Charming Greenwich Village cafe with a great ambiance for people-watching, but underwhelming food.
Amber Sutherland-Namako reviews the revamped Figaro Café in Greenwich Village, noting its attractive ambiance but ultimately finding the food and drinks to be underwhelming. While the space is comfortable and well-suited for various occasions, the culinary experience doesn't quite live up to the charming decor.
This Greenwich Village cafe boasts a charming, nautical-themed ambiance with cozy seating and French newspaper-adorned walls, making it an attractive spot for people-watching and casual dining. However, reviews suggest that while the atmosphere is a strong point, the food and drinks often fall short of expectations, with some dishes being mediocre and others outright disappointing.
While some initial positive mentions of pasta and Aperol Spritz exist, the overwhelming customer feedback points to a consistently poor food quality. Specific criticisms include fishy shrimp, dry duck, overcooked steak, and generally uninspired dishes. The restaurant has also faced serious health code violations, including mice and flies, leading to its closure.
"There are no dishes consistently recommended. While one Instagram post highlighted pasta and an Aperol Spritz positively, subsequent reviews and Reddit comments overwhelmingly criticize the food quality."
Customer feedback is largely negative, with many diners reporting terrible food experiences and even questioning the restaurant's standards, despite some positive mentions of the ambiance and drinks.
Important Note
The restaurant has faced significant health code violations, including closure by the Department of Health due to issues like mice, filth flies, and adulterated food. Multiple reviews indicate a consistently poor food quality.
"This comment explains that Figaro had significant financial issues, including unpaid rent, vendors, and employees, and had open lawsuits since its opening."
Negative"This user mentioned a prior comment panning Figaro and linked to a relevant post. The restaurant had a C rating."
Negative"This user commented on the closure of Figaro, stating they were not surprised due to observing customers primarily ordering drinks rather than food, which might indicate a lack of focus on kitchen maintenance."
Negative"This user noted that Figaro had also received a C grade in July 2025, referencing the CleanPlate app for information on recently graded and shut down restaurants."
Negative"This user commented on the closure of Figaro, expressing surprise but also a lack of surprise, suggesting the restaurant seemed indifferent to its kitchen upkeep."
Negative"Figaro was closed by the Department of Health due to multiple violations including the presence of filth flies, lack of rodent control, and adulterated food. The restaurant received 41 violation points and had previously received a C grade in July 2025."
Negative"A commenter highlighted that Figaro's violations were disgusting and advised against eating at establishments with a C rating."
Negative"This commenter provided a link to a previous post about Figaro, mentioning that the restaurant initially had a 'Grade Pending' status after its last inspection."
Neutral"This user expressed concern that Figaro not only failed to improve its score after three months but worsened it, indicating a lack of care or competence."
Negative"A commenter shared their experience with Bravest, a local bar known for excellent french fries, which recently received a C rating. They expressed disappointment and stated they can no longer eat there due to the rating."
Negative"This commenter simply stated that Figaro has always been a gross establishment."
Negative"A user recalled having a cafe au lait at Figaro over 30 years ago, noting it's a Village landmark. They implied that its landmark status might lead to a lack of concern regarding its current standing."
Neutral"A commenter noted that Figaro's violations included mice and filth flies."
Negative"The user attended a private event at Figaro and found the experience unsatisfactory, opting to only drink and then get food elsewhere. They felt bad for regular customers."
Negative"The user encouraged reporting the restaurant and thanked the original poster for the information, wishing them a speedy recovery."
Neutral"This user expressed surprise that Figaro is still in business, recalling that it was never known for its food but rather as a place to hang out."
Neutral"In response to another user, this commenter expressed surprise at how bad Figaro's food was, especially given its upscale marketing."
Negative"The user found the food to be terrible on a recent visit, despite having a good experience with drinks on a prior visit. They thankfully did not get sick."
Negative
