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Contra was a Michelin-starred restaurant in New York City, known for its innovative tasting menus and intimate atmosphere. It received positive reviews for its unique dishes and attentive service. However, some patrons found certain dishes too salty or overcomplicated. The restaurant closed on October 28, 2023, after a decade of operation.

Discovering Contra: A Michelin-Starred Gem of Manhattan's Culinary Scene

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Manhattan at 138 Orchard Street, 

 carved out a distinct niche as a trendy New American restaurant with a bold, inventive approach to dining. Known for its dinner-only fixed-price menus, the establishment invited food enthusiasts to savor a series of thoughtfully curated courses that showcased local and seasonal ingredients in new and exciting ways.

An Intimate and Inventive Dining Experience

Contrasting many fine dining spots in New York City, Contra kept its ambiance minimalistic yet chic, allowing the food and wine pairings to take center stage. Guests consistently praised the innovative menus that balanced creativity with simplicity — each course was designed to surprise and delight without overwhelming the palate. The wine selections, often featuring rare and unexpected bottles, paired beautifully with the dishes, elevating the entire dining journey.

What truly set Contra apart was its attentive and knowledgeable service team. Servers took genuine interest in guests’ experiences, explaining the story behind each dish and wine choice, and fostering a warm, welcoming atmosphere that made every visit memorable. While some diners found a few dishes to be slightly over-seasoned or complex, the overall sentiment was overwhelmingly positive, with many vowing to return for future culinary innovations.

After a decade of pushing culinary boundaries and continuously earning accolades — including a Michelin star awarded in 2017 and proudly maintained ever since — Contra closed its doors on October 28, 2023. The closure marked the end of a beloved chapter in New York City's dynamic food scene, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, exquisite tasting menus, and an intimate dining experience that many food lovers still cherish.

 Contra was known for its innovative tasting menus featuring local and seasonal ingredients, and its intimate dining experience.

 Yes, Contra received a Michelin star in 2017 and maintained it every year since.

North America

United States

Nestled in the vibrant Lower East Side of Manhattan, **Contra** is a culinary gem that redefines the dining experience. With its minimalist decor and intimate atmosphere, this restaurant offers a unique fixed-price menu that showcases the best of New American cuisine. Each dish is a testament to creativity and freshness, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

At Contra, the menu changes frequently, reflecting the seasons and the freshest ingredients available. Two standout dishes include the **scallops**, seared to perfection and served with a delicate citrus sauce, and the **beef wagyu**, which melts in your mouth, complemented by a subtle hint of lemon. Each course is paired with carefully selected wines, enhancing the flavors and providing a delightful dining experience.

One of the unique aspects of Contra is its commitment to sustainability and local sourcing. The chefs often visit local farms to select ingredients, ensuring that each dish is not only fresh but also supports the community. This dedication to quality is evident in every bite, making dining here a truly memorable experience.

Located at 138 Orchard St, Contra is perfectly situated for a night out in New York City. After your meal, take a stroll through the bustling Lower East Side, where you can explore art galleries, boutique shops, and vibrant nightlife. Don't miss the nearby Tenement Museum, which offers a glimpse into the lives of immigrants who shaped this iconic neighborhood.

Contra is renowned for its innovative fixed-price menu that changes regularly, showcasing seasonal ingredients.

Dining at Contra is a unique experience that combines exceptional food with a commitment to sustainability.

The Lower East Side is home to numerous attractions, including art galleries, shops, and the Tenement Museum.

Whether you're a local or a traveler, make sure to experience the culinary artistry at Contra. Book your table now and indulge in a dining experience that celebrates the essence of New York's vibrant food scene.

Trendy New American venue offering a dinner-only fixed-price menu in bare-bones but chic surrounds.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN1NTlqZmZnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJT1joy4ZZwokRQOu1I_pG85Q/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN1NTlqZmZnEAE

Amazing Night, great service and great food/wine pairings.

Definitely an out of the box approach of a traditional tasting, I dug it! Course after course was fresh and inventive. The wine pairings were very interesting, a lot of wine I’d never pick solo but complemented the menu amazingly well. Course after course was better and better…my only comment would be dessert felt more like a palate cleanser than an actual dessert. With that, was still an amazing dinner with amazing attentive service. Will definitely be back.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ1c3Bqa2ZnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJT1joy4ZZwokRQOu1I_pG85Q/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ1c3Bqa2ZnEAE

Pity that I only tried this restaurant in its last week. The dishes were all very good, with just enough elements to be interesting, but not so many to be overwhelming. Everything was creative but still unfussy, which is a nice change of pace from a lot of other fine dining restaurants.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQyajl1WWZ3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJT1joy4ZZwokRQOu1I_pG85Q/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQyajl1WWZ3EAE

Came to the place with high expectations and it overall was pretty satisfied. Went for the table d’hôte. It came with 6 courses including a dessert at the end. Stars among the offering were the scallop, prawns and eel dishes. The beef wagyu dish was a bit heavy on the lemon. The rest of the meal, was alright. The dehydrated strawberry cream was a nice dish to end off the meal. The service was good throughout the evening. Overall would recommend and would comeback to see what new cool concepts they have to offer.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ1X1B2Y0VBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJT1joy4ZZwokRQOu1I_pG85Q/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ1X1B2Y0VBEAE

Sad to hear it's closing. The 9 course meal was superb! We could eat the bread literrally for all 9 courses though.
Service could not be better. They even explained all of the dishes and wine we ordered.  Thanks for a wonderful night  😘

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMtOWJIZ3VRRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJT1joy4ZZwokRQOu1I_pG85Q/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUMtOWJIZ3VRRRAB

Food was incredible. Servers were very friendly. Had genuine interest in our trip, one server was asking us about the UK as she planned on visiting so we were happy to help. You’ve got to go for the Carte Blanche option, it was worth every penny. This was a perfect place to go for out last night of our holiday. Thank you

Contra: Trendy New American Restaurant in Manhattan, NY

Contra restaurant history overview in New York City.

Nestled at 138 Orchard Street in Manhattan, Contra was a beloved culinary gem that left a lasting impression on New York City's vibrant dining scene. Opening its doors in 2013, Contra set out to redefine gourmet dining with its avant-garde approach to New American cuisine, creating an intimate atmosphere that welcomed food enthusiasts seeking a unique tasting experience.

2017 marked a significant year in Contra's journey when it earned the coveted Michelin star, a testament to its innovative tasting menus and the chef’s mastery in combining fresh, inventive dishes with impeccable service. This accolade cemented its status as a must-visit destination for gourmands and travelers alike who crave an exceptional culinary adventure.

Contra's menu was renowned for its out-of-the-box approach, offering a fixed-price, multi-course tasting that shocked and delighted diners through thoughtfully curated dishes paired with intriguing wines. Guests often praised the freshness and inventiveness of each course, highlighting seafood and wagyu beef specialties, while appreciating the attentive and knowledgeable service that made every meal memorable.

Though widely celebrated, some diners noted that certain dishes could feel heavy or overly complex, and dessert courses occasionally resembled palate cleansers more than traditional sweets. Nonetheless, Contra’s daring culinary philosophy and cozy ambiance made it a cherished spot for those eager to explore creative New American cuisine beyond the usual offerings.

After a remarkable decade of delighting New York diners, Contra closed its doors on October 28, 2023. Its decade-long legacy remains a shining example of how small, focused restaurants can revolutionize the dining landscape with creativity, precision, and passion. For food lovers and trend-conscious travelers visiting New York, Contra’s story is a testament to the city’s ever-evolving culinary tapestry that embraces innovation and intimacy alike.

 Contra opened on Orchard Street in New York City.

 Contra received a Michelin star, elevating its prestige and spotlighting its culinary excellence.

 Contra closed on October 28 after a memorable decade of groundbreaking dining experiences.

Dine In

Takeout

Delivery

Restroom

Outdoor Seating

Serves Beer

Serves Wine

Serves Coffee

Serves Dinner

Serves Dessert

Curbside Pickup

Serves Cocktails

Serves Vegetarian Food

Contra is a trendy New American venue located on Orchard Street in New York's vibrant Manhattan, offering a dinner-only fixed-price menu in a chic yet bare-bones setting. Renowned for its seasonal tasting menu crafted from fresh local ingredients, each dish is a whimsical journey through textures and tastes, beautifully plated to please both the eyes and palate.

Contra

A selection of innovative dishes featuring local and seasonal ingredients.

Tofu with Maple-Mirin Sauce

Lou Ro Fan (Pork or Vegetarian)

Chilled Beef with Smoked Tea Gelee

Beef Noodle Soup

Shortbread Cookie and Black Sesame Ice Cream Sandwiches

Contra Menu

Discover Contra's innovative menu on Orchard Street

Nestled in the heart of Manhattan's vibrant Lower East Side, Contra invites you to experience a thoughtfully crafted menu that celebrates New American culinary artistry with a creative twist. This dinner-only hotspot offers a fixed-price menu featuring inventive dishes that blend local and seasonal ingredients with global flavors, all served in a chic, minimalist setting.

Begin your culinary journey with starters that balance delicate flavors and textures. Try the silky tofu glazed with a luscious maple-mirin sauce, a harmonious fusion of sweet and umami notes that sets the stage for the courses ahead. For those craving a savory bite, the chilled beef served with smoked tea gelee delivers a refreshing and smoky complexity that intrigues the senses.

For the main courses, Contra offers robust and comforting dishes with a refined edge. The Lou Ro Fan, available with either a succulent pork or a vibrant vegetarian filling, is served atop perfectly steamed rice and enriched with a signature sauce that elevates this classic to new heights. Alternatively, dive into the hearty beef noodle soup, where tender beef and al dente noodles swim in a deeply flavored broth that warms and delights.

Desserts and drinks to complete your meal

End your dining experience on a subtly sweet note with the shortbread cookie and black sesame ice cream sandwiches. This dessert pairs the buttery crunch of shortbread with the nutty, aromatic complexity of black sesame ice cream, creating a palate-pleasing finale that is both innovative and comforting.

 tofu with maple-mirin sauce, chilled beef with smoked tea gelee

 Lou Ro Fan with pork or vegetarian filling, beef noodle soup

 shortbread cookie and black sesame ice cream sandwiches

Accompany your meal with a curated selection of cocktails, wines, and beers that complement the inventive flavors found in every dish. Contra's attentive service and expert pairing recommendations make for a seamless dining experience that food enthusiasts and trend-conscious travelers will appreciate.

Whether you're a local foodie or a visiting digital nomad looking for an unforgettable New York dining adventure, Contra's refined yet unfussy menu delivers fresh, exciting flavors in a stylish setting on Orchard Street.

Discover Contra on Orchard St, a culinary gem in NYC! Savor exquisite dishes with fresh ingredients. Reserve your table today!

Dine at Contra, a Culinary Gem in NYC's Orchard St

New York County

Private event hosting for up to 12 guests with a minimum spend agreement.

Bar Contra Party

Contra New American Dining Experience in Manhattan New York City NY USA Restaurant Review and Details Spot 138 Orchard St 10002 United States Food Wine Cocktails Desserts Dinner Takeout Delivery Outdoor Seating NFC Debit Cards Bar Contra Party Private Events Up to 12 Guests Unique Culinary Adventure Trendy Chic Vibe Vegetarian Friendly No Brunch or Lunch Options No Children Friendly No Live Music Reservation Required Modern Fine Dining Innovative Tasting Menu in Lower East Side Manhattan New York City USA New York State US 10002 3169 East Village Dining Experience Spot 138 Orchard St New York NY 10002 USA United States Manhattan New York City New York County NY 10002 3169 International Food Enthusiasts Foodies Digital Nomads Trend-Conscious Travelers Food Wine Pairings Excellent Service Creative Unfussy Culinary Arts Table d’Hôte Course Meal Review Recommendations Gourmet Cuisine Sophisticated Ambiance 87G8P296+X8 P296+X8 New York NY USA Foodies Digital Nomads Trend-Conscious Travelers Gourmet Dining Destination Multi-Course Menus Quality Wine Selection NFC Payment Accepted Debit Cards Accepted Outdoor Seating Available Curbside Pickup Available Brunch and Lunch Not Served Dinner Served Dessert and Coffee Served Not Child Friendly Not Good for Watching Sports Bar Contra Party Private Event Hosting Minimum Spend For 12 Guests 85 USD Fixed-Price Dinner Menu 138 Orchard Street Manhattan New York City New York State United States USA Gourmet Dining Hotspot in Lower East Side Manhattan New York City New York State USA 10002 Unique Food Wine Pairing Experiences Gourmet Multi-Course Meals  

Experience award-winning fine dining at Contra, New York City, offering innovative tasting menus in a chic atmosphere. Reserve your table today!

Dining at Contra: A Michelin-Starred Experience in NYC

Learn all about Contra, NYC’s celebrated Michelin-star restaurant, known for its creative flavors and intimate ambiance. Explore our insights!

Your Guide to Contra: NYC's Iconic Restaurant

Discover top tips for visiting Contra in NYC, from menu highlights to reservation advice, ensuring a memorable dining experience!

Discover Contra's innovative menu on Orchard Street

Starters to awaken your palate

Mains to indulge and satisfy

Desserts and drinks to complete your meal

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