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Ponty Bistro Reviews List
Ponty Bistro
Owners and executive chefs Cisse and Chekh welcome you and your guests to experience Ponty Bistro's "African Fusion," cuisine, featuring the sophisticated flavors and cooking traditions of Senegal and West Africa, combined with French and Mediterranean dishes. Our goal is to offer the most exciting, memorable meals you will ever encounter, designed to leave a satisfying experience with every bite, no matter what time of day you join us. We will welcome you with warm hospitality and exceptional service. Our guests return because of the entire experience at Ponty Bistro. Our motto is "Good Food, Good Friends," so please join us. We are open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night meals. We also offer a weekend brunch.
See more Ponty Bistro details
84 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 84 reviews
5 stars
(32)
4 stars
(30)
3 stars
(18)
2 stars
(4)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(48)
- fit for foodies(45)
- great for lunch(22)
- great for brunch(16)
- romantic(14)
- special occasion(13)
Ponty Bistro Reviews List
Review 1 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"What a charming little place in the Gramercy area! The people who own this restaurant and cook for it are Senegalese and very friendly. The food is a combination of French bistro and African. I had a steak salad and my friend had their butternut squash soup, crabcakes and their chocolate fondant dessert. We were both happy with our choices. Other dishes, being served around us, looked good and worth trying in the future."
Dined on 6/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Eats
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Had a wonderful dinner. Enjoyed everything including the amiable staff and all the food. Can't be beat. Will definitely be going back for me."
Dined on 6/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 3 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always Great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This is a neighborhood joy for us. The menu, French-Senegalese, is different enough from all those around, to be delicious and fun. They also have great staples like chicken parm. Calabash (butternut squash) is a treat, veal dishes wonderful and fish is excellent. Lobster rissoto is filled with large chunks that are tender and perfect. We try to go at least once a week. Brunch, too, is terrific. They make the best French toast, pancakes and oatmeal in the City."
Dined on 6/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 4 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Not what I expected
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The woman working was handling all the tables, as well as answering the phone. She was very sweet and pleasant though. I was embarrased that I took a client there for a business lunch the second I walked in."
Dined on 5/30/2013
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Review 5 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful gem
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Lovely interesting menu selections and outstanding service"
Dined on 5/28/2013
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Review 6 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Never disappoints
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"You've got to love a restaurant whose chef always strolls around to talk to all the patrons. His food is a luscious combination of French and North and West African flavors. When you need to give your palate a much needed boost, get yourself over to Ponty."
Dined on 5/22/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Nice and interesting little place
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A really interesting menu- French with what tasted like a Moroccan twist. Would return.
Good 2-4-1 martinis also!"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 8 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great find!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I picked this restaurant when I was looking for a french restaurant in that general neighborhood. i chose the restaurant because the Senegalese twist on French cooking sounded interesting. (Senegal used to be a French colony). I wasn't expecting anything great--just an interesting meal. I was extremely pleasantly surprised. The ambience of the restaurant was really great. It was charming, And they had jazz music going on. The menu was great. Most importantly, the food was absolutely excellent. I would definitely come back."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Excessive charge mars good night
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a pleasant meal at Ponty Bistro, and were impressed by the food. I was much less impressed with the 22.5% service charge that was automatically levied on our group of 8, particularly as the service had been fairly slow all night long. If you have a large group, please check what service charge they'll apply. If I hadn't been in a group of colleagues, I would have made a much bigger deal about it that night, and it caused a sour end to what had been a nice night before that."
Dined on 5/15/2013
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Review 10 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
French. Senegalese. Fabulous!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is the kind of neighborhood restaurant where you can go regularly and never be bored! From classic French favorites to "moules Africana" with African spices, everything is fresh, so flavorful and reasonably priced. The chefs...Cisse and Chekh...make you feel welcome from the minute you walk in the door and the staff is friendly and efficient. My friends and I have become regulars and it's now a neighborhood fave!"
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 11 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Brunch was good, not impresive but good. Portions were adequate, I had the lobster benedict and the eggs were done perfectly! Mimosas were delicious."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 12 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We thoroughly enjoyed our meal! The ginger martinis were especially amazing!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 13 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Breakfast at Ponty Bistro
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Out of towners, we used Open Table to find a breakfast place in Gramercy Park.
EXCELLENT SERVICE
The service was outstanding - and when my coffee tasted like it had been sitting on the burner, the waiter did everything in his power to make it right with a lovely attitude as well. Thanks!
The service was outstanding - and when my coffee tasted like it had been sitting on the burner, the waiter did everything in his power to make it right with a lovely attitude as well. Thanks!
AMBIENCE
We had a fantastic table, overlooking the street on a crisp Spring day.
We had a fantastic table, overlooking the street on a crisp Spring day.
BREAKFAST
The breakfast was good, but not the best I've had. With the great choices in NYC, I am not sure I would return for breakfast. I ordered eggs, potatoes & French bread. The bread was not *awesome* just OK. Eggs & potatoes were fine.
The breakfast was good, but not the best I've had. With the great choices in NYC, I am not sure I would return for breakfast. I ordered eggs, potatoes & French bread. The bread was not *awesome* just OK. Eggs & potatoes were fine.
My husband loved his Eggs Benedict & thought it was fantastic."
Dined on 5/04/2013
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Review 14 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Easy, tasty and good value
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Organized a brunch for 6 friends here...easy to book. Service was fast and food tasty. This place is good value for money."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 15 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was not my favorite restaurant or food but it was pretty good. Not really a french flair - much more african centric food so it was difficult to know what you are getting. Lobster Bisque was very spicey which I have never had, especially in New York. Overall, it was a nice experience."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 16 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A great local restaurant with fresh and interesting food choices."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Even though it was not crowded,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Even though it was not crowded, the wait staff was very tentative and did not mind when I asked questions. I was not sure about a certain martini and i had a taste of the main ingredient. The food was excellent, but I would have liked to seen Senegalese dishes. I had a steak with fries. The steak was prepared with Senegalese spices and it was quite tasty."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 18 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Been here a few times and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Been here a few times and the menu has not disappointed. A fusion that provides interesting options for all comers. Looking forward to going back for the Moules Africana."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2010
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Review 19 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great place. Just wish I had
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great place. Just wish I had a reason to be in the neighborhood more often. Butternut squah soup and choc mousse are divine."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2008
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Review 20 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
the chef is awesom the food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"the chef is awesom the food is delicious fresh well presented"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 21 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Friendly servie and good food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Friendly servie and good food for great prices. Definitely recommend!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 22 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The food was nothing special
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was nothing special ( not worthy of a 23 in Zagat for my money) though the wait staff was extremely pleasnat and attentive"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2009
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Review 23 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We go frequently. Uniquely
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We go frequently. Uniquely delicious. Consistently good. Perfect portions and blends of ingredients make every dish special."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 24 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food!!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"What great food!! I always have the Le Poulet Parmesan and it's always very good. My dinner companion gets the Steak Tartar and loves it. Good wine selection too. The Chef is always so friendly and the staff helpful and accommodating. I highly recommend Ponty Bistro!"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 25 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Absolutely delicious food,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Absolutely delicious food, great service, and very moderate pricing.
I was so happy from my meal on Saturday, I'm still thinking about it! Oh! Also, great social media presence."
I was so happy from my meal on Saturday, I'm still thinking about it! Oh! Also, great social media presence."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 26 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Probably the only French influenced
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Probably the only French influenced Senegalese restaurant in Manhattan and well worth a visit because of its spicy, not hot, cuisine. Service was extremely friendly as were the prices of their dishes. The menu was very extensive as well as varied plus there are nightly specials.The room is small and somewhat crowded but that is offset by the attractive African decor."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 27 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
wide variety of foods--pasta,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"wide variety of foods--pasta, mediterranean, french-bistro type."
Dined on 02/25/2013
2005
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Review 28 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent food, outstanding
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent food, outstanding ambience, attentive service. I'd definitely recommend this restaurant."
Dined on 02/24/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 29 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Tasty - GREAT place!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Ponty is awesome. I love love love their brunch and dinner. I have been a few times and the staff are completely attentive, make your time there feel like you are the only one. The chef comes out says hello and the food is unique. Not your typical everyday stuff.
It is def a neighborhood gem. I am planning to hold a personal event here bc I like it SO much !"
It is def a neighborhood gem. I am planning to hold a personal event here bc I like it SO much !"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 30 for Ponty Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Incredible food and great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Incredible food and great personalized service from the head Chef."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Ponty Bistro
Based on the average of (54) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
6 out of 6 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate