Capsouto Freres

This is a great restaurant for "fun" French food. It's in a bright old warehouse building at the western edge of Manhattan. The staff is delightful - friendly and attentive and they're willing to make adjustments to the menu. You can even park on the street nearby (I first went here when I lived in Riverdale).

They offer a reasonably priced "menu" at dinner ($35), Lunch ($24) and brunch ($25). They also have a "souffle bar" at Brunch and Lunch.

We decided to go for an early dinner this week. Both Chris and I had the special, Softshell crabs and thought they were delicious. We asked to omit the the accompanying mashed potatoes opting for a mixture of sauteed green vegetables. Unfortunately, the sauce served with the crabs was too thick and heavy--the good news is the sauce was just at the side. Chris liked her vegetable terrine starter, but my "Saucisson Lyon' (large garlic sausage in a pastry crust) was cold and unappetizing.

We shared a blood-orange Souffle for dessert that was wonderful. So was the expresso.

The bottom line is I keep going back to this restaurant because it seems like it should be wonderful - a nice space with an interesting menu and a great staff - all at a reasonable price. And Zagats gives it a respectable 23 for Food. This is not a place for gourmet dining with the sometimes inconsistent food and the heavy sauces. Some of the food tastes like it was prepared much earlier and warmed over--but, if you choose carefully, you can have a decent meal.

Zagats says...
Located halfway to Joisey in the middle of nowhere (aka west TriBeCa), this glorious oasis of civility has delivered delicious French bistro fare for decades; its pretty, red brick-walled high-ceilinged room provides all the creature comforts, with unpretentious yet delightful service icing the cake.

Capsouto Freres
TriBeCa 451 Washington St.(Watts St.)
Manhattan, NY 10013
212-966-4900