| La Côte Basque | |
|---|---|
 Interactive map of La Côte Basque | |
| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 1959 (1959) |
| Closed | 2004 (2004) |
| Location | 60 West 55th Street, New York, New York, 10019, United States |
| Coordinates | 40°45′45″N73°58′37″W / 40.76250°N 73.97694°W /40.76250; -73.97694 |
La Côte Basque was aNew York Cityrestaurant. It opened in the late 1950s and operated until it closed on March 7, 2004. In business for 45 years, upon its closingThe New York Times called it a "formerhigh-society temple ofFrench cuisine at 60 West55th Street."[1]
Henri Soulé opened the restaurant in the late 1950s. Jean-Jacques Rachou became the owner and chef in 1979. At that time the restaurant was located a block to the east, moving to the West 55th Street location in 1995. It was "known as much for its elegantly arrayed tables, set against a backdrop of handsome French seaside murals, as for its food. Mr. Rachou said he spent more than $2,200 a week on flowers and more than $3,000 on linen."[2]
Truman Capote's unfinished novelAnswered Prayers includes a catty luncheon among thinly disguised socialites in the chapter "La Côte Basque 1965", first published inEsquire magazine in 1975.[3][4] A scene from the filmLight Sleeper featuresWillem Dafoe andSusan Sarandon eating lunch in the restaurant.[5]
Famous patrons includedJacqueline Kennedy Onassis,Babe Paley,Nan Kempner, andFrank Sinatra.[2]
The restaurant was prominently featured throughout the 2024 seriesFeud: Capote vs. The Swans.[6][7]