In business for 45 years, upon its closing The New York Times called it a "former high-society temple of French cuisine at 60 West 55th Street.

It was "known as much for its elegantly arrayed tables, set against a backdrop of handsome French seaside murals, as for its food.

"[2] Truman Capote's unfinished novel Answered Prayers includes a catty luncheon among thinly veiled socialites in the chapter "La Côte Basque 1965", first published in Esquire magazine in 1975.

[3][4] A scene from the film Light Sleeper features Willem Dafoe and Susan Sarandon eating lunch in the restaurant.

[5] Famous patrons included Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Babe Paley, Nan Kempner, and Frank Sinatra.