Rooted in the belief that life itself is an interconnected journey, The Consulate draws inspiration from the Flower of Life, a symbol of unity, creation, and interconnectedness. This ancient pattern is at the heart of everything they do: blending New American cuisine, craftsmanship, and community into every dish and moment. Since 2019, The Consulate has been redefining the French Modern American dining experience in New York City. I got to experience it firsthand this week!

Foodies can visit their location on the Upper West Side at 519 Columbus Avenue or in Midtown at 44 West 56th Street. I opted for the latter with a friend, and we were quickly impressed by the charming interior, offering an elegant yet inviting atmosphere with green foliage, gold accents from floor to ceiling and delicate interior design that is both refined and sophisticated. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted with a crisp energy ideal setting for a long lunch. 

We got right into ordering, starting with Grilled Broccolini and the Burrata Salad featuring roasted corn plus one of each of their amazing fruity mocktails. The Larisa featured raspberry puree, lemon juice, honey syrup, and soda while the Excusez Moi included pear puree, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ginger beer. Both refreshing and thirst quenching. One of the biggest surprises of the day was discovering that The Consulate offered a gluten-free pasta substitute (this is important because I ordered their Short Rib Cavatelli). As someone who’s always on the lookout for places that accommodate gluten-free diets, I was thrilled to learn that they had this option. It’s not something you find at every restaurant, especially at a spot offering such beautifully crafted dishes. The braised short ribs were decadent and served with creamy ricotta.

For our other main, we opted for the Steak Frites. I’m always on the lookout for a great steak frites, and this one did not disappoint. The steak was cooked to absolute perfection, tender and juicy, and paired with crisp, golden fries that complemented it beautifully. Their crunchy exterior was addictive. I can confidently say it’s the best Steak Frites I’ve ever had. 

We couldn’t leave without trying dessert, so we shared a slice of Pineapple Upside Down Cake, which was the perfect sweet ending—moist, flavorful, and just the right amount of indulgent. Before we knew it, we decided to also order the Crème Brûlée. It was the best I’ve ever had—perfectly caramelized on top, smooth and velvety underneath. It was a dreamy finish to an unforgettable meal. Their espresso was a great finisher. It is a spot I'd definitely stop back in to visit. For more info or to make a reservation, visit https://midtown.theconsulate.nyc/