Crema Restaurante

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kaibab1

Joined 9 years ago

Outstanding Mexican outpost. 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.

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jimbos1015

Joined 10 years ago

Well kept secret!. 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.

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td255

Joined 6 years ago

Loved it!!!!. I ate here for restaurant week and everything was absolutely amazing!!! I am going to come back here at other times, too.

Doesn't Recommend

ReFooder

Joined 5 years ago

Meh. I went there for dinner with a friend. To me Crema just came off as just another NY restaurant that tries too hard: all pomp and circumstance. Examples: a $24 vegetarian plate (50cents worth of corn and beans, $20 for the over-sized china); $22 for chicken flautas ($4 of chicken, $18 worth of grease and salt); $8 for couple of dribbles of soup in a big bowl. I'm used to inflated city prices--but I expect a little more flavor.

The waitstaff was polite, though not completely knowledgeable.

Is it absolutely horrible? No. But it doesn't mean its worth another visit. I think I was let down because I was expecting more based on some of the positive reviews. Try Pompano instead.

Doesn't Recommend

haus47

Joined 5 years ago

special?. Went to Crema Resturante on 6/11. Opted for the sea scallop special after looking at the menu, Here is what arrived at the table. A plate that was 8" x 18" (never a good sign) on one half of the rectangle was a green "sauce" smear and on the other a mound. The mound from the bottom up consisted of , 2 slightly overlaping 4 " toasted tortillas upon which was 1/4" spread of buttery smooth pureed guacamole . on this base 5 seared sea scallops were placed and artfully criss-cross drizzled with what tasted like and was the color of ranch salad dressing. Next, a concealing blanket of vegatable salsa. Then three sprigs of mustard lettuce. The final touch? Two 11" pieces of grass reaching into the air . While the service was very friendly, the barely edible and overpriced "food sculpture" was pompous. Perhaps a better place for a couple drinks only.

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AlbertoConnell

Joined 5 years ago

Very nice food and service. Bad dry martini :(. The food was really good, although the variety of dishes could be a little bit better. The service was really good too, the waitresses and the hostesses were really nice too. The only bad thing was the dry martini, which wasnt dry at all, because the barman put lots of little pieces of ice in the drink. Other than that, everything else was great.

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alopeznyc

Joined 5 years ago

arrriiiibaa. Ariiiibbbaaaaa! Crema Restaurante is a really fun night out. Not only does Crema Restaurante do some excellent spicy Mexican food, but there?s plenty of tequila on offer for the brave (or stupid). Ai carumba Chez Halee!

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avgvst

Joined 6 years ago

Incredible!. This place is incredible, an absolut gem!

Chef Julietta is the Zagat #1 rated Mexican chef but really she should be one of the top 10 chefs in the city if not the U.S. Having eaten in top rated restaurants all over the country I have to say this is one of the most amazing meals I've had. The vegetarian platter is to die for and is not anything like it sounds. Its a myriad of unique, incredible and tantalizing flavors that you would never expect from such seemingly simple ingredients. The grilled corn has surprising sweetness. The yucca is lightly dusted with curry and friend to a perfect crispness. The mango dressing on the salad is a standout. Possibly the highlight of the platter is the corn bread which is defies reason. How can beans in cornbread taste like dessert.. I have no idea but for the first time I've actually cleaned my plate (literally) and called 4 friends from the table telling them they must come here.

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caps11

Joined 5 years ago

Excellent Mexican Cuisine. My friend and i went there last Saturday night. the place was small but cozy. i haven't had upscale Mexican cuisine before, always the regular chain places but this is no Chipotles, definitely worth the trip. Guacamole was homemade and very tasty, wine choices were vast and recommendations from the staff complimented our meal immensely. ambiance in the restaurant was great. the open kitchen was a nice touch in restaurants nowadays that hide the kitchen in the back. our waitress was extremely friendly and attentive and made our experience all the more enjoyable. very friendly and gave us great recommendations. we will definitely be back!

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stevenbon

Joined 5 years ago

surprised. I came here during restaurant week and had a great time. Most everything was really yummy and the staff was actually quite fun. The guacamole was a little expensive ( the regular portion was not on the prefix so I got the "large".) But all in all the food was really great and beautiful. I tell you that woman makes a mean soup!

Not enough meat selections except a Filet Mignon skewer that was too expensive for me to consider.

And with drinks our bill did add up, but hey actually brought my wife a mini hot chocolate ( i was doing all the drinking ! ) which was very nice.

I will be back !