Set the Scene
Stepping off of Carmine Street and into Le Chêne in New York City’s West Village, guests will surely feel as though they’ve been transported to a moody, art-filled café in the heart of Paris. The debut project from Alexia Duchêne and husband Ronan Duchêne Le May, this intimate 50-seat space oozes understated elegance.
Designed by Frederique Mortier, the focus of the interiors is all about texture and tone: off-white lime-washed walls, cherry banquettes, a custom wood-paneled bar, and gallery-worthy art (yes, there’s a Warhol). Add in vintage flea market plateware and low-slung 1970s Piretti chairs, and you’ve got a room that hums with effortless, lived-in glamour.
What's the Food Like?
Chef Duchêne’s menu is French at its core, but she’s not afraid to break a few rules. It starts with refined, flavorful bites–Uni French Toast with roasted pepper cream and shiso, or Green Bean Beignets with tarragon sauce.
Starters include a foie gras terrine layered with sea buckthorn (a nod to her time in Copenhagen) and an Oeuf Mayonaisse with confit tuna that cheekily channels a tuna melt.
Mains tow the line between tradition and invention: the Halibut and Scallop Quenelle comes bathed in vin jaune, while the Pithiviers Terre & Mer–a pork, eel, and potato-stuffed puff pastry–is pure culinary thatre.
Desserts? As playful as they are polished. Don’t miss the goat milk Sundae d’été or the Tarte au Chocolat with maple potato ice cream Every check comes with a jewel-like sour huckleberry pâte de fruits to ensure every meal ends on a very sweet note.
Let’s Talk About the Drinks
Ronan runs the beverage program with the kind of expertise that only comes from growing up in a winemaking family outside Bordeaux. The wine list is extensive yet highly curated, leaning heavily into French producers with standout bottles from Italy, the U.S., and a few under-the-radar gems from around the world. With thousands of bottles and a smart rotating by-the-glass selection, there’s something for every kind of wine lover.
Prefer to bring your own bottle? Ronan’s cool with that–thanks to one of the lower corkage fees in the neighborhood, regulars often arrive with their own prized vintages. That said, guests would be wise to trust Ronan’s instincts.
Cocktails are just as thoughtful. The Monceau Spritz (Byrrh Grand Quinquina, sparkling wine, soda) is bright and refreshing, while the Flavigny (gin, blanc vermouth, lemon, strawberry, mint, soda) strikes the perfect balance between fruity and herby. For the purists, classics like the Vieux Carré and Dirty Martini are executed with precision–and just enough flair to remind you you’re somewhere special.
Final Thoughts
Sharp, intimate, and full of heart, Le Chêne is where Parisian pedigree meets NYC downtown cool. Go now, before the waitlist becomes unbearable.
Fast Facts
Location: West Village, New York City
Cuisine: French
Pricing: $$
Takes Reservations: Yes–via Resy
Our Favorite Dishes on the Menu: Start with an order of sweet shrimp tartlettes, and order several dishes to share, such as the tuna crudo, halibut, and melon & cucumber salad.
The Attire: Smart Casual
Hours: Le Chêne is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 PM until late.
