TAP Brazilian Café – 100% Gluten-Free | Tapioca Sandwiches & Açaí | Midtown East – NYC — Restaurant in New York

The food here is absolutely incredible. My husband has Celiac Disease, so the fact that they are 100% gluten-free is WONDERFUL for his needs. Annnd the fact that they are 100% tasty is wonderful for mine! 😋 There are two locations, and the food and general experience was mostly the same at each, for us. This location has a bit less seating and the service was a little bit slower, but I think we came during a rush time and there seemed to be only one girl working the counter.

The first time we went (Midtown East location), we got two of the plain/original cheese breads to share, and couldn't stop raving about them. I got the monster acai bowl, and 24oz was way too much for me to finish it, but the toppings sounded the best. I realized after the fact that I probably could've gotten the 16oz and just specified those toppings. Anyway, it was PHENOMENAL. I love acai bowls anyway, but this was so fresh, flavorful, and amazing, especially with the flavor from the banana and then the crunch from both the coconut and the granola. The granola is incredible, but it does have nuts, so be advised if that's an issue for you. My husband got the lean steak club on tapioca, and he said it was excellent.

We loved our experience here so much that we kept mentioning it again, and actually cancelled our previous lunch plans the next day to go again, this time to the Upper West Side location, which was just as fantastic. We loved what we ordered so much that we didn't branch out at all and just got the same things again - but with more cheese bread. Before we left to catch a flight home (we aren't NY natives), we got more of the cheese bread delivered, and brought it with us as an in-flight snack. We are sharing some with a chef friend back home to see if he can figure out how to make something similar.

Small note: There are no restrooms here, but they do leave a big bottle of germ-x by the register. Also, the water is free and self-serve. So refreshing! There's limited seating at both, and the place can be busy at lunch rush, but the food will be amazing and you can always order ahead for pickup if you're in a rush.

We LOVE this place and would recommend it to anyone. The pricing is fair for NYC, the food is incredible, and honestly, we paid twice as much a few times on our trip for food that wasn't half as memorable. Don't skip this place if you're near...

Update 11/18/24 previously 5 star review: I had to unfortunately change my review since this occurrence has become a constant problem and last week was the straw that broke the camel's back. Also, since no one replied nor reached out to me after emailing them - here is the email with redacted private info:

"It's 2:18 pm and I am sitting in front of your shop in the upper west side. This is an experience I have had many times but today takes the cake.

I ordered my lean steak wrap. I told the employee "for here". Employee then gives me my order in a cardboard box. I asked him why and he said because there's no room. I told him that group of 6 ppl who have obviously finished their meal twenty minutes ago will have to get up. Mind you, that group was very rude and they even had friends who were not even clients come in joining them. Amounting to eight ppl in your tiny shop. I looked at one of them and I told them you're going to have to give me one of your tables. One of the girls begrudgingly complied. And they sat there for another 20 minutes and talking all while five other patrons were waiting to sit.

And another two friends came over and they had more conversations. I don't know how your employees or your company finds this appropriate. If I'm paying $20 for steak sandwich along with a 22% tip, I expect to be able to sit down for 10 minutes to eat and then leave. Mind you I usually don't care but I had just come from the orthopedic surgeon's office and I needed to really sit down. I had walked all the way from NYU. So pray, tell me how you find this appropriate?"

I happen to be in the area and needed to grab a quick bite. I found this little place and I was immediately hooked. I ordered the first day the lean steak wrap (made of egg) for extra protein. The next day I ordered the chicken club egg wrap. Both sandwiches were delectable. No dry food and the staff is very friendly. The prices are very fair and I can say they are generous with filling these sandwiches. I was full for the whole day! The only thing I wish they had is the caloric count on their menu which I was told they were working on. It makes choices a bit harder when you don't know how many calories you're consuming. I hope we get that soon. I will definitely be...

I recently visited TAP in NYC and absolutely loved it! I tried a variety of items and had an amazing experience. For bread, I went with both the traditional and pesto varieties — and I have to say, the pesto bread was definitely my favorite. It had such a rich, flavorful taste that elevated everything I paired it with.

For sandwiches, I chose the Avo & Egg and the Club Chicken. Both were delicious, but the Avo & Egg really stood out. The sandwich was so generously packed inside, with every bite bursting with creamy avocado and perfectly cooked egg — it was absolutely satisfying.

I also had the Matcha Boost and the Monster Açaí Bowl. While both drinks were refreshing, the Monster Açaí Bowl was the highlight of my visit. Açaí bowls have a way of bringing a smile to my face, even on the coldest winter days in NYC, and this one was no exception. It was packed with vibrant flavors and textures that felt like a little burst of sunshine.

Beyond the food, I have to mention the exceptional service. The lady taking orders was so warm and friendly, making the entire experience even more enjoyable. She was attentive and made sure I was well taken care of throughout my visit. The cook also deserves a shout-out — everything was prepared with such care and precision. It was clear they take pride in what they do, and it truly made a difference in the quality of the food.

Overall, TAP has quickly become one of my favorite spots in the city. The combination of high-quality food, top-notch service, and the inviting atmosphere makes it...