Best Dishes at Le Parisien
Escargots
AppetizersA classic bistro starter. Snails are tender and take on the aromatics of the garlic-parsley-butter sauce. The ritual of extracting them from shells with a small fork is part of the experience. Reviewers note this is perfectly executed — the butter is rich but not overpowering, and the garlic is present without dominating.
Moules Marinières
AppetizersThe classic French preparation. Mussels are plump and tender, the white wine and garlic broth is fragrant and clean, and fresh parsley brightens every bite. Crispy French fries on the side are perfect for dipping in the broth. This is the dish that defines bistro cooking — simple ingredients, perfect technique, satisfying result.
Bistrot Steak Frites
MainsThe signature main course. A proper bistro steak — not oversized or overly cooked, but a well-sourced cut cooked to order and finished with a red wine reduction and caramelized shallots. The fries are hand-cut and fried golden. This is uncomplicated, well-executed French cooking.
Duck Confit
MainsDuck confit shows technique — the meat is tender and falls off the bone, the skin is crispy from the final sear. Served with seasonal vegetables that complement rather than distract. This is a more involved dish than steak frites but executed with the same attention to balance.
Crème Brûlée
DessertThe signature dessert. A properly made crème brûlée has a thin, crackly caramelized sugar shell over a silky, barely-set custard beneath. Le Parisien nails this — the contrast of temperature and texture is intentional, the vanilla is bright, and the portion is generous without being overwhelming.
About Le Parisien
Le Parisien brings the vibes of a genuine Parisian neighborhood bistrot to Murray Hill. Since 2010, it's been serving traditional French food with a well-curated wine list in an unmistakably French atmosphere. Chef Jonathan Masse (formerly of Waverly Inn and Barbuto) and owner Christian Merand (formerly of Jean-Claude) focus on consistency and classical technique. The room isn't loud, the service is warm, and the food tastes like it was made with intention.
Top 5 dishes at Le Parisien:
- Escargots – 88% recommended(Signature)
- Moules Marinières – 94% recommended(Signature)
- Bistrot Steak Frites – 92% recommended(Signature)
- Duck Confit – 90% recommended(Signature)
- Crème Brûlée – 91% recommended
Details
- Cuisine:
- French
- Price Range:
- $$$
- Phone:
- +1 212-889-5489
- Website:
- Visit Website
- Services:
- Dine-in, Takeaway, Delivery, Brunch
Hours
- Friday:
- 12:00 PM - 10:30 PM(Open Now)
- Sunday:
- 12:00 PM - 9:30 PM
- Monday:
- 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Tuesday:
- 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Wednesday:
- 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Thursday:
- 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM
- Saturday:
- 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Good for a quiet business dinner or anniversary. The restaurant isn't loud, the service is warm and attentive without hovering, and the wine list is well-curated for pairing. Reservations essential, especially weekends.
Saturday and Sunday brunch is 12-2:30pm and feels more casual than dinner. Classic French breakfast items, less crowded than dinner rush, perfect before exploring Murray Hill.
Start with moules marinières and escargots (share both), then order steak frites or duck confit. Finish with crème brûlée. Ask the staff for a wine pairing suggestion — they know their list intimately.
Don't overthink it. This is a straightforward French bistrot — order what sounds good, trust the kitchen, and enjoy the food and service. Nothing is trying too hard here.
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