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Café Gitane
Categories: Restaurants French Restaurants Moroccan French, Moroccan [Edit]
242 Mott St(between Houston St & Prince St)
New York, NY 10012
Neighborhood: Nolita
(212) 334-9552
- Nearest Transit:
-
Spring St (4, 6, 6X)
Broadway - Lafayette St (B, D, F, M)
Prince St (N, R)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 9 am - 12 am
Fri-Sat 9 am - 12:30 am
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Trendy, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
300 reviews for Café Gitane
Review Highlights
"The avocado toast is so simple yet complete perfection."
(in 49 reviews)
"The beet salad and baked eggs are just wonderful."
(in 22 reviews)
"Had one of the best cous cous dishes I've had."
(in 30 reviews)
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298 reviews in English
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Review from Noah G.
New York, NY
1/23/2012
Relatively inexpensive, cozy and flavorful food. It's always on my mind when I want an easy meal or coffee in the neighborhood. Food is not 5 stars (neither is the service) but it thoroughly satisfies me when I want a relaxed (and healthy) meal surrounded by fun people.
Everyone orders the avocado toast-- it's pretty good, but I could make a better one at home.
Couscous- not your normal couscous. Here it comes drier and served in the form of a sand castle, with a hummus crown and a moat of olive oil and herbs. It's good enough that I finish it each time.
Salmon Pot Pie- it's a great dish to share. It has an earthy taste thanks to the rosemary and other herbs they use, and the red tomato sauce is a great complement.
It can be a scene during the weekend. Otherwise, it's relaxed and filled with locals during the week. -
Review from Chester N.
Astoria, NY
1/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've been to Cafe Gitane enough times where my assessment is "not a huge fan, not a huge hater, if another option is available, I can do either way." As middle of the road as that sounds, it is the truth.
The first time I went was during Lent on a Friday. As a semi-devout and practicing Catholic, I didn't eat meat, and ordered from the limited meatless options. I had the salmon pot pie, which was probably not the best first impressions ever. Afterwards, I felt I needed time away before deciding to give it another go. A few months later, that opportunity happened for brunch, which I can say was a bit better. Brunch was a lighter meal and I left not feeling abused and somewhat satisfied. Third time for the charm was for brunch again. I really wanted to try the prosciutto on Parisian baguette and figured it to be too little, so I added the famed avocado toast. Expecting fireworks, I was given sparklers. Not the grandiose explosion of flavors I was hoping for, but it was good none the less.
The dining area appears to be very small and cramped, but I felt none of it. Even though I been at the table smack in the middle, I didn't feel the need to be on guard for waitress elbows or patron handbags. The Moroccan decor and setting is beautiful and if nothing else, pleasant to view upon. Personally, the 3 stars is given not because it's just average, but if one were to ask for a "go to dish" that I absolutely love, I would be at a loss of words. -
Review from Dana B.
1/9/2012
My review is a little skewed so bear with me. I was with some friends on a moderately chilly Sunday afternoon and rather than waiting forever for a table inside, we opted for a table outside.
I ordered a black tea and I swear, this Earl Grey was unlike other teas I've had. It was delicious.
The 4 of us only ordered the roasted chicken sandwich and the smoked chicken sandwich, so I can speak for the other food served. Although I did see a woman with the waffle and fruit and it was absolutely amazing if you're into waffles.
The roasted chicken sandwich was fantastic. A spicy, savory sandwich that would quickly become a classic. My sandwich--the smoked chicken sandwich came as a surprise. First, it was open-faced. Then the chicken, which was on top of toasted cranberry-nut bread and a layer of some sort of flavored mayo, was topped with strawberries and mango! I hadn't anticipated eating my sandwich with a fork and knife, but I was up to the task. It was fantastic and had no regrets. The side salad that accompanied the sandwich was good too (I judge side salads pretty harshly--this one had walnuts on it, a definite plus).
I would go here again for sure, but never on a sloppy day. Too many pretty people to be shlumpy.
Oh, and it's cash only. -
Review from Ayenia N.
ASTORIA, NY
12/10/2011
Staff got to go. Manager was rude, hostess even more.
Yeah its a pretty place...food is tasty. Loved the avocado over bread and the cous cous was pretty good. But they really need to have a better customer service. -
Review from Amanda D.
Brooklyn, NY
11/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm sorry but glasses-girl has got to go! She practically begged us not to tip her. She mistakenly thought we were just ordering drinks and wanted to kick us out, forgot to bring items ordered and menus requested, never checked on us, EVER, and then asked if I wanted to take my untouched mulled wine to go (didn't drink it for a reason) since she needed the table. Again, she asked if I wanted to take my ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE TO GO since she "needed the table." Um...... I mean WHAT?!?!?!
It's just really sad because the food we tried, Grilled Eggplant with pesto, olive tapenade and goat cheese and the Chicken Cous-Cous were sooooo delicious. Plus, it's super cute! Damn. -
Review from Matthew S.
New York, NY
12/5/2011
This place is legit! Service is good and the food is excellent.
Things you should order when you're there:
- avocado toast (fan favorite)
- cucumber juice
- watermelon juice
- chicken sandwich
Amazing value for high quality food. -
Review from lora c.
New York, NY
10/16/2011 1 photo
My experience at Cafe Gitane was ok. The Australian waiter was friendly, never pushy and allowed me to just 'be', which was nice. I ordered the baked eggs with tomato and cream and I was impressed with the size (3 eggs) for the price (roughly $7). My only complaint would be the lack of tomato sauce and basil. Every bite was tasty, but when I got a hint of the tomato sauce and basil, it was devine. The lack of it just left me wanting more!
Overall I probably wouldn't go back, because I know I would be dissappointed with the egg to tomato sauce ratio, but if they ever changed this, I would be a regular. -
Review from Anna O.
Brooklyn, NY
10/5/2011
Let's get the bad out the way.
If you're the type of person who does not wish to eat surrounded by skinny fashionistas, do not come here. Soho's bad enough, but Cafe Gitane seems to be a breeding ground for such types.
The second time I had lunch here, there were *a lot* of flies in the cafe, which made their Grade Pending certificate even more worrisome. And, lastly, service is friendly but shallow - serving the celebrities first (lame), serving customers out of order... Maybe it's hard to keep track at rush hour, but still, ass-kissing is less attractive than the uber skinny men & women.
But there's lots to be said for the good.
I don't know what they put in the coffee, but every time I have one I'm charged for the rest of the day. So, thanks CG for the coffee endorphins, appreciated in the middle of a working day. The little plates, in my opinion, are a great deal as they're inexpensive and perfectly filling.
Now, if you're used to places that serve massive portions, lots of sides, burgers & fries...go somewhere else. This is a French-style cafe with French portions, and I love that. Filling food with good quality ingredients at not outrageous prices is a treat I don't come across often around these parts. (I do agree with the commenter who said the cous cous was dry. I found the same thing. Herbed goat cheese, though, amazing.) -
Review from SU N.
Brooklyn, NY
11/17/2011
Sandwiches are all really good, Couscous is sweet/savory and delicious.
Allot of the time you have to wait over 20min to get a table. -
Review from Saara H.
9/8/2011
I had a wonderful breakfast at Café Gitane. I would absolutely come by again if I was in the neighborhood, but I think the other rave reviews are mostly written by people smitten with the charm and idea of the restaurant ("Tiny French cafe tucked away on a side street? Awwww!!!!!!!!"). The only reason I'm giving it 3 stars is to try to put some of the other reviews in perspective and not mislead anyone into believing that Cafe Gitane is out of this world.
The food is on point and the menu offers items that are a definite break from the usual. I thought the restaurant was well priced considering the location, portions, and ambience. We enjoyed the granola, avocado toast (I was skeptical but happy-a nice surprise), and Hachi Parmentier (basically a shepherd's pie). -
Review from Daisy C.
Princeton, NJ
10/31/2011
Came here Monday morning, 40 minutes after they were opened, and the place was packed (big surprise to me...). I was alone, and bar seats were perfect. Waitress was friendly, patient, and pushy. She asked me if I would like a coffee, and I explained how I am trying to control caffeine intake on days when I don't work, so she gave me a big bottle of water with lots of ice.
Took my time reading my menu, and got the 3 eggs medium, with basil and tomato sauce. It was absolutely delicious: crispy edge, half-fluid half-solid yolk, and all in the right portion.
I walked out satisfied and not too full (great filling), after a nutritious and delicious meal. Will come back for the Avocado toast and some fresh muffins. Everything on the menu was so appetizing that I hope to try everything! -
Review from Jenn T.
Manhattan, NY
1/9/2012
Seeing all of the reviews from people who are disgusted with Cafe Gitane's service, I felt compelled to agree, since it used to be a place I frequented regularly (because several of their items are in fact delicious), despite consistent abuse and incompetence from the wait staff. I won't detail every occasion, but a few behaviors have been generally consistent and have most recently made me determined never to go back.
For one, their hostess is without fail rude. In fact, my boyfriend was craving the cous cous yesterday and insisted we stop in. They actually had a new hostess, which would lead one to believe they were trying to solve past issues. Yet this one was even worse than the one who is normally there. When I peaked into the restaurant to see if my boyfriend was already inside, she actually told me to get out of her way. I understand you're busy and the three brain cells you have bouncing around have difficulty processing the complicated task of guiding people to one of the 6 tables in your restaurant and handing them menus, but if you can't speak to patrons nicely (which I think is your other job, i.e. as host), don't talk to them at all? Then when asked how long the wait was she looked at her notepad, rolled her eyes (and went huchhhhh) and then told me to hang on a sec. Blech.
As far as the waitresses, they seem to fall into three categories. Stupid, rude, both. For the first category, I understand the simpler minded of us also need jobs. But when the source of your livelihood is to write a few things on a piece of paper, and take that piece of paper to a counter, and then return with the food, is it impossible to expect it be done correctly (gitane doesn't even have a real kitchen with confusing moving parts and lots of plates flying around)? There have been multiple incidents of missed items, order screwups, rude excuses, water spillage into food with no apology, and one occasion where a waitress refused to serve my boyfriend and I after we stopped in for a light dinner, said we weren't drinking, but only ordering an entree and pastry. For that last event, there weren't people waiting outside, and we had already sat down. Why can't you just serve a single entree?
I could go on, but I think the point has been made here and throughout the other reviews. The service at Cafe Gitane is embarassingly bad, and for the 3-4 good dishes they serve, not worth it. Yesterday, my boyfriend and I told the hostess to screw and went to Bread, which is consistently decent for any meal or mood.
And, if you can't live without the avocado toast, here's a hint. Toast a piece of multigrain bread, spread the innards of half a large, ripe avocado across. Sprinkle on some olive oil, fresh lemon juice and red pepper flakes. And eat it while thanking god you'll never have to wear or see those puke green jumpers again. -
Review from Joey P K.
7/29/2011 9 Check-ins Here
This is what 5 stars tastes like, mes chéris!
Avocado Bread. Spread some ripe avocado over a thick seven grain bread, sprinkle w/ chili flakes, add a dash of lemon juice. Simple perfection. A little heavy though, so share it w/ a friend or get two and call it a day.
I love their salads. The toasted aioli and parm croutons on the mixed green salad are truly divine. They offer this as bigger portion along w/ some prosciutto as another salad. I also dig the heart of palm salad, which somehow combines oranges, avocado, chili flakes into a juicy pile of sweet, spicy, savory deliciousness.
Can't speak of the service, though, as I've only ever had take out/delivery. But speaking from a food-only standpoint, the chef could come out and slap my grandma while I was eating, and I'd still probably come back the next day for lunch.
Looking forward to trying literally every item on their menu.Listed in: Soho/Nolita Lunch
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Review from Greg B.
Manhattan, NY
1/21/2012
Awsome couscous with real merguez, great chicken sandwich with chipotle mayo and anchovies ! Great place to go
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Review from minyoung s.
Brooklyn, NY
12/29/2011
Been coming here for years but i don't think I will go back anymore.
The serving staff last night was such an f-ing nightmare. I know in NYC you always get a little dose of tude with your food. But these folks were something else. First the hostess pretty much TELLS, not ask, us to not crowd the bar area while we were waiting for our table. It's not like we minded doing so, but just the way she spoke to us -without any please or could you, but just with a huge frown and in an extremely annoyed tone, was so infuriating. "you cant all stand here. This is where the servers come to get the drinks" ha! What a major.... What's worse was that it was after we've already moved out of one spot to another voluntarily so as not to block anyone. It is a cramped space and if she didn't want us to wait for our table inside, she should have asked us to go somewhere and come back later.
But the cherry on top was our server at the end. After a super fucking mediocre service, she adds 20% tip to our tab. We didn't mind paying, so we paid. Then she brought the whole thing back because it's short 23 cents as she told us ever so curtly. For gods sakes we just gave her a 25 dollar tip! What's another 23 cents? But the money not even the issue, it's just her manners. By then we just wanted to get the f outta there so we gave her an extra whole quarter. I hope she can spend it somewhere useful....like ....what?? Can't even buy a single cig off a person on the street with that anymore...
Anyways, it's time they all take a little refresher course on how to act civilized. Especially with someone who you are serving because it's your fucking job. We are not even asking you to improve your performance. Please just drop the tude. -
Review from Jeff U.
Hermosa Beach, CA
10/10/2011
The food was excellent but wine was only mainstream European. It was very unfortunate to see such excellent food without any thought being put in to the wine pairing.
Their dishes would pair perfectly with the big reds from Paso Robles or Central California.
If you are expecting a traditional Bloody Mary then you won't get it with the Moroccan Mary. I liked the heavy Stoli pour:)
Cheers, Jeff -
Review from Christina K.
ASTORIA, NY
9/27/2011
I came here with a friend of mine who raved about this place--"I've never had a bad thing on the menu/everything here is delicious"-- so maybe take this with a grain of salt.
We came here for dinner and both got the couscous with chicken, which I thought was nothing special and borderline on not very good. The presentation was beautiful (as others have described it), but the couscous and chicken were SUPER dry and lacked any kind of serious flavor. The hummus was a highlight and unfortunately there wasn't enough of it to go around. There was also a kind of interpretation of bruschetta lining the plate that had a strange taste.
Another friend got the tiramisu and it was average bordering on good, but again nothing special.
Prices ARE good. I wouldn't be shouting from the rooftops that it's a steal, but given city prices it's definitely more affordable. However, at this point, the food isn't good enough to go just because it's "cheap".
I imagine I'll be back here since it's one of my friend's favorites and so maybe there are other things on the menu that are more outstanding.
For now, I don't see what all the fuss is about. -
Review from Andrew F.
CANAL STREET, NY
9/24/2011
Avocado toast. Or the couscous.
I dream about both of these.
Lots of Australians and models here so winner on both fronts. -
Review from laura s.
Brooklyn, NY
10/27/2011
despite its simplicity, i find myself going out of my way to eat here. they have lots of spice and unique flavor combinations which never overwhelm, unless you're a heat-wimp. their bread (from balthazar) is rich, dense, and a perfect balance between crusty and moist. their breakfast and small plates are delicious and inexpensive.
they don't have a real kitchen; everything is made behind the bar, which is kind of awesome. it also means that options are limited, especially if you're a modification freak. there's something intimate about eating in the kitchen, though.
cash only. -
Review from Katie G.
Brooklyn, NY
4/21/2011
If I wrote this review back in the summer of 2010, it would have been 4 stars. Fresh food and great service; however, I came back here the other day in hopes of having the same positive experience, but was utterly disappointed. First of all, I asked the hostess to put my name down for the next available table outside. Simple, right? She smiled and said to come back in 20 minutes when she'll have a table ready for me. I told her I will definitely come back, and so I came back in 20 minutes to find a couple sitting at our table. She nonchalantly told me I was halfway down the block when the table opened up so she had to seat someone else. I'm not a difficult customer at all, but what kind of noise is that? Being a hostess myself, I've never pulled that on any customer. My friend and I ended up waiting 25 minutes for a new table to open up.
I have no idea what happened, but the food this time around wasn't that good. The avocado toast that had tasted like heaven last summer now tasted like a lemon-drenched calamity. Wait, let me get to the best part: I found a thick strand of black hair in my ground beef/potato dish. OH, HELL NO!
The apathetic hostess, the pretentious demeanor of the servers, the mediocre food (WITH HAIR IN IT), and the unjustifiable prices were enough reasons for me to decide to never step foot at this place again. Bam. -
Review from David W.
7/10/2011
How has it taken me so long to finally go to this place? During my weekend brunch searches, I've always walked by this place to see a long wait outside, yet never thought about giving it a try, until today.
I went with the couscous with merguez sausage, and it was a definite winner. Flavorful as you can taste all the raisins, nuts, etc. thrown in there topped with a creamy hummus. The sausage was a subtle, not overpowering lamb flavor which is perfect for my palate. And oh yeah, it was a huge portion for $14.
A lot of really interesting items on the menu for brunch and will definitely have to come back for dinner too. Hopefully the line isn't as bad then too... -
Review from Jimmy K.
San Diego, CA
8/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
My recommendation: Gorgonzola, Walnut And Honey
The Gorgonzola, Walnut And Honey is in their "small plates" section of the menu. This delicious combination comes with some bread to munch on also. My friends were fans of the Avocado toast.
This place is packed, service is pretty slow, and the food is not really that stellar. I would not spend $30-something here again for coffee, the small plate, and meatballs. The meatballs were pretty bland and everything just seemed...not really quite worth the wait or money. -
Review from The S.
New York, NY
4/17/2011
I have a LOVE & HATE relationship with Cafe Gitane.
I have been a frequent there starting in 2005. Having lived near by It was always a fun and delicious treat. I try to frequent this place as often as my cravings for the chicken & hummus couscous(with the hot sauce) and watermelon bellinis hit me. My 2 favorite items on the menu. Also can't pass up the Endive salad, delicious! Avocado toast, delicious! baked eggs, yum! Chicken sandwich, yummy!! Espresso drinks are great and they even throw a little tasty chocolate treat on the side for you. Prices are very affordable, but stop at the bank because it's cash only. Outside seating during is perfect.
Biggest and essentially my only problem with Cafe Gitane...
THE SERVICE.
Back in the day they had another manager name Roman. Cool, laid back and treated everyone pretty awesome. Since he's left there is another manager/hostess woman with black hair and a black heart that blows death in your face the moment you walk through the door.
"Hey manager/hostess lady, why are you so damn bitter"? Cheer up little lady, it's not so bad. Or is it?
Next issue with service. When your waitress spills your entire drink on your plate TWICE don't expect a "I'm sorry let me comp that for you". Instead look at your bill before you leave to notice that not only did she spill your drinks and had to remake your food because the drink fell in it which made you have to eat alone because your friends finished, but notice that she just charge you 50 cents for a piece of bread. Seriously? You couldn't even give me a piece of bread?
So I ask myself, why do I keep going back to a place when I know the service is delivered on a platter doom? It reminds me of that friend who gets beat by her boyfriend but she keeps on going back for more. Is it exciting or do you just have hopes that next time it will be different?
I really love singing songs at the end of my reviews about people and I'd love to be able to dedicate one to you Manager/hostess lady aka heart of darkness, but you don't inspire me. That makes me sad. Boo. I dedicated this quote to you to tide you over....
"An old man in love is like a flower in winter"
...I'll have to think about this and get back to you on the song.Listed in: Food
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Review from Jacqueline z.
Manhattan, NY
5/29/2011
Cafe Gitane was a very pleasant surprise!
The staff is very nice and it was a relaxing atmosphere for a warm summer day. A couple friends and I waited for a table outside so we could enjoy the ambiance of Mott and Prince street.
The food was so good! I had the Kimolos Greek Salad, a mix of delicious veggies on focaccia, paired with a riesling. This was a great combination on a warm summer day, I must also mention the melon mimosa. This cocktail is such a simple idea, but so refreshing and good. ( Watermelon Juice mixed with champagne) All the other food choices looked delicious and next time I want to try the Moroccan Couscous! -
Review from josh j.
ASTORIA, NY
12/19/2011
very nice open space. staff super friendly and attentive. only tried their organic roasted chicken sandwich with spicy mayo and parm and it was awesome. served on a warm fresh crunchy baguette with a fresh side salad. i'd go back.
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Review from Alexis F.
New York, NY
1/4/2012
My favorite meal in the city: avocado toast, roasted chicken sandwich, and bread pudding made from chocolate croissants. holy moly. yeah.. the place is a bit cramped and it's cash only. who cares? The food is AMAZING.
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Review from Adrienne B.
Manhattan, NY
11/17/2011
Café Gitane is positively overhyped, overpriced, and underwhelming. This was second time dining (not that the first trip made the return a good idea); first we waited for a table even though there were several empty two-tops--presumably, because Café Gitane wants to preserve the hipper-than-thou air it's fought so diligently to create.
The hostess gestures toward a table and we are supposed to make our way over to the teeny tiny booth and negotiate the process ourselves. After 20 minutes, a waitress sauntered over our table and poured us water, only to snip that she'd "be back" to take our orders. Another 10 minutes, and we finally order. A carrot salad arrives--$8.00 of pure peeled carrot, with some vinegar. The dish is bland and one-note, but there's nothing to chase it with. Next is a cows-cous medley with merguez sausage--the medley is overcooked couscous sparsely decorated with peppers, raisins and pine nuts, and there are two minuscule pieces of sausage wetly surrounding the pyramidical mess. The waitress never once came to check on us; had she done, she might have discovered how disappointed we were with the food.
Call me jaded, but I'm SO tired of shelling out money at so-called trendy but truly substandard restaurants. Café Gitane acts as if its patrons are incidental--all the while struggling to maintain an image that, sadly, no longer smacks of cutting edge. -
Review from Monika A.
San Francisco, CA
5/26/2011
I don't know what I like more: The amazing slutty baked mac and cheese with prosciutto or the fact that the hostess busted a bunch of European women who tried to leave without tipping.
I love NYC for its late night dining. In SF you are lucky to find a restaurant serving dinner until 10PM...never a problem in NY.
Gitane is in the heart of Nolita; it has a shrine to Jimi Hendrix (hubby was big on that )and cute knick knacks all over. The food was really good. Not fancy gourmet your food is poetry good, but homey yummy and satisfying. Hubby and I shared the amazing baked mac and cheese and a lovely pear/ arugula salad. It hit the spot.
I can't wait to go back and have breakfast.Listed in: I love NY
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Review from erica C.
Los Angeles, CA
11/8/2011
Amazing food. Nice casual spot. The avocado bread was to die for!
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Review from Sneha J.
Manhattan, NY
11/6/2011
Looooong wait for average brunch food. Slightly overpriced for the quality served. Good chicken grilled sandwich.
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Review from Ashwin M.
5/24/2011
Overall, surely not worth the one hour wait for our party of six for Sunday brunch, but I will definitely be back with a smaller party when it's not peak brunch time.
The petite plates and desserts are what make this place special. You MUST try the aioli on foccacia and the avocado/lemon juice/olive oil on seven grain toast, they're sooo good. Bruschetta was solid as well. However, the chocolate bread pudding was BY FAR THE HIGHLIGHT of the meal, a must try!! One of the most memorable desserts I have had in a long while. I wanted pain au chocolate which had long since sold out, but they use it to make the bread pudding, so I indirectly got what I wanted :)
Entrees ranged from so so to good. Cous cous with chicken had a neat presentation but was fairly dry and lacked taste. Meatballs with turmeric and egg in tomato sauce was good but not great.
Nice little brunchy spot, but crazy wait times due to how small it is. Very typical for this neighborhood. Shop soho while you wait! -
Review from Sarah L.
New York, NY
11/11/2011
Excellent food and cozy atmosphere. I love the French/Morroccan theme.
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Review from Molly B.
Manhattan, NY
11/11/2011
I've been here countless times, it's sort of become a go to place for me, and every time I'm never let down. It's usually fairly busy as it obviously has many fans, so waiting for a table is not out of the ordinary. When you go, you have to try the Avocado Toast- hands down.
The only reason why I didn't give this place a 5-star is because though the food is delicious it's not too creative and imaginative. I'll save that star for someone else.
Best part about it: people watching if you get a table outside! -
Review from Alishba A.
New York, NY
5/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Love, love, love this place. It's like my own little, Parisian cafe in New York.
Only complaints; long waits, cramped seating and cash only policy. -
Review from Ryna D.
My friend wanted Moroccan and I was gonna take her either to Cafe Mogador or Nomad but we could not find parking. So I decided to check this place out instead.
It's a very cute little cafe, more French than Moroccan, very much SoHo atmosphere. Which is all fine with me, but the food was mediocre. The olives and oranges we started with was yummy (Originality: 4 stars, Presentation: 3.5 stars, Taste: 4 stars) but anyone can put that together. I had the couscous with Merguez sausages (O: 3 stars, P: 4 stars, T: 2.5 stars) which was so disappointing. The couscous itself was so bland! Moroccan food is not supposed to lack in flavor! My friend's Hachi Parmentier (O: 3.5 stars, P: 3 stars, T: 3 stars) was slightly better but not by much. The dessert was more satisfying, thankfully. We had the bread pudding (O: 3.5 stars, P: 3 stars, T: 4.5 stars) which was very light and delicious.
Over all I'd say come here for a glass of wine and some beautiful people watching. Or a cappuccino and dessert while you chat the afternoon away. -
Review from Sebastian E.
Quail Hollow, Charlotte, NC
7/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
My gf and I ate here on her recommendation, we arrived at just the right time and were seated immediately (10 seconds later and would have been a 30 min wait). The decor was simple but fitting, kind of a rustic French look but not overdone or fake, it looked genuine.
The waitress was very nice and took our order promptly, I had the roasted chicken toast and my gf had the cous cous. I was not expecting much from an open face sandwich but this blew me away. The sweet mango played off the chickens smokey flavor perfectly. The herb mayo added the perfect amount of kick to balance out the rest of the sandwich.
The cous cous was amazing as well, it was much heartier than the sandwich but great nonetheless.
This place is a must try if you are looking for lunch in Soho, you will not be disappointed -
Review from DineoutGal A.
5/25/2011 4 photos
I am amazed that this tiny little eatery can pump out such great food in such a small space. The "kitchen" is like a little corner of the bar counter! Seating is very cozy and tight. Service was cordial and very efficient. We had the baked eggs with salmon and capers - ultra flavourful and divine as I am sure the cream helped put this baked egg dish over the top. I like that you can get your baked eggs cooked to your liking as some places just cooks it well done. The marguez sausages were totally not needed but we ordered it anyways! The sausages were a tad too dry but had wonderful spices in it as well as a good amount of heat! The avocado toast wasn't as amazing as I anticipated. The main flavours were avocado, olive oil and lemon which were served on a large whole grain toast.
My favourite dish was a non-breakfast dish eaten at breakfast time - the arugula and beet salad with chicken ($14). Everything in this dish was flavourful and well balanced despite the not so interesting description. But there's definitely some Morrocan inspired flavours in this dish. I could eat this dish every day!
The cappuccino here is excellent - very strong and flavourful. The fresh OJ was good but I'd order the cappuccino here again. There's only one small unisex washroom but it very clean!
Remember, it's CASH ONLY! -
Review from Gary L.
2/8/2011
Boom, eat that! I came in here today with my cousin for some coffee while we were waiting for our friend who was in a job interview a few blocks away. It's super cold outside and there's barely anybody inside the friggin cafe. The moment we came in, the waitress was giving us shit. We sat down at one of the larger tables and the waitress said "I told you to take the 2 seat table!" and I'm taking a good look around and saying in my mind "wtf does it matter? there's nobody here, relax!".
So we move to the smaller table and I'm telling my cousin that I bumped into one of our long lost cousins the other week and the waitress out of no where brings us our check with a prissy attitude like she wanted us to leave. Some service for a cafe! It's okay for guys like Joey, Chandler, Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, and Ross to sit in a cafe and talk about random bs all day long but it ain't alright for a paying customer such as myself and my cousin to talk about family shit. But anyhow, I won't be coming here again anytime soon. Bunch of bourgeois jackasses...Listed in: Hate List
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Review from Alice W.
4/5/2011
Avocado toast: YUM. I looooove avocado so you really can't go wrong with it for me. Strong on the lemon flavoring and the red pepper flakes added just a tinge of spicy.
Cous cous w/chicken: I felt like the cous cous itself was a bit bland and dry. It tasted a lot better if eaten together with lots of hummus and the green sauce (no idea what that was) that it comes with. Unfortunately, there was not enough hummus and sauce to accompany every bite of cous cous, so I was left with some dry and bland "rice" at the end.
Bottom line: I would still come back just for the avocado toast. YUM! -
Review from tana b.
Brooklyn, NY
6/20/2011
Hello little orange and olive appetizer plate. I am a huge fan of yours.
While the place was definitely bustling and, sq footage-wise, it's tiny, I had a delightful meal + drinks with a friend I hadn't seen in ages. Which is to say, I really appreciated that the music, albeit catchy and entertaining, was just the right volume to allow for convo. And we both totally loved our meals.
Three thumbs up.
Read more reviews for this business:
French (1),
Spanish (1)
