The Simone

We go to the Simone to be treated like family, that is if your family lavishes you in warm attention, knows the best wine to pair with your meal, and cooks expertly. This is a neighborhood gem from start to finish

This place is amazing. Everything from being greeted at the door to the food to overall dining experience is fantastic. The service is extremely professional and friendly. The food is incredible. I had the filet mignon which prepare to perfection. This is my new favorite restaurant in NYC

(A Haiku,)
What a stunning place.
Next level impeccable.
Yes, Get the sweetbreads.

My fiancé and I went here about a month ago on a Friday night for dinner. Definitely one of the best dining experiences that we’ve had in NYC. The hostess, which happens to be one of the owners, makes you feel right at home and the service was excellent.
We each had the 6 oz filet mignon as our main course. It was amazing and I inhaled mine, however, I honestly think the filet was really 4 – 5 oz instead, which was a bummer considering how expensive it was, but nonetheless, it was delicious. I cannot recall which wine we had, but it was very good, and the waiter even allowed us to sample a few of them, and the selection is excellent. Without a doubt, one of the best wine menus we’ve seen in NYC. The owner was even so kind to give us a bag of dinner rolls on our way out when my fiancé mentioned how much I was enjoying the bread while we were waiting for our entrees to arrive!
Anyway, this place is definitely worth going to if you’re looking to have a quiet, intimate dinner with that special someone. I highly recommend!

A great alternative to the top 5 NY restaurants! It’s simple: the last time I ate so well or was treated as such, was at Daniel’s. One example: I had ordered a bottle of red wine and one of the dishes we chose was scallops, which doe not pair well with red; we were immediately offered a glass of spanish white wine –just delicious and so delicate. My wife and I, who are somewhat familiar with good food and excellent service, kept noticing all those small details that make all the difference. I knew it was a good restaurant with great reviews and hd high expectations (though I tried to lower them down), but still, I kept being positively surprised by the quality of each dish and the presentation. A real treat. One piece of advice: make sure to have an early and/​or light lunch to be able to enjoy a full course menu. We’ll come back! Thank you for making our day.

KenScale: 8.5÷10
It’s been a while since my last visit to The Simone, a quiet French restaurant in Upper East Side. I was very impressed with the quality of food in a cozy mom-​and-​pop style setting (you have to call to get a reservation, and all menus are handwritten). For my year-​end dinner with best friends, I figured a revisit was in order. Overall, another very good meal, but perhaps not as magical as last time.
There is nothing fussy about the food at The Simone, but you can see that each dish is very well thought-​out to make for a satisfying feast. The cheese soufflé was an excellent start to the meal, as was the crispy sweetbread, which had a nice, smooth texture to it. On the other hand, homemade gnocchi was a bit underwhelming (I was expecting a bit more hearty feel to the dish), and boudin blanc (white sausage) was somewhat predictable. Things got progressively better in main dishes. The flounder this time came in the form of «paupiette» stuffing; I did prefer the more straightforward dish that I had last time. On the other hand, the sea bass special was excellent, with perfectly cooked fish, while both duck and filet mignon were also very juicy and tender. Overall, however, I felt that one punch line was somewhat missing from the meal this time. The desserts were even more mixed; the two chocolate desserts were more or less pedestrian, although the Basque cake was quite delightful, with moderate level of sweetness that was just to my liking.
The manager and wife of the chef, Tina Vaughn, is still around greeting and entertaining diners. Her presence makes this place sort of a elegant supper party. I was certainly not disappointed with my second visit, but perhaps I’ll take another visit next time to see how the food evolves again.

One of the best meals I’ve had in New York, hands down.
Was looking for a special place to take my lady, and we had decided on French. I needed some place near our hotel or near Radio City where we were seeing a show, and out of the limited options, this looked like the best. Unfortunately, when I called at the end of November for a reservation, their outgoing message said they were booked for the entire month of December. Well, I knew I chose right at that point, but what to do? I left a message hoping there would be a cancellation, and they called me the next day to tell me they could squeeze me in at 5:45 for a pre-​theater dinner (meaning they knew we’d be out in an hour or so). Score!
This is a very small restaurant — only a handful of tables. Very minimalist decorations, but extremely classy and a dress code that if they don’t need to enforce, because the patrons know better. Our waitress knew the menu inside and out — i was thoroughly impressed with the breadth of her knowledge. She was extremely helpful in making our choices as we were both a bit stuck between a couple of items.
I was stuck between the duck and the chicken, but leaning toward the duck. They had a special on braised short ribs that sounded interesting, too, but the duck was calling my name. She emphatically suggested the duck — not that the chicken wasn’t good, but apparently this chef was becoming known for his duck. That the good lord that I went with her suggestion. This was a plate with sliced duck breast, a portion of thigh, and another portion of… lets just call it duck leftover (liver, etc). It was served with stuff but I don’t remember what else was on the plate and it doesn’t matter. The duck practically melted in my mouth. It was without a doubt some of the best I have ever had.
Its amusing to me, but I didn’t eat duck for the longest time until a few years ago, Melissa and I went to the Epcot Flower and Garden festival at Disney and I decided to try the duck at the French emporium and fell in love with it. Since then, duck has become something of a go-​to when I eat French, but I have never had it as good as here. Forget you Disney, I love you, but NYC has you beat.
The other great part of this meal were the drinks. I ordered an old fashioned, and I’ve never had an old fashioned this smooth and tasty. I don’t understand why they all can’t be like this. Melissa, however, asked for a drink menu and our waitress told us the bartender was a wizard. Just tell him what you like, and he’ll make it. So she told him that she wanted something seasonal — something wintery — sweet and made with vodka. The drink he came up with was amazing. He told us what was in it and I don’t remember. Something to do with home made ice cream, I think, but whatever it was, this guy is a genius. I’d say he was wasting away at Simone, but seeing as how good Simone was, I guess he’s right where he should be.
Not a place I could come back to often. Don’t be fooled by the $$$. If it is $$$, then its just barely missing the fourth. But for a special event or a special day or if you have some organs to sell, then this is the place to eat.

Oh, I so wanted to like the Simone. The owner was so gracious and accomodating, the menu looked like fun, and the first dish (pig trotter) was quite good. But then it spiralled into bad mediocrity. Some of the mains were really horrible. Others were OK. Partially redeemed, but only partially, by a very accessible wine list.

Where should I start? How about the fact that this is without a doubt the best dining experience I’ve had so far in my 4 years living in this city. Everything was prepared to perfection. No expense was spared, no detail was overlooked. And the wine… if you are an oenophile, try the wine pairing. Let’s the host take you through the journey — the harmony, the contrast, the complement. I’m so glad I’ve found this before it inevitably catches the Michelin bug. Thank you Nick and Jancis for this recommendation!

Just had dinner there. I mad a reservation weeks in advance and could only get a 6PM. However, the restaurant was almost empty when we arrived and at least ½ empty when we left at 8:15. i was told the day before that they still did not have a later time.
The service at the restaurant is wonderful, but the food was just OK and not worth a second visit although we live in the neighborhood.

Very good food, excellent service.
I was there with my Wife on Tuesday.
Cordially weiter and available Staff.
Food great

Our first (and definitely not our last) meal at The Simone was wonderful. We arrived relatively early on a Thursday evening and didn’t have a reservation, but were fortunate enough that they managed to accommodate us.
To start I had the Pork Terrine with Foie Gras and my husband had the Pig Trotters — not the whole trotters mind you, just the succulent meat taken off of the slow cooked trotters. For our main dishes I had the Rabbit, cooked to perfection, and my husband had the duck off of the main menu. The duck was prepared three ways, first duck confit, second duck breast and finally pieces of shredded duck on a crisply croûton — my husbands comment was «This is the best duck dish I’ve had anywhere, just wow!» High praise indeed given that he’s eaten at many Michelin Starred restaurants in Europe and the US!
If you’re looking for a romantic meal out for two, or an intimate small group dinner, then look no further! Make a reservation for The Simone and enjoy fantastic food, with attentive service, combined with an intimate ambiance. What a perfect package and a wonderful find!
We truly enjoyed the warmth, professionalism, delicious food and wine, as well as the attention to detail and level of personal attention. Everyone was wonderful, but we would especially like to single out Priscilla, who’s passion shone through as she described and recommended the desert options!
We’re looking forward to our next visit to The Simone very soon!

We came here later on a Saturday evening and were very impressed.
Note that you must make a reservation by phone (but they return voicemails promptly). The reservations are very accommodating and we didn’t have trouble getting a table one week out.
Décor was simple and elegant, like being in a home. As noted by others, the crowd is a little on the older side, but it’s overall a nice atmosphere, and very well-​suited for a nice couple’s dinner or dinner with friends. Do be sure to dress a little nicer.
The service was excellent. We showed up about 15 minutes early, and were seated right away. The staff was very friendly, professional, helpful, attentive and accommodating.
The food itself was also excellent. This is what we had (all shared between two and a good amount of food):
–Savory tart, with caramelized onions, prosciutto, egg yolk and mushrooms. Possibly our favorite dish of the night, it’s terrific — savory and sweet and with the best crust.
–Trio of crabmeat appetizers. We enjoyed this a great deal too, especially the crabcake. The sauces went well with each preparation, and there were good chunks of meat.
–Sweetbreads. Our first time with them, and they were fantastic. A little on the heavier side of appetizers, but really great at soaking up the flavors of the delicious mushroom and hazelnut sauce, with a great crust.
–Duck entrée. Seared duck breast (with excellent crispy skin) and thigh, with a vegetable croquette. Cooked perfectly, plenty to share for two.
To complement it all, we had the wine-​pairing with our dinner (as others have suggested) and were blown away. We’ve never really done wine-​pairings with food, but this really opened our eyes to how good it can be. Each wine was selected specifically for our dishes and really highlighted and accented them. It’s really a must-​get and must-​try.
Overall, an excellent little restaurant on the UES that we will be back to try soon.

Very lovely restaurant where you spend the night dining, not just eating out. Service is impeccable and the food delicious (savory tart and salmon special stand out). I do, however, wish I knew the average age of the diners is 65+. Not the crowd and vibe my date and I were expecting, nor are used to. This is a perfect spot for a culinary experience where you aren’t expecting an energetic atmosphere. Was surprised the wine list (which was very good) was pretty affordable, because the food is quite pricey. All in all, a very special night out.

We were on an uptown staycation and had heard some talk about how good this place was. This talk was accurate.
Five stars is definitely reflective of the overall experience. The ambiance, the staff, the owners, the wine, the food and lastly the price.
The ambiance is romantic, soft, easy. It’s in a townhouse which feels special to us downtown people used to huge glass restaurants and smaller brick and metal places. The staff are enthusiastic, proud to be there, kind and and attentive. It’s rare so many people can wait on one table and it all feels seamless and also un-​stuffy. Kind of like you are having dinner in someone’s home, provided that person was trained in the art of fine dining service.
The wine pairings are handled by one of the owners. Her pairings are smart, inventive and generous. She’s also a huge part of what makes this place feel special, a master sommelier and consummate host.
The food is excellent. It’s delicious, consistent and flavorful. Each dish was very good. We shared a bunch of stuff and they split it between us generously. The sweetbreads with morels, a crab salad, a flounder, all delicious. A savory tart paired with a unique white from
san gimignano was a highlight.
After dinner we hung around chatting (we were the last people left) and didn’t feel an iota rushed or intrusive.
When we left my wife and I asked ourselves what felt so different here than the great restaurants downtown, or anywhere. A lot of places have great food and service. Here, it Doesn’t feel like anyone is at work. And you don’t really feel like a customer. And at this level of food, wine and service that’s pretty special.
The only bummer is now we have to go back. And it’s so far from our apartment.

This place is a gem! Such a cute little restaurant, with great food, great service, and excellent wine! The atmosphere and décor were quaint and cozy. We had a fantastic dinner. Also, the location is just steps away from the Met! Perfect for an evening out on the town :)

Great food and even better service. The staff were great about checking in with us with a friendly smile. We split a salad, which was more flavorful than I was anticipating, I’m glad we ordered that. I ordered the duck, which was cooked to perfection.
My only critique is that the décor seemed a little bland. Lots of white, with white tablecloths. But that’s not a big concern, and I’ll be sure to tell my friends about this place.

Absolutely wonderful dining experience! My boyfriend and I came here for Valentines Day after walking by a few months ago and becoming intrigued by the hand written menu. Thankfully we made reservations early as this place books up fast and far in advance.
The décor is beautiful and quaint– I particularly liked the rose petals and candy hearts on each table for Valentines Day. The service was exceptional as well– while I waited for my date they were attentive and complimentary. Tina came over to introduce herself as well which was a nice touch.
Now to the food! I have the butternut squash ravioli for an appetizer and my boyfriend got the savory tart. Mine was rich and balanced with flavor– a real treat. My boyfriend thought the tart was a bit on the sweet side but I thought it was great– flaky pastry with sunny side up egg and prosciutto. Delicious. For our entrees I got the special lobster dish– 1.5 lbs with pasta and vegetables for $ 49. AMAZING. It was well worth the price as it was very filling and beautifully balanced with a gorgeous presentation. The flounder my boyfriend had was on point as well– a truly unique flavor. Finally for desert we split the pavlova– merengue with honey ice cream and cranberry sorbet… insanely good. Probably the best desert I’ve had in years.
As a nice added touch, Tina offered us a gift from the chef on our way out– chocolates!
All in all, this restaurant is worth the hype. It’s quintessential UES eating with superb staff, food and atmosphere. HIGHLY recommended. Just remember to book early!

Fine dining at its best!
Fresh food, properly prepared with a service staff that is absolutely nothing short of amazing.
I’ll admit, I’m no wine expert. Nevertheless, we opted for the wine pairing, and I was blown away. Each bite was perfectly complemented by the wine. I never realized that food and wine when paired correctly could so enhance the flavors of an entire meal. It is without question that Tina is an artist in this regard.
Furthermore, Tina did a wonderful job of coordinating the staff and the overall pace of the meal. Everything simply flows. From food to décor to service, I’d be hard pressed to find flaws with any of it.
The seafood tasted as if it crawled out of the ocean onto the plate. I was particularly impressed by the crabmeat salad that was beyond refreshing. My only regret is that it was a special for the evening, as everyone should be so fortunate to sample it.
My duck was spot on cooked to perfection – a sampling of both breast and thigh. Perfectly seasoned and garnished. To steal from Gordon Ramsey, I was tempted to lick the plate. The chef is a true master of his craft. There was not a bite of food with which I was not impressed.
The dessert was decadent. Even this course was enhanced by just the right wine.
The space of the restaurant is small. There are a dozen tables give or take. The intimate setting. The fine food. The attention to detail by the the owners and staff. Dinner for two – 2 apps, 2 mains, 1 shared dessert and wine pairing with tax and tip were over $ 300. However, even at that price point, I felt that the experience of this establishment was well worth it. I was that impressed.

Describing a restaurant as «magical» is a cliché, but our first (and certainly not last) meal at The Simone was exactly that. I enjoyed the most amazing food, wine, and service – and I still can’t explain how any of the tricks were performed.
I have been to fancier restaurants, but I have never been better taken care of in my life. The servers are correct in every way, the pacing perfect and unhurried. But this never veers into starchiness or snobbery. On the contrary, the service seems designed to make you comfortable. If you’re used to the affectations of the current dining scene, this takes some getting used to.
The food is solidly in the classic French tradition, but everything tastes like a revelation. My gazpacho (a special appetizer) had the kind of clarity that stops conversation; my husband’s goat cheese soufflé was impossibly airy and light. My duck was satisfying without being heavy. (His halibut, a special entrée, seemed less compelling, but it’s tough to compete with duck.) The citrus tart was indeed a bit tart for my taste; the chocolate bombe was a better choice for my sweet tooth.
I was told by a foodie friend to have Tina Vaughn choose wines to accompany each course. (Bonus: She then explains her choices in the most charming way). Folks, I don’t care how much you know about wine – this strategy is not optional. For $ 55 per person (4 different wines for each of us), our meal was immeasurably enhanced, pour after generous pour. We were absolutely plastered as we hugged Tina goodbye, and she seemed just as tickled as we were.
I’ve heard The Simone called retro, but that doesn’t explain what makes it so remarkable. To me, it feels mature and confident, like the realization of a personal vision, not a focus group. That’s not retro, it’s radical.