Casa La Femme Greenwich Village

★☆☆☆☆ I don’t even know where to begin—maybe with the **influencer who hyped this place up and lured me in like a moth to a neon-lit trap**. I came for **belly dancing and Middle Eastern cuisine**—you know, a little dinner, a little show. **How bad could it be?** Famous last words. We arrived at **7:30**. Waited to be seated. Then waited some more. The “show” finally began around **8:25** and sputtered out after **15 underwhelming minutes**. They clearly thought this glittery distraction would **distract from the culinary trainwreck**—it didn’t. Let’s talk food. Or rather, **why is this food?** Portions? Child-sized. Meat? Passable. Rice? Bland, lifeless, tasted like sorrow. No sauce in sight—just a lonely blob of **tahini** that felt more like a dare than a condiment. And surprise! That uninspired scoop? $9 extra. Service? An abomination in several acts. We were forgotten more times than my houseplants. 30–40 minutes went by before anyone remembered we might want dessert. We ordered kunefe, which arrived in the form of two syrup-soaked sugar pucks masquerading as a dessert. **Oversweetened and undersized**, much like this restaurant’s ambitions. But wait—there’s more! As if the dining disaster wasn’t enough, **a “photographer” prowls the floor**, instructing guests how to pose, kiss, “manifest,” and perform like you’re auditioning for a dating show in the afterlife. Then, with all the grace of a car salesman at closing time, she tries to sell you each awkward photo for **\$30 a pop**. The reason they don’t bring the check? **They’re buying time for the photographer to pounce.** So, to sum it up: this place is not a restaurant. It’s a **performance art piece on how to ruin dinner**. You want Middle Eastern food and a good time? NYC is full of places that won’t rob your soul and wallet. Do yourself a favor: Run, don’t walk.

Exquisite! My mom and I came here for dinner and the staff, ambiance and food were amazing. Our waiter was especially attentive. We had to change our reservation last minute and the restaurant easily accommodated our request. The restaurant was lively on a Friday night but we only had a 3 minute wait to get our table. The decor, vibe, and music, all transport the guests to a Middle Eastern oasis. My mom and I started with some drinks (a mojito and a margarita), both of which were very well made. We then got a triple dip combination for our appetizer (which came with the softest pita bread you will ever taste in your life) as well as the grilled octopus salad (so fresh and divine)! For entrees, my mom ordered the grilled bronzino while I ordered the mixed grill combo which included lamb, a ground beef kebob, and chicken kebob, all of which were delicious. The portions were big enough for us to take the leftovers home. We also got to see the wonderful belly dance show which really entertained the crowd. I genuinely recommend giving this place a chance, for a full tummy and a happy soul. You won’t regret it. (Please excuse the photo quality of the images attached, they are stills from videos I took).

A hidden gem in the heart of busy downtown Manhattan. I didn’t expect to find such a beautiful, halal-friendly spot with this much charm and warmth. The food was flavorful, well-portioned, and fairly priced—especially considering you’re also paying for the incredible ambiance. Just a block from Hudson Pier, it's perfect for a sunset stroll after dinner. The romantic interior, belly dance shows, and DJ nights make it feel like a mini escape. But what truly made my experience memorable was the staff. They treat you more like a friend than a customer—attentive yet respectful of your space. They’ll share stories about the restaurant’s history and décor if you're curious, but never overwhelm you. Highly recommend for a cozy lunch or a magical evening out.