Balthazar

From Citysearch

Antiqued brasserie has a style that gets better with age.

The Scene
Since its 1997 debut, Keith McNally's Soho bistro has retained its buzz and irresistible allure, and even the most abbreviated survey of the New York restaurant world would be incomplete without a visit. Two-thirds of the appeal is atmospheric, and the look is that of an airy aged brasserie--faded saffron yellow walls, oversized mirrors. The years of cosmopolitans, iced shellfish towers and celebrity-studded brunches have only given a comfortable wear to the red leather banquettes.

The Food
Classic bistro standards include a house salad with baby greens, fennel, asparagus and haricots verts napped in white-truffle oil; textbook duck confit with wild mushrooms; excellent skate with raisins and capers; and the requisite steak frites, which, despite being oft-overcooked, fly out of the kitchen in droves. Weekend brunches draw an equally bustling scene for savory crepes, puff pastry stuffed with scrambled eggs and doused with hollandaise sauce, and French toast made with homemade brioche.

Insider Tips
To avoid the nighttime crush, check out the late-afternoon lunch menu served weekdays from 3pm to 5pm.

Those who like a few mimosas with their eggs Benedict, beware: No alcoholic drinks are served Sundays before noon.

Breakfast is served weekdays from 7:30am to 11:30am. Many brunch favorites are offered, as well as more traditional items like granola, soft-boiled eggs and, for the health nuts, an egg-white omelet.