Michelin-starred, French-inspired cuisine featuring three kind of prix-fixe menus, with choices : 3 course, 4 course and a 7 course in addition to a bar menu of more casual dishes. An elegant and inviting Upper West Side destination, Essential by Christophe offers a menu of French-inspired cuisine centered around the dishes Christophe loves to eat, cook, and share with others. The restaurant’s name reflects Bellanca’s core philosophy: informed simplicity, stripped of all unnecessary flourishes to showcase only what is essential. Each dish is informed by Bellanca’s classical training and rooted in French technique. Designed by Bellanca in collaboration with prominent Parisian residential designer Caroline Egasse, Essential includes exposed wooden beams to bring height, warmth and dimension to the nearly 100-seat dining room, and leather, brass and delicate touches of Élitis wallpaper and porcelain tile to lend texture and a subtle edge.