L'Appart

This restaurant is somewhat difficult to find. It's inside Le District at Brookfield, tucked away in a corner next to a grocery store area that has been closed down since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out. You have to go through Le District to get to it; they don't let you through the grocery store. The dining experience was wonderful. The ambiance was very calm and quiet, which I personally prefer. The tasting course was tasty and well executed with only minor issues: - The portion of the first course -- caviar with bread -- was pretty large. I wished it to be smaller in portion so I can ease into the meal. - There were two desserts: one heavy and sweet, one light and acidic. I wished to finish with the acidic one. Maybe they could add a small separate palate cleansing course after the cheese course. Every dish was good but the quail for me was the highlight of the course. It was absolutely succulent, and everything on the plate worked together to pack flavors into each mouthful. The service was good but had some issues: - We couldn't finish much of the cheeses during the cheese course and wanted to take them home. They took them to the kitchen to pack. We had forgotten about it when we were leaving. They never brought out the cheeses or stopped us to wait. - Our table had two servers. Both were fine but one of them was more friendly than the other, and I wished the other one was just as so. At the end of the caviar course, the not-as-friendly server said "you're not going to finish the caviar?" in a disapproving tone. He probably didn't mean it but it just came off condescending. These were minor issues but I expected a more flawless service at a pricy, Michelin-starred restaurant. Despite these hiccups, the experience was positive. They change the menu frequently so I'm looking forward to what they come up with next!

We decided to celebrate a special occasion at L'Appart while on our way to Greece. We chose this restaurant based off of the criteria of a location within walking distance of our hotel for the night as well as being a Michelin Star. When booking we noted that one of the guests was a pescatarian. We also left a note via email and when someone contacted us through text we also told them of the dietary restriction. Furthermore we called and left a voicemail because none of the other avenues seemed to be getting any reply back. We arrived very early to find the location and walk around the area. One must walk past all of the gorgeous harbor views around the district and indoors to a large set of side doors leading into a bar like area that appears abandoned. We dined on a Saturday night on the 27 May so you might expect things to be buzzing in NYC. Walking forward past this odd area one can see a hallway that is lined with bookshelves hoisting pantry staples. On the left, you find the door to the restaurant. Walk further and you enter a food court like corridor. I think we were expecting a more warm and comfortable pathway to what is presented as an apartment-like restaurant experience. Nevertheless, we entered. We received a sort of odd look when entering and that was a bit uncomfortable after the less than favorable transition into the establishment. We were asked if we had reservations and we were seated once we confirmed. To state that there was an odd palatable uncomfortable energy would be an understatement. Yet, we laughed it off and were ready for an experience. When we received an amuse-bouche, the server presented it as a welcome bite, as if we wouldn't understand the terminology. Immediately I asked if there was meat on the dish because I could see that there was and the service fumbled a bit. I kindly told them we made explicit requests for a pescatarian meal of one of the guests and they removed the dish. Calmly but eagerly the server approached the pass and whispered the mistake to the chef. Then without sort of apologizing but also sort of apologizing they tried to brush off the mistake and present the dish again. Very awkward and not the type of service one would expect from a meal that was $350+ a person and Michelin Star. Once the courses started to come out I wanted to know more about some of the components. As someone who has worked in professional kitchens for 9 years, I am intrigued by my craft. This is where the night personally got ruined for me. I asked playfully about how the chefs composed a potato component and the server suggested that I state what I thought they did. I explained and I could see him sort of pause. Pause both by the actually culinary equipment names that I knew and by how close I was to understanding the technique. He then allowed us to enjoy the course and went back to the pass to mock me. Let me remind you that this place is very small. We were 2 out of 6 people dining at the time and close to the kitchen so we can hear the conversation. They laughed about it and even mentioned the movie "The Menu". Disgraceful. To talk more about the food- we did enjoy most of the courses but there was some major downfalls. The amuse-bouche came with three components, one of which was a rehydrated and puffed pasta that was so chewie that it should never have been served. Trial or not. Maybe the humidity affected it or maybe the oil was too low when frying, either way it was a bumpy start to welcome guests. Along the path of the other courses there was a vast amount of salt used, primarily in the scallop dish. The Sunny Ridge cheese course was not a favorable cheese and we both felt it was a bit of a harsh transition. On the other hand, the veal tartar or my tuna tartar course was likely our favorite. The olive oil used was exceptional and we appreciated the freshness of the dish overall. I do wish the white asparagus course was substituted with truffle or something else since my companion had foie gras.

Amazing dining experience! I always go there for our special occasion (anniversary, birthday, etc). Intimate ambiance and service is great. I enjoy that their menu changes every month with seasonal ingredients. I highly recommend this place.

Phenomenal from start to finish. It has been almost 2 months since my visit and I still daydream about some of the dishes we had at L’Appart (the ramps gnocchi will go down as one of my lifetime favorite dishes). I eagerly wait for the new menu to be posted every month and can’t wait for an excuse to return! Perfect for a date night, special occasion, or just to treat yourself! Impeccable service and great wine!

This is fine dining at it's finest! Service was supreme. Attention to detail was precise. The food was simply incredible. Lobster and shrimp and mussels and truffle ravioli that was not over powering with truffle. Just the right amount of truffle. My mouth waters remembering this meal. All while sitting outside on a late summer evening. Possibly the perfect meal. Merci

It was a delightful evening, experiencing Michelin-starred restaurant. The dining plates showcased a distinctive style, and the opportunity to engage closely with the chefs added a personal touch to the experience.

Amazing creations, impeccable service, very good wine list and a cozy atmosphere. I've tried a lot of Michelin star restaurant in NYC that, to my opinion, did not deserve their star. This one: make it all worth it. L'Appart was an incredible experience all dishes were perfectly prepared and very tasteful. The staff was welcoming and polite, taking the time to pay attention to every detail. I could describe each plates and their flavours but I would rather say: try it for yourself it's worth the experience!!! The maître d'hôte took the time to communicate with me to verify if any of the guest has allergy or food restriction (really appreciate that!!!) therefore I was delighted to try a different dish for my shrimp allergy.

Excellent end to end! Organized a company dinner last minute and ended up having the restaurant for ourselves with a custom 3-couse menu + wine. Food was above perfection and so was the service and private ambiance!