This post is my non-sponsored review of COSME NYC.
If you’ve spent any time researching restaurants in NYC, you’ve probably come across Cosme. Known for its elevated take on Mexican cuisine and sleek, downtown aesthetic, it’s one of those places that feels like it should be worth the hype.
After finally visiting, I have… mixed feelings.
Cosme at Restaurant Week NYC
We made our reservation specifically for NYC Restaurant Week.
If you don’t know, Restaurant Week (which honestly, is like a national holiday for me) happens in New York twice a year, where participating restaurants create special deals that they wouldn’t usually have. It’s a fantastic time to take advantage of fancier restaurants that you otherwise wouldn’t even consider dining at.
If you’re curious, here’s the NYC Restaurant Week Menu for Cosme during my visit in February 2026.
Sometimes, the deals are not great, and you have to scroll through Reddit (and blogs) to truly find what’s worth your time and money.
And I’m sad to report that I just didn’t feel like Cosme didn’t make the cut.
First of all, after reading the official restaurant week info listed for Cosme, we specifically made our reservation on a Tuesday evening (weekday restaurant week only) only to find out upon arrival that the Restaurant Week menu was only available at the bar, not in the main dining room.
Apparently, this detail was listed on their website, but it definitely wasn’t obvious on the reservation platform or social media.
That said, the host was kind enough to seat us after about 20 minutes despite the mix-up, which I appreciated.
The Vibe: Where COSME Shines
Before getting into the food, I have to give credit where it’s due: the ambiance is really nice. It’s dimly lit, modern, and very chic. Cosme seems like a nice place for a date night or a stylish dinner with friends. It sort of feels like you’re eating in a hotel lobby.
However, that being said, style seems to triumph over food.
The Food: Elevated… But Not in a Good Way
Here’s where things started to fall apart for me.
I ordered:
- Arctic char bagel tostada
- Ribeye asada
- Hazelnut flan
The biggest issue? The portions were shockingly small. Each dish was maybe 3–5 bites, max. And while I’m not someone who usually complains about portion size (especially at upscale restaurants), it felt like a JOKE!
For around $60 in food, I left feeling like I hadn’t really eaten a full meal.
As for the taste, everything was fine, but nothing stood out. It all felt very “elevated” in a way that came across as a bit forced, rather than genuinely delicious.
Drinks: The Highlight (But Pricey)
The margaritas were easily the best part of the night.
I ordered the Mijenta Cadillac margarita, which was smooth, well-balanced, and strong. But at $26, it’s definitely a splurge.
Final Thoughts: Is COSME Worth It?
Honestly… I don’t think so.
Between the confusing Restaurant Week situation, the very small portions, and food that didn’t quite deliver, it just didn’t feel like good value for the price.
Yes, the space is beautiful and the drinks are solid. But when it comes down to it, I go out to eat for the food, and COSME just didn’t live up to expectations.
Overall rating: 6/10
If you’re curious, it might be worth stopping by for a drink at the bar. But for a full dinner? There are so many better options in NYC at this price point.
Check out some of my favorite restaurants to try in NYC that I think are worth your dime.
This post was all about Cosme NYC Review.
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