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The Cecil

(Now Closed)

American Restaurant, Wine Bar, and Cocktail Bar$$$$

Central Harlem, New York

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The Cecil

The experts at Eater and Serious Eats recommend this place

116 Tips and reviews

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EaterApril 6, 2016
The Cecil has a stylish dining room and a cool vibe, but the real reason to go here is the eclectic menu. Standouts include oxtail dumplings, feijoada, “mini yard dogs,” and the fried guinea hen. Read more
Kerri GrinnageMay 16, 2016
Fantastic brunch with lightning service. Come for the Grilled Roti Pizza and Duck Confit Waffle stay for the live music and unlimited mimosa bar.
EaterNovember 7, 2013
The menu has things like deviled eggs, oxtail dumplings, a salad of heirloom beets and Brussels sprouts, a wagyu rib burger, duck two ways, and fried guinea hen. Entrees are priced in the mid-20s.
Brad GaroonMay 11, 2015
The Cecil shares a kitchen with the jazz club Minton's, and though the menu is similar, this place is more casual. The Wagyu beer burger is delightfully soft and the bun holds up well. Read more
SiettahMarch 12, 2015
Went here for restaurant week but decided to order from the regular menu after talking to the bartender. The feijoada = all the spicy deliciousness I could ever want! Get the collard green salad too!
DevontaApril 4, 2016
Beautiful Afro-Asian decor and really inviting. You must try the Braised Goat Dumplings. For my entree I had the Tamarind-Glaze Oxtails which was really delicious.
Akiko BombitaSeptember 13, 2014
The collard greens salad is a perfect starter. Where else in Harlem can you get raw collards on a plate? The Masai drink is delicious. Try the rice and veg wok bar. Vibe is a bit relaxed but elegant.
Adrian PhillipsAugust 27, 2015
Great cocktails & a really different take on southern, asian inspired cuisine. Be sure to try both the dumplings & the squid appetizers. The fried chicken special I had was pretty spectacular.
Mehmet MunzurOctober 19, 2015
Lamb ribs are orgasmic, real yummy for meat lovers, followed by Cecil's take on Fejuada(Brazilian) is incredible - be warned though it's spicy and your tastebuds will dance with spicy flavors!
New York PostAugust 18, 2014
The West African beef suya is thin-sliced in the traditional Nigerian style and rubbed in onion, garlic and ginger powders. It packs an unexpected, barbecue-like punch. Read more
Lori LuoOctober 17, 2014
Points for creativity are deserved at this Afro-American-Asian eatery, although the execution falls short. The oxtail dumplings and Brisket and Eggs are some of the stronger dishes.
Rell ReneéApril 13, 2014
The cocktails are eccentric! I had three - Masai, Cherry Blossom, and the Solstice! This restaurant uses cinnamon in a lot of their dishes. The spicy sqiud (calamari) is to die for!!!
SaraApril 18, 2015
Both the oxtail dumplings & the bass were to die for. Handmade breads, wine pairings, very much loved this place.
Wilson ZhouFebruary 20, 2015
Chef JJ Johnson's menu crisscrosses the globe, mixing together African, Southern American and Asian cuisines to form standout dishes like sake-braised lamb ribs and citrus jerk wild bass. Zagat
Edwin ToureMarch 26, 2016
Been here 10+ times
For this #EasterWeekend a lot of surprises are waiting on you at the #TheCecil come savour our DFE Signature Douro Valley Tinto of 2009 #ILoveYouNYC #FoodAndJazz #GloryBeToYouLord
Maggie WalshNovember 16, 2013
Most incredible cocktails and dishes. Cocktails are unique but not contrived. Dishes are pure soul food that's asian/afro inspired. Service is relaxed, sometimes a bit slow, but incredibly gracious.
Allie CarieriMarch 23, 2015
Brunch is so on point it's insane. Go for the bottomless mimosas and any of the entrees, and a side of okra fries. Save room for dessert too
Chris EvansMay 31, 2015
Trendy spot with some really great cuisine going on. Make sure you try the barbecue ribs with cornbread cake alongside a glass of African honey mead.
Edwin ToureApril 17, 2016
Been here 10+ times
The Unlimited Brunch is a excellent formula to begin properly a Sunday brunch at the #CECILHarlem #MandarinPeach #GrapFruitGuava #CraberryHibiscus #OurFlavours #ILoveYouNYC
ThrillistOctober 16, 2013
The cinnamon-scented fried guinea hen at this Harlem hot spot totally smells mind-blowingly fantastic. Read more
First We FeastAugust 3, 2014
The menu can seem scattered, until you relax and accept that a dish might include collard greens, the Northern African spice blend harissa, and Chinese sausage, and it'll all make sense on the plate. Read more
Edwin ToureApril 19, 2016
Been here 10+ times
I recommend you our new desserts. The Nyangbo Baked Alaska and the Cookies and Milk #CECILHarlem #ILoveYouNYC #ILoveYouJesus #WalkingAround #Training #GoodToKnow
Village VoiceNovember 14, 2013
Go for the shared plates that have a homey, eclectic taste. You must try the casserole of rosemary & pepper ham-spiked mac n' cheese.
MidgeMadge DDecember 25, 2014
Food here is beyond. Everything was delicious. Even the salads, bread basket (with tasty dips), but especially oxtail dumplings and cocktails.
AmateurConciergeFebruary 8, 2015
If there's a better spot in Harlem, I don't know it. Definitely get the pineapple black rice and go crazy with whatever else you want to eat. Skip the spinach salad.
Datrianna MeeksJune 14, 2015
Chicken and Yam pancakes, so good! The yam pancake is just sweet enough that you don't need syrup.
__TR3VJuly 18, 2014
Great find. Had a great dinner here. Nice ambiance. Space is a good size. Branzino was excellent. Give it a try. #TheCecil #mustgo
Mike NickersonDecember 19, 2016
Great Sunday jazz brunch and a wide spread of menu options - I recommend the chicken and sweet plantain waffles! Slow service, though.
Neiki UllahDecember 6, 2014
Mac n Cheese, Lobster Salad, Okra Fries, Duck Confit + Yam Waffles, and Brisket + Fried Rice. Plus the kimchi Bloody Mary.
Laini MadhubutiAugust 6, 2014
Beautiful location, presentation, staff, and crowd. Great for dates and business dinners. Or hang out at the bar and be friendly.
Foxxy BOctober 6, 2015
Interesting & tasty (and mildly expensive, maybe just a touch overpriced? -- the alcohol is where they really nail you) american food with an african twist (oxtail, kenyan beer, etc). Service is good.
L. T.April 3, 2015
The food is great but too much hype for what it's worth, and the block is a bit too sketchy (not much else there). Anyway, a great menu and nice vibe for dates and groups. Gets busy!
Tracey LNovember 18, 2013
If you're looking to have a low key experience definitely sit in the main dining room. But if you're looking for a lounge vibe and possibly a little people watching stay in the bar area.
Umair ZiaAugust 12, 2015
The following are exceptional: Ox-tail Dumplings, Brisket and Eggs (my fave), Duo of Dogs, Caribbean French Toast, Duck Confit with Yam Waffles. Skip the Kimchi Bloody Mary: Overpriced and mediocre.
Erica CarterNovember 15, 2014
Went for the #havplenty brunch. It was crazy and amazing! Also, was very happy with my food!
Elvis RodricksJanuary 13, 2014
Had the hen (spiced well), jumbo shrimp (flavored spice- a must). Cocktails were average. Ambience was casual chic sans the pretentiousness. Different take in soul food.
Neiki UllahDecember 6, 2014
A very nice hotel restaurant vibe with flavorful dishes like duck confit and yam waffles - highly recommended brunch
Rachel CApril 3, 2016
Excellent food. I've been for dinner and brunch. I found the brunch portions to be a little small though.
Madison BackOctober 25, 2014
Exceptional food matched with an amazing ambience. Try the pork ribs paired with pineapple black fried rice.
Dei WestMarch 8, 2014
The Sahara Nights cocktail is a perfect drink! It is a blend of Chandon, apricot liqueur, strawberry puree, and lime juice.
Edwin ToureJuly 12, 2016
Been here 10+ times
I recommend you our new appetizer for this season the Heirloom Tomato Salad #TheCecil #ILoveThisPlace #Harlem
Alicia E LoweDecember 13, 2014
The ribs looked tasty and mouth watering. They were an excellent choice. The Asian Omelet was a great brunch choice.
Veronica HNovember 7, 2014
Everything about this place is magical. Short rib, oxtail dumplings, burger are all great choices
KarstenJanuary 6, 2015
Amazing short rib, grilled squid, and oxtail dumplings
Bruno BarettaNovember 8, 2014
Guinea hen, ginger squid, oxtail dumplings, Mac and cheese, gumbo - you really can't go wrong
Rachel DixonNovember 24, 2013
Try the Feizoada- the oxtail flavors the whole dish. Expect your table neighbors to ask what you ordered because it smells so darn good.
Tina HilllAugust 22, 2016
Loved the Blood & Fire cocktail. Can't go wrong with oxtail dumplings and lamb rice.
Tiffany LangstonFebruary 12, 2016
It's delicious but super packed as its received many great accolades recently. I like the African fare the best
Ryan AmbsMarch 8, 2015
Interesting food that is definitely worth checking out if you're in the area. Prawns were good but wish there was more than two.
StacyAnn N. WhiteMay 10, 2014
The ginger "beer" is made in house and you can tell the difference. You won't get a better dark n' stormy in around.

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