I've read mixed reviews about the Cafe des Artiste. Anyone here ever been there and what are your opinions of it.

We've been there numerous times when we are in NY without the children.
We love the atmosphere, the rooms...
Nothing extraordinary in the meals : classic, with a "french" tendance but if
it's not made to "transport" you to
highlights in modernity it is difficult to have deception...
So a good location for a romantic moment
for people knowing that originality is
not the speciality of the chef...
As romantic but with special mention
for the meal : one if by land,...and the
gramercy tavern...
Erik and Anny.

I've been several times, though not in the last 12 months, and have always found it to be solid and dependable. It's not going to challenge some of the more well known places, like Bouley or Montrachet, for food, but for that area and for a nice relaxed meal, it isn't bad option. The ambiance of the room definately adds to the experience.

If you're thinking about it because you'll be near there and need a good restaurant, I might be tempted to go instead to Picholine. That said, Cafe Des Artistes isn't a bad alternative.

Thanks for the input. Someone is giving us a gift certificate to that restaurant for an anniversary gift. We will be in New York from April 29 to May 4. I will post a trip report when I return.

Honeygram you will have a lovely time. It's still "classic" NY & the room & murals are beautiful not to mention the flowers. The only negative is, as monpetit says, price/value on the food. But since it's a gift, go and enjoy. Depending on the size of the gift certificate, you might want to consider the $25/person lunch menu. Weekend brunch there is also lovely. Hapy Anniversary!

Thank you very much mcLaurie.

I absolutely loved it the first time I went for an anniversary dinner with my husbad! Great romantic atmosphere and good service. Very pretty restaurant.
Happy Anniversary-I am sure you will enjoy it~

Romantic to be sure, and interesting art on the walls, to keep the eyes busy while you wait.

But for the food, overpriced, and living on its laurels. You can do better (much) in NYC.

We've just been there (yesterday), for a post-graduation dinner and enjoyed the place tremendously!

As we walked in, the scent of the fresh flowers immediately transported us. Our party was sitted in a semi private area near one of the murals. Because it was a large party, we were able to sample a large portion of the menu.

From the appetizers our favorites were the lobster salad and salmon 5 ways. (A miss was the parisian onion soup (really quite bad) and the escargots -good but VERY small and nothing special). The second course winner was the caramelized rack of lamb - I took it medium rare, and another took it well done, both varieties were done to perfection, very different but excellent. Others raved about their dishes - the Halibut, the Schnitzel, the veal - pretty much everybody loved their own choices. From the dessert menu, hands down, the winner was the frozen lemon souffle my in-laws took - the best I've tasted. We also took the creme brulee, apple strudel, and the chocolate cake - all great, but the souffle was the best.

Yes, the food was not as innovative as some other NY restaurants, nevertheless, it was supurb.

Overall, the ambiance of the place, the food, the service and the location were perfect for us for a celebration to remember.

Thanks so much for posting that. Glad you enjoyed and congrats on the graduation!