wd-50focus on the foodAn adventurous food experience. Playful, delightful, inventive. A little brainy, but didn't fail to be a tasty ride6/14/2013 12:00:00 AMLived up to all expectationsHad been wanting to try for years and was not disappointed. Wylie was in the kitchen and it was great to see him in action.
The waiter was excellent.....charming, knowledgeable and attentive. The food was incredible. Each course had a unique approach and left you wanting more. I love the fact that the restaurant is fairly casual, but the service, atmosphere and attention to detail are up there with the best fine dining restaurants in the world. I was pleased to learn that the bar is first come first serve for walk-ins and I will definitely be back for another delicious and innovative meal.6/11/2013 12:00:00 AMWD-50Lived up to all the great reviews it has gotten. The 13 course chef's tasting menu with wine pairing was everything you could ask for. If you want food and service that is at least equal to all the well established columbus circle and other known high end establishments, but in a less pretentious social environment WD-50 is it.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent, as expectedWe had a marvelous dinner at WD-50. I was expecting a tasty, innovative dining experience and was not disappointed. Our server was affable, knowledgable, and engaging. We were seated near a few boistrous and somewhat distracting diners, but the service staff went the extra mile to ensure that our dining experience was not disturbed. Bravo!6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMBest Meal of my LifeWhat else can be said about the geniuses at wd-50? We had the 12 course tasting menu and every dish was astounding. The servers explained everything and were very attentive. The dishes were paced well and we weren't rushed in any way. I still dream about the crispy pig tail with olive oil jam, hazelnut, and artichoke. Seriously an amazing dish!6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMUnique adventureMolecular gastronomy at it's finest..great, vibrant mix of tastes..the passion fruit tart is the best desert I've had, clearly a feature.6/6/2013 12:00:00 AMLove some molecular gastronomy!!!Its been quite a while since I've been to wd-50. My first experience has gone down in history has my best dining experience ever. I was afraid with the passing of time thing may have changed and/or my memory was better than reality. But they did not disappoint. Excellent food and service.
We did the From the Vault 5-course tasting menu with wine paring. Chef Wylie Dufresne always serves up the unexpected and as expected it was delicious. The wines were all a perfect match to the food - each enhancing the other.
I hope to not wait so long before I go back again!6/5/2013 12:00:00 AMTen years open! Many more!!!!I was in WD-50 ten years ago during their first year. It was wonderful then, it's wonderful now. This is not a place to visit with a limited budget. But that did not stop the house from being full on a Tuesday night. DO try the complete 12 course tasting menu.
It's $ 155.00 but well worth every penny. You aren't just EATING....you are experiencing what a top level kitchen staff and an extremely
attentive and knowledgeable serving staff can do in a well run restaurant. I did not see Chef Dufresne in the kitchen, but his menu was executed flawlessly by the sous chef and line chefs. This is unbeatable fare. Treat yourself and GO if you have never been here!6/4/2013 12:00:00 AMThough the food and serviceThough the food and service were great; I have to say the restaurant wasn't what I expected. I was looking for a place that offered more molecular gastronomy, and I don't think WD-50 focuses it's development and menu creation on that anymore. The tasting menu was exceptional, regardless.6/3/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food experienceWD-50 is one of those rare restaurants that really does offer a food experience. Incredible combinations, seemingly impossible food physics and chemistry, a sense of wonder. What a fun evening. And great, friendly, helpful, non-pretetntious service. The tour of the kitchen afterwards was such fun. This is a must for anyone who really loves food.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMA gastronomic delightWe visited WD50 during our honeymoon trip to New York, and I have to say that they took great care of us. The service was excellent (professional but friendly), and they treated us to a complimentary glass of bubbly on arrival. The food was exceptional, and whilst it was a tasting menu, the 12 courses left us feeling quite full. I love the way that they squeeze every ounce of flavour from the ingredients used. Particularly good were the sweet shrimp with pine needles, rabbit and s'mores dessert. The sommelier was very helpful and suggested great but inexpensive wines to accompany the whole tasting menu. Whilst this is a fairly expensive dining experience it was truly amazing and possibly the best food I have ever tasted.5/30/2013 12:00:00 AMExcitementI arrived at 9:00 PM with my wife. We got the 5 courses menu and I got the parring wine.
At around 10:30 everybody at the dinning room was excited , energetic and talkative. It was kind of a collective food epiphany .
Beautiful moment5/29/2013 12:00:00 AMVery Interesting!Interesting and innovative. Somewhat uneven in terms of sheer "deliciousness," but definitely worth a visit. A true dining experience.5/29/2013 12:00:00 AMA Thought Excercise for the PalateA meal here will challenge your mind and palate. Every dish is familiar yet twisting at the same time. The service is great, friendly and not stuffy. They even entertained my request for a kitchen tour. Yes, it's not cheap but it is certainly worth your while checking this out if you can afford it.5/28/2013 12:00:00 AMFabulousWD 50 was wonderful. Here's the rundown. We had the smaller tasting menu.
Amuse bouche which was a cured fish with garlic sauce and vinegar noodles. Beef tongue with a cherry miso, quinoa fries and king oyster mushrooms. Popcorn soup (tasted like a wonderful corn chowder) with shrimp cakes, jicama with tamarind, and shiso oil. Monkfish with red pepper oatmeal, black olive mochi, and turnip. Smoked duck with puréed parsnip with ricotta, cocoa nibs, spaghetti squash and black vinegar. Outstanding. Passion fruit tart with a tahini crust, sesame cookie and meringues
And a wonderful dried blueberry cheesecake.
All paired with excellent wines.
Service was nice and the meal was paced nicely. We would highly recommend it.5/27/2013 12:00:00 AMIncredible experienceMy wife and I have been fans of Chef Dufresne for a while, and were able to celebrate our anniversary at wd-50. It was a tremendous evening in all respects...the food was both tasty and intellectually interesting: we asked our server a lot of fairly detailed questions, and he answered them all with enthusiasm. We ordered the 12-course tasting menu, which had just that night had a new course. The manager was very interested in what we thought of the dish (which we liked, though the wine it was paired with wasn't to our liking). After the meal, Chris gave us a quick peek at the kitchen, answered a few more questions, and after a quick handshake with the chef our fabulous evening was at a close.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMWow!Best smoked duck ever.
Popcorn soup was divine.
Slice of tongue was like a baloney though.5/23/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing3rd time at wd50. Everything is just so amazing. The food is well thought up. The presentation beautiful. Every plate is a work of art.5/21/2013 12:00:00 AMunbelievably creative foodWe had the tasting menu which was incredibly creative and truly delicious. Service was very responsive and friendly. Ambience was very pleasant. A "10".5/20/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways excellent and interestingAlways excellent and interesting food. Tasting menus only.5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMWorth a TryAs self-professed foodies, we had been wanting to try this place for years and finally got to try it until the other night. Despite some of the negative reviews on here, it is still worth a shot. I believe it is overpriced for what you get, but considering Wally Dufresne is one of the most notable chefs to popularize molecular gastronomy in the U.S., we were willing to shell it out for the experience. There were some absolutely incredible dishes (the 'Pho Gras' stands out, as do each of the desserts and I'm not even a dessert person), some very good dishes (the Wagyu that is so beautifully seared that it looks like it was sous vide), and one dish that I don't want to ever taste again (the Walleye Poke...terrible combination). Worth trying.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMcreative flavors and combinationsWe enjoyed our meal here - being able to order four courses a la carte was a nice way to do a late night meal, though the service was a bit slower than we'd normally like.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMSoirée to rememberWe had the same tasting menu as requested . Wine pairing was great , food was really good our waitress was nice attentive and professional . I just have to say one thing , when you walk in , it is a little too bright and open . I feel that it would just be nicer to separate the entrance and the bar from the dinning room . Something a little more sultry . It is an expensive experience well worth for but I've had the feeling of walking into a cafeteria...5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMCreative food and great winesThe ~15 course tasting is just the right amount of food. Each portion is enough to taste without feeling stuffed at the end. The food is bold, creative, and different. You will be surprised. The wine pairings are equally creative. The wines are assertive, but do not compete with the food. I tried varietals I never knew existed.
Almost all of the dishes are very good to outstanding. A couple items "missed," though that seems a great trade for all of the new ideas I never would have tasted.
Plus, the place is vun and the service is outstanding.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMReview from Aussie foodiesA highly anticipated evening given we had heard a lot about Willey's avant garde approach to cooking.
Food as expected was mind blowing. Every course came with its unique approach and mouth filling surprises, where it was hard to pick a favourite. Each dish was presented by different staff which reflected the unique fact that every member of that restaurant and not just the chefs, knew every facet of each dish- a very refreshing approach to service and food. Just make sure you choose the full menu to ensure you get to taste everything, not a place to skimp on choices..and be prepared to pay for the quality and level of what you are about to enjoy..friday/saturday night pizza/pasta lovers need not apply.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMPlayfulLoved the tasting experience. Fabulous contrasts, unexpected combinations, and foods masquerading as different foods or even objects kept us off-balance in delightful ways. The quality and taste were top-notch. A limited tour of the kitchen made these foodies' hearts even gladder!5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of our best meals everNeeds no introduction, really, but even better than imagined. Innovative, fascinating, but never simply for its own sake, always in the service of an amazing culinary experience.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMSome genuine surprisesThe decor was surprisingly casual but smart. All the dishes were nice. While most seemed "normal" or classic there were a handful of dishes that were surprising and surprisingly amazing. The Pho Gras with foie gras in a pho noodle soup does not sound like it'll work but tasted wonderful. The Walleye Pike was the best cooked fish we'd ever eaten. The final dish of s'mores looked exactly like real s'mores but the ingredients were turned on its head and tasted so good I was scraping the plate. I also recommend the bar where the bartender was able to mix me some of the best drinks on request.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMDelicious!The chef's tasting menu was amazing! Each course was better than the last!
Great for small groups or as a date spot.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMAn experienceWD-50 is a place to visit - at least once. The food is an awesome experience. If you really get into the concept of food and preparation, you won't be disappointed. But you'll pay for it. This place is pricey! Not sure if I will drop that kind of money on a dinner agian for a very long time.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMShockingly good food. CompletelyShockingly good food. Completely impressed. Asked so many question we got a tour of the kitchen. One of my most favorite nights out.
Skip the set menu and just go for the ala carte in the bar. While sad to miss out on the cushy booths two courses and the most amazing deserts ever was plenty.4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food , once in a lifetimeGreat food , once in a lifetime experience.
The best way to state it is " pretentious extortion "
My way of saying it is way over priced.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was spectacular,The food was spectacular, as we expected. The staff was extremely personable, which added a great deal to the experience4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMPhenomenal menu. Expert staff.Phenomenal menu. Expert staff. Exquisite food. Amazing experience.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMA Caliber All Its OwnGreat with dealing with allergies; the food was excellent and varied. Staff was very knowledgeable and efficient. Great decor and ambiance. Can't wait to go back and do the wine pairing!4/10/2013 12:00:00 AMEnjoyed a great AnniversaryEnjoyed a great Anniversary dinner, although not every dish in the tasting menu was a winner none were not enjoyable and several were awesome! Service was attentive without being overbearing4/8/2013 12:00:00 AM12 course tasting menu!This was a memorable one of a kind experience to be shared during our first visit to New York. I have never had such a wide variety of creatively prepared new-to-me foods. It was also neat to be able to say we were at the restaurant of one of Top Chef's judges, Wylie Dufresne. We were only sort of disappointed to know that he was not there that evening as he was busy opening up a new restaurant. We were happy to be able to enjoy this 12 course tasting menu with wine pairings with others who love to try new things. If you like new foods and preparations, this is the place for you!
Favourites: Pike fish, and S'mores!4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMInventive cuisine from WylieInventive cuisine from Wylie Dufresne which lived up to the hype. Good food overall.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was a cerebral diningThis was a cerebral dining experience. The food wasn't the best I've had, but it was fascinating. It's certainly worth going if you've got some spare cash and you're into molecular gastronomy and cleverness with food, but I wouldn't put it on my best-ever dining experiences.4/2/2013 12:00:00 AMBalanced perfection! EveryBalanced perfection! Every dish was fantastic. A MUST when you are in NYC.4/1/2013 12:00:00 AMVery welcoming staff - despiteVery welcoming staff - despite it being such an iconic resataurant. We had high expectations - and they were met! Beautiful delicate tastes, lovely compositions. Only complaint was that the size of the portions were really tiny. We have smaller appetites than most - and we were still a bit hungry at the end of the five courses.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMI took my boyfriend here asI took my boyfriend here as a surprise, special 25th birthday present. We both love everything food and have always wanted to try a place like WD-50. I decided we were going to splurge and do the 9 course tasting menu. It did not disappoint. Every dish was so carefully thought out and presented. Each bite was different than the last on any given dish. The whimsical elements had us stunned (i.e. "pho gras" pho soup with foie gras). The staff was EXTREMELY friendly and attentive. They answered every question we had about ingredients (and believe me, we had a lot). They even gave us an extra dessert with a candle when they overheard me say it was his birthday. This was one of the best food experiences I have ever had.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMYou already know you're goingYou already know you're going to get amazing food at wd-50. (It's true.) What you might not expect is the rest of the experience is just as good. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming - they let me in without a second glance after a day of sight-seeing around New York in jeans, sneakers and a hoodie. The staff were all incredibly inviting and friendly, happy to answer questions and go to the extra mile to make the evening enjoyable for a couple of amateur foodies.
The 12-course menu is definitely worth it. Stick with the special cocktails - the "Duck Blind" (scotch, sherry, smoked maple, cocoa oil) was great, while the more traditional Old Fashioned was underwhelming.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMMy second time at this gem.My second time at this gem. The food is full of lots of flavors. The chef(s) are incredible at creating flavors and textures that tantalize your tastebuds. It's pricy but wort h every penny/dollar.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMProbably one of the best diningProbably one of the best dining experiences ever, Wylie was willing to take time to me us and the staff is world class. This is a must when in New York3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMNot just delicious, but funThis was our second time to wd-50, and we were excited to try the new menu. The first time we had been here was amazing and mind-blowing... an everything bagel made out of ice cream, pine nuts somehow turned into red beans and rice, and a foie gras falafel. This time was just as delicious, with a bigger menu, and better wine pairing. The first course made you feel like you are eating a bowl of the ocean. The next one turned around and made you feel like you were in the forest, complete with "pine needles" that looked exactly like the real thing, but were delicious. Pho gras, unreal. Smores, unreal.This place is not just delicious, but fun. I'll be coming back.3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat creativity, well worth it.Interestingly created menu, with inventive dishes. A nice change of pace for high end food, the restaurant was fairly casual for its price point and quality. I was disappointed not to have the full trading menu but the short 'from the vault ' was still very good.
Among restaurants of its level it holds its own, and probably should receive a 4/5 overall in comparison to places like Le Bernardin and Corton.3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMPushes the envelopeOverall a great dining experience, capped off with a tour of the state-of-the-art open kitchen in the back. Mr. Dufresne offers two tasting menus right now, a new $155 selection of 16? (I lost count) dishes and a smaller selection of some of his old, best dishes. The table has to select one of the other so my friend and I decided to go with the newer menu. Some were definite hits (bone marrow, pig tail, Wagyu beef, coconut/cucumber dessert, smore dessert) and misses (shrimp with pine needles, pho gras, walnut/sweet potato(didn't like the plum wine sorbet with it) but the service was excellent and it was fun to watch the action happening in the kitchen from my seat. If you like a challenge to your palate this place is for you.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMA journey & commitmentOf WD-50's choice of 2 tastings, I opted 4 new fare,a 15 course (small bite) sublime journey through the culinary mystique spun by Chef Wylie. The decor is warm, including a fireplace, and comfortable. The wait staff was excellent, attentive and not too pushy. The wait in-between the dishes was just enough for romantic banter... We sat close to the kitchen which is immaculate bolstering confidence in the purity of the food itself. Each course had a flavor profile unique unto itself, but built from each plate to the next. I love smoke and the S'mores dessert was like none other & indeed left me wanting.. S'more!
Overall a commitment to sit through all the courses, I will certainly go back and try the more retrospective tasting.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMNEW PEAK FOR GREAT KITCHENFourth time diner in as many years. The place has hit a new high. Cocktails, food, ideas, flavor, beer and wine pairings...all incredible.
Purposeful technique, beautiful plates, (again) outstanding pairings.
I mashed up the "vault" menu with a few courses from the longer tasting and had a blast.
Maybe I'm still savoring the night, but Wylie and staff are on par if not better than most of the big meals I've had this past year in NYC (atera, per se, empellon cocina, (forgive me)ko)3/19/2013 12:00:00 AM