VIBE

There are only a few chefs in the country who have truly mastered molecular gastronomy, and thankfully Wylie Dufresne is one of them. By concocting such imaginative and far-fetched creations as “Foie-lafel”, he has turned his casually cool LES restaurant into one of the world’s most original destinations to dine. The décor, like the menu, is cutting-edge: deep hues and muted lighting keep the dining room glowing.

CROWD

Foodies, foodies, foodies, along with adventurous eaters and fun-loving couples.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Classy casual; opt for a simple sheath dress, flats, and a colorful scarf or piece of jewelry.

GO HERE WITH

A group of friends; family; clients or colleagues; significant other; a date

WHY WE LIKE IT

The food is unlike anything we’ve had before–something that’s hard to find nowadays. Skeptical? We were most surprised by the “everything bagel”, which is made of ice cream, crispy cream cheese, and smoked salmon threads and tastes exactly like an everything bagel should…but it’s not a bagel.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Not much!

GOOD TO KNOW

The Michelin-starred restaurant’s chef and owner, Wylie Dufresne, was a former sous chef at Jean Georges. Be sure to ask your waiter about the kitchen tour–restaurant policy allows diners to tour the kitchen (Wylie had an enormous, custom-made stove top installed) and meet the chef (provided he is there) once the bill has been settled.

CLOSEST COMPS

El Bulli (Spain); Dinner by Heston Blumenthal (London)

Read more about wd-50 in The Diary

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.