Unbeatable value tasting menu, uniquely delicious & fun. Great for dates or groups, w/ awesome portions & service.
This Williamsburg gem offers a unique and delicious dining experience centered around a highly praised tasting menu. It's celebrated for its exceptional value, with a 9-10 course tasting menu often cited as one of the best deals in the city. While generally a hit, some find the food too casual or question its current relevance.
The food is primarily described as New American with eclectic influences, often praised for its creative dishes and generous portions, especially within the tasting menu. While most diners rave about the tasting menu's quality and value, one commenter found the menu to be 'comically bad' and another suggested it was a bit too casual.
"The 9 or 10-course tasting menu is overwhelmingly recommended as an exceptional value and a standout dining experience. Specific dishes like the seared scallops with English pea risotto and brown butter have also received praise."
Overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the incredible value of the tasting menu. A few diners found the experience to be dated or questioned its overall quality.
Important Note
The restaurant's name, 'Traif,' is Yiddish for 'not kosher,' and it does feature non-kosher ingredients like pork and shellfish. An automatic 20% gratuity is applied to the bill.
"Traif is considered great and delicious, though not on the same level as 63 Clinton. The commenter defends 63 Clinton's price increase due to rising costs."
Positive"The commenter questions if Traif is still relevant, implying it's not a great restaurant."
Negative"The commenter feels Traif is dated and reflects a past trend, suggesting that recommendations might be based on outdated experiences or hearsay rather than recent visits."
Negative"This commenter agrees with a previous negative assessment of Traif, describing it as a 'weird experience'."
Negative"Regarding a previous visit to Traif about 6 months ago, the commenter was disappointed that the scallops were off the menu, as it was tied as their favorite dish with the snapper."
Negative"This commenter strongly dislikes Traif, calling the food 'comically bad' and viewing the affordable tasting menu as a money grab. They also criticize the automatic 20% gratuity."
Negative"The commenter loves the tasting menu at Traif, calling it the best value for money in the city and a personal favorite even compared to more expensive options. They also note that dish sizes can be adjusted for solo diners and that specific dishes can be requested or excluded."
Positive"Traif is described as delightful, offering fixed tapas rather than a planned menu. Its sister restaurant, Xixa, is considered slightly better by the commenter."
Positive"This user is asking if the quality at Traif has changed recently, as many reviews are from years ago."
Neutral"Traif is a favorite restaurant of the commenter, who enjoys their seasonal menus and great service. An automatic 20% gratuity is noted."
Positive"The commenter hasn't been to Traif in several years but recalls it as delicious."
Positive"Traif is suggested for a party of 6, offering a $60 9-course tasting menu with an optional $45 wine pairing. The restaurant focuses on non-kosher ingredients like pork and shellfish."
Neutral"Traif offers a 9-course tasting menu with a wine pairing for a great value, considered one of the best in NYC. It's a natural wine bar with American food that is not kosher, featuring pork and shellfish. The restaurant's name is Yiddish for 'not kosher.'"
Positive"Traif in Williamsburg was highlighted as offering excellent value for a tasting menu style dining experience, with a price point around $60 plus gratuity. It also offers a natural wine pairing option."
Positive"Traif is suggested as a more budget-friendly alternative to 63 Clinton's tasting menu, with a price point of $58."
Positive"The user loves the recommendation for Traif and its explanation, finding it beautifully articulated."
Positive"Traif is recommended for its 9-course tasting menu at $58, offering good food and value, which aligns with Anthony Bourdain's appreciation for accessible yet well-executed cuisine."
Positive"This user recommended Steve's as the obvious choice but considered Traif a 'sleeper' option for key lime pie, noting it's likely been on their menu since opening."
Positive"Xixa is recommended over Traif as it is the sister restaurant and considered better by the commenter. Traif was mentioned as a potential alternative."
Negative"The user inquired if the tasting menu at Traif is available for solo diners, as the online menu states table participation is required."
Neutral