Le Coucou

Le Coucou

138 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013, United States

+1 212-271-4252

Restaurant, Breakfast restaurant, Family restaurant, Fine dining restaurant, French restaurant, Lunch restaurant, Modern European restaurant, Modern French restaurant
(2018)
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About This Place

Nestled in the heart of New York’s vibrant SoHo district, Le Coucou stands as a beacon of elevated French dining that masterfully blends tradition with modern flair. This exceptional restaurant invites guests to embark on a culinary journey through exquisitely crafted dishes that capture the essence of both classic and contemporary French cuisine. With a menu that reads like a love letter to refined gastronomy, Le Coucou offers an unforgettable experience for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, transforming every meal into a celebration of flavor, artistry, and ambiance.

The culinary offering at Le Coucou is nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing French classics alongside innovative interpretations. Signature plates such as the delicate Paris Brest—a nuanced choux pastry filled with praline cream—and the decadently rich Halibut Beurre Blanc showcase the kitchen’s precision and passion. Equally enticing is the Avocado Toast for a fresh take on a contemporary staple, and the luxurious Oursins Au Champagne that elevates sea urchins with effervescent elegance. Each dish, from the delicate Sole Veronique to the luscious Ris De Veau à L’Estragon, offers a symphony of textures and flavors designed to thrill the palate.

Le Coucou takes pride in its well-curated prix fixe menus that perfectly balance classic sophistication with modern sensibility. For lunch, guests might savor the Consommé a l’alsacienne, a triple consommé enriched with Gewürztraminer and sauerkraut dumplings—each sip warming and intricate in its depth. Other starters, such as the Thon a’ l’espelette with its subtle heat and finesse, prepare diners for the remarkable main courses to follow. Evening dining is an even more immersive affair, with an option for a “Very CouCou Dinner” or a meticulously structured four-course experience, each accompanied by sommelier-selected wine pairings that heighten the natural brilliance of every plate.

The dining atmosphere is a perfect marriage of elegance and intimacy. Guests are enveloped in a beautifully designed space that manages to feel both luxurious and inviting. From the gentle candlelight that flickers across white linens to the mesmerizing open kitchen where the culinary team’s controlled bursts of passion—and occasional cries of “Oui!”—add a human touch to this polished performance, every detail is crafted to awaken the senses and calm the soul. The service matches the culinary excellence: confident, attentive, and yet unobtrusive, allowing the food and company to take center stage.

Indeed, diners consistently applaud Le Coucou for its exceptional hospitality and flawless execution. Reviewer Ethan Anderson captures this wonderfully, remarking on the remarkable talent and devotion bubbling just out of sight in the kitchen, while Thomas Lee praises the thoughtful balance of richness and restraint in every dish. Romantic celebrations and special occasions find a natural home here, with guests like Lauren P. highlighting the warm, personalized attention that makes milestones feel truly cherished.

In short, Le Coucou is not merely a restaurant—it’s an exquisite sensory experience that transports you straight to the heart of France, with every bite and every moment lingering in your memory long after the meal ends. For those seeking a dining destination where culinary artistry and timeless French charm converge in New York City, Le Coucou promises an encounter with elegance, flavor, and heartfelt hospitality that is simply unmatched.

Service options
Dine-in Delivery Takeaway
Highlights
Great cocktails Great coffee Great dessert Great wine list
Popular for
Lunch Dinner
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Organic dishes Small plates Wine
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet
Atmosphere
Cosy Romantic Trendy Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly LGBTQ+ friendly Tourists Transgender safe space
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended Lunch reservations recommended Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations Usually a wait
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking Paid multi-storey car park Paid street parking Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    11:30 AM - 02:00 PM 05:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    11:30 AM - 02:00 PM 05:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    11:30 AM - 10:45 PM
  • Thursday
    11:30 AM - 02:00 PM 05:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Friday
    11:30 AM - 02:00 PM 05:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Saturday
    11:30 AM - 02:30 PM 05:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Sunday
    11:30 AM - 02:00 PM 05:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Ethan Anderson
    3 week ago

    One of the best restaurants in NYC. The food is just amazing. Every dish is the best thing you have ever had (or at least this week if you eat at Michelin Starred restaurants every week). The maniacs in the kitchen (you hear them yell "Ouii" after every order is read by the Sou Chef as you eat) are incredibly talented and have attention to detail that would normally be considered a problem. The service is excellent as well. Everything was properly paced, and all the service was smooth and unobtrusive (unfortunately for wait staff, if you can't remember them even being there they did their job at the highest level). I've been here for lunch and dinner and both were occasions I won't forget.

  • Thomas Lee
    1 month ago

    Le Coucou is special. The food is rich, classic, and perfectly done without feeling over the top. Every dish feels thoughtful, from the sauces to the presentation. The room is beautiful but still comfortable, and the service is calm and confident. It’s the kind of place you go for a real dining experience, not just a meal. Worth it.

  • John Gonzalez
    1 month ago

    You’re gonna love this place! It’s an elegant French restaurant with a full menu of incredible food and wines — perfect for a romantic date or a special celebration. I started with the Thon à l’Espelette, a tuna appetizer that was absolutely amazing. For the main course, we had the Filet de Bœuf — insanely delicious, tender meat served with creamy mashed potatoes and bone marrow. We also tried the Agneau Printanier, which comes with lamb chops and a small pot of slow-cooked lamb — juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. For drinks, I went with a non-alcoholic cider (Longe Cider) — refreshing and fantastic. Prices are fair for the quality and experience — not cheap, but if you appreciate top-notch food and fine dining, this place is totally worth it.

  • Lauren P
    1 month ago

    This was the BEST dining experience I have had in a long time. My husband and I were celebrating our wedding anniversary, and everyone from the hostess to the waitress to the support staff were wishing us a Happy Anniversary and making sure we were comfortable throughout the night. The service was impeccable, our waitress was attentive, and the whole dinner ran smoothly. The most impressive thing that I took away from this experience was the fact that the kitchen went above and beyond to give us a crème brûlée for our dessert to celebrate our anniversary, since due to my food allergies, I could not eat other desserts that were on the menu. The food was amazing and we will be returning 100%.

  • Mariana Murrieta
    1 month ago

    We had an amazing time at Le Coucou. The whole experience felt incredibly romantic, especially with the candlelit atmosphere and the beautiful open-kitchen concept. The room itself was stunning and set the perfect tone for the night. The drinks were amazing. We weren’t impressed with the tuna or lobster, but the monkfish was definitely interesting and unique. The bone marrow and steak were absolutely life-changing. The veal chop was also very good. Dessert was a highlight. We loved that they offered cheese to finish, and the crème brûlée paired with the passionfruit sorbet was the perfect ending. Overall, a beautiful experience and a place we’d definitely return to.

  • Alan S
    2 month ago

    Excellent Atmosphere and Hospitality. Food quality was excellent, as always. Our server Paolo was very knowledgeable about all the items on the menu, as well as the wine recommendations. We had the Yellowfin Tuna, Morrells, Lobster and Filet. All 5/5 choices. Deserts was phenomenal. A true experience, not just a dinner. We had a 10:45 reservation but arrived at 9 and were seated very promptly.

  • sergey sterling
    3 month ago

    This is probably my favourite restaurant in New York. The food is always delicious, the service is excellent, and the atmosphere is amazing. You must try the tartare with caviar and the crème brûlée. Our sommelier was simply magical! I haven't had such amazing wine in a long time! This was my second visit, and I will definitely be back.

  • Nadia Bashir
    4 month ago

    Le Coucou has been on my list for what feels like forever, and I’m so happy we finally made it in to experience it. From the moment we sat down, it was clear why this spot has the reputation it does. The menu, while reading as incredibly exotic and uniquely curated, reveals so many thoughtful intricacies once the dishes actually arrive. Each plate feels like a quiet little masterpiece! Bold in flavor and elegant in technique! We decided to lean into our server’s recommendations, and happy we did! Every single dish was truly mouthwatering in its own way. We started with the eggplant, then came the sliced tuna, perfectly seasoned and impossibly fresh, with a silky texture that practically melted the moment it touched your tongue. The fish dish with the buttery mousse was to die for, one of those plates you already start craving again halfway through eating it. Beyond the food, the entire experience felt intentional and intimate, from the knowledgeable service to the way each dish was delivered with just enough context to make you appreciate the craftsmanship behind it Safe to say Le Coucou fully lived up to the hype fand then some!!)

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