UWS French Restaurant Awarded New Michelin Star In 2023

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — Calling all Upper West Side foodies! Michelin, the world's most coveted restaurant guide, just doled out 12 new stars to New York City eateries on Tuesday, and one Upper West Side spot is among the lot.

French contemporary restaurant Essential by Christophe at 103 West 77th St. was listed among the awardees, alongside the likes of Jōji, a Japanese and sushi spot in Midtown, Shmoné, an Israeli food spot in the West Village and Sushi Ichimura, a Japanese joint in Tribeca.

Essential by Christophe, which opened last December, was first added to the guide in May, Patch previously reported. The new site, which sits at the former home of the popular upscale restaurant Dovetail, is helmed by Christophe Bellanca, who served as head chef at celebrated New York City eateries such as Le Cirque and Atelier Joel Robchon.

“Chef Christophe Bellanca's dishes echo a simple elegance, evidenced by plump white asparagus on a fragrant bergamot-flavored crème with a refreshing herb vinaigrette and paper-thin slices of watermelon radish,” the spot’s Michelin entry reads.

“French technique is married with Asian flavors in a dish of three blue prawns with genmaicha tuille, and braised black sea bass with shiitake chutney, razor clams and a turmeric emulsion is memorable. For a light ending, the orange soufflé is bright and fragrant, especially when served with green cardamom ice cream.”

Menu highlights include blue prawns with imperial caviar, genmaicha tuile and dill and chive bouillon; steamed & caramelized comté cheese soufflé

with a chestnut émulsion and white truffle and poached lobster in a chestnut and malabar pepper sauce. Take a peek at the full dinner menu here.

You can view the full list of Michelin star-winning restaurants for 2023 here.

Essential by Christophe is open 5 to 9:30 p.m. daily.