A charming French-Moroccan neighborhood cafe with fresh, flavorful brunch and strong repeat appeal, but cramped seating, parking difficulty, and a small number of serious service and pest complaints merit caution.
Cafe Gitane delivers solid food quality anchored by fresh ingredients and beloved brunch dishes, but inconsistent execution on coffee, waffles, and sides prevents a stronger grade. The charming, cozy setting and friendly service create neighborhood appeal, though food safety concerns and occasional service lapses temper the overall experience.
Cafe Gitane is a charming, independent neighborhood cafe with a distinctly European, French-Moroccan personality. Reviews paint a cozy, picturesque scene with sidewalk tables, people-watching, and a lively brunch pulse; one diner described it as a tucked-away escape from New York. It attracts genuine repeat business, although weekend waits can approach an hour and the compact room may feel crowded. The cooking is fresh, colorful, and broadly accessible, with Moroccan Couscous, baked eggs, breakfast sandwiches, chicken satay, tartines, and tagines providing more character than a generic coffee shop menu. The strongest praise centers on the couscous, bread, brunch dishes, and peanut sauce, while a handful of diners report disappointing coffee, waffles, meatballs, or bruschetta. Service is usually warm and efficient but can become uneven, particularly outdoors or during poorly managed shifts. Families should find plenty to work with: the menu includes waffles, bread, baked eggs, sandwiches, pasta, a veggie burger, chicken, and familiar desserts, plus substantial vegetarian and vegan choices. It is not an exclusively adventurous restaurant, but the Moroccan seasonings and mixed-format menu may suit curious children better than very conservative picky eaters. Parents should expect a compact, bustling setting rather than a dedicated kids’ room or children’s menu.
Area vibe: Trendy waterfront neighborhood known for cobblestones, galleries, and skyline views.
Safety: Generally safe with good evening footfall but quieter on side streets late at night.
What's nearby: Near Brooklyn Bridge Park, waterfront promenades, art galleries, tech offices, and the Manhattan skyline vistas.
The Moroccan Couscous and Chicken Satay are strong starting points, but the menu also has several brunch and tartine standouts.
Plan for a lively but cramped visit, especially at weekend brunch, with waits and service that can vary.
Expect a tucked-away European-feeling cafe with sidewalk seating, a lively brunch crowd, and limited indoor space.