Great food and fun local art to buy and look at. When the basement was open the music was amazing on Thursday nights. Great for dancing and hanging out with friends. read more

This restaurant is super delicious. It's my first time to came here. We randomly ordered something. We four guys here and all of the food we ordered were satisfied us. I recommend the shackshuka! It's super delicious with pita! The pincolada for drink! Rum and coconut is my favorite! Will definitely come again. Forgot to take a pic cause we were hungry read more

When my boyfriend lived on 116th, we went here all the time. They have great simple Israeli cuisine and the prices are good. Upstairs is a coffee shop and downstairs is a great music venue/bar/hookah bar. I know it sounds like a lot but it's a great neighborhood hang out. You can tell by all the people who go there. Definitely loved by the gentrifiers but tbh it brings wonderful culture to the neighborhood and is understandably loved by many. This is the perfect place to bring your laptop during the day and then comeback at night for some great music. The roster is always full downstairs and there can be a cover later in the evening depending on the act. I like the food, love the atmosphere, and love that it's run by POC. Its a great spot in Harlem if you want coffee like rocket fuel in the morning and a combo of African/middle eastern vibe with hookah and houmus at night! read more

This is a cute neighborhood place with friendly and accommodating staff. The food is very good and can be shared. We shared the Sabich sandwich which was exceptionally tasty. read more

Sabich sabich sabich sabich Great neighborhood joint. I've seen some good jazz and not-bad standup comedy in the basement, but usually I'm upstairs eating pretty good food for extremely reasonable prices while hanging out with friends or doing some work. This is an excellent place to come with a laptop and work for a few hours while drinking coffee + eating lunch; it's also a really nice place to just hang out in this neighborhood. The service is R-E-L-A-X-E-D, but that's part of the charm: you'll usually get a menu within a few minutes of sitting down, you pay at the register, the food usually comes within 30 minutes of you ordering it, but this is not a place with formal, highly-attentive waitstaff - if you need something, flag someone down or go up to the register. And again, the prices are so so so reasonable for the quality of the food. My favorite dishes here are the sabich sandwich and the poached eggs over hummus, but the lamb plate and the salad samplers are also good. read more

Ordered delivery for the office from this Harlem mediterranean eatery and had the best falafel pita! My chewy pita (naan-like texture) was filled with 4 tasty falafel, chopped salad, 2 fluffy potatoes (fried home fries) and pickles. The key is to ask for the tahini on the side so the pita doesn't get soggy and stays intact. It was large, filling and delicious. Just $8 for the pita falafel but you have to have $15 minimum to deliver so order for the office or get an extra side of fluffy potato or fried cauliflower (which I will do next time). By the way, this is ample for lunch as the pita was large and filled to the brim! If you're an olive lover like I am, order the Greek salad which comes with copious green olives. Sorry, no photos, ate too fast and forgot to take! read more

This place has been great all 5 times I have been. Food is on POINT. Atmosphere is perfect for anything. Brunch, dinner, working, date night. It's the one place you can also come to and have a convo without screaming over music. Live music downstairs though. Come here! read more

Silvana - Cauliflower - Middle Eastern Near Me - New York, New York

I just went to Silvana for the first time. The downstairs was spacious. There was good really live music, though the first band I caught was a little loud. I enjoyed my cocktail. The pita bread was hot and fluffy. Service was good. My only complaint is that the hummus was gross. I almost never send food back, but I couldn't eat it. My sister couldn't either. It needed salt, lime, and some seasoning. I think it had a whole lot of tahini and olive oil in it. The texture was off, too. I've seen the same complaint in a number of other reviews and I'm wondering why they haven't changed the recipe. I make really good hummus. I'm happy to share my recipe. I'd love to go back and catch some more music. But please fix the hummus. read more

Loved my Shakshuka platter, sitting outside on the patio at Silvana. The eggs were perfect, generous portions. Delicious cold brew. My friend had the chicken shwarma pita, stuffed with all good things! Great choice! read more

I love this place! The food is always amazing and reasonably priced. I most recently had the vegan shawarma pita, but other favorites are the Israeli breakfast and shakshuka. Super cute atmosphere, decent spot with wifi to get some work done. read more

Okay...when you say you're open, AND, your doors are open, then you're OPEN. If not, close your doors. So tired of lax Harlem customer service model. read more

This place is beyond rude... go if you enjoy being yelled at. Hands down worst dining experience ever, and I endured military rations for 6 months of basic. read more

this place is underrated. their shakshuka is DELICIOUS and the perfect brunch for a chilly fall day. great dips, hummus, etc, and huge selection of teas and other drinks. funky surroundings, w/ an airy tea-shop / cool "i'll have one of each" housewares boutique vibe. read more

I was led in by the soft music and pleasant atmosphere, what later on turned into a huge MISTAKE. I have never tasted such a DISGUSTING shawarma my entire life. The chicken was tough and robbery, and soaking in oil. I came in starving, but I just couldn't get through more than three bites into my sandwich. Despite having no more than two bites, the waitress refused to offer any kind of replacement / accommodation. HORRIBLE service, and DISAPPOINTING food. My advice for others who are considering this place, vote with your money and STAY AWAY. read more

Don't get near this place, the food conditions and flavor is horrible, and I'm not even talking about the horrible costumer service, we got charged over priced for low grade food and when we couldn't stand out dish they refused to serve us nor to replace our dish. Beware!!!! read more

Awesome venue to perform at!!! The staff and service was top notch!!! Food and drinks were excellent!! Sound was incredible!! For a small space it was crystal clear!!! Can't wait to go back!! read more

Silvana - Middle Eastern Near Me - New York, New York

I've gone downstairs on a weeknight for music and dancing. It was a good. I was upstairs just for tea and food today. Not a good culinary experience. Come for the music and tea...Only :) read more

Slipped around the corner after dinner at Row House to end up here, at Silvana, for dessert and coffee with a friend. She gave up alcohol for Passover, but luckily for me they had $4 margaritas (& other spirits) from 4-7. I ordered a strawberry margarita, she had a coffee. Outdoor seating, a plus. It was a beautiful day in the city. They have cute woven fences & pretty pink chairs at their tables. Dope for any photo moment! Inside, cute coffee shop space- seating, outlets, trinkets & dope art for purchase. Downstairs, Live Music- it's a Friday. So cool, wait staff knew we had been upstairs so they just placed water on the table while we watched the performance. The water was flavored, yum! If you're having Harlem date night -- definitely a cute spot in to bring a Friday date for dessert & music after dinner #thankmelater! * Oh last thing! We noticed a seafood spot across the street called Lolo's. It'll be my next pit stop- it had great reviews and food looks delish! read more

Cool Middle Eastern themed bar (at night) with sweet vibes. There is live music and sometimes people dancing. Though the cafe at the storefront closes in the evening, the bar downstairs opens up. They have a solid selection of beers and good Middle Eastern eats. I ordered the hummus, baba ganoush, and the fried pita. All were quite tasty. The fried pita is not a pita chip, but rather a deep fried piece of dough with seasoning. They are highly addictive and remind me of my propensity to eat large quantities of fried food without remorse. These snacks and solid beer are well complemented by live music, in a uniquely decorated middle eastern setting. read more

Inspired concept but food is lacking. I really like places like this that combine a boutique, a cafe, a bar and a restaurant all under the same roof. On this day, however, I was looking to eat good Mediterranean food and I was pretty disappointed. The extremely hipster waiters who seemed to not want to be there and were not welcoming at all. My friend and I ordered the lamb shwarma plate. The waiter bringing our food mistakenly gave us a salad and I dug in immediately, assuming it was a part of the plate. After a while they realized their mistake and took back the salad. I would think most restaurants would own up to their mistake... The lamb was excessively salty and the salads that came with it were too somehow. I would rather go to a street vendor for shwarma next time. read more

It is a nice place for casual date. Music are good some are soso but still entertaining. Food Is good and cheap. Drinks are strong. The waitress was always taking care of us. Bathroom clean. Just the chair they are from hell very uncomfortable read more

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Went here with a friend who wasn't exactly sure if it was a speakeasy or not. Fortunately, her recall was spot on because the cafe upstairs (as we walked in) told me to back out quickly. We carried on downstairs and I was relieved. Nice atmosphere, friendly service and strong drinks. We didn't eat but the food we saw looked and smelled quite nice. The music is a mix of blues/jazz. I cannot say I'm a firm fan of either genre but I did a bit of toe tapping at the live bands. There were about 3 band changes while we were there but when the 'family band' came on and stayed much longer than the other two sets, it became a bit unsettling. I would stop in if in the area again but not make a special trip here. The toilets are also not nice at all. If you live locally, I say hold it until you get home. read more

A $16 shawarma wrap is ridiculously obnoxious I could really just throw it on the floor out of anger. Hah! No really though, that's a little unheard of. You only get the wrap and yes, it's large but so is a Chipotle burrito and that's half the price. The lamb was a good cut and the temperature on it was perfection but the salt was short of feeling like it was burning my tongue. The veggies were almost non-existent and the wrap - dry. I needed something to balance that salt BAD but there was nothing helping me out. I ate half of it, guess I should have asked for $8 back. These nipples are not getting hard anytime soon for this spot. Rubbing me the wrong way lady. read more

I found this place while going down Frederick Douglass for trick or treating during Halloween. I picked up a menu and the lady behind the counter also offered me a 10% off coupon. So I came back a week later to try it out. My first impression was arriving from the cold outside and having nowhere to put our coats. The tables have these 'swinging stools' and no seats with seat backs. When I asked the staff where we could put our coats she just shrugged. Guess we had to put them on other seats?? The swinging stools were extremely uncomfortable but perhaps that is just my opinion. Then time to order. My husband had a question about what one of the items on the menu was so he asked the server - who didn't seem to understand what he was asking and when she finally did she didn't know the answer. Perhaps it is too much for us to expect a server to answer "what is this?". It took a little while for the food to arrive but eventually it did. While we were waiting I asked another server if they would accept the coupon. She took it from me and said she'd go find out. We ordered chicken schwarma, fluffy potato chips and the six salad dish. Half the food was tasty. The other half was just ok. I love fried food but the potato chips were way too oily. Finally came time for the bill which didn't contain the discount. When we asked the people behind the counter about the coupon , at first they didn't know what we were talking about. After finding the paper strewn on the counter somewhere, the guy says "this discount only applies to merchandise" (i.e. the trinkets sold in the restaurant). Talk about feeling misled. (And the coupon mentions none of this in any type of print, fine or otherwise) Based on food alone I'd have given more stars but our overall experience was such that I have no desire to return. read more

Silvana was such a good time! My roomie invited me for a night out at Silvana so I gathered some friends and headed out to Harlem. We arrived at about 11:40 on a Friday night, and the cover charge was $10. We headed downstairs and there was a live band performing. The place is small and simple; Literally a basement and basically 1 big room. The stage, tables and chairs were in the front and a whole bunch of ottomans with small round tables and seats along the wall in the back. Very mixed crowd with drinks and hookah, just relaxing, enjoying the vibe. There's nothing wrong with conscious live music but my friends and I were in the mood to turn up, then my roomie said "Don't worry. The DJ's on at 12." We got some drinks and patiently waited for the DJ to set up and the staff to move the tables and chairs in the front. This DJ did not disappoint us from the beginning! He started off with some Hip Hop/R&B hits and ran through them pretty quickly because they mainly play African/Reggae music. He had everyone on the dance floor all night! He switched it up between the African/Reggae music and the Hip Hop/R&B. It was too much fun. The staff were very friendly and worked fast. The drink prices were not bad either. I don't know how much it costed individually but when it was my turn to buy the round I got a Bombay & Tonic, a Pinot Grigio, and a shot of Jack Daniel's for $25. Not bad at all. read more

I signed up for Yelp just to write this review. I never had the inclination before as I work in the service industry and I understand that things happen. But- Stopped into Silvana's for a quick lunch at 10am. I ordered the Shakshuka and was really excited to try it while my boyfriend ordered a Schwarma. As we waited for our food, another family was seated next to us. The food was taking long but we sat patiently with our cappuccino. We noticed that our server had attempted to deliver food to the family that was seated after us but the order obviously belonged to our table. He left half our order at their table, returned inside then back out with half our order. I get it- wrong table.... No big deal.... Right? So while my boyfriend's food waited to get cold we were told that my order would be out in 2 minutes. Still no problem. 15 minutes later it was not delivered and no sign of a server. When we finally saw another server we asked them to just cancel the order. We were out of time. After an hour of waiting- we were upset. We didn't want to make a stink about it. We just knew our experience was bad and needed to leave. But as we were leaving the server chased us to pay for the food- not to issue an apology but to pay for food we never received. I told him I would pay for the cappuccino and nothing else. He was raising his voice- and he finished with "I don't cook the food, bro". No bro- you don't cook the food but you did deliver it to the wrong table and despite our best efforts to allow for you to make it right (a simple "I'm sorry") - you made it worse. read more

Silvana is amazing! I've been coming here on an almost daily basis since moving to Harlem and I have to say - these guys are continually raising the bar. It's a total lifestyle movement. In the morning it's a coffee shop, with what is possibly the best tasting iced latte I've ever had (no, seriously). They also have solid wi-fi and good vibes which makes it a great place to get work done. Not to mention the entire place is somehow also a concept shop, so you can buy cool little souvenirs. Come lunch time and these guys have happy hour EVERY DAY. Great, tasty good. A bit slow to come out but it's very well worth it. And come night time? Oh lord, you're in for a treat. I've been to many a places in Harlem but not a SINGLE place knows how to get down like at SIlvanas. They feature incredible live music... I've been here on nights where it was Jazz fusion (my favorite), to Reggae, Country, Indie, you name it. They have hookah available with complimentary re-fills, drinks are accessibly priced, the basement vibe is real cool, and they're open til pretty damned late. Grade A establishment. HIGHLY recommended! read more

Get the sabich. This is an African/Israeli cafe, bar, restaurant, and music venue. The food is mostly Israeli, the decor is mostly African. The music is jazz/soul and world oriented though there is a huge variety. I go here all the time, mostly because you can hear some good music every day between 8 and midnight. Because there's no cover, you can get some really terrible groups in there sometimes, but for the most part the music is great. This is a nice bar to hang out in, and my go-to when I have visitors in the area. Great beer selection, with a good variety of standards and micros. I've had most of the cocktails, they have a big emphasis on fresh herbs. They're ok, nothing to write home about. Basic wines. Most people associate Israeli food with shawarma and falafel, which is why it is a shame that those are not the best items on their menu (both are usually too dry). Instead, you should try the sabich (pronounced with gutteral Hebrew "ch" at the end) sandwiches. After a summer in Tel Aviv, I get huge cravings for this amazing little eggplant pockets and I think these guys do it as good if not better than most of the stands and storefronts in Israel. Don't be turned off by the lack of meat, these are seriously good. And at $7, it's easily the best item on the menu. Also good is the roasted eggplant, the Israeli salad, and the "Silvana" which is a sampling of lots of different middle eastern salads and is very good to share. In the basement, the back section is usually quiet enough to have a conversation, depending on the group performing. The front section is really for the concert crowd since it gets very loud there. I too wish they had more seats with some back support. I usually try to sit against the wall. The African (Mali?) co-owner is nice enough, but a strange cookie. Consider it an experience if you get to meet him. His co-owner/wife is Israeli and very friendly. but seriously, try the Sabich! read more

I came here on a Thursday night for a free stand-up comedy show. We arrived a bit early so there was a live jazz show, and I enjoyed that immensely. The comedy show was just okay; the first few were better than the later ones. We got free mushroom hummus and pita for sitting in the front tables, and although the pita was very soft, chewy, and in general very delicious, the hummus and mushroom was way too salty. We sat around a bit after the comedy show and there was another jazz band, but they were really loud and it was really difficult to talk to anyone. read more

Rude and Poor service! We went to a friend's show and sat at a table. We were ignored while everyone around us were served. After some time, we asked someone who worked there who should we order our drinks with and he said order them at the bar. Then ten minutes later, a waitress says "I'm going to take this table back because there are people who are here who have a reservation". There was no reservation sign on the table by the way and she was in a bad mood from the moment we walked in the door. Long story short, the manager was called and we were told that we would have to move if we did not open up a tab. We kindly explained that we wanted to open up a tab and were patiently waiting on the waitress. We ultimately were served but the service was poor and we had an awful night. We will not be returning! read more

I used to go to Effy's Cafe on 96th for shakshouka but since it got renovated into a more restaurant-like place, I opted for Silvana today. It did not disappoint at all! The eggs were a little rubbery, but the flavor was spectacular. Also, the whole wheat pitas were served hot and made such a hearty meal. More than anything, I appreciated the vibe here. Everyone is really chill and you can literally do anything here -- hanging out with friends while bringing kids (that's what I saw), working on your project, or simply gazing at every corner of this vintage store. The music is so good too. The restroom is really clean and well-equipped. For $9, their shakshouka was unbeatable in the area. The staff are really nice, but could be potentially more efficient if that's not too much to ask: ) read more

The two times I've come to Silvana I felt like I was in an episode of Portlandia, in the most adorable way possible. The musicians are so earnestly into their act that even if it's not my scene (French boys singing about love one night, middle-aged Woody Allen look-alikes playing African music another), I fall in love with being there all the same. Add to that some seriously good food (try that crazy sounding vegetarian sandwich, so yummy), fun atmosphere, and good drinks and wine and I'm a very happy camper. The low prices add to the neighborhood-spotness of it all. I really like this place and will be back. If you go for your first visit, know that the group level is more coffee and card shop than restaurant, and the bar/music/restaurant scene is downstairs. The service has been spotty, mostly just a bit inattentive, but when we wanted something taken off our bill (the only dud on the menu I've found so far - the terrible baklava*) our waitress did so without complaint and for that I am grateful. *The baklava was a pity in that the flavor was interesting but it was incorrectly made. The layers of nuts and filling that were evident couldn't make up for the fact that they were separated by layers of congealed phyllo dough. In order to make those lovely layers that get crispy and sticky with honey and puff up, one needs a brushing of butter between every single layer. Without it you end up with underdone thick layers of flavor-free gummy pastry. Silvana, if you fix your recipe, let me know! read more

This review is based off the underground section of Silvana, only! As, i have no reproach when it comes to the taste of the food that they serve. Let's get into it, I came in last night with few friends for a good time. However, my experience with the doorman, or more appropriately, male bouncer made the atmosphere seem rather vulgar and trashy. He had a really rude attitude and I wish to have been greeted by someone else read more

The service at this place is HORRIBLE!!!!! The internet NEVER works. & The seating upstairs is so uncomfortable. DO. NOT. GO. read more

Ok, first I am so glad that I am the first person to review this place. Secondly, I am so thankful that the food is actually really good. I live close to the restaurant and have longed since I move in the area for a restaurant/cafe in the area that has healthy food. Not only is the food good, it is reasonably priced, quick, and served in good size portions. So what did I order on my first trip to Silvana well... I ordered the mixed salad plate. Go Big or Go Home, Right? The mixed salad plate allows you to order up to six items for $12. I ordered the the hummus, baba ganoush, tomato, cabbage, tabouli, and tahini. All of this also comes with your choice of white or wheat pita bread that is perfectly warmed. I ordered the wheat of course. I also ordered my food to go so i could hoof it down in the privacy of my own home. Every item was amazing and had really good flavor Although I did not stay to eat in the cafe it is nicely decorated and has an inviting stay awhile feel. The cafe is decorated throughout with gifts and trinkets for purchase and not at all cluttered. The upstairs is street level, open and airy, but it could use a few more tables and chairs for seating. The downstairs is much bigger and is very reminiscent of The Shrine (their other business on 135th). I will return again to Silvana and next time i will go for the Happy Hour ($3 beer and $5 well drinks), or the live nightly entertainment. Silvana...I am a fan! read more

Too expensive. Lamb shawarma is $11 and after tip you would be paying $13 to $14. It's good, though, especially with the garlicky hummus inside and tender lamb. The hummus gave it a weird consistency even though it tasted good, and the bread fell apart in a couple places. You can upgrade this to a plate at a list price of $17. Seems high for a cafe-type space. I would come here regularly if a shawarma sandwich was $8 for take out. read more

I was in here last evening and sorely disappointed. First, as other reviewers have noted the seating is really bad. Terribly un-comfortable. There were two other patrons in the cafe upstairs and I went straight to the register to inquiry about seating. The young 20-something person behind the register looked at me with disdain but I brushed it off. (maybe I looked like his father-I'm definitely old enough to be). I sat down on the uncomfortable stool. He brought me a menu. Then a lovely young woman came to take my order. I order the Silvana which consisted of the 12 mini salads. Not bad really. I've lived in Israel so I know of humus and tahini and Israeli salad and this was not bad. I also ordered the Falafel appetizer which also wasn't bad but if this is a restaurant that promotes Israeli cuisine, shouldn't there be a whole entree devoted to it.? Anyway, I was 2/3 finished and got up to get my own water since no one had noticed my empty glass, when the waitress came and carted my food away. I told her I wasn't done but that didn't seem to phase her. Yes, its new and probably needs time but the owners are experienced. Its the same husband and wife team that own Yatenga & Shrine. Also, I did not like that I could get wine in the cafe but no cocktails. They have cocktails down stairs I was told. Also it was cash only. read more

Well... Second reviews, we tried the downstairs! Please guys, have you ever tried your own chairs? It's a torture! If like me you think the stools upstairs are kind of "not really" a place to sit, wait to try the chairs downstairs! I'm not even talking about the blue ones, on what you feel after 30sec like you will never be able to walk again, but event the brown padded ones are just so uncomfortable, after 30 min you blood is no longer circulating in your legs! Beside that, I did not know I was going to a night club. Especially when there is no live band, having dinner at 7 to 8pm in a place when you just can't hear anything from the closest person at the table is just not for me. Maybe I'm too old...what? I think it's all NYC changing that way. Is it really for the best? Beside that you will probably leave earlier than expected and free a table for some others (no one was waiting, anyhow) I don't really see that as a relaxing time. Cherry on top of the falafel, the oil was yesterday probably too fat saturated and the chips as well as the falafels remind me all night and the next day how I should just have stay home with a Chinese delivery. White rice is now my best friend for a couple of day. Results.... 4 stars the first Time, 1 star today, average is 2.5... Hmmmm, does not fit in yelp. I would be nice to give a 3 stars to help you get better. But without me, sorry I'll not come back. read more

Hey, what do you get when you combine a coffee shop, Midddle Eastern food, and a craft store/postcard shop (?!?!)? You get Silvana! This is only going to be about the food, though, which I found pretty solid. If you are looking for falafel or shawarma, you can't do much better than this in the city. Service is very attentive, and you can relax and chill for however long you want, using the place as either a coffee shop or restaurant. Not a huge fan of the communal tables, though, but that's just a personal idiosyncrasy. Overall, it's a good spot. read more

I've been twice so far, the first time in the morning for coffee. They're serving Brooklyn Roasting Company beans and pull a nice strong cup of espresso. I also went back for dinner about a week later and we tried the shakshuka, sabich sandwich, pickles, dolmas and baklavah. The food is fantastic. The dolmas were served with a small green salad and tangy yogurt sauce. The pickles were carrots, cabbage, cauliflower and mixed red & yellow peppers, nice and tart with lots of dill. The pita bread was amazing-moist and thick and fresh. The sabich sandwich has Israeli salad, hummus and pickles in the filling as well as fried eggplant and hard-boiled egg. I might even go so far as to say I like this version better than the one at Taim. Definitely try the lemonade-it has Fuji apple juice for sweetness and it's very refreshing. The baklavah is generously sprinkled with sesame, which is an unusual touch but works very well. The shakshuka was nicely spiced. I haven't tried the falafel yet, or stayed late enough to hear the live world music so I'll definitely be going back. The upstairs is very roomy with two large communal tables. There's a turnable and shelves of LP's; both times we went, they generously offered us to choose any music we wanted to play on the turntable! The downstairs has plenty of seating for eating or listening to music over drinks, a few TVs and a bar. I'm not quite sure what the scent is, might be cedar or sandalwood, but the aroma downstairs is enticing. Also the ceiling is covered in tapestries that give a cozy feel to the underground space. read more