Cafe Aviva — Restaurant in New York

We’ve always really liked this café - it’s close to our home, and we often come here for a cozy breakfast. We usually come a bit later in the morning, after the rush, when it’s quiet and calm.

Today was one of those mornings. We brought a plain bagel from the store next door and, as always, we bought pastries and coffee from your café. But we were asked not to eat our bagel due to the “no outside food” policy.

While we understand the rule in general, this felt a little unfair. We always make purchases, we don’t stay long (just 15–20 minutes), and we never bring anything with a strong smell or take up space for hours like some people with laptops do.

On top of that, today the café was nearly empty - only one table was occupied. And since you don’t sell bagels or sandwiches, it felt like we had no option for a proper breakfast.

As regular and loyal customers, we’d really appreciate it if there could be a bit more flexibility in cases like this. We truly enjoy this place and hope you’ll consider this feedback.

Update: Recently, I was approached by the owner while I was in the cafe not in a quiet tone, and not privately. He spoke to me in front of other guests and his staff, and he was clearly very angry.

I asked him why he was so angry-customers are allowed to have opinions, and reviews exist for a reason. I’m not a confrontational person, I don’t like raising my voice in public, and I don’t feel comfortable discussing problems loudly around other people.

He was upset because of the honest review I had written earlier. He told me, “If that’s your opinion, then my opinion is that I won’t serve you. Don’t come back to my café unless you delete your review.”

I found this to be extremely unprofessional and completely unnecessary. If he had approached me respectfully and in private, I might have considered removing the review. But instead, I was made to feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, and unwelcome in front of others.

What’s especially disappointing is that he had previously replied to my review online in a polite and understanding tone yet in person, his behavior was the complete opposite.

I stand by my review no customer should ever be treated this way for sharing...

FINALLY!!! I had been walking by this storefront every day on my way to work for years saying “there should be a coffee shop there.”When I heard that they were opening one, I was so happy.

I can tell the owner cares about his customers because he takes care to use the healthiest ingredients possible in their drinks in food. All their coffee drinks are great (a super skilled barista works there most of the day) and their food is annoyingly good! I crave their croissants, babkas, and sandwiches all day long. They have a different sandwich of the day, everyday, and every single one I’ve tried has been delicious and filling.

I brought their croissants to work one day and all my coworkers said it was the best croissant they tried in NYC, and wouldn’t stop asking me where I bought them.

The staff is patient, knowledgeable, and friendly. They are always smiling and happy to greet people. So happy the island has a cool cafe to hang...

Cafe Aviva is one of those places you stumble into and immediately want to come back to. The cappuccino was honestly next level—super smooth and perfectly balanced. I also tried the raspberry tea and it was unreal, so fresh and full of flavor.

Alon (he’s in the background of the photo I posted) is hilarious in the best way—quirky, quick with a joke, but also super thoughtful. He really adds to the vibe of the place.

There’s always a seat, the music is chill and never too loud, and the pastries are fresh and actually good—not just sitting there for show. Such...