Seemor
The Consulate MidtownB+Worth Trying
44 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019
· French restaurant, American restaurant, Bar
· 4.7/5 Google (1156 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Stylish French-American spot with standout soups, steaks, and service at happy hour; pricing is high and service speed/host stand issues show up on busy nights.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
The Consulate Midtown delivers competitive neighborhood dining through strong food quality anchored by excellent French onion soup and steaks, paired with attentive service in a beautifully designed brasserie setting. However, inconsistent execution and service pacing challenges on busy nights prevent a higher grade, while isolated but serious food safety reports warrant caution despite otherwise positive impressions.
Restaurant Summary
The Consulate Midtown plays up classic brasserie glamour with a sweeping staircase and a bar that feels warm and buzzing. Many guests call out gracious servers who keep things on track, while a few describe slow pacing or a curt host stand. One diner summed it up: service that feels genuinely caring, in a room made for lingering. No major authenticity flags, but expect a busy Midtown scene on peak nights. The cooking leans French with confident touches—think bone marrow, escargots, and a notably rich onion soup—plus modern detours like miso salmon and lamb tartare. The culinary approach is contemporary brasserie: ingredient-driven with a few fusion accents rather than theatrics. Steaks often impress, though occasional misses on doneness and seasoning mean results can swing between refined comfort and uneven. Families can do well here if kids like familiar comforts. There is a burger, fries, pastas, and brunch pancakes that read as kid-friendly options. No dedicated kids menu is evident, and upstairs seating plus stairs can be tricky with strollers. For picky eaters, stick to simpler plates and consider quieter times.
At a Glance
- Beautiful brasserie interior with inviting glow
- Strong happy hour value and cocktails
- French onion soup, bone marrow, and steaks often shine
- Service pacing can lag on busy nights
- Accessibility challenges due to staircase and no elevator
What Sets It Apart
- handsome_two-level_design
- serious_raw_bar
- strong_happy_hour_program
What People Love
- Cozy-chic room that feels special
- Attentive servers who guide choices
- Rich onion soup and generous bone marrow
- Desserts like pineapple cake and creme brulee
Points of Concern
- Occasional slow pacing and long waits during peak periods
- Host stand interactions feel curt or unhelpful in some accounts
- Inconsistent doneness on steaks and seasoning on fish for a minority
- Isolated pest and safety reports require caution
- Review patterns show both glowing highs and sharp lows; experiences can vary night to night
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$80-110 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For seafood lovers: start with oysters ($28 half dozen) then branzino ($46) or miso salmon ($46).
- Steak night: ribeye ($79) with bernaise ($4) and crispy maitake ($17).
- Brunch: blueberry cast-iron pancakes ($19) and salmon Benedict ($32).
Perfect For
- Date night over steak frites and wine
- Business dinner near MoMA and 5th Ave
- Happy hour oysters and cocktails
- Celebratory brunch with desserts
Location Insights
Area: Upscale Midtown block near offices and luxury hotels; draws business diners, travelers, and pre-theater crowds.
Safety: Well-trafficked, well-lit central Midtown corridor; generally safe with steady foot traffic into evening.
Nearby: Close to 5th Ave shopping, MoMA, hotels like The Whitby; convenient for office lunches and pre-theater dinners.
Hell's KitchenHell's Kitchen offers a dynamic dining environment with a mix of casual eateries, trendy restaurants, and classic New York establishments. The area is lively, with a diverse crowd drawn by its proximity to Broadway theaters and the Theater District, making it popular for both locals and visitors seeking varied culinary experiences.
The Theater DistrictCentered around the Broadway theaters, this micro-neighborhood is characterized by high foot traffic, upscale dining options, and entertainment-focused venues catering to theater audiences and tourists.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–22:00
Tuesday11:00–22:00
Wednesday11:00–22:00
Thursday11:00–22:00
Friday11:00–22:00
Saturday10:00–22:00
Sunday10:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →