Cafe Cluny
New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 255-6900
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- W 4th Street
- Directions:
- A, C, E at 14th St; L at 8th Ave
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 8am-12am, Sat-Sun 10:30am-4pm, 5:30pm-12am
Editorial Review for Cafe Cluny – by Erin Behan
The Scene
Warm and inviting, the restaurant's two country-chic rooms hold elbow-grazing tables, but thanks to buzzing crowd, neighboring conversations rarely intrude. Street-style caricatures dot the walls along with bird art, while a suspended wooden bug in the back room is sure-fire conversation fodder. Knowledgeable but relaxed service strikes the appropriate tone.
The Food
The small and well-balanced menu of bistro classics has few missteps. Both the starter of perfectly seared scallops atop a velvety cauliflower puree and the beet salad dotted with pitch-perfect goat cheese tease the appetite and are sized to leave room for courses to come. A particularly tender and rich entree of short ribs and foie gras blows the tasty, but more pedestrian, hanger steak away; while fish-lovers will be impressed by the flavorful swordfish sided with the unusual elf mushroom. Desserts are less enchanting, with the too-cutesy play on a PB&J--grape tart and peanut butter ice cream--better in theory.
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe wine list is reasonably priced, with several selections, including the not-too-sweet but fruity Rasteau Cotes du Rhone Villages for $38 a bottle. Specialty mixed drinks like the Cluny Ketel One (Citroen, ginger and lemon juice) come in at a pricey $14.
Lunch SpotBreakfast, lunch and dinner are served, with a special limited brasserie menu available from 3pm to 5:30pm, where you'll find soup of the day, salads, an omelet and Kobe burger.
Know Before You GoThough the staff does generally hold a few tables for drop-ins, reservations are recommended.
User Reviews for Cafe Cluny
11/21/2007 Posted by amihaly
I really enjoyed my experience at Cafe Cluny last night for multiple reasons. I love the locate, West 12th is such a charming street. I think the interior is really cozy. The waiters and bartenders were very attentive and lastly, the food was excellent and fresh. I would highly recommend making reservations because even on a Tuesday night we had to wait 25 minutes for our seat. Not that I minded because they have a great bar while you wait. I wouldn't recommend this place for quiet conversation, because it's crowded and noisy, but at the same time, if you don't mind those things, it's still a great place to go with someone to catch up. Try the scallop and pancetta appetizer... actually, just try everything.
Pros: Delicious, cozy, great location, service
Cons: Can be a bit of a wait, crowded
10/04/2007 Posted by winelover40
I have eaten at cluny several times. Their food is very good. A bit pricey but well worth it. The service is very efficient yet maybe a bit uptight... The steak with fries is great and the broiled chicken is made to perfection.. Go early or make reservations.
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