Very adorable! The back patio is perfect for a hot summer afternoon. Good food, inexpensive drinks, and a very nice staff. Best spot in City Island! read more

Will not come here again! Came for brunch for my mother in laws birthday. First of all the website states brunch from 11-2 with all these stations and an omelette bar. There was NO omelette bar. And it's literally 5 trays divided into 2 so the selection was not much. We got there by 11:30. Mimosa and bloody Mary's are not served until 12 (annoying) isn't that the whole point?? Oh and this omelette station didn't even exist. I had to have poached eggs or scrambled. For someone who likes their eggs over easy and/or sunny side up.. Try else where... read more

It was a cold pm and the bread came cold with no The Starving Artist pasta was a big disappointment. No ambiance. It was two days after Christmas and they told us we could not have vanilla ice cream with our apple crisp for dessert because they sold out of that flavor on Christmas???? I wanted a cappuccino but the server informed us that their espresso maker broke?? There is nothing special about this place! The apple crisp was awful! I asked to send it back and give the creme brûlée a chance. Place has a weird smell. SKIP this place and try somewhere else. read more

The Black Whale - No ambiance. - New American Near Me - Bronx, New York

I still love this place. Haven't been here in awhile. Good to get here early as it gets very busy after 11. New items on buffet bar were a sweet buttery dessert type dish.. .buttery crumbles and berries=yum!! The gazpacho was phenomenal. My best description of soup would be an absolute savory flavor.. treasures from the garden. Staff is super nice and attentive. My only gripe is due to be an old building, the space can get very crowded with some cautious maneuvering required while shuffling back and forth to buffet. Give it a try..the ambiance is very cool and inviting. read more

Love this place! There are so many cute things in this place and it has such a cozy feel to it. The creme brûlée was definitely one of my favorites. Ask for Alex he's the best waiter read more

Really cool and quaint little place on City Island, perfect for a weekend brunch. Staff is very friendly and attentive. The interior design is eclectic featuring interestingly placed antiques such as church stain glass windows, mismatched furniture, and nautical decor giving it a very cozy feeling. Crab cakes are delicious and enormous (I still have dreams about mine) and this is one of the few places you can find a good Dark n' Stormy, or two....just keep your Uber number on hand! read more

I have to back everybody up on this one. Best brunch in the city. It's also not harmed by the charming location including a gorgeous backyard for some outdoor dining. read more

I'll admit that I'm not a local, but this is where I go to eat on City Island. The staff is terrific, the atmosphere is relaxed and casual, and the food is great. I've brought friends with very different tastes here, and they've all loved it. The beer selection is unique, the desserts are tasty (and served in ridiculously huge portions, plan to share!), and the other diners are very friendly. Avoid the crowds at the fried fish places and have a really nice evening at the Black Whale. read more

What a refreshing change from the typical City Island restaurants with their gigantic dining room and and ridiculously huge portions. This place feels like a real restaurant, not some place where you get the suspicious feeling that you are being fattened for slaughter. The outdoor seating feels like someone's backyard with the trees and fountains. Great for a hot summer day, although there isn't much of a view. Of course, last time I sat on the marina, I kept getting whiffs of a disgusting fish smell. So this was a nice change. Great service and very good food. I really liked the crab cakes and the crab stuffed tilapia that my friend ordered. The prix fixe dinner arrangement is a great deal. Next time I go to City Island, if I don't feel like being a total glutton and just want a nice meal, I will definitely think of the Black Whale. read more

I had never been to City Island before, and a few of my co-workers recommended the Black Whale... The fact it was nearly empty on a Saturday night at 8:00 should have warned us away. Many reviews sited the horrible service, which sadly we didn't read about til we were bored at table waiting over 40 mins for our entrees... We were sat outside in back, which is super charming area, but had the misfortune of having a view into the kitchen where the 2 employees they had cooking, were beyond frantic trying to keep up with the maybe 10 tables.. and the servers were always prepping food too.... ANYWAY- food was marginal at best- worst crab cakes maybe ever, dry chicken, flavorless meatloaf, wine (bottle) was cheap but tasted even cheaper, service seriously sucked (SSSSLLLOOOOWWWW) , and def not worth the trip there unless you live down the block, and want cheap, slow basic dinner- in a very charming setting.. My co-workers will never be listened to again! read more

We had dinner here last night. There were 5 of us. No one finished their meals. We were extremely disappointed as the place was recommended to us. It's a cute setting but we went for the food. Won't go back to try again. read more

Really enjoyed coming here for a Sunday brunch this passed summer. It was a beautiful day so we got to sit outside! It was slightly annoying that we had to walk inside and to a separate room to grab our food, but that is just me being picky! Food was great! Nice blend of different items and even cultures. There was an amazing spanish breakfast lasagna that I could not stop eating! Then they had your typical breakfast foods like waffles, eggs, bacon, etc. Even the little dessert cups were fantastic. Im not so sure what everything was, but they looked like little pudding cups, or creme brueles. My friend and I sat there for almost two hours just enjoying the beautiful atmosphere, the food, and getting lost in conversation. The price for the brunch is decent, I was just a little upset you have to pay separate for a mimosa. It would have been nice if at least 1 was included in the overall brunch price. read more

Staff is friendly, food was really yummy! The beers were nice and cold and for sure I would come back.

note: missing star is only b/c i haven't tried as much as i wanted too from the menu just yet =) this place is definitely a secret spot worth sharing with those who can truly appreciate it. i had the chicken pot pie, which was huge (big enough to share b/t two people). it wasn't heavy at all and the puff pastry was a nice touch. for an app, my friend and i had the mussels in white wine and garlic. this was amazing! we just couldn't stop sopping up the broth with the house bread. though the place stayed packed the whole time we were there, we weren't rushed. service was great. read more

If this review was simply about the food, it would be a solid 5 stars. It was that good, down to the simplest Cesar salad, which was fresh, buttery, and delicious. However, the service left something to be desired. We asked our waiter which fish dish he would recommend. "They're all delicious!" he said. When we asked him about desert, "They're all delicious!" he said. When we asked what sides came with the dishes, he told us that some come with rice, some come with potatoes and veggies. "It depends." On what does it depend? "On which dish you choose." So which dishes come with rice? "I'm not sure." We only saw the waiter when we ordered and a couple of different servers brought us our food. That's usually no big deal, except that communication seems to be an issue. One of us got two glasses of water (no ice) and the other got no soda. At the end, we had to ask the hostess for our check as all the waiters and servers seemed to be M.I.A. and we had a fairly long wait until the waiter reappeared with it (but not before he came by with a question about what we had ordered). The restaurant looks fantastic. It is quaint and quirky and visually interesting. The back outside area is a great place in nice weather. It's a very comfortable outside place to dine. The inside is a little cramped. The mismatched tables and chairs and odd layout means that on the night we were there, the only tables for two were one which was cramped between the hostess podium and a baby carriage from the large party at the next table, and the other table for two was cramped in a corner, sort of mashed between some quirky decorations. We sat outside. Overall the food is delicious and the decor is great. It looks totally unlike the big seafood behemoths on City Island and feels like an authentic quirky restaurant. The service needs work, but it isn't horrible, and I'll be heading back again. I was going to give The Black Whale 3 and a half stars, but only full stars are an option here. read more

Found this place while walking down the street...took a chance, best move we could have made. Only enjoyed dessert, which is amongst the best I've ever enjoyed. The creme brûlée is crazy and the peach Melba was a fantastic ice cream treat. Mom, 76 years old, ordered the chocolate cake and her serving should last her 3 days! The staff, primarily young ladies, were patient, attentive and pleasant. We joked and laughed with the staff and they were very engaging. Every now and then, someone can have a bad experience, which should be understood. There's a reason that this place has existed for as long as it has. They make you feel welcomed, which means I will be back. Want to try that brunch...soon, perhaps. Hope this was helpful... read more

Love coming to this place because it offers different food fromt eh typical City Island restaurant. I can honestly say that I don't have a favorite dish since I like to try and sample something new each time I come here. I didn't give it a five star rating because I had a bad meal once, but I feel it was a off night. read more

Not impressed. Service was good. The crab cakes need help, mushy and slightly sour. The halibut special was good. I sent the crab cakes back after one bite and I was polite about it. The server asked if I wanted something else, but I declined. I lost hope after tasting the crab cakes. Actually they were horrible. When I got the bill I noticed they were not taken off. That's fine, I didn't make an issue, but after that I would never go back. Oh and another deal breaker was the AC being off when we walked in, we didn't have a choice, but to sit outside. I know there known for their desserts, but not gonna bother with that either. There's other places that are just as good if not better we can go that don't involve navigating down City Island Ave. read more

I love the Black Whale. The place is small and quaint. I usually only get dessert from there- a great creme brulee and a glass of iced black currant tea. Awesome. My friend also got a gigantic vanilla shake from there. read more

I was very disappointed at the Black Whale. My boyfriend and I went out on a double date to The Black Whale and when we entered, there were many available seats however, the hostess or waitress said to hold on to see if they had any available seats. I was disappointed to see that they would treat us in such a fashion so we left and went to Crab Shanty instead. I was eager to try there food considering all of the awesome reviews they received. What a shame! read more

The Black Whale? More like the Black Fail! My wife and I went to this restaurant because it looked like the coolest place on the island, or anywhere really. Amazing decor and just a unique look that is really well executed. However that is about it. The staff are unattentive or at the very least our waiter and the hostess were. The menu was underwhelming and my frustration with it was further compounded when we heard the waitress for another table read off a bunch of specials for the day which our waiter never told us about. The food tasted like the garbage you buy at Sam's club. I had a fish sandwich and it was not much better than what you would get at a high school cafeteria. My wife had the "Starving Artist" as it looked like the most promising item on the menu and boy were we dissapointed. The shrimp looked and tasted like something out of the freezer section of Sam's club warehouse. The dish looked like the head chef had taught some one how to cook once, and they were doing their best to remember how to do it. Truly a bitter disappointment and I will never spend money here again. Two Stars only for the look of the place. read more

A hidden gem on City Island love this place my wife and I have been here on several occasions and each time we have not been disappointed. Great food in a quant environment. read more

This place sucks, they dont do take out until the chef comes in evening time. Looks weird inside. Not friendly staff.

I purchased a Groupon for 4 people. We went on a Saturday night around 5:30 in the afternoon. There was only one other family there. The place looked like someone's large living room. We figured it probably was a small dinky place, but hey, for $39 and dinner for 4, we may as well try it out. The waitress was super bubbly, and came to us a bunch of times while we ordered. (We couldn't decide, we all wanted something different.) for our appetizers, we got the Half chicken quesadilla, and the Mussels in white wine sauce. The half quesadilla was enough for the 4 of us (1 piece per person) and the salsa on it was very fresh and chunky. the mussels were amazing. I'm not a fan of white wine sauce, but I devoured the bowl quickly. For our entrees, we ordered Chicken fajita, Shrimp Scampi, and 2 orders of the crab cakes. The crab cakes were huge. We each (the 2 of us) got 2, and we both took one home each. It came with very good mashed potatoes (the lumps were amazing,. it reminded me I was eating real non-boxed potatoes) and string beans, which were slightly overdone, but probably by a few seconds. The scampi came with 7 large butterflied shrimp soaked in the garlic wine sauce, with yellow rice and the string beans. The rice was a bit under-cooked but when mixed with the sauce, worked out very well. The shrimp were just huge. We each also got drinks. Everyone said they liked their Pina Coladas and the strawberry daquiri. Their Margarita was amazing, and really hit the spot. Even though dessert wasn't included in our deal, we had to try it. The apple crisp was great and my Creme brulee was amazingly smooth and had lots of vanilla. We ordered the chocolate fondue for my brother and dad to share, so we opted for the 2 person option. The waitress promptly told us no, the single portion would be good for us. At first we wondered why she said that, considering she was talking us out of a sale. She told us to trust her, so we did. When the fondue arrived, it was a very old style cauldron about the size of an adult head. Yes, it was crazy. The platter was filled with amazingly prepared angel food cake, melons, brownie bits, oreos, bananas, strawberries, green apples, and a bunch of other things., The waitress was correct, even with the 4 of us sharing it, we brought home both the treats and the chocolate sauce. i really appreciated that she wasn't just trying to make a sale, but cater to us. This place is very small and intimate, old fashioned with unvarnished wood floors and quirky paintings on the wall seemingly for sale. The wine cask in the corner is a sight to see , and the people are great. I would go back here for sure. Side note- the place got crowded around 6, and most people came in for the pasta and dessert and the wine. *mental note for next time* read more

This place was alright, but not all I was hoping for. I think it'd be a nice place for lunch or a casual homestyle dinner. I had a cod dish and was not impressed and the dessert was pretty lame but good crab cakes and shrimp bisque and my boyfriend enjoyed his steak and mashed potatoes. Next time I would try the meat loaf. Definitely not fine dining and not great for seafood but still a nice spot with a funky atmosphere. read more

Wow, what a great restaurant! My wife and I decided to take a small trip to City Island tonight as we heard the weekend riff raff was at bay. I heard of the Black Whale and decided to give it a try.Very nice, classy yet casual restaurant with a romantic outdoor courtyard. Business was brisk tonight and the food was delicous. I had a grilled chicken, bacon rap and my wife had Salmon and risotto. Some of the dishes that other patrons were having looked exquisite. This place can easily become a favorite of mine b/c of the relative value compared to Manhattan and other restaurants in Westchester. Great place for a romantic yet affordable dinner/brunch/lunch. read more

Adorable little brunch spot with garden outdoor seating in the rear. The buffet-style brunch was average and service was a bit slow but we were in no rush. I'd come back just to lounge in the back area, it's very cute. read more

I came here for dinner around 5pm on a soaking wet May day. It was very empty at this time. The restaurant is super cool because it looks like it has a lot of history. There is also a nice back yard dining area which we couldn't take advantage of due to the downpour. For dinner, we had the crab cakes for the appetizer. Very crabby, good portions (4 cakes), and yummy sauces. For the entrees, we had the pesto salmon and osso buco (braised pork). The pesto salmon was very flavorful and paired well with the rice. The pork was very tender but a bit bland (I had to add salt). It came with mashed sweet potato. Overall cute restaurant with decent food. Our waitress was also very nice and attentive. read more

I had the 'starving artist' pasta dish and it was delicious. The portion sizes are pretty big, so plan on having it for lunch the next day. The atmosphere and staff were warm and welcoming. I am a big fan. read more

I went here on a double date, the outdoor seating was very nice and romantic. The food was good, I ordered the chicken with ham cheese and spinach. I was under the impression that this chicken was stuffed it was not and was a lil dry but still good and the drinks where just right. read more

The only really bad aspects of The Black Whale are: 1. The small size of the place and, 2. On the street parking. The small size thing is relative, though. If you go there on a rainy evening with one other person, then great, but if it is a nice day or if you're going there with a bunch of people, it's probably not a great idea. Definitely recommend the crab cakes. Simply delicious. I had chocolate cake for dessert. The portion was HUGE, but the cake itself tasted ok. My friend and I had the price fixe menu which included an appetizer, entree, and dessert . The salads (appetizer) were good because they were made with fresh greens. The bread came with an oil dipping sauce, which was ok. If you're looking for a small, quaint place to bring friends or a date, then The Black Whale is a great spot. Highly underrated! read more

There was nothing spectacular about this place other than it's allure on the website and reasonable prices. Another reviewer mentioned the poor quality of the sangria, to which I agree. It was a bottle of rose with diced fruit-- very misleading. Drinks took way too long. Main entrees with no appetizer took about an hour for delivery. Service was intermittent. Food was good, but overall experience was not worth it. read more

The music was too loud. There was too much pepper on the cod (which was otherwise flaky and delicious). The butternut squash soup was OK. Creme brulee was light on the creme, and a little too much on the brulee (French for "burnt"). Also, if you're going to City Island for seafood be aware that the Black Whale menu is limited for seafood, especially if you're looking to eat local catches. I was tempted to give two stars because of how disappointed we were, but it wasn't bad, just not that good. If you're visiting City Island for one meal I'd suggest just going to one of the kitschy touristy seafood joints, not that I did, but that's my plan if there's a next time. At least that way I can get an experience and not just a par meal. read more

Went there for brunch outside branches leaves falling on my food waited over 20 minutes for a person to cook some eggs. Employees was dress in street clothes. Food was ok nothing to brag about. Had to walk through a narrow area to get to the buffet. I wont be going back. read more

Arrived around 615 to an empty restaurant and had to wait at least 10 min before receiving at least wtwr and bread..then waited another 10 minutes before the waiter took our drink menu..btw the waiter was very attentive..food lacked flavor internally..drenched in sauces..dumpling soy sauce was very salty and the empanada bean dip is a fluke, which is really black beans, tomatoes and onions but not at all dip just all clumped in a dish..mashed potatoes are not real potatoes but instant..some woman was moving relics and asking for customers to buy her items..restaurant does have a romantic feel but food lacks true flavor and authenticity..will not be returning read more

Cute little place. Had a nice dessert here. Head over to the City island Nautical Museum afterward if you are in a nautical mood.

Unfriendly staff. Horrible guest experience and customer service. The attitudes are disgusting. Stay away. Shameful.

I love the black whale! This place has been a staple on city island since I was a child. The food is consistently delicious with great specials, and their dessert is always great. I love the shabby chic decor and local artistry displayed throughout the restaurant. Their menu is well priced and on certain days of the week they host old movie nights. read more

This is the very top place on City Island. it would rank as above average even in Manhattan. Seafood is actually the weak link. Our party had average, probably farm raised salmon. But all other dishes were excellent. Large St Louis style ribs, (not the inferior "baby back ribs" (served by many restaurants to cut costs) were the highlight. The vegetables-superb mashed potatoes and green beans, rare in a restaurant but needed for a healthy diet. Appetizers were topped by an authentic chorizo filled quesadilla. The large portions left us unable to try the reputedly good desserts. Prices are competitive for the area and less than Manhattan. read more

We've actually been here several times because the brunch was so delicious. Sadly, this morning I felt wasn't what I was expecting. I made a reservation for two adults and a child- my daughter is 11. The back patio was open for the first day and only had one family, but we were ushered to a corner in the patio. My daughter was offered coffee, which seemed strange, but then when I got the bill, we were billed as 3 adults. No one thought to ask how old she was, and I'm baffled why she'd be listed as an adult. Their menu lists children as 12 and under. I let the server know as we left but didnt argue the bill- they can keep the difference, and I'll rethink coming back. In the future, they should ask ages, and should generally refrain from offering children coffee. read more