Reservations are required. They are accepted up to 30 days in advance for both lunch and dinner.

There are three types of seating at L'Atelier: There's the coveted demonstration counter seats, the couches in the main dining room or the regular chairs in the main dining room. All of the above are equally comfortable, so comfortable, in fact, that once you sit down you may not want to leave.

The atmosphere at L'Atelier is wonderful. This restaurant undeniably has the best acoustics in which we've ever dined. Here, you could be sitting at a table and not be aware of the conversation at the table next to you; from an auditory standpoint, it's as if you're dining in your own home and Robuchon is cooking in your kitchen. Although this is a fine dining restaurant, you'll feel like yours is the only party in the place thanks to the amount of personal attention that you'll receive. The restaurant is most definitely service-oriented and is completely unpretentious.

The restrooms are on another level, down a grand staircase that is outside the restaurant. Not to worry, though. If you have trouble navigating the stairs, you can use the entrance on 58th Street and take the elevator right into the restaurant; you can also take that elevator one floor down to the restrooms. There's no issue if you have difficulty with stairs.

The dress code is smart casual, and in the numerous times we've been here, we've never seen anyone deviate from that dress code.

The hotel is centrally located on 57th Street between Park and Madison Avenues in New York. It is easily accessible by taxi and by public transportation. If you're driving, there is valet parking available, although it's not complimentary. While the total cost is $60 for 24 hours, the cost is less for the duration of your meal; it's $23 for the first hour, $26 for the second hour and another $26 for the third hour.

Joel Robuchon, "Chef of the Century," has won many, many accolades and honors, including multiple three Michelin Stars. His personal awards are too numerous to list, however. L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon received one Michelin Star in 2008 and received the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant in 2007.

*Please note that the restaurants featured at TravelsinTaste.com may have changed their personnel, menu, pricing, decor, hours of operation, etc., since our last visit. The competitive and creative nature of the fine dining scene virtually assures that changes will occur on a frequent basis in order to make diners happier, meals more pleasurable and visits more frequent. Given their frequent fluctuations, most restaurants welcome inquiries about their current hours, menu and more.