Orsay

The story

Orsay: Parisian Brasserie on the Upper East Side, NYC

The Setting

Orsay brings the spirit of a Parisian brasserie to 1057 Lexington Avenue on the Upper East Side. Designed by Jean Denoyer, the room strikes a delicate balance between sophistication and warmth. Dark mahogany paneling contrasts with buttery Art Nouveau arches, while hand-laid Italian mosaic tiles spread across the floor in intricate patterns. Art Nouveau chandeliers, custom-made from a chandelier Denoyer discovered in a Paris antique shop, cast a soft glow. Frosted glass atop the banquettes provides privacy, and a 24-foot pewter-topped bar anchors the space. French doors open onto a sidewalk terrace, making the brasserie feel both transportive and distinctly New York. The bar is a gathering spot in its own right, offering a curated selection of wines and cocktails.

The Food

The kitchen marries modern French techniques with classic brasserie fare. The menu changes throughout the day—lunch, brunch, and dinner—offering starters like velouté d’artichaut and a selection of oysters, followed by mains such as herb-roasted farm chicken, steak frites, and moules frites in a spicy coconut-lime broth. An award-winning wine list of 225 predominantly French and American varietals complements every course. Weekend brunch brings its own selection, reinforcing Orsay’s role as a neighborhood staple from morning through evening. The kitchen also offers weekly specials that highlight seasonal ingredients and traditional preparations.

Recognition

Orsay’s consistent execution has earned it a Michelin recommendation, placing it among the city’s noteworthy French brasseries. It is a place for everyday dining—equally suited to a business lunch, a leisurely brunch, or an evening out—where the timeless appeal of a Parisian brasserie feels right at home on the Upper East Side. Open seven days a week, it has become a fixture for locals and visitors alike, offering a reliably excellent experience in one of Manhattan’s most elegant neighborhoods.