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SamSara
Category: Restaurants Canadian (New) Canadian (New)
277 Water St(between Peck Slip & Dover St)
New York, NY 10038
Neighbourhood: Financial District
(212) 444-9443
- Nearest Transit:
-
Fulton St (2, 3)
Chambers St (J, Z)
Brooklyn Bridge - City Hall (4, 5, 6, 6X)
- Hours:
Tue-Wed 11:30 am - 10 pm
Thu-Sat 11:30 am - 11 pm
Sun 12 pm - 4 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Classy
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
20 reviews for SamSara
20 reviews in English
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Review from Alex W.
New York, NY
1/9/2012 1 photo
one of the best tapas place in the city especially for a restaurant in the seaport touristy area. samsara is definitely a place worth trying.
the photo I posted says it all. de-lish!!! -
Review from Manuel C.
New York, NY
3/19/2012
Discovered this place on foursquare while looking for a great dessert place. After an interesting trek on a chilly friday night we found SamSara. The fact that it was empty on a friday night at 7:30PM seemed like a bad omen/deja vous of Sarabeth's (great desserts/brunch but -at best- average dinner food).
We decided to not be snobs and keep an open mind. The menu read ambitious and we got the smoked bass spring rolls, duck prosciutto & fig flatbread, mac 'n cheese croquettes and molten chocolate cake and waffles & cream for dessert.
Service was great and attentive; the spiced popcorn instead of the usual bread/butter was a nice touch and left us hopeful. That is, until the spring rolls were served - greasy fried shell, unpleasant smell of frozen fish flash fried and a lack of seasoning. If the fish was fresh (not saying it was not!), then it was severely mishandled and butchered.
The mac and cheese croquettes were pretty much the same story - severely breaded/fried till kingdom come, no seasoning and just 'bla'. We didn't finish either one of these dishes, which left the wait staff unimpressed (thus no 3 stars) when they cleared the dishes.
The flatbread was next and definitely the best thing we had that night. Still, the black cherry balsamic was too sweet to truly harmonize with the under-seasoned duck; the fig just added unnecessary sweetness to this otherwise 'okay' dish.
In a final attempt to avoid total disappointment we went with the two recommendations our waitress made. The molten chocolate cake was average; would have expected a kick or a twist here (salted caramel, perhaps some rum in the chocolate...something...anything). The cake and waffles were definitely tasty, the waffle had decent texture (a little more vanilla would have been nice) and the candied bacon, while a bit too thickly cut for my flavor, was nice.
It's a cozy place in a poorly chosen location, staff is nice and menu reads well but the menu is too ambitious for the kitchen staff to handle properly. Either we caught them on a horrible night (by the time we left only two other tables were occupied so I know it definitely wasn't stressful in the kitchen) or they are just overwhelmed by their own menu. I have a culinary background and understand mistakes happen but the consistency with which every dish underwhelmed leads me to think this may either be a brunch place only - or the chef should dial the menu down a notch and go more basic - no shame in that. As we experienced SamSara, it was a waste of money and calories. -
Review from Althea A.
2/22/2012
I've walked past this place several times (I always pass it on my way to Cowgirl Seahorse, one of my faves!) and it usually looks empty and a bit stuffy. However, I had a Scoutmob, so I decided to give it a try.
I was the only person in the restaurant.
The waiter seemed very nice, however he did give the exact same "script" mentioned by another reviewer, so I'm guessing that it's required for them to say all that nice stuff. When he asked, "Oh, and how did you hear about us," I happily said "Scoutmob!"
Upon hearing that word, a harpy from Hades swooped down upon my table. At least, that's what it felt like! The owner, apparently, rushed over to my table and started ranting and raving about Scoutmob and how she wasn't honoring any of their discounts and I can talk to her lawyer (!?!), and Scoutmob is RUINING HER REPUTATION!
Whoa Nellie!
At that point, I calmly interrupted the rant and said, "No, lady, YOU are ruining your OWN reputation with this behavior."
What I gleaned from the mad rant was that Scoutmob (possibly) made a typo on the expiration date, and she had wanted the coupon to expire a month earlier than it did. But her objection doesn't make sense - with Scoutmob, the same NUMBER of people are going to get the coupon no matter when it expires - if it expires later, it just means your discount customers will be more spread out, rather than bunched into a short time frame, which will actually put less stress on your business.
And - hello? I am not a Scoutmob representative. Why are you yelling at ME, lady? I am a potentially good customer!
Well, I'm certainly not going to patronize any restaurant where I get yelled at, so I apologized, sincerely, to the waiter, and left. I truly feel bad for anyone who has to work for that person! -
Review from Anne Marie B.
Manhattan, NY
2/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
I was really excited to try SamSara because of the great yelp reviews and my scoutmob discount, but it fell short of expectations.
Celebrating a pre-birthday dinner with Anand M. we shared the fondue w/ fries and fried green beans and the mac and cheese croquettes. Of course we devoured the fried goodness because everything fried is delicious. The croquettes were super hot, but quite good. A little tangy with the vinegar, which was unexpected, but gave it a nice different kick.
I also tried the raw hamachi, a favorite of mine, and found it an interesting combination of flavors/textures (crunchy tempura balls? greens, citrus, fish), but it also seemed a little overpowered by all the accoutrements while the fish flavor itself was a little bland. I finished my meal with oysters, my favorite bivalve, and these were a hit. My favorite dish of the night. However, would I order this variety over oysters rockefeller? probably not. A little heavy on the breadcrumbs. But really, throw some bacon and oysters together and there's no way it's not a 5 star dish for my tastes.
I think I enjoyed the wine more than Anand, but that's a matter of personal preference, and not a reflection on the restaurant. At first, service seemed promising, but as the dinner turned into a 2 hour evening, the serving of food could've been a little faster for a restaurant filled with 3 other tables. The check issue at the end was also quite strange. And they decided this was the appropriate time to show us the brunch menu and tell us we should come back for other meals while they were having so much trouble applying our scoutmob and bringing us back the credit card.
I want to give them an A for effort, and maybe it was new restaurant kinks that needed to be worked out, but I felt the entire experience was just a little lacking. I certainly enjoyed a long dinner with a good friend, but would've preferred if the food had been a little more memorable and the service a little less spotty. -
Review from Tiffany L.
New York, NY
2/9/2012 Seated via OpenTable 1 Check-in Here
It was a cute place, with good food, but nothing so special that I'd find myself making a point to go back.
Hubby and I had the pulled pork profiteroles (almost like a cream puff with pork instead of cream) which was hubby's favorite. We also had the prosciutto and fig flatbread (like a straccino cheese, black cherry-balsamic, pistachio, arugula mini pizza). We took the waiter's suggestion and ordered the Beer 'n Cheese Fondue with Tempura Green Beans and Baby Beets (like beet chips). This was great, but I actually would have preferred a non deep-fried dipping option since the dish was quite heavy. To fill out the meal we had the pork tenderloin, which was accompanied by a small but heavy pumpkin lasagna.
They were apparently training new waiters while we were there. One of our dishes was served to the wrong table, resulting in a 30 min wait between dishes for us, which seemed unreasonable. At least comp us a dessert of something! :)
With tax and tip our meal ended up being about $80.
Tip: use a scoutmob coupon for an additional $25 off. -
Review from Rafik C.
Manhattan, NY
4/17/2012
Went to SamSara for a dinner party with family. What a great place! Easy to get to, the location in the financial district is about a block or two from the SouthStreet SeaPort. The ambience was relaxing. Serviing an eclectic menu of comfort food done to perfection some of which consisted of, pesto shrimp pasta, risotto rustica, steaks and much more. All prepared by the amazing Chef Josh who also came up with some fresh home-made deserts. Eve the hostess/owner was delightfully charming and made everyone feel welcome. I highly recommend this place for a quiet intimate meal with loved ones or business. Definitely coming back.
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Review from Anand M.
12/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Too many places boast they serve tapas but do no not deliver - welcome to the club Samsara. Everything is fried, EVERYTHING.
They started us of with popcorn 'compliments of the chef.' First off, the idea of compliments of the chef is just ridiculous for popcorn. Have you ever heard of bread 'compliments of the chef?' NO! Also, it was chewy, not crunchy at all - better popcorn is made in the microwave. Maybe I am a popcorn connoisseur?
Now for the dishes. Before I start - everything is fried - even when they do not advertise it on the menu. The fondue was sort of grainy(?), basically it was not heated up enough and then was allowed to cool too much. The favor was nothing special. I cannot be upset with the fries or green beens - they say clearly they are fried. Again, nothing special. The only saving grace with the mac and cheese croquets. They were good. A bit too hot when served, it was really nice. The vinegrette was great! This was the only part of the meal I enjoyed.
For my main - I had the mushroom and camembert crepe. it was FRIED - of course. It looked cool sure. Low on cheese but the mushrooms were cooked properly. The walnut pesto was just way too heavy to be served with this fried dish.
Finally - 1 off for service. It was slow and they were completely inattentive. Water went down often, wine was never refilled from the bottle. We waited for almost 20 minutes for the check after I paid. The price of this places should beget better service. They seemed more interested in the wall of plants then the food/customers. I do not mind asking for the check, but when I give you money - take it quickly and let me leave. I will not be back nor do i understand how they are so well rated. -
Review from HEATHER M.
Brooklyn, NY
2/15/2012
Welcome to SamSara... Is this your first time dining with us??? It is!!! Fabulous is it ok If I go over the menu with you!! Can i say ROBOTIC???Wonder how the toilet paper always is in a perfect triangle or why the lids of the toilet are always down??? Keep wondering wouldn't want you to spoil your stomachs!! Though im sure the servers are really washing their hands!! I'm glad to know that the owner believes in "KARMA" and hygiene ooohhh so eclectic. Lets count how many servers there have been since opening. I know of one who was fired on New Years. Good luck, you will need it.
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Review from Dina Q.
New York, NY
11/18/2011
I came here recently for a grownup group dinner with my boyfriend and two other friends and was able to sample a good amount of the menu here. I think most of the appetizers were a hit, especially the crab&cod spring rolls, lobster stir-fry and the duck confit quesadilla.
My favorite part of the meal was definitely dessert. Waffles with ice cream and CANDIED BACON. Seriously major. The panna cotta was also super yummy and came in 2 flavors.
The service was extremely attentive and eager to offer suggestions. The overall decor is beautiful and bathroom was really nice and spacious.
I would definitely recommend this place for a date. The ambience is quiet and you won't have to worry about shouting over any music to have a good conversation. Plus you could have a nice stroll in Seaport afterwards. -
Review from Peggy S.
Financial District, NY
3/11/2012
I had the best meal here last night that I have had in a long time. I can't wait to go back. Had the pulled pork profiterols, flatbread, beer & cheese fondue, ham and cheese dumplings, and a fish thing, Everything was so good and the staff/service was great too.
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Review from Michelle B.
New York, NY
12/13/2011
An excellently executed menu for fairly reasonable prices.
Samsara exceeded all expectations. I imagine only because it is a new restaurant, they were able to accommodate a 10 person reservation at 7:30 on a Saturday night. My boyfriend called to raise it to 12, and they were friendly, willing, and able.
Food: 5 Stars
Excellent, not a single plate disappointed. I heard a friend didn't like the Waffle dessert, but I liked everything I tasted. A good balance of saltiness and creaminess on the polenta (which is vegetarian, one of the few mains that accommodates). Wonderful appetizers, you must have the cheese fondue. Simply incredible duck confit quesadillas. Molten lava cake for dessert was in line with what I've had elsewhere but a good portion (just right), perfect temperature (not too hot) and a rich taste (not too sweet).
Service: 4 Stars
Mixed up a drink order but corrected it at no charge, albeit quite belatedly (after we'd finished the two drinks they'd mixed up!) Other than that, attentive, warm, helpful and completely unpretentious. Brought out a one-person happy birthday cake for the BF at just the right time (before he ordered dessert) and were just wonderful.
Ambiance: 4 Stars
Nicely done but the fake plants on the wall on one side were a bit low for taller patrons. Beautiful clean bathroom, though the door is a bit translucent for some (I didn't care even a little, but some of our 11 friends mentioned it).
They dealt with our long table time, and the place was not crowded despite its small proportions (maybe 16 tables).
It was truly great and I couldn't have asked for better for my boyfriend's birthday. They were gracious and seemed to really care about how we were treated. -
Review from George F.
New York, NY
2/9/2012
Great place. Friendly service with a very good bar. Servings are not too large (even the larger plates), so you don't waddle out. Desserts are wonderful. Recommended. And no, not everything is fried. I particularly liked the tea-smoked Scottish salmon!
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Review from Sam M.
New York, NY
1/15/2012
We went here on a whim as we were looking for a new place downtown. They had only been open for a few weeks so the owner and servers were very attentive to our needs. The food was underwhelming, the fondue was not impressive. They did have some good specials on wine bottles though. I would go back here again for wine and tapas.
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Review from Kwame J.
Newark, NJ
10/21/2011
FiDi is where it's at. Avoid all the touristy spots, come to this cafe, as it wants to be known as that. The chef of the Stanton Social is here. Does it make it any better? You decide. Three Stars.
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Review from Lena K.
Brooklyn, NY
11/21/2011
Tucked away on a small cobblestone street, Samsara is definitely a reward to those who travel off the beaten path. I came here with a group of friends for some drinks and appetizers. They had a really nice selection of beers with some interesting micro-brews and craft beer on tap. The wine list was varied and not lacking in length.
The bar tender was very attentive and was able to give feedback on the food menu as well. I ordered a beer fondu (cheese made with beer?!) and got tempura fried green beans and french fries to dip. It was heavenly and a LOT of food. Sean and I split it and came away quite stuffed.
The tempura green beans could have stood alone as an appetizer but good gravy they were amazing slathered in cheese.
A friend tried the fried mac and cheese bites and said they were tasty and had a gourmet spin on the traditional mac and cheese recipe. I had a chance to sneak a peek at the pulled pork sliders but was unable to pilfer them into my mouth. They looked pretty spectacular though. I plan on coming back to a sit down dinner.
The atmosphere is serene and the music perfectly leveled for dinner banter. While you're there, check out the foliage on the left wall. Its very smart. -
Review from James T.
Manhattan, NY
12/13/2011 Seated via OpenTable
I really enjoyed the atmosphere at this place. However, the food failed to overwhelm my tastebuds. I would try it again, but I would try different dishes (I had the duck quesadilla, fried artichoke, and a crepe of some sort).
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Review from Marissa T.
Manhattan, NY
10/3/2011
This is one of the best finds in NYC- take advantage of the opening reservations while the restaurant is new because it is bound to be booked in no time!
Myself and two of my old college roommates went to dinner to try out the new restaurant on the opening night. The service was amazing, as our waiter Taylor skillfully guided us through the menu and offered excellent recommendations that all turned out great.
We wanted to try a bit of everthing but our favorites by far were the incredible duck quesadillas (none of us had tried duck before and we were greatly surprised by the odd combination of the quesadilla ingredients) and lobster with mandarin "pancakes". For an entree we all shared the roasted chicken with mushrooms and Quinoa, and it was one of the best pieces of chicken I have ever had.
To top off the evening, the restaurant is beautiful with bright colors, clean lines, and a unique plant wall that at times made me feel I had left the business of manhattan behind. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone with adventurous taste looking for a great new find! -
Review from C R.
Brooklyn, NY
2/21/2012
SamSara is a hidden jewel in the Seaport. The menu includes a tempting array of small plates that are imaginative and satisfying. I liked the clean, Scandinavian-like design, and the owners Pam and Eve are gracious hosts.
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Review from Ryan F.
Brooklyn, NY
11/14/2011
Amazing! A friend recommended this place to me, the appetizers were great and the beer selection was top choice. Very highly recommend.
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Review from Vera S.
New York, NY
10/3/2011
The South Street Seaport has been rejuvenated with the opening of Samsara Cafe. The moment you enter, you will see the amazing plant wall that adorns the entire length of one wall of the restaurant. Having read that the Chef was from Stanton Social, I had an idea of what the menu might be like. But I was not prepared for the options that were laid out before me when I opened the beautiful menu made of cork. After the stress of realizing that I could not try everything in one sitting, I settled on a few choices. The duck confit quesadilla with caramel sauce was enough to mollify my schizophrenic savory sweet tongue. Paired with a glass of white, recommended by my eager to please and extremely helpful waiter, and accompanied by a side order of perfectly prepared broccoli rabe, created another dimension to the flavors. That did not stop me from staring greedily and smelling jealously the grilled shrimp and stuffed oysters that some other diners were having. Nor did it stop me from ending my meal with the brownie cups stuffed with camembert cheese accompanied by a smoky fig chutney. WOW. People: PLEASE remember to save room for the incredible dessert options. I walked out elated, with my Samsara box of leftovers, comforted by the thought that I will be back, many times. This place is sure to turn any Stanton Socialite into a good SamSaratin.
