Inside Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare: Review & Highlights from a Two-Michelin-Star Masterpiece
- Emily Simpson
- Sep 26, 2025
- 3 min read
Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare, a two-Michelin-star restaurant tucked away at the back of an upscale grocery store in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan, offers an unforgettable dining experience. The tasting menu typically includes around 14 courses (depending on the day), featuring predominantly seafood dishes with Japanese and Swedish influences. The restaurant also boasts an impeccably curated wine list, available as pairings or by the glass, along with a selection of cocktails.
Chefs Max Natmessnig and Marco Prins have made the restaurant their own, after taking over for Chef César Ramírez in 2023. The intimate seating around the kitchen provides a front-row view of the incredible culinary performance and dance that defines Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare.
Finding the restaurant was an adventure in itself. I arrived by cab and managed to confuse the driver! I gave him the name “Brooklyn Fare” but a Manhattan address, which left him momentarily stumped—a rare feat for someone who’s been navigating New York City streets for 30 years.
Upon arrival, you enter the grocery store and head straight to the back, past jars of jams and preserves, fresh-baked bagels, and shelves of specialty coffees. A small host stand greets you, and the host guides you through an unmarked door to a sleek, clean-lined kitchen, surrounded by 18 chairs and a few booths.
Since I had the pleasure of enjoying 14 courses (and 7 wine pairings), I will highlight some of my favorites in this review, in order of appearance (not a ranking of preference).
The meal began with an incredible bluefin tuna tartare from Japan, served on an Idaho potato taco with a hint of wasabi at the base, and dotted with delicate flowers and microgreens. Bright, fresh, and slightly fatty, it finished with a gentle kick of heat. The potato taco added a satisfying crunch and texture, and- surprisingly- did not crumble on my first bite. It was the perfect two-bite amuse-bouche – waking up my palate and getting me excited for what was to come! The sommelier paired the first three light bites with a classic Krug ‘Grand Cuvée 171ème’ Brut, which cut beautifully through the richness of the tuna.
Another standout of the meal was the smoked brook trout, served with a grilled leek and trout bone vinaigrette, horseradish, and trout roe. I’ll preface my review by noting that I’m not usually a fan of trout, nor am I drawn to smoked meats. Yet this dish was so well-balanced and fresh that it completely changed my mind. The fish was incredibly tender—so much so that it could be cut with a spoon—and the horseradish added a luxurious, creamy heat. I didn’t leave a morsel on my plate! This course was paired with Ganevat & Glougueule, 'Kopin', Jura 2017, a white blend of Chardonnay, Savagnin, and Riesling grapes from Burgundy, Jura, and Alsace. The wine’s acidity and tartness perfectly complemented the smoky, salty flavors of the dish.
The grilled Norway langoustine with nam prik chili paste, served alongside a sauce made from the langoustine heads with saté flavors, mango-purple curry chutney, and a pandan foam was another beautiful highlight of the menu. The langoustine was cooked to perfection—rich, buttery, and melting in your mouth. Each bite offered a new flavor experience; the sauce and foam were so unique, they kept me coming back for more. This course was paired with Château Fuissé, 'Les Clos' 1er Cru, Pouilly-Fuissé 2022, a brilliant wine with subtle green notes that complemented the spice of the curry and saté beautifully.
Watching the chefs at CTBF was like observing a perfectly choreographed ballet. Led by Chef Max Natmessnig, who graciously greeted each diner at the conclusion of the meal, the kitchen operated as a seamless unit, anticipating
each other’s movements and presenting each dish in sync.
Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare is more than a meal- it’s a masterclass in culinary artistry, perfect for celebrations or a luxurious treat. This isn’t casual dining; it’s an unforgettable experience meant to be savored and remembered.
Emily Simpson is a fine-dining expert and FoodFamilyTravel.com contributor who has explored Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, seeking exceptional culinary experiences.
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