Elizabeth S.

First time at S'Aimer, and I definitely would like to return. This is based on the excellent food -- but the experience overall would've gotten a one star, so I'll come back to that and not hurt their ratings for something that seemed to be (hopefully) an isolated incident. We ordered a bunch of dishes and shared them amongst ourselves. Portions are small, but come with rice, so if you chose to get one thing to eat yourself, you'd do fine. The jerk chicken was excellent -- VERY spicy, so you need to like heat in addition to flavor. The steak was one of the best steaks I've ever tasted -- I'd definitely get that for myself in the future! I don't eat seafood but my group had the seabass and raved about it, as well as about the fries and oxtails, which I didn't have either. But they loved both. Watch for small bones in the oxtails and the chicken! It feels funny to rave about rice, but even the jasmine rice was delicious. Now for the issue that almost got the place a lower rating -- we arrived at 5:30 and had to wait for all of our party to be there to be seated. This is a growing policy in restaurants in NYC, so we got it -- and were finally seated at 5:45. We ordered as soon as our last person arrived, and after getting some bread and fries as our appetizer, we then waited an hour and fifteen minutes waiting for anything else to be served. What's worse is there was no communication to us about what was causing the delay. It wasn't just us -- the restaurant was full and only one table had food. We finally got served with about ten minutes in which to eat before running out to catch a 7:30 curtain (this is why I only have photos of the decor and the fries). As the food was served we were told that the restaurant was understaffed and that people were out sick. Totally understand that! We just needed to know that earlier so that we could've made some different choices. Anyway, when they're on I imagine it's a wonderful experience -- again, the food was excellent, and the atmosphere and decor beautiful. Our server, Melissa, was also very nice. So if you enjoy Caribbean food, definitely give S'Aimer a try.

Lisette C.

Beautiful place and the waiter Sulemon is very attentive. I made a reservation for this restaurant after searching for a black owned restaurant on Resy. Upon entering, I had challenges walking down the steep steps. While entering, you need to be careful as the area between the first door and entrance steps and second door is dim. There are Motion lights but they don't help much. When we left the steps were slick because of the rain which made my mobility even more challenging with my disability. In addition, if you're leaving while someone is entering, the two doors will hit each other and you literally walk into the other person. When I entered I waited a bit to be seated which was odd since the place was empty. I noticed the staff sitting in the dining area. I said "hello" and a waitress walked over. I informed her it was a party of three and the other members would arrive in five minutes. Once seated I could over hear a woman seated near me in a yellow floral jumpsuit tell the waitress it might be best to move me as I was sitting near where a private party would be taking place. I thought to myself that she might be in some type of managerial position and as such, she should have come over to me herself and politely explain the situation. Upon being seated, I informed the waitress that I made my reservation under Resy and wanted her to check me in so I get my points. After a few minutes, she informed me they didn't have Resy, only OpenTable. I told her she was mistaken as that was how I made the reservation. This was my second interesting interaction with staff within my first twenty minutes of being in this establishment. The waitress took my drink order and asked if I wanted bread. I definitely wanted bread because I was starving. My party arrived a few minutes later and we all quickly ordered. We all ordered the curry chicken. I had mine with coconut rice and they had rice and peas. I ordered a cheese plate as an appetizer. I like all things cheese so the cheese plate hit the spot. It came out with the bread. The chicken was quite tender and flavorful. My rice needed more of a coconut taste but the rice and pease was very flavorful. My companions had the rum punch with dinner and thoroughly enjoyed it. After dinner, the woman in the yellow jumpsuit stated she checked me in. She apologized as they just started using Resy. At the table, we have all been in managerial positions and thought that if they implemented a new reservation system, they should have had a team meeting to review this new system. The evening ended with a very nice man giving all of us rain ponchos as it was pouring unexpectedly. I'm not sure if he worked there but I was grateful for his kindness. I noticed a couple enter with bike shorts and tshirts which confused me as Resy list this restaurant as upscale dining . Most upscale restaurants have a strict dress code.

Sucheta C.

S'Aimer means "love each other" in French. Captured the essence of modern elegance in a stylish and upscale atmosphere while bringing together the rich culinary traditions of the Caribbean and the finesse of French gastronomy. S'Aimer know for its unique aesthetic, speakeasy feel and diverse menu of French-inspired dishes, craft cocktails, and emphasis on international culinary exploration. S'Aimer , has a laid-back ambiance and posh atmosphere perfect for any occasion. Designed for intimate dinners to lively celebrations, It is an elegant yet cosy dining space that will leave you wanting more. S'Amier aims to give customers nicely proportional sides instead of full meals. Appetizers which are must try are crispy squid, and Carribean salad.The kitchen offers side dishes such as sauteed spinach and black truffle fries. Pan seared black bass spinach and lemon butter caper sauce & shrimp & lobster supreme which is cooked in a mild cream sauce with garlic, onions, french string beans are supremely delicious. Crème Brulée this classic French dessert is a must try We tried Drinks Fumée old fashioned Lavender Mule Appetizers/ Hor D'Oeuvres Crispy squid with tartare sauce & lemon Carribean Salad Entree Pan seared sea bass Shrimp & lobster supreme Dessert Crème Brûlée Featured their new creations delivering a menu with something for every taste. This experience is brought to life through the expertise of their talented chefs and mixologists. S'Aimer NYCs staff encourage both locals and tourists to Times Square to come and immerse themselves in a culinary journey to Paris, France with a splash of Caribbean flair. It is a MUST VISIT PLACE

Jason R.

Great way to celebrate my 40th Birthday! My friends took me here to celebrate on a very rainy Saturday night, but we quickly forgot about that because we had such a wonderful time here. We were immediately greeted and directed where we could leave our umbrellas. We were then taken to our seats-- the host quickly suggested he could give us a different table, which may better suit us. We ordered Rasta Pasta with Chicken, Squid, Plaintains, French Fries, Shrimp and Lobster, which came with Rice and Cabbage, and Prime Beef Tenderloin. We all were pleased with everything. The service was great, the music was great, not too loud where it drowned out your conversation, but perfect to where you could hear it, also. The drinks were great and had enough alcohol, except maybe the Expresso Martini, it still had great taste. They automatically charge 20% gratuity on all tables that are three people and up. I typically don't like this practice because it encourages poor service, but that surely wasn't the case here. I'd recommend this place for a birthday, date, group putting, whichever. I'd definitely return here and would encourage others to do the same thing. Just an FYI-- if you see the photos of Salmon, don't get your hopes up because they no longer offer it.

Jamel O.

S'Aimer is one of those places that people in the know will not review because they don't want you there or to know about it. Who "You" is can be readily discerned by scrolling down and actually reading any unfavorable reviews and asking yourself if you would want to spend extended time with the author. The beauty and ambiance of this space is as good as it gets in the City of New York. They have done an amazing job. This is the case whether you are at a table, in a semi private nook, at a table near the bar or at the bar. That so many distinct options exist in a smaller space is an accomplishment. Sitting at the bar, one may even discover an hour that is happy, whether it is designated happy or not. The Happy Hour menu will put a smile on anyone's face at $10 (as of January 2024, $18 and discounted during happy hour) in a space as magnificent as this. The expresso martini was made with care, conversation and crafted carefully. While the rum punch is premade and can sneak up on you, unlike many area bars and restaurants, they aren't slinging kool aid or gimmicks. S'Aimer is setting the mood whether you are one of the cool kids or need some help with that. The Jerk Chicken was the way I asked for it to be. They made it clear that the spices were toned down compared to I may be used to and that it and other options could be altered to my tastes. When you read a review about ethnic food restaurants which have to serve mainstream populations, and someone complains about spices, you have to ask yourself what is happening. Often a conversation with the staff about allergies or prior experiences or what your preferences are will lead to advice about how to order and how you may want to alter a dish on the menu. This is certainly the case at S'Aimer. The host is wonderful and ensures to the best of his ability that people are greeted at the door and happy. The plantains are good as is the Jazzy Pasta. The dishes range from $29-48 and are made for sharing. This makes the price points significant for one's horrific neighborhood food sensibilities but on par with the area. Sizes are portion size, not tapas size. I shared my Jerk chicken with my imaginary friend and we loved it. He didn't have any so there was more for me. My real friend say at the bar with me during happy hour and he had the curry chicken and a side and he didn't finish his side. Finally, S'Aimer suffers because of its success. It is beautiful enough to attract people with a stick up their butts, but doesn't care to cater to that crowd. Read every review about the place with that lens, and you will be transported there. If you are at the theater, on a date or having a business meeting and need a place to unwind and feel good at, this is the place for you. Just don't mess it up for the rest of us who enjoy this experience.

Tamara W.

Visited here on a Sunday night with reservations. The team really takes care of you from the moment you walk in until you leave. The place is very intimate and gives black owned speakeasy vibes. Specifically wanted to try this place because it was black owned and it didn't disappoint. The starter bread was fresh, warm and soft, the shinning star of our dinner were the oxtails, rice and peas, and cabbage so so good. The curry chicken with cabbage was fine, but not the best I have ever had, lacked a little kick but also flavor overall. It was supposed to come with rice and peas but unfortunately came with white rice. The waitress said sometimes it changes depending on the day. The plantains were good as well. Last but not least the drinks AMAZING. The creole punch was the highlight of our visit to NY and had us like damn that's really good. The lavender mule (mocktail) was also really delicious! The music and atmosphere was great, r&b music so great for a date night or relaxing with girlfriends. The bathroom was clean!

Yvonne D.

Visited for my birthday on a Thursday evening. Conveniently located near Times Square, this place is both cute and on the upscale side. The decor is amazing and I loved the wallpaper in the bathroom. From the moment we walked in the service was great. Everyone was friendly! They had a singer set to perform and 8 that sung happy birthday to me! The bartender gave us shots on the house too. Had the rum punch which was good and strong! The food was delicious. I had no complaints. Everything was fresh, hot and tasty. Didn't take a long time to come out and needed no additional salt or anything. The red velvet cake was also delicious! Definitely will come back here.

Sita P.

There aren't many Caribbean spots in Manhattan, let alone good ones. S'Aimer is amazing, I will be frequenting this spot go forward. The restaurant is gorgeous, the staff is super friendly, and the food was delicious. We started at the bar for happy hour before moving to a table. We tried a few different cocktails but really enjoyed the cucumber martini which was the cocktail of the week and the espresso martini which was not your typical espresso martini, it was creamy and unique, very delicious! For appetizers we had the mussels which were delicious, served with perfectly toasted bread that was great for dipping. For entree my friend had the escovitch red snapper, she really enjoyed it but was expecting the whole fish. The dish was served with 2 large pieces of the fish, be careful with the bones. I had the oxtail with rice and peas, it was very good, needed a little more spice for me but the flavor was on point. We dined on a Thursday night, they had a singer until 9pm. After dinner the chef came out and greeted the tables, he was very friendly and gave us a tour of the back patio which was a great space. With so many options to choose from on restaurant row, S'Aimer which is the new kid on the block is definitely a spot worth checking out. The ambiance is perfect for date night.

Shoneelanay T.

Dining at S'Aimer is a wonderful experience! The ambiance, food and service are all great. I will be back for sure.

Aishwarya S.

I wanted to check out this restaurant because it was mentioned that it was woman owned and a Caribbean French fusion. I love fusion themed restaurants. The service was great. They even gave us cocktails on the house. The escargot was delicious! Drinks were delicious, too! The one minor thing was that the owner/manager came and greeted us and thanked my company (white male) for coming here and making the reservation. It was, in fact, me (brown woman) who made the reservation! I'll let that one go, I thought it was funny! Overall, I had a memorable and unforgettable experience here!

Maurice M.

Visited while in town for New Year's Eve to watch The Ball Drop. Excellent black-owned, Jamaican/French bistro in the hip neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen. Loved everything about this place - from the beautiful decor to our delicious cocktails and entrees to the friendly waitstaff (S/O to Chastity). Definitely on the "must return to" list for our next visit to NYC.

Kat H.

I had a great experience here. I took my mom for her birthday after seeing The Wiz. It was a close walk to the show and we ended up getting there about 15 minutes before the reservation and before they opened. They were still happy to seat us and let us know that the kitchen wasn't open yet and that they'd come around when they opened to take our orders. Our servers were great, the food was absolutely delicious and it was one of the best espresso martinis I've had in a while. My must orders: Jazzy Pasta, Sea Bass, Oxtail. We're Jamaican so we tend to be a lot more critical of Caribbean spots but this place was so good!

Trish A.

A hidden gem on Restaurant Row. Everything was flavorful, well seasoned and the staff was attentive. Great playlist and relaxed vibe.