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CUISINE
ScandinavianHOURS
Dining room: Mon.-Fri.: 12:00pm-10:30pm, Sat.: 5:30pm-10:30pm, Sun.: 12:00pm-10:30pm; Bistro: Mon.-Sat.: 12:00pm-10:30pm, Sun.: 5:30pm-10:30pmBEST FOR
Lunch; dinnerRESERVATIONS
Necessary for dining room; recommended for bistroBAR
YesYEAR OPENED
1987 (relocated in 2005)PRICE (APPETIZERS; ENTRÉES; FOUR-COURSE PRIX FIXE DINNER)
USD 11-15; USD 21-29; USD 89NOISE
Quiet/MediumFAMOUS PLATES
Nordic smorgasbord; gravlax; glassblower herringDRINKS AND WINE
Aquavit (Scandinavian spirit); cocktails; wine# OF SEATS
120OUTDOOR DINING?
NoPRIVATE ROOM AVAILABLE?
YesSUBWAY
5th Ave.-53rd St. (E, M); Lexington Ave.-53rd St. (E, M); 51st St. (6)

VIBE
This stylish Scandinavian restaurant boasts a sleek, modernist interior that jibes with its updates on traditional cuisine. The front of the restaurant is the more informal bistro (perfect for a drink and quick bite) while the simple yet elegant dining room in the back hosts refined crowds savoring the delectable Nordic cuisine. Co-owner and chef Marcus Samuelsson brings Nordic cuisine to life with his elegant preparations and presentations.
CROWD
Lots of business types and ladies who lunch.
WHAT WE WOULD WEAR
A sheath dress with heels and subtle yet tasteful jewelry.
GO HERE WITH
Coworkers; a date; family
WHY WE LIKE IT
The creative, modern take on traditional cuisine, bringing unexpected sophistication to herring and Swedish meatballs, the creative drinks at the bar, and the hip bistro in front.
WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE
Not much.
GOOD TO KNOW
The hours for the bistro and restaurant itself are different, so check the website to make sure that the locale you prefer is open and serving when you intend to dine. Each menu option comes with a wine suggestion, which is helpful for those who are less familiar with Nordic cuisine. The dining room serves a prix-fixe menu only.
CLOSEST COMPS
Lever House (New York); Providence (Los Angeles)
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