Best Cafés in Gowanus

20 restaurants available nearby

1. Raf's

4.7

Exceptional(34)

Price: Very Expensive

• Café • NoHo

Booked 4 times today

Raf's in NoHo, New York, truly stands out as a gem in the world of café cuisine. This establishment, created by the team behind the Michelin-starred The Musket Room, offers a delightful array of pastries that are second to none. According to one patron, Raf's serves "the most delicious pastries and a great atmosphere," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic café delights. The quality of the café offerings is emphasized by the remarkable reviews of their "outstanding pastries" and expertly crafted coffee, described as "incredible." Raf’s not only wins hearts with its culinary excellence but also through its warm, inviting ambiance and exceptional service, making every visit memorable.

2. Dudley's

4.6

Exceptional(38)

Price: Moderate

• Café • Lower East Side

Booked 29 times today

Dudley's in the eclectic Lower East Side of New York is a vibrant gem serving up authentic Australian cuisine with flair and finesse. Known for its engaging atmosphere and exceptional food, Dudley's offers an all-day café experience that delights locals and visitors alike. Patrons rave about the "Big Brekkie" and the "Scotch Benedict," underscoring the authenticity and quality of their offerings. "The food was absolutely perfect!" one review exclaims, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to excellence. With its lively vibe and excellent service, Dudley's stands out as a must-visit for those craving a taste of Australia in the heart of New York.

A photo of Starbucks Reserve® Tasting Room & Experiences – Empire State Building restaurant

3. Starbucks Reserve® Tasting Room & Experiences – Empire State Building

4.7

Exceptional(151)

Price: Expensive

• Café • NoMad

Booked 5 times today

Located in the iconic Empire State Building, the Starbucks Reserve® Tasting Room & Experiences offers a cocktail bar that is a cut above the rest. This unique venue provides an exquisite array of cocktails, expertly crafted with the same attention to detail that Starbucks devotes to its coffee. Patrons rave about the "espresso martini experience" and the "espresso martini flight," describing them as "must-try" offerings that combine the rich, bold flavors of espresso with a sophisticated cocktail twist. The ambiance is unmatched, with glowing reviews highlighting the "friendly and knowledgeable" staff and the "warm and inviting atmosphere" that make each visit memorable. Whether you're a local or just passing through NoMad, New York, the Starbucks Reserve® at the Empire State Building promises a cocktail experience that's both innovative and delightful.

A photo of Little Ruby's Cafe - West Village restaurant

4. Little Ruby's Cafe - West Village

4.7

Exceptional(313)

Price: Moderate

• Café • West Village

Booked 99 times today

Nestled in the heart of West Village, New York, Little Ruby's Cafe shines as a beacon of American cuisine with a delightful twist. Since its inception in 2003, this charming eatery has drawn in food lovers with its robust offering of American classics with unique touches that reflect the vibrant energy of its neighborhood. Diners rave about the "delicious and authentically" prepared dishes, from the "amazing" spicy vodka pasta to the "chef's kiss" worthy meals that are both "affordable" and generously portioned. The ambiance is consistently described as "warm and welcoming" with an "immaculate atmosphere" that complements its mouthwatering menu. With accolades like "the best restaurant in the city" and recommendations for its "great food and service," Little Ruby's Cafe stands out as a must-visit for anyone craving a quintessential American dining experience in New York City.

5. Brooklyn High Low

4.6

Exceptional(343)

Price: Very Expensive

• Café • Prospect Heights

Booked 8 times today

Brooklyn High Low in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, offers a unique Afternoon Tea experience that blends traditional charm with a modern Brooklyn twist. This beloved spot is praised for its "delicious and abundant" tea selections and inventive, fresh finger sandwiches that elevate the entire experience. Guests rave about the "triple tier plate stand filled with baked scones, crumpets, and yummy desserts," making each visit memorable. The cozy, vintage ambiance, combined with the option to sit in a nostalgically beautiful garden, enhances the allure. As one reviewer put it, the vibe is filled with "peace and grace," confirming that Brooklyn High Low is not just a meal but a delightful escape. Whether it's The Classic, The Vanderbilt, or The Heights tea experience, visitors leave "more full and comforted than the last," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Afternoon Tea in NYC.

A photo of The Parlour, Brooklyn High Low restaurant

6. The Parlour, Brooklyn High Low

4.8

Exceptional(123)

Price: Very Expensive

• Café • Park Slope

Booked 8 times today

The Parlour in Park Slope, Brooklyn, stands out as a beacon of Café culture, offering an authentic and delightful afternoon tea experience that transcends the ordinary. Visitors are enchanted by the "Speak'Teasy vibe" and a luxurious twist on traditional afternoon tea. Known for its "huge range of tea choices" and "really tasty food," the café receives glowing reviews for its cozy atmosphere and exceptional service. Delighted customers rave about the "delicious and fun experience," highlighting the attentive staff and the quality of both the beverages and the dishes served. Whether it's a special occasion or a casual visit, The Parlour promises an unforgettable encounter with the finest elements of café cuisine, making every visit "better than expected."

7. Lafayette

4.6

Exceptional(3126)

Price: Expensive

• Café • NoHo

Booked 28 times today

Nestled in the vibrant NoHo neighborhood of Manhattan, Lafayette redefines the essence of French dining with its exceptional offerings and ambiance. Celebrated for its "absolute perfection" croissants, Lafayette delivers a culinary experience that resonates with the authenticity of French bistro cooking, thanks to Chef Andrew Carmellini's market-driven approach. Patrons rave about the "crispy, flaky exterior and the warm, soft, buttery inside" of the croissants, dubbing them "UNREAL" and worth every cent. With its grand café setting, complete with soaring arched windows and a lively rotisserie bar, Lafayette is not just a dining destination but a cornerstone of French culinary excellence in New York. Whether it's the praised "pistachio Supreme croissant" or the romantic, dimly lit dinners, every visit is a testament to Lafayette's commitment to quality and service, making it a must-visit for anyone craving authentic French cuisine.

A photo of Felix Roasting Co. restaurant

8. Felix Roasting Co.

4.2

Awesome(1)

Price: Moderate

• Café • SoHo

Booked 4 times today

Located within the award winning Hotel Hugo in West Soho, Felix Roasting Co., New York City’s most celebrated coffee shop, offers an expansive All-Day Menu, along with a full bar program. Decorated with imported Italian mahogany, Venetian glass, and custom wallpaper, this is the perfect location to begin your day with an avocado toast and a hot latte, catch up with friends over a quick lunch, hold a working meeting with your colleagues, or enjoy a casual dinner.

9. Trapizzino

4.0

Excellent(20)

Price: Moderate

• Café • Lower East Side

Booked 11 times today

At Trapizzino on the Lower East Side of New York, the essence of Roman café culture is vibrantly alive, providing a unique blend of Italian street food and café-style ambiance. Customers rave about the "amazing coffee" and the buzzing atmosphere typical of a true Italian piazza. Whether it's starting the day with a robust espresso or ending it with an Espresso Martini, Trapizzino delivers authentic experiences that transport patrons straight to the streets of Rome. Praised for its "friendly service" and "delicious" offerings, this gem embodies the spirit of Italian café life, right in the heart of NYC. A must-visit for anyone craving an authentic café experience with a twist of Roman street food flair.

10. La Bouche Cafe

4.4

Awesome(86)

Price: Moderate

• Café • Jersey City

Booked 4 times today

La Bouche combines the elegance of a parlor with the casual nature of a neighborhood eatery. It is a cozy place for an early morning coffee, breakfast, lunch or for a sweet brunch of healthy and tasty dishes.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Jennifer
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Such a great way to spend a little time on a rainy cold day! This could not be a cozier spot. The decor and adorable mismatched china are so great. Staff is very nice and attentive. Tea was delicious with lots of choices.
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The Parlour, Brooklyn High LowPrice: Very Expensive• Afternoon Tea• Park Slope
•
4.8
K
kelly
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Everything was amazing. We had such a great time and will happily go back.
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Brooklyn High LowPrice: Very Expensive• Afternoon Tea• Prospect Heights
•
4.6
R
RisaVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Rafs is a gem and one of a kind cafe. The food is delicious. I had the French omlette with crème fraise. Excellent. The wait staff is superb very attentive. The host was very accommodating finding us a booth table that was very comfortable and quiet.
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Raf'sPrice: Very Expensive• Cafe Dining• NoHo
•
4.7
R
Rani
New York City •1 review
4.0
Dined 6 days ago
If you order a cheeseburger as I did, note that's all you get, no little greens or fries with it. Also, it's the yellow sliced, non-cheese cheese. The host noted that the people in front of us did not have a reservation and then disappeared without saying anything to us--we did have a reservation, and our friends (as it turned out) were already there, but we ended up waiting about ten minutes for the host to arrive, ask about our reservation and shown to our table. I had asked for a quiet table so we could talk. I understand it's never "quiet," but did not expect to be seated right next to the speaker and right next to others on the long bench. We were shouting just to hear each other. They could have given us a separate table atleast, away from the speakers. I won't be coming back though everyone was friendly, because this is New York and there are other choices.
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Dudley'sPrice: Moderate• Cafe Dining• Lower East Side
•
4.6
P
Philippe
Utah •10 reviews
5.0
Dined on 14 Dec 2024
Fantastic Brasserie style restaurant when I came several times during my stay in NY. We enjoyed breakfast and lunch. The wine per glass are just outstanding !!!
More info
LafayettePrice: Expensive• French• NoHo
•
4.6

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Best Cafés in Gowanus

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20 restaurants available nearby

1. Raf's

2. Dudley's

3. Starbucks Reserve® Tasting Room & Experiences – Empire State Building

4. Little Ruby's Cafe - West Village

5. Brooklyn High Low

6. The Parlour, Brooklyn High Low

7. Lafayette

8. Felix Roasting Co.

9. Trapizzino

10. La Bouche Cafe

See what locals rave about

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