Joël Robuchon’s Famed L’Atelier Returns Next Week For a Lucky Few

Sounds like Michelin star collector chef Joël Robuchon’s reentry into the New York City dining scene is getting close to a public debut.

The internationally famous chef’s Chelsea location of acclaimed tasting counter L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon starts serving private dinners next week — meaning a debut to the public isn’t far off. An Eater tipster says the former Colicchio and Sons space at 85 10th Avenue, between 15th and 16th streets, has been staffed up and recently has been finalizing the menu.

Though L’Atelier already has ten locations around the world, the new NYC outpost is still quite a deal. The French chef, who has earned more Michelin stars over his career than any other chef in the world, hasn’t had a restaurant here for years.

And this location will feature one different aspect from the others, a more casual portion called Le Bar de Joël Robuchon. It’s a 50-seat bar and lounge that will feature salads, sandwiches, and other simpler dishes for lunch and dinner. The more upscale L’Atelier will have 34 seats at a counter, 20 seats at tables, and two private dining rooms.

Since L’Atelier first opened in Paris in 2003, Robuchon has expanded it to cities around the world. It’s become a fine dining destination, with several locations earning more than one Michelin star. Only one other version exists in the U.S. in Las Vegas, ever since a previous New York version in Midtown closed five years ago.

The Chelsea restaurant is not the only NYC return for Robuchon. He’s also planning a Joël Robuchon Restaurant in Midtown, taking over multiple floors in a condo building.