Located in the heart of the West Village in New York City, Perry St stands as a notable dining destination. Situated on Perry Street, this restaurant offers a modern American culinary experience within one of Manhattan’s most charming neighborhoods. Upon first glance, Perry St is nestled in a strikingly modern, all-glass building along the West Side Highway, presenting a somewhat contrasting aesthetic to the classic brownstones of the West Village.
Stepping inside Perry St, the ambiance is immediately defined by a sense of polished sophistication. The atmosphere leans towards the sterile, perhaps even a touch stuffy, appealing to a more mature and refined clientele. This isn’t the spot for a raucous Saturday night out; rather, Perry St in the West Village exudes an air of quiet formality, making it an ideal choice for occasions that call for understated elegance, such as [perfect_for slug=“dinner-with-the-parents”]Dinner with the Parents[/perfect_for]. Indeed, the composed demeanor of both the staff and fellow diners suggests a preference for tranquility over exuberance. While our somewhat boisterous group might have slightly disrupted the restaurant’s typical Saturday evening composure, Perry St still provided a solid dining experience under the circumstances.
When it comes to the cuisine at Perry St, particularly when considering the pedigree of being a Jean-Georges restaurant, expectations are naturally high. Having recently experienced a remarkable meal at ABC Kitchen, another establishment within the Jean-Georges Vongerichten empire, we anticipated a similarly dynamic and innovative menu. While the overall food quality at Perry St is commendable, it didn’t quite reach the same heights of culinary excitement, with one notable exception: the butter poached lobster. This dish alone is a compelling reason to visit Perry St. It stands out as one of the most exceptional dishes encountered this year, almost single-handedly elevating the dining experience from satisfactory to memorable. While the prospect of returning for brunch is mentioned, perhaps grandma, with her discerning taste, might find the vibe a touch too formal.
The meal began with the Rice Cracker Crusted Tuna, heralded by our server as a signature appetizer. Despite its reputation, this dish proved to be somewhat underwhelming. Adding to the disappointment, an unfortunate mishap occurred when half of the tuna appetizer ended up in a water glass, courtesy of our server, and was not replaced. While the rice cracker crust itself offered a pleasant texture, the overall flavor profile, enhanced by a sriracha-citrus emulsion, didn’t quite deliver the ‘life-changing’ experience one might anticipate from a flagship dish at Perry St in West Village, New York.
Another appetizer that fell short of expectations was the Sweet Chili Crab Dumplings. Despite being touted as a popular choice, these green, somewhat slimy dumplings lacked a certain je ne sais quoi. There was a missing element that prevented them from truly satisfying, leaving us puzzled as to their widespread acclaim.
Moving to the main courses, the Cod With Miso-Yuzu Glaze presented a spicy twist. While not the definitive best miso cod available in New York City, the sriracha infusion did impart a significant kick of flavor. Those sensitive to spice might want to consider alternative options, but for those who appreciate a bit of heat, this dish offers a flavorful, albeit not groundbreaking, experience at this West Village eatery.
Food Rundown at Perry St
Arugula and Boston Lettuce Salad
As a starter, the Arugula and Boston Lettuce Salad is a refreshing and well-executed choice. The combination of crisp Boston lettuce with a tangy mustard vinaigrette is inherently appealing, making this salad a reliable and enjoyable beginning to the meal at Perry St, located in the West Village.
Butter Poached Lobster
The Butter Poached Lobster, priced at $35, is unequivocally worth every penny. This dish is, without exaggeration, phenomenal. Rich, succulent lobster, perfectly poached in butter, is served atop delectable potato ravioli, all immersed in an aromatic lemongrass and kaffir lime broth. A visit to Perry St in the West Village should almost be mandated solely for the opportunity to savor this exquisite lobster creation.
Char-Grilled Cheeseburger
The Char-Grilled Cheeseburger at Perry St strikes a balance in size and flavor. It’s a well-constructed burger, offering a satisfying meaty taste and textural components. While certainly a solid burger option, it doesn’t possess the same destination-dish allure as the butter poached lobster. It’s a good, dependable choice if you’re in the mood for a classic American dish in a refined West Village setting.
What our ratings mean
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No rating: This is a restaurant we want to re-visit before rating, or it’s a coffee shop, bar, or dessert shop. We only rate spots where you can eat a full meal.
