La Bomboniera — Restaurant in New York

Later that same Saturday, still wandering through the Upper East Side with no particular agenda, I found myself drawn to a small, quietly elegant spot—La Bomboniera. The name alone carried a certain charm, and as I stepped inside, I was greeted by something even rarer in the city: calm.

The space is small, almost hidden, but it doesn’t feel accidental. It’s intimate in the best way—modest tables, soft chatter, warm light curling around the corners of the room. It’s the kind of café that feels like it belongs to the neighborhood—familiar, comforting, and just the right place to pause midway through a day.

I ordered a flat white, which arrived promptly—balanced and smooth, with a warmth that quietly steadied me. Alongside it, I chose their Torta della Nonna, a Tuscan lemon-zest cake that felt like something pulled from a family recipe box. The crust was tender, the filling subtly citrusy, not too sweet—a slice that felt more like a memory than a dessert.

What elevated the experience, however, was the presence of Roxanne, the waitress who looked after me with a kindness that felt entirely unforced. She was attentive without hovering, sincere without pretense—someone who understands that good hospitality is less about performance and more about presence.

La Bomboniera may not call attention to itself, but it doesn’t need to. It’s the kind of place you remember without even trying to, a quiet corner in a loud city. For a slow conversation, a solo moment, or something in between, it offers exactly what you didn’t...

I’ve been coming to this café for over five months and first fell in love with it during the winter. The hot chocolate, the Italian-inspired coffee methods, and the overall ambiance truly stood out. In the beginning, the service was warm and welcoming—the waitresses were always friendly and polite, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

Over time, however, the staff has shifted to all male waiters. While they are quick and efficient, I’ve often found them to be standoffish, disinterested, or even a bit rude, especially when it comes to handling payment or when guests are ready to leave. On several occasions, I’ve felt that if you’re only ordering a coffee, you’re treated as if you’re not worth their time or tips, which creates a disappointing atmosphere.

This pattern has made me feel anxious about leaving rather than relaxed enough to enjoy the space. In hospitality, the way guests are welcomed and cared for is what encourages them to stay longer and order more, and it feels like that’s being overlooked here.

I’ve also noticed that the staff tends to favor female customers with noticeably better service, which feels outdated and unfair.

This café still has so much potential with its ambiance and quality drinks, but the service really needs to align with the experience they’re...

I was so happy when this cute neighborhood café opened—it has such a cozy atmosphere, and I really wanted it to become my everyday spot, my “third place.” But unfortunately, the way they treat regulars, especially around their laptop policy, is really disappointing.

I wasn’t asked to leave, but the server kept coming over again and again, asking if I needed anything else—even after I told him I already had my coffee. Eventually, he started pointing out the laptop policy, even though the café was half empty. It felt more like I was being nudged to leave than anything else, and it made the experience uncomfortable.

The female servers in the morning are generally kind, but some of the male staff could really improve their attitude. It’s a shame, because having loyal customers who come almost every day should be a good thing.

I’ve started going to Mia’s Café instead. It may not have the exact ambiance I prefer, but the staff are so warm and welcoming. They’re genuinely happy to see me walk in—and that kind of hospitality makes a big difference.

From other reviews I’ve read, I’m clearly not the only one who’s felt this way. It’s unfortunate, because this place has potential—but without a more thoughtful and friendly approach, it’s hard to feel...