Cafe Gitane New York City

If you’re looking for the ultimate people watching spot in New York, Cafe Gitane is it. It’s known for its unique Moroccan inspired ambiance and laid back cool but the truth is, most of the attention the restaurant gets is from its trendy clientele of celebrities, fashionistas and models. People stop by to chat and gossip, linger over coffee and spend a casual afternoon. Getting in can be difficult – depending on location, wait times can be pretty common.

Offering items up like merguez with raisin and pine nut couscous, baked feta with orange slices and toasted bread as well as a selection of tagines, it’s hard to resist not ordering something to try. We did two cool glasses of cucumber-mint juice (particularly refreshing in the sweltering summer heat) with seven grain avocado toast with chili-flakes and carrot salad with rosewater to snack on.

Cucumber, Mint Juice

Smashed Avocado on 7 Grain Toast with Chili Flakes

So while Cafe Gitane may not offer up the best meal you’ve ever had, it ‘s worth it just to go to watch the crowds go by. While you do that, the option to snack on a couple of French-Moroccan inspired dishes is really nice.