Manhattan’s 57th Street is one of the most famous stretches in the world, with its high-powered shopping and elegant residential buildings. For an oasis of hospitality there, point yourself toward 57 Belle House, where you can restore yourself during a daytime outing or relax over a French-American dinner.
A friendly hostess greets guests in front of a long black marble bar. A graceful curve along the pressed-tin ceiling leads to a cozy back room with dark red banquettes. The results are a mix of European charm and New York sophistication.
Ambiance is key, from the welcoming staff to thoughtful details like a soundtrack that shifts depending on the mood of the room. (A lunchtime scene might feature upbeat French guitar music, or a laidback classic like “The Girl from Ipanema.”)
Menus change with the seasons, with brasserie favorites taking center stage. The house C’est Belle Burger is a favorite, with cooked-to-order beef packing a charcoal sear under caramelized onion, earthy mushrooms, and extra richness from a layer of melted gruyere. On the side, matchstick fries achieve that perfect balance of tender interiors and golden outsides. Weekend brunches are also big draws, with smoked salmon Benedicts, French toast, and crepes among the popular choices, well matched by Bloody Marys and house sangrias.
There are few bargains to be found in Midtown East, but 57 Belle House is that welcome exception. Weekdays, take advantage of a prix fixe lunch ($19) that pairs appetizers like a warm goat cheese salad with beet and walnut and entrées like linguini primavera, or a grilled steak sandwich. The dinner prix fixe ($35) covers three courses, with appetizers like the La Vie Organique Salad with orange, candied walnuts, endive, and arugula, followed by a choice of ratatouille, grilled salmon with chorizo, or chicken Francese. There are even two happy hours (weekdays 4-7 and 9-11), with bites at the bar and beer, wine, and spirit specials.
The wine list globetrots successfully, but you may find yourself tempted by the martini glasses chilling behind the bar. Original cocktails include the Midtown Manhattan, which mixes vermouth and German bitters with Rebel Yell Bourbon.
That hospitality runs strong here should come as no surprise, given that proprietor Octavian Susman is a veteran of 10 successful bistros in Europe. You’ll find his effort at 57 Belle House combines a taste of the Old World with the New York energy of 57th Street.
151 E. 57th St. (btw. Lexington & Third Aves.), 917-475-1001, 57BelleHouse.com
