Crema

Avoid this place at all costs. We spent $200 here and it was overpriced and just tasted of salt. save your money

Wow... It's been two days since I had a quick bite at Crema, and I'm still talking about it... The atmosphere was classy and fun (upbeat and nice but not snobby), and everyone in the place had smiles on, both staff and customer alike. The service was friendly and on point: awake, available, friendly, and checked in with us occasionally without interrupting us... The food was to die for. One important thing in fine dining is balance. There were so many taste sensations, and yet everything had its place. The taste was never muddy because of "too much going on" and at the same time, there was a brilliant blend of fresh flavors that just screamed for me to closey eyes and savor the taste. The dishes were creative and bold, and I only wish that I could afford to dine there daily (this isn't Mamoun's... There's no $2.00 dinner here)... Prices are not cheap, but you get what you pay for: the dining here is an experience! It's the exact opposite of the garbage that places like Taco Bell churn out... I can say nothing bad about Crema other than if I could change one thing, I would add a teleportation unit from their kitchen to my apartment on the upper east side, so I could enjoy their tasty goodness every day. Bravo!

My friend and I went here this evening for Cinco de Mayo. We waited 45 minutes for a table (no problem as it's 2 hours everywhere else and we didn't make reservations). Once we sat down we waited and waited. I had to get up and ask a bus boy to clear the table from the people before us. My friend got up and got us menus. Then the bus boy told me to order with the maitre'd. He said that was incorrect and would send someone over. We finally got fed up with waiting we walked over to the bar to order. We waited about 25-30 mins for all of this. My food came out in 10 mins and my friends food came out 30 mins AFTER that. Holy cow. I spoke with the GM/Maitre'd and he was defensive and said we didn't have reservations and they were busy and asked 'well, what do you want me to do about it?'. We were so patient at a restaurant that wasn't nearly as busy as any other Mexican Restaurant and the GM was bordering on yelling at us. Don't go here- ever.

This place really can't be called Mexican. The ingredients may be indigenous to high end Mexican cooking, but not the preparation. Each bite was so flavorful and nothing I have ever tasted before. Tuna, crab cakes, scallops, ostrich were all cooked and prepared meticulously, accompanied by the perfect ratio of sauces. The portions appeared small, but at the end of two courses I was perfectly satisfied. Drinks were also very good, albeit a bit too much ice and , a little stingy for the $14 price tag... My only gripe.. Next time I will go during happy hour, sit at the bar, drink for half price and go down that dreamy culinary road once again. Peanut, Chipolte cream soup, here I come.

Ate here during restaurant week. Had a really tasty menu and really good by restaurant week standards (good portions, nice options). We came early to get happy hour at bar, to enjoy drink before our meal. Drinks are a little pricey full price here ($12-17 for cocktails), but were good. Both our meals were fantastic. My beef cheeks mini tacos and duck tacos were fantastic! amazing. dessert was amazing as well. truly unique tastes, cooked perfect..not one complaint about the food. the service was a bit spotty. The busboys were fine and attentive, but the waiter took forever. We were seated a good 5+ minutes before someone even coming over to table at all. Out table is a little cramped, but it is NYC. I would say the service could be stepped up for sure. Also...the menu is on the pricey side in general, even though it is upscale Mexican. I think they could include the chips on the table at the start of the meal, as opposed to an $8 optional appetizer. We didnt get the guacumole, but it looked great. all in all..fantastic food, slow service spotty service that isn't up to the standards of the food quality, and a little pricey.

This place is great, I went last week with my boyfriend for a late dinner and the atmosphere was really great. Kind of romantic, kind of trendy, but still good for groups. The waiter was on point. He didn't rush us at all, but still brought everything out quickly. The margarita's are pricey ($12) but they are really good. They have 1/2 price drink specials from 5-7 though. We started with the combo guac/salsa appitizer. The guac was perfect but beware that their salsa is creamy, not chunky like traditional salsa. And you won't find any fajita's on this menu either! I ordered the scallops tapas place with was fantastic ($8) and my bf ordered the duck which was out of this world ($24ish). After 4 drinks and all the food the bill was only $120, which was a really good deal.

Crema is by far one of the best Mexican restaurants in NYC. Its inventive mexican cuisine with french technique has made my husband and I regulars for three years now. There are MANY other restaurants that are pricier than Crema, yet they become crowded because of the frilly menu and poser crowd. If you want excellent food and great drinks, without the poser crowd, this is your place.