great little French restaurant should feel.

Elliot Schwartz

Cute little restaurant with only a handful of tables between the main room and the adjacent storefront that they've taken over. Service was sweet and proud of their food. The steak a poivre was beyond peppery! The pork chop with mushroom sauce was quite delicious. The bread was kind of stale.

Georges Justino

Cher et dégoûtant. Ce n'est pas la cuisine française. Tout le monde peut faire du surgelé.

Cinti Laird

Actually my sister loves this restaurant and requests to eat there every time she visits New York for their home town charm and made to order Duck L'orange. Too bad that are not open on Sundays to accommodate her next visit.

Susan Blanco

What a gem! Authentic French food in the theater district.

Gan Dugeree

A really nice small place, friendly staff. Good food

TERENCE DUBRE

This is the kind of unpretentious bistro you would find in a small country village. The atmosphere is warm and friendly and the food is the most authentic I've had in the tri-state area. Not all the entrees are for everyone, but if you want to be transported to the French county side while in Manhattan the only way you could do better is to hop on a plane. C'est vraiment magnifique!

Vida Chernoff

A favorite, love the ris de veau.

Ed Cook

Awesome authentic French cuisine. great atmosphere and great food

Pamela Bender

This was the 4th time we've been here after it was recommended to us by a local 8 years ago, and it was our specific choice of restaurant to eat at tonight for my birthday...after a special impromptu trip to NYC for one night.

Linda Langbroek

I’m so happy I got eat here. What a gem! Very unique. Loved the atmosphere.. like nothing had changed from the 50s. Excellent service. Excellent food. Recommend and can’t wait to visit again.

Playlab NYC

This is our favorite place in all of new York city!

Lizzie Li

Their confit de canard is absolutely incredible. Would keep coming back for this dish alone.

KEE NJ

throwback to old ny french bistros - not gentrified in the least. decor is old and worn, but the food is good and reliable, and the cost reasonable.

Ben Bull

pretty much what you will find in a small town restaurant in france. traditional comfort food in a crowded space. the snotty overseer can cave to actually getting you a table without a reservation. be nice to your server and she might warn you about which dishes are not really very fresh. worth a visit.

Emily Chu

Cozy ambiance, rustic and homey French cooking at reasonable prices. Try the escargots, the coq au vin, the boullabaise. Remember to order the souffle ahead of time to avoid the 40 minute wait otherwise.

Emma Sutter

While the service was great and the staff stayed late while my large group finished, the food was very mediocre.

Vince Concra

Great place very old and French not all that expensive very kind and friendly

adam larson

Intimate, classic old-school French.

Charleric Lenglain

French original food

Willie Duke

I came here for food choices difficult to find anywhere else. When found prepared in a way second to none. The staff is polite yet dignified. The music at the right volume making conversation easy. The decor is French and transports you to Paris . And the white tablecloths are the finishing touch.

Jake Stewart

STAY AWAY. What a sad state this place is in. It used to be a favorite spot for authentic French cooking. Now they're cutting corners, and cutting portion size. I had the "veal special" which was not enough food to feed a small child. Barely any meat, and fake McDonald's style French fries. Fake. Like the ones not cut from a real potato, but rather frozen in a bag from a wholesaler. The look and taste of the meal belonged in a middle school cafeteria, not a French restaurant. Was there not a real potato in the house? What a shame. They're clearly trying to cut corners and rip off customers. If I wanted mystery meat and fast food fries, I would've gone back to Mcdonalds. Never again. $100 down the toilet.

Hab Le Hibou

Ghourri Smart Art

Marissa Sauer

Exquisite. You MUST try the rabbit stew and the cassoulet. We can't wait to go back.

Michael DeLeo

One of New York's best kept secrets! A family owned French restaurant where the 85 year old grandmother is still the head chef! This place has a homey feel and the friendly service adds to that. I'll be back asap!

justin justin

The outside of this restaurant could use a bit of a touchup, as it certainly doesn't look anything like a nice restaurant from the outside... but once you get in, (cliche warning!) you feel like you're in a completely different world. Various French-y items adorn the walls, and French music is piped in through the unobtrusive speakers. And then the food... it's great here! My dining partner and I had the Coquille St. Jacques as well as the Vichyssoise soup, both were very tasty (and creamy! Bring lactase along if you need it, or else you'll be in trouble!). The vichyssoise had a great texture from the garnish, and the flavoring was very nice and refreshing after a warm day. The scallops were also a nice bit as well. For the mains, we had bouillabaisse and coq au vin, the bouillabaisse being the real winner. How can you not appreciate such an intense seafood flavor? And served over the toasted bread (with rouille, yummy), the texture ranges from soupy to crunchy, all in one dish. The coq au vin was also quite good, with a real hearty chicken flavor and scent. The ratatouille served alongside the chicken was also very nice; the only complaint I had was that there wasn't more ratatouille (maybe 3-5 bites total). For dessert, I cannot recommend getting a souffle enough. When you're ordering dinner, pick out a flavor and get that souffle going, and you'll be rewarded with a poofy, light, and moist souffle, the best I've had in recent (and not-so-recent) memory. Find somebody (or a group of somebodies) that you don't mind talking to for a couple of hours, get a bottle of wine (you can choose from their selection or bring your own, corking fee $20), and enjoy yourselves.

Brent Weir

Our total bill for 2(not using the prix-fixe)was $105, that included apps, entrees, a carafe of red wine and one dessert and coffee. Great deal, the service was prompt, but not rushed, we had to get to a show. Had cassoulet, which was delicious- duck was tender as were all the meats in the stew, baked mussels app was excellent as server recommeded. Husband had rabbit stew, which I previously vowed not to try, I did and loved it! He also had whipped turnips which came with his meal-yum. The red house wine was also good-no headache later! This was a real find in my book-reasonably priced French w/in theater district and friendly and honest service--they will tell you their faves and what not to get, which isn't much, our server said most of the menu is good in her opinion, would return

Stephane Amate

very "french feeling" (i should know, i am french) and good food. definitely a favorite when i want homey food

Joanna Stelling

We have been to Chez Napolean three times and I hope we go back again and again. It has a lovely flavor of a long-ago NY - sort of MadMen style, and the service is excellent. I saw one post about warmed over fast food and that is absolutely not true. The food is fresh and delicious. I would just ask - beg! please bring back the little glass of sauterne that is served with the pate. It creates an attention to detail that just isn't seen in restaurants anymore. It makes the customer feel appreciated. Also, will you be doing Souffles again? They are wonderful. Merci.

Ivan Bogatyy

Loved pretty much everything they had, from burgundian beef to flammable deserts

Jeffrey Friedland

A hidden gem in Hell's Kitchen. I've been going there for 17+ years. If you close your eyes and blink, you'll think you're in a French village.

MARCY STECKER

Very homey food, well prepared although the environment needs a little modernizing

Dmitry Kuznetsov

Food is ok.. was unfortunate enough to see cockroach on the wall.. pricey..

David Michael

Just wanted apps and wine...they said no!

Marcus Lemonuse

Great escargot

Camilla S

Reluctant to review this special place, 'cause it's hard enough to get a reservation anyhow. Romantic, old-world. One of the few remaining real places left in New York.

Richard Gervais

Very cute with French Bistro feel and a large selection of fine French dishes. Sweetbreads were delicious.

William Xhandra

nothing great here

Rafael Rodriguez

Very nice restaurant very closely great food

françois-xavier Terrasse

Bof... Although wait staff is nice and helpful, food is far from good. We were 6 French people wanting to try a rustic French restaurant; 4 of us left disapointed: pate and rilette not amazing by French standards, steaks too cooked, a more than minimal wine list, etc... Not a place I would go back.

Graham Parker

Quirky doesn't quite do this place justice, but exchange Quirky for Delicious and it is the perfect descriptor. With deco untouched since 1960, and likely the menu too, Chez Napoleon is a throw back to a certain period of French food when quantity was in, unfussy presentation essential and charming wait-staff assumed. Order anything in the appetizer column simply to get the vinaigrette, as it is the greatest thing this side of Paris. The variety of entrees we ordered showed the chef doesn't have a weakness and for desert, well...get the Cherries....as flambe! In conclusion, I have walked past this place for years and never gave it a thought. That has changed now and I urge you all to give it a go, as you won't be disappointed.

Lisa

Great ambiance! Highly recommended if you like something quiet and intimate! Great staff~

Vito Coladonato

Exquisite Food & Excellent Service! Mercy! :)

Blair Solberger

Canard a'lorange. All I really need to say, but I'll gush on the service and authenticity too. Amazing place and a must visit NYC restaurant. My aunt and I come after every Broadway play we see.

Betsy S.

Thought this would be a good spot for a light snack after the theater. Walked in to what was basically an empty restaurant and was told they would only seat us with a reservation or if we ordered at least one entree. Really? Have to say it did not smell good, so I was not too disappointed.

Barbara Magalnick

When you're in the mood for the heavier, old-fashioned French dishes, this is one of the places you can still find them, and at a moderate price.

Duncan Chandler

Fantastic restaurant and staff the food and smiles have travelled back with me to the UK.

Jane DeLung

Great food wonderful service. Very reasonable. Moderate wine list

Richie Asencio

A wonderful little piece of Paris nestled in Hell's Kitchen for over 20yrs....You will leave saying J'AIME LA TOUR EIFFEL!!

Mark Maurice

Food and vibe are top notch, Sir William will great you at the gates of his layer.

Abby Stein

been coming here since i was 9 years old. perfect every time

Justin

This is one of my favorite restaurants in the country. I am a regular visitor to NYC and the first thing I do when I arrive is make a reservation. It's old fashioned French cooking that you simply don't see anywhere else. If you want this kind of food, then you can make it yourself using Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking or come to Chez Napoleon. Cervelle de veau is my favorite meal and it is near impossible to find anywhere else. I can't make it at home either as no butcher in my hometown can not find them for me. One of the veteran waitresses, Janelle, herself a French woman, told me that is difficult to find them France these days. The staff have all treated me like I am part of the family, even though I only come in once or twice a year. No meal here is complete without a dessert soufflé. I've had them all....my favorite is probably grand mariner. They are all good. I usually start with a cold appetizer too because their house vinaigrette is so memorable that my mouth is watering as I type. To those who whine and complain that the place is "dated"...then don't eat here! That's part of its charm. It's stood the test of time and to my knowledge, may be the last old school French restaurant in all of New York. If you are a foodie, Francophile, fan of Julia Child's cuisine, fan of midcentury splendor...then make sure you get a reservation here. If you want "new, now, trendy" then eat somewhere else and let the rest of us enjoy.

derek luk

Staff were attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. Old school French classics like rillettes, sweet breads, cassoulet, escargot and pot au feu. If you like unpretentious old school French, then you'll love this place.

Clement H

The lovely and rather quaint atmosphere set the atmosphere for a lovely dinner. The delicious food and kind staff made it a great evening. I would definitely take a date here! Do wish it was a bit warm, though i was wearing a T-shirt...

Evan Picard

Deeeeelish

Kurt Hildebrandt

The food is remarkable. Truly remarkable. Ambiance is authentic and welcoming.

Kittys Curiosities

My favorite French Restaurant in the world! Family-owned restaurant which serve the highest quality authentic home-style French food. I love the Quails stuffed with grapes and wrapped in Bacon. Call ahead for a reservation and if you want Quail, give them a few weeks notice.

KittyKat Gaming

Service, food, and staff were amazing. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone and everyone.

Edward Sullivan

Cozy traditional old school french restaurant. The staff is friendly and attentive , however The fare is only average.

Leslie Freudenheim

Food and service are excellent. Price very reasonable. This place would attract more people if it changed the front door that suggests a beer saloon. I guess that leaves room for New Yorkers who know how delicious the food is.

M Raso K

Always cozy. Great food. Wonderful service.

Miles Fawcett

Really lovely family operated French restaurant. The staff was very friendly and the atmosphere made me feel like I was in a small neighborhood restaurant in a residential area of Paris. It was a weeknight and only about 20% seated.

Loh Phat

Toujours excellente !

Mary J

This restaurant was recommended to me by a friend. I took my 73 yr old mother with a bad leg for dinner as part of a mother/daughter day. The place was empty, maybe 2 -3 tables were in use. There was no hostess and the place was small so I assumed as a family owned restaurant I could just pick a table. I chose the two seater by the bar and the elderly bartender asked me what I thought I was doing? I said I am going to sit down is there somewhere else I should sit? She asked if i had a reservation. I said no. She said well sorry all the tables are reserved. The place was empty and NYC was desolate because of the cold winter weather. I then had to walk with my mother and her bad leg to 46th St to find another suitable establishment. This was the worst experience.

Henry Townsend

Traditional, reliable, not the place for excitement but certainly a fine place for good food at a very decent price.

Jodi Bauer

A quiet little French restaurant with delicious food

Maria S

Despite very nice atmosphere and staff, the food is below average. Main course dishes were basic, French fries as a side were almost burned and hard to eat (seemed to be fried twice or reheated). Wine ok, nothing special. Desserts were total disappointment, crème caramel was falling into pieces when it was brought to the table and was almost tasteless, like it was made from some cheap premix. We never left so disappointed even randomly chosen restaurants in France.

Jennifer Molchan

Great beef bourgignon and lamb stew. So quaint and great for a date

Sergio Altamirano

Truly authentic French food with excellent prices.

Charley B

Old fashioned French decor with good food and nice people.

Corwin Zelazny

Lieu convivial, serveuses aimables et d'un certain âge, donnant à l'endroit un air charmant, maternel et chaleureux de restaurant auvergnat d'un autre temps. Seuls regrets: salle très petite, et frites surgelées. Voir des frites ainsi dans un restaurant français à l'étranger, qui se positionne clairement sur le qualitatif/gastronomique, est assez douloureux...

Favor Favorov

(Translated by Google) Yummy (Original) Вкусно

Chip Corhei

The Condit de Canard (Roasted duck) was undeniably the best I've had! Be prepared to wait for the food as the dining experience is approximately 2 hrs. Cherries jubilee was devine. BORDEAUX WINE FANTASTIC. Only disappointment was that they serve French fries with the meal.