Graffiti
New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 677-0695
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Between 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue
- Directions:
- L at 1st Ave; 6 at Astor Pl
- Hours:
- Tue-Sun 5:30pm-11:45pm
Editorial Review for Graffiti – by Justin Hartung
The Scene
New Yorkers are used to small restaurants, but compactness goes to new extremes at this East Village spot. The four tables fill up quickly with dates and intimate groups, and getting to the restroom requires passing too close for comfort to the kitchen stove. Indian prints, newspaper place mats and brightly colored plastic chopsticks topped with animal shapes incite a convivial mood, as does the eternally smiling staff.
The Food
Chef Jehangir Mehta internationally inspired small dishes looks like artful graffiti on the plate. Sweet flavors peek their heads into the menu early and often: Creamy mint sorbet accompanies a Mediterranean-style watermelon and feta salad, and grapefruit "confit" tops pork dumplings worthy of Chinatown. Chewy mango-infused paneer brings a touch of India, while candied chile-enhanced scallops come from an as-of-yet undiscovered territory. The cooking is so adventuresome, in fact, diners might not mind the occasional stumble like a bland halva dessert.
Hits: Diners will take a culinary trip around the world without it feeling like they've been on a tacky bus tour.
Misses: Coming from a highly regarded former pastry chef, desserts are disappointing.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
What to DrinkIn a stroke of genius, all 22 bottles on the wine list cost $25, and all glasses are $8. The hearty Vaucluse Cotes du Rhone provides a strong backbone for the parade of flavors.
Know Before You GoDespite the server's assurances, not all dishes are easily shareable: You might be better off ordering a few plates per person.
The ExtrasMehta runs a candy-making class for kids the first Saturday of every month--call ahead for details.
User Reviews for Graffiti
04/28/2008 Posted by Benjijs81
Such a small cozy place, with a delicious and welcoming menu to match. The service from the time I made the reservation to the time we paid the bill was nothing but stellar. The owner gave us complete descriptions of everything we ordered and we wound up ordering plate after plate! Great wine selection too! Small dishes are great for sharing, but the tables...not so much. I went with my parents and was a little apprehensive about having to explain to them we may have to share a (very small) table with strangers. Fortunately we didn't have to. BUT if you go with 4 people, you can claim your own table.
Pros: Everything: food, wine, location, service
Cons: VERY communal seating
02/29/2008 Posted by lindsay315
The chef/owner is amazing, incredible and one of the sweetest people ever. He personally recommended wine and brought all of the dishes to the table and explained their origins and preparation. The dishes were creative, beautiful, and most importantly so tasty. Our favorites were the green mango paneer and the pork bun. It is VERY small so if you are claustrophobic it might not be right for you but it has a young hip crowd and I enjoyed myself thoroughly. It was better than some of the over-hyped tapas restaurants I have been to. GO GO GO!
Pros: Amazing food, lovely service, cool decor
Cons: Small
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