Melbas Restaurant

The staff was really nice and very helpful. We had lots of questions that they answered patiently. We came here because I'm Southern and my friend lives to get my opinion on Southern food made elsewhere. So we ordered crab cakes with spinach, chicken and waffle, soul rolls, oxtails with Mac and rice and peas, and short ribs with A$AP yams and potato salad. Homemade lemonade and sweet tea. The tea, potato salad, and the Mac were the best things we ordered. Everything else was mid honestly. The waffle came out cold and hard. The short ribs are covered in a lot of BBQ sauce. We asked the server about this before ordering and she said it was just a little sauce. Definitely not the case. Nothing we ordered was great but I also live in the South where there is an abundance of Southern restaurants and I'm probably biased. Either way stop by here even if it's just for the Mac and friendly service.

The experience was great. We are here in NYC celebrating 25 years of marriage. We had heard about Melba’s so this was our first outing on our agenda. The service was good but the food was very good. The pics are real. My favorite was the unique spring rolls? Food was good price. Will be back

I have been trying to get here for months and I finally made it. All I can say is that they didn't disappoint at all and I was so happy! All of the food was flavorful and staff was pleasant. Melba was there and more beautiful in person. I can't wait until Spring to get back for outdoor dining. So glad I got to experience this. P.S. the picture of the calamari isn't the full plate. We forgot to take the picture before we started devouring the food. Sorry not sorry.

I’m always glad to support small Black (female) owned establishments. Lovely and friendly staff. Thank you Awa! Your service was great despite it being so busy! Cute, small, popular place with potential. Only one bathroom working and it’s a mess! ? Oh the food! Where should I begin? My daughter and I were exploring Harlem and decided to try Melba’s. Usually when a restaurant is busy you automatically associate that with good food. We were were excited to have made this our choice. Let’s just say it’s okay. Nothing to write home about. Actually, it was disappointing! The jumbo lump crab cakes…was that even crab meat? The chicken wings and eggnog waffles with strawberry butter was okay. The waffles was fluffy and tasty while the chicken and Charleston jumbo shrimp were bland and could use some seasoning. The mac and cheese was good. My daughter's rum punch was more punch…still waiting for the rum! But it was tasty so not a total loss. The lemonade was delicious but a bit on the sweet side for my liking. I’ve had better comfort/southern food before. We won’t return! Please keep the bathroom clean since it’s the only one that’s functional and so close to the kitchen.

Very lively & friendly restaurant run by American African. Love the ambience & the friendly crowd. Love the southern fried chicken & eggnog waffle. The beef rib was super tender , it is a must try. They have unique cocktails too, the Strawberry Hennessy was very special . We came here during Mother’s Day & I was given a stalk of red rose. :)

Food was amazing!! Great southern-style comfort food. Not gon lie, yams was on diabetes and I couldn't finish them but I feel like to someone else that's how they like it. Everything else was good! Food a bit pricey but I get it. Atmosphere was great, service okay but it was an event going on so I understand. Would definitely recommend!!

AMAZING!! So happy we came here! Make a reservation. The fried chicken is sublime. The waffles with strawberry butter, WOW! Spring rolls, yes please. Mac and cheese, legendary. Awesome service. Great energy. Love everything about this place!!

Without a doubt one of the best restaurants in NY. The flavors of old Harlem are in this cozy yet elegant place. My wife and I visited this place after all the buzz created at the Sherri’s show and we were not disappointed. Cecilia, the hostess was gracious enough to call Melba who sent a video message to my wife thanking her for the visit. Now the food deserves a separate review because it is amazingly rich in flavors and textures. I highly recommend the oxtail and also the ribs. The side dishes are just as amazing. The drinks made by a super pleasant bartender are great and strong. Whenever we get back to NY we’ll be back ✅?