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CAFE ZAFFRI

Updated

Phone: (917) 328-2400

Address: 16 EAST 16 STREET 10003

TLDR

Stunning ambiance meets Levantine flavors; a chic Union Sq. spot for those who prioritize scene & style, with some standout dishes amid a pricey menu.

Reddit Sentiment for CAFE ZAFFRI(based on 12 Reddit opinions)

50% Positive17% Neutral8% Negative

Tags

middle eastern 4levantine 3italian 3eggplant 2coffee 2cocktails 2View All

Neighborhoods

Chelsea

Instagram Posts References

Cafe Zaffri is suggested as a versatile spot perfect for either a productive power breakfast or a relaxing nightcap.

Cafe Zaffri is a celebrity hotspot situated within The Twenty Two hotel, where Kendall Jenner was seen with Hailey Bieber. It's recognized for its Middle Eastern cuisine and appealing interior design, drawing attention for both its ambiance and food.

Featured Articles

Dedicated reviews and comprehensive features focusing directly on this restaurant.

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 KimMar 3, 2025
Read More →
Infatuation

Other Article Mentions

Lists, round-ups, and guides where this restaurant is mentioned alongside others.

Mentioned In
The NYC Restaurants That Are Trendy But Actually Easy to Get Into
neutral

Kate Previte describes Cafe Zaffri, from the Raf's team, as a visually stunning restaurant with Levantine-inspired food and a chance of celebrity sightings.

Bryan KimDate unknown
Read More →
Infatuation
Mentioned In
What are you looking for? For when your mood is somewhere between fattoush, kubaneh, and gambas al ajillo.
lean negative

Cafe Zaffri, located in the bottom of a hotel and members club in Union Square, is noted for its stunning appearance but uneven execution.

Bryan Kim & Will HartmanDate unknown
Read More →
Infatuation

Details

Cafe Zaffri, a chic Union Square spot, is lauded for its stunning, Instagrammable interior, reminiscent of a private members' club. While the ambiance is a definite draw, offering a glamorous setting for dates or people-watching, the Levantine-inspired menu presents a more mixed experience. Dishes like the innovative lamb Wellington and fried eggplant receive praise, but other items, including skewers and smaller plates, have been noted for inconsistent execution and high prices.

Food Overview

The food at Cafe Zaffri is described as Levantine-inspired, with some dishes like the fried eggplant and lamb Wellington receiving high praise for their flavor and execution. However, other offerings, such as skewers and smaller plates, have been criticized for being overpriced and inconsistent in quality. The bread basket has also been noted as being skimpy for its price.

Highlights / Recommended

"The lamb Wellington is highlighted as a standout dish, praised for its innovative take and flavor. Fried eggplant has also received positive mentions as a starter."

Customer Sentiment

Customers praise the restaurant's stunning setting and attentive staff, though some note the food can be inconsistent and expensive. The overall sentiment leans positive, with many expressing a desire to return despite some caveats.

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About CAFE ZAFFRI

A New York Times critic reviewed Cafe Zaffri, highlighting its appeal to all demographics with both flaky croissants and well-prepared steak, calling it a 'four-quadrant restaurant'. Another user shared a positive experience, praising the setting, staff, and wines, though noting they wouldn't visit too often.
This post discusses Cafe Zaffri as a potential date night spot, noting its Eastern-inspired cuisine and lively, beautiful setting. It's described as having less classic food and an atmosphere akin to a private members' club, making it Instagrammable.
A user points to Cafe Zaffri's high prices for items like olives and spaghetti as evidence that New York Times restaurant reviews cater to an elitist clientele.
Cafe Zaffri is recommended by a user as a quality restaurant in NYC that has impressed them.
Cafe Zaffri is suggested as a suitable option for a party dinner.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Brass Or Cafe Zaffri For Date Night

"Café Zaffri's food is described as less classic with an atmosphere that feels like a private members club and is 'instagrammable'. It's suggested for those who enjoy slightly Eastern-inspired cuisine and a lively, beautiful setting for a date."

Neutral
Jan 28, 2026View Comment →

From post: Restaurants In Nyc That Have Impressed You With

"Cafe Zaffri was recommended as a quality restaurant in NYC."

Positive
Jan 18, 2026View Comment →

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 →