The Milling Room

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• INFO@THEMILLINGROOM.COM

Esfira Shakh

Located in the heart of NYC’s Financial District, Crown Shy is a hip, bustling 1 Michelin-star restaurant that brings together a lively crowd of young professionals and seasoned foodies. The ambiance is energetic, vibrant, and full of life—but at times, overwhelmingly loud and chaotic, which may not be for everyone. The service was commendable; our waiter was attentive, accommodating my dietary restrictions (no dairy, no shellfish) with care and precision. The evening started on a high note: the white bean hummus and crispy cauliflower were both standout appetizers—flavorful, creative, and among the best I’ve had. The Hamachi was another hit, perfectly balanced with citrus and radish that added refreshing brightness. The charred carrots (sans clams) with curry seasoning were flavorful and unique, a surprising highlight. Unfortunately, the Gemelli with chicken liver ragout was served too cold and had to be sent back—a misstep that felt out of place for a Michelin-starred kitchen. For mains, the grilled citrus chicken lived up to its reputation: juicy, well-spiced, and bursting with flavor. The Bronzino was also beautifully prepared, served with Brussels sprouts that added a lovely texture and depth. One major issue was the pacing of the meal—our third and fourth courses arrived simultaneously, leaving the small table crowded and making it difficult to truly savor each dish. Plate changes between courses were also overlooked, which detracted from the overall polish I expected at this level. Dessert, however, was a saving grace. The satsuma orange and strawberry vacherin were both exceptional—fresh, balanced, and beautifully executed. A sweet note to end on. All in all, Crown Shy delivered some memorable flavors but missed the mark on the refined experience expected from a Michelin-star restaurant. It’s a fun spot with solid food, but if you’re looking for the seamless elegance that typically defines Michelin dining, this might not be it. Still, the rooftop bar at Overstory upstairs is worth a visit—especially on a clear night.

Alex Nguyen

One of my favorite Michelin star restaurants. The interior of this restaurant was so beautiful. The service was one of the better ones at a Michelin restaurant too. The complementary bread was the best complementary bread that I’ve ever had. For the appetizers the one that stood out was the cauliflower, I love the flavor and the batter wasn’t too much. Hamachi was okay, nothing spectacular in my opinion. The tuna toast was interesting and the bread was chewy. The pork Katsu was very good and heavy but I enjoyed the sauce that was on top of it. The gnocchi was like a cheese cloud and it was great. I highly recommend this place and I would come back.

JP Z

This restaurant was such a pleasure to visit during our New York City trip. Unlike their peers or restaurants ar a higher price point, this place isn't fussy or pretentious: it serves innovative, creative dishes that are fun and playful with a very chill vibe. They confidently do what they do well. From the delicious pistachio pull apart bread to the beautiful pear salad, everything was cooked perfectly. Service was also great, and we really appreciated the care into explaining the menu and noting any signature dishes. There was a lapse in pacing from when the octopus and carrots were served, which unfortunately resulted in a cold dish, but the food did not disappoint and still tasted great. As a 90s hip hop nerd, I loved the music and the photographic homage to the artists that made this era spectacular. The music also wasn't overly loud, but I could still distinguish each song. We loved everything about this place and would hands down come again.

Claire Chung

An absolutely incredible experience—truly deserving of their Michelin star! Every dish we ordered exceeded expectations, with the jerk octopus being perfectly cooked. The entire meal was impeccably timed, and the staff struck the perfect balance, providing attentive service without being intrusive. It was a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and the care they put into every detail made the experience unforgettable.