Little Ruby's Murray Hill — Restaurant in New York

Little Ruby’s in Murray Hill is a cozy spot known for its delectable dishes and efficient service. While the food and overall experience are commendable, the cramped seating arrangements slightly detract from the comfort. Nonetheless, this charming eatery deserves a solid four-star rating for its culinary offerings and friendly service.

Ambiance and Decor: Little Ruby’s features a casual and inviting atmosphere with a minimalist yet stylish decor. However, the tables are tightly packed, making it feel a bit cramped during peak hours. Despite this, the warm lighting and clean, modern aesthetic create a pleasant dining environment.

Service Experience: Service at Little Ruby’s is quick and efficient. The staff is friendly, attentive, and eager to make your visit enjoyable. Orders are taken promptly, and the food arrives swiftly, making it an excellent choice for those on a tight schedule.

Food and Drinks: The menu at Little Ruby’s offers a delightful selection of Australian-inspired dishes, all made with fresh and high-quality ingredients. Here are some must-try items:

Appetizers: Avocado Toast: A generous serving of smashed avocado on toasted sourdough, topped with chili flakes and a drizzle of olive oil. Simple yet delicious, it’s a perfect start to any meal. Ricotta Hotcakes: Fluffy hotcakes topped with fresh berries, honeycomb butter, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Light, airy, and full of flavor.

Main Courses: Brunch Burger: A juicy beef patty topped with bacon, egg, cheese, and a special sauce, all nestled in a brioche bun. It’s hearty, flavorful, and highly satisfying. Chicken Parmigiana: A crispy, breaded chicken cutlet topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, served with a side of mixed greens. Comfort food at its finest. Green Bowl: A healthy and vibrant bowl filled with quinoa, avocado, mixed greens, and a poached egg, all dressed in a tangy lemon vinaigrette. Fresh, nutritious, and delicious.

Desserts: Banana Bread: Moist and flavorful banana bread, served with a dollop of mascarpone and a drizzle of honey. A sweet and satisfying end to the meal. Lamington: A classic Australian treat, featuring a sponge cake coated in chocolate and rolled in coconut. Perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

Drinks: Flat White: A creamy and well-balanced coffee that showcases the barista’s skill. A must-try for coffee lovers. Freshly Squeezed Juices: A variety of refreshing and healthy juice options, perfect for pairing with any meal.

Overall Impression: Little Ruby’s excels in delivering delicious, high-quality food with quick and friendly service. The casual and stylish atmosphere makes it a great spot for a relaxed meal. However, the cramped seating can be a bit uncomfortable, especially during busy times. Despite this, the overall dining experience remains enjoyable and memorable.

Rating: ★★★★☆

For a taste of Australian-inspired cuisine in a cozy setting, Little Ruby’s in Murray Hill is a fantastic choice. Highly recommended for those looking for great food and quick service, even if the seating is...

My wife and I came here for breakfast because we wanted something a little more than the bodega breakfast sandwiches/bagels. We arrived just a tad after 9AM when they opened, and we were seated right away. There were maybe 3-4 tables taken. A disproportionate number of patrons had scrubs on, which I assume is due to it's proximity to an NYU medical facility nearby judging by the logos emblazoned upon some of the patrons' clothing.

Upon sitting, the wait staff gave us menus, and a few minutes for us to peruse the menu. After deciding on what to eat, we read through the rest of the menu (as one does) in order to choose a backup or just out of curiosity. I decided on the Green Eggs Bowl with Salmon and my wife ordered the Sweet Corn and Bacon Cous Cous. For drinks, my wife ordered the Ruby's Spritz, and I ordered the Cooper's Green, which is a Pale Ale from Cooper's in Australia.

The drinks came out quickly and there's no shame in having a drink with brunch at 9AM. It was brunch, it was St. Patrick's Day weekend, it was a Saturday, and who cares? Our waitress emphatically reinforced that the Spritz was a good choice. It came in a rocks glass over ice, with an orange slice and a short paper straw. My beer came in a bottle and I was offered a glass which I politely declined.

My Green Eggs Bowl was delicious and an amazing amalgamation of flavor. It tasted very fresh and had a nice amount of smoked salmon around the edge, with a generous pile of greens(spinach, kale, peas)in the middle. There was a sort of tangy sauce that the greens were tossed in, which complemented the salmon and and eggs quite well. The greens also had what I think was pesto layered inside.

My wife's Sweet Corn and Bacon Cous Cous was equally as delicious. The corn was sweet the thick cut matchsticks of bacon were salty and the cous cous was cooked perfectly. Each bite consisted of the al dente cous cous, the sweet bursts of ripe corn kernels, and the salty slightly chewy bacon. As long as you didn't save all the bacon for last, you had a very well balanced spoonful.

We seemed to have arrived at the right time, given that by the time we left, every table was taken. There was no line for people waiting, but it would not surprise me if one formed after we left. The space was very efficiently laid out and the staff was very courteous and professional. I would not hesitate to recommend people eat here. We would definitely love to return.

The bathroom has a cute couple doing the crosslegged pee pee dance. And, if the lighting is right, you can see the silhouette of people in the hall right outside...

Really impressed with their outdoor seating situation. Every table was separated by a tall clear divider. There were several waiters wearing gloves and masks keeping a watchful eye on us. I found it interesting (and kinda wasteful) that they did not even reuse the paper menu, it was discarded after each table. They also had a touch-less payment system. Because of its popularity, there was a wait to get seated and we came by around 1pm. I can imagine it being worse on weekends.

Ruby's prides itself on offering a local cuisine with an Australian influence. Their menu for lunch featured a variety of salads, burgers and pasta. Burgers seemed to be their most popular item. Nice presentation, huge portion though. Wasn't super hungry at the time so instead I got the Brussels sprouts. As a side i was very satisfied with the portion, still ended up taking some home. It was very crispy, tossed in salsa verde. I accompanied it with some truffle fries which were delicious. Sweet potatoes fries were a close second, served with sour cream and chili sauce. My husband loved the chicken avocado salad. Also don't make the mistake of ordering 2 sets of fries if you are not hungry. I stress again, they give you commendable portions.

Their "bevies" menu featured some nice refreshing boozy drinks. We had Ruby's Spritz (more like an Aperol). The frozen margarita came in a mason jar and was strong. They also had a spiked watermelon juice which tasted more like juice.

Overall a great Aussie brekkie place! I would definitely return to...