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Café Orlin
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Middle Eastern Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Coffee & Tea, Middle Eastern, Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
41 St. Marks Pl(between 2nd Ave & 1st Ave)
New York, NY 10003
Neighbourhood: East Village
(212) 777-1447
- Nearest Transit:
-
Astor Pl (4, 6, 6X)
3 Av (L)
8 St - Nyu (N, R)
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
723 reviews for Café Orlin
Review Highlights
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"The pumpkin pancakes were sweet, airy and delicious." In 110 reviews -
"i really liked the cinnamon yogurt." In 39 reviews -
"Great atmosphere, outdoor seating and awesome food." In 44 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: Vegetarians go nuts for this spot. See more places they like.
723 reviews in English
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Review from Priyanka P.
Manhattan, NY
5/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
One of the best and most reasonable brunches in the city. HANDS DOWN!
I read about this place on Yelp and took my dad here for a Sunday brunch on Mother's day (Mom wasn't in town). We had a GREAT breakfast. Although we waited for a while (say 25 minutes for a table outside) it was 1 pm and it was mother's day so we weren't complaining.
A brunchie without the drunchie. That means no cocktails. Although there was an option for getting one for $6. Without burning a hole in his pocket, we had some of the best poached eggs, bacon, salmon and even orange juice!
For egg lovers their poached eggs were perfect. Sturdy on the outside and oozing when you cut a bite. I called for the Norwegian smoked salmon (one of my all time favorites) and my dad called for eggs with bacon and sautéed tomatoes. Both of us were left licking our plates. Excellent tasting potatoes were served with our dishes. The orange juice was fresh and certainly refreshing on such a hot day, and the cappuccino was absolutely divine.
I would come again. Yes. Definitely. -
Review from Stephanie C.
New York, NY
5/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
I underestimated Cafe Orlin! I walked by all the time but never thought of it to be more than a tea and coffee shop but it turns out.. there is a relatively spacious brunch place with good hearty, classic brunch fare on St Marks! With al fresco dining options as well. Came here on a Sunday at noon with two friends.. we were told 20 minutes for inside (outside would have been way longer, despite the gorgeous day, we were hungry), and it turned out we only waited 5 min or so. Once we got inside, the waitress rushed us quite a bit (I guess, because there was a line but still..), and didn't ask my friend if she was done eating (she eats slowly), so I thought that was a bit rude (we still tipped 20%) but otherwise the service was fine; they were at least quick and relatively good with water refills.
They have a large brunch menu- breakfast, brunch, and lunch items., Brunch specials go for up to $16 and they have some MidEast inspired dishes as well as some classics like steak and eggs. They have this other brunch specials menu which largely is a variety of egg dishes that come with tea, and coffee. I'd say brunch ranges here from $10 to $20 dollars (I paid $20 all in).
Food;
Friend 1 ordered a coffee (which doesn't have free refills here because they're made with espresso), and the huevos rancheros. I didn't try this but it looked good- typical beans, eggs, and potatoes.. and the portions are quite big. Friend 2 ordered the egg white omelette with spinach, which came with toast and potatoes. The potatoes were on the softer, baked side.. whereas I prefer my potatoes more hash-like.
I ordered the pumpkin pancakes that came with cinnamon yogurt. The yogurt was more of a topping.. and it was quite cinnamon-y. I've honestly had better pancakes (ah, Clinton St) but these were very good- they were more dense versus fluffy and light, but strong on the pumpkin flavor ( you could see it in the color- an interesting feat for this time of year). You get two big ones, garnished with orange slices. $10.
I also ordered a side of chicken pistachio sausage to get my savory on. These were not sausage links but rather triangular. And they were flavorful for grounded chicken. It was more like juicy, grounded chicken with a pistachio in the middle. This was $5.
I'd definitely come back for and pray that I'm lucky on seating again! -
Review from Amy S.
5/17/2012
YUM! It's a great place for brunch! It can definitely be crowded, and we had to wait 30 minutes but it wasn't too bad.
I got their eggs florentine. YUM. Spinach, poached eggs with hollandaise sauce, and english muffins. Comes with homefries, cappuccino, and orange juice. Come on, what more could you ask for. It's actually quite filling! The homefries.. LOVED.
Only thing is... service is slow.. I understand there's a lot of people, but they're so slow at coming round to your table to refill water or get you your check or take it.. etc. Also, I wish it wasn't so loud inside. If you get stuck inside, it's kinda hard to hold a conversation that doesn't require yelling.. -
Review from Wendy G.
I wanted to have a hearty dinner but really shouldn't have got the vegetarian combo( babaganush, hummus, tabouli, and basmati rice), way too oily!
It was quite disappointing comparing with the similar entree at Hummus Place.
My friend got the short rib sandwich special dinner combo which was also nothing impressive, according to him.
The ambiance is pretty intimate and romantic in the evening - candles everywhere, not as noisy as weekend brunch hours.
Food was not fulfilling though :(
Need my dessert naoooooo!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/6/2011
Cafe Orlin, Cafe Mogadar and Hummus Place should be judged side by side. The menu selection of Orlin… Read more »
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Review from Kimberly K.
Manhattan, NY
Tasty breakfast joint and easy on the wallet!
After reading all the wonderful reviews about this place, we decided to finally pay Café Orlin a visit. There is quite a bit of seating available in here (indoors and outdoors). The place gets packed quick, especially during brunch hours. Arrive close to opening time if you want to avoid the long line.
Our server was kind but not as attentive as we would have liked. We decided to try The Breakfast Special, Pumpkin Pancakes, and Canadian Bacon. The Breakfast Special comes w/ 2 eggs (any style), homefries, rye toast, fresh orange juice & cappuccino. All for $7.50, which makes me a happy camper. Everything on this plate was fresh, not greasy, and flavorful. The small cup of orange juice was refreshing.
The Pumpkin Pancakes were fluffy and not too sweet. The Cinnamon Yogurt on top added a slight tang, while the syrup on the side gave the pancakes some sweetness. Perfection. The orange slices on the side were so good. Sweet and very refreshing.
The food here is fresh, made with quality ingredients, and best of all their breakfast items are reasonably priced. -
Review from Yan T.
5/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
I don't know where the other people reviewing Cafe Orlin were eating, but I know I was having arguably the best brunch in New York. Certainly the best steak and eggs I've ever had (a simple dish, though they have many less traditional options and twists). The eggs were farm-fresh and somehow more delicious than usual. The steak was perfectly medium rare and melt-in-my-mouth good. Even the coffee was somehow exceptional.
Service is very blah, with attractive girls doing their best to keep up with a nonstop yuppie attack on weekends. We received a dirty glass of water but it was quickly replaced upon request. Even with this little blip, the food really elevates this place above other morning venues. -
Review from Daphne M.
East Elmhurst, NY
5/6/2012
Awesome, delicious brunch place!
I finally had the opportunity to eat here, and it was an excellent decision. I was in a party of 4 on a Saturday afternoon at 1:45pm, and was seated at an outside table immediately. What! I easily expected to wait 20-30 minutes, so this was a pleasant surprise.
I ordered the Eggs Benedict brunch special ($14), which comes with a small ~5oz glass of freshly squeeze OJ, and a choice of a cappuccino or tea.
The eggs benedict was delicious! Two perfectly, neatly poached eggs, each resting on two(?) slices of canadian bacon, a smear of hollandaise sauce, and one half of a heated english muffin. It was served with a side of really tasty potatoes.
The hollandaise sauce was simple, creamy, not too exciting, but still a perfect accent to the dish. Nothing here was too salty, and I found myself scraping every bit of food off my plate. Oh, and the OJ was delicious.
The waitstaff was friendly and attentive, and the prices were moderate. Not cheap, but definitely reasonable. The brunch cocktails are $6 each, and before you ask what the "Sparkling Pomegranate" is, it's champagne with pomegranate juice and a whole fresh raspberry sitting inside.
I would absolutely suggest Cafe Orlin for brunch, and their cappuccinos are great. Besides, who doesn't enjoy the St. Mark's area anyway? -
Review from Dustin W.
Astoria, NY
5/13/2012
Cafe Orlin- I've spent the past 5 years walking past this place, turned off by the crowded outdoor seating and the long wait. Why go here when there are tons of other brunch places around?
But I was completely turned around- a 2-minute wait and a super spacious inside- I'm completely sold on this joint.
The service was great and super fast for the amount of people there on a Saturday afternoon-really attentive.
We all had different things off the brunch menu (no one had gotten anything from the drink+brunch specified menu) and we were all really wowed. The Middle Eastern flavor of their dishes really adds to a more unique brunch spot- but still they're killing it with the basics of eggs and potatoes. The key to my dish( Salmon and Potato cakes) the cakes were really crispy and perfect.
I'd take another shot at this place anytime we are out on St. Marks on a Saturday. -
Review from Yibing Q.
Manhattan, NY
5/6/2012
Was here slightly past half-12 on a Sunday. There was quite an insane crowd of people waiting outside of the cafe. Was told that the wait would take around 30 minutes - but within 10 minutes, my friend and I were seated! which was YAY as we were both starving.
I ordered its Eggs Benedict - it was 3.5 stars - but the house fries was amazing! the baked skin was crispy and salty!
We shared a portion of their legendary pumpkin pancakes. They were all right as well ... not too impressive.
Service was average as well. -
Review from Lulu C.
Manhattan, NY
5/11/2012
Dropped by for brunch around 12:30 on a Saturday. Expected a bit of a wait but was pleasantly surprised to be seated outside right away. The overcast sky must have kept some would-be brunchers at home, though by the time we finished around 1:30 there were a considerable number of folks queued up along the sidewalk.
I had my heart set on the pumpkin pancakes with cinnamon yogurt and Lynn went with the malawach. Our food came within 10-15 minutes and service was generally efficient, especially towards the end of the meal when they're trying to turn the table.
The pancakes were fluffy but substantial with just the right amount of pumpkin flavor, and the cinnamon yogurt pairing tastes as good as it sounds. Some might not take to the thicker consistency of the yogurt, but I was a fan. I just wish there had been more of it to go around. They give you a side of syrup as well but it's like asking someone to go back to store bought cookies after you've introduced them to grandma's secret recipe.
Judging by her spotless plate and my sampling, Lynn's malawach was also well-received. The dish consists of Yemenite fried dough (kind of like a Chinese you tiao in a tortilla form) with two eggs any style, fresh tomato sauce (with an emphasis on the fresh), olives, and salad. The fried dough was slightly sweet and had a nice chewy texture.
As with all popular brunch spots in the city, space is at a premium. We stood up multiple times to let other brunchers in and out of their seats and found ourselves unintentionally eavesdropping on our neighbors during breaks in conversation.
Now that I've tried what they're most known for I'm not sure I would go back again, though the menu had several other Middle Eastern twists on standard brunch fare that looked interesting. -
Review from Megan C.
Manhattan, NY
5/24/2012
I've only been here for lunch on a weekday but I hear their brunch is to die for! Anyways food was delish but the best part of the meal was the hummus and pita. Its a must as far as I'm concerned. Will defiantly be back and am going to have to try for brunch!
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Review from Dominique F.
Arlington, VA
4/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
My friend and I woke up way too early on a Saturday morning and decided to hit Cafe Orlin close to its opening hours. We arrived there and surprisingly found a few tables already filled up.
Service was ok, nothing out of the ordinary but the food was really deliciouos. My veggie sandwich was pretty good and satisfying.
Would definitely recommend it; enjoy! -
Review from Nitin G.
Manhattan, NY
5/17/2012
The French Toast is the most ridiculously amazing thing I have ever eaten for breakfast. The cappuccinos and fresh OJ are good too!
If you want a great brunch, come here! -
Review from Emily R.
Updated - 4/15/2012
The service here - YIKES! It was bad last time, and even worse today. Our server took a year and a half to even bring menus, and before handing them to us, glared and asked to know if we were ordering brunch or dinner. "Either is fine," we replied, as it was around 4pm and didn't care much either way - "Well, i'm shutting down brunch...sooo....you can't have that." OK? Why ask in the first place? Just hook us up with some menus, please.
This lady was literally intimidating, rushing around as if it was such an imposition to have ordered drinks. Sorry? We're at a cafe. We ordered small and rushed out, partially out of fear of being reprimanded for living our lives and daring to inconvenience her by asking for the check.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/18/2012
This place is ALWAYS poppin'. I can rarely walk down St Marks on a Saturday or Sunday without… Read more »
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Review from Steph C.
4/15/2012
I can just eat a tub of the smoked salmon! Liked it for dinner, love it for brunch. I got the poached eggs with smoked salmon on top of potato cakes and the yoke just oozes over the wonderfully crisp on the outside potato cakes. Not to fond of the rye bread though. Also the best deal for $14.50 get a eggs benedict with smoked salmon that comes with fresh oj and a cup of cappuccino or tea. Add 50cents to get vanilla or almond flavor - you won't regret it!
I like their Penne Louise but it's really oily, also good is their linguine shrimp but I mean its not as amazing as their brunch. -
Review from Helga N.
Manhattan, NY
5/15/2012
Brunch or actually lunch right after brunch.. we just missed Silence the musical around the corner because we were running late. so I had to scope a close by spot asap!
I stumbled upon this cutsy place, very big actually when you walk in!
Anyway, the prices were all so reasonable and a great array of food choices from pasta to burgers to salads. Just enough for every hunger level.
this place is very laid back and yet the food was great!
Wide array of people, i can come here with my trendy friends, boy toy, or, even, my mom.
nice addition to the st marks pl. area
(outdoor and tons of indoor seating) -
Review from Josh W.
3/17/2012 2 Check-ins Here
A lot of reviews of this place are for brunch, but I came here for dinner. It was pretty good and we were able to get a table for 8 on a weekend night in just 5 minutes. The food I tried was good. I got the lamb burger served in pita bread that was delicious. It was served with fries and I would definitely get it again. The lamb was given in a huge portion, and the whole thing was very tasty. The fries were served cold, which was disappointing, though they did have to serve 8 of us. I also tried some of the shrimp linguine which was very good as well.
Overall, solid place, I'll come back to check out brunch -
Review from Harley B.
Manhattan, NY
4/21/2012
This place is best brunch spot in NYC hands down!
Everything I have ever eaten here is delish. That's almost everything on the menu because I live across the street.
Service is usually prompt, sometimes there is a wait outside.
The OJ is amazing. -
Review from Zach K.
Manhattan, NY
4/24/2012
The food was delicious. I went with a group of friends and had a little bit of a bunch of their dishes and liked it all -- nothing I'd particularly write home about, but good solid brunch. I got the breakfast sandwich, and think I may go for something else next time, just because in the end it wasn't all that exciting, but still delicious. I didn't think the waitstaff was too friendly, but it was a busy sunday and we were a big group, so maybe that's why.
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Review from Mischa A.
3/5/2012 6 Check-ins Here
After years of coming here for the breakfast menu I had fallen into the trap of defining this place as a brunch and breakfast joint.
Eventually I went here for dinner, and even though I have to admit I found it a bit strange eating anything but breakfast here. I was really happy I tried it, I had the Sea Bass and risotto with tomato cream sauce. And it hit the spot, was tasted great. one of our group even took a picture of their empty plate as proof of how tasty it was. So, from the one time I have been here for dinner, I can not complaints about the food at all, and the service was like always, really happy and nice.
So to my main experience of this place, it is the breakfast, and yes, I am a fan of it...
I suggest to pass up on the two eggs special... Try the mid eastern or the Diane's breakfast... Diane's breakfast is the one meal I have been stuck on here for a long time, there is just something about hummus in the morning that starts your day off right..
But, the only two cons are:
No refill on the coffee, and for a brunch place... not to cool...
The inside sometimes gets way to noisy... long night + noisy morning = non relaxing meal... But you can offset this in summer with the outside:) -
Review from Claire F.
3/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
After reading the raving reviews my expectations were pumped to the max!
which is maybe not the right way to go...because it usually doesn't meet the expectations, as in this case. I wanted to try the pumpkin pancakes but was in the mood for some steak so went for the steak and eggs.
First of all- I got to give props for their speed! the food came out before we barely finished our order. The steak was good, and the potato with the spinach puree pretty good. But, really nothing exceptional. I don't get the hype really.
The cafe latte was good.
and my date had a middle eastern fried bread thing with eggs. That was pretty good, it tastes like a deep fried roti. not exactly healthy but good!
advice: come early because the line fills up quickly on the weekends! -
Review from Preethi T.
Manhattan, NY
3/13/2012
Delicious food/drinks. Charming ambiance. Respectable service.
Been there twice and will be sure to pay them another visit or perhaps until I exhaust all possibilities on their brunch menu :) Their menu is pretty varied. You could start out with a delicious Middle Eastern plate of Hummus and move onto a satisfying Mexican entree of Huevos Rancheros or simply enjoy their classic yet delicious American-style Buttermilk Pancakes. The possibilities will seem endless in that moment and you will surely reach across the table to have a bite or two from another plate.
The entrees are just the right size if you're looking to ease a painful hangover or simply to satisfy a hungry stomach. The prices are also decent and economical.
This place is great for both winter and summer time brunchin. You can enjoy a warm and cozy indoor setting during the winter and a hot and sunny outdoor setting during the summer. Expect a short wait and a crowded place but worry not as this restaurant has its own magical way of conjuring up an intimate setting if that is what you are looking for. And ofcourse, it is certainly great for brunching with a group of friends as well.
Start your day off right with Cafe Orlin.. You will not be disappointed! :) -
Review from Stephen F.
Edgewater, NJ
3/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
Pretty nice place. Went for dinner with three other people. It was nice that we were all able to sit comfortably at the table. They had enough tables for everyone and it was packed. I have been to many restaurants where everyone is one on top of the other. Not fun.
Decent and friendly service. Our meals came out quickly, and my water glass was never empty. I had the hanger steak. It was very good and cooked exactly the way I like it. Wine list was decent. Got a good bottle for a fair price. Can't ask for any better than that. -
Review from Robert R.
Manhattan, NY
5/18/2012
Great food, great service, friendly staff. Only problem is there are too many great choices on the menu. I have to keep going back.
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Review from Christina G.
New York, NY
5/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
Went for Sunday brunch. Food was very good for all of us, with a little twist on some old favorites and a comfortable atmosphere. Busy but not too loud. Friendly staff with quick service. One in our party commented that mixology was "not amazing" for the brunch drinks (I myself abstained). Coffee was good. Prices on par with those in the area.
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Review from Philip D.
New York, NY
2/19/2012 5 Check-ins Here
My favorite brunch place, and yeah I go to quite a few brunch places. Need to get here early. The salmon, with potato pancake, and other fun stuff is my go to meal, it leaves me so SATISFIED AFTER BRUNCH! The right amount of saltiness, sweetness, greasiness, without being too overbearing of any of those things. If you get here before 10 you shouldn't have a problem with getting in. Service is top notch, everyone there seems to be working hard and is friendly.
Oh and the pumpkin pancakes are awesome, but I'd recommend having 3 or 2 people to split them in addition to your meal, lol i eat a lot and like variety! -
Review from Ankan J.
Manhattan, NY
3/14/2012
On a Sunday morning, went there for a brunch. Even though there was huge crowd gathered there (they don't take reservation), we put our name down and got the table within 20 mins.
This place has nice outdoor seating which is limited and the indoors provide a cozy feeling to this east village spot. Tables are closely stacked but if you are true NY, you will get over that.
To start off with - I started with Bloody Mary and shared a plate of hummus. Pita bread was very fresh and warm and hummus tasted delicious. They have a quite a number of options of vegetarians. Buttermilk pancakes looked delicious and were recommended by others. They have about 4-5 vegetarian sandwiches - ended up getting the roasted vegetables and goat cheese. The sandwich was warm and the vegetables were sauteed in olive oil.
As a vegetarian, this place definitely caters more than just pancakes and waffles which makes me a big a fan. -
Review from Joanna C.
3/5/2012
Delicious brunch! Large portions for decent New York brunch prices. It's a really cute place that gets crowded and a bit loud, but is great for the 20-something crowd. Also, they really pack people in so it can be a fun place for people watching, though you might also overhear the conversations around you since the tables are pretty close together.
The food comes out quickly, but because it was so crowded it's hard to get anyone's attention. The orange juice and coffee that comes with some of the brunch platters are delicious! I loved the lox and potato pancake, though the pancake was slightly too oily for my taste. I'll definitely be back! -
Review from Ellie P.
Manhattan, NY
3/26/2012
Sunday brunch and of course this place was PACKED. The day was decent so we decided to eat outside, which did not have a wait. My friend and I had the steak and eggs--medium rare. The steak was tender, but lacked a little flavor...the spinach sauce that came on the side was pretty good. The home fries were well seasoned and eggs are eggs...nothing special there. The coffee was also good and strong--followed up with two cups! One major pet peeve I have is when restaurants do not give you coffee refills...its not like its a coffee house, where I can understand that the "refill" shouldn't be free.
Anyway
Overall, it was a nice experience. I can't be overly enthusiastic, but I've decided to give this place a second chance since I did not order anything mediterranean, which they seem to specialize it. Will report back if my feelings change! :) -
Review from Brian P.
Brooklyn, NY
4/29/2012
I've been going to Cafe Orlin for brunch for years, and overall I'm a fan. But for a place that calls itself a "cafe", it's very disappointing that I can't get coffee with my brunch. I love coffee. I love espresso. I like to have coffee with my brunch.
However, they only offer espresso, or what they think is espresso, and you can't get drip coffee.
Now, I love a good americano, but if you are not going to hire someone who knows how to make espresso, you should offer drip coffee. I'm totally down with the "we're too hip and european for drip coffee" attitude, but please note that this only works if the espresso is good. Bad espresso, which this is, is just disgusting. There's just no excuse anymore for a cafe in New York not to have someone who knows what they're doing work the espresso machine.
Please, please, hire a real barista!
Otherwise, good food, meh service. -
Review from Kirt M.
Manhattan, NY
4/30/2012
Plan on waiting for brunch, but the atmosphere and food make for a great New York experience. Yes it will be crowded and loud and you definitely know you are in the city!
Everything on the brunch menu is worth having so can't yelp any one thin (myself and friends all had a great meal). -
Review from Maureen D.
Manhattan, NY
3/8/2012
I went here on a Friday night with a group of friends and they were able to seat us right away which was nice since we had just come from trying to get a seat at Cafe Magador where the wait time was forty minutes.
The food was alright. I got a lamb sandwich. It was pretty tasteless. This place didn't really have anything special or memorable about it. The service was pretty slow too. Overall it was just ok; I don't think I would come back here. -
Review from Catherine B.
Brooklyn, NY
2/17/2012
I came here for dinner last night.
Ambiance: my favorite part of this whole place, very charming. Nice spot for a date.
Food: When I looked at the menu I thought it looked pretty boring. I ordered the chicken cutlet sandwich and it was pretty tasty. The menu is super random. There's falafel, hummus, and tabbouli on there along with burgers and pasta.
Waiters: Good service -
Review from Anikha R.
Weekend brunch is like an event over there. The longest I've waited, so far, for a seat has been about 30 minutes. There is always a line, but the food is damn good. They know what they're doing.
The pumpkin pancakes with cinnamon yogurt is very unique. The cakes were fluffy and the yogurt was yumsters. It was a LOT of food, I couldn't finish it.
The Middle Eastern Breakfast is amazing. There is nothing else to say.
Plus, I love the glass jar that the tea comes in. I've never seen a display like that and it made me happy. I'm a tea drinker, but I like my tea after my meal, so to have an apparatus that keeps my tea warm throughout my meal is a winner to me. Well done! -
Review from Lauren L.
1/23/2012 2 photos
I knew Saturday was going to be snowy but I really wanted to do brunch in the city as I had a friend in town. I also really wanted to go to Cafe Orlin since it's been on the list for a while and they have pumpkin pancakes. I read some other reviews in regards to brunch, about what is the ideal time to arrive so you can score a table right away, but you can't really plan that you've just got to go with it.
We arrived on a snowy morning, well afternoon at about noonish. I saw some people waiting outside and I figured there might be a little bit of a wait. When we strolled in and asked how long the wait would be for two, which now I think about it I should have asked what was available but I was assuming. Whenever she said we can seat you right now, I thought to myself where?! This place was jammin and every table was full. Almost all the tables had two people it, whether they be couples or girlfriends catching up. We were seated in the corner and it was a tight squeeze to get to the table it was well worth it.
We reviewed the menu, although I was already sold on those pumpkin pancakes. There were some other items that almost swayed me to order something else more in their fare of middle eastern food, but I held my ground. My friend ended up ordering the feta cheese and spinach omelet. All omelets are served with a side salad, home fries and toast. What was interesting about this omelet was that the spinach wasn't really inside but still whole leafs of greeny goodness begin exposed. She was obsessed with the side salad. She loved having it for breakfast!! Her omelet was a hit and she was very pleased with her order.
Now the moment I had been waiting for, the pumpkin pancakes! It was a huge stack of 3 pancakes smothered in cinnamon yogurt. It was definitely Greek yogurt as it had more of that tart taste. The pancakes were fluffy and melted in your mouth. The combo of cinnamon and pumpkin is always one of my favorite and with a little drizzle of maple syrup all was well in the world. The pumpkin flavor was there and maybe it's because I'm so obsessed I thought it could have been a little more prominent. I also ordered a side of home fries as these pancakes are left alone, they need a side of love people! The home fries, while I like mine a little more tender and burnt, these were dressed in rosemary, soft and tender to the bite.
We also had some cappuccinos, which they made look oh so pretty by giving the foam that swirl. For such a busy eatery, I couldn't believe how quickly the food came out. Also the service was exceptional and very attentive. So don't be discouraged on a weekend when you see how busy this little east village resto is. It's certainly worth the wait. You're best bet is to come as a party of 2 because seating larger parties there is tough. And for the record, we ate at about 12:30 and I was so full for the entire day. This meal was no joke and it was delicious! -
Review from Stephanie R.
Manhattan, NY
4/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is a nice place to sit outside and eat on a warm day if you are in the area. The food is fine, but nothing to write home about. It seems like the trendiness of this place has outweighed the average prices, average service, average menu options, and average food.
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Review from Euripides K.
ASTORIA, NY
4/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
The brunch is ok, the service sucks.
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Review from Amy Y.
Manhattan, NY
1/26/2012
If I were to create a FOMC list , Cafe Orlin would be near the top. And that is the ONLY reason why I visited the restaurant for the first time, since my undying curiosity got the better of me. It was a great thing though, as I have now crossed it off my list, and do not think I will be returning again anytime soon on my own accord.
Tiny tables, cramped space, hungry brunch fiends peering at your food through the windows outside...
Pumpkin pancakes were the highlight of my meal. Unfortunately, there was not enough of that yogurt syrup goodness to go around all 3 ginorrrrmous slabs of pancake. SUCH great yogurt syrup.
Eggs benedict disappointed, but I'm hoping, hoping it was just a one-off fluke. Instead of warm juicy yolk that runneth over, we encountered what was practically a hard boiled egg atop the ham and english muffin. *Shivers* -
Review from Pamela N.
Brooklyn, NY
2/27/2012
No matter where you're based in NYC, it is worth a trek it might take you (I'm coming in from Bushwick) to get to this place for brunch. I absolutely love this place. Been going here for 3 years now, and its consistency is my favorite thing about it.
The pumpkin pancakes, of course, are to die for. I honestly didn't like it with the yogurt poured on top because the yogurt began smelling sour after resting on something so hot for a while, and it ruined my appetite. If you have a sensitive nose like I do, I recommend asking for the cinnamon yogurt on the side. That way, you can pour to taste! And it's totally worth it then.
The steak and eggs are great here. The steak is tender and is a good cut,, so you don't have to worry about really working to get a piece like I've had at other brunch places. The goat cheese and tomato omelet is also heavenly if you're in the mood for something light!
The orange juice is always something you should aim to get if you want something besides water. Freshly squeezed!
My absolute favorite side to get there is the homefries/potatoes though. They cook them to perfection here. So perfect.
Be warned about the wait though. If you come here any later than 11:30, you're going to be waiting FOREVER. I always make sure to arrange for an 11 o'clock meetup with my friends here, or it's not happening.
And my major qualm with the place is they've raised the prices AGAIN! I used to pay $13 for the steak and eggs, and then it shot up to $14 for the special, and now it's $15. The pumpkin pancakes as well -- used to be $9, now it's $10! You're getting a bit too unaffordable for me, Orlin! -
Review from John C.
Manhattan, NY
1/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is a great brunch place. But be prepared to wait for a table - this place is popular. The pumpkin pancakes are awesomely delicious. You can taste the pumpkin without it being overwhelming. And it is complemented nicely with a dollop of cinnamon yogurt on top of it. The homefries are solid and flavorful.
Service was pretty good and the environment was quite lively. I would definitely go here again!
