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Le Rock

RESTAURANT SUMMARY

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Where Art Deco glamour meets Parisian brasserie tradition, Le Rock New York City transforms Rockefeller Center into a theatrical stage for French culinary excellence. This grand 140-seat destination from James Beard Award-winning restaurateurs Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr elevates the classic brasserie experience with sophisticated flair and creative interpretations of beloved French standards.

Opening in 2022, Le Rock represents the culmination of Hanson and Nasr's decades-long partnership, following their acclaimed success at Frenchette and legendary tenures at Balthazar, Pastis, and Minetta Tavern. Their vision for Le Rock honors both the architectural heritage of its iconic Midtown location and the timeless appeal of French brasserie culture. The restaurant earned recognition on Esquire's Best New Restaurants in America 2022 and received two stars from New York Times critic Pete Wells, cementing its status among New York City's premier dining destinations.

The cuisine at Le Rock showcases classic French technique with inspired modern touches, featuring signature dishes like their celebrated bison au poivre—a leaner interpretation of the traditional steak preparation—and theatrical leeks vinaigrette prepared tableside. The menu balances perennial favorites with weekly-changing specialties, highlighting exceptional raw bar offerings including oyster towers, razor clams, and poached Dungeness crab. Standout preparations include quenelle de brochet, house-made pâté en croûte, and decadent profiteroles finished with buckwheat honey fudge. The kitchen's commitment to authentic French flavors extends to rich brown butter sauces, classic béarnaise, and seasonal preparations like asparagus with sauce gribiche.

Designed by acclaimed studio Workstead, Le Rock's interior captures the sophisticated energy of 1930s Manhattan through warm bronze details, custom lighting, and terrazzo floors that complement the building's Art Deco architecture. The central bar serves as the restaurant's beating heart, where skilled bartenders craft artisanal cocktails alongside an extensive French wine program emphasizing natural selections and grower Champagnes. The spacious dining room balances intimacy with grandeur, featuring banquette seating and freestanding tables that accommodate both business dinners and celebratory occasions.

Reservations at Le Rock book quickly through Resy, though the welcoming bar accommodates walk-ins seeking the full brasserie experience. The restaurant operates daily for lunch and dinner, with seasonal outdoor seating available in Rockefeller Plaza. Private dining options cater to special events, while the main dining room's theatrical atmosphere makes every meal feel like an occasion worthy of its legendary Midtown address.

CHEF

Geoffrey Lechantoux

ACCOLADES

(2025) Michelin Plate

(2025) James Beard Award Outstanding Restaurateur #1

(2025) Opinionated About Dining Top Restaurants in North America Ranked #305

(2024) Opinionated About Dining Top Restaurants in North America Ranked #392

CONTACT

45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111

+1 332-258-8734

FEATURED GUIDES

NEARBY RESTAURANTS

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