Narcisse Restaurant

I’m sad to see this place with such little people and such little reviews.
As soon as I arrived here I took photos of the aesthetics and decorations it was magical and looks exactly like the pictures that are shown on Google.
I’m writing this because on November 4th I had the absolute best time of my life and the owner made it that way, he was so friendly and kind, his son was adorable aswell and made everything so much more comforting than a busy restaurant you usually find at soho.
He made sure that we got everything we needed and made sure we were comfortable.
I had a brunch meal and usually the food is just boring salads but..
the food..
the food! It was so very exquisite, I had the chicken burger+fries, a couple of my friends had the Mac n cheese, steak w/ potatoes, and spaghetti, my friend offered me a piece of steak and that was probably the moment I fell in love with this place.
The steak was 25 dollars too.
How do you serve such an amazing piece of meat and call that 25 dollars?? I’m so upset at myself for not taking enough photos of the food 🤦‍♀️..
At the end when we had my birthday cake, the owner was kind enough to give us a knife since we forgot to bring one and had plates and silverware ready for us.
There’s no reason I would even give up half a star for this obvious 5 star place.
Please for your own sake, come here.

Not gonna lie - I was embarrassed to take my friend Jon here (my 2nd visit), only to agree when he said, "I'll never come back here." My first review was enthusiastic because I got great attention from the only waiter, Carlos.
My steak salad wasn't drenched in dressing (sad that the least expected standard is worth a star) but the sirloin, while cooked to the right temperature, was chewy and tough (which is why I'm not a fan of sirloin).
I met some nice people, had a little wine.
Hence the good review. This time, not even close.
The steak tartare was roughly-ground sirloin.
Bland, nothing to provide interest.
The 2-minute boiled egg on top was runny-yolk excellence but that was it.
My $40 branzino was cooked to be still moist, but again flavorless. Jon bit into a hot piece of grilled salmon asked for a quick water refill.
Carlos got distracted (because he doesn't shark the room and ensure that he carries water as he checks the tables -- I think there are 28 seats and 6 or 8 bar stools in this tiny bistro).
I had to go to the bar to get Jon's glass refilled after waiting a very long time.
Carlos suddenly appeared and said, "I was going to get that for you." Um ....
when? The chocolate lava cake we ordered was never ticketed to the kitchen (beware - based on what we saw dropped at the next table we think they're from Trader Joe's, which cost under $5 for a two-pack).
Half an hour later, we realized Carlos had left for the night without checking on our desert or telling us the bartender would complete our experience (which she did but even that was less than optimal--she meant well ...).
We left. I am fully-supportive of new restaurants that are working out the kinks.
But Narcisse lacks nightly management.
A compartmentalizing waiter who can't flow with ALL of his tables, a mediocre menu that is executed without inspiration or love for the food, and a new bartender who is a self-proclaimed expert in restaurant management yet doesn't know when to stop talking about themselves and move on back to their duties, just make this place WORK in a bad way.
And a waste of money on overpriced dishes relative to the chef's talent. It's too bad because the location is great, the space is dark, cozy and attractive, and they play decent music over the speakers.
But don't judge this book by its sophisticated cover -- inside is pulp.
😰

Pleasant and attentive service.
The cuisine was delectable and the vibe was just right.
Hope to try dessert next time.
The owner is nice.

Owner response