Reviews & Ratings for Cafe Gitane

04/27/10

My Favorite Brunch Spot to Bring Visitors

by silverblue , Citysearch Contributor

When I have visitors in town, I love to take them to this French, Moroccan café in Nolita called Café Gitane. It is super charming with its green-striped umbrellas embellishing both corners of the striking café with true blue exterior, and waitresses clad in green apron dresses.

While I had been here many times, this was the first time I tried the Salmon pot pie, which was probably the best thing on the menu! The salmon was cooked to perfection and the pie wasn’t overwhelmingly filling or hearty. It was the perfect brunch dish. My friend got the Spicy Organic Meatballs in Tumeric Tomato Sauce with boiled egg, cucumber, yogurt and cilantro dish, which he liked a lot but I felt was a tad bit bland (had to add a bit of salt).

But previously, I’ve also tried their chicken and avocado sandwiches (which you can never go wrong with) and the cous cous dish and loved everything there! Even the cappuccino was really good. Only one catch – it’s cash only, so be prepared.

• Pros: Every Single Dish There, Lovely Neighborhood
• Cons: Cash Only Policy, No Reservations

12/17/09

waitresses need to learn some respect

by saram88

although the atmosphere is great, and the couscous is superb, i will never be able to actually like this place because of the waitresses. they are quick with orders and the food, but every time my husband and i come here, they pay complete attention to him, and almost flirt with him right in front of me. i am ignored, not even looked at by every woman that works there, and i don't understand why. being a waitress myself, i have learned to speak to couples equally instead of just the man. besides that, this place is nice. but god learn some respect. you never know which one is paying the bill and giving you your tip.

• Pros: atmosphere, location
• Cons: waitresses, no reservations

10/21/09

Great casual spot

by Mayke

I loved the food and the casual atmosphere. A special spot as a drop in for a quick delicious meal. I will be going back.

• Pros: small, intimate, casual
• Cons: was very busy when we were there

10/12/09

Great Mid-Week Spot

by Jen Benson

I've been going here for the three years I've lived in the area and thoughts its prob time I post a review. Lve the food, Service . . . mid-week walkins my fav. I sat at bar the other night . . maybe a little bright but salds great

• Pros: Take Walk - Ins
• Cons: Bar lighting a little bright?

09/05/09

Singles TOTALLY Welcome

by bklyn1205

I was actually at Cafe Gitane several days ago and know for a fact that they DO seat singles at tables, just not all the time. I went in alone for lunch (12:30); the host looked around the room and explained that normally they don't seat singles at tables during busy lunch hours, but she'd make an exception because there were so many tables available. Lucky me! Having worked in restaurants I completely understand, and anyone would too if they took a closer look inside - only 10 tables or so! Seems like the angry reviewer didn't want to hear what the host was saying, because she probably told her the exact same thing she told me...she just happened to catch them when they were busy. I'll happily sit at the bar next time I go alone, and I highly recommend this spot to others - single or not!

• Pros: Nice staff, good food for good price
• Cons: Long wait at busy times (weekends)

07/25/09

SINGLES NOT WELCOME

by bryn

This has long been a favorite neighborhood haunt of mine, and lord knows they have gotten a lot of my cash--for the yummy lates and great chicken sandwiches and waffles (cash only). So, I was stunned that I was denied a table for breakfast -- because I was alone!!! "We no longer seat singles at tables," the hostess told me. So, they allow duos and trios to sit at those lovely blue tables outside for hours and hours talking. But a single getting a quick bite is not allowed to sit there anymore--only inside at the bar if there is a seat. What?????

• Pros: great waffle
• Cons: Singles not welcome

06/20/09

horrible manager

by ericasonia

I recently met a few girlfriends for dinner at Cafe Gitane. Our waitress was wonderful, truly lovely. My friend had ordered an entree that (unknown to her) had an ingredient she was allergic to. Like any nice, normal waitress, ours said not to worry and exchanged the plate with something to suit my friend.

When the bill arrived the manager insisted that we pay for the first ordered entree (which had never touched the table). The manager went on to explain she would deduct it from our waitress's salary, which we found incredibly unfair given how our waitress had accommodated us and made our evening enjoyable (a skill which should be praised).

My message to management: This is not how we treat people in America. If you do not understand this, you should return to whatever country you came from...or perhaps the rock you climbed out from underneath.

• Pros: great atmosphere
• Cons: nasty management

04/24/09

One of my Fave's

by shert

This is one of my all time favorite restaurants in the city. Cute, small, great ambience (candles, friendly, vintage look), great food. Try the yogurt hummus for the appetizer and the chicken cous cous for an entree. My friend also loved the chicken skewers. Whenever I have out of town guests I always bring them here.

• Pros: atmosphere, food
• Cons: cash only

05/19/08

great outdoor spot

by daphodil1002

went here on a nice Wednesday afternoon..though it was a bit crowded we managed to get outdoor seating. the service was friendly and the food came out very quickly. delicious food included the avocado on toast, Gorgonzola with honey and walnuts, and a chicken club sandwich along with an organic bottle of white that was excellent. definitely worth going even though its a bit crowded

• Pros: good food, good price
• Cons: crowded

11/11/07

Small portions, but small price.

by wisebrain

The dishes here are cheap, but the portions are too. Small selection, but what they do make is pretty good.

• Pros: Straightforward
• Cons: Small