TLDR
A beloved Williamsburg spot with a playful vibe, celebrated for its inventive American tasting menus and natural wines [1]. Offers exceptional value, often punching above its price point.
Details
Known for its inventive American cuisine and lively atmosphere, Traif offers a unique dining experience with a focus on tasting menus and natural wines [1]. The restaurant has been praised for its value, with a 9-course tasting menu often cited as a standout option [2], [3]. While many patrons rave about the overall execution and creative dishes, it's worth noting that the restaurant's name translates to 'not kosher' and it features non-kosher ingredients like pork and shellfish [4].
Food Overview
Traif is primarily known for its American cuisine, with a strong emphasis on its tasting menus, which are frequently praised for their value and execution [1], [2]. It's a non-kosher establishment, featuring dishes with pork and shellfish, aligning with its Yiddish name meaning 'not kosher' [3]. While many enjoy the creative dishes and natural wine pairings, one commenter noted disappointment when scallops, a favorite dish, were unavailable [4].
Highlights / Recommended
"The tasting menu is frequently highlighted as a must-try, offering excellent value and a unique dining experience [1], [2]. Specific dishes like scallops and snapper have been mentioned as favorites, though availability can vary [3]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •tasting menu(2)
Customer Sentiment
Customers generally have a positive sentiment towards Traif, often highlighting its excellent value and the quality of its tasting menus [1], [2]. However, some recent opinions suggest the restaurant might be considered dated by some, or that its quality may have shifted over time [3], [4].
Caveats
The restaurant's name, Traif, is Yiddish for 'not kosher,' and it features non-kosher ingredients such as pork and shellfish [1]. One commenter noted disappointment when a favorite dish, scallops, was unavailable [2]. Another commenter advised confirming dietary restriction accommodations due to its meat-centric nature [3].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About TRAIF
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Tasting Menufine Dining With Minimal
"The commenter successfully took their parents to Traif, and the restaurant was able to work with their mother's dairy-free dietary restrictions."
PositiveFrom post: Tapas Barsharable Bite Restaurant Reccomendations
"Traif Brooklyn was recommended as an awesome tasting menu option with a great price."
PositiveFrom post: Graduation Dinner Recommendations Nyc Williamsburg
"This commenter suggested Traif for an affordable and delicious tasting menu experience."
PositiveFrom post: Havent Been In Nyc Since 2020 Michelin Quality
"The commenter expressed strong interest in Traif based on the provided information."
PositiveFrom post: Havent Been In Nyc Since 2020 Michelin Quality
"The commenter questions if Traif has improved in the last 20 years, stating it was good but not great and had old-fashioned plating even then."
NeutralFrom post: Havent Been In Nyc Since 2020 Michelin Quality
"Traif in Williamsburg is recommended for its non-kosher theme and a 9-course tasting menu. The commenter notes that it's owned by a Jewish person and features many pork products."
PositiveFrom post: Coming To Nyc Not For Work For The First Time In
"Traif is mentioned as a much-loved place offering affordable tasting menus or à la carte options."
PositiveFrom post: Iso Recc For A Celebratory But Not Stuffy Or
"Traif is always a good time and has great food, making it a solid recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Great Tasting Menu
"The commenter visited Traif years ago and found its concept great but disliked the food."
NegativeFrom post: Looking For Great Tasting Menu
"Traif is mentioned as a potential restaurant to consider."
NeutralFrom post: Fun Not Too Expensive Dinner Spot For Two
"Traif, located in Williamsburg, offers a 9-course tasting menu focused on non-Kosher items for $75 per person (inclusive of tax and tip). The base price is $58, with an additional 20% auto-gratuity."
PositiveFrom post: Noksu Vs Traif Corima Or Third Option
"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."
PositiveFrom post: Noksu Vs Traif Corima Or Third Option
"The commenter questions if Traif is still relevant, implying it's not a great restaurant."
NegativeFrom post: Noksu Vs Traif Corima Or Third Option
"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."
NegativeFrom post: Noksu Vs Traif Corima Or Third Option
"This commenter agrees with a previous negative assessment of Traif, describing it as a 'weird experience'."
NegativeFrom post: Noksu Vs Traif Corima Or Third Option
"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."
NegativeFrom post: Noksu Vs Traif Corima Or Third Option
"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."
NegativeFrom post: Noksu Vs Traif Corima Or Third Option
"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."
PositiveFrom post: Noksu Vs Traif Corima Or Third Option
"Traif is described as delightful, offering fixed tapas rather than a planned menu. Its sister restaurant, Xixa, is considered slightly better by the commenter."
PositiveFrom post: Noksu Vs Traif Corima Or Third Option
"This user is asking if the quality at Traif has changed recently, as many reviews are from years ago."
Neutral