On a cobblestoned West Village corner near the Chelsea Market lies a French bistro that patrons jestfully describe as being almost too perfect for brunch and dinner dates. Called Café Cluny (after the famous monastery), it’s the third effort by Café Odeon owner Lynn Wagenknecht, who is no stranger to New Yorkers’ penchant for elevated Franco-American fare. Delicious brasserie mainstays like steak frites au poivre and brioche French toast reign supreme, though more ambitious, not-so-Parisian plates such as Hamachi crudo with tomato jam appear as well. The dining area skews quaint but has a modern polish, featuring beige-leather banquettes, fern leaves behind glass frames, and, for Gallic flair, bars of ornate crown molding. (Of note: Café Cluny is pluperfect for stargazing, too.)
Café Cluny
Images by Café Cluny
