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    Lakay Bistro

    4.2 (10 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 11:00 PM

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    Receipt with "service charge," which is NOT the tip, you're supposed to add an additional tip
    Laura W.

    The food was delicious, server was excellent, and the ambiance was nice. They lost a star however, because they charged us a previously undisclosed "service charge" of 20% which was not the tip. A tip on top of that was expected--apparently restaurant policy. In my four decades of life I have never seen this before and I was completely turned off by it. Also, through no fault of our server but very definitely the fault of whomever entered prices into the POS system, we were overcharged several dollars on our two main courses. We cross-referenced these prices with the ones on the menu and discovered the error in time. The food was great, but would I come back? Only if they change their policy and take away the extra non-tip "service charge."

    Cremas Chai
    Cristall G.

    Lakay Bistro is a great restaurant. Initially I went for dinner but I got there too early and had to have the brunch menu. So my review is a mixture of brunch pics and dinner pics. I went back on a second occasion to try the dinner and it didn't disappoint. They have the option for you to choose three appetizers for $35. That is what I did so I could try certain foods. I tried the Mac and cheese, side of black rice, tamarind wings and oxtail Flatbread. The oxtail flatbread and Mac and cheese isn't pictured because I forgot. lol. Everything was amazing and well made. I know Haitian food so I had high expectations lol. The Mac and cheese was good just wasn't what I've had from other Haitian chefs but it was tasty. The black rice was good, a little dry in my opinion but I would still it eat again. The wings had good flavor and crisp at the same time. The creams latte is A. M. A. Z. I. N. G. you ever had a hot drink and it made your soul warm? That is what it felt like lol The cocktails were ok. I am not a big drinker so I can't really rate the cocktails. The restaurant is well designed and gives a great vibe. Parking isn't too bad. Just have patience. I would definitely revisit.

    Mac n cheese with oxtails
    Shari H.

    Happened to stop by during their soft opening. With any new place there will always be kinks and understanding that they are still getting their footing. I was able to give them feedback in person as well which just helps them improve and prepare for the grand opening. Upon arrival the place was packed and I was surprisingly able to get a table right away. Nice minimal decor with wicker lamps. I was surprised at the amount of seating so that was good. Tables and bar seating in the front and additional tables and a bench in the back. Because it was a soft opening they were providing limited food items. They had a special where you can get 3 small bite items for $25. I was told that they only had the griot bites on tostones with spicy honey creole glaze and baked mac and cheese with oxtails so that's what I ordered and a rum punch. As I was waiting I kept seeing the tamarind rum chicken as well as djon djon rice (not on menu) being served. For clarity I asked again about the $25 deal and if the chicken was available. The waiter said the only additional item available was the conch. Then he came back to say they don't have that. To capitalize on the deal I ordered an extra mac n cheese with oxtails since they were out of the other options. I also asked to switch the tostones with djon djon rice after I was informed that it could be substituted. The griot and mac n cheese came out first. Which arrived with the tostones instead of the rice. The extra mac and rice arrived and the waiter comped the charge of the rice since it was supposed to be a substitution and not a side. All of this was going on and I still hadn't received my drink, which I ordered before my food. Overall the food was tasty. The djon djon rice had a nice heat to it. The mac n cheese had a good flavor as well. The amount of oxtails vary. You might just get one big piece or 3 small pieces. I asked for pikliz but they didn't have any. The rum punch was good and strong but not worth $15 for the glass size and the amount of ice they give. All this is happening and I kept seeing chicken being served. The table next to me received a double portion of chicken because they then ran out of griot. Lastly it took 30+ minutes to get a to-go box and additional time to get the check. I love that you can pay your bill from your phone but if that's the case it shouldn't take forever to get the bill. This happened to me and multiple tables. My bill needed to be adjusted to reflect the djon djon rice deduction. The food is good but the kitchen and waiters need to correspond. There is a difference between being told that something is sold out versus they will need additional time to prep. The bar is a bit slow. Again not a bad experience just a few kinks as they are new.

    Oxtail Mac n cheese
    Linda D.

    I ended my birthday weekend with dinner at Lakay Bistro and I am pleasantly pleased as well as proud. The owners Ali and Steve were extremely hospitable. The decor is beautiful and you get a nice vibe when you enter. The space is very nice size and I am grateful they've made their home in Bed Stuy. I will be going back soon. The oxtails w/mac n cheese was tasty and delicious. I also had the branzino with black rice. All well cooked and delicious. Don't forget to ask for Pikiz. Just yummy food.

    Tamarind Rum Wings Akra

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    7 months ago

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    4 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    4 days ago

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    6 months ago

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    Thank you so much for dinning with us!

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    10 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    5 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    So happy we are able to meet expectations.

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    9 months ago

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    Akra Haitian Deli

    4.4
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    I've tried Akra Deli multiple times, and while the food itself is delicious, the customer service…read morehas consistently been disappointing. On my first visit, everything was great. However, my next two experiences were extremely frustrating. During my boyfriend's early-morning visit, he was initially told there was no food available--even though the restaurant had just opened. Only after insisting did they offer limited options. Most recently, I ordered through Uber Eats and spent about $70. The containers were small and arrived half-filled. When I called to address the issue, the manager explained that because they pay Uber Eats fees, they don't provide full portions for delivery orders. That is not something any customer wants to hear, nor was any solution (like a coupon or replacement) offered. The food at Akra Deli tastes great, but the lack of consistency, poor customer service, and reduced portions for online orders make it hard to recommend. If you do choose to order, I strongly suggest going in person, otherwise you will likely not receive the amount of food you paid for. Overpriced and poor customer service!

    Macaroni and cheese not edible tastes like plastic we brought food for9 ppl 6 ate we ordered pizza…read morefor the others persons horrible rice was good fish boney

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    Akra Haitian Deli
    Akra Haitian Deli
    Taste like plastic not edible gross we brought food for our family gathering the portions were child size smh at lest the rice was okay

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    Taste like plastic not edible gross we brought food for our family gathering the portions were child size smh at lest the rice was okay
    First Republic Lounge & Restaurant

    First Republic Lounge & Restaurant

    3.9
    (107 reviews)
    15.3 mi
    $$

    Made the venture to Jersey for a concert and knew I'd stop off for food. What better than Haitian…read moreFood on a Sunday! It was easy to find parking nearby on the street, we walked in and were immediately sat down. Service was great throughout the meal. The server did speak primarily to us in Creole. I can see how that may not work for someone who is not Haitian. Maybe having someone who did speak a mix. However, he was very nice and the food came out fast and was delish. Shared a griot fritay to start and it was definitely tasty and portion was good. For entree I had the legume with Beef with black rice. Tasty, spicy, and very authentic tasting. I can say they stay true to the flavors and don't water them down. The drink was ehh. I did not taste much liquor in the creole punch. Not worth it in my opinion. In terms of ambiance, I wish better music was playing. The set up was cool. Nothing amazing. If I was in the area again, I would come back.

    Stopped by early Saturday evening for a drink with three young ladies. We sat at the bar we did…read morenot intend to have dinner. I was able to order a cocktail (mangotini) made just the way I liked it and it was super delicious. My companions ordered food which took some time come out. We only really ordered appetizers and everyone enjoyed their food. This place is not big so not too many tables. I will mention one thing I stated to the bartender....The bar chairs are INCREDIBLY uncomfortable. These seats were not made to fit full size adult derrière. Good vibe.

    Photos
    Inside the restaurant and lounge. Great space for a get together/small-medium size party!
    Inside the restaurant and lounge. Great space for a get together/small-medium size party!
    Black White Rice with Sauce Pois
    Black White Rice with Sauce Pois
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    Saveur Creole

    Saveur Creole

    3.8
    (351 reviews)
    17.2 mi
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    One thing I always look for when eating at a restaurant that specializes in food from a specific…read morecountry is whether people from that culture are dining there too. At a Thai spot, I expect to see Thai people. At a Mexican spot, I expect to see Mexicans. You get the picture. So at this Haitian restaurant, there are always Haitians enjoying the food -- which tells you everything you need to know. If you're looking for an upscale yet still authentic Haitian restaurant, this is it. No matter what you order, they always start you off with a soup that's hot, rich, and flavorful. I usually begin with the Haitian caviar and smoked fish empanadas, then move on to either the Saveur Creole goat or the red snapper -- always with extra gravy, because I can't resist pouring it over their black rice (don't judge me). It's BYOB, so bring your drink of choice or grab something from the shop right next door. Another thing I love is that the owner, Robert, is usually there. He'll stop by your table, talk with you, and make the meal feel like a real experience. And if you admire the artwork on the walls -- he painted all of it himself. If you go, tell him I sent you... maybe then he'll finally sell me one.

    Came here with a group of ladies on a Thursday night. We called in for a reservation. The place…read morewas pretty empty. Our service was a tad slow as there was only one gentleman working that night. We order a bunch of different foods. I had the goat and black rice. The goat was a tad tough but the rice was really good. The soup that accompanied the meak was delicious. Note: the items are priced separately. Good experience overall

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    Side dining room
    Side dining room
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    Chandelier
    Bunnan

    Bunnan

    4.7
    (134 reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $$

    Man this was incredible. Had the Mini To Boush Fritay Box with Griot Pork lunch special which is…read morelike a sampler and it was so so good. The pork was amazingly tender and crispy and the pikliz was nice and crunchy and spicy. Papo the server was great and I'll def be back when I'm in the neighborhood

    I really wanted to try this restaurant because I follow and appreciate what Chef Nadege does for…read morethe Haitian community, so I was excited to support. The space is beautiful and very well decorated, and the servers were kind and knowledgeable about the menu. I ordered the djon djon rice bowl with oxtail, the fritay platter, and soup joumou, and we also tried the Sunday special with white rice and sos pwa. My dish came out after everyone else's, so I ended up taking it to go, which was disappointing. The fritay platter was a highlight. The plantains were crispy and the akra and marinade were well seasoned. My mom enjoyed her soup, but felt the sos pwa was a bit watery and could have been thicker. When I got home, the rice had a great texture but the aroma smelled slightly burnt, maybe they were going for a smoky flavor. The oxtail was well flavored, but I did find a small piece of plastic in my rice, which was concerning. Overall it was okay, but it did not blow me away. I have had better Haitian food at cookouts or family gatherings, though if this is your first time trying Haitian food, you may enjoy it.

    Photos
    Bunnan
    Griot-pork plantain/bananann peze sandwich. Tasty
    Griot-pork plantain/bananann peze sandwich. Tasty
    Griot-pork plantain/bananann peze sandwich. Tasty

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    Griot-pork plantain/bananann peze sandwich. Tasty

    Lakay Bistro - haitian - Updated August 2026

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