Tucked away in a landmarked 1830s townhouse on picturesque Bond Street, The Smile is the perfect setting for delicious food in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. The Smile's American/Mediterranean menu is seasonally focused and designed by executive chef and former art world caterer, Melia Marden. While popular with the lunch and coffee crowd, "the dimly lit, wood-ceilinged space feels even more charming and tavernesque at night." The restaurant is open seven days serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as weekend brunch.

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72 Current Reviews

Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews

Overall

(Very Good) 3.9 / 5

(72 Reviews)

Rating Breakdown 72 reviews

5 stars

(16)

4 stars

(39)

3 stars

(11)

2 stars

(3)

1 star

(3)

Food

(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 3.6 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

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Diners classify this restaurant as:

neighborhood gem(48)
fit for foodies(35)
romantic(27)

hot spot(15)
good for groups(10)
great for brunch(7)

The Smile Reviews List

Review 1 for The Smile

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Love this place

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/10/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Cannot think of anything bad to say about the Smile. The vibe is perfect, it's such a great date spot, and the food is just so, so good."

Dined on 5/10/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem

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Review 2 for The Smile

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/04/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"this was my second visit to The Smile, and once again I was pleased by everything. The service is very pleasant and accommodating, and the room is really lovely. Started with the kale salad, which was great, followed by some tasty mussels. Ate and drank alot, and bill was fairly reasonable. Will go back again soon."

Dined on 5/04/2013

Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem

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Review 3 for The Smile

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 4/30/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Loved the ambiance. The menu was well rounded without being overwhelming. I liked the attention to local farms, and eco-friendly mission. Our server was not very attentive, however not to the extent that my dining experience was negative."

Dined on 4/30/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch

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Review 4 for The Smile

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great food. Cool Dishes.

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/19/2013

2007

Dined on 04/19/2013

2007

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Great food. Cool Dishes. Great atmosphere. Pork chop was amazing - cooked to perfection, juicy and tender."

Dined on 04/19/2013

2007

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot

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Review 5 for The Smile

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

I love The Smile and have

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/18/2013

2009

Dined on 04/18/2013

2009

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"I love The Smile and have been several times before for lunch, but this was my first dinner. I was disappointed because the music was too loud for conversation, which this intimate space with small tables seems ideal for. Also, I ordered a pasta dish that sounded lovely and spring-like with lots of vegetables, but what I got was a huge bowl of penne from the supermarket with a few peas trying to fight for attention. I'll be back, but only for lunch, and will steer clear of the pastas."

Dined on 04/18/2013

2009

Special Features: neighborhood gem

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Review 6 for The Smile

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Delicious and cozy

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/20/2013

2010

Dined on 04/20/2013

2010

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"We love the Smile. It's a cozy, comfortable spot with a great rotating menu. We've very much enjoyed the food every time we've gone, both for dinner and for brunch. And it's quite romantic too!"

Dined on 04/20/2013

2010

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion

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Review 7 for The Smile

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I'm Smiling

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/19/2013

2011

Dined on 04/19/2013

2011

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"This place was super charming and cool. They've managed to create a cozy atmosphere that is anything but cramped. Genius. Lots of great veggie options, even for omnivores, and creative overall cuisine. I will definitely go back!!"

Dined on 04/19/2013

2011

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

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Review 8 for The Smile

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Have been once before with

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/16/2013

2010

Dined on 04/16/2013

2010

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Have been once before with friends and returned once again ... What a great place to take my boss to for dinner. Simple elegance and terrific food! Possibly the best fish I have had. Would definitely return.
While the online menu represents the variety of items; the actual items listed when you eat there could be different based on the availability of local items / produce."

Dined on 04/16/2013

2010

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

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Review 9 for The Smile

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

Poor service

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/29/2013

2012

Dined on 03/29/2013

2012

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Poor) 1 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Me and my two guests from out-of-town were sat at a table literally 15 inches from the front door, treating us to a blast of 30 degree air every time someone went in or out, which was often. I made my reservation a week in advance; obviously someone has to sit there, but shouldn't that person be a walk-in instead of a res? I saw the list of reses and it was short, plus the restaurant wasn't busy; I worked as a restaurant manager for 7 years. Then the server (blonde, Australian or Kiwi) was terrible. She disappeared for 10 minutes on two separate occasions and when she did visit the table behaved as if she were rushing to put out a fire. Plus, courses were brought in the wrong order. And we went without water for much of the meal."

Dined on 03/29/2013

2012

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Review 10 for The Smile

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great ambience and good food

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/26/2013

2013

Dined on 03/26/2013

2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"The restaurant has a great atmosphere as it is in an old basement in NoHo. The food is almost a mix of American and French, and you get very good food at reasonable prices. The service is great and most guests seem to be locals from the area - always a good sign. I have been there twice and I will definitely come back next time I am in NYC."

Dined on 03/26/2013

2013

Special Features: neighborhood gem

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Review 11 for The Smile

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Cozy, Delicious, a little Eccentric

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/27/2013

2011

Dined on 03/27/2013

2011

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"I loved this place. Service was excellent, food was very good, wine list had a good variety. Exposed brick, wood paneling, the candles, everything made for a fun place to eat. By the time the food comes out you are already in a good mood and the flavors do not disappoint."

Dined on 03/27/2013

2011

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion

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Review 12 for The Smile

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Really enjoyed being at the

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/23/2013

2004

Dined on 03/23/2013

2004

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Really enjoyed being at the restaurant. The meal and wine were delicious, but I thought the glass of wine was a bit skimpy. Soup du jour was wonderful, as was the brisket."

Dined on 03/23/2013

2004

Special Features: neighborhood gem

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Review 13 for The Smile

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great food- service was ok

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/19/2013

2005

Dined on 03/19/2013

2005

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"The food here was excellent but I will say the restaurant was very hot and our waitress was not that friendly. Good ambiance and would certainly go back for the food."

Dined on 03/19/2013

2005

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

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Review 14 for The Smile

Overall rating

(Poor) 1 / 5

TB

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/13/2013

2009

Dined on 03/13/2013

2009

Food

(Poor) 1 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Nice ambience but very disappointing food. Chicken overlooked in microwave and steak also overlooked and very dry.. A shame because it has great ambience..."

Dined on 03/13/2013

2009

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Review 15 for The Smile

Overall rating

(Poor) 1 / 5

Most horrible restaurant-experience

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/09/2013

2012

Dined on 03/09/2013

2012

Food

(Poor) 1 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Most horrible restaurant-experience in NYC so far. Food and service are very bad. Wines are overpriced and not that good."

Dined on 03/09/2013

2012

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Review 16 for The Smile

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great food, great service

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/08/2013

2012

Dined on 03/08/2013

2012

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Great food, great service - we had heard many positive things about The Smile, and this definitely lived up to our expectations. Will be back."

Dined on 03/08/2013

2012

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

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Review 17 for The Smile

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

after wandering around Bond

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/02/2013

2007

Dined on 03/02/2013

2007

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"after wandering around Bond Street a bit, finally found The Smile, which is a little hidden in its underground entrance. What a lovely place, with warm lighting and an inviting atmosphere. Everyone, from the hostess to the waitress to the person clearing our tables, was very friendly and solicitous. Food was great-steak tartare, kale salad and mussels all well-executed, and very reasonably priced. will go back, for sure"

Dined on 03/02/2013

2007

Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic

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Review 18 for The Smile

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Love the ambiance and the

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/28/2013

2013

Dined on 02/28/2013

2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Love the ambiance and the food is really good!!! totally a place to visit!"

Dined on 02/28/2013

2013

Special Features: late-night find, romantic

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Review 19 for The Smile

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

We chose The Smile because

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/28/2013

2010

Dined on 02/28/2013

2010

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"We chose The Smile because it had good reviews on yelp and was close to the theater we were going to later in the evening.
Since we had a show to attend after dinner, I was please with how quickly our dinner order came out. We had the Moroccan Lamb Meatball and Hangar Steak entrees, both of which were tasty.
The servers are friendly, but ours forgot to put in our dessert order.
The tables are arranged in an awkward configuration so that servers have to walk through narrow passages between tables/chairs while carrying full plates of food and drinks. As someone seated, it was uncomfortable to have someone getting that close to me while I was eating. I worried that something would be spilled on me."

Dined on 02/28/2013

2010

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Review 20 for The Smile

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Great food, Poor service.

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/19/2013

2005

Dined on 02/19/2013

2005

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Poor) 1 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"I would recommend it for the the food but not for the service. Completely empty restaurant and we were seated in the back next to the supply closet and computer order touch screen. Staff were literally reaching over me all night long. When we asked to move staff stated that we couldn't and that they guessed they would just have to use the touch screen up front. This still did not solve the supply issue. We were so disappointed in the staff who refused to let us change table (even though there were only two others taken and plenty of tables for two available). We asked to speak to a manager and none ever appeared."

Dined on 02/19/2013

2005

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Review 21 for The Smile

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Nice place, one of several

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/06/2013

2012

Dined on 02/06/2013

2012

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Nice place, one of several little hideaways in the area. Small but strong menu, general American tastes, with a reasonably priced drink menu. Doesn't aim to be too fancy or too trendy, and feels rather comfortable as a result."

Dined on 02/06/2013

2012

Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic

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Ratings-Only Reviews for The Smile

Based on the average of (51) ratings-only reviews

Overall

(Very Good) 3.9 / 5

4 out of 5 recommend this product

Food