LÉLÉ

Overall the dining experience was very nice. We went on Friday night and it was carnival night so they had dancers dressed in costume playing Caribbean music. There aren’t that many upscale authentic Caribbean upscale restaurants in NYC and this was 10/10. Food was delicious, vibe and ambience lived up to the hype for this new restaurant. It’s definitely a date night/birthday celebration location. Decor is beautiful. Highly recommend.

We visited LELE’s on a last minute trip to NYC on my birthday. I was so nervous asking if they would take a walk in table of two. Knowing you needed a reservation, than we asked if they may have two bar seats and thanks to the big man up stairs they escorted us to the bar. We were immediately greeted by a goddess bartender who had the most beautiful smile. She made us drinks fairly quickly and gave us a good menu. We ordered plantain, and the curry goat. The mango sauce with the plantain was the most delectable refreshing light sauce. And the plantain were crispy and sweet a perfect balance. The curry goat was the best I had it was in a stew, and the goat was shredded giving each bite a full taste. Being happy with the everything I asked the bartender if we could talk to the chef and he came over and was super nice. LELE’s was 10/10 I hope to return next year.

Lele was exceptional! I celebrated my birthday here and although I arrived a little late, the staff was incredibly accommodating to me and my guests. The atmosphere was fantastic, the service was outstanding, and the food and drinks were delicious! This place deserves a perfect score of 10/10. I’m already looking forward to my next visit for brunch or dinner!

The décor at LeLe is absolutely breathtaking, walking in literally took my breath away. It’s stunning from top to bottom it’s easily one of the most beautiful restaurants I’ve ever been to. The coco bread and cornbread are an absolute must. They come with this butter that I still can’t get over. The hamachi crudo was another standout — fresh, flavorful, and beautifully plated. For entrées, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but trust me when I say everything was good. And don’t even get me started on the drinks…so good, and they definitely know what they’re doing behind the bar. LeLe is more than just dinner, it’s an experience. From the décor to the service to the food, everything was on point. I already have my next visit planned!

Wow! What an experience! From the time we walked in to when we finished our meal. The decor is stunning, the staff are professional and courteous and the food is incredible! We’ve already booked our next visit. Highly recommended!

I really wanted to love LELE, but unfortunately, the food didn’t live up to the hype. The atmosphere and customer service were fantastic definitely a 10/10. Our waiter was friendly and attentive, and the vibe of the place was lively and inviting, so I was excited to dig into the meal. When it comes to the food, I was seriously disappointed. The cornbread was decent, nothing spectacular but fine. The cassava bread had no flavor at all, and honestly, all I could taste was charred grill marks super underwhelming. The beef patty was okay, but definitely not anything worth raving about. The curry goat lacked the bold, island flavors I was expecting; it tasted very watered down. And the oxtail… Also lacking in depth. The monkfish was the worst part of the meal ended up sending it back because it tasted off, and not in a good way. As for drinks, skip the alcohol they were so weak it was like drinking flavored water. Go for a mocktail if you want something refreshing. On a positive note, the plantains were the highlight of the meal. Sweet, crispy, and perfectly cooked. If the food had matched the service and ambiance, this could’ve been a much better experience. Honestly, I’d give it another shot if they revamped the menu and gave the dishes more flavor and authenticity. But right now, we are not rushing back my entire party felt the same and even shared our experience with those who were waiting for our review before going.

Great drinks, even better food, and ambience. If you’re looking for an authentic Caribbean experience, Lélé provides a unique and enjoyable experience. I personally loved the wings and oxtail. Delicious. 10/10!

Atmosphere, service, and food (especially those wings ❤️) were amazing. You would’ve thought we were eating for a party of 4 but it was just the two of us. I came a week prior to and bragged to so many people and had to come back again. (Pictures display their wings, oxtail and rice, and sweet plantains)

I couldn't wait to write this review because I did not want to forget the details of this beautiful restaurant! Lélé is that girlllll, ok?! You do not want to miss it. It's newly opened, black-owned, upscale restaurant offering up Caribbean-inspired dishes; pulling particularly from Haitian cuisine. With those attributes alone, count me in! I made a reservation on Resy and noted that if I was a no-show, there would be a $50 cancellation fee per person. I arrived about 10 minutes before my reservation, and was greeted with a dimly lit, beautifully adorned interior and a smiling hostess. The interior is huge! There's two levels of seating. We sat on the lower level. Brianna was our waiter and she seemed very knowledgeable about the menu and recommended a few items. Food: We tried the Suya Chicken Poussin which is draped with hot honey and pepper pickled onion. We also tried the Oxtail, Beef Patty, Pikliz, Berbere Chicken Wings, Akra, Corn Bread and Grilled Shrimp. The oxtail was good. It comes with Haitian white rice. Now, I had to try the white rice. As a Haitian-American, our white rice is very different from a traditional white rice. There's flavor to it. Let's just say it passed and I was impressed. The oxtail was good too; it was on the sweeter side. I prefer my oxtail with a more salty (for the lack of a better word) flavor. I would still get it again even with my preference. The Beef Patty was good as well. Not my favorite, but it's not bad at all. The Akra and Pikliz were spot on! I was very impressed with the Akra; it had the flavors that I am used to. The Pikliz, which is a spicy slaw, could have been spicier. However, I understand they made it on the less spicier side to appease a larger audience. The chicken wings had a dry rub with scotch bonnet flavoring - very good. Ambiance: Again, the decor is beautiful with murals on the walls, chandeliers and velvet furniture. Oh! And they were playing Kompa, which is Haitian music. I loved it 5/5! When in NYC again, I am definitely going back. Cheers!

Amazing restaurant, amazing staff, amazing atmosphere, amazing food. Not much more to say. We visited for my father's birthday, as it's definitely a location for a special night out. The servers were warm and personable, while managing a thousand things. Everything was prompt and great. The location is beautiful, my sister even asked the waitress if she could get the name of the interior decorator! I had the jerk oyster mushrooms, the berebere chicken wings, the hamachi, the suya chicken, the cornbread and the monkfish. My favorite were the chicken dishes; the skin was seasoned exquisitely while the chicken was extremely tender.Everything was great. My dad had the curry goat and oxtail and said it was amongst the best he's ever had. Cannot recommend enough.

Went here for a friend's birthday dinner. Lele is definitely a beautiful place for any special occasion. Soon as you walk in, the ambiance and decor grabs your attention. Everyone stops to take pictures right there. Inside is dimly lit but still beautiful. Upstairs decor also good for photo ops. They played a great mix of music. The service was very good. Naquan L was our server and he was on point despite us being a group of 9. He quick, gave good recommendations, and was very friendly and personable the entire time. Drinks: were really good. The scarlet garden was a big hit with our group. Also had a pretty decent d'usse sidecar. The espresso martini and the old fashioned were fails though. Food: we did a pre-fixed menu where we just ordered a bunch of certain menu items to share family style. The food was decent but we collectively felt like a lot of the dishes were ruined by the overboard/overkill of certain ingredients that were added. For example the queso frito: we felt like we were eating French toast instead of fried cheese. Why do we need coffee, spices, and honey on fried cheese?? The flavors were just too much and you couldn't eat too much of it before it became cloying . Same goes for the grilled corn. Why do we need to add peanuts to that?? It was good but peanut was not necessary and 2 of our guests actually had an allergic reaction not knowing peanuts was in the corn. The oxtail was decent but tasted sweet and could've been better without the coffee and BBQ in it. Just why?? I didn't even bother trying the curry goat because why does it say it has golden raisins?? Whyyy?! The wings were really good but guess what? Again, overkill with the berbere on it. We were literally dusting them off. I didn't eat any of the suya chicken because it had the same berbere spice on it. The green curry shrimp was great! No complaints there. Very flavorful and the ingredients make sense. The jerk mushroom and flan were good as well. I know we strive to be different, and I'm here for different, but sometimes, as was the case here in my opinion, less is more.

The venue is beautiful. Rich colors and lovely decor. Very picturesque. Black owned: Haitian and Guyanese You must arrive with your full party or majority of party to be seated. If they are very late, your table will be given away and they will do their best to accommodate you as they are a popular restaurant. The bartenders are amazing! Specifically Benji, she was amazing and made my birthday special. Thank you. Drinks: I really enjoyed the Spice Market. The ice cube is made with coconut water and has coconut flakes on top. Friends tried the island outlaw and said it was pretty spicy but tasty. The rim had a scotch bonnet salt. Hamachi was so good. Especially the crackers served with it. Coco bread is not traditional Jamaican coco bread, but very light and delicious Spiced grape jam and whipped goat cheese isn't served with bread or crackers. Very good pairing with coco bread. Skip the beef patties. Try other small plates... Jerk oyster mushrooms are flavorful. Has black eyed peas and black garlic with it. Oxtail is NOT Jamaican oxtail. More along the lines of Guyanese oxtail. Sweet but it tastes good. The owner let us know they adjusted the recipe from the original coffee flavor. Monkfish was not my favorite. Although, my friends enjoyed it. The flavor reminded me of mackerel. Cream cheese flan was soooooo good. Do not skip. It serves 4-6 people. I will say service was a bit slow. But the server was so lovely. Due to delays, we received complimentary shots. I wish I remembered her name. She was very helpful with the menu and recommendations. I'd come back for drink and appetizers.

Lele is the high end Caribbean restaurant that we didn't know we needed. I saw this place in an article & figured I should try it after work one day & am glad that I did. Do note that there isn't a particular dress code but it definitely is an upscale spot. I came in my sneakers (smh I know lol) & they didn't mind at all & welcomed me in- I'd just wear a different outfit to match the vibes next time haha. I grabbed a seat at the bar & started off with the "spice market" drink which had 2 different types of rum, shredded coconut, & some other stuff...in short it was perfection. I followed it with the "island outlaw" drink which was mezcal-based. It was good, but honestly the "spice market" drink was a lot better IMHO. Also I'm in a Caribbean place, I'm going with the rum-based drinks! I also had the jerk oyster mushroom which was really good- I've had jerk chicken, salmon, etc but haven't had a vegetarian take on it & was pleasantly surprised. After that, I had the rum cake for dessert (there's always room for dessert) & loved it- just the right amount of sweetness. All in all, I would 100% return back to Lele & look forward to trying their other rum-based cocktails & food.

The owner and I are long time friends and yet my opinion doesnt need to be biased. Let me start off by saying the decor is absolutely beautiful. There's a royalty vibe upon entry. The host was inviting and our waiter was cool. The menu doesn't have much of a selection as of yet but I will say the few items we did try were delicious. The corn with the white sauce was FIRE. The mushrooms were good and the mocktail was really good it has a unique flavor. The lemon beignet had a unique flavor as well and it was really good. Let me not forget since I'm the parking info queen! There is metered parking across the street and directly right around the corner.

I wanted to love this place so bad, especially because I am loving the increase in Caribbean cuisine for higher end spots. The decor is STUNNING as you can see from the other reviews. Truly did an amazing job. The lele punch and soursop drink was good. I like the soursop one more which was surprising. The food...I want to preface this by saying I often feel like non-white cuisines are not valued the way other cuisines are. That is NOT the case for me. I have no issue spending$56 on oxtails. My issue is spending that much, and they aren't falling off the bone. If you are coming to midtown for a cheap dinner then don't come here or anywhere else in the area. However, the food just missed the mark for us. We ordered the beef patties, shrimp, oxtails, curry goat, and monk fish. I'm not sure if they are trying to appease the white ppl in the area but baby when I eat carribean food I expect FLAVAaaaaa. I was not wow-ed by any of the dishes and neither was the rest of the party. I want to reiterate....this review is not comparing a hood spot in flatbush to a nice place in midtown-it's about the food itself. Money isn't the issue, however it def stings dropping $400 and you feeling it was "mid". Our server was awesome. Too bad the food wasn't equally awesome.

I haven't given a five-star review in a long time, but this place truly deserves it! The atmosphere is beautiful and impressive. I appreciated that the menu was well-lit since the restaurant lighting is on the dim side. We were seated along the buffet area, which was a bit narrow to walk through, and the room was a little cold. The bathroom could use some maintenance, but overall, the space works great for singles, couples, families, or group gatherings. Service was good. I did order an extra drink that never arrived. Now, the food Everything we ordered was delicious! The only item that could be improved was the chicken; it would be even better with the chicken wing sauce or a boneless option since it was a bit hard to cut. We had Suya chicken, Monk fish (texture like lobster), The wings, Hisabi (it's raw),The corn,The rice, Squash, sweet plantains,The corn bread and coco bread. Dessert we had rum cake and Beignets which both was delicious and an elevated version of the dish. Drinks loved the island outlaw and moscow mule. Still, I'm already looking forward to coming back especially for that amazing chicken wing sauce!

In a nut shell this place is like having a hot girlfriend who just has no substance, aka a blond!! Yes the decor is nice yes i love upscale Caribbean but there is much needing to be fixed. Firstly i made reservations. Got seated in the top level right at the balcony. The chairs are to small to low and the tables are two small to be comfortable. Felt like your in a lil kids play house having tea time. Ok we got sat, ordered a drink and an appetizer just to start. The wings came out the were fried nicely Coated with a light layer of seasoning but for me the scotch bonnet sauce was so good like so good flavor sweetness and spicy not as much as i would have liked but it was good. After the wings. I let the waitress know what we wanted as a main now this is after like already being here 30 minutes. Give me the oxtails plz, like a bad Caribbean restaurant she says we no have that!, well not those exact words but y'all get the point. How You not telling your customer there isn't any oxtails Untill after they ask for it. That's like going to see destinys child perform but Beyonce not going be there and telling you after your already there. To make it worse she tells us they ran out at 8pm, how on a Saturday when y'all open at 5pm you run out of oxtails at 8pm like really. So I sucked it up ordered the goat and the Suya fried chicken. Now i want you to understand we still haven't gotten our drinks yet. Being that we up stairs we see right over the bar so we seeing drinks stacked on the counters waiting to be picked up wondering where are ours. Still waiting for our drinks a famous rapper and his entourage walk in we finally get our drinks. Yes my drink was good it was strong nice flavor but it was also no cold as if it had just sat there waiting. Food still hasn't gotten here an I'm tired of the waiting game. The rapper and his entourage only been here for 15 minutes and there drinks already at there table. I just. Walked over to our waitress and told here we'll pay our tab and leave. She did offer to see if our food was ready and have it bagged up to go. But by now I was over it. Seeing that other people in the restaurant who were there before us and some after us still hadn't. Gotten their mains yet. Some much I wanted to love about this place but it's to much going wrong and not enough going right. How do you only have one person waiting every table on the top level. It's more than 6 tables And some of them had more than 4 ppl at each. After the runner grabs our appetizer that we ate why is he bringing out more empty plates Like we aren't waiting for our main course. Like we aren't waiting for our main course where are we suppose to place all these damn plates. This is def a spot I'd suggest u come to when they first open at 5pm try to be the first in and first out. Please work on improving things.

Im sorry. I dont know if its my age, or my experience dining in NYC or the fact that I was born and raised in Brooklyn... but this place just did NOT meet the bar me . 1st impression, its beautiful inside . The walk way , hanging monkeys, the deep dark interior - very sexy .... HOWEVER , I came thinking I would get to try some AFRO CARIBBEAN fusion .... I instead received a menu with over priced curry goat and oxtails . As my date and I looked at the entirely too bright flash menu ... we realized that they charge damn near $20 bucks for white rice (calling it Haitian white rice) my fiancé (who happens to Haitian) reminded me that they dont even have white rice, its just reg rice with scallions ... I guess for the location its works/ but I can definitely get some amazing curry goat in Brooklyn and not pay 50 bucks for it . Also, asking our waitress what kinda spices are in the spiced jam and her response was "well its a bunch of different spices and goat cheese, it pairs well with the cassava bread" ... I had to go.... Highlight of the night was their version of an old fashioned (it had cherry and something else) AND that' we dined w/ Al Sharpton... We left after the 1st round of drinks & apps . I just couldn't do it . We walked to a cute hookah place nearby. Its never that deep

This restaurant is absolutely beautiful, and I'm glad I got to celebrate my birthday here! Upon walking in, you're met by a dark ambiance and stunning decor. My birthday guests enjoyed taking pictures in the entrance hallway lined with many mirrors. It was a late weekday evening with a decent crowd, but we still made sure to make a reservation prior to coming. Everyone was incredibly friendly - from the doorman to the host and our server. Now, for the food. It is on the expensive side, but I am from DC and used to higher priced meals, so come expecting to spend. The first menu item to come was our drinks, and we all ordered mocktails. Then came the cornbread and beef patties. The cornbread was good but a little on the dry side. The tamarind and honey butter complemented it so perfectly. I don't eat beef but my guests seemed to really enjoy the beef patties! For our entrees, we ordered family style and all shared the suya chicken and the shrimp. I loved the African-Caribbean fusion flavors! The suya powder on the roasted chicken was divine. The shito butter on the shrimp didn't exactly taste like Ghanaian-authentic shito, but it was still tasty. I could've used a little more hot spices in the shito butter. Lastly, we got the spiced beignets for a birthday dessert. I have to admit, this was probably my least favorite and tasted more like an old fashioned donut. Nonetheless, I most definitely enjoyed my birthday dinner and will be back for that suya chicken the next time I'm in NYC!

* Creator I was excited to celebrate my Bday and Retirement at Lele and it was the worst experience the service food and drinks was highly disappointed. They didn't bring out any cake for me. I eat out often and this restaurant was definitely a disappointment

The food is awesome. I went to LeLe with a group of ten people. One person suggested that we order and share. At first, I thought it was a bad idea because I was hungry. However, I'm glad we did--it gave me the opportunity to taste everything. And everything was amazing. The food was flavorful and beautifully prepared. The Flan was outstanding. The staff and the owner were very nice. They came by several times to make sure everything was good. Full disclosure: this is fine dining, so if you're looking for a plastic to-go box filled to the top, fine dining is not for you. I highly recommend this restaurant if you are looking for good upscale food.

Ambiance is the star. Beautiful space, dimmed and intimate. I went right at opening so it wasn't crowded, but they did have 2 for 1 drinks which is a plus. I went with a friend and we were satisfied with their "small" dishes, they are shareable. We had 2 drinks each and the bill was about $100. I'm not mad at the experience at all. Upper area was closed, but it's pretty up there as well. It gives lounge and live music (though they don't have live music, at least not on a consistent basis) Leah was our server, she was knowledgeable about the menu and helpful in us deciding what we wanted. Wait staff came around making sure our tables were clear as needed. Good afterwork spot for a quick bite.

This restaurant has a bright future. It's only been open for three weeks and I can already tell that it will be around a long time. Ambiance: gorgeous I walked in feeling like I was straight out of the film Coming to America. It was the regal touches for me. They did an excellent job decorating this spot. Even the dinnerware was classy and chic. Food: amazing and delicious I looked over the menu prior to coming. The plan was to try two dishes from the small plates section. I had my mind set on either the patties or the wings. I really couldn't decide. The bartenders couldn't help me either. My picks just happen to be popular and their favorite picks too. The manager P, suggested the shrimp in the green curry sauce to my list. This made it more complicated. Then, he described how each small dish was prepared. When I finally made my decision, one of the owners who happen to be sitting next to me at the bar just received his plate. It was the shrimp! So naturally, I decided to order it with white rice and pikliz. It was "close your eyes, shake your head and do a little dance " good. He was right! Service: 100% perfect. Doorman: 10/10. He spotted me across the street and waved me over. When I asked how he knew, I was coming his way....he said it was my outfit. I guess I looked like royalty ‍. Hostesses 10/10 Greeted with a smile and walked me right in to the bar. They also said goodnight at the end. I love when restaurants do that. Bartenders: 10000/10 I sat at the bar and the two Bartenders were friendly, accommodating and just real chill. They were busy, but didn't forget about me. Managers: 10000000/10 I was a solo diner in a restaurant full of people. P and the owner took the time to chat with me about their restaurant. It was nice getting that attention and hearing how passionate they are about everything. In all, I will return and try the other dishes. It's a place worth visiting again and again. Check it out and tip well! They crew deserves it!

Found this place via insta and looked really good! Made reservations and came with my friend who has never tried Caribbean food before and loved it especially the oxtail! This is a fusion Afro-Caribbean restaurant which is a first for me however I'm no stranger to Caribbean food in general. Everything from start to finish was excellent. The inside is beautifully decorated entrance and to wall full of beautiful artwork. Our waiter Lex was very informative and attentive. We tried almost everything and was not disappointed, my favorite If had to pick were the wings and oxtail but everything was delicious from the food to the drinks! It is a bit on the pricey side and according to our waiter it has only been a month since they've been open when I went and are still adding new dishes to the menu. Will definitely go back to try the rest of the menu and drinks. The seating is a bit tight, so I recommend calling to get a corner or good spot because where we were seated was in the middle of the boot area and I did not like it and asked for the corner but couldn't get it even though there were plenty of seats available while we were there hence the four stars.

It was only the second day open but the customer service was top notch. There was plenty of staff ready to serve. Food came out quickly for the most part. There was a handful of items on the menu that they didn't have available which felt odd but, again, they just opened. I think its to be expected that they'll have some kinks to sort out. The food was good! The highlights were the shrimp, oxtail, wagyu (it was delicious but a TINY portion). The wings were pretty good but how good can wings ever be? Not sure if it fit the vibe the restaurant is going for. I'd absolutely skip the cornbread. The only thing I'm still a bit conflicted about is some of the food felt wildly overpriced! However, when you consider the location, the number of people on staff and the quality of the ingredients, you can't expect affordably priced food. Additionally, we also left VERY full so I guess its a toss up. For dessert, we got the rum cake with a side of coffee ice cream. My wife and I do not like coffee ice cream but what they served was really good. Like surprisingly good. I've had better rum cake but this one wasn't bad.

You will come here for an elevated experience! It's more than just another stylish restaurant. It is art, it is beauty, it is a celebration of who you are and how far you've come. Not being dramatic, but this place invoked all the right emotions in me. Won't lie we kept it safe with the cuisine, they were close to closing but the wings were perfect and I could have the sauce that came with it all by itself. We had Pearadise Lost for drinks and it was superb! The service was impeccable from the moment we stepped in. Leah told us the story behind our drink and she was just so delightful. And Ben, the manager was friendly and accommodating (we came in late) and made rounds to assure that we were content. Just a simple NJ Transit train ride away if you don't want to take your car to the city, and we will be back again and again and again .

5 for Restaurant Beautiful restaurant! The mood, decor, lighting-- all very elegant-- definitely goes with the neighborhood dining experience. A creative drink menu and light-up menus, all give it a sleek vibe. The staff (doorman, hostesses, bar tenders, floor manager, buss boys and waitresses) all very welcoming and attentive. 3 for Food The food is a good-- but as an elevated afro- Caribbean restaurant-- I feel the flavors could be bolder. However, if it's your first time or introduction to the cuisine-- it would be good. Also prices match the neighborhood ($56 for oxtail and side of rice, $46 for curry goat) Again, good food but if you're used to the cuisine you'll be underwhelmed. 4 for Vibe Definitely an instagram/birthday location! We were there last Wednesday at 8pm and there were 5 birthday parties around us. But not turn-up, uptown Saturday swag surf Brunch Birthday parties-- everyone was real chill. Music was great and not too loud. Only suggestion other than bolder/more seasoning for food-- PLEASE enforce a dress code after 6pm. The restaurant is giving heels/pantsuits and blazers with dress shoes-- but even at 8pm, people were in hoodies, sneakers, micro shorts and sandals. I understand it's summer right now, but as one of the only elevated drop- Caribbean restaurant in the area- I'd love to see people looking like they're all at the same upscale establishment. Room for improvement but very much appreciate the new cuisine in Midtown.

From the moment my wife and I walked through the golden-lit hallway of Lélé, we knew we were in for something special. The ambiance is stunning -- dramatic, intimate, and elevated. The lighting, the decor, even the illuminated menus... every detail was thoughtfully curated to make the space feel luxurious yet welcoming. We arrived at 10:37 PM, a bit unaware that while the restaurant stays open until midnight, the kitchen actually closes at 10:30 PM -- something that should definitely be made clearer on the website. That said, Ben, the manager, went above and beyond by making an exception for us and having us seated. That gesture alone set the tone for what would become a memorable night. We kept it simple and ordered the wings with the sauce on the side -- a rich and flavorful blend of berbere, sumac, and scotch bonnet. Spiced just right, full of flavor, and perfectly crisp. It hit the spot. Our server, Leah (hope I'm spelling that right), was phenomenal -- warm, attentive, and patient despite the late hour. And Ben checked on us more than once to ensure we were comfortable. That level of care isn't something you get everywhere. All in all, Lélé isn't just a restaurant -- it's an experience. We'll definitely be back, this time a bit earlier to try more of what the menu has to offer. If you're in NYC and looking for a place that blends Afro-Caribbean flavor with upscale vibes, Lélé should be at the top of your list.

Great ambiance and service. Food presentation was nice as well. Unfortunately serving appetizers as main courses wasn't what I thought I'd see. As I dined with a former Yelp elite we definitely went to see what the hype was about. The bar didn't have any whisky or scotch available which was a negative for me. Overall definitely worth another visit. Better portions please

Beautiful vibes, great food, drinks, and atmosphere! The oxtail was perfectly seasoned and full of flavor, and the wings and patties were exceptional. Everything was made to order, fresh, and delicious. The ambiance was amazing -- can't wait to visit again!

Upon arrival you're greeted with a beautifully decorated corridor. That was the highlight of my experience here. The food is mediocre, service is atrocious. My apps arrived one at a time, my order was incorrect and my drink arrived well after we ate the first starter. My app order was corrected after I spoke with the server. The food is presented well but tasted just ok, nothing to drool over. Didn't bother with dessert. Overpaid for 3 apps (wings, mushrooms that I didn't order but still paid for and shrimp) and 2 entrées (oxtail and chicken) and 2 drinks (over $450 with tip, see photos attached, does this look like a $400 meal?!) I understand this is in midtown and I've dined all over the world but the cost to taste and super slow service is unacceptable. Don't go here, don't believe the social media marketing and don't waste your time or money.

Lélé completely exceeded my expectations! From the moment we walked in, the space was stunning and we were warmly welcomed by the kindest hostess. Despite it being a busy Friday night at 9 PM, we were seated right away. The music was just right... hip-hop and Caribbean at a comfortable volume. Our server came over promptly and our drinks arrived quickly after. We started with the cornbread with the spiced grape jam & whipped goat cheese. It was a nice, light bite to kick things off. For dinner, we shared the jerk oyster mushrooms (absolutely delicious), grilled corn (good), and the suya chicken. The chicken had so much flavor and just the right amount of heat, but it was a bit tricky to eat--more like a Cornish hen, so lots of bones and small portions of meat, which made it a little less convenient for a dining-out setting. I mentioned to the staff that it was my friend's birthday, and they surprised us by comping a banana ice cream and buttered rum shot--both were incredible! That thoughtful gesture made the experience even more memorable. I'll definitely be back. Our host mentioned they're considering adding a lounge or happy hour soon, and I'm already looking forward to checking it out!

Beautiful place. Staff was very nice and accommodating. Mangers was cool. Drinks were great but the food was kinda underwhelming. Beef patties could have been more crispy. I definitely want to come back an check it out again in a few months an see the improvements being they just opened. Music was great too, great for dates especially. This place has potential. I'll be back for sure.

Where do I begin... this may be one of the best meals i've had. The ambience: elegant, trendy environment with great music yet perfect for a catch up with the girls or an intimate date. Also helps the green velvet booths are fire for ig photos! For appetizers we got the hamachi, shrimp and mushrooms (all insane and decadent in flavor) paired with some blood orange mocktails! For entrees, the wagyu beef and chicken paired with rice-- all incredible and highly recommended by our lovely server Lia! Already have a reservation for next week. Promise this is a meal you'll be dreaaaaaming about

A Taste of Elegance and Caribbean Soul at Lele NYC This evening, I finally dined at the much talked about Lele NYC, the new upscale Caribbean restaurant creating a buzz in the city. My cousins had attended the grand opening and raved about it and now, I understand why. From the moment I stepped inside, I was captivated. The ambiance is nothing short of stunning. As an artist, I found myself constantly enchanted every corner revealed something new, from the thoughtfully curated artwork to the intricate design details. The space is vibrant yet sophisticated, exuding both warmth and luxury. The menu, while not overly large, is beautifully curated which I appreciate. I started with the Grilled Coco & Cassava Bread served with Spiced Grape Jam and Whipped Goat Cheese a perfect harmony of textures and unexpected flavor. I also ordered the Shrimp Green Curry with Jalapeño Kosho and Shito Butter as an appetizer, and it was an absolute standout: bold, creamy, and packed with layers of heat and depth. For my entrée, I chose the Suya Chicken Poussin, which was masterfully seasoned and accompanied by Hot Honey, Pepper Pickled Onion, and Peanuts, served with perfectly cooked, flavorful white rice. Every bite delivered a playful contrast of sweet, spicy, and savory. To drink, I went with the Blush Amour, a gorgeous cocktail made with Grey Goose, Kalamansi, St. Germain, and Sparkling Blood Orange. It was light, refreshing, and paired beautifully with the richness of the meal. I didn't have room for dessert this time, but that only gives me more reason to return and I absolutely will. Lele NYC is more than a restaurant--it's an experience, and one I can't wait to repeat.

The cost aligns with the care put into each dish. Besides that, staff exhibited both kindness and adaptability. The pricing feels just right for what's offered. The flavors were spot on. Your time here will be well spent.

The staff showed genuine concern that we enjoyed our visit. New to the area and thankful to have found this place. Employees deliver remarkable service consistently. The serving sizes here are enormous. Our neighborhood is lucky to have this spot.

Good food and service. The restaurant has beautiful decor. Perfect for a date night or girls night. Very elegant and romantic ambiance.

Engagement FAIL at Lele NYC -- A Beautiful Space That Forgot the Heart of Hospitality On August 21, I had a reservation at Lele NYC for my girlfriend's birthday -- a night she didn't know would also become her engagement celebration. After the big surprise (she said yes ), we were running behind and I called the restaurant, hopeful they'd understand. I explained that we had just gotten engaged and asked if they could still honor our reservation. The representative congratulated us -- and then promptly told us there was nothing she could do. No flexibility. No empathy. Just a $50 deposit gone. Still determined to celebrate, I rebooked for the following day. My fiancé and two guests arrived on time, only to wait over 30 minutes to be seated. Initially, we were offered cramped cocktail tables on the upper level -- not exactly the setting for a celebratory dinner. We declined, and were told that waiting for proper seating would delay us further. Fine. We waited. Once seated, the service was kind and attentive, and the ambience -- undeniably stunning. Lele is visually captivating, no doubt designed to lure the TikTok crowd with its trendy aesthetic and curated vibe. But beneath the surface, it's clear the restaurant is still finding its footing. And in these early stages, honoring guests -- especially those celebrating life's biggest moments -- should be non-negotiable. The food? Mostly delicious. The cocktails were strong, balanced, and beautifully crafted. But the $120 Kobe beef was sadly overcooked, and every entrée came with the same plain side of white rice -- a lack of imagination that dulled the experience. For a restaurant positioning itself as upscale and experiential, this felt lazy. What stings most is the missed opportunity. We weren't asking for fireworks -- just a little grace. A little acknowledgment. A refund of the $50 deposit or a gesture to mark our engagement would've gone a long way. Instead, we were met with rigidity and indifference. Lele NYC may be the newest darling of social media, but if it wants to build lasting loyalty beyond the influencer crowd, it needs to remember that hospitality is about people -- not just aesthetics. We came to celebrate love. We left feeling overlooked.

From the moment you step through the door at Lélé, the thoughtfully designed space makes an immediate impression. We arrived for an early reservation before heading to a show and were seated promptly, setting the perfect tone for the evening. Our waitress was attentive and genuinely knowledgeable, patiently guiding us through the menu with enthusiasm. We started with the wings, which arrived perfectly seasoned with an exceptional dipping sauce that delivered just the right amount of heat. For cocktails, my wife ordered the lemon drop martinis, while I sampled two drinks: the Pearadise Lost, which leaned a bit too sweet for my palate, and the Spice Market, which proved to be far more balanced and satisfying. For the main course, my wife chose the Suya Chicken--expertly seasoned--accompanied by plantains cooked to perfection. I went with the oxtails and Haitian rice, and I have to be honest: having lived and worked in urban environments my entire life, I've had plenty of oxtails. These rank in my top three, hands down. There's a subtle sweetness to them that's incredibly appealing, and I'm 100% ordering them again. Beyond the excellent food, Lélé itself is a comfortable, inviting space with well-curated music playing at just the right volume--never overwhelming the conversation. If you're looking to impress someone special or simply want to enjoy outstanding Afro-Caribbean cuisine, this is absolutely the place. We're already planning our next visit.

The restaurant provides a reliably good experience. The restaurant demonstrates reliable results. The team members at this location are some of the most courteous and hospitable people I've known, and they work hard to create a pleasant evening. Their meals left me wanting better quality. If only distance wasn't a factor!

I've found this restaurant to be trustworthy meal after meal. Their approach puts substance above style. I look forward to my visits here, and you will too. Their employees performed at an unprecedented level. This restaurant is worth trying.

If you are simply looking for a place to wear a sequin gown while eating overpriced Costco cocktail beef patties surrounded by plush velvet this is your spot. Positives: ambiance and decor Negatives: everything else From the start of our experience the service left a lot to be desired. Our waitress acted like she had somewhere urgent to be while she was at our table. She offered no insight to the menu and did not ask how we enjoyed our food after it arrived. Our sever's engagement was less than what one would expect from a server at Olive Garden (the price tier is not reflective of this). Why not just have us order from a QR code?? I was hoping the food made up for the service. It did not. Beef patties: cocktail patties in taste and in size. Coco and cassava bread: Underwhelming. One could have easily confused this with a complementary bread basket. The bread is grilled simply for aesthetics as it adds nothing of note to the texture or taste. Grilled Shrimp: these were the best of the worst. They photographed better than they tasted (this actually sums up the entire experience). The food and the service scream "we are merely an IG photo studio cosplaying as a high end restaurant". Bonus content: After the server brought over our check (before we asked) she never returned! We waited 15 mins before flagging down another server to ask for help. The server we asked to help us find our actual server was also a lovely peach. After going to find our original server she stomps back over and tosses the card reader on the table and says "I'll just do it". By do it she met she'd leave the card reader with us and go on about her business. This restaurant had/ has the potential to be disruptive to the NYC restaurant space in a great way but a MAJOR recalibration is needed.

I was with a small mixed group (6 people) of co-workers, friends and spouses on Friday evening, August 1st. As a group, each of us knew some, but not all of the others. I thought the restaurant was ideal for just this situation. The ambiance is rich with art and energy, and the acoustics permit guests to hear each other, but not the people at the nearby tables. We ordered a variety of apps --all very good and all encouraging exploration and sharing: corn bread, jerk oyster mushroom, calabaza squash, grilled corn and shrimp with green curry. The mushrooms and shrimp were my favorites. For the main course, three of us ordered the curry goat. The portions were generous, but not so large as to be intimidating. The goat's naturally earthy taste was complimented by the yellow curry and raisins. The remainder of our crew had the oxtail, wagyu and chicken entrees. They seemed happy. The service was fantastic. Our server, Jackie, was helpful in answering questions. The apps and main course dishes arrived promptly. She and the other staff were helpful, but not obtrusive -- magically appearing when needed with refills, etc. I recommend the Tropical Pavlova (Mango-Passion Fruit Sherbet with Tapioca) for dessert. Great finish to a fun experience.

My time at this restaurant was excellent. All employees displayed genuine warmth upon our arrival. This restaurant deserves my complete satisfaction. All additional choices were good, containing spices unfamiliar to me. I support this place completely.

This place is one of the best restaurants if not the BEST restaurant that NYC has to offer !! If you haven't visited this place yet it is a MUST . Restaurant , Bar, Lounge Ambience got the vibes! All awesome.. the service is impeccable, and the Food is so unique you won't find it anywhere else in the world except here ! The desserts are sooooo delicious please do yourself a favor and get either the flan or the ice cream !

The service was great! The ambiance was nice shorty liked it for her birthday! The food wasn't great!

First time here to celebrate a birthday and everything was amazing from the food, service and drinks.. My fav was the wings, oxtail, Pattie's and the coco bread.

Had a wonderful meal with friends. Started off with the wings, Coco bread with the spiced jam and Goat cheese. Very enjoyable. For the meal we had the Oxtail, steak and Monk Fish. Everyone enjoyed their meal. Drinks were wonderful also. The service was excellent. Nice looking place.

Lele is a new Afro Caribbean Restaurant that just opened on Madison Ave ...Had the pleasure of trying the menu last week and to start had some cocktails which were nice but a little to sweet for me to be honest... But where this venue shines is the menu and it's wonderful from Jumbo Shrimp and Green Curry, Thai Fried Chicken with tamarind honey, Hamachi Crudo with crispy chips (Addictive warning for the chips) and the beef patty with bold island flavors ..I mean there was so much choice and with the beautiful decor it felt like home ! Highly recommended

Like some said before the ambiance and music is on par. The food and staff, however, not so much. They would bring out only half your dish and bring the other half a whole 30 minutes later. I got the suya with pikliz and cornbread. I'm very specific about my cornbread and it was aight. The pikliz really helped the suya because even though the suya was decent. I don't know something is always missing ingredient wise. And I was tasting dishes from others and everything just was lacking flavor. They need way more works. Why is there only like 4 people waiting tables and it's packed to the brim? Lastly, back to the food I wouldn't say the prices are worth it. My aunt got monkfish and it was mainly fatty and not that big portion wise.

Fantastic Afro‑Caribbean menu, amazing service & vibe--I loved it! I'll be back, this is officially NYC hot spot.

I dined there with 3 other people on Friday, July 25th. The place, music and my drink I loved. The service was good too. However the food was a big disappointment. My fried wing flats had chicken hairs on them. Didn't care for the taste of the paste/sauce to go with it. We ordered 2 sets of corn bread. Received 1 plate with 4 pieces and was charged $28. We were told by our waitress the Chef said the pieces were cut bigger. That was not the case. Small pieces that were semi burnt on top and bottom. We only ate the center of the corn bread. It was cold so we didn't really get to enjoy the taste of it. I cook myself and only share this in the hopes that the Chef improves his skills in the kitchen. Burn off chicken hairs before you clean/season it. What it sent out from the kitchen should be exactly the way the Chef would want to receive it had he/she went out to eat.

Service, ambiance, drinks and music was ON POINT! The food however, needs work- especially for the price point! We ordered from the smaller plates: shrimp ($32 for 4), chicken wings ($25 for 5) it was basic and still had the hairs on it, cornbread was almost burnt, and mostly dry, and the paste from the jerk oyster mushroom tasted bad and barely had jerk. It came with black eyed peas and the peas were crunchy and undercooked. The food lacking for the entire table is what brought down the experience.

When the chef (Runar Pierre) from our favorite restaurant in the world (OX-Reykjavik) opens a new place in NYC, of course we have to make the 2 hour trip to NYC to try it out, and they did not disappoint! All the food was on point, prepared excellently with amazing sauces (as we would expect from a restaurant with Runar at the helm). I expected the food to be a little higher on the spicy scale, but it was very flavorful and warm spices rather than just killing you with heat (a good thing). Can vouch for the Shrimp, Hamachi, Rice, Wagyu, Corn, beignets, spiced cake nd drinks, all hit the mark. It's a long ride for dinner, but we will definitely return.