Le Charlot :
New York City
Classic French Fare with
Uptown Charm.
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I’m nearing my third year living in New York City and pride myself on being very much a “downtown girl.” I love exploring this city as much as the next gal, but I find that generally the new, trendy restaurants, bars and galleries are opening mere blocks from my SoHo apartment. I head uptown for work each day, but honestly find excuses to not venture above 14th Street recreationally.
I recently got out of my comfort zone for dinner at Le Charlot, an adorable neighborhood French bistro in the Upper East Side. The eatery is tucked away between gorgeous brownstones and well-manicured planters on E. 69th Street.
Parisian-Chic Ambiance
Le Charlot is absolutely charming and in typical New York fashion, very small. I recommend dining on the earlier side to snag a table in the snug dining room or out on the sidewalk. I met my dining companion Chuck at 6:30 p.m. on a Thursday and by 7 p.m. every seat was taken.
Le Charlot is clearly a neighborhood favorite as I observed many fellow diners greeted by name by the friendly staff or grabbing a leisurely bite by their lonesome on their way home from work. Chuck has visited Le Charlot for years and assured me that the great service and tasty bites haven’t faltered over time. It’s a go-to hidden gem for many Upper East siders.
Classic French Fare
Le Charlot’s menu is primarily French with a seafood focus, but also features a few non-traditional items such as mahi-mahi and chicken curry. It was difficult to narrow it down to an appetizer and an entrée when deciding between the numerous delectable-sounding seafood dishes. Ultimately, I selected the tuna tartare and classic white wine mussels.
The tartare was served as an impressive stack of fish layered with thinly sliced cucumbers and crispy wontons. Le Charlot certainly did not skimp on the fish, which I appreciated. Far too often, restaurants rely on vegetable fillers to make up for a paltry protein serving. The fish was fresh and the saltiness was balanced by a zesty wasabi dressing. It was a light and clean start to my meal.
Chuck went the Italian route for his starter and ordered the buffalo mozzarella. This appetizer was served traditionally with tomatoes, fresh basil, pesto, and a sprinkling of microgreens. The cheese was creamy and complemented by the fresh herbs. It brought me back to my semester studying in Florence!
My mussels arrived in a large, steaming vat alongside a basket of frites. The broth was a traditional white wine base with onions and leeks for flavor. After I ate a fair share of the mollusks, I sopped up every last bit of that broth with the French fries. This dish was satisfying and filling, without weighing me down too much,
From his years of dining at Le Charlot, Chuck wholeheartedly recommended ordering fish for a main rather than beef or poultry. He selected the truffle oil halibut served atop a bed of sautéed zucchini and tomatoes. The fish was beautifully cooked and complemented by the fresh, seasonal vegetables. We also both appreciated that the truffle oil was drizzled cautiously as to not overpower the maritime flavors.
Uptown Charm
Dinner at Le Charlot definitely gave me a greater appreciation for the charm and family-oriented culture of uptown New York. It’s a neighborhood stand-by for quality food and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for a date night, catching up with an old friend, or making new friends with diners seated less than an arm’s length away in this compact café.
Le Charlot
19 E 69th Street
New York, NY
212.794.6419