Café Chelsea

218 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011, United States
+1 212-518-1813
$$$ French restaurant
(454 Reviews)

Step into the enchanting world of Café Chelsea, an exquisite French restaurant nestled in the historic Hotel Chelsea at 218 W 23rd St, New York, NY. Renowned for its captivating ambiance and culinary excellence, this charming bistro offers an authentic taste of France right in the heart of New York City.

The moment you walk through the doors, you’re enveloped in a warm, inviting atmosphere that marries classic elegance with modern chic. The decor—a stunning blend of marble, ceramics, and exposed bricks—pays homage to the rich history of the venue while providing an intimate yet vibrant setting where stories linger in the air, much like the talented artists who once graced its halls.

Café Chelsea’s menu is a delightful journey through the flavors of French cuisine, designed to tantalize your taste buds from breakfast to late-night dinner. Each dish is a celebration of culinary artistry and creativity. For a light yet flavorful start, consider indulging in the Assiette De Fruits ($16), a refreshing assortment that welcomes your palate to the meal ahead. If you’re craving something heartier, the Saumon En Papillote brings flavors wrapped in parchment paper that melt in your mouth, accompanied by perfectly seasoned sides like the Crispy Pommes De Terre ($12) or Frites ($12) that add a touch of genuine French flair to your dining experience.

As your meal unfolds, the drink selections—including fine wines like Bourgogne ($22) and Bordeaux ($23)—are thoughtfully curated to perfectly complement your culinary choices, enhancing each flavor with a sparkling finish. The sommelier is as warm as the atmosphere, eager to guide you through the exceptional selection that reflects the beauty of French wine culture.

Each visit at Café Chelsea is adorned with glowing testimonials from diners who have fallen in love with its charm. Tom Vail raves about the wonderful decor and the culinary delights, particularly mentioning the steak tartare and ravioli, while Cristina Ponce beautifully describes the restaurant as a "love letter to Paris." It's clear that the space isn't merely a restaurant—it’s an experience that resonates long after the last sip of coffee has been enjoyed.

With glowing reviews from patrons who highlight the exceptional service and cozy, sophisticated ambiance, it’s no wonder that Café Chelsea is regarded as a must-visit in New York City. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a hectic week or celebrate a special occasion, this bistro promises not just a meal, but a memorable encounter steeped in the rich tapestry of culinary art.

Join the chorus of satisfied diners and make your reservation at Café Chelsea, where each visit transforms an ordinary day into an extraordinary memory. Call +1 212-518-1813 to reserve your table—we guarantee you’ll leave with your heart full and your taste buds asking for more!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
No wheelchair-accessible car park
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Serves dine-in
No delivery
No takeaway
Highlights
Has fast service
Has fireplace
Serves great cocktails
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves late-night food
Serves organic dishes
Has private dining room
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Cosy
Historic
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
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Monday

07:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Tuesday

07:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Wednesday

07:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Thursday

07:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Friday

07:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Saturday

07:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Sunday

07:00 AM - 11:00 PM

454 Reviews
Tom Vail

12 Aug 2025

The decor and atmosphere is wonderful. Beautiful marble, ceramic and brick accents to pull together a timeless look of a popular and classy French bistro. The steak tartare and caviar dishes were wonderful. Ravioli famously good. The salmon in parchment was perhaps the best dish. We really enjoyed our meal and will be back.

Chaim G

05 Jul 2025

Few places in NYC are as famous as The Chelsea Hotel and the Cafe is deserving of its quality and historic reputation. The decor is beautiful the place steeped in history but well preserved and taken care of by all who work there I may have sat at the corner table frequented by Dylan or Cohen as I immediately felt compelled to write a song Breakfast is wonderful the coffee perfection The downstairs facilities are clean and the servers and front desk both at the hotel and restaurant are courteous, professional yet friendly and aware of the importance of their place of work. Refreshing in a sometimes cold, aloof Manhattan 2025 Five stars if not six

Cristina Ponce

30 Jun 2025

Tucked inside the storied Hotel Chelsea, Café Chelsea feels like a love letter to Paris penned in the language of New York cool. The French-American bistro, with its neoclassical flourishes and art-laden walls, exudes the kind of timeless elegance that makes you wonder if it’s been here forever. . From breakfast through late-night dinner, the menu is a curated blend of French classics and inventive twists. Morning regulars rave about the French toast—custardy, golden, and subtly sweet—while the steak and eggs and smoked salmon offer savory starts. Brunch brings the merguez sausage and Nicoise salad, both praised for their authenticity and balance. Come evening, the hanger steak with maître d’hôtel butter, steak tartare, and roast chicken emerge as standouts, alongside indulgent sides like goat cheese croquettes and chickpea fries. Dessert is no afterthought: the almond tart and chocolate soufflé have earned near-universal acclaim. . The atmosphere is as much a draw as the food. A fabulous main dining room where tables are set close enough for a lively hum without losing intimacy. The space’s historic charm—accented by original artworks from the hotel’s collection—pairs beautifully with the brasserie’s warm lighting and polished service. . If there’s a caveat, it’s that popularity can mean a bit of noise and tight seating. But for those seeking a slice of Paris in Chelsea, Café Chelsea delivers: refined yet approachable, steeped in history yet vibrantly of-the-moment. Whether for a languid brunch, a romantic dinner, or a glass of wine at the bar, it’s a place that invites you to linger—and to return.

Cesar

28 Jun 2025

My recent experience here was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we walked in, we noticed the warm and inviting ambiance. The soft lighting, elegant decor, and gentle background music set the perfect mood for an unforgettable evening. The menu is a treasure trove of delectable dishes, each more tempting than the last. The service was impeccable, with attentive staff who anticipated our every need without being intrusive. A special mention to Carla, whose meticulous attention to detail ensured that every aspect of our dining experience was flawless. Their genuine warmth and professionalism added a personal touch that made our evening even more memorable. The exquisite food, paired with the enchanting atmosphere and top-notch service, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life. Bravo!

Idalis Diaz

13 Jun 2025

If you’re ending a stressful work week or starting a stressful work week. Perfect place to come to relax and decompress. This was definitely a very different experience from what I’m used to. Aside from everything being beautiful, they were playing some light piano music and I was greeted and sweated right away. When seating me they offered me a news paper and preference on seating to make sure I was comfortable. Which was really nice considering I am plus size. The food was great, very rich very filling and staff was very nice. I definitely would come back again. And everyone there was having a nice relaxing morning. It was also nice seeing other people eating by themselves like I was.

Dacia K

11 Jun 2025

The Chelsea Cafe is an absolute gem. From the moment you walk in, you’re embraced by a beautiful, lively atmosphere that feels both vibrant and cozy. The staff radiated kindness, attention and cheer . Everything was spotless and thoughtfully arranged, creating a space that felt spacious yet wonderfully intimate. I wholeheartedly recommend this charming spot, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit!

Trie Hall

07 Jun 2025

Delicious French cuisine in a stunning venue. My sister and I enjoyed brunch here on a Saturday. Not too crowded, though we did have a reservation. We sat inside and enjoyed how beautiful the room is - even the plates were gorgeous! I enjoyed the croque madame very much (and ham isn't always a go-to for me). The gruyere cheese was perfect, and I enjoyed the subtle herbs they used. My sister also had some fantastic eggs Benedict. Will definitely need to come back for dinner, even though this spot can be pricey.

ameera diana

01 Jun 2025

we had a fantastic dinner here! the food options are different and creative especially the cucumber desert , it’s just intriguing! enjoyed every meal ! and the manager was very caring and welcoming ! The niçoise salad is excellent, the goat cheese appetizer is super delicious ! the ravioli is yummy! and thaat cucumber sorbet is so special! loved it a lot !

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