Ceetay
“For appetizers we had the tuna bruschetta, the grilled scallops, rock shrimp tempura, and grilled suzuki roll.”
“Super delicious
Forbidden Roll- never had beef in sushi, especially rolled in black rice- but certainly enjoyed it.”
“The Spicy Lady (hey thar babeh) noodles were an interesting blend of curry and coconut milk, which was very satisfying.”
Ceetay
Takes Reservations: Yes
Delivery: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
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Its a nice small place, an eclectic cooking staff, a Japanese cook for the sushi, a Indian cook for the Indian dishes. The Indian food wasn't too good, out was very toned down considering I really know my Indian, having grown up on it and living I queens but for American standards it will be fine, the sushi was ok, wasn't as good as in the city and its a bit pricey. But its nice having a Japanese/Indian place in the SoBro area. They were out of the creme brulee dessert, bummer.
Service : Great! The server was attentive and the bartender fixed my drink when I was unhappy with the taste. They offered to remove the dessert from the bill or bring us something else. (Read below)
The prices were fair for the quality of the ingredients.
Food: The lunch special is a good way to try the menu. The Lo mein stir fry had some interesting veggies and herbs. I wish it had a tad more sauce. It has some heat to it. The spring rolls tasted great. I was disappointed with the drinks. They need variety for those that do not like sake like myself. The Tuna avocado roll was fresh, but I could not taste the Tuna at all. I couldn't get enough of the dressing on the Thai salad.
The dessert chocolate cake was not good. It was not moist enough on the inside to be served on its own. I think a la mode would've helped. The chocolate tasted off.
Ambiance: I love the open kitchen. The decor is a mix of modern and rustic. It is small and the tables are close together, which is why I'd only come here for lunch and Not during prime time.
Overall
I really like that there is an option other than greasy takeout in the South Bronx.
I would come back to try other options on the menu. Its not the best Asian fusion I've ever had but its a great addition to the Neighborhood. Also, it's not clear what type of fusion it is. Is it Asian and Latin? I couldn't tell. Maybe if they define that, it will inspire cocktails and desserts that appeal to a wider audience.
Ceetay is one of a handful of trendy restaurants that have popped up in Mott Haven. I've always loved this neighborhood and it's historic, yet rough charm. I see that a lot of other people have caught on to it, too. Cheap rent and close proximity to Manhattan are the two main ingredients to gentrification stew. While I'm glad that this creates new businesses, one has to worry as to when everyone is going to get priced out.
That being said, I was glad to find Ceetay, a tiny restaurant on Alexander Avenue. Lighting is dim and romantic, and the open kitchen gives the restaurant a cozy feel, like you're part of a family. That's generally how it is in the Bronx. We don't like to shut people out. The service reflects this, and is very friendly.
The most notable aspect of Ceetay is its wonderfully fresh sushi. Usually, tuna rolls are minced meat with red pasty stuff, but these rolls had some serious chunks of fish flesh, and avocado. It was super yummy! The Spicy Lady (hey thar babeh) noodles were an interesting blend of curry and coconut milk, which was very satisfying. I couldn't help but notice that the chicken was good on its own, which you don't typically find in noodle dishes.
I strongly suggest getting dessert. The cheesecake bars are to die for! I wish I could have tried the hazlenut creme brulee, but alas, I am allergic. 🙁
Brotip: A lot of Yelpers are saying that the walk here from the train is shady. I guess you can say that, but it's like anywhere else in the city. Keep your phone in your pocket and walk with a friend. It's more deserted than dangerous.
Let me preface this by saying I generally avoid Asian fusion places (which this restaurant appears to be). However, no other places offering vegetarian entrees were around here, if any, seemed to be opened at the time, so, to Ceetay I went.
The ambience is nice and sharp, and it has a bar and outdoor seating, if you're into either.
The wait staff is excellent, very courteous and pleasant.
The lunch specials are not too varied if you're a vegetarian since sushi seems to be Ceetay's primary offering. And they start at
11 dollars. My lunch came out to 13 dollars by the way which I thought was on the high side. I felt like I'm getting the hipster mark up because it seems to be an up and coming neighborhood ripe for gentrification.
Putting that aside, let's talk about the food!
You get one free side order with the lunch special, and I chose the miso soup which I thought was pretty ok. When my food, fried rice with brown rice and tofu arrived, I thought it looked kind of small, but it's actually because they used a plate that was more like a bowl. They had a variety of fresh vegetables, and overall I thought I was getting quality food.
If I get work in this neighborhood, I will very likely be a repeat customer. You can't go wrong by giving this place a try.
Gem in the Bronx. Who knew? If you are going to eat quality food in this borough I would recommend this place to anyone. I went on a Wednesday around 7pm and they weren't too busy. The place is not very big but they have a nice layout w/ rustic decor. Def a Williamsburg/Downtown Manhattan look and vibe going on here.
They offer Thai Fusion and Sushi. I tried the Dragon Roll ($12) 8pcs – and must say it was beyond excellent. Not only in presentation but in flavor and quality. I'm very particular with my sushi and this was on point.
As entrees, my boyfriend had the Maple Beef Eggplant dish ($15). I tried it and was impressed it was different. I had the Chicken Tikka Masala ($14) and it was good. However, I found that they are not generous with the meat portions. The chicken was diced up very small and immersed in way too much sauce. It was almost soup-like. Usually, when I order this at other places in the city it comes with nice big chunks of chicken and some sauce over it. This place was the opposite and a little overpriced for what I got.
Overall, nice experience and I'm likely to return. FYI, this neighborhood is quite secluded, I recommend driving. It is rumored to be the new up and coming Williamsburg. I could picture it…..especially with places like this popping up. Oh the possibilities!
I'm literally writing this review before my food has arrived, and I'm dying in anticipation after reading the review. Here by myself on a lazy weekday afternoon before going for a night shift, so I'm allowed to be staring down at my phone.
Now is this place all hype? Lowered standards for the Bronx? I'll find out soon enough…..
Got the lunch special with 2 rolls and soup:
#Butternut squash soup: The waitress recommended this as the most popular soup to start. I concurr. Pipping warm, with perfect balance of sweet and savory and just the right amount of squaash.
#Rolls: spicy tuna and sweet potato tempura: I was pretty satisfied, but I was not blown away. Then again how much can you be blown away by a simple rolls.
#Tuna bruschetta: A solid app to start with and seems like their staple dish from the myriad of mentions on other reviews. The rice based "bruschetta" is unique, tho the consistency I was expecting to be even more crispy. Spicy tuna topping is well flavored. Recommend.
Overall: a great find in a sushi desert. keep it up bronx. Need to come back to try the rest of the menu.
LEGIT!
In an area lacking good spots to eat, this one stands out. To find an Asian Fusion spot in the deepest part of the Boogie Down is RARE!
I ventured from my office and settled for the Chicken Pad Thai. $11 for that including an appetizer. Service was on point and food was good. It was a bit spicy for my taste, but still good. I will ask for no peppers next time.
It is a spot to go with a group or with your chick/ man. I liked it…..A LOT!
Respect the Bronx!
I trekked all the way here today to try the grilled salmon roll and it is hands down now my favorite sushi roll. I'm one of those who doesn't eat raw fish (I know!) so this grilled salmon with the soy wrap with avocado inside and spicy mayo drizzled outside reallllly hits the spot for me. It's super far for me from Midtown but love it and would come back!