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CAFE ZAFFRI

Last Updated: 21 days ago

Phone: (917) 328-2400

Address: 16 EAST 16 STREET 10003

TLDR

Glamorous Union Sq. spot w/ stunning interior & Levantine-inspired menu. A stylish scene with some standout dishes, but beware of high prices & inconsistency.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 10 Reddit comments)

60% Positive20% Neutral10% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

levantine 2italian 2middle eastern 2eggplant 2coffee 2cocktails 2View All

Neighborhoods

Chelsea

Instagram Posts References

Summary
Summary
Summary

Recent Articles

Cafe Zaffri stuns, but not with its food
lean negative

Bryan Kim reviews Cafe Zaffri, a chic Union Square spot with a stunning interior but a menu that doesn't quite live up to the decor. Despite some standouts like the lamb Wellington, the food is deemed inconsistent and overpriced.

Bryan Kim Mar 3, 2025
Read More →
Infatuation

Details

This chic Union Square establishment boasts a visually stunning interior, making it a popular spot for those who appreciate ambiance. While the Levantine-inspired menu offers some intriguing dishes like an inventive lamb Wellington, customer feedback suggests inconsistency and a high price point. It's a place often recommended for its atmosphere and potential for people-watching, with mixed reviews on whether the food consistently matches the decor.

Food Overview

The menu offers a Levantine-inspired selection with some standouts like the fried eggplant and lamb Wellington. However, feedback indicates inconsistency, with some dishes like skewers and smaller plates being overpriced or not up to par. Prices for items like olives and spaghetti have been noted as particularly high.

Highlights / Recommended

"The fried eggplant and the lamb Wellington are highlighted as particularly good dishes. A user also mentioned standout items like eggplant, chicken mouse, and dorade."

Customer Sentiment

Customers are drawn to the restaurant's glamorous ambiance and stylish decor, with some highlighting excellent dishes and good value wines. However, others point out high prices and inconsistent food quality.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

A review from The New York Times highlights Cafe Zaffri as a 'four-quadrant restaurant' suitable for various occasions, mentioning both croissants and steak. Another user praised the stunning setting, staff, and well-priced wines, expressing a desire to return.
This post includes Cafe Zaffri in a list of recommendations for places that might match a desired vibe for a winter outing.
A user points out the high prices at Cafe Zaffri, specifically mentioning $9 olives and $38 spaghetti, as an example of what they perceive as the New York Times catering to an elitist clientele.
A brief suggestion to consider Cafe Zaffri for a party dinner.

Recent Mentions

From post: What Are Places In Nyc That Match This Winter

"This user recommended Café Zaffri near Union Square."

Positive
Dec 19, 2025View Comment →

From post: Is There A Restaurant With A Similar Vibe To Polo

"Includes Cafe Zaffri in a list of recommendations for places that might match the desired vibe."

Neutral
Oct 24, 2025View Comment →

From post: Xpost Ama Were The New Chief Restaurant Critics

"User haribobosses points out the high prices at Cafe Zaffri, such as $9 for olives and $38 for spaghetti, as evidence that the New York Times restaurant reviews cater to an elitist clientele."

Negative
Jun 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Can A Restaurant Be Both Glamorous And Comforting

"The user had a positive experience at Cafe Zaffri, praising the stunning setting, exceptional staff, and well-priced wines. They enjoyed it thoroughly and plan to return, though not very often."

Positive
May 21, 2025View Comment →

From post: Can A Restaurant Be Both Glamorous And Comforting

"The New York Times critic, Priya Krishna, reviewed Cafe Zaffri, a new all-day Levantine restaurant. She described it as a 'four-quadrant restaurant' that appeals to all demographics, suitable for various occasions and tastes, finding both flaky croissants and well-prepared steak."

Positive
May 20, 2025View Comment →

From post: Party Dinner Choices For Bach Party

"Look at Cafe Zaffri for party dinner."

Neutral
Mar 16, 2025View Comment →