Cafe Zaffri Introduce
Tucked away in a quiet corner near Union Square, Cafe Zaffri is a luxurious and serene oasis that offers a unique escape from the city's relentless pace. This women-owned establishment is not your typical bustling New York eatery; it is a meticulously designed space that transports you to a world of refined elegance and culinary excellence. With its stunning interior featuring a skylight and plush, comfortable seating, Cafe Zaffri provides a tranquil and inviting atmosphere that is both cozy and trendy. It's a place where every detail, from the decor to the table service, is curated to create a truly special and memorable dining experience.
Cafe Zaffri's focus is on authentic Lebanese cuisine, prepared with a modern sensibility. The menu is an artful selection of dishes that showcase the rich flavors and fresh ingredients of the region. While some of the menu descriptions may be a bit of a surprise to those unfamiliar with Lebanese fare, the quality and taste of the food are consistently praised by those who have visited. The restaurant is popular for all meals, from a peaceful solo breakfast to a lively dinner with a group. With a bar on-site, a great wine list, and a superb selection of cocktails, Cafe Zaffri is a destination for more than just a meal; it's a place to relax, unwind, and savor the moment in a truly beautiful setting.
Cafe Zaffri is located at 16 E 16th St, New York, NY 10003, USA. While the entry might be a bit difficult to find, the discovery of the stunning interior makes the search well worth it. This prime location places it just steps away from Union Square, a major transit hub in Manhattan. The restaurant is conveniently situated near multiple subway lines, including the L, N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, and 6, making it easily accessible from all parts of the city. Its proximity to Union Square also makes it a great spot for a meal before or after visiting the farmers market, shopping, or attending a protest.
The accessibility of the restaurant is a notable feature, with a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that everyone can enjoy the beautiful atmosphere and delicious food. The location is also close to several other attractions, but the peaceful ambiance of Cafe Zaffri offers a quiet retreat from the busy streets. The combination of its convenient location and welcoming features makes it a practical and appealing choice for both New Yorkers and tourists looking for an exceptional dining experience.
Cafe Zaffri offers a high-end, full-service dining experience centered around its beautiful interior and attentive staff.
Dine-in: The main service offered is a full table-service dine-in experience. Customers can choose to be seated in the main dining area with its stunning skylight, or relax in the gorgeous lounge while waiting for their party. The table service is professional and unobtrusive, allowing for a leisurely and quiet meal. The atmosphere is designed to be a retreat, perfect for a relaxed breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Reservations: Cafe Zaffri accepts and recommends reservations, particularly for dinner. This allows customers to plan their visit and ensures a seamless experience without a long wait, which is crucial given the restaurant's growing popularity. This is especially helpful for groups or for a special occasion.
Bar On-site: The restaurant features a bar on-site, offering a great selection of cocktails, beer, hard liquor, and wine. This service is a major highlight, making it a destination not just for food but also for a great drink in a sophisticated setting.
These services collectively highlight Cafe Zaffri's commitment to providing a luxurious and high-quality dining experience. Unlike many New York eateries, it is a destination for a sit-down meal rather than a quick grab-and-go spot, emphasizing a more traditional and leisurely approach to dining.
Cafe Zaffri is celebrated for several features that make it a truly unique and special destination in New York City.
Beautiful and Serene Atmosphere: The most notable highlight is the stunning interior. The beautiful decor, comfortable seating, and a large skylight create an incredibly serene and luxurious atmosphere that feels like a peaceful oasis. This is what truly sets it apart from other restaurants in the area. The ambiance is both cozy and trendy, making it a perfect backdrop for a relaxing meal.
Great Coffee, Cocktails, & Wine: Cafe Zaffri is a destination for excellent beverages. The coffee is highly praised, and the cocktail and wine lists are well-curated. This combination makes it a great spot for any time of day, whether you need a morning coffee, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a sophisticated evening drink.
Great Desserts: The dessert menu is a highlight, with offerings like the Pistachio Hand Pie and a variety of pastries. These provide a perfect, sweet ending to the meal and are a testament to the restaurant's culinary skill beyond the main courses.
Authentic Lebanese Offerings: The menu features authentic Lebanese dishes and flavors. While some menu items might be new to a Western palate, the quality and taste are consistently excellent. The restaurant serves as an introduction to this rich cuisine, with flavorful stews, grilled meats, and unique appetizers.
Women-Owned: As a business that identifies as women-owned, Cafe Zaffri adds a layer of community and purpose to its mission, which is a significant factor for many diners who seek to support diverse businesses.
These highlights collectively define the high-end and unique experience that Cafe Zaffri offers its customers, making it much more than just a place to eat.
For those who want to visit or get in touch with Cafe Zaffri, here is the essential contact information.
Address: 16 E 16th St, New York, NY 10003, USA
Phone: (212) 965-3837
This information can be used to navigate to the location or make a reservation over the phone.
Cafe Zaffri is a truly unique and worthwhile choice for a variety of reasons, offering an experience that goes beyond a typical meal.
First and foremost, the atmosphere is a major draw. In a city where spaces can often feel crowded and loud, Cafe Zaffri provides a rare sense of peace and tranquility. The beautiful interior, with its skylight and comfortable seating, creates an oasis-like feel that is perfect for a relaxing and intimate meal. This is a place you come to escape, to sit back, and to savor your time. The atmosphere is a destination in itself and is often what customers remember most fondly.
The food is a powerful reason to choose Cafe Zaffri. While the menu may not be instantly recognizable to everyone, the quality is exceptional. The dishes are authentic and flavorful, offering a rich and satisfying taste of Lebanese cuisine. The fact that the food is consistently wonderful, from the savory mains to the delicate pastries, speaks to the high standards of the kitchen. The combination of great food with an impressive beverage program, from coffee to cocktails, makes it a full sensory experience.
Finally, the dedication to a high-end, full-service model makes Cafe Zaffri a great choice for a special occasion or a leisurely meal. The acceptance of reservations and the professional table service mean you can plan a seamless and enjoyable evening. For those who are tired of the constant rush of New York City, Cafe Zaffri offers a space to slow down and truly enjoy the moment. It is a hidden gem that rewards discovery with a serene atmosphere and exceptional food, making it well worth seeking out for any meal.
Cafe Zaffri Vibe
Pastries
- Croissant
- Walnut Baklava Croissant
- Pistachio Hand Pie $7.00
- Fatayer $8.00
- Qatayef $12.00
- Pastry Basket $25.00
Tea & Coffee
- Coffee $6.00
- Espresso $7.00
- Cappuccino $8.00
- Latte $8.00
- Americano $8.00
- Macchiatto $8.00
- Parlor Cold Brew $8.00
- Matcha Latte $8.00
Fresh Juices
- Orange $10.00
- Green $14.00
Cafe Zaffri Details
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Dine-in
- Delivery
- Takeout
Highlights
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Organic dishes
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Cafe Zaffri Photos










Cafe Zaffri Location
Cafe Zaffri Reviews
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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Zaffri has the most beautiful interior and food in the area!The entry is a bit difficult to find but a gorgeous vestibule greets you when you walk in. They seated us at the lounge as we waited for our party. The lounge area was gorgeous.The drinks, food and the atmosphere were amazing but the portions and the menu were extremely confusing. We weren’t clear how big each dish was. Everything tasted wonderful though. We ordered the fish, chicken, fries, rice and some appetizers.For me, the atmosphere was what mostly made it.
August 03 · Selin GLocated on East 16th Street, one can hardly imagine the luxurious interior. With a skylight and comfortable armchair seating, Cafe Zaffri’s dining area is a serene oasis. This Lebanese restaurant has an interesting selection for breakfast and so I decided to come here. I chose the Zaffri’s Lebanese breakfast of two eggs, pork battata harra and market greens. Two perfectly made poached eggs nestled on a plate with the diced potatoes and pork belly that glistened and a green salad which had endives with it’s nutty flavor and is a favorite. I took my time to relish each bite savoring the peaceful atmosphere here. To begin, I had ordered the pistachio hand pie but when it was set before me I realized that it was not the traditional hand pie I had envisioned. Pistachios were encased in a thick phyllo dough and one bite made me realize how honeyed it was. “Lebanese Hand Pie” would have been a more appropriate name as then one wouldn’t confuse it. Fresh mint tea was made with fresh mint leaves and hot water poured into the teapot. It was pale and insipid. I thought longingly of the robust mint tea at the Arabian Tea House in Dubai which would have brought more joy to this breakfast. Service was hushed and unobtrusive l. Madeleine, Woody and Sashank looked after me admirably. The quiet busboy was both professional and gracious. Restrooms are down a circular staircase where the handrails are covered in fabric. After all this restaurant is in the Twenty Two Hotel and stunning.
May 29 · Sabena SinghCafe Zaffri may not scream for attention from the outside, but step through its doors and you're met with a calm confidence, a space that knows exactly what it’s doing. And what it’s doing is exceptional.Let’s talk about the martini, Saifi Square. This was, without exaggeration, one of the best we’ve ever had. Ice-cold, crystal clear, and expertly balanced, it walked the line between strength and finesse with absolute poise. No unnecessary garnishes, no gimmicks, just a beautifully executed classic that reminded me why the martini endures.To start, we had the beet salad, which was as thoughtful as it was flavorful. Roasted beets, tender and earthy, paired beautifully with horseradish and the crunch of pistachios and cocoa nibs. A bright buttermilk vinaigrette pulled everything together without overpowering. Simple, seasonal, and perfectly composed. Fried Syrian cheese with a preserved lemon dipping sauce? Absolutely delicious.Then came the spicy fried eggplant, unexpected and completely addictive. A whole eggplant “paillard” style was fried to golden crispness, seasoned with a black sesame and garlic purée that brought real depth without being overly aggressive. The heat built slowly, balanced by the eggplant’s natural sweetness and the satisfying texture of each bite.Service at Cafe Zaffri was attentive but unintrusive, and the atmosphere struck a sweet spot: cozy yet refined, with a low hum of conversation.Final Take: Cafe Zaffri isn’t just another neighborhood spot - it’s a place worth seeking out. Whether you're chasing the perfect martini or craving food with bold, clean flavors, this place delivers. Don’t miss the eggplant. Seriously.
June 07 · Frederick AquinoStunning restaurant, lovely staff, great service and delicious cocktails. Food was okay. Some dishes came out a bit cold. Apps were very tasty. Chicken was juicy and soft but pretty flavorless. Mackerel Was so fishy, over cooked. Wouldn’t return for dinner but great spot for cocktails!
April 17 · Chelsea SchwartzDelicious!!! Got the Lamb Wellington, eggplant, dumplings, and fries — I recommend them all. Wonderful service and atmosphere. It’s the perfect place for a date night, dinner with friends, or dinner with family. Beautiful design everywhere and the food was truly delicious.Only surprise was our gin martinis were $34 each when the martini on the menu was $26, which caught us off guard at the end but wasn’t worth asking about.Overall would love to go back!
April 18 · Justine
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