Living in the East Village for three years, I often wandered into Greenwich Village and somehow overlooked The Marlton Hotel—surprising, considering I spent much of my time scouting boutique hotels.
When I finally stepped inside, it was no shock that The Marlton carried the same je ne sais quoi as icons like The Bowery or Hotel Chelsea (that I just love). But there’s a distinctly Parisian air here, too. The property is a little like an old, expensive coat you can’t part with: timeless, a touch mysterious, and beloved by those in the know. Rather than begging for attention, it attracts a quiet cult of loyalists who’ve been slipping through its doors for decades.
Set the Scene
On a crisp September Sunday, fresh off the swirl of New York Fashion Week, I booked a table at The Marlton’s new French brasserie, Chez Nous. The lobby sets the tone: a living room-like lounge to one side, tasseled keys at the bellhop desk on the other, and a moody bar that’s downright seductive.
Curated by literary agent David Kuhn and production designer Kevin Thompson, Chez Nous was envisioned as a dining room for Greenwich Village locals and cultural fixtures alike. Inside, candlelit tables and red velvet banquettes glow under dark lacquered ceilings. Antique mirrors and stone statues lend a vintage Parisian flair, while hardcover books and swan-like water pitchers nod to a whimsical, literary spirit.
Even the menus double as art pieces, decorated with pencil and charcoal sketches of imagined dinner guests, a playful, artsy touch that feels perfectly at home in this creative corner of the Village. Anchoring the room is a 30-foot mural by celebrated English painter Cecily Brown. Splashed with bold yellows, oranges, and greens, it adds vibrancy to the otherwise sultry setting, creating the sense that you’re dining inside a painting. The whole effect is very Capote and his swans catching up over gossip.
The Food & Drink Assessment
At the helm is Executive Chef Flossie Gilles, a Montpellier native and alum of Le Bilboquet. Her menu blends French bistro staples with contemporary touches. Expect classics like leeks pavé, salade Niçoise, and profiteroles alongside modern additions such as tuna tartare, a Chez Nous burger, and a New York strip.
Standouts began with the Tomato Medley—vadouvan oil, pickled shallots, sumac, micro cilantro, and basil, layered into a vibrant balance of citrus, sweet, and herbaceous flavors. The dish felt like summer’s farewell. But the undisputed star was the Chez Nous Chicken: tender meat topped with escargot sauce and fried sage, served over buttery mashed potatoes. It was one of those plates that defines a season—hearty yet refined, and so good I caught myself slowing down to savor each bite.
Dessert is restrained but worth saving room for. Triple chocolate coconut profiteroles arrive with the kind of lightness that only French kitchens seem to master, while other rotating sweets, like the Pain Perdu French toast, offer enough indulgence to end the evening on a high note.
Final Thoughts
Unlike the buzzy, influencer-driven dining rooms elsewhere in the city, Chez Nous isn’t clamoring for virality. Instead, it caters to an older, more refined clientele looking for conversation that lingers as long as the wine. For those who prefer substance over spectacle, it’s a rare Greenwich Village find.
The menu has its own hidden delights, too. At the footer sits a quote from former hotel guest Lenny Bruce: “There are never enough ‘I love you’s.’” Flip all the way to the back, and you’ll find a tucked-away Mother Goose rhyme, a nostalgic wink for those curious enough to keep turning.
Its name, translating to “our place,” captures the spirit perfectly. A guest at the next table summed it up best: “It really feels like you’re in Midnight in Paris.” Between the design, the food, and the mood, Chez Nous achieves intimacy without fuss.
Fast Facts
Location: Greenwich Village, New York City
Cuisine: French The vibe: Grown-up clientele (mostly, an older demographic) craving a quiet respite from the city buzz, lingering conversations, and a meaningful connection to a historic hotel.
Pricing: $
Take reservations? Yes, via Resy
Our favorite dish on the menu: Chez Nous Chicken with escargot sauce (but don’t skip the Tomato Medley).
The attire: Smart casual with a chic edge — think satin skirts, kitten heels, crisp collared shirts.
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m.–11 p.m. for breakfast, daytime, and dinner
