Cafe Luxembourg
“The pricing is UWS New York
The service is great
The atmosphere – although a little tight, is quite nice.”
“Service is amazing, the space is lovely (Parisian bistro feel with an Upper West Side buzz) and the food's good too!”
“The food is fantastic: the French Toast is delicious as well as the Eggs Benedict.”
Cafe Luxembourg
Takes Reservations: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Coat Check: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
Price range.
$$$ Price range $31-60
8 reviews
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To call this a neighborhood spot is true but also not very informative, unless you know the neighborhood–within the shadow of Lincoln Center and thus quite attractive to thousands of performance-goers, it's also the heart of the UWS, a great neighborhood that–until recently–had a lack of finer dining options. And so, 30 years ago, along comes a restaurant like this that does its French bistro thing well, and people are grateful, loyal and want to bring their friends and relatives. 30 years later it's still here, it's still packed, and frankly, I don't notice any changes. If it's not great, it's still quite good at what it does.
A recent dinner had all the pluses and minuses. We were 15 minutes late for a pre-theater reservation (sorry), and not only did they save our table but it was in a great location. (plus) The server was friendly enough to chat despite being busy, and cocktail-salad-main course-dessert came and went within an hour–it's hard to believe how professional and well-timed everything was. (plus) The steak could have been more tender and more tasty (minus) but it was cooked perfectly medium as requested (plus).
The one thing I don't like is the cheek-by-jowl seating, you are literally 1-1.5 inches from the table next to you. But in New York you can't exactly avoid crowds, and this bistro is definitely of its time and place.
Was a perfectly nice place to go and get a nice bite to eat. Like an upmarket cafe rouge. Good service and very tasty food. Wouldn't go back especially but if in the area it's a good safe option.
Café Luxumborg makes you feel like you are sitting in the middle of a neighborhood bistrot in Paris, without a tourist in sight! Filled with Upper West Side locals (babies to grandmas), Café Luxembourg was a great pick for a casual brunch this past weekend. I ordered the Salmon Benedict, and subbed some fries for the potatoes, and everything was delicious. We had a little wait at the bar before being seated (we showed up early to our reservation), and the bartender was super friendly and accommodating. He was particularly non-judgy when a somewhat eccentric older woman walked in around noon, order a double shot of vodka, paid, and left! #Goals
What started out as a kind of a bummed out day with a bunch of unexpected closed museums (we went on a Tuesday into the city and apparently that's not a good day to go if you want to check out some of the smaller museums, like the Whitney). BUT it was all redeemed when we sat down at Cafe Luxembourg after a long day at the Metropolitan Museum.
They have a varied menu with something for everyone, the meat lover with steak frites, to seafood, to some veggie options. They also have a fixed price option with any appetizer and entree (with an up-charge for certain entrees, like their steak). I decided to do that with the octopus for my appetizer and the seafood pan roast for my entree.
I've had octopus at several other places and it's always come out pre-cut so I REALLY appreciated the presentation here with the octopus intact, beautifully laid out on a chickpea salad. It was probably the most tender and well-season octopus I've had, and I've had a lot of octopus. The seafood pan roast was also good, it came out with stuffed squid, some mussels, and a white fish filet, all served over a squid ink sauce. Everything was fresh and delicious. The food was so great, I was persuaded to get dessert (creme brûlée) and was not disappointed.
We showed up around 6:00pm or so without a reservation and were seated with the condition that our table would be needed in about 1 hour and 45 minutes which was plenty of time for a slow and enjoyable meal. Definitely would go back!
Walking around the Upper West Side and hungry for an early afternoon Sunday lunch and coffee. Avoiding Starbucks and other chains like Paris Baguette. Although I like both, wanted a unique experience. Saw Cafe Luxembourg and went in.
Place was bustling, sat at the bar which was also full and active. Great service. Started with a Bloody Mary then went on to have their BLT which was made with bacon and pancetta and used wilted greens instead of lettuce. It was served on a small hero-like roll. It was great! Cup of black coffee to round it out and I was full, happy and ready to roam some more.
The bartended who served me (as well as his associate bartender) was very attentive, talkative and pleasant to all of the patrons. Other bartenders should take notice.
Definitely will return. Well done.
I've been here few times. Great service and very friendly. The food is very good. Tuna tartar and mushrooms on toast are two good appetizers. Burger and fish & chips were good main dishes.
Café Luxembourg is a very well-run restaurant that delivers consistent, high quality food. While there are surely restaurants in this city with more inventive, unique cuisine, this cafe never disappoints with classic French-inspired dishes including French Onion Soup, lamb chops, Steak Frites, and Crab Cakes. I have yet to have a disappointing meal here. Additionally, the brunch menu is very tasty, with options including Benedicts, Omelettes, and sweet brunch dishes.
The staff here stand out. They are always very friendly and accommodating. They actually seem like they enjoy working there. This makes a big difference and puts you at ease.
This is the perfect restaurant for a leisurely Sunday brunch or birthday celebration. Even after trying fancier, more inventive restaurants like Buddakan, I would highly recommend Cafe Luxembourg. You won't be disappointed.
What a nice place to finally try in the hood. Went for Brunch on a recent Sun. Bustling atmosphere. A good mix of people. Just what I imagined a French bistro to look and feel like. Food and service lived up to my hopes. Thumbs up for the Country Salad; the Fries; and the Ratatouille Hash. Delicious. I also appreciated the just-right portions.