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Melba's, New York, NY
Melba's, New York, NY
Melba's, New York, NY
Melba's, New York, NY
Melba's, New York, NY
Award-winning

Melba's

4.5
4.5
1220 Reviews
$50 and over
American
Top Tags:
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 49 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • 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
  • Website
    http://www.melbasrestaurant.com/
  • 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
  • Location
    300 W 114th St, New York, NY 10026
  • 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 1,220 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

1,220 Reviews

  1. AnthonyC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food was excellent, just wish there was a little more food for the price. Ambiance was the same as I remember. May need a little renovating but otherwise food was great. I will be back. My daughter enjoyed the sweet potatoes. She would love to go back to your establishment as well. Great Service from our waiter.

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  2. FredaP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious and our server was AWESOME!!!

    Is this helpful?

  3. debruth

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Burger was delicious. Service was outstanding, not rushed.

    Is this helpful?

  4. CharlotteC

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I’ve eaten at Melba’s a few times over the years and the food is always sooo delicious. Melba’s is a favorite and is on my go-to list. The food, the staff, the atmosphere….. all great !

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My experience at Melba’s was amazing from the moment I worked into the restaurant! Her team is very pleasant and of course the food was super amazing! Thank you Melba’s 😍😋

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  6. TamikaO

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was an amazing experience. The staff was attentive, answered all questions and had pleasant attitudes. The food was AMAZING!!!!! I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone wanting good tasting soul food. I will go back each time I visit.

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  7. Tonyjay

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food5service3ambience1
    We enjoyed the very well seasoned appetizers especially the Spring rolls! The main course was hearty and delish!! However the noise level was loud and the space felt cramp. Service was okay the food came quickly but at one time our waitress disappeared! Overall a fun celebration for my 84 year mom! And we took pics with Melba!

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  8. PierceWifey

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Came to New York for less than 48 hours and I HAD TO GET TO MELBA’S!!! Food is just as great as I remember! Happy and welcoming staff! Great music, art, and ambiance!! I can’t wait to return in December with my family!

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious and the service was fantastic!

    Is this helpful?

  10. TPPI

    Charlotte

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food1service5ambience5
    In town for the wknd. Restaurant is a vibe. Service was good; however, food served extremely fast after ordering. Mac was cold, yams not seasoned, potatoes in potatoe salad were well under cooked. Fried chicken was good and hot, fish was good.

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall2food3service3ambience3
    Highly disappointed the food was cold when it arrived at the table. The Jamaican Oxtails were just ok. The fried chicken was good. Service was ok. Glad I was able to check out the hype but have no desire to visit again.

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  12. LanaS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious , drinks very good and the staff was very polite and friendly

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  13. MichaelH

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall3food2service1ambience4
    Chicken was not to my liking. Waffle was phenomenal! Service was terrible. Didn’t get drinks until dinner was served.

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  14. Marv

    New York Area

    30 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    The food and service once we got it was good. However, we were not seated for an hour, and we had a reservation. While I understand walk-ins are welcomed, we should not have had to wait an hour standing outside. Also, we were surprised a soul food restaurant did not have corn bread.

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  15. Frannie

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I have been to Melba many times and they have only failed me once. Yesterday the food was great. I had the cat fish, Mac and cheese, and greens 😋 my waiter was amazing. He was very attentive.

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  16. NyEH

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Melba's continues to be a fun and delicious Harlem staple. Highly recommend especially on days when they have live music.

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  17. TaralahG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Took a little long to be seated with a reservation, but the whole was worth it. Everything was amazing !!

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  18. nyclez

    Washington DC

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    It was my birthday and eating at Melba’s was the best gift ever! I kept increasing the party size and they accommodated all of my requests. The food was served quickly. The food was hot. The portions were generous. The food was delicious! The cocktail that I ordered, rum punch, was so good. Our server,Olay? was sweet, patient and just the right amount of enthusiasm to get us interested in ordering drinks and appetizers. My first time at Melba’s but won’t be my last! Top notch 👍🏽

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  19. lafijienne

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Melba’s is amazing and lived up to the rave reviews I had heard about it. From the warm and efficient service to the vibrant ambience and scrumptious food, it was everything I needed for my short visit to New York. Being from the islands, I was craving some comfort food and the candied yams were out of this world. Definitely coming back on my next visit!

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  20. Skyy

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My family and I had the best time ! it was our first time and 100% will not be our last. Tuquan took amazing care of us & was so attentive & kind. Food was CRACK (the good kind lol) and hit every spot it needed to. We had leftovers by force cus we unbuttoned our pants lmfaoo. Thank you for an amazing time & a great lunch experience!

    1 person found this helpful

  21. Shirley

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    This was a recommendation from a friend and it didn’t disappoint. The food was really good. The only issue I had was there was no cornbread for the collard greens. The food was great definitely go if you get a chance it will not disappoint.

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  22. Geno

    San Francisco

    8 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall1food1service3ambience1
    Our three meals were inedible. My turkey meatloaf was a rock hard block covered in overly sweet sauce. My partner's fried fish was too salty for anyone remotely of hypertension in the Black community, and our guest's crab cakes were overcooked into dark unappetizing little pucks. There was water leaking onto the dining room floor from an unknown source, but staff was mopping the room around diners during our time in the room. On the other hand, our waitress was nice.

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  23. ALLIE

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience2
    Beware the Sunday Brunch/Church-out hour. Crowded. Order the main menu items. Appetizers . . . not quite . . .THERE! Take outside table . . . less crush. Inside . . . too TIGHT! Slow down your race horse waiters! What's the RUSH?! AND . . . conventional bill payments, please. ENOUGH with the "tip machine"!

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  24. IanC

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    Bartenders have a light hand when making drinks. I ask Manhattan to drink with Maker, no garnish. When I taste the drink, It’s virgin Manhattan. They need to get retrained in mixology.

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  25. SKT1908

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    This may be the best soul food restaurant in Harlem! I’ve tried the other’s, I’ll be back to Melba’s.

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  26. SThomas

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience2
    The food was simply excellent. Waitress Olay was extremely nice, but she was extremely busy. She did not have time to revisit our table after serving us. The restaurant was very lively & the music was great. However, it could have been turned down a little, because the people serving the drinks were talking & laughing extremely loud. Therefore, it added to the loud atmosphere One of the two bathrooms ran out of toilet paper. So, we had to find our own tissues to go. Finally, I reserved a table for my birthday. On the reservation, I indicated " birthday". The table behind me received a birthday song with a dessert from the staff, but my table was completely passed by. Overall, the food was excellent, but the service needs a little tightening up.

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  27. EarnestG

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    The staff was GREAT, the vibe was good, but my food was only fair. As an African- American, visiting from another city, maybe my expectations for a Harlem, USA African-American owned Soul Food restaurant were too high. My review is meant to be constructive criticism, similar to the critiques Ms. Melba gave on "The Great Soul Food Cook Off". I ordered "Fried Fish (and requested it be fried hard), Sauteed Spinach, A$AP Yams and Carrot Cake for dessert. Now, let me say that I like to taste the seasoning in my food and I love it served HOT. They got the hot part right, they totally missed the fish fried hard part, but I thought I'd try something different for a change, the tartar sauce made it ok. However, the meal was served in a round dish that caused the juices from the spinach and yams to further soften the underside of the fish so much, that I was forced to ask the server for a separate dish for the fish. Of course, the fish wasn't crispy at all. The texture of the spinach was GREAT, but the taste was so bland, I asked for salt and pepper to season it. The A$AP yams are named in honor of someone and I don't wish to speak poorly about this persons creation, so I'll just say that for me while good, they didn't live up to the hype of their description in the menu. The portion and taste of the carrot cake was also Great, but not offering your cake or sweet potato pie (which they were out of) ala mode was a let down. Also, for a dollar or two more, I would've loved a homemade biscuit, roll, cornbread, etc. Sadly, I don't plan on returning during my next visit to Harlem.

    2 people found this helpful

  28. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Good comfort food! Fried chicken, garlic mashed potatoes and collard greens delicious! Only negative is the noise level… very loud! Music could be turned down so you could have a conversation with your people!!

    1 person found this helpful

  29. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a great time. Everything was wonderful. The food was delicious. The atmosphere was great. Two people had short ribs of beef. Two people had chicken. One had oxtail. One had catfish. The deserts were chocolate cake and carrot cakes. The waiters were excellent. I will recommend Melba’s restaurant to everyone that will listen.

    1 person found this helpful

  30. AndreaT

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    The food was good. Our server was ok. She was unavailable for the bulk of our brunch experience. Unfortunately my significant other had to either wave her down or a coworker to get service. Maybe service is better during the week. What we ordered (spring rolls and eggnog waffle with chicken) was good.

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was delicious!!! Staff was friendly. My first time At Melba I will be back

    1 person found this helpful

  32. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience and food at Melba’s. This is our 6th visit.

    1 person found this helpful

  33. LesleyT

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    If you're looking for some down home comfort food, go to Melba's.

    1 person found this helpful

  34. NYLADY156

    New York Area

    75 reviews

    4.0

    75 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    The food at Melba’s is consistently good; some dishes are quite good. However, they have a signature dish, the ASAP Yams, that is without flavor. They are disappointing and tastes nothing like southern candied yams would normally tastes. But don’t let that stop you. All of the other dishes on the menu are very good.

    1 person found this helpful

  35. Eater

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very good for relaxed lunch. Service is very speedy and food comes out hot.

    1 person found this helpful

  36. DeniseG

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    The fried chicken wings were served without the hairs being burned off the chicken before it was served. 3 of our 4 person party ordered the same entree and third person’s plate did not come out until we complained 5 minutes later. Our server repeated reached across one of our party but took our criticism of this aspect of her service very well. She apologized and comped us dessert.

    1 person found this helpful

  37. NeeNee

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    I've been there 2x and must say ...the food was delicious, nice portions, and we all ate together.. music was bumping, only thing is the drinks can be made better.

    1 person found this helpful

  38. sherryb

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had the same server both times we visited. The food was very good. The ambiance was quiet because it was the afternoon. Very clean and everyone had such a good attitude including the young lady who sat us. Will def come back when I am in town!!

    1 person found this helpful

  39. DeniseB

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    First time visiting Melba’s. We had reservations and were seated right away. I had chicken wings and the famous waffle - it did not disappoint! The noise level was extremely high and we found ourselves having to scream at one another to be heard! All in all, everything was great!

    1 person found this helpful

  40. Yola

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service1ambience5
    My partner and I dined at one of my favorites, Melba's on a Saturday evening. Everything was great until my partner noticed that the table next to us received their food before us, and we were there way before them. I had never experienced this there, but he noticed it and told me. We were just wondering how a table that came 10-15 minutes after us, get their food before us. Just strange....

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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 4.5 stars by 1220 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 49 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
  • 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
  • Website
    http://www.melbasrestaurant.com/
  • 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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