Crema Restaurante
(212) 691-4477
111 W 17th St
New York,
NY
10011
40.7394
-73.9957
Neighborhoods: Midtown, Flatiron District
What People Are Saying About Crema Restaurante
The Editor
Erin Behan
Citysearch
The Scene
A blaze of brightness--oranges, yellows, reds--colors the narrow restaurant and its stucco-like walls. Consumption of margaritas and gratis fried tortillas at the small bar is de rigueur, but uneven service may discourage multiple drink orders at the linen-topped tables.
The Food
Chef Julieta Ballesteros, formerly of Mexicana Mama, creates a menu with an impressive array of authentic flavors. The sharp, aromatic hoja santa herb enlivens steak-filled taquitos Nortenos dressed with crema, and a spirited chile emulsion dazzles in the pork-filled tamales Oazaquenos. A respectable chile relleno gets beat out by the chicken flautas, which pair tender shredded chicken and chiles for a satisfying crunch. Two types of chile (ancho and guajilla) combined with a Mexican brown sugar create a sauce for spareribs that'll have you licking the plate. Against this explosion of taste, the flan falls a little flat, but that's a compliment.
User Reviews
ValW
May 07, 2009
Wow! What a simply wonderful experience we had at dinner on Saturday April 18. First, the server, Erica, was the sweetest, nicest server I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She checked on us throughout the duration of the meal and made excellent reccomendations for entrees and dessert. The food was superb! Really top notch and all three of us loved what we ordered. Towards the end of the meal, the chef Jullieta came out and gave us all complimentary spices and a delicious pineapple-infused tequila to sip! It was lovely. I really cannot say enough wonderful things about this experience. Thank you so much for a wonderful birthday dinner! This is one of the best restaurants I have been to in NYC!
read full review
canndyyy
December 02, 2008
Outstanding food, service, and ambiance. This is a great date place or for a special occasion. The food is very contemporary with a wide variety of intense flavors that are presented to you in a pleasing and unique way.
read full reviewkaibab1
August 06, 2008
CREMA's talented chef/owner prepares refined authentic Mexican food that plays softly on the palate rather than sandbagging the mouth with mega-hot concoctions that aim to raise beer and margaria consumption. Subtlety, execution and presentation are the hallmarks, at least as experienced in three visits. Standout selections were the "trilogy" of crispy, airy flautas... the tacos perfectly grilled strips of marinated hanger steak... and the maigret of duck. All dishes are beautifully presented and the service, which can be slow during busy times, is well above average. The colorful yet understated decor of the long, narrow room adds warmth and character to the experience. There is an excellent selection of rather steeply priced tequilas. They addszip to the dining experience, while the wine selection is --as befits a truly mexican restaurant-- modest and underwhelming.
read full reviewThe Details on Crema Restaurante
Know Before You Go:
Be warned that while the cilantro-spiked starter of guacamole pleases, it arrives as a mere spoonful.
Where to Sit:
Ask to be seated at the back tables, where you'll get a view into the bustling open kitchen.
Happy Hour:
Happy hour is Mon-Fri, 5pm-7pm, and offers two-for-one beers, house wines, signature margaritas and "Crazy Water," Mexican-style sangria.
What to Drink:
The Margarita Imperial achieves a nice balance with white tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh fruit juices. Or, celebrate with the Banderitos, a flight of three shots representing the colors of Mexico's flag: white (tequila), green (lime juice) and red (sangrita).
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Lunch Spot, Brunch, Dine At The Bar, Outdoor Dining
