Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare: The New Era
Following the departure of Chef César Ramírez in mid-2023, Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare reopened in October 2023 under the leadership of Max Natmessnig and Marco Prins. Both chefs bring extensive fine-dining experience and a deep connection to the restaurant, having previously worked there during its formative years.
Max Natmessnig, an Austrian chef with experience at Steirereck (Vienna) and Oud Sluis (Netherlands), earned two Michelin stars at Alois in Munich before returning to New York. His refined European approach perfectly complements the restaurant’s signature French-Japanese style.
Marco Prins, originally from the Netherlands, has worked at Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe and was part of the original Chef’s Table team in Brooklyn. His expertise in precise execution and ingredient-driven cuisine helps maintain the restaurant’s legacy.
Under their leadership, Chef’s Table now offers a 14-course tasting menu, focused on premium seafood with a balance of Japanese and French techniques. Signature dishes feature meticulously sourced ingredients, such as wild-caught turbot and aged fish preparations. The restaurant retains its formal setting, emphasizing a distraction-free dining experience without photography or phone use.
Our meal here was exceptional, with ingredients of the same impeccable standard as before. Execution was flawless, and the service was excellent. Natmessnig and Prins are undeniably talented, and their technical ability is unquestionable. However, the two young chefs should lean more into their own heritage and influences—developing the confidence to follow their instincts rather than adhering too closely to past formulas. They are already very good; once they establish their own signature, they will be great.
Despite losing its three Michelin stars in 2023 due to the transition, the restaurant swiftly regained two Michelin stars in 2024, affirming its continued excellence. Natmessnig and Prins have reinvigorated Chef’s Table, combining tradition with fresh perspectives. Their tenure marks a new chapter, proving that the restaurant remains one of New York’s premier dining destinations.
