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Home > Restaurants > La Lunchonette

La Lunchonette

Critic's Pick Critics' Pick

130 Tenth Ave., New York, NY 10011
at 18th St.  See Map | Subway Directions Hopstop Popup
212-675-0342 Send to Phone

  • Price Range: $$$

    Key to Prices and ratings

    Upscale
    • Almost Perfect
    • Exceptional
    • Generally Excellent
    • Very Good
    • Good
    Cheap Eats
    • Best in Category
    • Excellent
    • Delicious
    • Very Good
    • Noteworthy
    • Very Expensive
    • Expensive
    • Moderate
    • Cheap
  • Reader Rating:

    8.0 out of 10

      |  

    9 Reviews | Write a Review

  • Cuisine: French
Photo by Yun Cee Ng

Hours

Mon, 5:30pm-11pm; Tue-Fri, noon-3:30pm and 5:30pm-11pm; Sat-Sun, 11:30am-3:30pm and 5:30pm-11pm

Nearby Subway Stops

A, C, E at 14th St.; L at Eighth Ave.

Prices

$12.50-$30

Payment Methods

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa

Special Features

  • Brunch - Weekend
  • Live Music
  • Lunch
  • Open Kitchens / Watch the Chef
  • Private Dining/Party Space
  • Romantic
  • Take-Out

Alcohol

  • Full Bar

Reservations

Recommended

Profile

On a charm-free, windswept corner, La Lunchonette beckons with Hernando's Hideaway intrigue. It could be because Jean-François Fraysse, the chef-owner, radiates the passion of a tamed romantic rascal. Devoted to his wife, Melva, and two kids, he cooks as if each meal were testament of his love for them. His rabbit with prunes, muskily sweet venison studded with quince, cassoulet to get lost in, and golden-glazed tarte Tatin are all surefire seductions. The next time you bemoan the trysts and turns one has to go through on this island to find a romantic spot with more than a votive candle, find that too-low window set in an unassuming door, and turn the knob.

8.0 "Recommended"
Average Reader Rating
on a Scale of 10
Write Your Own Review
88% Would you go back?
88% Would you take a date?
33% Would you take kids?
55% Would you go on business?
66% Would you go on a special occasion?
Food: 8.6
Service: 7.7
Décor: 7.3
Value: 7.8

Not worth it

glai from 10016 | Posted on 6/25/09

Overall Rating: 6 (Mixed Reviews)
Food: 8
Service: 3
Décor: 5
Value: 4

- We were denied a breadbasket refill when asked, and then felt super awkward! (That's the worst of it, but doesn't get any better from here) -the specials were too overpriced for the quality (quantity was good though) -dips/slants/uneven floor, so hard to walk in with heels or an elderly person, and def not good for handicapped (a little cramped) -would go back only if in the area and probably for lunch, not dinner

Out of the way, but WORTH IT

jolove from 10025 | Posted on 2/22/09

Overall Rating: 9 (Highly Recommended)
Food: 10
Service: 10
Décor: 8
Value: 9

Thank god I got an 8:00pm reservation on a Saturday...and thank god it was at La Lunchonette! The food was absolutely spectacular--the chicken with mustard sauce was absolutely killer. The service was great--I believe the hostess was the wife of the chef or something & was the nicest woman and very attentive, the food was out of this world and the price was right! Although it is a bit out of the way (I'm usually not on 10th Ave. in Chelsea), this is most definitely worth it!

Read All 9 Reviews >>

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