Balthazar is one of those places that’s best when they know you. It’s a bustling French brasserie from Keith McNally. Lucky for me, my friend is a regular, and a server recognized her and brought each of us glass of bubbly—on the house. We enjoyed that while nibbling their crusty bread, which is absolutely worth the calories.

My friend loves their salade niçoise with freshly seared tuna, arugula, green beans, and marinated tomatoes ($37). She orders it every time she comes for lunch, since it’s no longer on the dinner menu. I went with the decadent warm goat cheese and caramelized onion tart ($23). And of course we had to include an order of their always-tasty pommes frites ($14).

I recommend a visit to this café for its authentic Parisian atmosphere—and its celebrity clientele. ✨

Balthazar
SoHo
80 Spring Street
New York, NY 10012
(212) 965-1414
balthazarny.com/