L'Orange Bleue

(888) 612-7005

430 Broome Street (Crosby Street.)
New York, NY 10013 40.7215 -73.9991

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Neighborhoods: Chinatown, Downtown

LORANGEBLEUE.COM

Hours:

Mon-Thurs 10am-1am

Fri 10am-4am

Sat 11am-4am

Sun 11am-12am

Last updated 11.30.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Cash, Travelers Check

Restaurant Special Features:

Late Night Dining, Romantic Dining, Group Dining

Cuisine:

Mediterranean

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About L'Orange Bleue

Featured Review

Joshua M Bernstein

Contributor

In Short – If you think Soho's too hoity-toity, hit this high-spirited Moroccan-Mediterranean corner bistro where waiters belt out tunes, belly dancers sashay, and chatterbox Europeans commandeer the vibrantly hued dining room. The scattershot menu is more razzle-dazzle than cohesive, with paella offered alongside foie gras terrines and pasta with meatballs. But there's no denying a feast composed of lamb tagines, grilled sardines and pan-seared sole brushed with spicy harisa, ideally accompanied by countless glasses of the pleasantly affordable house wine.

Editor's Tips

Save Money:
From 5pm to 7pm daily, suck down unlimited one-dollar oysters.
Brunch:
On weekends, a $12.95 prix fixe brunch features dishes such as fruit-stuffed crepes and ratatouille-loaded omelettes, served with a sangria or mimosa.
The Extras:
Spend your birthday celebration here, and waiters will serenade you with sparklers and cake.
When to Go:
On Monday, $35 nets a three-course Moroccan meal featuring duck confit pies, merguez-studded couscous and belly-dancing aplenty.
ambiance
96.96999549865723% positive
  1. “The food is amazing, and it is so much fun there also.”
  2. “..I wanted to pick a great fun place for a good friend who moved back to NY.”
  3. “Really good food, great location and good service, I don't understand how anyone could complain about this place.”
  4. “good fun, good food”
  5. “The food was outstanding , the ambience was great but the most astonishing moment of the night was the way they brought the birthday cake ( turned off the lights, rang the bell twice, cranked up the music which was oh so awesome & just made her feel extre”
  6. “Birthdays are super fun here too.”
  7. “The belly dancer was great fun as well.”
  8. “The food itself was good and the lively waiters/dancers who ring a bell and backflip with sparklers for each birthday diner were fun, but the laissez-faire attitude of the nasty owner and his absolute indifference to customers makes this a place we will n”
  9. “It was a fantastic experience and I would go back there for more fun.”
  10. “OB is the BEST place when it comes to accomodating large parties, especially for the celebration of special occasions, the atmosphere is just unbelievable!”
  11. “The decor was interesting and inviting.”
dessert
100.0% positive
  1. “The food was outstanding , the ambience was great but the most astonishing moment of the night was the way they brought the birthday cake ( turned off the lights, rang the bell twice, cranked up the music which was oh so awesome & just made her feel extre”
  2. “At the end of our meal, we were presented with a couple of glasses of house dessert wine, on the house,made of pomegranate juice which was very nice.”
drinks
87.5% positive
  1. “We sat at the bar and I asked what the best drink of the house was, and I was told it was the Watermelon Martini, and it was very very good!”
  2. “only recommend this place for the music/drinks/bar and dancer's appearance which seemed to last about five minutes.”
  3. “good Moroccan, cramped bar area”
  4. “the belly dancers the drums and the drinks are GREAT!”
  5. “Standing at the narrow aisled bar was not the most enjoyable experience, squeezed in next to drinkers and pushed as people made their way to the dining area.”
  6. “Their baguette was great and wine list excellent.”
  7. “At the end of our meal, we were presented with a couple of glasses of house dessert wine, on the house,made of pomegranate juice which was very nice.”
  8. “For an apperitif, skip the alcohol and try some Moroccan mint tea, poured from a huge silver show kettle into little shots.”
food quality
78.4000015258789% positive
  1. “Really good food, great location and good service, I don't understand how anyone could complain about this place.”
  2. “have wanted to go to this restaurant for years and last night was sadly disappointed by the BAD service, mediocre food and uncomfortable seating.”
  3. “This appealing restaurant on the corner of Broome and Crosby streets in lower Manhattan has terrific Moroccon food a great energy.”
  4. “The duck roll appetizer was well matched with a sweet dipping sauce, shrimp in garlic sauce was savory and tender - but the real treat was seasonal vegetables with couscous.”
  5. “The chicken tangine was good - nuanced flavors, etc, but the service really does take FOREVER.”
  6. “good fun, good food”
  7. “We had the fish tangine and the duck which were both wonderful.”
  8. “The waiter was very rude + not attentive, never came back to our table after dishes were brought and no "thank you" when we left.”
  9. “Comfort-food is also a NYorkers favorite and from Tajines to Pastas and Mezze appetizer platters for group it is ideal”
  10. “Food is amazingly tasty and creative.”
  11. “The food was outstanding , the ambience was great but the most astonishing moment of the night was the way they brought the birthday cake ( turned off the lights, rang the bell twice, cranked up the music which was oh so awesome & just made her feel extre”
  12. “At the end of our meal, we were presented with a couple of glasses of house dessert wine, on the house,made of pomegranate juice which was very nice.”
  13. “L'Orange Bleue offers exactly what you wouldn't expect from a trendy bistro-style restaurant, full of tapered French-speaking waiters who glance your way as they chat and snicker - excellent food.”
  14. “The food is delicious and the music energizing.”
  15. “The food (dinner) was not tasty but rather too salty and not appetizing.”
  16. “wonderful food and service.”
  17. “recommend this place to anyone wanting a hip new place to enjoy great food with great company.”
  18. “The food is great, esp.”
  19. “There's lots of standing on chairs and clapping, which is fine (I was there for a birthday) except the food is overpriced and average.”
  20. “The food is amazing, and it is so much fun there also.”
  21. “It's sweet, made with fresh mint leaves, and absolutely delicious.”
  22. “Ifyou are looking for a place to have delicious food, great music AND good conversation- this place is not it!”
  23. “Decent food, but...s-l-o-w service, way too loud, and the owner is snooty.”
  24. “Towards the end of the meal, I pulled the owner aside and asked he do something to compensate for the terrible wait and service, and explained how our night plans were completely thrown off by the 1.5 hour late seating and lenghty meal.”
  25. “The food is pretty good too.”
  26. “The food itself was good and the lively waiters/dancers who ring a bell and backflip with sparklers for each birthday diner were fun, but the laissez-faire attitude of the nasty owner and his absolute indifference to customers makes this a place we will n”
  27. “Our mains arrived; I ordered the Pain perdu (orange flower "Balthazar Bakery" brioche French toast with fresh fruit and vanilla sauce) and my friend ordered the Croque Monsieur.”
menu variety
50.0% positive
  1. “The servers were not helpful and did not describe the menu truthfully.”
  2. “We stumbled on this place and was checking out the outside menu when the owner came out and encouraged us with warm hospitality to come in from the cold to grab a bite to eat (guaranteeing that we'd love it.”
overall
95.2400016784668% positive
  1. “..I wanted to pick a great fun place for a good friend who moved back to NY.”
  2. “The food itself was good and the lively waiters/dancers who ring a bell and backflip with sparklers for each birthday diner were fun, but the laissez-faire attitude of the nasty owner and his absolute indifference to customers makes this a place we will n”
  3. “Really good food, great location and good service, I don't understand how anyone could complain about this place.”
  4. “Ifyou are looking for a place to have delicious food, great music AND good conversation- this place is not it!”
  5. “My all time favorite restaurant for dinner and Sunday brunches.”
  6. “Especially good place for birthdays, just don't expect yours to be the only one celebrated there that night.”
  7. “It would be a great place for groups.”
return potential
100.0% positive
  1. “It was a fantastic experience and I would go back there for more fun.”
service
58.02000045776367% positive
  1. “The place was crowded and the maitre d is extremely rude and prefers flirting with the pretty customers than doing his job.”
  2. “The service was also cool.”
  3. “Vin,one of the owners, is very friendly as well as all the staff.”
  4. “have never experienced this type of rude service before at any restaurant.”
  5. “wonderful food and service.”
  6. “The waiters are obnoxious and the service is poor.”
  7. “the waiters are nice and helpfull.”
  8. “have never in my life had such a rude waiter, who acted is if we were inconveniencing him by asking him to do his job.”
  9. “The bartender was very nice there.”
  10. “Food was great and the staff very eager to please.”
  11. “The service was a little slow, but SO friendly.”
  12. “L'Orange Bleue offers exactly what you wouldn't expect from a trendy bistro-style restaurant, full of tapered French-speaking waiters who glance your way as they chat and snicker - excellent food.”
  13. “Really good food, great location and good service, I don't understand how anyone could complain about this place.”
  14. “Yes service can be slow at times but it is not arrogant it's just euphoric busy !”
  15. “The food itself was good and the lively waiters/dancers who ring a bell and backflip with sparklers for each birthday diner were fun, but the laissez-faire attitude of the nasty owner and his absolute indifference to customers makes this a place we will n”
  16. “The waiter was very rude + not attentive, never came back to our table after dishes were brought and no "thank you" when we left.”
  17. “The service was pleasant and fast.”
  18. “Great spinach, authentically prepared tangines, music from Franco-Africa and speedy, personal service.”
  19. “The servers were not helpful and did not describe the menu truthfully.”
  20. “Standing at the narrow aisled bar was not the most enjoyable experience, squeezed in next to drinkers and pushed as people made their way to the dining area.”
  21. “Towards the end of the meal, I pulled the owner aside and asked he do something to compensate for the terrible wait and service, and explained how our night plans were completely thrown off by the 1.5 hour late seating and lenghty meal.”
  22. “Good music, entertainment from the staff, cool place.”
  23. “The chicken tangine was good - nuanced flavors, etc, but the service really does take FOREVER.”
  24. “bad service”
  25. “have wanted to go to this restaurant for years and last night was sadly disappointed by the BAD service, mediocre food and uncomfortable seating.”
  26. “Decent food, but...s-l-o-w service, way too loud, and the owner is snooty.”
  27. “But service was bad.”
value
66.66999816894531% positive
  1. “must admit, the initial jostling while waiting for our table was worth it for the flavorful Moroccan compositions.”
  2. “we had dinner here recently and a huge rat ran out of the kitchen as we were eating.”
  3. “For an apperitif, skip the alcohol and try some Moroccan mint tea, poured from a huge silver show kettle into little shots.”
  4. “There's lots of standing on chairs and clapping, which is fine (I was there for a birthday) except the food is overpriced and average.”
  5. “though the parkng in soho is terrible, this place is worth it.”
  6. “The whole restaurant was a huge party.”
wait time
71.4300012588501% positive
  1. “only recommend this place for the music/drinks/bar and dancer's appearance which seemed to last about five minutes.”
  2. “It is one great hidden summer treasures where all rules are made "a la minute" in a Soho-Boho-Yoho fashion on the best sidewalk cafe terrasse in NYC.”
  3. “Rude, slow, mediocre”
  4. “The service was a little slow, but SO friendly.”
  5. “Unlike today's NYC norm, L'Orange Bleue, quick to become my favorite place to be, distinctly sets itself apart from the too-many rest.”
  6. “L'orange Bleue has to be THE great hidden spring treasures where all rules are made a la minute in a Soho-Boho-Woho fashion on the flowery sidewalk cafe terrasse in NYC.”
  7. “Yes service can be slow at times but it is not arrogant it's just euphoric busy !”
4 Star Rating: Recommended

04/09/11

“I love this place! Great Place"

by Davidaldridge

We went to the L'Orange Bleue because a friend suggested it to us. All our expectations were met, the food is fantastic. Big portions. Friendly service. I love this place! Great atmosphere and great food! Would definitely go back!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

11/29/10

Spectacular surprise

by aroundmound

Visiting from Minnesota. First time in area. Was referred here by hostess at nearby restaurant with a two hour waiting list. Ended up having some of the best food we had in New York...couscous dishes were spectacular and the beet salad was delightful. Atmosphere was cozy, fun, and the staff seemed to know and hug everyone who came through the door (early afternoon). In terms of food, service, atmosphere this is a "don't miss" experience. The French kiss appertif was a first time for us...you have to try it! Tell your friends about this place!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

10/05/10

Amazing time!!!

by TammySm

My girlfriend and I decided to take a night on the town for just us girls. We went to L'Orange and ended up having an amazing time! The atmosphere was wonderful..a little loud but very fun and entertaining. Our waiter treated us like Queens with free Champagne and wonderful attention. The food was yummy and very light. We tried new things and thoroughly enjoyed our night!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

09/15/10

I heart L'orange Bleue

by ShannonnB

I heart L'orange Bleue...just don't ask me to pronounce it after I've had my Mimosa at brunch. A friend and I were out window-shopping in Soho and after hearing our respective stomachs grumbling for a stretch decided to give this place a try. Best. Decision. Ever.

We couldn't decide between sweet of savory for brunch so we decided on one of each and an appetizer to start. Our meal began with Cigares Maroccains (Moroccan spiced spring rolls stuffed with shrimp, beef and veggies)...holy crap, we were almost brought to fisticuffs over the last one; yes, they were THAT good. Utter Moroccan love.

Our mains arrived; I ordered the Pain perdu (orange flower "Balthazar Bakery" brioche French toast with fresh fruit and vanilla sauce) and my friend ordered the Croque Monsieur. Both were quite good, but the star of the morning were the spring rolls.

I would love to come back and try dinner....looking forward to it!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

09/10/10

FOOD FUN FAMILY

by wazuli

This is not your average spot ! It is one great hidden NYC treasures where all rules are made "a la minute" in a Soho-Boho fashion on the best sidewalk cafe terrasse in the City. On W-E you will squeeze within the mix of youger suits, older quadras and euphoric victims and obviously the cutest waiters in town. The African/World music flows high-po, and all contributes to this "Wizard of OB". The Food is tasty food and simple . A NYorkers favorite. Mediterranean specialties like Tajines /Grilled whole fish/ Tapas-like Mezze platters are a sure win for groups and were amongst the choices provided by a PFixe optional Menu. Also Great Classic Pastas...again Grandma's in the kitchen it seems ! I don't care what they say about these guys ! Service can be slow but who needs to rush and it is far from your typical French arrogant one...waiters are just a bit euphoric in this place! These guys have a magic and that is what makes the place special... Energize yourself! go there and have good Food Fun and you'll be treated like Family!

The Details on L'Orange Bleue

Place Categories:

  • great moroccon food
  • slow butslow service
  • favorite birthday place
  • overpriced decent food
  • nice waiters
  • great good music
  • favorite restaurants
  • worst dining experience
  • not tasty dinner
  • great drinks
  • fantastic experience
  • decent owner
  • warm hospitality
  • favorite comfortfood
  • fun birthdays
  • like belly dancer
  • interesting decor
  • huge silver show kettle
  • fresh mint leaves
  • favorite nyorkers
  • savory shrimp
  • love utter moroccan
  • enjoy great food
  • cool entertainment
  • very nice pomegranate juice
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