After bridge one day, a friend and I decided to have lunch at Orsay, a French restaurant on the Upper East Side. We didn’t have a res.

In the typical French way, the hostess said she’d try to fit us in yet couldn’t give us a table in an area open to the outside. She said that the space wasn’t available.

Our waiter brought us slices of French bread that had the most amazing crisp crust. I had to pace myself as I could have eaten a basket full along with the fresh butter served with it. So good.


I tried their burrata with Dutch asparagus, pickled ramps and mache in a black truffle creamy dressing ($25). I should have requested either dressing on the side or lightly dressed. I had no idea the asparagus would be drowning in it.

My dining partner ate her go-to at Orsay, the tuna tartare “Japonais” drizzled with wasabi and sesame.

As we left, we noticed that many of the outdoor tables we had asked to be seated at were empty.  Once was enough for me.

Orsay
Upper East Side
1057 Lexington Ave,
New York, NY 10021
212-517-6400
orsayrestaurant.com/