Coined “the most anticipated restaurant opening of 2013,” Lafayette quickly became New York’s most desired reservation as hundreds of NYC foodies rushed to the restaurant to experience the hype. Opened by Andrew Carmellini, the famous chef and restaurateur behind Laconde Verde and the Dutch, I couldn’t wait to go to Lafayette and experience the hype for myself. I have been to Lafayette for both brunch and dinner and have been VERY pleased on both occasions. Lafayette has one of my favorite outdoor seating spaces in NYC and is great for warmer days…
Lafayette is known for their Breakfast & Brunch and I can’t reiterate enough HOW incredible their brunch really is! I need to highlight two things: the AMAZING quality of the brunch food and how knowledgeable and nobread friendly the servers/managers are. Like all French brasseries, a list of delicious looking breads and pastries lined the menu which made me a bit nervous; however, the menu is also very nobread friendly! Best nobread orders: the fresh fruit salad, omelette du jour, egg white frittata, soft scrambled eggs, smoked salmon benedict (nobread), burger (nobread), and the steak frites (served at dinner, as well). The pommes de rotisserie are fabulous and the pommes frites are great, too, and NOT subject to any cross contamination. I ordered the omelette du jour which was filled with a medley of summer squashes, as well as the potatoes– both were delicious. My friend ordered the smoked salmon benedict nobread and raved about her dish, as well.
Second and most important about Lafayette is the service. When our very friendly and hospitable waitress came to our table to tell us the day’s specials she highlighted the omelette du jour, and noted that it was gluten free, and the soup of the day, which she commented was both gluten and dairy free. I love this kind of service- she saved me the aggravation of having to ask! This is the first time I have been to non-dedicated gluten free or vegan restaurant where a server has volunteered that an entrée is nobread approved without me even asking! This type of service has officially made me a loyal customer. I felt comfortable then volunteering the fact that I was gluten free and I was able to trust that the servers and kitchen staff at Lafayette understood gluten free and dietary restrictions.
The dinner at Lafayette is great, too. I recommend the Mediterranean octopus, any of the fish dishes, steak frites, and rotisserie chicken for two. Before you leave, check out the Lafayette Bakery… the macaroons are nobread friendly and delicious!