Because yes, you can absolutely eat a sandwich at a three-Michelin-star temple.

We love lobster rolls. From the buttery brilliance of The Clam Shack in Kennebunkport to the brioche marvels at Homer Lobster in Paris, they’re crustacean royalty. And then… there was Le Bernardin.

Yes. You read that right. Le Bernardin.
Because sometimes, the best lobster roll in the world comes wrapped in white tablecloths and Michelin stars. 💫

📍 Where Are We Again?

Le Bernardin
🏙️ 155 W 51st Street, Midtown Manhattan, New York, NY 10019
🌍 Coordinates: 40°45′41″N 73°58′54″W (in case your GPS decides to get fancy)
🍽️ Website: le-bernardin.com
👔 Dress Code: Business casual; jackets preferred (your hoodie can stay home)

🧑🍳 The Masters Behind the Magic

• Established in NYC: 1986

• Executive Chef & Co-Owner: Eric Ripert — an Emmy Award winner, memoirist (32 Yolks), and seafood sensei 🧘♂️🐟

• Original Founders: Siblings Gilbert and Maguy Le Coze (Paris, 1972 → NYC, 1986)

Le Bernardin has held four stars from The New York Times since its NYC debut. That’s… rare. Like, unicorn-rare.

💬 So How Is It?

Let’s put it this way:
I’ve visited a few times over the years (tasting menu included). Why? Because clearly, retirement funds are meant to be exchanged for transcendent seafood.

🦞 My take?

• The lobster is the showstopper. In all forms. In rolls. In dreams.

• The lobster roll? Divine.

• The roll arrives warm, nestled in a soft bun, with black truffle whispering luxury.

• It's not giant (this is haute cuisine, not a Maine roadside shack), but wow—every bite feels like a spa day for your tastebuds. 💆♂️🍽️

• Yes, $54 is a lot for a sandwich. But hey, you’re eating it inside a Michelin-star cathedral.

📝 What Else to Try (Or At Least Gawk At)

Lounge Menu Highlights:

• SALMON
  “Le Bernardin” Salmon Rillette with Toast – $28
  (A tuerie. Killer. C’est tout.)

• TUNA
  Yellowfin Tuna + Foie Gras, Toasted Baguette – $52

• OYSTERS
  East Coast Variety – $6/ea

• SCALLOP
  Ceviche w/ Preserved Lemon – $32

• CAVIAR
  1 oz Royal Osetra – $220
  (With blinis, crème fraîche, and a small existential crisis)

• CAVIAR CROQUE MONSIEUR
  Smoked Salmon + Osetra – $120

• LOBSTER ROLL
  Warm Lobster and Black Truffle Bun – $54 🦞✨💸

For the full menu, check out their website. Or bring binoculars to watch other tables if you're not ready to commit. 👀

💬 And Dessert?

Some folks rave about the Peruvian Chocolate Tart or the Citrus Madeleine. Me? Let’s just say the desserts are good—but rarely lobster-roll-level divine. (And this comes from a Frenchman with a sugar soul.)

🎭 Atmosphere & Service

• Decor? Elegant, yes. Though some say a bit dated. Acoustics? Debatable. Mood? Depends on your jacket.

• Service? Mostly excellent. Pacing = refined. Vibes = mostly old-school luxury, with just the right amount of side-eye if you show up in sneakers.

💡 Want to Go Easier on Your Wallet?

Try:

• 🦞 The Clam Shack, Kennebunkport

• 🦞 Homer Lobster, Paris

(You may still drop $30, but at least you can wear flip-flops.)

🧾 In Summary: The Le Bernardin Lobster Roll

• ✅ Divine

• ✅ Sublime

• ✅ A miracle, honestly

• ✅ Not enormous

• ✅ Not cheap

• ✅ Worth it. Every. Bite.

Merci, Eric & Co. You rock the roll. 🫶🦞🥖