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Melba's, New York, NY
Award-winning

Melba's

4.6
4.6
1574 Reviews
$50 and over
American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 16 times today
  • Neighbourhood 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
  • Neighbourhood
    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 1,574 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
                                                                                  • 4.5Service
                                                                                  • 4.4Ambience
                                                                                  • 4.5Value

                                                                                  Noise • Moderate

                                                                                  Review summary

                                                                                  AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                                  Melba's offers a vibrant dining experience with standout soul food and "amazing" service. Enjoy scrumptious dishes like fried chicken and waffles in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Though some patrons noted service delays, many rave about the "fantastic" food and generous portions. It's a Harlem favorite, perfect for gatherings and celebrations.

                                                                                  1,575 Reviews

                                                                                  1. Edwin

                                                                                    New York City

                                                                                    5 reviews

                                                                                    vip
                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    5 reviews

                                                                                    Dined today

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    Melba's is always a delicious experience. I went this time for her Thanksgiving dinner. The butternut squash soup lacked a bit of sweetness I was expecting, but the shrimp cocktail was tasty. My party got the turkey, which was very good and the sausage stuffing was amazing. Sides of mac and cheese, ASAP yams, collard greens, and mashed potatoes were equally amazing. We also tried their Apple Cider Sidecar cocktail special and really enjoyed that as well. Overall the environment was welcoming and lively.

                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                  2. Krystle

                                                                                    New York City

                                                                                    1 review

                                                                                    vip
                                                                                    2.0

                                                                                    1 review

                                                                                    Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 2
                                                                                    2. Food 3
                                                                                    3. Service 2
                                                                                    4. Ambience 3
                                                                                    It took way too long to get our food. We had a reservation for 12pm and didn’t eat our appetizer until 1pm and the entree until after 2. The service was slow and the short ribs were too tough. Only one bone was filled with tender meat. We ended up getting our dessert to go because it was 3:15 and we didn’t want to wait another hour for dessert. Other patrons were leaving because of how slow the service was. Also, they didn’t offer to give rolls or anything while we waited knowing that it was taking forever to get the food to our table. It also took our waitress 40 minutes to bring one ginger ale to us. This was poorly planned and executed by the staff. Will not return next year.

                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                  3. Ariel

                                                                                    New York City

                                                                                    5 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    5 reviews

                                                                                    Dined 6 days ago

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                                                    Honestly? Just go for the chicken and waffles. The eggnog waffles were DIVINE.

                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                  4. yolanda

                                                                                    New York City

                                                                                    1 review

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    1 review

                                                                                    Dined on November 18, 2024

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    Service was amazing. Everyone was friendly and welcoming. The food was delicious and came out quickly. Melba’s did not disappoint!

                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                  5. OpenTable Diner

                                                                                    Chicago

                                                                                    1 review

                                                                                    3.0

                                                                                    1 review

                                                                                    Dined on November 14, 2024

                                                                                    1. Overall 3
                                                                                    2. Food 3
                                                                                    3. Service 4
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    It was a good experience, but the food was only so-so. It came out incredibly quickly, but that’s because the food must have been sitting around. My impression is that this restaurant must have been great once upon a time and then became a destination and deteriorated as it catered to tourists.

                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                  6. Kimberley

                                                                                    Jacksonville

                                                                                    9 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    9 reviews

                                                                                    Dined on November 10, 2024

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    Melba's is always a vibe! Sharmayne, Kenny or Brian always will take good care of you. Food always amazing and the biggest complaint I hear is they want more food that it isn't enough. I think and take that as a compliment! Love Melba and her energy! She makes her place home! I am still saving my coins to take home one of those Lamar Campbell originals as well! Enjoy!

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                                                                                  7. Tim

                                                                                    Austin

                                                                                    24 reviews

                                                                                    vip
                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    24 reviews

                                                                                    Dined on November 9, 2024

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    Melba’s was outstanding. The food was great and the service was above and beyond. Highly recommend this for anyone. I would recommend making reservations as it was busy, We arrived early and the host took care of getting us seated as soon as he could.

                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                  8. Linda

                                                                                    New York City

                                                                                    2 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    2 reviews

                                                                                    Dined on November 9, 2024

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                    We were 15 minutes late for our reservation due to highway traffic ( we were coming from another state) and there was no trouble when it was our time to be seated, thankfully. The service was great and the food was delicious!

                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                  9. Raschelle

                                                                                    Washington DC

                                                                                    10 reviews

                                                                                    3.0

                                                                                    10 reviews

                                                                                    Dined on November 6, 2024

                                                                                    1. Overall 3
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 2
                                                                                    4. Ambience 3
                                                                                    The wait staff had an attitude when we didn't order any if the special. That set the tone.

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                                                                                  10. Rachel

                                                                                    Greensboro

                                                                                    3 reviews

                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                    3 reviews

                                                                                    Dined on November 4, 2024

                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                                                    We had an excellent time. Perfect place for a long Monday evening catch up with old friend. Three birthday celebrations made it lively and festive too.

                                                                                    Is this helpful?

                                                                                  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 1574 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 p.m.
                                                                                  Booked 16 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)
                                                                                  • Neighbourhood
                                                                                    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

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