L'Orange Bleue (Reported Closed)

Recommends

nikkisschiro

Joined 4 years ago

Positively Enchanting. 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. Enchanting, because upon entry your troubles are checked at the door and extra special for the people that fill the walls. Food is amazingly tasty and creative...North African flavors dominate the menu, but not exclusively. The service is magical, sparkling and eccentric like the place. "A" for ambiance, charismatic regulars, art all over the walls, and if you're lucky, musicians who stop in and unexpectedly start to play.

I don't know what it is about this town these days, but you go out, and it seems if it isn't "bling" exclusive, it's "bling" expensive and frankly, "bling" boring. Where is the creativity in this town? Where is the crazy nightlife with its international characters-- artists, musicians, bankers, accountants and temps under the same roof, laughing and singing to the music together? Where is the fun in this town? I've been around a bit.... and I?ll tell you--it's on the corner of Broome and Crosby!

Doesn't Recommend

ny2nj

Joined 4 years ago

Worst service I've ever received!!!. A coworker and I came here for lunch a couple of weeks ago and wanted a table outside. There were two greeters/waiters who totally ignored us until we were about to walk away. That's when one of them finally motioned us toward a table.

We sat down for literally 15 minutes before we had to ASK if someone would take our order. One of the guys said yes and went inside, then came back out and just stood there with his pen poised over his pad. As soon as we each told him what we wanted, he walked inside without even asking us if we'd like something to drink. He came back out about five minutes later to ask my friend to remind him of what she ordered. She told him, and then we asked for water. He came back and just slammed the waters down on the table.

Then we waited a full 20 minutes for our food, when people who had sat down after us were already being served! We would have left, but at this point we were starving and didn't have time to go somewhere else, as we needed to get back to work. We tried several times to ask about our food, but both waiters kept whizzing by us without giving us a chance to speak.

When our food finally came, it was definitely NOT worth the wait. It tasted average, yet it was overpriced. We ate and of course had to flag the waiter down for our check. He just dropped it onto the table without even thanking us or saying a word to us.

Needless to say, we are NEVER going back to L'Orange Bleue again!!! What we thought would be a pleasant lunch outside became the worst dining experience each of us has ever had. I 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. There are so many amazing restaurants in SoHo. Do NOT waste your money here!

Recommends

lejam

Joined 9 years ago

Go for the live music. Nice atmosphere and people. Live drums on Monday nights (very entertaining). I had the chicken tangine and I really can't say that I loved it. My boyfriend had the beef dish, which was much better. Price reasonable.

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TheTripChick

Joined 9 years ago

I heart L'orange Bleue.... 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 cannoli, 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!

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phoenixstarr

Joined 5 years ago

C'est Magnifique!. A+! With quite possibly the finest grilled sardines and shrimp anywhere in NYC, this place is a winner. Great spinach, authentically prepared tangines, music from Franco-Africa and speedy, personal service. Skip the French-america fare (steak frites) and venture into the Moroccan. Its hard to go wrong with any of the tapas, tangines or pastas (strangely) here.

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ritzgirl21

Joined 10 years ago

Frenchship. French Food in a fun environment of singing waiters, belly dancers and tiramisu with a sparkler that makes for an exciting Birthday party. The escargot was dead on, as were the pasta dishes and yellow fin tuna. Their baguette was great and wine list excellent. Avoid the beef sliders. The only other problem is that the menu may not accommodate the pickiest eaters in your party.

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watchmesparkle

Joined 6 years ago

Yummy watermelon martini!!. I did not eat any food at L'Orange Bleue, but I plan to next time I am down there. My husband and I stumbled upon this place this past saturday night, and went in because it seemed lively. 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!! It was made with real watermelon juice...none of that yucky watermelon pucker that other bars make it with, and I was very happy! Next time we will try it for dinner, as we are very adventurious and liked it coziness of this establishment. Try the watermelon martini!!

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sumptiousny

Joined 9 years ago

good Moroccan, cramped bar area. L'Orange was bustling the night I popped in without any reservation, my friend and I waited about 15 minutes for a small table. 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. Anyway, that aside, once seated we ordered the Tajine Berbere lamb with fruits and a chicken cous cous. I must admit, the initial jostling while waiting for our table was worth it for the flavorful Moroccan compositions. Would I return? The restaurant itself was nothing special, service was fine, but if I'm craving some tasty Moroccan fair "yes" I'll be back. Maybe next time I'll even try something different.

Recommends

Joshua M Bernstein

Joined 6 years ago

After more than a decade, this lively Soho bistro still pairs belly-shaking revelry with dependable North African and Mediterranean cookery.. 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.

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beautysoul

Joined 6 years ago

Best place to have a boisterous birthday celebration. This place is amazing! The food is delicious and the music energizing. I was a bit concerned making reservations for my birthday.Reading some review it gave me the impression that we would not be seated quickly, even if we had reservations. To my delight, our table was waiting and readily set up even though we were 20 minutes late!

Vin,one of the owners, is very friendly as well as all the staff. I love the way the bring out the birthday cakes and make all the noise for the birthday person. The belly dancer was great fun as well.

It was a fantastic experience and I would go back there for more fun.

Only one downside- it is VERY loud here! It's a bit difficult to hold a conversation. Ifyou are looking for a place to have delicious food, great music AND good conversation- this place is not it! You will have to speak very closely or loudly to the person you are speaking to in order to be heard. However, a great time is guaranteed!