Award-winning

Melba's

4.7

1590 Reviews

$50 and over

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 24, 2024

8:30 PM

Booked 37 times today

Neighborhood 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
Neighborhood
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

Editor’s choice: 16 go-to NYC restaurants from our local expert

Popular dishes

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

What 1,590 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.5Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Melba's in NYC is renowned for its "amazing soul food" and "inviting atmosphere." Guests rave about the "OUTSTANDING" service, particularly highlighting exceptional staff members like Bryan. The fried chicken, catfish, and collard greens are crowd favorites, while the generous portions and "warm" ambiance make it a must-visit spot for both locals and tourists.

1,590 Reviews

M
Matthew
VIP
New York City
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
First time at Melba's for some authentic soul food but with their own flavor. It was spectacular. I had the Chicken & Egg Nog Waffles. It was some of the best, crispiest, most tender chicken I've ever had. But I must dwell on the A$AP Yams. They were amazing. I've had candied yams before that have the nice brûlée crust, leaving the inside not as sweet. But these yams were one consistent color yet sweet and succulent all the way through. The collard greens were also excellent. A good time all around, and try to go for a birthday celebration, so that you're regaled by the restaurant singing the Steve Wonder version of Happy Birthday.
Is this helpful?
H
Hugh
VIP
New York City
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on December 17, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My wife took me for my birthday and it was as great as always. Service was on point. Food even better. And I got red velvet cake and a song. I’ll be back as usual.
Is this helpful?
M
Molly
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was a good experience. I made reservations and was able to be seated on time. The food was amazing the portions where excellent.
Is this helpful?
S
Sudha
VIP
New York City
60 reviews
4.0
60 reviews
Dined on December 14, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
the food was very good. loved the chicken and waffles, candied yams, crab cakes and deviled eggs. our waiter was great, but service was a bit scattered. our table was tight squeeze, the waiters struggled a little to get by. we spilled sine water and we kept waving people over to mop but they didn't come. it's got a fun vibe, the waiter was nice, but pressed, and the food was very good. I would go back.
Is this helpful?
A
Abraham
VIP
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 13, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Keith made us feel like regulars only our second time
Is this helpful?
G
Gilda
Las Vegas
4 reviews
1.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 12, 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
It was heartwarming to see a Black owned business continue to receive so much support… however my dining experience was extremely disappointing…the Mac and Cheese tasted like raw white flour- it was cheesy but still tasted more like flour than cheese…the potato salad was nasty, the sautéed spinach was served in a bowl of liquid and clearly never sautéed!!…the special yams weren’t special at all…and I was given a TABLESPOON to stir my coffee…my friends had similar issues with their dishes as well ..however the peas and rice, collard greens and cheese appetizer was different and very tasty…but NEVER AGAIN…too many misses for me…am I picky…YES…I went to culinary school and I know when things are off….I had high expectations since this establishment has been around for years, however the experience was not what I expected….I WILL NOT GO AGAIN.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
VIP
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 8, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Melba’s was amazing! Everything was SO delicious - our favorites were the turkey meatloaf, fried chicken, spring rolls, collard greens and sweet potato pie. The servers and environment are as warm and welcoming as Melba herself. We can’t wait to return 🩷
Is this helpful?
T
Terrell
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 7, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great experience. The staff was engaging, pleasant and funny. Food was delicious too! Definitely will go back.
Is this helpful?
L
Lynette
New York City
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 5, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The service was excellent, and the food is very good, I love the spring rolls.
Is this helpful?
L
LaTonsha
Dallas
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 3, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I have wanted to try this place for the last year and it did NOT disappoint. Everything was beyond delicious - perfectly seasoned, perfect temperature. The only problem was that I could not finish everything and had no room left for dessert. I will be back!!!
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 4.7 stars by 1590 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 24, 2024

8:30 PM

Booked 37 times today

Order delivery or takeout

300 W 114th St, New York, NY 10026

Additional information

Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
Cross street
Frederick Douglas Blvd. (8th Avenue)
Neighborhood
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

Featured in

Editor’s choice: 16 go-to NYC restaurants from our local expert

Melba's

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Editor’s choice: 16 go-to NYC restaurants from our local expert

Southern Chicken

Country Catfish

Trés Macaroni & Cheese

Comfortizers

Melba's Spring Rolls

Charleston Jumbo Shrimp

Buffalo Wings

Fried Catfish Strips

Auntie D's Mini Burgers

Pulled BBQ Short Rib Sliders

Spinach & Cheese Empanadas

Fried Calamari

Lemon and Honey Chicken Tenders

Southern Crab Cakes

Healthy Comfort

Grilled Vegetable Napoleon

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Classic Caesar Salad

Baby Spinach Salad

Summer Salad

Organic Mesclun Greens

Entrees

Southen Fried Chicken & Eggnog Waffles

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**

Country Catfish**

Trés Macaroni & Cheese**

Charleston Jumbo Shrimp**

Fish & Chips

Deluxe Hamburger

Side Orders

Trés Mac & Cheese

Low Country Collard Greens

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

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does Melba's offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Melba's restaurant rated?

Is Melba's currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

Editor’s choice: 16 go-to NYC restaurants from our local expert