“Les Moines de St Bernardin”. What does this even mean? It’s the name of a folk song that inspired the name of Le Bernardin. The restaurant started in Paris in 1972. Gilbert and Maguy Le Coze were siblings. They opened Le Bernardin. Their father sang them that song. It translates to “The Monks of St. Bernardin”. They loved the good life.
Now, we stand before Le Bernardin in New York City. It is a seafood restaurant with three Michelin stars. Le Bernardin relocated from Paris in 1986. It quickly became a New York culinary icon.
Eric Ripert joined Le Bernardin in 1991. He was chef de cuisine. Gilbert Le Coze died in 1994. Ripert then became executive chef. In 1996, he became co-owner with Maguy Le Coze.
Le Bernardin is known for its elegant dining experience. The dress code is business casual. Jackets are recommended. The restaurant’s interior was redesigned in 2012. Bentel and Bentel is the architectural firm that did the redesign. A large lounge was added too.
Let’s talk about the menu at Le Bernardin. It is divided into sections. “Almost Raw” is one. “Barely Touched” is another. And then there’s “Lightly Cooked”. The restaurant uses French techniques. It also incorporates Asian ingredients. Modern and international flavors are included too.
Le Bernardin offers several dining options. There is a four-course prix fixe dinner. It costs $210. There is also a ten-course chef’s tasting menu. Optional wine pairings are available. A vegetarian tasting menu was added in 2017. It has six savory courses and two desserts.
Le Bernardin also has a lounge menu. It serves à la carte options. These include signature dishes like pounded tuna with foie gras. Caviar and other delicacies are offered.
Lunch at Le Bernardin consists of two menus. The main dining room offers three courses. It costs $130 on weekdays. The lounge offers a prix fixe menu. It is in collaboration with City Harvest. City Harvest is a food rescue organization. The menu costs $94 for three courses. This includes a $5 donation to the organization.
Le Bernardin has private dining spaces. Les Salons Bernardin is upstairs. It has its own entrance. It can host up to 80 guests. Le Bernardin Privé is across the Galleria. It can seat up to 200 guests.
Le Bernardin has earned many awards. It has had a four-star rating from The New York Times since 1986. It is the only New York restaurant to maintain this rating for over 35 years. Le Bernardin received three Michelin stars in 2005.
Le Bernardin is more than just a restaurant. It’s a culinary institution. It represents the pinnacle of seafood dining. It is a place where impeccable service meets exquisite flavors. The legacy of Gilbert and Maguy Le Coze lives on. Eric Ripert continues to innovate. He ensures Le Bernardin remains a top dining destination.