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We happened to be in the area and hungry with no planned place to eat. Seeing the restaurant with just a few people inside we had some concerns but upon entering we were pleasantly welcomed and offered our choice of table. Our party of three ordered two salads and a grilled vegetable panini. All three were great. A warm environment, great food, good service at a reasonable price...what more could you want?! Forget the previous negative, fussy review and go!

Above average crepes, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Good neighborhood joint. Will come back again.

I have walked past this restaurant many times, but finally stepped in for a late brunch today. They frowned a bit upon hearing I was a party of one, but gave me a table in five minutes. I asked for steak&eggs medium rare, but with just salad, no home fries, and also half an order of pancakes on the side. When the food came, after quite a wait, the steak was the most sorry example I've seen in any New York diner. 1/4 inch thick, and about 5x8 inches. It was also cooked uniformly gray all through. The pancakes looked great though, with blueberries and strawberries, and fresh fruit on the side. The banana slices however had brown mushy spots that I had to cut away myself. I was too hungry to cause a ruccus, and didn't want to wait even longer, so I started eating. The waitress never once checked back how things were, except once to take the ketchup bottle to another table. When the check came, I was rung up for two complete brunches, and I noticed she hadn't even written any of my special orders for the steak and eggs, so no wonder it wasnt what I had ordered. Her only note said "medium", even though I asked for medium-rare. She said they didn't offer half order pancakes, just full order. She had no answer as to why she hadn't told me that when I ordered, as opposed to just put it on the check. I was amazed, so I called the manager over. He began offering money off the check, but I insisted instead that he hear me out. He did, saying "sorry" and "it's been busy" at every chance. I paid and left, vowing to put some reviews in online. Ergo, this posting. I really wanted to like Raffaela's, it looks so cosy and has a good mix of customers -locals, old and young- but I can't bear a waitstaff that so completely botches things. Pancakes were great though. And they did refill the hot water for my tea when I asked.

great food, great atmosphere. try the lasagna (just make sure it's not cold)

One of the greatest neighborhood spots in Chelsea. Cute breakfast & brunch place with cozy couches and friendly staff. The food is simple and tasty and the desserts are scrumptious. Just one word of advise, don’t go there if you are in a rush or really starving. There is usually one waiter/waitress working the entire place so you’d have to patient with the service.

I was so pleasantly surprised when I finally had a chance to go and eat at this cute little restaurant, I had passed it many times on my way to Chelsea Market, and was not disappointed when I finally ate there for brunch. It was very similar to a European cafe, the staff would let you sit for hours if you wanted to and just drink coffee. The portions were very generous as well, and for the brunch specials, you were given the choice of coffee or tea AND orange juice or a momosa included in the prices. I would highly recommend this to anyone, and honestly, it really isn't that expensive considering how much food your served and the quality of it!

I visited with a friend (c. 2003) & have since dragged as many friends of mine as possible back to this charming little place. Admittedly, I've only ever gone for dessert & tea/other beverages, but my friends & I've been consistently satisfied with what we've ordered. I plan to return for an actual meal - if I'm somehow horrified, I'll comment in this space.