HARBS – Upper East Side
“Don't compare the Mille crepes here with lady m's. They are different cakes.”
“We tried the Sakura Mousse was light and delicious but the Mille Crepe had way too much cream and not enough crepe.”
“I REALLY love the strawberry cake, the cream and strawberry born to be together!”
HARBS – Upper East Side
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Good for Working: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
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I walked by this place looking for a place to eat dinner, and the display cases of cakes just draws you in. So, while having no intention of eating dessert, I found myself in here sitting down and ordering a slice of their green tea cake.
After being in awe of the cakes, the next thing that popped in my mind was, "$10 for a piece of cake?!?!" But, after enjoying the cake, I quickly put the thought away. The green tea cake has a nice bottom layer of red bean that adds a great flavor to the green tea mousse.
This place was very cute, a looks like a great place to relax and grab a pot of tea. Overall the experience was nice, my only complaint is $10 was a bit steep for this slice of cake. Probably wouldn't come again, but glad I tried it once.
Lets just say Lady M has nothing to worry about.
We were super excited to see a Harbs opening a few blocks away. The neighborhood could a non-traditional bakery. Our expectations were super high especially after reading the good review from EATER. Unfortunately when expectations are high, sometimes the only place you can go is down.
We had:
Matcha Green Tea Cake – TOO MUCH MATCHA (yes there is such a thing!)! When the hubby opened the box, he said "Why do I smell fish?" To our surprise, the fishy green smell was the cake. We tasted it, and it wasn't awful but it didn't hold a candle to Lady M's green tea mille crepe.
Chestnut Cake – it had way too much cream. It totally diluted the chestnut flavor. It tasted like cream. Not offensive but not what we had in mind and for $10+ for a slice it should have been great! Lady M's chestnut cake is a million times better.
Less is more people!
Both cakes had red beans in them. Again not offensive but didn't really add anything to the cakes flavor.
Harbs has similar cakes to Lady M and is at a similar if not higher price point. I would rather walk the extra few blocks and get a decadent dessert that is worth the money vs. paying top dollar for something not enjoyable.
So cute! Just opened a week ago at the location near me.
I got the green tea mousse cake and it was very mousse-y? Tasted like they used a lot of matcha powder in this concoction, which personally I liked but not sure if it's for everyone.
It only opened a week ago and they sell sandwiches and coffee as well. If I come back I am definitely trying their other cakes/ desserts.
The only thing is it is very much on the pricier side…but definitely tastes better than 5 dollar cakes imo…and I had to give them this review bc of the service. They gave me an ice pack and even asked me how long I am traveling and wrapped it very nicely so it holds in place. Very cute bday gift!
We tried the Sakura Mousse was light and delicious but the Mille Crepe had way too much cream and not enough crepe. Both paired nicely with Assam tea but I was surprised at how expensive everything was. $7-8 for tea and $8-10 for a piece of cake.
For the cost this is a steep piece of cake. Or pie. I get that there is something magical about some
Japanese baked goods. How they take some flavors and make them pop in light and airy fashion. But after eating a few slices from Harbs is have to say they need to downgrade their prices. At 9 or 10 dollars a pop I was expecting genius.
I tried rare cheesecake, matcha, and banana cream pie. The cheesecake had a sour meringue topping and was fluffy but it was flat of flavor aside from the our aspect. It was probably the best of the three.
The matcha had the lovely sweet red bean layer that is usually paired in Asian desserts. Other then that I didn't experience my usual matcha addict joy from eating this cake.
The banana cream pie was the most disappointing. With large chunks of banana and less cream it seemed like a too healthy version of my favorite kind of pie. The crust was also dry and strange tasting as if it was in the same family as those rice cakes.
Overall when you find yourself wanting after each bite (wanting to enjoy it) but keep eating it anyway thinking if you have more you'll like it I'd say that's a waste of calories and moola.
New dessert/cake spot on the UES. Decadent and a bit Asian inspired too.
UES shabby chic meets cutesy Hamptonesque style decor.
Some terrific cakes here and my slice of Mille Crepe was certainly delicious and good sized, but at $10 a slice is a bit pricey. The Banana Creme Pie was also tasty and a more reasonable price at $7.50 a slice.
Many pots of tea flavors also offered here in the $7-$8 range. Not too bad. We picked the Apple Cinnamon and enjoyed it. Tea and cake does go well together.
Bright, clean, and friendly service. Worth a try if close by, if looking for a spot to bring Mom or Grandma, or to just chat over desserts, but at the price point it's not something to do on a daily basis.
I can totally see the UES mommy clans, and well-to-do ladies who lunch making this a regular stop.
Harbs instantly evoked the charm of Miyazaki's film, "Kiki's delivery service" with its smartly dressed wait staff, French molding and wicker chairs. The menu is filled with illustrations of the sandwiches, salads and unique cakes.
The cakes themselves are light and delicate. The Mille crepe cake is so intricate with its layers of fruit. The sandwiches are simple with a soft luscious texture that only white bread and mayo can create.
All this should be enjoyed in an unhurried manner and I was ready to embrace the experience. Then, I was sitting there waiting for my cake to come without tea or water watching our waiter and 2 others huddled in the kitchen. My frustration built further when our check was brought back without the credit card.
The lunch set here should certainly be savored. Be sure the staff's slow service will force you into this mind set.
They have fantastic selection of cakes. All freshly made and taste great. Since I moved from London to NYC I always felt that everything is too sweet and sugary but this place proved me wrong. Service is a bit slow though and hence I did not put 5 stars against this place but overall I love it