Tourmaline

Really enjoyed our dinner here. The vibe is laid back but elegant and warm. Server was very nice and attentive. On to the food, we had three starters. The nest egg one, scallop based one and the sausage vegetable. I like the scallops the best, presentation was nice, uni good as well. Drinks are well priced, had a Negroni, vesper, Old Fashioned and one glass of 2016 Pauillac. All were good, very reasonably priced as well. Mains we had truffle pasta, lobster pasta and the ribeye. The truffle pasta was a great portion and they slice the truffle right there and then. I didn’t taste the lobster one but looked quite nice and a decent portion. The ribeye I ordered was tasty but visually disappointing. Looked mangled and in three oblong pieces. For $72 you’d expect impeccable presentation on the steak but that was the only gripe I had. Pavlova was ok. Will definitely come back as Forest Hills doesn’t have same caliber restos abound and it’s nice not to commute to the city for fine dining.

Once again we had an amazing experience at Tourmaline. For appetizers we had assortment of cheese, pomegranate, chicory salad and a truffle pasta .The cheese assortment was delicious, the salad nicely balanced flavors and the pasta was flavorful. Then Chef Yvan presented us with DUCK À LA PRESSE. The presentation and combination of flavors and sides were fantastic. First time we tried this dish and it definitely did not disappoint and it surpassed our expectations. To finish our meal we shared the Raspberry Pavlova and the Chocolate Pod for dessert. For those who are Chocolate lovers, the Chocolate Pod was rich and creamy and for those who like sweet and tart flavors the Raspberry Pavlova is the perfect choice. The staff makes you feel welcomed and are attentive. We will definitely be going back again.

So impressed with this new gem in the neighborhood! Today was their grand opening of the restaurant side of their business, expanding from what was previously a private event space—and they absolutely delivered. The service was top-notch, and the interior design is stunning, with a refined, modern atmosphere and beautiful, classy servingware that made the whole experience feel truly special. We ordered the Eggs in Nest, Plaisir de Mer, Alaskan Cod, and Crispy Pernil, and ended the meal with the Raspberry Pavlova. Every dish was gorgeously presented, worthy of a Michelin-starred restaurant. The Pernil stood out as my favorite—crispy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. The dessert was also exceptional. The Raspberry Pavlova had a complex, layered flavor with bright tartness, flavorful ice cream, and delicate textures—each bite came with a delightful surprise, making it both refreshing and indulgent at the same time. I’m so happy that we finally have a refined French restaurant in the neighborhood. It’s so much more than a local spot—it’s a true dining destination. I can’t wait to return, especially to try their Duck à la Presse, which requires a pre-order and a larger group than just two. A must-visit addition to the area!

These reviews are always tough to write—because the more people who read this, the harder it will be for me to get a table here again. That said, this was one of the most exceptional dining experiences I’ve had in recent memory, and without question the best I’ve had in all of Forest Hills. It’s not even close. My advice: stop whatever you’re doing and book a reservation at Tourmaline right now. Everything here is deliberate—the music, the décor, the silverware, the service, the atmosphere. It truly feels like you’ve been transported to France. And the food? A perfect 10. I haven’t had a meal like this in Forest Hills since I moved here in May 2025. Here’s what we tried: Plaisirs de la Mer – like the best lobster roll I’ve ever had. Buttery, rich, and unforgettable. Eggs in a Nest – a brilliant play on texture. Celery Root Latkes – fishy in the best way possible; even better than a bagel with lox. Duck à la Presse – one of the rare places that offers this dish. Worth the trip to Forest Hills for the presentation alone—absolutely spectacular. I’ll be back as soon as possible to explore the rest of the menu.

Our new favorite restaurant in Forest Hills! Every dish was cooked, prepared and plated to perfection. The servers and staff were terrific as well, and the ambiance was upscale yet cozy. So glad we came and can't wait to be back!

What a wonderful restaurant bringing the cuisine of France to Forest Hills effortlessly! From the warm and personal service to the elaborate and refined food served we had an amazing time for the birthday of our son! We're so lucky to live in the neighborhood and we will become regulars! Highly recommended with affectionate applause to the talented chef and its able crew! Great hospitality and professionalism, thank you all! We'll be back for more of your amazing deserts!

Forest Hills has been waiting for a restaurant like Tourmaline — and it does not disappoint. Since moving here from Manhattan a few months ago, we’ve been trekking to Brooklyn for fine dining, so we’re thrilled to finally have an elevated option right in the neighborhood. The food is phenomenal — perfectly cooked, beautifully balanced flavors, not overly salty, and served in portions that feel just right. The French American menu is thoughtful, and you can taste the quality in every bite. The pastry chef, who comes from Le Bernardin, is truly exceptional — save room for dessert! Service is warm, attentive, and genuinely friendly. Presentation is refined without feeling pretentious, and the ingredients are clearly top-notch. This is the kind of place that instantly becomes a neighborhood staple — and for us, it’s just a quick 7-minute walk from home. Rebecca, the hostess and co-owner let us know that the menu will rotate according to the seasons. We’ll definitely be back again and again.

I have a tradition with friends where we venture to a new restaurant every month and for this month’s edition was Tourmaline! We were excited to find a new restaurant in forest hills that brings class, elegance, and of course exceptional food. Service was attentive and willing to accommodate. My friends and I would definitely come back to Tourmaline!

I walked out hungry after we 2 appetizers and main course. The pernil was very small, just 2 strips

10 stars - Tourmaline is refined dining, in a very intimate dining room with a French countryside decor. The menu has French inspired dishes with a hint of fusion into other cuisines. In some featured dishes, you would not even think French at all but Chef Yvan delivers, regardless of cuisine. He deserves a Michelin Star or at the minimum, the Bib-Gourmand. As of this review, I've dined there three times already. And I was lucky to go when the menu changed from Summer to Autumn so I got to try both, as some dishes are seasonal. This particular review, I must tell you about their steel press duck experience. The duck entree is good for 3-4 people depending on appetite and it must be reserved one week in advance (+ deposit). Believe me, you will love it! It's literally the best duck I've ever had! (As my guests echoed the same sentiment as well). The fascinating process and the story behind the concept of this dish was what compelled us to return to try it. This meal was quite the experience. Not only do you get one on one time with the Chef, as he tells the story behind the concept of the dish, you get to watch first hand how the duck gets pressed and how the splendid sauce is made. All done table side on a portable cook top. This was worth the price tag because it's not just one dish, it's the prep before, during and in the serving of it all. Felt so much like an exclusive private dinner as he cooked and entertained us. The duck itself is quite large and the meal is paired with two side dishes (rice and veggies). The skin was glistening and wonderfully crisp (not oily). The meat was cooked to medium temp, absolute perfection. And gorgeous! The duck is served in three courses - first, a taste of the crispy skin by itself. Chef Yvan explains how he achieves this and the attention to every detail to make this a success. Second, the duck breast with the signature sauce - which you get to see how the Chef operates the press and presses every ounce of juice from the bones and the duck carcass. It's further reduced and a roux is made (with some added alcohol). Watch as Chef Yvan drizzles it onto your plate. And the third course, the rest of the duck (think the leg and thigh and other parts) gets plated and served in a stunning silver plated duck platter! The dome is the shape of a duck. This presentation was unlike any other. Past visits I've ordered the celery root Latkes, peach and burrata salad, the beet salad with amaranth and goat cheese, and an eggplant dish with quail egg served in a phyllo nest. Presentation is everything! The other notable entrees are the mushroom pasta with black truffle, the Montauk Cod en papier and the steak. Desserts were even more imaginative and unique - think Raspberry meringue, Panna Cotta and even an option of a cheese plate (which I tried, of course). I'm reliving each dining experience as I write this. You must make a reservation and get there before it gets even busier.

It's a nice, elegant restaurant away from the main areas of Forest Hills...we walked over.. The restaurant was full of locals though the space wasn't too big. The chef can be seen working all night in the back in their open kitchen. The host was very nice, as well as our server. I did try a few cocktails but they weren't very strong. We also had sparkling water. We ordered lobster ravioli, the cod for me and L had the steak. The lobster ravioli was a bit overpriced since it's a really small amount but expected since it's lobster. I thought it was just okay. The cod was not salty ..its was a light and healthy dish. L liked his steak and all the accompaniments. Not a lot of meat since L is a big guy but we got a lil snack after the restaurant even though he wasn't really hungry. We also ordered dessert. It was delicious...The peach one was amazing. We'd return for that alone, it was so good. Don't expect big portions. Everything is light with quality ingredients. I should've ordered one of their salads.. We did enjoy our dinner and the atmosphere.

Heidi and I had a wonderful experience at Tourmaline restaurant (on Metropolitan Ave) this evening. This is one of the best meals I have had ... ever. A true experience. Great food, attentive waitstaff, and really good people as owners. Rebecca and Yvan have exponentially upticked the Forest Hills dining experience. A+

Had a couples night out and enjoyed a lovely meal in a candle-lit cozy environment with attentive service. The dishes are unique and you can't find anything similar in the area. The level of attention in preparation, technique and presentation is apparent as each dish is extraordinary. Will be back to try their specialty dry-aged duck (which requires pre-ordering).

Lovely restaurant with nuce clean and relaxing atmosphere. Food is simple elegant and elevated! What a perfect addition to the area, definetly beats any other restaurant in queens!

Wow, a true fine dining restaurant in our neighborhood WORTH what they charge! Lately this feels very rare in forest hills. Tourmaline is beautiful, well lit, intimate, yet roomy. Staff and service were phenomenal- went out of their way to accommodate us (I had my 3 yr old son with us). And most importantly, food was really really good and so worth the price. Truffle pasta was delicious, chicken was tender with crispy skin, peach dessert was so good and you could see the fresh peaches in the open kitchen. 100% will be back - this is a place to be proud of!!

A newer French eatery in Forest Hills from Chef Yvan, we stumbled upon this place while in the area and decided to try them out for dinner - We ordered: +Eggs in a 'Nest' - preapred with kataifi, eggplant caponata, and soft quail eggs +Plaisirs de la Mer - prepared with bluefin tuna carpaccio, hokkaido sea urchin, and regiis ova royal white sturgeon caviar +the Alaskan Cod 'en Papillote' - with baby corn, new potatoes, zucchini stripes, and corn chowder +and, the Hanger Steak - with burnt onion tarte tatin, potato aligot, and bordelaise sauce I'd love to try the Duck a la Presse the next time, as this is a tableside presentation and with a pre-order only, as well as their pastas. Every dish was beautifully presented! Service was very sweet and welcoming, and we were checked upon often throughout our dining experience. The space is very cute and great for date nights; they can also host events and larger parties. +friendly staff & service

My wife and I went to Tourmaline to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary and the food was impeccable and the service was magnificent. I highly recommend the bread basket from Balthazar as an appetizer. The warm bread comes with olive oil/butter and some delicious vegetables on the side. I also recommend the buratta and peach salad which was outstanding. The flavors were rich and tasty. I had the lamb lasagna which was very different with flavors of dill and extremely satisfying. My wife had the chicken over mashed potatoes which was fabulous. We had a delicious raspberry dessert with fresh raspberries and ice cream on the side. The presentation was awesome and all of the food was spectacular. I would highly recommend this restaurant to everyone!

I predict a future Michelin star for Tourmaline in Forest Hills. French- trained Chef and owner, Yvan Lemoine and wife Rebecca Sussman, actress and event planner extraordinaire, have elevated the property value on Metropolitan Avenue with fine American and French-inspired cuisine. As you read this, try and get a reservation.

Amazing! Pinch me, am I really in Queens Yvan and Rebecca pull it off flawlessly True professionals providing great tastes. Their daughter Dylan at two has a tough act to follow but with the guidance from these two great young people she will surpass them Thank you for a great 80th birthday event Rich

A great addition to the neighborhood. Call at least a week in advance to reserve the duck. It was fantastic and the table side presentation was lovely. Hope to go back again soon!

Wonderful food, attentive and knowledgeable staff, quiet and classy atmosphere. We didn't try the duck but if you do please let me know how it was!

I am so happy to finally have a Restaurant of this quality in our neighborhood. I have gone numerous times because I want to try different dishes. It never disappoints from appetizer through dessert. It's one of the brightest lights in our area and I hope that neighborhood people, as well as visitors, to our neighborhood will continue to support it so that it stays with us for a long time.

Absolutely incredible -- everything from the food to the service to the atmosphere. Michelin star quality food and vibe. Highly recommend the tuna carpaccio, the steak, and the cocktails. I'm so glad this place exists and we will definitely be back!

Went with friends to this excellent resturant tonight in Queens First let's talk food. Their speciality is a dish called Duck a Le Presse. A whole duck aged and prepared wonderfully and along with a wonderful presentation table-side .You need to order it a week in advance. The duck was succulent and tasty without being gamy One person had chicken. Incredible as was the salad and desert The service was super friendly and professional. We sat at our reservation time. Good cocktails and staff knowledgeable about wine choices The chef/ owner and his wife are up front andpresent. Both really nice and very professional. We could not of asked for more. We will be back as I hear some menu items change as per season.

Fantastic food, excellent service, a lovely, understated atmosphere make this the perfect place for a romantic dinner to get-together with friends. The menu was limited, which I think is a good thing because they don't stretch themselves thin with variety. At our first meal there, everyone in our group ordered a different entree. They were so good, we rotated plates so we could also sample the great meal.

Exceptional food with attention to detail. Great date spot. Very high end menu at a very reasonable price point.

Found out they have a restaurant space Wed-Sun. Made reservations but our table wasn't ready-happy accident! We like to eat at the bar but they have no bar but they do have a patio out back that they are working on so they put us there to wait with drinks. It was so nice we asked if we could dine out there. Not super convenient for the wait staff but they were phenomenal. Food was top notch. My partner had the Pernil and I had the hanger steak. Flawless. I will make one observation-the hangar steak temperature was perfect but there was not enough of it for me. It was reasonably priced so I'm not saying I want more for the same price. I would gladly pay more for that kind of quality-maybe offer a couple of pricing options. Again- good portion but so like my steak. I feel the place elevates Metro dining-others better bring their A game (my favorite-not a competitor for this cuisine-already does). If they ever put a bar in-watch out!

True to its namesake Tourmaline, this new Franco-American fine dining establishment is indeed a gem to behold. The quality of food, service and ambiance is of Michelin star exceptional. Already having established a repeat clientele since its month long opening, the word is out. Make your reservations early and experience for yourselves the newest dining treasure of historic Forest Hills.

Tourmaline, Tourmaline, Tourmaline. Remember that name. We have a new French restaurant on Metropolitan Ave. between the Cinemart Theatre and Ascan Avenue. The interior is elegant in its simplicity. The menu is varied and delicious, from appetizers through desserts (including a cheese cart). We know that if we don't support the establishments we enjoy they won't be able to stay. This one is uniquely different, and although not the same menu as Danny Brown, (which left us years ago) it is certainly steps above the usual fare in the area and a positive asset to our neighborhood. BTW the staff is charming and lovely and more than helpful........... Tell us what you think.

Food is amazing, we took a variety of dishes and all of them were absolutely great!!! Scallop carpaccio, celery pancakes, lobster ravioli, cod, and dessert Pavlova - I even can't select what was best.

This gorgeous restaurant features elevated cuisine from a truly talented Chef in a sophisticated yet very welcoming dining space. Artistic presentations meet fresh and delicious ingredients. The service is attentive yet friendly; it leaves you feeling like a VIP. Menu highlights include the salmon mousse appetizer, creamy mushroom pasta, roast chicken with the silkiest parsnip puree and the kale salad. Cocktails and desserts round out a perfect culinary delight. Looking forward to many return visits.