Les Vagabonds

Fantastic new best thing in 1st Ave! 3rd time since opening and not a dull moment. The atmosphere is vibrant! Food is exquisite, and people are just class. You can easily tell that they know and love what they are doing ! If you are in the area , do yourself a favor and give them a shot ! And Thank me later 😄 PS : it's BYOB 🥳

I can’t say enough great things about this place. Everything was so delicious and the service was above and beyond, as well! I ordered the escargot and the endive salad, both were perfect! Very cozy and welcoming atmosphere. This place is such a gem, I can’t wait to dine here again!

Have had nothing but great food and service here. Whatever is on special — get it. You don’t want to miss out. Also the best French Onion soup ever. Will patiently wait for the octopus app to come back one day.

Just had a lovely meal this wonderful new French restaurant on 1st avenue. Love everything about this place from the staff to the owner and definitely the food! I had the 10-oz ribeye which was cooked to Perfection and salted perfectly and also the escargot which was divine. Highly recommend you support this new restaurant, definitely worth a trip

Cozy French bistro. Had been curious and tried it for brunch. My husband had two fried eggs over a generous bed of short ribs hash, and I had scrambled eggs with Spanish chorizo and Manchego cheese, both out of the ordinary, both delicious. They came with home fries (which were tiny baked potatoes sprinkled with chorizo) and a baguette with butter. The coffee was very good also, strong as we like it. Service was attentive. We will return soon.

Everything about this restaurant was curated to perfection. The food, the atmosphere and the service were all outstanding. While the entrecôte I ordered was one of the best I've had in the city, even the homemade butter spread that accompanied the bread was enough for me to keep thinking about days later. Do not skip the onion soup. The service was not only attentive but also very thoughtful about recommendations and menu pairings. Already looking forward to returning!

We love this place for date nights. It’s very cozy and romantic. The food is excellent. The duck is perfect, so is the steak

Incredible new restaurant, feels so surprisingly atmospheric and authentic. Delicious scallops, very unusual recipe; not appetiser but like a main course. Definitely one of the best French places in the city

The food was excellent. My wife and I shared the beet salad. Very well done. She had the mussels and pomme frite...just delicious. I had the pasta. The ragout was tasty...I would have liked it a bit more spicy. But that's me. Our waitress was more than helpful, courteous and attentive. The restaurant is smallish with a bistro decor... nice but not overwhelming. Overall we are very pleased to have such a good new find. Next time I'm going to have the duck. A & H

My bff and I, both international foodies, tried this newish midtown East restaurant. From the first bite we both knew we were in for something amazing! The food we had was beyond extraordinary and rivaled some of the very best we've experienced both in the US and Europe. The cozy, romantic ambiance, lovely dinner music friendly pricing and top notch service were all perfect. But the star of the show here is definitely the FOOD! Go there...you'll thank me!

Les Vagabonds truly delivers. We kicked things off with the escargot, an absolute must-order. Rich, garlicky, and indulgent. I went with the lamb chops, which were a special that evening, and they were cooked beautifully. My friend had the seafood paella and was equally impressed. The ambiance is cozy and intimate, with just the right amount of charm. The service was exceptional and friendly. A fantastic neighborhood gem! Easily one of the best French spots in the neighborhood. Looking forward to coming back!

TL;DR: Overpriced, underwhelming, and weirdly lukewarm -- literally. Every dish came out room temp, even though we were the only table there for half the meal. After the Bastille Day street festival, we wanted to treat ourselves to French food. Our go-to spots were closed (because they're actually French-owned and celebrating Bastille Day), so we figured we'd try the new place down the block: Les Vagabonds. In hindsight, that should've been our first red flag. To say it was disappointing is an understatement. Ambiance There was none. The decor felt like someone Googled "French restaurant" and printed out the first five stock images they found. The music? 1980s pop covers that all sounded AI-generated -- uncanny and off-putting. Overall, the atmosphere felt like a themed chain restaurant in an airport. Food Bread & Butter The "bread basket" was laughable. Three ultra-thin slices from a single baguette and a square of fridge-cold, flavorless butter. I had better bread and butter standing on the street at Bastille Day than inside this supposedly premium restaurant. Shrimp Ajillo - $26 Described as brown butter, toasted garlic, herbs, and spices -- this dish didn't deliver on any of those promises. The shrimp was overcooked and seemed hastily tossed in a thin, underdeveloped sauce right before plating. No richness, no depth. The lone baguette slice in the bowl was soaked and sad. And, like everything else: served at room temperature. Steak Frites - $48 Came out looking like it had been sitting under a heat lamp. It was cold, tough, and overcooked. The sauce was decent -- one of the only things we liked -- but not enough to save the dish. The fries were oddly piping hot, suggesting the mains were plated long before the sides. Moules & Frites - $29 Massive portion, which would have been exciting if the food had flavor -- or heat. The mussels were served cool (not chilled, not warm -- just that sad middle). The broth, allegedly made with fennel, shallots, French butter, and Chablis, tasted like murky dishwater. Zero aroma. No seasoning. No bread to soak it up either -- not that you'd want to. The fries were again blazing hot, and aggressively oversalted. And for two orders of frites, they gave us a single condiment cup with what looked like two tablespoons of ketchup to share. A generous ration. Drinks $6 for a Diet Coke. $10 for a sparkling water. They had free flavored water in a dispenser on the bar but whatever they used to flavor the water clogged the spout so we watched as they dug out old fruit (?) to clear the water flow. It's bizarre to open a French restaurant on a block with two exceptional ones nearby and not even attempt to compete. With a few minor tweaks and a competent kitchen, they could be passable. But right now? It's all vibes and no substance -- and the vibes aren't even good.

Bonjour! I enjoyed the French Onion Soup very much. Nice flavor, and the cheese-pull factor we all want to see. Mmmm. Yummy. In hot weather, my appetite lessens and today, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, was one of those hot days. A hot and humid day. Therefore, as much as I wanted to try other yummy-sounding items from the menu, my appetite just wasn't there. It was perfectly satisfied with the French Onion Soup, and the warmed bread with butter. I look forward to returning to try more from the menu. I want to try the salads; the roasted beets salad with other favorite ingredients (of mine) like toasted almonds, sheep cheese, sliced apples...I can't wait! See my menu photos. I shall happily update as I try more from the menu, which I expect to be soon. There are many items I want to try. Ambiance and Service- very pleasant, all around . There are several tables outside, too. The unisex rest room is cool and clean. Nice artwork and ac. On First Avenue, between 58th and 59th Streets, you will find two very nice and yummy good, French Restaurants. I like both of them. I've tried the French Onion Soup at each, and I'm happy with each one. If you're able to make a reservation, I'd say it's a good idea. I have walked by, and each restaurant has been busy. But if you're dining spur-of-the-moment, try that too. As word-of-mouth spreads, I think these two French restaurants may be challenging to get into, so go now!! And, then, also go later. Enjoy.

Food, service, and cleanliness are impeccable! I have traveled to France many times, and consider the ambience to be as close to true French as you'll get in New York City. The staff is always kind, patient, and the Food is delicious!!!!

Wonderful little French restaurant that recently opened in March, cozy dining room with French posters reminds me of the little neighborhood brasseries in Paris. The food is very good, have been there a few times, nice manager and warm wait staff. The Coq au Vin is a more modern version, braised chicken served on a bed of mashed potatoes garnished with carrots cut lengthwise. I have had the duck twice, the first time was incredibly moist, the second time it was crispy, the kitchen is still evolving. As a starter, the generous beet salad is a good choice. The onion soup is outstanding, dark delicious broth with perfectly cooked onions and generous topping of guyere cheese.

Les Vagabonds is a solid French restaurant in the area. The moules frites and boeuf bourguignon were delicious.

I was genuinely excited to try the newest French addition to Sutton Place, but unfortunately, this experience left me wondering if anyone in the kitchen has actually been to France. Given the concept, I expected the moules frites and steak frites to be standouts. Instead, the mussels arrived tepid and flavorless, as if they'd been sitting under a heat lamp next to a bucket of water. My dinner guest's steak frites found the meat so tough it could've doubled as a Birkin bag (arguably a better value). It was left nearly untouched, and no one thought to ask why. Another guest at my table ordered the steak au poivre, which arrived both undercooked and cold, with a pepper sauce so bland it could've been mistaken for cafeteria gravy. Beyond the food, the value is laughable. Even if the dishes had been executed well, the pricing would still be wildly unjustified. You'd honestly get a better meal, and a far more edible steak at an Outback Steakhouse. My friend wouldn't even take the leftovers home to feed their cat. That's not hyperbole. To top it all off, while the design is charming in theory, the acoustics are atrocious. We spent the entire meal shouting over the din of every other table doing the same. A French restaurant should feel like a thoughtful, flavorful escape. This felt like a loud, overpriced theme park ride with bad concessions. Proceed accordingly. And hopefully the experience is sorted out ASAP.

Food here is excellent-salads fresh and beautifully composed and dressed, steak very juicy and tender and well seasoned, vegetables done a little differently and luscious, limited desserts but perfect, I loved the beautiful créme brûlée crackle. I will return frequently-my type of ambience-casual, easy and fun.

Had a very good dinner here last night. Started with a Greek salad which was mostly lettuce and very skimpy with the other ingredients. Also, for a French restaurant, they need to do a better bread service. Bread and butter were both served cold. The only missteps of the evening. Steak and Mussel Frites were 1st rate! Awesome sautéed spinach. No liquor license yet so we brought our own. Service was friendly and efficient. We will definitely return.

My favorite new restaurant discovery in Manhattan. We had the beet salad, tuna tartare and steak frites...all were so delicious! Literally thinking about how perfectly the steak was cooked makes my mouth water. While the taste and presentation of the food was gourmet, the atmosphere was cozy and unpretentious. The service was warm and attentive. I can't wait to go back and try everything!

The quality and taste of our food was excellent. The mussels and frites and the endive salad with champagne dressing was the best I have ever had. Our waitress, Vitoria was so sweet and attentive and helpful with our selections.

We enjoy the food the ambience, and the service every time we eat at Les Vagabonds. The service is impeccable and the food is consistently delicious. I have lived in the neighborhood for over 20 years. We are lucky to have excellent this restaurant the neighborhood. The chef at Les Vagabonds has trained with Joachim Splichal at Patina in Los Angeles and in some of the best restaurants in both cities, LA and NYC.

unfortunately, the food was not good. The onion soup was not made with broth and had an inordinate amount of cheese. The salad promised french green beans, nowhere to be found. The apples in the tart tartin were undercooked. we won't come back.

On a short trip to NYC to see my granddaughter's college graduation. Her uncle, Edgar, and his partner, Motrya, have recently opened Les Vagabonds, so, of course, we had to go there for dinner. The restaurant is a nice, small bistro with a nice, soothing ambience. My friend and I had steak tartare-WOW! Excellent! The table also shared a couple bowls of steamed mussels. Not my thing, but declared delicious by rest of the group. Several different steak meals were had-prime rib, sirloin, and ribeye. All very excellent. My granddaughter had French onion soup which she said was delicious. The wait staff is attentive, but not cloying. There when you need them, not hovering. We all had a great meal, a great visit, and great food. Do I recommend this restaurant-in a word-YES! They are still awaiting their beer and wine license. They do allow you to bring in your own wine for a cork fee.

Les Vagabonds has become our "go to" French restaurant since it opened in our Sutton Place neighborhood awhile ago. The food. ambience and service transports you. Our favorites are the escargots appetizer, the steak, duck and all fish preparations. We have introduced the restaurant to all of our neighbors. A well deserved

an excellent addition to our neighborhood! delicious food . their onion soup is the best I've had since I went to Les Halles in Paris 40 years ago. The service is excellent, the staff is friendly and welcoming The ambiancee is charming. They don't have their liquor license yet so BYO wine etc . Be part of welcoming them as a great local bistro.

Truly a great experience at this place! The atmosphere, staff and the food were beyond what I was expecting and I'll be back for sure!! The seafood risotto was my favorite along the crème brûlée we had as desert. It's such a great add to the Upper East Side neighborhood :)

A great addition to the Sutton Place neighborhood! Les Vagabonds is perfect--so Parisian! Small, intimate, and charming with terrific food and an attentive staff. Excellent!

Fantastic food great service great ambiance All the entrees Are well prepared and the taste is

We have a great new addition to our neighborhood. They are waiting for their liquor license so enjoy the BYOB with a reasonable $10 corking fee. We found the portions generous and most importantly delicious. Prices were very reasonable too. We had the duck, Fillet (cooked to perfection of Med Rare), and scallops. We also had escargot, salads, sautéed spinach and perfect FF. We finished with profiteroles, mousse and crème brûlée. Everything was truly delicious in a perfect bistro setting. Our waiter was a personable artist who greatly added to our evening. We met half of the ownership couple and she was delightful. Her husband was busy cooking up our delicious meal. Let's support this fantastic new business and the perfect addition to our neighborhood. A fun local place, with great food and reasonable prices. Enjoy!!!

Everything about this restaurant was curated to perfection. The food, the atmosphere and the service were all outstanding. While the entrecôte I ordered was one of the best I've had in the city, even the homemade butter spread that accompanied the bread was enough for me to keep thinking about days later. Do not skip the onion soup. The service was not only attentive but also very thoughtful about recommendations and menu pairings. Already looking forward to returning!

The food is outstanding. The service is very attentive. And I love dessert and their desserts were out of this world. The restaurant owners are very warm and welcoming. And try to anticipate and accommodate their diner's needs.

The formerly boring block of First Avenue between 58th and 59th Street is now livelier, thanks to the recent arrival of two very different French restaurants. Les Vagabonds (the vagrants) is one of them. The first feeling, when you arrive, is one of extremely friendly welcome. I was there early for lunch and the place was almost empty, with many tables becoming occupied within the half hour. Only one waiter was in attendance but he managed to take care of all, pleasantly, efficiently and with extreme good will. As an example, when one in my party requested the scallops, a dish which is only on the dinner menu, the answer was that, although not offered at lunch, the chef would prepare it and he did, very well so. The originally requested figs salad was AWOL. Too bad. A starter of escargots was quite generous, the traditional six being in fact nine , moist and chewy in a garlic and herbs sauce over crackling bread. I prefer them served inside the shell, they were not, but this happens rarely in America. Also, they could have been warmer. The afore-mentioned scallops were a generous plateful, in a melted gruyere sauce at the right temperature, quite satisfying. As to the steak tartare, it was confirmed that the meat was ground at order time, not in avance; it was cut rightly coarse as it must, not the mush often found elsewhere. The fries were crispy and tasty. Sadly, none of us had room for dessert as the portions were substantial. Last but not least, the check came without the exasperating "suggestion" of an inflated tip. Altogether, a perfectly good meal. Although wines are printed on the menu, Les Vagabonds does not yet have its liquor license. So be it. Although it did not apply to us, it seems that diners who, before the license is granted, bring their own wine, are subject to a moderate corkage charge. That is superfluous and it should be dropped. Corkage is for when you substitute your own wine for the restaurant's. That small glitch does not affect the food's appeal and it will soon be solved anyway. I shall return.

The food was inedible, service mediocre and ambiance non existing. I have lived Mid-town East Manhattan for 30+ years and can honestly say this is the worst meal I have ever had in this neighborhood. We need a new restaurant in this neighborhood as many have closed and I predict this to close soon. Really awful and I do not usually complain.

The food was tasty but my entree was tepid. By the time the waiter came over to see how we were doing I no longer was interested in having it reheated. The bread was dry and tasteless- shocking in a French restaurant and the butter was just below freezing. Since there are 2 other excellent French restaurants within 2 blocks can't see a reason to return.

Cassic French menu will executed at a reasonable price. Solid wine list too. A great addition to the neighborhood

Great service, and excellent steak au poivre! Fun ambiance and atmosphere

Great addition to the area. My wife and I went for dinner last night and loved it. I had the salmon and she had the lobster risotto special- both amazing. The staff and management for super nice and accommodating as well. The space is very intimate too- feels like Paris! We will definitely be back and highly recommend it to anyone!

Service lacking, items on menu was not available. We order moules et frites (mussels and fries) and it was tasteless and I'm not someone that likes salty food. Lacked flavor and herbs.

Food was good and server was attentive. Unfortunately there were not many diners at late lunch time of 1:30 pm

We visited our new favorite local restaurant on Saturday evening and it was terrific. The service is friendly and the menu and food are true french style. Chapeau! Now it just needs its liquor license and all will be tres bien!

probably some of the best French cuisine I've had in a long long time. I highly recommend this restaurant

The food was delicious. Our server Pedro was very friendly and attentive! I will definitely be back!

The food was delic, service great.And owner took a real interest in the customers. Nice addition to the neighborhood!

Les Vagabonds is a very special edition to the neighborhood! The ambiance is warm and inviting. The food is unmatched. The steak frites are the best I've had in my life. I highly recommend the scallops and French onion soup as well. The service was amazing and the owners are so kind!

I can't say enough good things about this place. It checks off all the boxes. The ambiance is warm and inviting , The staff is friendly and the service is top notch . I had the basil risotto with English peas, tarragon and Parmesan broth and it was exceptional . I was actually sad when I got to the last bite. I highly recommend Les Vagabonds !:)

This place was amazing! All the food was so fresh and yummy! The steak was my fav and as well as the french onion soup and all the desserts. We will definitely be back!

Making a reservation wasn't easy as one can only text for same day. They responded to the text confirming the reservation and then called to say the time was unavailable. After I refused an alternate time they called back and told me they could accommodate us if completed our dinner by a certain hour. That wouldn't have been a problem but we waited a very long time for our meals. My French Onion soup was lukewarm and my guest's steak, ordered medium rare, was so undercooked that the center was cold. Rather than be gracious, the hostess argued with us before returning with a fresh soup and a re-cooked steak that had been cut in half to be reheated. Sautéed spinach was so salty it was inedible. We were offered complimentary desserts and when we declined I was admonished that "you'd rather leave angry than accept dessert." Icing on the cake was that our bill was tendered with an extra entree on it that we had to point out to the hostess. Our waiter was charming and apologetic but the food was very disappointing.

had dinner here multiple times now and it's nothing short of fantastic. the French onion soup is amazing. the tuna tartare is off the charts. and the steak is chefs kiss. they have a great staff who always check on you. looking forward to my next meal here!!