Lafayette

Lafayette Restaurant Review:

On a prominent corner of Lafayette Street, this French restaurant from chef Andrew Carmellini is a beacon with its grand arched windows, Art Deco-tiled columns and, just past the pastry case filled with tarts and éclairs, booths as far as the eye can see. Ample patio seating comes by way of a dozen bright tables under azure awnings, the perfect place to watch NoHo stroll by. The faithfully French wine list is full of labels from rarely-seen producers: take advantage of the sommeliers; they're approachable and enjoy a challenge. A frisée salad arrives with bacon and poached organic egg. A choice of seven cheeses is served with fruit stewed in Cognac and bread from the in-house boulanger. Tender black fettuccine with cuttlefish is everything you desire in a pasta; dry-aged strip steak frites is complemented by béarnaise butter. Consider, too, the Moroccan spice glazed duck. For dessert, the Profiterole Maison comprises hazelnut ice cream, Frangelico Chantilly and dark chocolate sauce.