Veritas

Having heard so much about this place, my boyfriend and I decided to check it out. Unfortunately, the food was not worth the hype, or the prices. Portions were small and really not memorable. Had the foie gras, which was just so-so. The squab on its own was tasty, but the pea accompaniment really didnt do it justice. The tiny sliver of chocolate mille-feuille was good but definitely not out of this world. The extensive wine menu was so needlessly thick that it was difficult to even get through it. I must commend the service though, which was excellent. However, based on the forgettable food, we doubt we would be returning anytime soon.

Pros: very attentive service

Cons: not worth the hype

Posted 05/02/09

Expensive but highly recommended. The food is very nicely prepared, top notch, perhaps portions could be slightly larger. The wine list is impressive, please review it before you go to the restaurant. I am very picky, but need to confess, this is a place run by professional people and I approve it.

Pros: Wine, food, service, etc.

Cons: Perhaps a little bit too pricey...

Posted 03/18/08

I Love food! I love to cook! I love to eat! And I can't tell you out of how many places I've had dinner at in New York, some with rave reviews, simply disappoint. Not so with Scott Bryant's fantastic restaurant. The food is simply amazing, you cannot and will never get anything that is not of the best quality here, not a salad, starter or special. The service is terrific, you don't have to be a power suit to get good service here. The prices are exactly what they should be, you are paying for the best ingredients and for the service of a great kitchen and front of the house staff but you never feel like you have been ripped off. Very much recommended.

Posted 01/25/07

I found this restaurant to be elegant, though very simply decorated, and welcoming. The service was outstanding. We were doted upon by the waiter, the sommelier, and his assistants. We never felt rushed. I had the hamachi tartare and the venison. I love venison, and I appreciate a restaurant that offers game meats on the menu. My dinner companion had the seared fois gras and the ribeye steak. We had both white and red wines--a chardonnay from Burgandy, and a 1985 Chateau Talbot, which I can't recommend highly enough. Everything was delicious. For dessert, I tried a new item, a lovely gingerbread concoction. I wasn't sure what wine to pair with it, perhaps champagne? The sommelier's assistant recommended a Tokay, which turned out to be perfect. An immense wine list can be overwhelming. Veritas staff will graciously help you chose an appropriate wine from their vast selection. I did not visit the ladies room, so I cannot comment on the facilities, which I do consider important to a fine restaurant. No, this is not the sort of place you would go if you're on a tight budget. If you are willing to spend a lot of money, you can expect a truly exceptional dining experience at Veritas.

Pros: Service, wine list

Cons: None

Posted 11/16/06

Go for the wine list more than the food. Atmosphere was plain but pleasant and modern. Meats were of good quality, but had uninteresting preparations. Deserts were not up to par - please dont try to pass off a molten chocolate cake as a soufle.

Pros: Wine list - yes, everyone raves about it

Cons: food is only average - really not a remarkable experience

Posted 10/31/06

After reading the reviews I came with high expectations and was not disappointed in the least. The well publicized wine list was even more extensive than I'd heard. The food was terrific. Blue Fin tuna tartare and pork appetizers were great. Lamb entree was not flashy but very worthwhile. A trout special on this particular night was off the charts. Its a "special occasion" type place with prices to match but definately worth trying this place for a celebratory evening some time.

Pros: Wine, Food

Cons: A bit tight on space, Expensive

Posted 04/15/06

Great short ribs and of bottle of the best northern rhone wine i've ever had. If you haven't been to Veritas you are missing a wonderful eating and drinking experience. The food was excellent from app to dessert. The space is stark yet comfortable. The service was attentive but not overwhelming. A MUST GO FOR WINE FANS. I spent 30 minutes with the wine "bible". Just wish i could afford 10% of the list. O well i go to art galleries a lot and can't buy anything there either.

Posted 03/22/06

Great short ribs and of bottle of the best northern rhone wine i've ever had. If you haven't been to Veritas you are missing a wonderful eating and drinking experience. The food was excellent from app to dessert. The space is stark yet comfortable. The service was attentive but not overwhelming. A MUST GO FOR WINE FANS. I spent 30 minutes with the wine "bible". Just wish i could afford 10% of the list. O well i go to art galleries a lot and can't buy anything there either.

Pros: food, wine

Cons: wine prices

Posted 11/08/05

Went here for 1 year anniversary last night. Decor was nice, wine list was phenomenal and sommelier recommended an excellent if pricey bottle. The appetizers were exceptional and everything was going well (meaning my wife was having a good time). After we finished off 3 appetizers, the waiter asked for our dinner selection. My wife asked for more time, at which time he said our table was re-booked so we had to hurry it up. We were genuinely hurt. I will never ever go back to a place which has no respect for the people paying their salaries. Also beware the pre fixe menu, its really not. Two of the three appetizers were charged extra. Food doesn't compensate for lack of class

Posted 07/23/05

Though we were seated 30 minutes late, thanks to a couple of glasses of comped wine and the amazing food and terrific service, I had a fantastic night and cannot wait to return--a great value--the portions were qute large and luxurious!

Posted 12/23/04

I took my wife there for our first wedding anniversary, the place was very romantic, we had a little corner table which was very private. When plates arrived at the table, they were beautifully arranged, the taste was just as beautiful as the plating. The creamy potatoes with ricotta cheese was amazing with the prefectly cooked rack of lamb.

Pros: Casual Dress, Romantic and Private

Posted 07/08/04

Veritas is the ideal dining experience. The space is handsome, the wine list extensive, the staff knowledgeable, helpful and polite and the food is excellent. I can say comfortably that Veritas is one of the best restaurants in New York.

Pros: Excellent food, top-notch service

Posted 03/23/04

One of my favorite places. I always have an excellent time. Great food, wine and service. Always perfect. No mistakes!

Posted 11/21/03

I visit Veritas whenever I'm in NYC [based in UK] and it never fails to hit the spot. For the reviewer that was disappointed by the phone service I suggest try again. I called from the UK only yesterday and despite changing the reservation three times they couldn't have been more helpful.

Go - it's perfect.

Pros: Food, Chef, Service

Cons: Not in the UK

Posted 08/09/03

You'll notice that most of the reviews rave about the wines, but the amazing thing is that the food actually deserves equal billing! Terrific flavors and generous portions (even the foie gras app was a good size). Highlights included the scallops in thai red curry nage, a simply amazing lobster salad, succulent short ribs, and terrific lamb and duck entrees as well. Only the cod entree seemed lackluster (although its lobster broth was tasty). For dessert, the standout was the financier with cherries, and the runner up was the vanilla entry in the trio of creme brulees. The only negative was that our waitress was a bit on the dour side, but the food and wine more than made up for that.

Posted 07/24/03

You get 3 courses for $68. I had cripy sweetbread as the starter. It's a little over fried. Not bad but Blackbird (Chicago) does it better. Red snapper was well done: tender and juicy. Short ribs was fork-tender: intense and satisfying. They don't have petite four, but a wonderful light custard in a shot glass that came after the main course. It was so good that it really built up my expectation for the dessert to come. Unfortunately, that was the disappointment. The fig "chocolate box" was dry, uninteresting, and just didn't taste good. It tasted like something that's been sitting behind the glass the whole day in a chain bakery. The accompany ice cream was also just ... blah. Not much flavor. The saverin was good, but again, had it better.

Pros: Good food

Cons: Not the best value

Posted 07/16/03

Veritas is an examplar of informal refinement - no airs, no pretension, simply the mutual understanding between guests and staff that it is a place for oenophiles to enjoy an appropriately nice meal with their great bottles: on offer: the fine-dining standards: fois gras, sweetbreads, steak, saddle of lamb: light but classically-influenced, balanced-flavored, deftly-prepared, unchallenging food.

If the high cost is a concern, it is best not to go. If you're going, you will certainly have the opportunity to enjoy some tremendous bottles and relax. Veritas lacks utterly the stuffiness of say a Daniel or Picholine.

Also, the sommelier is extremely accomodating and helpful. Call ahead to discuss your wines and decant, if appropriate, before your arrival. Enjoy!

Pros: Wine List, Refined Atmosphere, Service

Posted 06/22/03

The food and atmosphere are superb here. However, while my date and I both know something about wine, the list here is large,
intimidating and very pricey. Make sure to
take a look online before booking reservations.

Posted 11/03/02

What can I say? Tasty food, longest wine list I have every seen (comes in a heavy binder), very friendly and helpful staff. I've been back several times in the last year.

Posted 09/19/02

We went for an early Sunday evening dinner recently. The service was excellent. The wine is spectacular, with all staff extremely helpful and knowledgable. The restaurant was somewhat smaller than we expected, yet it was warm and inviting - not at all stuffy. The lamb and veal recieve high recommendations. Highest recommendations to the wine (worth a second mention) and the tasting of creme brulee.

Pros: warm wait staff, wine list is extensiv

Cons: expensive

Posted 09/17/02

The entire experience was wonderful. The food was excellent and service was very good. The best part - while we know our wine - the sommelier helped pair our meal with an excellent lesser known $80 French Rhone. There is no 4x wine mark up here - wine list is amazing and quite reasonable. Only advice - sommelier is an expert and listen to suggestions offered.

Pros: excellent service, fantastic wine list, brilliant chef

Cons: tables a bit close

Posted 08/07/02

Dinner at Veritas was one of the best meals I have ever had. Scott Bryan is a genius. The food was spectacular, as was the service. The sommelier was incredibly helpful without a touch of snobbiness . . . and the wine he recommended was perfect. Expensive, but worth every penny. Highly recommend the foie gras, asparagus with mushrooms, and the braised veal.

Pros: excellent service, ambience, incredible food

Cons: small dining room

Posted 08/01/02

Everything from the time we stepped foot into Veritas was exquisite. Flatiron building creates an elegant and welcoming atmosphere. The gracious and attentive wait staff are knowledegable and not at all overbearing or condescending. The food was wonderful - delightfully tasty and imaginative appetiziers and entrees. Highly recommend: hamachi tartare appetizer, lamb and monkfish entrees and the chocolate souffle (aptly described as an oozing choc cake!)

Pros: imaginative dishes, gracious service, romantic atmosphere

Cons: need reservations

Posted 06/12/02