Le Veau D’or
“Try rhe salmon, try the Ouef a la Neige and sip something bubbly (even if it's ginger ale in champagne glasses).”
“Regulars dominate, at least at lunch, which is always a good sign.”
“From the marvelous celery root appetizer to the beautiful floating island (no, really.”
Le Veau D’or
Takes Reservations: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
PokéStop Nearby: Yes
Price range.
$$$ Price range $31-60
5 reviews
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We've been wanting to try Le Veau D'or after seeing it on Anthony Bourdain's show. Thanks Anthony for pumping business into this dying breed of restaurant! It's certainly a gem that should be kept going for as long as it can (which might not be long due to the age of Robert the owner!). We went for a weekday lunch and the prices ranged from $22 – 30 for the 3-course meal. As others stated, it's mainly neighborhood regulars who've probably been coming since the 50s. It's easy to imagine Don Draper bringing a date here back in the day. The food is cozy and comfortable — not haute cuisine but everything was tasty. It was the first time I've ever heard of "floating island" dessert and it reminded me of the Chinese dessert/snack "do hua" — similar texture & sweetness. We'd definitely planning on going back, especially when older relatives visit.
Being from the continent myself and somewhat acquainted with french cuisine, I wasn't like omygodthisissooldschoolandfrench, althought it obviously is in many ways. I thought service was very friendly, but I suspect being able to converse in French a little went a long way. I belief this place is open until fairly late, and Le Veau d'Or has the precise late night noir atmosphere I look for in late-night dining. Definitely a recommendation.
I was a little puzzled at first by how the menu worked, just a head's up. Only the main courses are prized, and that includes dessert and appetizer (some of which have surcharges). So, I am not entirely sure if you can only get an entree. Then again, why would you?
The rack of lamb is not the only dish prepared table side, by the way. The waiter cuts the baby chicken up in front of you as well.
First of all, why read my review – or anyone else on Yelp – when you can read Adam Gopnik's review in the 12/14/2015 issue of The New Yorker? Just Google the restaurant's name, it will pop right up. Gopnik has it that the persistence of Le Veau D'or, when other NYC restaurants of great longevity and character have gone, is "mystically comforting." I think he's absolutely right.
Before turning to the food, which is excellent with a kind of understated, modest French homeyness, consider that this restaurant does not have a web site. They don't collect email addresses from diners to alert us to the next special thing. Even the Le Veau D'or Facebook page is "unofficial." Their menu includes an explicit prohibition on taking photos of the food – indeed, during our dinner, a 30-something woman (without question the youngest diner there that evening) asked if she could take a photo of one of her dishes, and she was point-blank told "no." Walking into this restaurant, you might even think it was pre-Internet days, say, 1957 or even 1937, when the restaurant opened. A bit of a dining time capsule, which won't be for everyone. If you want something new and flashy, you won't find it here,
I do think it's an exaggeration to say, as one old-timer did, that "the only way you get appreciation and love from this restaurant is if your a regular who has been going for 50 years." There for the first time, we found Catherine to be a charming and engaging hostess.
As for the food, do try the celery salad to start. I recommend the Oeufs a la Niege for dessert, not a common item for something different. In between, I don't think you'll go far wrong with anything on the menu.
How to review a place like Le Veau D'or?
It's an experience. The waitstaff… the owner and his daughter… the food… the room and the other clientele.
There's not much else like it. Delicious old school french cuisine served by professional waiters and managed by the owner and his daughter.
Charming little place, nice value, and decent food. Service stunk though. If you're not French, look like an aristocrat, or a regular, you will NOT get friendly service.
I dined alone at 5:30 when the place had 3 tables occupied. At 6:30, the place was full, all 16 tables. I was done with my meal and it was obvious as I had my hands folded and gazed straight ahead.
The bubbly hostess daughter passed me by at least 5 times with no eye contact. The old waiter passed me by about 8 times with no eye contact. How can one even flag down staff to signal "Check Please" with no eye contact? No "how is everything sir? No can I get you anything else sir?" They just left me for dead, sucking up to all the other customers. I sat there motionless for 30 minutes.
I finally did a runway grounds crew wave to the bubbly hostess daughter and asked for the check. She brought it to me, forced a smile, and said something and then messueire. I gave them a $5 tip and will never go back.
It's one thing to get bad food but another story to be treated like a second class citizen. This was my first time in NYC and all my other 15 restaurant experiences were so nice and welcoming with above average warmth and communication. Wow, I can't believe I was treated like this in 2011.