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  5. Harlem
Melba's, New York, NY
Award-winning

Melba's

4.6
4.6
1280 Reviews
$50 and over
American
Enjoy Southern comfort food with a twist in a relaxing, casual setting at Melba's. Owner Melba Wilson opened its doors for locals and travelers alike to have a pleasant dining experience with great service. Fried catfish strips, barbecue short rib sliders and spring rolls filled with black-eyed peas and collard greens make delicious appetizers before feasting on the main course. Guests can choose from entrées like Melba's popular Southern fried chicken with eggnog waffles, which was a winner on Throwdown! with Bobby Flay, as well as pan-seared sea bass and the barbecue turkey meatloaf. This restaurant also serves hamburgers, lighter fare and sides such as candied yams.

Melba's offers catered business luncheons, receptions and more. Reservations are welcome, and takeout is available for guests.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 29 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    American, Comfort Food, Soul food
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Wed 11:00 am–10:00 pm Thu–Sun 11:00 am–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (212) 864-7777
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Catering
    For private events and catering, please contact our Special Events & Catering Director at: events@melbasrestaurant.com
  • Private party facilities
    For private events and catering, please contact our Special Events & Catering Director at: events@melbasrestaurant.com
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Neighborhood
    Harlem
  • Cross street
    Frederick Douglas Blvd. (8th Avenue)
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    B & C train at 116th Street (2 blocks away)2 train at 116th street (4 blocks away)
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,280 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

1,280 Reviews
  1. ADiscerningDiner

    Seattle

    36 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We loved our experience. Loud, but in a joyful, fun way! Our server was delightful, loved most of our food , especially the collards, fried chicken and catfish! We also appreciated the art on the walls. All in all, a great afternoon!

    Is this helpful?

  2. safiyah

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    10 outa 10 definitely recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  3. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a great evening at Melba’s! India provided great service and the food and drinks were delish!

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing spread!! Just like home—everything delicious!

    Is this helpful?

  5. RobynB

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Restaurant met all expectations! Great food, service, and atmosphere!

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    Baton Rouge

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service1ambience3
    Service horrible, food was great. Please work on that. The waiter don't listen. I'm in the service field and he was non engaging.

    Is this helpful?

  7. danne

    New York Area

    23 reviews

    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was a great experience. Friends from out of town came and loved the food, drinks and servers.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Cake

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall1food1service4ambience2
    Too loud couldn't hear myself order. Prices too high. Had a broken chicken leg. Chicken skin was burned and pink inside, very undercooked. Too expensive for little potions. Also chairs are not comfortable very cheap plastic quality

    Is this helpful?

  9. Thecatsmeow

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Yes, I was visiting from Philadelphia and I enjoyed my dinner at Melba’s Will definitely go again when I’m in town. Keep up the good work everyone

    Is this helpful?

  10. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was absolutely amazing!! I wish I had a chance to try the Banana Pudding, but they are out. I’m definitely going back when I’m on NYC again.

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It is always an incredible gastronomic experience to be at Melbas. And the staff is wonderful. My Brazilian friends loved it.

    Is this helpful?

  12. sharonb

    Atlantic City

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    The establishment and atmosphere was amazing . The waiter was very professional and polite. The food was great and them egg rolls was to die for. I placed this in my top10 soul food cruise. I will return soon.

    Is this helpful?

  13. RooseveltP

    Detroit

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We visited from Detroit, everything was above expectations. Melba actually stopped by to say hello and ask how was our food.

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  14. StephanR

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, great service, and the sound track was nothing but bops. Melba was ever there and sang Happy Birthday to a customer who's birthday it was.

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  15. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The staff went above and beyond on service and made you feel at home. The chicken, catfish and signature non-alcoholic drinks we amazing!

    Is this helpful?

  16. Cherie

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Went to Melba’s for lunch on my birthday! Melba was actually there and greeted us with such kindness. We had the same waitress from a visit back in August. She was lovely and CONSISTENT as noted by my brother. Food was slamming! Chicken & egg nog waffles & strawberry Hennessy were my favs! Melba’s don’t miss and the vibe & music were on point!

    Is this helpful?

  17. foody

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and lunch service were exceptional. I ordered the fried chicken wings, Mac and cheese, collards and a side of yams. We also ordered the shrimp appetizer. The portions were so plentiful, that I took home the leftovers and my nephew ordered a complete meal of salmon, greens and more of that delicious Mac & Cheese as a take home dinner. I highly recommend this Harlem staple.

    Is this helpful?

  18. Ange

    Raleigh

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    I made a reservation a week prior. When I arrived, my party was asked to sit in the covered outside area. When I asked about a table inside, I was told there were no tables available, but we could be seated in the outside area which was cold (there is a heater, but it was not working). We were able to get a table inside after we had already received our drinks and appetizers and needed to move.

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food is always great. Mac & cheese is heavenly! Cocktails are good & strong. Ambiance is good, music is enhancing to the experience. Overall, a gem of a restaurant to this community!

    Is this helpful?

  20. LouisB

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Love the vibe of Melba's. I am a lover of African, African American, & Carribean Art so it lifts my spirits to be in a restaurant surrounded by beautiful works of art. Also love supporting African American & female owned businesses. Our server (Tatiana Brown) was outstanding. She was personable, but professional. She was also warm & friendly. She made this an outstanding dining experience. All of the staff we encountered treated us like we were guests in their homes. Thanks for making our second visit to Melbas such a pleasure!! We will definitely return. Wishing you continued success.

    Is this helpful?

  21. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I had the best time at MELBA’s. I’ll definitely be back and will spread the word!!

    Is this helpful?

  22. Whynter

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was great and the staff were outstanding

    Is this helpful?

  23. Lola

    Philadelphia

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    From a warm greeting when we entered to a knowledgeable and welcoming staff to deeeelicious food - everything was just what we were looking for and got. What a treat!

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  24. ClaudiaG

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 31, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Staff service was excellent! Collard greens were salty and yams could have been better. I am a Harlem native and was there with my family from NJ, celebrating my daughter’s 15th birthday. She enjoyed the waffle she ordered and the red velvet cake as they sag to celebrate her.

    Is this helpful?

  25. BrentC

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Melba's was wonderful. The wait staff was great, Melba herself is a delight and the food is amazing!

    Is this helpful?

  26. Rene

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Service was HORRIBLE. Not friendly at all. Didn’t acknowledge the table. Didn’t offer napkins. Then had the nerve to add GRATUITY to a party of 3.

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  27. Mimi

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Staff were friendly and we loved the vibe! It’s casual and we went for brunch so it was quiet. We enjoyed singing to the birthdays that were being celebrated there. Food was delicious especially the catfish and potato salad!

    Is this helpful?

  28. Tara

    Atlanta Metro

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was great! Typically reviews don’t match the experience but this day it did!

    Is this helpful?

  29. PaulR

    Charlotte

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service outstanding. Made to feel welcome. Another restaurant checked out my bucket list. You must eat here!

    Is this helpful?

  30. kimp

    Tampa

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely delicious food and extraordinary service from greeting to guest dining service! A culinary and community gem!

    Is this helpful?

  31. TinaY

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    A very friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The spring rolls are to die for!

    Is this helpful?

  32. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were treated warmly from the second we walked in. Our server (I can’t rem her name) was very sweet. She even ran outside after we left bc my husband forgot his hat. Food was delicious, came quickly and portions were very generous. I can’t wait to go back.

    Is this helpful?

  33. AnthonyJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I was visiting from Chicago to celebrate my birthday. I was visiting my best friend, and wanted to just experience the City as a local. The only solid plan we made was to have dinner at Melba's on my birthday. It did not disappoint. We were seated promptly, and given a table on the covered/heated patio. Our server, Stephanie, greeted us with a warm smile, and gave us excellent service. We shared the crab cakes, the catfish strips, and the arugula/beet salad. We then had the fried chicken as an entrée. Everything was prepared perfectly. After that, we ended with the red velvet cake. I was speechless. Thank you to Stephanie and the rest of the staff at Melba's for making a milestone birthday truly unforgettable!

    Is this helpful?

  34. AdrienneM

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was absolutely delicious and the staff were sooo nice!

    Is this helpful?

  35. MellonieK

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Food was delicious. An additional Hostess was needed. Only one Hostess attending to 7 tables at dinner time was a bit much. Overall the place is very nice, great vibe and ambiance.

    Is this helpful?

  36. OpenTable Diner

    Essex

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Great food and good value for money. Would recommend. Staff great as well as atmosphere.

    Is this helpful?

  37. OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    56 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    56 reviews

    Dined on October 17, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Outstanding chicken & waffles with great selections of American comfort and sea food.

    Is this helpful?

  38. OpenTable Diner

    Cleveland

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such an amazing brunch. You truly can’t go wrong with anything on the menu but the friend chicken, egg rolls, greens, and rice and peas w/ oxtail gravy are some of my favs. What a treasure. 🖤 Thanks so much for taking such great care of us, Brian. Until next time.

    Is this helpful?

  39. RobertG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service was great! Drinks were on point.

    Is this helpful?

  40. GrahamA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Customer service was awesome. Food was served hot. Atmosphere was lively. Enjoy the food. Will come again.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Contactless payment available

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Melba's using the Order Online button. Melba's also offers delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. Melba's also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 864-7777.

Melba's is rated 4.6 stars by 1280 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 29 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Melba's

300 W 114th St, New York, NY 10026

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Cross street
    Frederick Douglas Blvd. (8th Avenue)
  • Neighborhood
    Harlem
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Wed 11:00 am–10:00 pm Thu–Sun 11:00 am–11:00 pm
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    American, Comfort Food, Soul food
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    B & C train at 116th Street (2 blocks away)2 train at 116th street (4 blocks away)
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (212) 864-7777
  • Catering
    For private events and catering, please contact our Special Events & Catering Director at: events@melbasrestaurant.com
  • Private party facilities
    For private events and catering, please contact our Special Events & Catering Director at: events@melbasrestaurant.com
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