Maison Harlem

Maison Harlem Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant: This French bistro-inspired low-lit restaurant in Harlem, right near City College, is a true neighborhood spot. The exposed brick walls are lined with paintings and an antique clock. The narrow bar gets crowded on most nights, as do the leather banquettes in the back.

Food & Drinks: Maison Harlem’s owner Samuel Thiam has a French mother and a father from the Ivory Coast --- his menu channels both of these culinary influences. At lunchtime, a spicy merguez sausage sandwich is served with skinny, crispy fries. A soul-warming tomato-based Tunisian stew of braised lamb, chicken and veggies over fluffy couscous is just spicy enough. Most of the dishes are quintessential Paris-style bistro classics like steak tartare, escargots and cassoulet. A frisée salad studded with a generous serving of crispy bacon and a runny poached egg expertly combines rich and fresh flavors. But the juicy burger may be the star of the show. It’s well seasoned and ideally charred on the grill, and even better with a pile of sweet caramelized onions on top. The owners also operate a wine shop across the street, and the wine list at Maison Harlem skews French, with plenty of affordable bottles and selections by the glass. For dessert, chocolate mousse is equal parts light and decadent.