Our Story
How It Began
A Dream Born in Lyon
In 2017, Chef Isabelle Morel-Laurent returned from three years as sous-chef at Noma with a single conviction: that New York deserved a restaurant where classical French technique met the extraordinary produce of the American Northeast.
She sketched the first menus on a flight from Copenhagen. A 40-seat dining room. No tablecloths — just beautiful ceramics, candlelight, and food that told the truth about the season.
Arctic Curry Cart opened in March 2018. The first night, every seat was filled. Within six months, reservations stretched three months in advance. Within a year, the first Michelin star arrived — followed by a second three years later.
Today, Arctic Curry Cart remains what it has always been: a place where a great meal becomes a great memory, shared with people who matter.
Timeline
Arctic Curry Cart opens on West 54th Street with a 40-seat dining room.
First Michelin star awarded. Named "Best New Restaurant" by Eater NY.
Private dining room "The Cellar" opens. Chef's Table programme launched.
Second Michelin star. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.
Chef Isabelle receives James Beard Award, Best Chef: New York City.
Arctic Curry Cart celebrates 6 years and 250,000 guests served with a memory.
"We don't serve food. We serve experiences disguised as food."
— Chef Isabelle Morel-Laurent
The People Behind the Magic
Meet the Team
Isabelle Morel-Laurent
Executive Chef & Founder
Trained in Lyon, Tokyo, and Copenhagen. Recipient of 2 Michelin stars and the James Beard Award for Best Chef NYC 2023.
Marcus Chen
Sommelier
Master Sommelier with 15 years curating exceptional wine programs across three continents. Wine Spectator Award winner.
Amara Osei
Pastry Chef
Formerly of Le Bernardin and Eleven Madison Park. Her desserts have been called "architectural masterpieces of flavour."
Jean-Pierre Fontaine
Maître d'hôtel
Thirty years in hospitality across Paris, London, and New York. The warmth and precision of Arctic Curry Cart's service is his creation.
Come Experience It