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Vert Frais
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Vert Frais
8.3
A high-visual, Japanese-meets-French cafe that’s built for weekend brunch photos but actually delivers when you order smart. The soufflé pancakes get the hype, yet the savory plates are what make it feel like a full meal instead of a dessert stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Matcha soufflé pancake, Omurice, Matcha French toast
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Aesthetic café brunch with soufflé pancakes and real savory depth.
Who should go: Friends who want brunch photos and substance.
When to visit: Arrive before opening on weekends.
What to order: Soufflé pancakes, omurice, one specialty latte.
Insider tip: Do one sweet + one savory—two sweets gets heavy fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive on weekends; nearby paid garages around Court Square are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Stylish casual — brunch-chic fits the room. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished.
Noise level: Moderate — lively brunch energy but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes during peak brunch hours without arriving early
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait outside of noon–1pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian-friendly savory dishes plus pastries and pancakes.
Vegan options: Limited — a few customizable items, but not a full vegan lineup.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some naturally gluten-free plates, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the visual wow factor breaks the ice, and sharing one sweet and one savory dish keeps things interactive without feeling heavy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but timing matters — arrive before opening on weekends or aim for a late weekday brunch for the best chance.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids — pancakes are a hit, but the tight space and high-energy brunch crowd make it less ideal for strollers or toddlers.
Best For
Better for: High-impact brunch visuals paired with genuinely well-executed savory dishes — stronger balance than most dessert-forward café brunch spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet, relaxed brunch or classic American breakfast plates — this is more scene-driven and curated.
Vert Frais
8.5
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Trendy Table Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A bright, café-feeling Japanese spot that quietly delivers serious bowls and comforting rice dishes, making it surprisingly good for families who want “nice” without formality. Come earlier with kids, order one signature ramen plus one rice dish, and add the soufflé pancakes if you want an easy shared finale.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic shio ramen, Salmon over rice with ikura, Soufflé pancakes
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Café energy with legitimately great ramen and a dessert closer.
Who should go: Families who want ramen plus an easy shared dessert.
When to visit: Early evening for a smoother, quieter meal.
What to order: Shio ramen, salmon rice bowl, soufflé pancakes.
Insider tip: Split pancakes after ramen—one order goes a long way.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited around Queensboro Plaza; expect to circle during peak hours. Paid garages are available within a few blocks if you want a guaranteed spot.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sneakers are common, but it still feels polished.
Noise level: Moderate — lively café hum, but you can still hold a full table conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation during peak family hours.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetarian ramen and rice bowls are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable-forward dishes work, but not a fully vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited — rice bowls are the safest bet; ramen is not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for casual first dates — it feels stylish and intentional without being stiff or overly intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes if you arrive early or off-peak; weekends may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — best for elementary-age kids and up. The room is bright, tables are comfortable, and rice bowls and pancakes are easy wins.
Best For
Better for: A calmer, more polished ramen-and-rice experience that works equally well for families and adults.
Skip if: You’re looking for a late-night ramen shop or a rowdy, high-energy noodle bar.