Hookah was weak and customer service was terrible. My friend and I walked in around 9 PM a couple of weekends ago. It was our first time and we wanted to try the hookah, so naturally we went inside the coffee shop to inquire. Waiter (his name is Raymond) informed us hookah was downstairs, but we wanted to smoke outside where it was a bit quieter. He asked us how long we planned on staying and we mentioned an hour or so. He said fine and walked around us to get a table ready outside. As he was passing us, he mumbled under his breath, "as long as you're not staying here all night." Strike. Hookah was weak and they never replaced the coal. Another strike. When we were done, he gave us the bill and stood over us as we were deciding what to tip (we certainly weren't tipping a standard 18% because of his rudeness). We side glared him to give us a few more minutes. He finally got the hint and walked away. Came back a minute later (I kid you not) and as we were just writing down our tips, he asked us, "is the math/tipping too hard?" I was done with him. Extremely rude. I get it - you have somewhere you need to be, you don't want to work on a Saturday night, whatever. I try to be empathetic. But, at the very least, if you're in a rush, you could just tell your customers that the cafe is closing soon and you'd appreciate closing out, not insult them. I'll never take my business here again. read more

I had a fun time recently at this place- small music venue in the basement- the sound was great and the vibe was very special- amazing musicians playing to a small group of friends and having a great time. The food was good- middle eastern plates were delicious. My one major complaint- my beer was 9 dollars. For an average ipa. That's really not ok- I find it offensive. I'm unclear if there is a drink minimum- but if there is a drink minimum that would make it even worse. I will be coming back if there is good music to be heard at silvanas. I'll think twice about ordering from their apparently overpriced drink menus. read more

Delicious healthy food. Cool vibes. Service can be slow but I lie having to be patient there

Absolutely terrible. Speaking as a bartender, the bartending staff was useless. And the one guy we where actually able to get to acknowledge us was a complete jerk. He handed my girlfriend a menu and then walked away. He came back and when she tried to order a beer he said they didn't have it (fine) and walked away. After another five minutes (we where ready to try ordering again after about 10 seconds) he finally came back, we asked for a different beer and again he said they didn't have it (still fine) and walked away. Once again, after another 5 minutes of waiting he eventually returned and once again we were told the beer we wanted was unavailable. On top of that he rudely and with a nasty attitude snatched the menu out of her hand and scolded us for ordering something he didn't have. Not our fault friend. The whole issue could have been avoided if he had simply informed us what he was out of when he handed us the menu. It's not our fault we don't know what you have available as we don't work there, especially when you hand us a menu that is apparently for a different bar. She gave up so I tried my luck but after standing at the bar for 15 minutes being ignored by three different bartenders while I watched them lethargically wash dishes and mill about aimlessly, I finally threw in the towel and resigned myself to the fact that we just weren't gonna be drinking tonight. I work in a bar where on any given night I have 300-500 college kids trying to get drinks and I guarantee they don't have as much difficulty as we had. The place wasn't even crowded! Aside from that, the place just wasn't our cup of tea. The band that was playing was so loud I couldn't socialize with any of my friends. One could argue that that's just the nature of the place. Well, yes and no. I love a good concert. But for a venue hosting a band that's trying to attract new listeners, it might be more beneficial to tone it down just a touch. If it's so loud that you can't talk or hear yourself think then the only people who are going to stay will be people who already know the band. I'm not going to come listen to a band I've never heard of if I can't talk to my friends. What if I don't enjoy the band? Id like to be able to enjoy the company of my friends. It's a bar not a concert hall (in fairness maybe I'm wrong and just didn't have the correct understanding of the venue, maybe it is a concert hall first) but it doesn't seem like a good business strategy. Overall I can't review the food or drinks because the service was so terrible we didn't get a chance to try it. Avoid this place like the plague. read more

When I first entered Silvana, I was amazed by the atmosphere and ambiance, it looked like an amazing place for me and my friends and I was very excited to start our night there. These feelings however, quickly dissipated as we started our first encounter with the wait staff and the food. Our waiter was rude, refused to write down our orders (claiming he had committed them to memory) and was entirely unhelpful when asked to recommend any dishes. He then brought us drinks that were competently incorrect and seemed upset with us when we informed him of his mistake. This incompetence was further perpetuated by our food orders, all of which were incorrect, and in fact made with ingredients that someone in our party had actually requested to be stricken from the order due to severe allergies. The food itself was completely unappetizing, tasting worse that it looked. Afterwards, we left and within 3h, 2 members of our party had contracted food poisoning. Overall, a very negative experience and I would deeply caution anyone from ever subjecting themselves to this restaurant. read more

Great music, great food, and great vibes. Definitely a Harlem must!

Silvana's in NYC has a great and diversified music scene; however the food leaves a lot to be desired. I went for the music but I was hungry. I began by asking the waiter if their chicken shawarma was made with the white meat of the chicken. He didn't know what I was talking about; imagine someone in the food industry not knowing such a simple thing. I said never mind after all my favorite Lebanese restaurant in Paris had chicken shawarma ad it was all white meat. Much to my surprise not only was it not the chicken breast, but there were pieces of meat so dry they were actually crunchy and then there was something that felt like chicken skin or fat that I could not bite through, covered with sauce and pickles. After gagging I put the plate aside. read more

I have been here twice and the second time included the most bizarre encounter with another restaurant owner/man/human being I have ever had. I have hosted 2 happy hours for people in the neighborhood at this place... the first time I brought about 10 people and the second around 20-25. I enjoyed my time there the first time although the waitress was pushy with drinks and out of annoyance I ordered a second before I finished my first and ended up with a watery second drink. Whatever, I was going to get to a second one anyway, nbd. The issue was leaving the place after the second HH. My male friend and I are heading out and the owner goes up to greet him, shake his hand, and thank him for coming. Since I enjoyed the space, I held my hand out too since I wanted to continue hosting HHs there and figured I should introduce myself. The owner looked at me and my outstretched hand and just walked past me. I turned towards him and introduced myself again and he just blew me off, refusing to shake my hand. We stood there for what seemed like forever as I demanded that he shake my hand and I even asked for an explanation. If it was against his religion to shake a woman's hand, he never mentioned it. He just kept saying "no no no" and stared at me like I was out of my mind. He was extremely arrogant and started yelling at me. No one tried to remove me and a couple of his employees started telling him to calm down.... it was a really bizarre situation. Eventually he shook my hand, told me I'm a "strong woman" and told me to never return to his restaurant again. I never plan to and ladies, let's try an experiment. Please try to shake this chauvinistic owner's hand and see what he has to say. He is a tall guy with dreads. I never want to feel like I'm beneath any man the way he made me feel that night.... we're still in America right? read more

Cool place! Hybrid cafe/shop/bar. Yummy food. We were there during an open mic and ate dinner downstairs. Bare minimum downstairs - seating is benches and low tables, but part of the charm/vibe. The fried eggplant and falafel were great! Also - $4 blue moons during happy hour. Can't beat that. read more

Silvana is a great spot for listening to live bands, hookah and dancing on Saturdays. This is the spot to take your friends who are visiting the neighborhood. I've had many wonderful times there and always look forward to dancing the night away every weekend.Unfortunately the man who charges the cover fee, "Wally", is one if the rudest individuals I've ever encounter. He will let you in for free, or $5 or $10, or $15 or more depending on his mood. He will bully you into paying whatever amount he has decided on. He is instantly aggressive and unreasonable when you try to ask why the cover charge is do high this week. He refuses to allow customers to speak to the manager when they have a problem. His game is to break up the group you are with. He will let some members of your group I'm for free or a fair price, then over charge you once you friends are in the place. You have to pay because your group will lose their money if you decide to leave. "Wally" says that he is the one who gets to decide and that's it. The manager should be made aware that this man allows crowds of people in for free, then over charges others to make up for the difference. read more

Our favorite place to work over the weekends. They have one of the best Sabichs in the city. The "homemade" hot sauce is great with it. Cauliflower side is another favorite. Prices have recently gone up but still pretty affordable. They also have musical performances from local artists and one that I attended was pretty cool. read more

I'm a regular and I really enjoy their food and the lounge. The atmosphere is extraordinary and it's a really fun hang out place. I meet up with friends there at least once every 2 weeks but I stop in for coffee or sandwiches 3 or 4 times a week. The only reason I'm writing this review is because of the crappy service I have received on a few occasions! Most of the servers are outstanding but there are 3 that have me debating if I want to continue coming! Celine is the main one, so effin rude I asked one of the workers her name!!!! She talks down to customers and gives attitude all the time! When I complained about her, the girl told me she was the manager... REALLY?? I can't even report her to anyone? She's the example? Thank goodness most of the other servers are very friendly. There's one server, hispanic, good looking and charming until you need his help, he can't answer any questions without a condescending smirk! Like you're a dummy if you want to know what's in a sandwich. I avoid him now and wait for someone else!! I wish I knew his name. And then there is this young white girl who is friendly but she NEVER comes to take your order and is slow as heck. Sometimes I wonder if she's ignoring us!!! But at least she's sweet unlike the Celine lady. I won't give up on them yet, yeah the coffee is that good and I always chit chat with some of the sweet servers and bartenders. Hope the manager gets it together, Lord help them if her employees start treating customers like she does! I actually walk in there hoping it's her day off!! read more

Place is pretty cool. Guaranteed to find good live music. The upstairs is really nice. It has a nice calm feel to it. The downstairs is too chaotic. They need a better structure so people can dance without blocking the view of those sitting down. I would give it FOUR stars, but the nerdy-looking bartender (some Spanish dude with the glasses) was a douche bag to my friends and me when we ordered. If you can't handle orders, DON'T be a bartender. Everyone else was courteous. read more

I ordered take out and waited 40 minutes. No apology from the staff which were rude throughout the experience. The food was not terrible but not good. The ingredients in the sandwiches weren't spread out so all the salad was at one end and all the eggs at the other. The hummus tasted weird. I ordered wheat bread and they gave me white. I will never return to this place and I walk past it every day. read more

I've been going here since day one, years ago, and can't say enough good words. This place is a perfect balance of all you need.

Just got back from eating a meal here - or rather, not eating. Although the waitstaff were friendly, the food was really terrible. I've eaten at other places in my neighborhood that are 3.5 star rated here on Yelp -- 3.5 stars to me should mean it's still, you know, decent. We didn't even finish our food. I wanted to like this place. Don't bother. read more

I have been here at least 5 times, because I understand that new places need time to work out the kinks. Also, apart from the generally awful service, some of the earlier experiences were generally pleasant. That has all changed and I will not go back after my last meal which was atrocious. To their credit, the manager tried to make things better. And I cannot say that any of the staff is unfriendly or rude, but there is only so much you can do to try to fix a meal where nearly everything you ordered went badly. There is just something wrong with the service because it is not welcoming or smooth. I like the promise of the cafe more than I actually like anything it serves. The eggs shakshuka are very saucy and runny, not at all the way I have eaten them many times (and not different in a good way, either). The potato chips are incredibly greasy. Some of the salads are fantastic, but they are inconsistent. Sometimes they are perfectly seasoned and marinated, other times excessively so and other times under-seasoned. We like the tabouleh (it has almonds in it, which adds a nice crunch). Some of their hummous types are also very good. As another reviewer said, the restaurant is very loud, even when they do not have live music or comedy and when the restaurant is empty (even at 5pm). The chairs are ridiculously uncomfortable, though a step up from the beautiful but uncomfortable stools in the cafe. The dried chickpeas placed as decoration on the borders of the tables seem unhygienic and are not even nicely glued in. How do they expect to ever clean them? Overall, after giving it many chances, the verdict is in and I will not be back. read more

Went here on a Thursday afternoon for lunch - was surprised by how scarce the menu was but it wasn't a big deal. The service was atrocious though... it was a long wait before anyone took our order. The place was empty so it didn't make any sense as to why service was so slow. No exaggeration, we watched as two couples came in, sat for 15 minutes and each walked out after no one greeted them or took their orders... At first, I thought it was just us, but we were just the ones silly enough to keep sitting there. The food came, my friend asked for napkins and the waitress pointed to a counter in the corner and said, "They're over there, but I guess I can get them for you." *pause* Isn't that your job? My friend found a hair in her lamb dish, they took it away immediately and when it was time to pay, the waitress said, "I can't take the lamb dish off because there's no manager here." *pause* Is that our problem? The waitress finally worked it out and then asks, "Is there anything else you'd like me to take off while I'm at it?" *pause* Maybe she didn't get that THERE WAS HAIR IN THE FOOD! I didn't appreciate the implication that we were trying to get away with a free meal - she didn't even eat it b/c THERE WAS HAIR IN THE FOOD!!! HORRIBLE HORRIBLE service! Besides the slick comment at the end, the waitresses weren't even rude, they were just bad service providers... read more

Some of the best baklava i've ever had. It tastes pretty unusual, lots of nuts- not as much filo. The only thing i didn't care for was the amount of honey put on the top of the baklava. I don't like food surprises and I'd prefer to be asked or have it put on the side. That's my only gripe, but not really a gripe - I guess just my preference. Great employees and prompt service. The music was bumping and you could hear it very faintly in the distance, which i thought was cool. You can still study upstairs, despite the party downstairs. Will be back. read more

Haven't tried upstairs. Downstairs is eclectic and the music is sometimes really great, sometimes not so much. Last trip there I was really disappointed by how surly the bartenders were and the dirty smell in the area by the bar. Too bad because it's a great place to hear music. read more

The service there is TERRIBLE!!! I stopped eating at Silvana's nearly 4 month ago due to walking into the restaurant and the waitress having the filthiest nails I have ever seen, she offered to pour me a cup of water while placing her hand over the rim of the cup. And the wait time was over 20 minutes. I was totally turned off! I decided to give them a try today and the guy behind the counter was short and condescending. I wanted to order the Sabich sandwich with 1 extra egg, clearly there would be a nominal charge for 1 egg but to be told I would be charged for a "side" because I wanted 1 egg is ridiculous! The explanation the guy gave to me was, the kitchen makes it a certain way and asking for an extra egg would incur a side item cost which is what the kitchen says has to be the case. In an environment where customer service is important Silvana fails hands down! They deserve a BIG FAT ZERO!!!! read more

I came here once in February and the music was really good and it the vibe was even better. But as I'm sitting here tonight, the dj is horrible. I asked her to play different types of music and she refused and is instead playing Brazilian music. Brazilian music is great but who wants to come to a lounge and listen to Brazilian music all night. She wears glasses and has curly hair. Horrible dj. read more

The food was good but the service left a great deal to be desired. When asked for more bread... sure, it was 20 minutes later and after we finished our meal. And why was my unfinished drink removed? And it was PRICEY! Also, the music was too loud to have a conversation who cares that the band was just so so. I would get carryout or delivery in the future....MAYBE. read more

i was excited to try this restaurant becuase i knew they would have tabouleh. i love tabouleh. the atmosphere is very welcoming large tables little trinkets to buy very cute. so i rdered the tabouleh and chicken shwarma. we i got back to eat it the food smelled sour. i said maybe its just me... so i asked my friend who was sharing the meal with me to smell and she also detected and sour odor from the chicken as well as the tabouleh. i was really disappointed. the chicken was incredibly greasy and it looked like they plucked it from the bone. i went back to tell the manager about the food. but she seemed disinterested. read more

Staff has awful attitude. Came to hear music and entered through upstairs door. The girl at the counter rudely told us to go downstairs from other entrance. We had just come from dinner elsewhere and wanted to have drinks and hear music. The bouncer was gruff and searched us and insisted that if we wanted to enter the venue we had to throw away our leftovers from the other restaurant! As if we were going to sit and eat the food that we were too full to finish?!? SO wasteful. We left because we didn't want to support an establishment with such an unpleasant and unwelcoming environment! read more

The food and ambiance at Silvana is fantastic. The service (in the restaurant and delivery) is terrible. I have been several times and from dining in to pick up to home delivery is always very slow, to the point of wanting to forgo a great meal because of frustration in waiting time. It is a real shame because everything else is great. You are now forewarned. read more

I want to like this place more than i do. Tabouleh was made with couscous - the waiter said otherwise, but i know bulgur and this was not it. Worse, it had little parsley and less flavoe. Very disappointing. The babaganoug and fried eggplant were fine, but not of the quality i recalled. Unfortunate. read more

This used to be a positive environment. Cool people would frequent and socialize with beverages, hookahs and food. Slowly but surely the staff and bouncers have become increasingly rude. This behavior from the collective staff has become such a deterrent that I will never go back to this place! read more

Service was slow and rather uninterested, but that wasn't a big deal, once I made the effort to engage the staff they were slightly less disgruntled. The grape leaves were way too cold, the pickles were great, and the fried cauliflower was quite good. The disappointment was with how they run the music, they changed bands every hour and didn't intro anyone or even have something like a board up announcing anyone, the sound guy didn't even seem interested in addressing levels or balance, but I guess when you put up acts like a conveyor belt they just don't bother with things like - say, volume? Seriously, it seems like more of variety show case where anyone can just show up and play for free so that the bar makes more money. Whatever, not a real music club in my book. read more

The worst take out experience I've ever had in NYC. It took them nearly 2 hours to deliver my food. I called them twice, and they lied to me both times, saying my food had left the store and would arrive within the next 5 minutes. If it were possible to give 0 stars, I would. You'd do better at any street food cart in the city. read more

affordable, fresh tasty food, live music, chill atmosphere

This is a great place to take people. Good music. The food and drinks are good, as is the service. I love the Sabich, and the Chips. The only downside is the chairs in the downstairs. Sit in the back part of the downstairs until they fix the chairs. Or sit upstairs. It is still worth the visit!. read more

A hidden jewel for mediterranean food with good service! This place does not look like a mediterranean restaurant when you walk it...it has the decor and vibe of a relaxed coffee shop (and indeed many of the folks there were studying over a cup of coffee). The atmosphere is also very nice with the tables properly spaced out (unlike most restaurants that queen in every inch). The food here is very good - it is a mix between mediterranean and Israeli food and everything we have had came out very good. Service is also good (not overly attentive given the relaxed vibe but the servers are always available when you reach out to them). read more

I really like this place. My girlfriend and I like to eat upstairs. And later go down stairs where they play live music. On both floors the attention and service is pretty dope. read more

What an amazing place for watching live music. 2 tips: For veges - Food is sort of okayish - Don't order the hummus mushrooms - 4 spoonfools of mushroom and tonnes of hummus surrounding it. So, after getting that out of the way - I think do go there for the live music - Small intimate basement with amazing musicians. My first time was yesterday, and I heard Anna Valenta, fondly reminding of the Copa beach music. My roomate also recommended checking their calendar before going, which was an awesome tip. Do that! :) read more

We ordered delivery (which I don't recommend - it took forever), and the happiest delivery man ever came with my food. Why is he some damn happy? Because he gets to bring people this fabulously delicious food. Every bite was an authentic middle eastern delight, spiced just right, leaving me dividing brain space between "how the hell did they do that" and "stop thinking, eat more!". Skip the grape leaves though - $7 for three of them is kinda steep, even if they are making them fresh. read more

What a lovely place to work! And I'm talking about the street facing floor without the live jazz. There are plenty of outlets, the staff is courteous, and the food/coffee/wine options are pretty darn great! I wish the music would be a little softer and that I could listen to my own music over it and the chairs were a little more comfortable...but I've been here a few times and its safe to say, the place is a neighborhood treasure. Also, did I mention? The wifi works great!! I recommend the Babaganoush, the capuccino, and the fluffy potato chips! read more

Great happy hour and live music, and tasty food. They also deliver which is handy for us on 110th!

Silvana is great to have in the neighborhood. Their admittedly frenzied approach to the shop -- is it a cafe? or a restaurant? or a bar? or a clothing store? -- somehow works. The food -- or, at least, the lamb shawarma -- is delicious. Their chai lattes - so often ruined at other coffee shops - is impeccable. Yes, the service is slow, but take that not as a failing on their part, but rather as an opportunity to take a few minutes out of your day to simply relax. Also, the wifi is great. If you're in the neighborhood and in need of a snack, a glass of wine, or a tapestry (they have them all), definitely pay a visit to Silvana. read more

Lamb is the new chicken!!!!. omg. i never ate lamb before going to this place. always thought it was too gamey. but let me tell you the lamb here is out of this world. not that i have any place to compare it to since ive only ate lamb here. as for the other food .. amazing. the staff awesome. im always happy when i leave this place. read more