Ponty Bistro
“I've been to Ponty Bistro in Harlem several times and I'm happy this place opened in my neighborhood.”
“The Chef/Co-owner Cisse, who I recognized from an episode of the Food Network's "Chopped" series, also dropped by our table to chat and thank us for coming.”
“The Brunch here is amazing and its best to get there early to ensure good seats.”
Ponty Bistro
Takes Reservations: Yes
Delivery: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Accepts Apple Pay: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
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What an incredible dinner and evening out. I don't venture up to Harlem to often but I'm so glad I did. Ponty Bistro is absolutely incredible. Honestly, from the moment I walked in the door, I got the feeling as if I was being invited into someone's home. Don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting that this place has a homely feel, not at all. In fact, I found the decor to be very chic and modern. The walls were beautifully appointed with Africa art and other eclectic pieces. It was clear from the faces of those dining that this would be a place they would soon revisit and recommend to others; me included.
I was dining with ten others and most chose the mussels with fries but I chose the fish dish served on a bed of curry risotto. Man, it was out of sight. Oh yes, I don't want to forget the appetizer I chose which was the crispy tuna. Again, an absolute hit!!! Oh by the way, the staff/our waiter was very knowledgeable and friendly.
At the end of my meal, I ordered the standard Tiramisu and my friend next to me ordered the same thing. My dessert seems to be a bit dry and flat. My friend compare and she agreed. The waiter overheard us speaking about it and asked if I wanted to talk to the chef. I declined because I had already finished it and didn't think it was worth making a fuss over. After all, it's not like the dessert was terrible, just a bit dry. Would you know, he told the chef anyway and the chef gifted me with a new dessert. Amazing the second time. Lol
Please treat yourself to this wonderful experience. You will be so pleased, I promise!!
I had a proper dinner here on a recent warm-ish Saturday night. We sat outside. As is customary uptown, the service was very friendly, but incredibly slow. But I've started adjusting to the slow-as-molasses service in Harlem.
The drinks are creative, delicious, and a bit pricey.
The food was delicious. We ordered the chicken spring rolls as appetizer. They were so simple and so good – it was a simple phyllo dough filled with shredded chicken – no fluff or miscellaneous veggie fillings that most spring rolls have. This was a true *chicken* spring roll.
Our entrees were the mushroom risotto for me, grilled sirloin steak for my brother, and shrimp BLT for my brother's fiance. We all really enjoyed our meals, except that my brother and his fiance said their food was not hot. Also, the shrimp BLT is actually the lobster BLT, but there was no lobster that day, so they were offering a shrimp BLT instead. My mushroom risotto was creamy and perfectly flavored. I savored every bite.
I ordered the french crepe with nutella, bananas, and ice cream. Soooo good. It was perfectly sweet enough and light.
I still wish Harlem service was quicker, but I'll take good food over quick service any day.
Came here for Sunday brunch and really enjoyed the restaurant atmosphere! This place also got packed by around 12PM so make sure to make reservations incase!
Ordered the seafood linguini and also tried the lobster Benedict.
Seafood linguini came in a good portion and had quite a bit of seafood. Flavors were there although it was slightly overpowered by the red pepper flakes.
For the lobster benedict, there was also a good amount of lobster meat. But the poached egg was way overcooked, the muffin was soggy and the flavor was average.
Would recommend people to come to this brunch spot if they were looking for a place around the area, but otherwise there are other good options as well in New York.
This is a very nice, classy place with pretty amazing food and decent atmosphere. It is French/African fusion and the quality is up there! Service was above average, albeit a little slow. Drinks were delicious and the cocktails were inventive. Arugula salad was fresh and delicious! I added shrimp which was perfectly seasoned and cooked. Seafood risotto was varied and prepared with care. The French fries were homemade, but a little disappointing – a little soggy and not very crunchy. I think this place could go well with a few tweaks. The prices were very high for the area, but the quality of ingredients made up for that. I can't wait to go back!
Never thought my dream would come true until coming to Ponty Bistro–french&african cuisine! I had the Salmon Burger, French fries on the side.
Salmon was well seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, brioche bun tasted fresh also. And the French fries were baked instead of frying (I'm pretty sure). The best part was the service– I sat at the bar where the bartender was attentive, funny, personable and enthusiastic (especially during the holiday season)! I recommend anyone to go.
Was recommended here by a friend, and whoa, was not expecting this. I didn't have much knowledge about some of the selections so my cute waitress Felicia recommended the Mussels with the African sauce. Whoa. It was a generous portion with tons of sauce filled with flavor to soak up with bread. Service was by the book and very hospitable with Never having to ask for a refill once. A little pricy but a great place for a classy date 🙂 Good find here in Harlem, DEFINITELY will be coming back!
Making the trip to Harlem is always an experience and this was a good one.
My family went for my sister's birthday and everything tasted so amazing. Very well seasoned, many choices.
And the waiters and waitresses were friendly and attentive.
We visited Ponty Bistro upon a friend's recommendation and were very glad we did. I believe this was my first time eating at a French & African restaurant. It appeared to be a very popular place for locals, as everyone else in there seemed to know each other and the restaurant staff. I really loved that.
We arrived early for dinner (around 6pm) and were immediately seated. Our friend recommended the lamb burger, and our server adamantly agreed, so that's what my husband ordered. I admit I had entree envy! I ordered the lamb shank, another very popular dish on the menu. Served with couscous and an onion sauce, it was delicious but HUGE. When I say huge, it could have comfortably served 2-3 people. I really enjoyed it but oh man, that lamb burger was divine.
We had great, friendly service and loved the atmosphere of Ponty Bistro. Will definitely go there again!