Pete Wells Leaves the Table After 12 Years

After 12 years of savoring New York City's culinary scene for The Times, Pete Wells has announced that he is stepping down as the restaurant critic. In his farewell note, Wells reflects, "Exploring, appreciating, understanding, interpreting, and often even enjoying that feast has been the greatest honor of my career."

During his tenure, Wells penned approximately 500 reviews, many of which entailed three multicourse meals. Additionally, he often indulged in "reference meals," sampling various versions of a dish to ensure comprehensive coverage. However, a recent health check revealed concerning results, including high cholesterol, hypertension, and obesity.

These health issues are not uncommon in the profession, Wells notes, but restaurant critics typically "avoid mentioning weight the way actors avoid saying ‘Macbeth.’” Recognizing that it was time for a change, Wells has decided to move on.

Read Pete's farewell here, and revisit some of his most memorable reviews.