Nougatine at Jean-Georges

We had breakfast at Nougatine during our stay at the Trump Hotel. I understand that this restaurant is separate from the hotel. Our server was extremely nice and attentive. We love the food and services.

When we tried to enter the restaurant for breakfast. We were denied entrance because my husband was wearing shorts and slippers. We respected the restaurant dress code and left. We got his shoes from the car (waited 30 mins because we did valet parking) and changed to long pants. We entered the restaurant again and got seated this time. However, when I left the restaurant, I saw another table with 2-3 Caucasian gentlement who also dressed in shorts and slippers. We were also told by the hotel manager that Nougatine dress code is casual. Despite the positive experience we had with the food and services, I was extremely bothered by what I witnessed. I hope this is not what I'm thinking it is for such a fine establishment.

I had a good overall experience at Nougatine. I would have normally rated this overall as 4 stars but I am adding one star back for the service.

The service was really top notch and we found them to be extremely kind. It was one of those NYC days where something was up and we kept getting redirected all over the city by traffic cops and we were late for our reservation. We called them and informed them and they were very kind about it. It took us an extra 15 mins after I was dropped off for my husband to get to the parking garage 3 blocks away. They never rushed us. I am very grateful for their service. It was my husband's birthday and they ensured we had a good experience despite the traffic curveballs.

In terms of the food, it started off very well. The bread they serve is warm and delicious. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The amuse bouche is very flavorful. It is a croquette served with truffle sauce. Perfect way to start the meal.

For appetizers we got the kale salad and calamari. We really enjoyed both and can definitely recommend them.

The main course is where things didn't go too well. I ordered the lobster burger. Maybe it was the wrong choice. It was a bit greasy and didn't deliver on the promise of the chili aioli. My husband got the Parmesan crusted chicken which he found to be a bit on the saltier side. Both were good, just not mind blowing.

We were right back on track with the dessert. We got the butterscotch pudding. It was light and airy and not overly sweet. It is served with shortbread biscuits. We really enjoyed it. I got a little pot of chamomile tea with it. Whatever tea brand they are using is excellent.

The ambiance was nice. It is far more casual than Jean Georges. It had a little bar area and small tables around. We were close to the windows so that was nice. I appreciate that they left a bottle of water on the table at all times.

My friend and I visited Nougatine this past week for dinner and it did not disappoint! Although on the pricier side, it lives up to the reputation one expects from a Jean-Georges restaurant.

Food
We got the following items for the evening:
* Table side bread with butter and salt
* Complimentary amuse bouche: croquet with black truffle sauce
* Egg toast with Caviar and herbs
* Tuna tartare
* Diver scallop trompetti pasta
* Beef tenderloin
* Sides: roasted mushrooms
* Citrus pavlova
* Complimentary hazelnut "kit kat" bars
First up was the freshly baked bread and croquet with black truffle sauce. The bread had a slightly crunchy crust with a soft, fluffy interior that was served warm. The butter complimented the warm bread perfectly adding richness to the bread with every bite. The croquet with black truffle sauce was delicious. Lightly fried, crispy on the outside, and creamy on the inside. It was a massive flavor ball that had a strong taste yet not overwhelming truffle scent.
Next were the appetizers. The egg toast with caviar was decadent. Although small and easily devoured in 3 bites, it gives you a view into elegant and elevated cuisine. The flavors were sharp yet mellow. The crispy toast provided a strong base for the salty and smooth caviar and thick yet mellow egg yolks. This was a dish of opulence. The tuna tartare was exquisite. Chopped raw tuna was served on a bed of avocado mash, garnished with radish, and finished with a ginger sauce. With each bite, you can taste the quality of the ingredients - the tuna and avocado was smooth and light and the ginger sauce was packed with umami, providing a euphoric feeling to each bite.
For entrees, we had the scallop pasta and beef tenderloin. The scallop pasta was cooked to perfection. The trompetti pasta was al dente and the scallops were soft and tender. The garlic butter was not too heavy and accentuated the scallops in the dish. The beef tenderloin was cooked by a master chef who understands beef. It was tender to the touch. Served on a bed of smooth parsnips, roasted brussels sprouts and finished with a miso mustard sauce. My friend thought that the miso sauce was a little too salty. However, the beef tenderloin itself was fantastic on its own with a little bit of salt and paired very well with the smooth parsnips that had a similar flavor profile to briyani. It was an unexpected surprise but one that gives a great example of what fine dining is all about.
For dessert we had the citrus pavlova. This was the first time I had pavlova and I was amazed. The pavlova had a crust that once broken through uncovered a marshmallow center. The lightly sweetened pavlova was paired with a citrus sorbet that was fresh and fruity. It was a great way to have my first pavlova experience. The hazelnut "kit kat" bars capped off a perfect night by ending it with a nutty and sweet finish to our dinner.
Side note, we got the roasted mushrooms as a side. Mushrooms were lightly seasoned and roasted well. It made a decent side dish.

Service
The service was very good as one would expect from a self-respecting establishment. When we entered the restaurant, we were greeted with smiles from the front of the house, had our coats taken to be put in coat check and we were immediately seated. Our servers were attentive and made sure that we had an enjoyable experience. No complaints whatsoever.

Ambiance
The restaurant was on the smaller side and it was packed on a Friday night. We found our seats comfortable and the table we were seated was perfectly sized for two diners. The restaurant is located right by Columbus circle so you had a great view of the central park (albeit it was already dark) and the tall skyscrapers surrounding Columbus circle. The restaurant itself has a very clean and contemporary design, one that truly em.bodies a modern and chic dining experience.

came here for restaurant week and it was impeccable.!!

literally the best meal i've had in suuuch a long time, i wouldn't change a thing about the food. all of it was so perfectly balanced in flavor, texture, and portion size.

the wine, i would've probably opted for something else.

the service was fine, it is a fancy place!

a lot of ppl sitting in sweats at the bar though hahaha so i feel like it also can be casual (i went on a weekday though).

I was pretty disappointed in this restaurant. While service was impeccable, the food did disappoint. There are so many other restaurants in the city that are more affordable and better tasting than Nougatine. Beautiful interior and is a cute fancy date night spot, but the food was not as good.

Returned for dinner years later and I would say it holds up. Easily made a reservation for my boyfriend and I on a weekend. We tried:

+ Tuna tartare
+ Foie gras
+ Roasted beef tenderloin
+ Pomme puree
+ Hibiscus poached pear dessert
+ Citrus pavlova dessert

The foie gras was possibly the best I've ever had - definitely get that. Tartare was also perfect as always. Beef tenderloin and pavlova were other standouts.

Great complimentary bread basket, too!

Jean George does it again! This more "casual" yet elegant restaurant offers an extensive menu with a variety of options. My friend and I selected the following items:

-Tuna Tartare
-Warm Shrimp Salad (one of the BEST salads of my life!)
-Beet Salad
-Sea Bass (sorry forgot to take pic)
-Lamb Chops (sorry forgot to take pic)
-Passionfruit Souffle
-Warm Chocolate Cake with vanilla ice cream

Everything was exceptional (Beet Salad was the usual fare) and so delicious! If in NYC I would eat here again in a heartbeat! Attentive service, lovely ambiance and exceptional food!

An opportunity to celebrate a special occasion meant a chance to visit this star chef's gem near Columbus Circle and Central Park.

Reservations were made in advance and we were taken in promptly once checked in. The first thing you notice is the classy ambiance and staff's genuine desire to make your experience memorable. The ambiance and food were definitely very good. Some of my favorites from the starters included the Crispy Trout Sushi and Corn Fritters.

I selected as my main entree, the Lobster sandwich, which was very good although I felt the cheese was a little too abundant. It definitely detracted from the delicate lobster flavor that I was hoping to taste, way too cheesy for my palate. The accompanying fries on the other hand were outstanding and I found my self stealing some of my companions share after finishing mine.

The Tuna tartar appetizer to start was certainly beautifully presented but was was just a tad light on seasoning to make it perfect.

The service was excellent as I would have expected from restaurant of this caliber. All my needs were properly addressed once I sat down. Leftovers for my party were packed neatly and held at checkin for our departure which was a classy touch.

Omg chef's kiss! I loooooooved my experience at Nougatine! We came during restaurant week and this did not disappoint.

Started off with the watermelon which was the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The roasted bass was flaky and flavorful, with the corn broth and scallion as the perfect combo. Finally, the sorbet was rather sweet, but very light. Oh my goodness, I could have this meal over and over!!!

We had hospitable and welcoming waiters who took orders right before the close of lunch. The restaurant itself is beautiful. I couldn't recommend this place enough.

Nougatine is located in a dining room right outside of the Michelin Jean Georges. It is a beautiful location right next to Central Park. This menu was much more affordable than next door with a la carte options. There was also a prefix menu with 4 courses however we opted to go a la carte, as that would've been so much food.

We ordered two apps: foie gras terrine, which was a new and interesting take on the typical foie gras, first this is terrine so it's cold (I normally prefer poele), and it's a pretty thick piece on top of toast with cranberries and pistachios, and a hard sugar brûlée coat. The other flavors certainly played down the strong foie gras taste.

Also ordered the tuna tartare, which was excellent! With a delicious ginger sauce. Very good!

For main, we shared the large veal chop, which was huge! It was straight on the bone pounded and breaded. With fresh Brussels sprouts and potato salad.

And to top off, the passion fruit soufflé was incredible! This was hubby approved!!

Overall, excellent meal!

The dining experience was classic elegance. The staff was accommodating and attentive. The food (chef's kiss) full of flavor and amazing. We liked the open kitchen concept where we could see the chef work his magic.