Graffiti
New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 677-0695
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Between 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue
- Directions:
- L at 1st Ave; 6 at Astor Pl
- Hours:
- Tue-Sun 5:30pm-11:45pm
Editorial Review for Graffiti – by Justin Hartung
The Scene
New Yorkers are used to small restaurants, but compactness goes to new extremes at this East Village spot. The four tables fill up quickly with dates and intimate groups, and getting to the restroom requires passing too close for comfort to the kitchen stove. Indian prints, newspaper place mats and brightly colored plastic chopsticks topped with animal shapes incite a convivial mood, as does the eternally smiling staff.
The Food
Chef Jehangir Mehta internationally inspired small dishes looks like artful graffiti on the plate. Sweet flavors peek their heads into the menu early and often: Creamy mint sorbet accompanies a Mediterranean-style watermelon and feta salad, and grapefruit "confit" tops pork dumplings worthy of Chinatown. Chewy mango-infused paneer brings a touch of India, while candied chile-enhanced scallops come from an as-of-yet undiscovered territory. The cooking is so adventuresome, in fact, diners might not mind the occasional stumble like a bland halva dessert.
Hits: Diners will take a culinary trip around the world without it feeling like they've been on a tacky bus tour.
Misses: Coming from a highly regarded former pastry chef, desserts are disappointing.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
What to DrinkIn a stroke of genius, all 22 bottles on the wine list cost $25, and all glasses are $8. The hearty Vaucluse Cotes du Rhone provides a strong backbone for the parade of flavors.
Know Before You GoDespite the server's assurances, not all dishes are easily shareable: You might be better off ordering a few plates per person.
The ExtrasMehta runs a candy-making class for kids the first Saturday of every month--call ahead for details.
User Reviews for Graffiti
07/02/2008 Posted by grahambolina
I look for any excuse to eat here. Great to take out of town guests. The chef is so creative with his dishes and very friendly and loves to explain his dishes and chat about them. The other staff members are just as helpful and friendly. The food is always amazing and I always look forward to the menu changes or additions.
Pros: everything
06/30/2008 Posted by ntbadley
Graffiti is not a restaurant for people expecting the same old dining experience. Rather it is a full experience for those seeking an adventure. My wife and I were honeymooning in New York and looking for a nice dinner away from the ordinary. After stumbling upon a review on this site, we made our reservations. Upon arrival the restaurant appeared small, yet the size added to the atmosphere of this quaint establishment. The dishes are small, meant to be shared by several, thus creating a full community dinner. The food was unusual to say the least and as interesting as food can be to say the most. The dumplings were full of sweet and spicy tang. The watermelon feta salad is definitely one of the most interesting things I've ever put into my mouth, but does not disappoint. Overall, this restaurant has a great atmosphere and terriffic food all delivered with the most friendly service anyone could offer. If you are looking for a dinner that you would never imagine, this is the place.
Pros: Service, food, atmosphere
Cons: Distance from subway, small so make reservations
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