Crema Restaurante
New York, NY 10011
Phone: (212) 691-4477
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- 6th Avenue
- Directions:
- F, V at 14th St
- Specialties:
- Mexican Food
- Best of Citysearch:
- Mexican Food 2006
- Hours:
- Mon, Tues, Wed 12pm-11pm , Thurs, Fri 12pm - 12am, Sat 11:30am -12am , Sun 11:30am - 11pm
Message from Crema Restaurante
Discover a higher concept in Mexican food in NY's Crema Restaurante
- Traditional Mexican Cocktails
- Traditional Mexican Cuisine
- Top Chef Julieta Ballasteros
Paid advertisement by Crema Restaurante.
Editorial Review for Crema Restaurante – by Erin Behan
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.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoBe warned that while the cilantro-spiked starter of guacamole pleases, it arrives as a mere spoonful.
What to DrinkThe 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).
Where to SitAsk to be seated at the back tables, where you'll get a view into the bustling open kitchen.
Happy HourHappy hour is Mon-Fri, 5pm-7pm, and offers two-for-one beers, house wines, signature margaritas and "Crazy Water," Mexican-style sangria.
User Reviews for Crema Restaurante
08/06/2008 Posted by kaibab1
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.
Pros: Subtle, upscale Mexican variations of old and new dishes
Cons: Thin wine list, pricing
07/28/2008 Posted by jimbos1015
Ate here during Restaurant week and had a wonderful experience. The Service was excellent and accomodating. The waitress gave just the right amount of attention and the food was superb. Will be back to try other dishes as nothing we had disappointed. Also for restaurant week there were three choices in both appetizer and entree categories and two for dessert. Very good deal and the servings seemed to normal sized! We sat in the front window and enjoyed our meal immensely.
Pros: food, service, atmosphere
Cons: none
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