Le Bernardin

Siblings Gilbert and Maguy Le Coze brought their Parisian eatery to Gotham back in 1986, and Le Bernardin—the city’s original temple of haute French seafood— has maintained its reputation ever since. With white tablecloths, decorous service and a jackets-required policy in the main dining room, the scene remains formal but with a slightly modern twist thanks to sleek leather banquettes and a 24-foot mural of a tempestuous sea by Brooklyn artist Ran Ortner. Guests who find the haute tasting menu or pricey four-course dinner out of reach can still experience the kitchen’s finesse in the lounge area via stunning bar snacks: smoked Scottish salmon rillete, tender Asian tuna tartare with endive, or gorgeous Peruvian-style ceviche. The creative cocktails, meanwhile, are alone worthy of a special trip: The baroque creations include a Pisco Gaudi, a lush drink made with the Peruvian brandy, a smoked paprika and saffron tincture, and egg whites.