Tout Va Bien

311 West 51st Street
New York, NY 10019, United States
(212) 265-0190

open Mon.-Sat. 12pm to 11:45pm, Sunday from 12pm -10pm

Tout Va Bien, a little gem of a French restaurant in the Theater district that has been around since 1948, never fails to lure me in at least once a week. The ambiance is authentically French, but warm, unfussy and unpretentious, serving classic dishes in a lively, crowded, bustling room, where rounds of “merçi beaucoup!” can be heard over the sound of the espresso machine and animated conversations (the staff is French, but all servers are bi-lingual).

The food is rich and delicious, and dishes are standard cuisine, but each prepared with care. You must try the escargot! The garlic and herb butter that they are served in is light and flavorful and every last drop must be sopped up with the warm bread they serve (which is uncharacteristically good). The Boeuf Bourguignon is unspeakably yummy and tender, served on a bed of noodles. The house wine is great, and packs a punch, keeping you well imbibed throughout the evening and the peach melba desert or the crème brûleè will be a much appreciated end to your meal (aficionados will appreciate the caramelized “skin” of the crème brûleè, which cracks satisfyingly).

Espresso however, is ho-hum, so I advise getting your late night coffee fix elsewhere. Having been to several expensive French bistros in NYC and in Paris, I can affirm that this restaurant is one of the best deals around, ranging around $14-25 for an entrée, and the food rivals anything you would find for the same price in France.

I have a feeling that this restaurant is the place savvy Parisians flock to when they are in the city and want a touch of home. It’s a great place to go for a quick meal after a show too! Bon appetit!