Dirty French: A Parisian Bistro with a New York Edge

Dirty French is a vibrant Parisian bistro in the heart of New York City’s Lower East Side just steps from Katz Delicatessen. I was surprised to learn that it was located in a hotel.  Normally, I have an aversion to Hotel restaurants since they tend to be subpar due to their captive audience.  We heard great things about it and it is one of the Major Food Group’s restaurants so we remained excited to try it.

From the moment you step inside, you’re transported to a chic Parisian brasserie with its warm lighting, exposed brick walls, and lively atmosphere.  This relaxed feel alleviated our concerns.

While the menu at Dirty French is a creative take on classic French cuisine, we found it challenging to find items that we wanted to order.  We did note that the menu incorporated bold flavors. Before we even ordered, they delivered this fresh bread with white cheese which was amazing. I could have made a dinner with just this.

We started with the Gem Salad, The Duck Pate and Salmon Tartare.  Each of these appetizers were flavorful and was a perfect start to our meal.  It was close but the winner was the Salmon Tartare.  The flavors just popped in your mouth.

For our main courses, we opted for the Chicken and Crepes and the Duck. The Chicken and Crepes was cooked to perfection.  Half of it was fried (the dark meat) and the other half (the white meat) was pan roasted.  It was moist with a beautifully crispy skin. The duck was seasoned and cooked to perfection.

For dessert, we went with the beignets with caramel sauce.  This classic French donut were really tasty but I have to say that I do miss the beignets from Café Du Monde. While the caramel was great, I would love to get some chocolate sauce next time.  This was a decadent and satisfying end to a truly memorable meal.

While the food was exceptional, the service at Dirty French was equally impressive. Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and made excellent recommendations. The overall ambiance was lively and energetic, making it the perfect spot for a celebratory dinner or a special occasion.

Overall:

Dirty French is a must-visit for anyone seeking a taste of Parisian flair in the heart of New York City. The food is exquisite, the service is impeccable, and the atmosphere is electric. Be prepared to indulge in a culinary adventure that will leave you wanting more.