The slender white tapers, the soaring toques and the quenelles de brochet refer to New York’s historic Le and La restaurants more than they do to anything in the France of today. (Paris hot spots like Clamato just look like Brooklyn.) The menu brings the domed plates of haute cuisine into the modern world, paying more attention to vegetables and flavors that were unknown at Le Pavillon. The tart and slightly funky counterpoint to halibut in a satiny beurre blanc is provided by a bed of fermented daikon, and the roast venison loin comes with a side of cabbage, draped in smoked cream, that’s sort of astonishing.

SoHo An American chef has to be legit to be praised in Paris, and such is the case with Illinois-born chef Daniel Rose. He received great acclaim while working at Spring and La Bourse et La Vie in Paris before teaming up with restaurateur Stephen Starr for his own restaurant in NYC, which was the 2017 recipient of the James Beard Foundation’s prestigious “Best New Restaurant” award. Le Coucou, located in the 11 Howard hotel, offers modern takes on French classics, like pike quenelle fish with rich lobster sauce, sweetbreads with tarragon and cream, and duck breast with foie gras and fruit.

This upscale French restaurant at the 11 Howard hotel in Soho is filled with white tablecloths, long tapered candles, and grand chandeliers. We imagine this is how aristocrats who live in a château dine every night. Begin your dinner with leeks and toasted hazelnuts, follow that up with lobster au poivre (the best thing here), and take in the scene of couples in Tom Ford jackets and elbow-length satin gloves who look like they’re on the way to some kind of Eyes Wide Shut party.

Le Coucou was the first U.S. establishment for head chef Daniel Rose, who hails from two successful restaurants in France. Reopened in November 2021 after more than a year closed, the Michelin-starred French restaurant still offers an a la carte menu, as well as a new four-course tasting menu priced at $185 per person. While jackets are not required, the dress code is still listed as "elegant.

The buzziest new NYC opening in recent times—and deservedly so— Le Coucou represents a return to classic French dining in a room that’s elegant but not at all stuffy: taper candles and white tablecloths, yes, but with a prevailing sense of whimsy. Go for a killer date or a special occasion, and don’t miss the quenelle de brochet in lobster sauce or the stunning three-dish tout le lapin.

The buzziest new NYC opening in recent times—and deservedly so—Le Coucou represents a return to classic French dining in a room that’s elegant but not at all stuffy: taper candles and white tablecloths, yes, but with a prevailing sense of whimsy. Go for a killer date or a special occasion, and don’t miss the quenelle de brochet in lobster sauce or the stunning three-dish tout le lapin.

Fans of the uncluttered, traditional style that Daniel Rose cultivated during his time in Paris (he comes to the big city by way of Paris and his hometown Chicago) might be slightly taken aback by the baroque grandeur of this downtown dining room, which the restaurateur Stephen Starr and his designers have fitted with all the trimmings, including a state-of-the-art open kitchen populated by toque-wearing cooks, wagon-wheel-size chandeliers hanging from the tall ceiling, and a series of long, plush banquettes. But there’s no quibbling with the elevated examples of traditional “cuisine bourgeoise” on the menu, like quenelle de brochet poured with bubbling lobster sauce, slivers of veal tongue dabbed with caviar and crème fraîche, and that old rustic delicacy tout le lapin (“all of the rabbit”), which Rose and his army of cooks prepare three equally impressive ways: as an elegant, gourmet roulade; roasted with mustard sauce; and bubbled in a meat-and-vegetable stock, which tastes, when you close your eyes, like the essence of classic French country cooking.

Ask any New Yorker in the know what restaurant they'd kill for a reservation at currently; odds are, 9 times out of 10, you'll hear the same answer– Le Coucou. Daniel Rose, who honed his skills for innovative French cooking with a whimsical twist at Paris' Louvre-adjacent restaurant, Spring, is the star of the kitchen here–sending out light dishes with flavorful punches that despite their innovation, don't feel trendy in the slightest. After a thought-provoking dinner in their perfectly designed dining room paired with an even more stunningly decorated bar, head into 11 Howard, the hotel Le Coucou calls home, for a nightcap at the hotel bar, The Blond.

Considered one of NYC’s top restaurants, SoHo’s Le Coucou brings a sense of style to everything they do, from elegant French dishes to a dining room that is the picture of modern elegance. Gorgeous chandeliers, exposed brick, and vintage candles transport you away from the hustle of Downtown Manhattan into a truly unique dining experience. The piece de resistance here is the antique bar at the front of the restaurant, where some of the city’s best mixologists whip up craft cocktails — like the “437 Royal Street” made with bourbon, banane du brésil, bianco vermouth, and Peychaud’s bitters.

American chef Daniel Rose broke significant boundaries in 2006 when he took Paris, the home of fine dining, by storm with his tiny 16-seat restaurant Spring. His modern approach to classic French techniques was a huge hit and upon returning to his home soil to reopen his first stateside establishment, Le Coucou proved that the essence of French dining can thrive in any time zone. Yet despite its Francophile origins, there is a significant difference between Spring and Le Coucou.

For a more upscale dining experience, we recommend Le Coucou. Le Coucou is a one Michelin-star French restaurant in Lower Manhattan where you can savor elegant variations of all the French standards in a posh dining room with a vibrant view of the open kitchen. The restaurant is run by American-born Chef Daniel Rose, who studied at the prestigious Paul Bocuse Institute, an international hospitality and culinary arts program in Lyon.

White tablecloths, cocktails served in copper glasses, and a menu full of French dishes with names you couldn’t pronounce, Le Coucou is surely fancy, but you don’t need to worry about not being able to fit in. Here, the servers talk like a normal human, and Chef Daniel Rose, famous for his restaurants in both Paris and the Big Apple, walks around in a t-shirt rather than a chef’s hat. You can even wear jeans too.

On New Year’s Eve, guests will have a choice of two seatings with The Early Bird (5pm – 6:30pm) showcasing Coucou Classics in four courses such as Quenelle de Brochet, Vol-au-vent Tradition, and Canette a l’Orange ($195) and the Reveillon (8pm – 9:30pm) offering five decadent courses enhanced with lobster, foie gras and truffles, party gifts, and a champagne toast at midnight ($495). Reservations via OpenTable.

Step into a Parisian dream at Le Coucou, a fine dining haven that brings French elegance to York City. One of the best romantic restaurants NYC has to offer, this Michelin-starred homestay is ideal for couples who love exquisite food in a luxurious setting. Why it’s romantic: The dim lighting, stunning chandeliers, and cozy banquettes make it feel like you’ve traveled to Paris without leaving NYC.

American chef Daniel Rose broke significant boundaries in 2006 when he took Paris, the home of fine dining, by storm with his tiny 16-seat restaurant Spring. His modern approach to classic French techniques was a huge hit and he returned to the US and opened Le Coucou where he has brought a once stale cuisine back into the limelight. There is a significant difference between Spring and Le Coucou.

This street-level Soho spot may just be my favorite for a special occasion dinner. The interiors are stunning (especially the bar!), and the white-clothed tables are larger and more spread out than most restaurants in the city – which lends a quieter and more luxurious atmosphere without feeling stuffy. It’s best suited for a couple or a few close friends or family rather than a big group dinner.

Despite its de rigueur traditional French richness, there’s an impossible lightness to Le Coucou chef Daniel Rose’s rendition of what, in English, sounds somewhat plebian (pike quenelle). The fish mousse is ethereally fluffy and the sauce, redolent of lobster essence and brandy, an airy foam. It’s a transcendent dish matched only by the cavernous, elegant warmth of the room in which it’s served.

Le Coucou is a restaurant located in New York City with a distinct interior featuring exposed brickwork and an open kitchen, giving it a trendy New York vibe. The menu offers a variety of French classics with subtle updates, providing a fresh take on traditional dishes. The restaurant has received high ratings, with a 4.4 average score based on 860 reviews.

Globally renowned chef Daniel Rose returns to New York with Le Coucou, a collaboration with restaurateur Stephen Starr, blending modern twists with classical French cuisine. The SoHo gem, a beacon of French dining, redefines tradition with Chef Rose’s innovative creations. The ambiance mirrors culinary artistry, celebrating the avant-garde.

A New York Classic that brings the flavors of France right to your doorstep. Chef Daniel Rose’s Le Coucou opened its doors to NYC as a collaboration with famed restaurateur Stephen Starr. Daniel Rose was made famous from his restaurants in Paris — La Bourse et Vie and Spring in Paris — and Le Coucou, his first restaurant stateside.

Stepping into Le CouCou, diners are welcomed by a modern nod to ornate European interiors, a testament to Daniel Rose and Stephen Starr. The menu, brimming with French cuisine, is touched by personality. The atmosphere—equal parts classic and cool—offers exceptional service accentuated by a view of an open kitchen.

Led by head chef Daniel Rose, this place is so fancy that they have a dress code: dress your best for a fancy night out. They have a ton of French classics like tartare de boeuf, filet basquaise, and bar noir á la sétoise. This place has a subtle and classy ambiance that makes for an extremely romantic evening.

Next on our list of the best French restaurants in NYC, it is Le Coucou. An authentic transfer from Paris, Le Coucou is one of the best French restaurants in NYC by a mile. With chef Daniel Rose at the helm, this place serves up refined and unique French cuisine such as lobster, rabbit, and foie gras.

The Michelin-starred restaurant Le Coucou serves French cuisine at a very high level. Located in the beautiful Soho district, it is the ideal place if you are looking for a romantic restaurant in New York. In addition to the classy Parisian ambiance, you can watch the open kitchen crew at work.

The elegant and beautifully designed dining room at Le Coucou. Photo by Nick Solares. With white tablecloths, cocktails served in copper glasses, and a menu full of French dishes you might struggle to pronounce, Le Coucou is undoubtedly fancy—but you don’t need to worry about fitting in.

2017 James Beard Award winner: Best New Restaurant Chef Daniel Rose of the highly regarded Parisian restaurant La Bourse et La Vie brings his flair to NYC and teams up with veteran restauranteur Stephen Starr. At Le Coucou you will find classic French cuisine in a charming settin...

Acclaimed chef Daniel Rose, opened one of the city’s best new French restaurants in Soho. Le Coucou pays homage to old-school, refined French cuisine. Savor lobster, rabbit, duck, and foie gras in an elegant, candlelit setting for your next special occasion or fancy night out.

There are loads of restaurants in NYC that offer a taste of France on their menu but few can compare with Le Coucou. The renowned chef Daniel Rose is the heart and soul of this establishment. Not only do his creations taste divine, they also look like works of art when plated!

He took Paris by storm with his acclaimed restaurant Spring and is now doing the same in New York with Le Coucou. The dinner, lunch, and even breakfast menu — like the Comme un Clafoutis, pictured — will have you coming back for more. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Are you in search of a romantic and intimate French restaurant in NYC?. Search no further, Le Coucou is here to help!. Pay a visit to this full of white-linen tables, dimly lit candles, and washed brick walls space to enjoy a variety of seafood prepared to perfection!

There’s little that’s better for breakfast than a Comme un clafoutis, a french pancake. Served with fruit on top, as opposed to baked in, and a generous dollop of creme fraiche, this thin and buttery pastry-like baked dish will make you want to come back daily.

French dining comes home to roost among fancy restaurants in NYC at Le Coucou. This tiny brasserie brings the best of authentic French cuisine, offering a quaint space for a European-style respite from the big and buzzy luxury restaurants around NYC.