maman — Restaurant in New York

I regret to say that our recent visit to Maman at 375 Hudson Street on Sunday morning, 10/01/23, left our book club feeling extremely dissatisfied. We were initially excited about the location, but one unfortunate incident marred our experience. To begin with, I called on Friday afternoon to inquire about any events scheduled for Sunday, specifically mentioning our group of seven. The person who answered the phone assured us that there were no events planned for Sunday, which seemed perfect for our book club gathering. On Sunday, when one of our party members arrived at 10 am, she was told that the whole group needed to be present to be seated. We understood this policy and patiently waited for everyone to arrive. However, our disappointment began to grow when we noticed a lack of organization and service. As we waited for seating, there was a line forming to order drinks and food, but there was no barista to take orders. After about five minutes, a server finally inquired about our party size, and we informed her that there were seven of us. She consulted with another server and offered us a table in the corner, explaining that it wouldn't be connected but would be close together. We accepted this arrangement since we were a book club and needed to converse. However, the server returned and abruptly informed us that they couldn't accommodate our group. We were perplexed because there were clearly available tables. When we requested to speak with the manager, Indigo, the situation took a discouraging turn. Indigo repeated that they couldn't accommodate us without providing a satisfactory explanation. We even suggested sitting at one end of a larger table or at other empty tables, but the response was met with a dismissive and rude attitude. Indigo's response left us feeling unwelcome, and we couldn't understand the sudden change in attitude when we had informed them of our group size from the beginning. Additionally, we noticed a lack of organization during our wait. No barista was available to take orders for several minutes, causing confusion among other customers. It was also puzzling to see two servers focusing on setting up a single table for four, while there were customers waiting to be seated. We couldn't help but wonder why tables weren't already set up for service, especially considering the cafe's 8 am opening time.

In the end, we chose to sit outside despite the manager's discourteous attitude. We ordered pastries and drinks but couldn't help but feel disappointed by the entire experience. It was evident that no other parties showed up for the supposed reservation that prevented our seating indoors. We expected Maman to be capable of accommodating larger groups, especially given our prior confirmation. Unfortunately, this experience has left us with a negative impression of the cafe's customer service and organization. Despite the appealing interior design, we would hesitate to recommend this location to anyone planning to visit with a large group. In summary, our visit to Maman on 10/01/23 was marred by disorganization, unexplained changes in seating availability, and a manager's discourteous attitude. We hope that this feedback helps improve the cafe's customer experience...

If you're searching for a truly remarkable dining experience in the heart of Tribeca, look no further than Maman Café. This delightful gem captures the essence of French charm while infusing it with a unique modern twist that sets it apart from the crowd. From the moment you step through its doors, you're transported to a world of tantalizing flavors, cozy ambiance, and impeccable service that will leave you spellbound.

The first thing that strikes you as you enter Maman Café is its warm and inviting atmosphere. The space is beautifully adorned with rustic-chic decor, combining vintage elements with contemporary design, creating a harmonious blend that is both elegant and comfortable. The soft lighting and gentle background music add to the overall ambiance, creating a soothing haven in the midst of the bustling city.

Now, let's talk about the food. Maman Café takes traditional French cuisine and elevates it to new heights with their innovative and imaginative creations. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty brunch, a light lunch, or a decadent dessert, their menu is a treasure trove of culinary delights that cater to every palate.

For breakfast or brunch, the café offers a selection of mouthwatering dishes that will leave you longing for more. Indulge in their delectable avocado toast, topped with perfectly poached eggs and a sprinkle of herbs, or treat yourself to their heavenly Nutella-stuffed French toast. And let's not forget about their divine croissants, baked to perfection and served warm, flaky, and buttery.

If you're stopping by for lunch, prepare to be amazed by their selection of vibrant salads, delightful sandwiches, and savory quiches. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients that burst with flavor. The classic French onion soup is a must-try, with its rich broth, caramelized onions, and a blanket of melted cheese that will transport you straight to the streets of Paris.

And then comes the pièce de résistance—their exquisite selection of pastries and desserts. From their famous chocolate chip cookies, which are heavenly bites of gooey perfection, to their decadent tarts and cakes that are as beautiful as they are scrumptious, Maman Café has truly mastered the art of sweet indulgence.

What sets Maman Café apart, besides its extraordinary culinary offerings, is the exceptional service provided by the friendly and attentive staff. The team exudes genuine warmth and enthusiasm, making you feel like an honored guest from the moment you step inside. Their attentiveness and willingness to cater to your every need truly elevate the dining experience.

In conclusion, Maman Café in Tribeca is a hidden gem that deserves to be discovered. With its inviting ambiance, delectable menu, and top-notch service, it offers a dining experience that is nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you're seeking a cozy brunch spot, a leisurely lunch, or a delightful dessert haven, Maman Café will exceed your expectations and leave you craving for more. Treat yourself to a memorable culinary journey and let Maman Café cast its enchanting...

Used to be one of my favorite spots but recently went in to order the granola parfait. They normally ask me if I want it for here or to go, which this time they didn’t ask me so I assumed it was going to be for here since I frequented this spot quite often.

It came out in a little plastic container. I had 15 minutes to eat lunch so I apologized but asked if I could have it in a for here plate/bowl since I wanted to sit here. The person in the kitchen made a huge fuss and said it wasn’t gonna be done pretty since they were just going to dump it out of the to go container into a bowl. I didn’t really understand because I never asked for it to go.

It came out not the same as normal. I apologized again and just said I took a photo the last time I went here and it looks a much smaller portion and messy. Not sure why I’m paying the same amount for less quality and quantity.

For reference, the first photo is what I received from the to go container and the second is what I’ve previously been served when I get the same parfait to stay.

The main barista and cashier who has always been nice and kind said there was no difference between the photos and they couldn’t give a refund because the food was already served.

I’m assuming the manager came in and handled the situation. He apologized and refunded the order.

I work in a restaurant and I would have never 1) served a customer something blatantly different in portion or quality and 2) respond to a customer sending back food in the way the kitchen and barista did.

I didn’t want to be annoying but it’s not fair to charge customers the same amount for...