Ruhani Cafe — Restaurant in New York

Last Monday was soft and inviting—a perfect spring day in Brooklyn with breezy warmth that carried the scent of blossoms through the air. My friend and I ventured to Ruhani Café on Atlantic Avenue, lured by the promise of a quiet chai break and a tucked-away backyard oasis.

What greeted us was pure serenity: stepping behind the café, we found a lush veranda of greenery—ivy-clad walls, hanging vines, and cozy bistro tables under delicate string lights. The space felt designed for slow afternoons: a gentle mix of shade and sunlight filtering through, low conversations drifting around, and the comforting hum of city life just beyond the walls. It truly felt like a secret garden in the middle of Brooklyn.

We chose to stay and soak it all in. While the menu specializes in chai, we decided to try their signature blends: • Kesar Chai – beautifully aromatic, with saffron notes that felt regal and comforting • Doodh Patti – smooth, milky, and gently spiced in the traditional style • Pistachio Baklava – a crisp, honeyed square with vibrant green crunch and just the right level of sweetness • Tres Leches – tender, soaked sponge with a creamy, milky depth that somehow felt both light and indulgent

The chai was crafted with care and elegance—each cup poured as though it were a ritual, highlighting the nuances of saffron, cardamom, and slow-steeped spices. The tres leches, in particular, was a revelation: moist, rich without heaviness, and utterly memorable.

What made the experience even more special were the two baristas, Mahrukh and Yeliz—gracious, warm, and genuinely proud of their craft. Their kindness extended beyond service; they surprised us with a taste of their in-house saffron-pistachio-cardamom ice cream—an unexpected treat that encapsulated the delicate yet bold spirit of the café.

Between the sunlit backyard, the thoughtfully prepared chai, and the generosity of Mahrukh and Yeliz, Ruhani Café became more than a stop—it was a moment of calm elegance. Perfect for an afternoon unwind or a slow chat...

Is this unreliability or a lack of follow up?

I attempted to dine here around 8:20 and it is not opened.

I have only successfully dined here once. I do my laptop work early and although it is advertised that they open at 7:30am, any attempt to come before 10am has been a failure. Unfortunately, I heavily prefer to work early morning and resolve to being home later in the day so this takes off MAJOR POINTS for me (How can a cafe be unreliable?). The hours on the door and inside ALSO say they open at 7:30am, so maybe I’ve been unlucky today AND those 3-4 times?

When I WAS successful in dining here (as in they were open when I went at ~11am) I had a great experience. I did not have “cold or unkind staff” like some other reviews mentioned. The chai was great and pastries were delicious.

I hope their hours are consistent but new and they haven’t had a chance to update google or any signage but if not, they’re running a business where the entire model should be consistency and...

Ruhani Cafe is a lovely, small cafe with the right amount of seating. The tables are perfectly spaced so you aren't seated so closely to others. This was my first time trying baklava and DoodhPatti, so I was very much interested in seeing what my husband likes about baklava. When I entered I wasn't greeted or at least given a smile. The man who took my order looked bothered and uninterested in taking my order. He definitely wasn't customer service friendly. Two ladies were working behind the counter and they also seemed not so happy to be there. I waited a little over 5 minutes for my order and took it to go. I have to admit I didn't like either of the two. The Baklava was overly sweet in my opinion and the DoodhPatti didn't agree with...