Is Balthazar worth it on a budget?

On a budget, weigh it — Balthazar isn't cheap for what it is. $40–80 a head depending on the meal

Is Balthazar worth it in a day?

Balthazar is a real time commitment — fit it in only if it's a priority. Allow 1.5–2 hours.

With kids, it depends on the day.

For food & drink, Balthazar delivers.

For beauty & photography, Balthazar delivers.

For romance, Balthazar is hit or miss.

Name: Balthazar
Address: New York
Price range: $40–80 a head depending on the meal

Keith McNally's bustling SoHo brasserie that's been doing classic French all day, every day, since 1997.

The call

Worth it if you are traveling as a couple and you are traveling solo.

Independent, never pay-to-rankGraded for who you areVerified 2026-06-17How we decide

01
Red banquettes, antiqued mirrors, and a from-dawn-to-late energy that nails the Parisian-brasserie fantasy in downtown Manhattan.
Our read
02
The magic is a weekday breakfast in a corner banquette with the bread basket and a coffee, not the elbow-to-elbow weekend brunch crush — the room's beauty and the people-watching are the real draw, the food merely dependable.
Our read

You are traveling as a couple
As a couple, Balthazar works.
You are traveling solo
Solo, Balthazar works.
Food is a reason to travel
For food & drink, Balthazar delivers.
You care about the visual experience
For beauty & photography, Balthazar delivers.

You are watching the budget
On a budget, weigh it — Balthazar isn't cheap for what it is.
You only have one day
Balthazar is a real time commitment — fit it in only if it's a priority.
You are traveling with kids
With kids, it depends on the day.
You are planning for two
For romance, Balthazar is hit or miss.

What to order

The bread basket and a seafood plateau — the bakery and raw bar are the true signatures
Steak frites, French onion soup, the omelette at breakfast — dependable brasserie classics
Anything ordered just for the scene — stick to the brasserie staples — that's where it shines

Ready to plan it?

Booking may earn us a commission. It never changes the verdict.

Sources and method (2)

Keith McNally's French brasserie at 80 Spring Street in SoHo opened April 21, 1997; bread and pastries are baked fresh daily at the adjoining Balthazar Bakery. en.wikipedia.org ↗
The room recreates a grand Paris brasserie with red leather banquettes, antiqued mirrors and a tin ceiling. balthazarny.com ↗