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No Aunt Sally here! Chez Ma Tante is the best restaurant in Greenpoint (ok easy competition – I still love you Glasserie!), and one of the very best in all of Brooklyn. That’s not just my humble opinion: less than a year after its opening, Chez Ma Tante had been ranked one of the best new restaurants in America and earned no less than a 2-star review by Mr. Pete Picky Wells himself.
Chez Ma Tante is one of the hottest restaurants of 2018, even though there’s nothing really “hot”, hip nor trendy about it, by NYC terms that is. At first glance, the menu seems straightforward and familiar (yeah ok, caesar salad, steak tartare, and half chicken), the decor is – inexistent, and the location is what would be qualified by a large majority of New Yorkers as inconvenient. A lot about Chez Ma Tante seems simple. But everything is simply awesome. And once you dig in (literally), you discover how unique this “simple” restaurant really is.
Appetizer spread – the English-style cheddar and Chicken liver pâté are must orders (both $12)
Incredibly satisfying Chips & Aioli ($9)
Chez Ma Tante was opened in 2017 by two former Cafe Altro Paradiso alums, Canadian-born Aidan O’Neal and native New Yorker Jake Leiber, who named their first solo venture after a Montreal hot dog stand. No poutine on the menu (although some amazing fries & aioli), but many French-inspired staples. The website actually describes it “food that can only be described as European.” I don’t fully agree (if I may). Within the European/bistro style menu are a lot of exotic influences: a falafel main dish, an Indian kedgeree, salsa verde, spices here and there…
The most amazingly decadent pancakes ($13)
The truth is Chez Ma Tante’s food does not need labeling – dishes are without pretense but so (consistently) satisfying. Those “familiar sounding” caesar salad, liver pâté and tartare are some of the best I’ve ever had, and every single dish has a signature, audacious touch that makes them so damn good. The uncomplicated French-bistro style desserts are perfectly executed. And don’t get me started on the brunch pancakes… This is probably the most famed dish at Chez Ma Tante, and all you need is to taste it to understand why (or see how the pancakes are made and realize they are basically deep fried in clarified butter… yup, that will do it!).
Must order starter: Caesar salad ($15)
Salmon Gravlax with sesame & crème fraiche for brunch ($17)
Must order for dinner or brunch: Stracciatella with English peas and fava beens ($18)
Brunch perfection! clockwise top right: The iconic, incredibly crisp & decadent Pancakes ($13), perfectly executed Tortilla Española ($12), Kedgeree ($20), Egg & Sausage Sandwich ($14), Falafel & Hummus ($18)
THE star brunch item – the crazy decadent pancakes ($13)
I love the super light & refreshing Citrus Salad
Dinner spread: Skate on Bone with leeks, capers & herbs ($23), chips & aioli ($8), olives ($9), Half Chicken with Romesco Sauce ($26)
Lemon Tart dessert ($9)
A Canadian touch: the Maple Crème Brûlée ($9)
The wine list is nicely curated and affordable, and cocktails are good ol’ classics done right.
Rich & dense Chocolate Cake dessert served with olive oil and sea salt ($9)
Remotely located near the Greenpoint waterfront, the space is minimalist to the extreme. Bare, white brick walls, dark wooden tables and bar and – that’s pretty much it. The clean, basic decor is intentional: to let the food speak for itself. Same goes for the atmosphere. The eclectic crowd changes daily and the vibe can be different on any given night. No distraction (except for background music), just enjoyment. The staff are your best buds, and service is friendly and approachable.
Outdoor seating during warmer months
Super simple dining space
Outdoor seating
Chez Ma Tante is the type of restaurant that would become a neighborhood favorite I’d want to eat at all the time – if it wasn’t so far! It’s definitely worth the hike though, and even a little West-Side Manhattanite like myself has made my visits to Chez Ma Tante a regular pilgrimage (God bless Via)! Every time I go, I can’t wait to go back – and it gets better at every visit. Book a table or walk-in and grab a seat at the bar, enjoy a stellar meal, and stop by neighboring Northern Territory rooftop or The Brooklyn Barge while you’re at it.
Takes reservations for dinner and brunch
Open for dinner daily: Sunday – Wednesday: 5:30 – 10PM / Thursday – Saturday: 5:30 – 11PM
Weekend brunch: Saturday and Sunday: 11:30AM – 3PM
Chez ma tante entrance on Calyer Street, by the Greenpoint waterfront
