Seemor
The Consulate UWSA-Worth Trying
519 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
· French restaurant, Cocktail bar, French steakhouse restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (1923 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
A stylish UWS spot for polished French-leaning plates, strong cocktails, and standout hospitality, with premium pricing and occasional inconsistencies at peak times.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
The Consulate UWS delivers exceptional food quality and outstanding service attentiveness that position it among the area's better neighborhood restaurants, yet inconsistent execution prevents grade A territory—some dishes shine while others disappoint. The chic interior and appealing Upper West Side location create an elegant, comfortable setting, though moderate authenticity concerns introduce slight uncertainty in the assessment.
Restaurant Summary
On Columbus and 85th, the room feels chic and welcoming with a neighborhood hum: bar clatter, warm lighting, and servers who remember faces. One diner summed it up: "From oysters to dessert, the night just flowed." However, there are some review authenticity concerns suggesting certain reviews may be solicited or influenced. The cooking leans classic French with modern flourishes—think lamb tartare and short rib cavatelli alongside a raw bar and a miso-glazed salmon. It is ingredient-driven rather than flashy, supported by a confident cocktail program and a wine list locals praise for fit more than spectacle. Best for those who enjoy elegant comfort over theatrics. Families do fine here thanks to accessible dishes like burgers, fries, pastas, pancakes, and avocado toast. Servers are typically patient, though peak holidays can be hectic. If your kids prefer very simple food, aim for brunch or early evening and steer toward crowd-pleasers like fries, burgers, and pancakes.
At a Glance
- Engaged, personable service with memorable staff shoutouts
- Standout dishes include lamb tartare, short rib cavatelli, and sticky toffee cake
- Sophisticated yet comfortable ambiance with seasonal festivity
- Peak-night delays and holiday overbooking reports
- Premium pricing with occasional small portions
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- polished_neighborhood_brasserie
- raw_bar_plus_steaks
- memorable_service_culture
What People Love
- Warm, refined vibe that still feels local
- Servers who anticipate needs and add celebratory touches
- Raw bar and tartare executed with finesse
- Desserts that leave a lasting impression
Points of Concern
- Holiday or event nights can bring long waits and pacing issues
- A few dishes land bland or overcooked compared to the norm
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($38+ mains) which may surprise casual diners
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (staff name repetition, marketing language) which may not reflect typical diner experience
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$70-100 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For vegetarians: Brussels & Kale Salad ($24) and Gnocchi Pesto ($33)
- For seafood fans: Tuna Tartare ($27) and Roasted Branzino ($46)
- For comfort: Short Rib Cavatelli ($38) and Truffle Fries ($17)
Perfect For
- Date night with cocktails and oysters
- Celebratory dinners with polished service
- Solo bar dining with champagne and oysters
- Friends catching up over small plates
Location Insights
Area: Residential, affluent, culture-loving neighborhood near Central Park; draws locals and destination diners.
Safety: Generally safe and well-lit with steady foot traffic, especially evenings and weekends.
Nearby: Close to Central Park, museums, brownstones, cafes, and boutique retail; strong brunch and dinner crowd.
Upper West SideThe Upper West Side boasts a diverse dining scene ranging from classic New York delis and casual cafes to upscale restaurants. The atmosphere is generally relaxed and family-friendly, with a strong community feel and a steady flow of locals and tourists visiting nearby museums and parks.
Lincoln SquareLincoln Square is known for its cultural venues like Lincoln Center, attracting an arts-oriented crowd. Dining here includes a mix of sophisticated restaurants and casual spots catering to both pre- and post-performance crowds.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:00–22:00
Tuesday10:00–22:00
Wednesday10:00–22:00
Thursday10:00–22:00
Friday10:00–22:30
Saturday10:00–22:30
Sunday10:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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