"Having opened in 1986, it is one of the enduring icons of New York's bistros--now being mimicked by newcomers like Chez Nous, Le Veau d'Or and Chez Fifi. It has a crowd as faithful and returning as any restaurant's in New York, and the clientele dresses well (more on that later) and seems to have, in Scott Fitzgerald's words, "voices full of money." The faithful call it "Bilbo," as they once called '21' Club "the Numbers" and Le Cirque "the Circus.""
"As a result--and probably to owner Philippe Delgrange's delight--those media have largely ignored the restaurant, including the New York Times, which seems never to have reviewed it. The cranky New York Post deemed Il Bilboquet the "snobbiest restaurant in New York" in 2017, and New York Magazine warned readers, "a word to the wise - if the thought of a menu printed entirely in French, or even just the thought of a long wait on the weekend, seems daunting rather than exciting,""
Le Bilboquet opened in 1986 and became an enduring icon of New York bistros, later expanding to Sag Harbor, Dallas, Palm Beach and Denver. The dining room offers romantic lighting, a sophisticated ambience and classic French fare. The restaurant attracts a faithful, well-dressed clientele that often returns and prefers the nickname "Bilbo." The establishment has faced media accusations of snobbery and exclusivity, and some outlets have largely ignored or criticized it. The menu now includes English translations. Seating expanded from 35 seats originally to just over 100 in a larger 2013 space, and owner Philippe Delgrange notes sustained customer enthusiasm.
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