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Melba's, New York, NY
Award-winning

Melba's

4.6
4.6
1592 Reviews
$50 and over
American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 36 times today
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for groups
  • Good for special occasions
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.

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
  • 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

Featured in

Menu

Comfortizers

  • Melba's Spring Rolls

    Rice, Black Eyed Peas, Collard Greens and Cheddar Cheese in a Spring Roll Wrapper

    • Charleston Jumbo Shrimp

      • Buffalo Wings

        • Fried Catfish Strips

          With Chipotle Mayo

          • Auntie D's Mini Burgers

            Choice of Pepper Jack, Mozzarella or Cheddar Cheese

            • Pulled BBQ Short Rib Sliders

              with Cheddar Cheese

              • Spinach & Cheese Empanadas

                • Fried Calamari

                  with Homemade Marinara Sauce

                  • Lemon and Honey Chicken Tenders

                    • Southern Crab Cakes

                      with Tarter Sauce

                      Healthy Comfort

                      Add to any Salad - Grilled Chicken, Grilled Salmon, Grilled Shrimp

                      • Grilled Vegetable Napoleon

                        Grilled Portobello Mushroom, Winter & Summer Squash with Buffalo Mozzarella

                        • Grilled Chicken Sandwich

                          On a Roll Served with Grilled Vegetables, Choice of Pepper Jack, Mozzarella or Cheddar Cheese Additional $1.50

                          • Classic Caesar Salad

                            • Baby Spinach Salad

                              Fresh Baby Spinach, Julienned Red Onion and Cucumbers

                              • Summer Salad

                                Mesclun Greens, Carrots, Tomatoes and Cucumbers

                                • Organic Mesclun Greens

                                  Entrees

                                  **meal includes 2 side orders

                                  • Southen Fried Chicken & Eggnog Waffles

                                    With Strawberry Butter and Maple Syrup. Winner on "Throwdown! with Bobby Flay"

                                    • Southern Fried Chicken Wings & Eggnog Waffles

                                      • Fried Catfish & Eggnog Waffles

                                        • Wine Braised Short Ribs or Beef**

                                          • Grilled Wild Atlantic Salmon**

                                            • Pecan Crusted Tilapia**

                                              • BBQ Turkey Meatloaf**

                                                • Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass**

                                                  • Southern Chicken**

                                                    Southern Fried, Smothered or Grilled Cutlet

                                                    • Country Catfish**

                                                      • Trés Macaroni & Cheese**

                                                        A Delicious Blend of Pepper Jack, Mozzarella and Cheddar Cheese

                                                        • Charleston Jumbo Shrimp**

                                                          • Fish & Chips

                                                            • Deluxe Hamburger

                                                              French Fries, Lettuce, Tomato. Choice of Pepper Jack, Mozzarella or Cheddar Cheese Additional $1.50

                                                              Side Orders

                                                              • Trés Mac & Cheese

                                                                • Low Country Collard Greens

                                                                  Seasoned with Smoked Turkey

                                                                  • Down Home Peas & Rice

                                                                    • Candied Yams

                                                                      • Sautéed Spinach

                                                                        • French Fries

                                                                          • Momma's Potato Salad

                                                                            • Roasted Garlic Yukon Mashed Potatoes

                                                                              • Chili Onion Rings

                                                                                • Eggnog Waffle with Strawberry Butter

                                                                                  Cannot be a substitute for a side order

                                                                                  Last updated: February 1, 2022

                                                                                  What 1,592 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
                                                                                  • 4.6Service
                                                                                  • 4.5Ambience
                                                                                  • 4.5Value

                                                                                  Noise • Moderate

                                                                                  Review summary

                                                                                  AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                                  Melba's in NYC is renowned for its "amazing soul food" and "inviting atmosphere." Guests rave about the "OUTSTANDING" service, particularly highlighting exceptional staff members like Bryan. The fried chicken, catfish, and collard greens are crowd favorites, while the generous portions and "warm" ambiance make it a must-visit spot for both locals and tourists.

                                                                                  1,592 Reviews

                                                                                  1. Mandi

                                                                                    VIP

                                                                                    Charleston

                                                                                    7 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    7 reviews

                                                                                    Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    We're visiting NYC from South Carolina and were thrilled to find Melba's would be open on Christmas day. Everything was fantastic, from the food to the service. We recommend the deviled eggs and the collards especially!

                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                  2. Reig

                                                                                    New York City

                                                                                    3 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    3 reviews

                                                                                    Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    Excellent Service top serveur et serveuse sympathique Rapide

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                                                                                  3. Matthew

                                                                                    VIP

                                                                                    New York City

                                                                                    23 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    23 reviews

                                                                                    Dined 5 days ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    First time at Melba's for some authentic soul food but with their own flavor. It was spectacular. I had the Chicken & Egg Nog Waffles. It was some of the best, crispiest, most tender chicken I've ever had. But I must dwell on the A$AP Yams. They were amazing. I've had candied yams before that have the nice brûlée crust, leaving the inside not as sweet. But these yams were one consistent color yet sweet and succulent all the way through. The collard greens were also excellent. A good time all around, and try to go for a birthday celebration, so that you're regaled by the restaurant singing the Steve Wonder version of Happy Birthday.

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                                                                                  4. Hugh

                                                                                    VIP

                                                                                    New York City

                                                                                    9 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    9 reviews

                                                                                    Dined on December 17, 2024

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    My wife took me for my birthday and it was as great as always. Service was on point. Food even better. And I got red velvet cake and a song. I’ll be back as usual.

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                                                                                  5. Molly

                                                                                    New York City

                                                                                    1 review

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    1 review

                                                                                    Dined on December 15, 2024

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    It was a good experience. I made reservations and was able to be seated on time. The food was amazing the portions where excellent.

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                                                                                  6. Sudha

                                                                                    VIP

                                                                                    New York City

                                                                                    60 reviews

                                                                                    4.0

                                                                                    60 reviews

                                                                                    Dined on December 14, 2024

                                                                                    1. Overall 4
                                                                                    2. Food 4
                                                                                    3. Service 3
                                                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                                                    the food was very good. loved the chicken and waffles, candied yams, crab cakes and deviled eggs. our waiter was great, but service was a bit scattered. our table was tight squeeze, the waiters struggled a little to get by. we spilled sine water and we kept waving people over to mop but they didn't come. it's got a fun vibe, the waiter was nice, but pressed, and the food was very good. I would go back.

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                                                                                  7. Abraham

                                                                                    VIP

                                                                                    Washington DC

                                                                                    4 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    4 reviews

                                                                                    Dined on December 13, 2024

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    Keith made us feel like regulars only our second time

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                                                                                  8. Gilda

                                                                                    Las Vegas

                                                                                    4 reviews

                                                                                    1.0

                                                                                    4 reviews

                                                                                    Dined on December 12, 2024

                                                                                    1. Overall 1
                                                                                    2. Food 1
                                                                                    3. Service 2
                                                                                    4. Ambience 2
                                                                                    It was heartwarming to see a Black owned business continue to receive so much support… however my dining experience was extremely disappointing…the Mac and Cheese tasted like raw white flour- it was cheesy but still tasted more like flour than cheese…the potato salad was nasty, the sautéed spinach was served in a bowl of liquid and clearly never sautéed!!…the special yams weren’t special at all…and I was given a TABLESPOON to stir my coffee…my friends had similar issues with their dishes as well ..however the peas and rice, collard greens and cheese appetizer was different and very tasty…but NEVER AGAIN…too many misses for me…am I picky…YES…I went to culinary school and I know when things are off….I had high expectations since this establishment has been around for years, however the experience was not what I expected….I WILL NOT GO AGAIN.

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                                                                                  9. OpenTable Diner

                                                                                    VIP

                                                                                    New York City

                                                                                    1 review

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    1 review

                                                                                    Dined on December 8, 2024

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    Melba’s was amazing! Everything was SO delicious - our favorites were the turkey meatloaf, fried chicken, spring rolls, collard greens and sweet potato pie. The servers and environment are as warm and welcoming as Melba herself. We can’t wait to return 🩷

                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                  10. Terrell

                                                                                    New York City

                                                                                    1 review

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    1 review

                                                                                    Dined on December 7, 2024

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    Great experience. The staff was engaging, pleasant and funny. Food was delicious too! Definitely will go back.

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                                                                                  FAQs

                                                                                  Melba's 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 1592 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 36 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
                                                                                  • 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

                                                                                  Featured in

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