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Café Chelsea, located within the historic Hotel Chelsea, offers a French-American bistro experience. While many patrons praise its ambiance and certain dishes, others have noted inconsistencies in service and food quality. The restaurant has received mixed reviews across various platforms, with some highlighting the need for improvement in certain areas.

Discover Café Chelsea in Manhattan's Historic Heart 

Nestled at 218 West 23rd Street, Café Chelsea is a captivating French-American bistro within the iconic Hotel Chelsea in New York City. This charming spot invites foodies, digital nomads, and trend-conscious travelers to savor a unique dining experience where historic ambiance meets modern culinary flair. Whether you’re enjoying brunch, lunch, or dinner, Café Chelsea offers an inviting setting enriched by its storied surroundings and tasteful décor.

Café Chelsea captivates guests with its beautifully decorated interior that transports you to a more refined era, blending classic French bistro vibes with contemporary touches. The menu centers around elevated French-American cuisine, including favorites like the famous ravioli and Niçoise salad, praised for their taste and freshness. Brunch lovers rave about unique offerings such as gold-plated Ferrero Rocher ice cream and perfectly seasoned chicken dishes, while the coffee service comes in delightful small pots that complement the experience.

While the ambiance and some dishes have earned high praise, visitors have noted that service can be inconsistent, with occasional inattentive moments from staff. Nevertheless, many appreciate the attentive team members who step in to maintain a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Café Chelsea offers a full dine-in experience with options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy beer, wine, and expertly crafted cocktails in a cozy setting. Outdoor seating is available to soak in the vibrant Chelsea neighborhood atmosphere, and the restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort for all visitors. Payment is streamlined with acceptance of credit, debit, and NFC payments, enhancing convenience.

Café Chelsea is open daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with extended hours until midnight from Thursday through Saturday.

Reservations can be easily made through OpenTable or by contacting the restaurant directly to secure your table.

Guests can dine alfresco with available outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying New York's vibrant street scene.

Café Chelsea is wheelchair accessible, ensuring an inclusive environment for all visitors.

The menu features gluten-free options to accommodate dietary preferences and needs.

Feedback from patrons reveals a mixed but vibrant community sentiment around Café Chelsea. Many guests are enchanted by the restaurant's historic charm and carefully curated menu, lauding standout dishes like the steak tartare and the Niçoise salad. However, there are notes of inconsistency in food preparation and service, with some visitors experiencing inattentive staff or dishes that didn't fully meet expectations. Despite these critiques, the atmosphere and attentive team members often redeem the overall experience, making it a worthwhile destination for those seeking a taste of Chelsea’s artistic and culinary heritage.

North America

United States

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Manhattan, **Café Chelsea** is more than just a dining destination; it’s a celebration of culinary artistry and a nod to the rich history of the iconic Hotel Chelsea. With its charming ambiance and a menu that tantalizes the senses, this café invites both locals and travelers to indulge in a unique experience. Imagine stepping into a space adorned with vintage decor, where the walls whisper stories of artists and musicians who once roamed these halls. The café's inviting atmosphere is perfect for a leisurely brunch or an intimate dinner.

The menu at Café Chelsea is a delightful blend of classic and contemporary dishes, crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Start your meal with the **steak tartare**, a dish that is not only visually stunning but also a flavor explosion, featuring perfectly seasoned beef paired with a rich aioli. For a heartier option, the **ravioli**—though smaller than it appears in photos—offers a delightful taste of Italy, filled with seasonal vegetables and drizzled with a light sauce that complements its delicate flavors.

One of the café's standout features is its outdoor seating, which allows guests to enjoy their meals while soaking in the vibrant energy of New York City. The café is also known for its **brunch** offerings, which include a variety of delectable options such as the **Norwegian eggs**, a dish that perfectly balances flavors and textures. The attentive staff adds to the experience, ensuring that every visit feels special.

Café Chelsea is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, exquisite brunch offerings, and a menu that features both classic and modern dishes.

With its rich history and artistic ambiance, Café Chelsea offers a unique dining experience that captures the essence of New York City.

Located in Chelsea, the café is close to numerous art galleries, shops, and the iconic High Line park, making it a perfect stop for a day of exploration.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, **Café Chelsea** is a must-visit destination. Come savor the flavors, soak in the ambiance, and create unforgettable memories in one of New York’s most iconic settings.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR2dTlubXdnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJq0lehvhZwokRZvP6X-Exl88/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR2dTlubXdnRRAB

Highly anticipated visit was a bit disappointing. Beautiful ambience but food and service good not great.  Our waitress Jordyn was largely absent and not that busy.  Other staff saw the neglect and stepped in to fill the gap which is a credit to them.  My spouse is a big sole fan and rated theirs mediocre largely due to the prep.  I had the miatake with brandy  peppercorn sauce.  The mushroom was good and the sauce GREAT but the combo missed the spot for some reason. While I would recommend people give it a try largely because of the history of the hotel I won’t be rushing back.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURINk8tRExnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJq0lehvhZwokRZvP6X-Exl88/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURINk8tRExnEAE

The popular ravioli dish is much smaller than it looks in the photos. Almost comically so. But it’s tasty. The Niçoise salad was great along with everything else we had! Service was fantastic and staff were nice and attentive. No complaints!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURfd0tuUnpnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJq0lehvhZwokRZvP6X-Exl88/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURfd0tuUnpnRRAB

Amazing brunch in nyc. Ferraro Roche ice cream was gold plated. Food was delicous. Burger was the best! Avocado toast was ok. Their chicken was season and amazing. The corque madame was ok. The coffee comes in a small pot. Place is French and nicely decorated. Hotel Chelsea is nice.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURudVB5MEd3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJq0lehvhZwokRZvP6X-Exl88/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURudVB5MEd3EAE

The best endroit in Chelsea for breakfast. Worth coming in for the interiors alone, which can transport one to a more civilized time.
The staff was attentive at the start but after 9:00 a.m. the original servers were replaced and we were royally ignored by the substitutes,  from then on.
The Norwegian eggs were almost cold and the idea of returning them after such a long wait was too daunting.
On the plus side the seats were comfortable and we were not rushed.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURQdjRDLV93RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJq0lehvhZwokRZvP6X-Exl88/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURQdjRDLV93RRAB

Only got to take 1 picture because everything was just so delicious and I was with great company that I forgot to even take a picture of each and every thing! Such a beautiful and cozy place to hang out and eat. The steak tartare was exquisite along with the drinks and the desert! Of course it wasn’t cheap but the pricing wasn’t as bad as I thought. You’re really paying for the ambiance of course but the food is really up to par! The staff were friendly and attentive along with the food coming out quickly. I have been a few times before (and didn’t take pictures) and each time is better than the last. Definitely will be back.

Café Chelsea: Luxury Dining in Chelsea, NYC

Café Chelsea is a French-American bistro located within the historic Hotel Chelsea in New York City. It opened in July 2023, marking the hotel's first new restaurant since the opening of El Quijote in 1930. The restaurant offers a contemporary take on classic French dishes, aiming to complement the hotel's storied history.

A rich culinary history at Hotel Chelsea's Café Chelsea.

 opened its doors in July 2023 inside the iconic Hotel Chelsea, a landmark steeped in New York City’s cultural tapestry. This French-American bistro marked a significant revival for the hotel, introducing its first new restaurant since the legendary El Quijote debuted in 1930. Spotlighting a contemporary twist on classic French cuisine, Café Chelsea bridges the past and the present with a menu that perfectly complements the hotel’s storied legacy.

timeline of culinary milestones at Hotel Chelsea

 Café Chelsea officially launched in July, bringing fresh energy and modern French-American flavors to the historic hotel.

 The historic El Quijote restaurant within Hotel Chelsea was reopened in February, reconnecting diners with a culinary tradition dating back nearly a century.

 Teruko, a Japanese restaurant, added a fresh dimension to the hotel's dining scene when it opened in March, expanding the culinary offerings at this historic New York landmark.

More than just a restaurant, Café Chelsea embodies the spirit of the Hotel Chelsea itself—an enduring New York institution known for its artistic heritage and cultural significance. Its menu features refined takes on beloved French classics, enhanced by contemporary ingredients and innovative sauces, like the memorable brandy peppercorn sauce accompanying their signature maitake dish. The ambiance artfully blends French bistro charm with the hotel's historic character, creating a warm and inviting setting that transports guests to a more elegant time while embracing modern dining trends.

Café Chelsea is renowned for its beautiful interior that captures the essence of classic New York elegance, making it a destination for both locals and travelers seeking a unique culinary experience. Whether enjoying a leisurely brunch featuring delicacies like Ferraro Rocher ice cream or indulging in expertly prepared steak tartare, guests appreciate the combination of attentive service and historic ambiance. Outdoor seating options add to the charm, providing a relaxed space to savor meals in vibrant Manhattan surroundings.

 French-American bistro with a contemporary edge.

Historic setting inside the legendary Hotel Chelsea.

Menu features classic dishes with inventive sauces and fresh ingredients.

Inviting ambiance that reflects the building’s cultural heritage.

Perfect for brunch, lunch, dinner, and special gatherings.

Outdoor Seating

Live Music

Restroom

Good for Groups

Good for Children

Café Chelsea is a cozy café located in the heart of Chelsea, New York City. It offers a warm atmosphere with a blend of vintage charm and contemporary design, serving artisanal coffees, delectable pastries, and inventive brunch options. The café is a gathering spot for locals and travelers, often featuring local artwork and live music, making it a must-visit for those seeking a delightful dining experience.

Café Chelsea

Dine In

Serves Coffee

Serves Brunch

Serves Breakfast

Serves Lunch

Serves Dinner

Serves Dessert

Serves Beer

Serves Wine

Tucked away along the lively streets of Chelsea, just steps from New York's pulsating art scene, lies Café Chelsea—a hidden gem that exudes an air of warmth and creativity. This inviting establishment serves as both an artistic haven and a culinary delight, making it a must-visit for locals and travelers alike. The café’s interior is an eclectic blend of vintage charm and contemporary design, featuring exposed brick walls adorned with rotating local artwork. On the menu, an array of artisanal coffees and delectable pastries await to please every palate. The café serves as a gathering spot for those who appreciate art, literature, and the joy of shared experience.

Tucked away along the lively streets of Chelsea, just steps from New York's pulsating art scene, lies Café Chelsea—a hidden gem that exudes an air of warmth and creativity. This inviting establishment serves as both an artistic haven and a culinary delight, making it a must-visit for locals and travelers alike. The café’s interior is an eclectic blend of vintage charm and contemporary design, featuring exposed brick walls adorned with rotating local artwork. On the menu, an array of artisanal coffees and delectable pastries await to please every palate, along with inventive brunch options infused with seasonal ingredients. Café Chelsea also serves as a gathering spot for those who appreciate art, literature, and the joy of shared experience.

A selection of French-inspired dishes crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Hanger Steak Maitre D’Hotel Butter

Goat Cheese Croquettes

Cheeseburger and Fries

Heirloom Tomato Salad

Chocolate Soufflé

Nicoise Salad

Roast Chicken

Smoked Salmon

Steak Tartare

Café Chelsea Menu

Café Chelsea menu overview in Manhattan New York City nyc usa french inspired dishes fresh ingredients brunch dinner lunch starters mains desserts cocktails coffee wine beer all day dining hot spot contemporary classic vibrant atmosphere foodies local travelers hospitality elegant casual dining experience 

Café Chelsea, nestled in the heart of Manhattan, offers a delightful menu that perfectly balances French-inspired classics with contemporary flair. Guests can expect a carefully curated selection featuring fresh, high-quality ingredients, ideal for brunch, lunch, or dinner in a vibrant yet elegant atmosphere.

Begin your meal with an assortment of tantalizing starters that showcase seasonal and flavorful ingredients. The tender Steak Tartare is expertly seasoned with capers, onions, and fresh parsley, crowned with a rich egg yolk, delivering a true French bistro experience. For a lighter option, the Nicoise Salad blends tuna, green beans, potatoes, and olives with classic anchovies for a vibrant medley of textures and tastes.

Crispy and herb-infused, these golden bites highlight creamy goat cheese wrapped in delicate bread crumbs.

Fresh heirloom tomatoes paired with fragrant basil, creamy mozzarella, and a balanced balsamic vinaigrette.

Delicately smoked salmon served alongside cream cheese, capers, onions, and a warm bagel to complete the classic offering.

For the main course, the menu presents a variety of hearty yet refined options. Meat lovers will appreciate the Hanger Steak finished with a luscious Maitre d’Hotel butter, delivering a rich and savory indulgence that is a standout. The classic Cheeseburger and Fries brings comfort with a perfectly grilled beef patty topped with melted cheddar, crisp lettuce, tomato, and onion on a soft brioche bun.

For a lighter yet flavorful choice, the Roast Chicken is seasoned with fresh herbs, garlic, and a hint of lemon, offering juicy, aromatic satisfaction that complements the café's French-inspired ethos.

No meal at Café Chelsea is complete without indulging in their exquisite dessert offerings. The Chocolate Soufflé is a sublime choice, combining rich dark chocolate with airy eggs and just the right touch of butter and sugar to create a perfectly balanced, melt-in-your-mouth finale.

Complement your meal with a carefully selected range of cocktails, wines, and craft beers that reflect the café's sophisticated yet approachable vibe. Whether you prefer a morning coffee or a refreshing evening drink, the café caters to all tastes with attentive service and a warm ambiance.

Savor gourmet bites and artisanal drinks at Café Chelsea, Manhattan's hidden gem. Join us for a cozy experience! Book your table now!

Café Chelsea: Gourmet Café in Manhattan, NY

New York County

A selection of classic brunch dishes served on weekends from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Brunch

Available for events, accommodating up to 32 guests seated or 50 standing.

Private Dining Room

Nestled in the heart of Manhattan at 218 West 23rd Street, Café Chelsea offers a charming blend of French-inspired ambiance and contemporary New York dining. This café and bar stands out as a stylish hotspot where locals, foodies, and travelers alike can savor a diverse menu across all meals — from a leisurely brunch to an elegant dinner.

 at Café Chelsea is a weekend ritual not to be missed. Served from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the menu features classic dishes with a gourmet twist, including a standout burger, seasoned chicken, and a delightfully decadent Ferrero Rocher gold-plated ice cream. The café’s French décor adds elegance and warmth, making it an inviting spot to unwind and enjoy a relaxed meal.

Whether you’re craving a small yet tasty ravioli or a beautifully prepared Niçoise salad, the kitchen delivers with quality and charm. The coffee comes charmingly served in a small pot, enhancing the overall experience. Plus, the café serves delightful vegetarian options, desserts, and cocktails, rounding out a versatile menu that suits diverse tastes.

Café Chelsea is praised for its cozy and beautifully decorated interiors that transport visitors to a more civilized era. The venue offers comfortable seating and a relaxed pace — perfect for lingering over meals or catching up with friends. Outdoor seating is also available for those who prefer dining al fresco in the vibrant Chelsea neighborhood.

, with good options for children, and the ability to accommodate groups, Café Chelsea also provides a private dining room ideal for events, seating up to 32 guests or 50 standing. The attentive staff strive to deliver a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring a pleasant experience for all visitors.

 – Brunch dishes average around 25 USD, offering an affordable taste of classic and contemporary fare.

 – Private dining rooms can be reserved for special events, perfect for business lunches or celebrations.

 – Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, a curated wine list, and a selection of beers in a lively yet intimate setting.

Enjoy a contemporary French-American dining experience at Café Chelsea in Manhattan, NYC’s historic Hotel Chelsea. Book your table now!

Café Chelsea NYC – French-American Dining in Manhattan

Discover Café Chelsea, a cozy French-American bistro inside Hotel Chelsea in NYC. Perfect for brunch, private events, and outdoor dining. Reserve today!

Explore Café Chelsea NYC – Historic Hotel Chelsea’s Bistro

Find the latest opening hours for Café Chelsea, NYC. Visit from 7 am to midnight, enjoy outdoor seating, and plan your perfect trip now!

starters to awaken the palate

mains that satisfy every craving

decadent desserts and sweet finishes

beverages and house specials

Pastis

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