A French Affair

The perfect combination of classy French restaurant and glamorous nightlife destination, Bruno Jamais Restaurant Club is an Upper East Side gem. It originally debuted as an exclusive club but has since opened its doors to all.

Parisian owner and host Bruno Jamais served as Maitre’d at Daniel for a decade and at Alain Ducasse thereafter, so his standards for décor, cuisine, and hospitality rank high.

Rockstar architect Tony Chi designed the Neo-Classical townhouse with captivating modern artwork, so the place feels like a regally inspired 21st Century salon. Chef John Keller, a 30 year old wunderkind, from Nobu and Le Bernardin helms the kitchen. His Asian inflected French menu truly rocks: with dishes like lobster brulee and an artfully presented quartet of scallops, each rendered in a spectacularly different fashion.

After 11 p.m., an abbreviated menu (including Beluga caviar service) emerges as the restaurant turns into a nightclub with Champagne-popping patrons dancing on gold velvet banquettes.

As Cite’s famed $69 wine dinner disappears with the restaurant’s imminent closing, Bruno Jamais’ live music accompanied $25 Sunday night prix-fixe may be the city’s best deal in town.


Bruno Jamais Restaurant Club
24 East 81st Street (near Madison Avenue)
Tel: (212) 396-3444
brunojamais.com