Yaffa Cafe

04/22/2008 Posted by hyeny

decor? fun. animal prints and mirrors are always a good time.go to the back patio, its spacey and cool. the food was average, nothing to write home about but edible. however, the service pretty much nonexistent. we had to ask for plates twice for a shared appetizer, we have three different waiters - none of which could be found when we needed something (the basics: silverware, bread, water.) and our "main" waiter had the most sour attitude ever. i'm sorry you are still working on your "acting career" at the age of 40 but try to act marginally friendly to your customers - at this point, it looks like the only income you are getting is tips, so why jeopardize that too!!

Pros: nice to sit outside on a lovely day

Cons: service stinks.

03/22/2008 Posted by Redh34d

I recently discovered Yaffas while catching up with some friends from High School. It has some hysterical decor and interesting music selection (started with some generic pop and changed to the Beatles and then Bob Marley), but overall a great vibe and friendly atmosphere. Definitely a place to take friends for long conversations and catching up. Also, veggie friendly. :)

Pros: Vegetarian Friendly, Small but not crowded

Cons: Oddball bathroom (if you have any quirks, probably not a good place to go)

03/18/2008 Posted by evxplant

Yes, the decor is fabulous and over the top. The place is flat out adorable and fun. The outdoor cafe is great in the summertime, especially because the waitstaff actually knows you're alive back there! I have been going here since HS when I have a late night hankering for something that didn't have a mother, and their vegetarian options are always flavorful and tasty. The service is wonderful, and the desserts to die for. My fave place to escape the hustle and bustle of the thoroughly gentrified block outside and pretend that it's 10 years ago and the East Village exists as more than a hipster/tourist/NYU brat mecca.

Pros: Tasty, reasonably priced food, great service with a smile and some personality

Cons: not good for large groups, can be tough to accommodate seating

12/25/2007 Posted by sethkurke

Love it...Gerry B. is the best manager in the world...is it possible that one could have a better time than the one I had everytime I've been there which is many, many times.

11/14/2007 Posted by rachelbff

What a delicious place. The waitstaff is amazing and so is the chocolate soufle' Please do not forget to try the veggie burgers served with salad and that yummy veggie dressing. The omlettes are outrageous, and so is the outdoor patio. The ambience is hipster/ retro/ just plain fun! They are open 24/7, and they are always happy to serve you. Enjoy yourself....I sure did Thanks pretty cafe.

Pros: Yummy food, outdoor patio, plenty of seating, open 24/7

07/24/2007 Posted by bethesdagirl

My husband & I ate an early lunch in Yaffa's garden on a weekday in late June and fortunately it wasn't crowded, so we were able to thoroughly enjoy the pleasant atmosphere. I had been there with friends twelve years before and kept intending to return. I'm surprised about (some) negative reviews, as I had a very good experience on both occasions. Our waiter this time was pleasant and we also thought the food was very good.

Pros: The garden, pleasant service and good food

04/21/2007 Posted by steorra

Yaffa is the gem of St. Mark's! I have never seen anything like it. They're open 24/7, the staff is very accomodating (with the exception of a rude French waiter I had once), and the food is delicious. If you are vegetarian, vegan, or into health food, you'll love it. My favorite things are the Middle Eastern appetizer and the avocado melt. Anything with the berber sauce is also incredible. The only downside to Yaffa is that it can get crowded at times (space is tight), and the desserts aren't big enough to share. Also, if you're looking for drinks other than beer, wine, or mimosas, I'd look elsewhere. All things considered, however, this is probably my favorite restaurant in NYC.

Pros: Funky decor, amazing health/vegetarian food, late hours, location!

Cons: Space is tight, limited drinks.

04/07/2007 Posted by kb21

Yaffa is one of a kind, its interior is worth a look-see. The menu is as ecclectic as the decor, ranging from seafood to american to midetarranean. Avacado lovers will be dazzled at the choices including avacado: like the avacado melt, an avacado split on bread topped with melted cheese and served with salad (the carrot dressing is amazing) ($6.50). The spring rolls are not that great, and the desserts are definitely way too expensive for their tiny size. There are some cake slices that are ok, but they run at about $5-6. I always feel like I'm over paying when I go there, but I still go. Its really cool inside and the patio out back is AWESOME on warm nights. The staff is nice but the place is definitely pressed for space, keep that in mind when bringing a large crowd (although seating is available). Patio is spacious. Worth a visit. Open all night so great if you are looking for late night dining!

Pros: decor, food, service

Cons: some entrees run at $20+ and the non alcoholic drinks are overpriced

11/03/2006 Posted by dru_b

Had a great time here recently with a group of friends. We came on a Friday evening to celebrate a friend's birthday and everything was wonderful. The food was very good, everything came in good time with no mistakes, the staff were very calm and attentive and the music was amazing. Yaffa is just a great place to go chill, have a few glasses of wine and enjoy the great decor.

10/18/2006 Posted by boxerbrian

Considering the average quality of food in NYC, it's amazing that a restaurant with such terrible food can stay in business. Granted, Yaffa is not meant to be a food critic's choice, but it even fails to deliver as a late night standby. While the atmosphere can be lively at times, you can find better food at any of the other fast food joints on St. Mark's Pl.

Pros: atmosphere

Cons: food, service