Nestled in the charming West Village of New York City, Cafe Cluny at 281 West 12th Street stands as a warm and inviting French restaurant, a true gem for locals and visitors alike. Recently, I had the pleasure of experiencing a delightful business lunch at this establishment, prompted by a colleague residing in the neighborhood. Being familiar with its esteemed siblings, The Odeon and Cafe Luxembourg, I had high expectations, and Cafe Cluny did not disappoint. Knowing I had evening dinner plans, I was seeking a lighter midday meal, and Cafe Cluny’s reputation for dishes that are both flavorful and not overly heavy made it the perfect choice.
Exterior view of Cafe Cluny restaurant in West Village, New York City.
Located on a modest corner of West 12th Street, Cafe Cluny possesses an understated facade. Its unassuming exterior might easily cause passersby to overlook it, which would be a mistake. Stepping inside reveals a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that immediately draws you in.
Discover the Delightful Ambiance and Setting
Cafe Cluny offers a bifurcated dining experience. Upon entering, you are greeted by a charming bar area, perfect for a casual drink or a light bite. Further inside, towards the rear of the restaurant, lies another dining room, providing a more intimate setting for a relaxed meal. This layout caters to different preferences, whether you’re looking for a vibrant bar scene or a quieter dining experience.
Cafe Cluny bar area with patrons seated at tables, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The restaurant’s charm is further enhanced by its frequently changing lunch menu, ensuring a fresh and seasonal culinary experience for returning guests. Complementing the food offerings is a thoughtfully curated wine list, catering to various palates and preferences.
Close-up of Cafe Cluny's lunch menu showcasing daily specials and French-inspired dishes.
Cafe Cluny's wine list featuring a selection of wines to pair with their French cuisine.
A Taste of the Menu: Light and Flavorful Dishes
During my lunch visit, my dining companion opted for the vibrant Baby Beet Salad, artfully composed with tangerines and aged goat cheese. This dish exemplified the restaurant’s commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients and balanced flavors.
Baby Beet Salad with Tangerines and Aged Goat Cheese served at Cafe Cluny, West Village.
For my own selection, I chose the Organic Salmon Tartare with Old Chatham Sheep’s Milk Yogurt. This dish proved to be an excellent choice – light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. The salmon was impeccably fresh, and the yogurt added a creamy tang that complemented the fish perfectly.
Organic Salmon Tartare with Old Chatham Sheep’s Milk Yogurt, a refreshing dish at Cafe Cluny.
Intrigued by the description, I also sampled my companion’s Lobster Bisque. Often, lobster bisque can be heavy and overly rich, but Cafe Cluny’s rendition was a delightful surprise. It retained a robust seafood flavor without the heaviness, indicating a lighter touch with thickeners and dairy. This “Bisque Light” was a standout, offering great taste without being overly filling.
Bowl of light Lobster Bisque at Cafe Cluny, emphasizing its rich seafood flavor without heaviness.
For a more substantial yet still flavorful option, I indulged in the Sauteed Calamari with Farro, Chorizo, Lemon Thyme & Garlic Jus. The calamari was cooked to perfection, tender and not rubbery, accompanied by crispy chorizo bits and chewy farro grains. The sauce provided a delightful acidic and garlicky kick, hinting at Iberian influences. This dish was a comforting choice, transporting me from a cold New York day to a warmer Mediterranean setting in spirit.
Sauteed Calamari with Farro, Chorizo, Lemon Thyme & Garlic Jus, a Mediterranean-inspired dish at Cafe Cluny.
Sweet Endings: Dessert at Cafe Cluny
To round off our lunch experience, we glanced at the tempting Dessert Menu. Initially hesitant, we decided to share one dessert and opted for the decadent Dark Chocolate Torte with Marscarpone Cheese. This dessert was indeed rich and indulgent, proving to be more than enough for two to share, and a perfect sweet ending to our meal.
Cafe Cluny's Dessert Menu offering a variety of sweet treats to conclude the dining experience.
Rich Dark Chocolate Torte with Marscarpone Cheese, a shareable dessert at Cafe Cluny.
Visit Cafe Cluny in West Village
Cafe Cluny at 281 West 12th Street, New York, NY 10014, is a must-visit destination in the West Village. Whether you are seeking a light lunch, a delightful dinner, or simply a cozy spot for a drink, Cafe Cluny offers a consistently enjoyable experience. For more information or to view their menus, visit their website at http://www.cafecluny.com. Experience the charm and culinary delights of Cafe Cluny for yourself.
