How is The National Bar & Dining Rooms restaurant rated?

Name: The National Bar & Dining Rooms
Address: 557 Lexington Ave, New York, NY, United States, 10022
Telephone: (212) 715-2400 ext. 2410
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.1

The National Bar & Dining Rooms

4.1

2564 Reviews

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Top Tags:

Chef Geoffrey Zakarian brings his vision of a contemporary New York grand café to life at The National Bar & Dining Rooms. Housed in the same 1927 Emery Roth-designed building as The Benjamin Hotel, The National's all-occasion modern bistro offerings satiate guests from breakfast through late night. Modeled after the celebrated grand cafés in Europe, The National is both residential and metropolitan in design and offers thoughtful details such as antiqued mirrors, a bronze spiral staircase, distressed peacock blue and chocolate leather banquettes, classic marble table tops, and black and white glazed-tile flooring.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Contemporary American, American, Bistro
Hours of operation
Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:30 am–10:30 am Sat, Sun 8:00 am–10:30 am Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:30 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Daily 5:30 pm–10:30 pm
Phone number
(212) 715-2400 ext. 2410
Website
http://www.thenationalnyc.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Rezart Gorencavic
Catering
Allow us to plan your next event, and experience Chef Geoffrey Zakarian’s Modern American Cuisine in a memorable setting. A bronze spiral staircase leads guests from the main restaurant to the second floor of The Benjamin hotel, where five private dining salons accommodate seated dining for up to 80 and cocktail receptions for up to 150. From weddings, baby showers and birthdays, to corporate dinners and holiday parties, leave the details to us. To consult with us about your private dining experience, contact: SLAVKA KMEC T. 212 465 3888 / slavka.kmec@denihan.com
Private party facilities
Private Dining at The National is an unforgettable experience. A stunning, oiled bronze spiral staircase leads guests from the main restaurant to the second floor of The Benjamin hotel, where five dining rooms accommodate seated dining from 10 to 80 and cocktail receptions for up to 200.
Private party contact
Slavka Kmec: (212) 465-3888

Location
557 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022
Neighborhood
Midtown East
Cross street
50th Street
Parking details
Street Parking and Valet Parking provided by The Benjamin Hotel for an hourly fee.
Public transit
Take 6 Train or E Train to 51 Street.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Steel Cut Irish Oatmeal$14.00
Dried Fruits and Hazelnuts
Pan Brioche Lemon Greek Yogurt$18.00
Stewed Berries, Mint, Chantilly
Croque Madame$22.00
Bistro Ham, Gruyere, Truffled Mornay, Sunny Side Farm Egg
Breakfast Tacos$19.00
Scrambled Eggs, Chorizo, Avocado, Pico de Gallo, Asiago
Banana Walnut Buttermilk Pancakes$18.00
Caramelized Banana Bruleé, Walnuts, Vermont Maple Syrup
Avocado Toast & Poached Egg$19.00
Farmer's Market Spring Radishes, 7 Grain Toast
Two Eggs Any Style$19.00
Herb Roasted Potatoes, Grilled Country Bread
The Ntl. Benedict$24.00
Crispy Berkshire Pork Belly, Pickled Fresno Peppers, Hollandaise
Today's Greenmarket Omelette$20.00
Herb Roasted Potatoes, Grilled Country Bread
Egg White Frittata$21.00
Shaved Asparagus, Wild Spring Onions, Lollo Rosso Greens
Cast Iron Baked Spinach & Egg Florentine$20.00
Oven Dried Roma Tomatoes, Dodoni Feta, Poached Eggs
Steak & Eggs$30.00
Grilled Flat Iron Steak, Market Greens, Potatoes, Béarnaise

Sides

Cereal$9.00
Thick Cut Bacon$8.00
Hicken Sausage$8.00
Grilled Toast$5.00
Grilled French Ham$8.00
H&H Bagel$8.00
Market Salad$8.00
Herb Roasted Potatoes$7.00

Smoothies

Banana Kiwi$9.00
Foraged Berries$12.00

Zakarian Blend

Alis$6.00
Coperaco 100% Arabica beans from Central and South America
Blossom$6.00
Decaf | Rich flavor and aroma with medium body
Espresso
Medium roast with full body and notes of caramel
- Single$6.00
- Double$8.00
Cafe Latte$7.00
Cappuccino$7.00

Tea

Zakarian Blue$6.00
Geoffrey's Black Tea Blend For Any Time of Day
Grand Yunan Imperial$6.00
Flowery Mild Black Tea
Earl Grey$6.00
Classic Earl Grey with Bergamot and Safflower
Apple Almond$6.00
Black Tea with Fragrant Blend of Apple, Almond, Cinnamon and Vanilla
Smoked Tiger$6.00
Smoked Black Tea with Spruce Tree Notes
Sencha Ariake$6.00
Green Tea from Kyushu Province; Invigorating and Flowery
Green Mint$6.00
Chinese Green Tea with Mint
Jasmine$6.00
Premier Jasmine Green Tea
Cherry Blossom$6.00
Refined Japanese Green Tea with Cherry Blossom
Verbena$6.00
Decaf, Soothing Red Tea with Verbena
Camomille$6.00
Herbal Decaf, Chamomile Infusion Ideal for Evening
Le Palais des Thés Loose Leaf Tea$6.00

What 2,564 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.1

4.1 based on all time ratings

4Food
3.7Service
3.9Ambience
3.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The dinner at the National Bar was spectacular. The service was excellent and the food was spot on. We saved a little money because we used a Travel Zoo voucher. We each had an appetizer, a main and shared desert. I would go back. A great place to dine.
JZ
JudyZ
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
very good always enjoy my meal and experience. would recommend to friends
JP
JPNYC
New York Area
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went for an intimate birthday brunch. The food was great, the service was awesome and I loved the space!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went for brunch. Banana-walnut pancakes were incredible, and a big hit with everyone.
K
Kathy2go
New York Area
86 reviews
vip
4.0
86 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience4
The food and services are top notch. Staffs are friendly as well.
J
Jean
Montreal
41 reviews
vip
5.0
41 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very nice bistro with very good staff and very nice menu with a wide variety of items.
DB
DouglasB
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on March 7, 2020
overall2food2service1ambience1
Oversold, overpriced and underwhelmed. An average meal at a premium price (even for NY NY).
m
michael
New York Area
30 reviews
vip
3.0
30 reviews
Dined on March 6, 2020
overall3food4service2ambience3
Really slow service. They did not appear to be shorthanded, so hard to understand. Took a long time to bring a glass of wine and when we ordered a bottle with dinner took at least 15 minutes to arrive. Please note that the wine, red, was way too warm also. Had to ask to have our appetizer plates removed as they sat there for 20 minutes after we were finished with them. Waiter was friendly when here was around but overall service was really lacking.
AG
AlexG
New York Area
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2020
overall4food4service3ambience4
Food was very good. Waiter was INDIFFERENT and INATTENTIVE. Suggested gratuity was based on total bill AFTER tax, which is typically an AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFIER from a repeat visit.
DG
DorothyG
New York Area
13 reviews
vip
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience4
The place is lovely, but very noisy with tables close to each other. Otherwise, the food was very good as was the service.
v
valerien
New York Area
7 reviews
vip
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on March 3, 2020
overall3food5service5ambience5
Expensive but good food. Go with parents or an expense account
KU
KULWINDERJ
London
17 reviews
vip
2.0
17 reviews
Dined on February 27, 2020
overall2food2service2ambience2
Good for burgers but not non meat options. I has the fish and chips which was just fish sticks and baked wedges, think the menu should be more honest and the chef may want to visit the UK to learn what fish and chips are.
DG
DuxGal
New England
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Lovely service and a delicious meal! They made a birthday celebration special.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Weekend away with the family. It’s one of our all-time favorites! Delicious food and wonderful staff!
F
Foodguy
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place for business lunch. The waiter was very good and attentive. the food came out quick and was very good.
DB
DeborahB
Philadelphia
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall3food3service2ambience3
My dinner was not as expected and I sent it back so while my husband ate I watched. The menu did not have many choices especially if you did not eat meat and only two fish options . The wait staff were disinterested and not friendly. The food was overpriced but expected being in New York.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food4service5ambience5
Good food. Perfect service.
DC
DavidC
New York Area
7 reviews
vip
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall3food4service2ambience3
Was seated 25 minutes after reservation time and didn’t get first course of prix fixe until 30 minutes later
BI
BigIrishDogs5
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 13, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely lovely experience, wonderful service, and the food was exceptional.
C
Craftymom
New York Area
17 reviews
vip
4.0
17 reviews
Dined on February 9, 2020
overall4food3service5ambience5
Warmly greeted on arrival. Service was topnotch. Very pretty, warm ambiance. Had grilled octopus, very tasty. Salmon was good, sides not memorable. Wine list "tres cher'. I'd noted we were celebrating our anniversary and we were treated to as an extra dessert. Overall enjoyable.
RI
RICHs
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 9, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience4
This was my first visit. Our menu selections were delicious. The staff were very observant and attentive to my group.
C
Carl
New York Area
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
First but not last visit. Drinks at the bar first were great. Food was fantastic, and the service attentive. Overall great experience.
r
roryz
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 7, 2020
overall3food3service3ambience1
too loud for lunch convo. the chairs and tables by the bar are old and rickety--sit t the booths to the right of the matri de station and keep away from the bar for lunch
AR
AndreR
New York Area
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 5, 2020
overall3food3service3ambience4
Great lunch at reasonable price. Nothing too fancy but reliable.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
6 reviews
vip
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 3, 2020
overall3food2service3ambience3
Overall OK! Fries were limp, and burger buns looked pale!
n
nbfoodcoma
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 2, 2020
overall5food4service3ambience4
Restaurant week
CD
CeliaD
New York Area
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 1, 2020
overall3food2service5ambience4
This was our second visit. The first time, the food was superb, especially the pork chop. It was tender and perfectly cooked. The second time, the chop was just as costly, but it was tough and leathery. The fish in my fish special was thin and bland. The restaurant itself is stylish, the service very good, but on the basis of this second visit, I'd say the food is inconsistent.
Q
Quintessential32
New York Area
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 30, 2020
overall3food1service4ambience1
This was my second visit for lunch but first during Restaurant Week. The noise level was overwhelming when I arrived for lunch with my friend at 12:45 PM. Naturally it’s expected during that hour but the low key lunch I was hoping for was gone. We ordered the same selections, Butternut squash soup and Branzino. The soup was utterly tasteless. And the fish was perfectly cooked but served over a bed of what appeared to be Farro. I just thought overall it was tasteless, bland with very little sauce. I actually felt hungry when I left the restaurant.
JC
JodyC
Denver
28 reviews
vip
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on January 29, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Business dinner for three. Everything was just perfect, from the drinks to the desserts. Perfectly executed modernized american classics. Best beef tartare I've had in years.
DM
DustinM
New York Area
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 28, 2020
overall3food3service2ambience4
the waiters at the national are always dicks though
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
222 reviews
vip
3.0
222 reviews
Dined on January 28, 2020
overall3food4service2ambience3
Was at a business breakfast and the waitress handed my guest a styrofoam dish for him to pack his own “to-go” food. Then upon leaving the restaurant the two unfriendly hostesses were preoccupied as one was on her cell phone and wouldn’t pick up her head and the other was standing up reading a newspaper wide opened on the hostess stand. Classic result of absentee ownership.
d
debr
New York Area
15 reviews
vip
2.0
15 reviews
Dined on January 23, 2020
overall2food2service3ambience3
Being told to leave a table not just move to another is Unacceptable to me. They needed the table we were at. No offer of a coffee or dessert for the inconvenience just that “we need that table”. Pathetic behavior for what turned out to be an overly priced average meal.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
3 reviews
vip
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 22, 2020
overall4food4service1ambience4
The service was awful this morning
SW
SonjaW
New York Area
20 reviews
vip
4.0
20 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2020
overall4food5service4ambience5
The National never disappoints. The food is reliable, always at least very good and sometimes superb. Tonight they were out of the first wine we chose but the sommelier helped us choose a different bottle which our party of four all enjoyed. The atmosphere is nice, too - it’s lively and a little bit festive. Can get loud at times so not a great choice if you are trying to have a quiet conversation. But this is really one of the very best places in midtown.
a
ashley
Philadelphia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 19, 2020
overall5food4service5ambience5
We went on a Sunday evening and it wasnt crowded as it seemed we had our own private waiter. Our server was great. We started with the octopus which was amazing. My husband had the french onion soup which was delicious. For meals we had the filet and pasta carbanara. They were very good. The only complaint was the pepper sauce on the filet was almost too peppery. Sides were great (Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes).
S
Susan
New England
25 reviews
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on January 19, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
We enjoyed our dinner at The National Bar & Dining Rooms. We elected to sit in a comfortable corner of the room. Our dinner was delicious. The wine was fabulous. Great time had by all.
J
Junior
Cincinnati
29 reviews
4.0
29 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2020
overall4food4service5ambience5
A classy midtown lunch meeting people coming into Grand Central. Great Brussel Sprouts!
s
sherrief
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Have been coming here every trip to nyc for a couple years now. Food is always excellent. Service is stop notch.
d
drcat
New York Area
17 reviews
vip
4.0
17 reviews
Dined on January 11, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience4
Dessert was little disappointing didn’t taste fresh
MH
MichaelH
New York Area
28 reviews
vip
4.0
28 reviews
Dined on January 6, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience4
I have been here several times and it always satisfies. The room is very comfortable bistro old-school - there is a bar area with small tables and a more restaurant type room with regular tables. Both are comfortable. We shared a very tasty peekytoe crab salad with endive and avocado mousee. I had a branzino with a good crispy skin and an array of veggies on the side. My date had the skillet chicken, which he liked but was not wowed, with delicious roast potatoes. It's a bit pricey, but I would still go back.

FAQs

The National Bar & Dining Rooms is rated 4.1 stars by 2564 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Google Map for The National Bar & Dining Rooms

557 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022

Additional information

Cross street
50th Street
Neighborhood
Midtown East
Hours of operation
Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:30 am–10:30 am Sat, Sun 8:00 am–10:30 am Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:30 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Daily 5:30 pm–10:30 pm
Cuisines
Contemporary American, American, Bistro
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Street Parking and Valet Parking provided by The Benjamin Hotel for an hourly fee.
Public transit
Take 6 Train or E Train to 51 Street.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Rezart Gorencavic
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.thenationalnyc.com/
Phone number
(212) 715-2400 ext. 2410
Catering
Allow us to plan your next event, and experience Chef Geoffrey Zakarian’s Modern American Cuisine in a memorable setting. A bronze spiral staircase leads guests from the main restaurant to the second floor of The Benjamin hotel, where five private dining salons accommodate seated dining for up to 80 and cocktail receptions for up to 150. From weddings, baby showers and birthdays, to corporate dinners and holiday parties, leave the details to us. To consult with us about your private dining experience, contact: SLAVKA KMEC T. 212 465 3888 / slavka.kmec@denihan.com
Private party facilities
Private Dining at The National is an unforgettable experience. A stunning, oiled bronze spiral staircase leads guests from the main restaurant to the second floor of The Benjamin hotel, where five dining rooms accommodate seated dining from 10 to 80 and cocktail receptions for up to 200.
Private party contact
Slavka Kmec: (212) 465-3888

The National Bar & Dining Rooms

Permanently Closed

Additional information

Cold

Pastry Basket$15.00

Fresh Fruit Salad$14.00

House Made Granola$14.00

Smoked Scottish Salmon & New York Bagel$22.00

Hot

Steel Cut Irish Oatmeal$14.00

Pan Brioche Lemon Greek Yogurt$18.00

Croque Madame$22.00

Breakfast Tacos$19.00

Banana Walnut Buttermilk Pancakes$18.00

Avocado Toast & Poached Egg$19.00

Two Eggs Any Style$19.00

The Ntl. Benedict$24.00

Today's Greenmarket Omelette$20.00

Egg White Frittata$21.00

Cast Iron Baked Spinach & Egg Florentine$20.00

Steak & Eggs$30.00

Sides

Cereal$9.00

Thick Cut Bacon$8.00

Hicken Sausage$8.00

Grilled Toast$5.00

Grilled French Ham$8.00

H&H Bagel$8.00

Market Salad$8.00

Herb Roasted Potatoes$7.00

Smoothies

Banana Kiwi$9.00

Foraged Berries$12.00

Zakarian Blend

Alis$6.00

Blossom$6.00

Espresso

Cafe Latte$7.00

Cappuccino$7.00

Tea

Zakarian Blue$6.00

Grand Yunan Imperial$6.00

Earl Grey$6.00

Apple Almond$6.00

Smoked Tiger$6.00

Sencha Ariake$6.00

Green Mint$6.00

Jasmine$6.00

Cherry Blossom$6.00

Verbena$6.00

Camomille$6.00

Le Palais des Thés Loose Leaf Tea$6.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

FAQs

How is The National Bar & Dining Rooms restaurant rated?

Permanently Closed

Additional information