Londel's Restaurant

Lost our favorite Harlem soul food restaurant last year so gave this one a try. Service is good but the food is lacking and the pricing is suspect. Upon taking our order the waiter asked our table of six if we wanted the appetizer sampler which sounded great. Problem is the appetizer sampler is actually charged as each individual appetizer so it ends up costing about $50.00. Sampler means sample not throw all the appetizers on to one tray and charge separately. The fried chicken was overcooked and hard. They claim all their foods are fresh but the potato salad obviously came out of a third party container. It had very little taste and the potato consistency indicated it had been sitting around. My daughter complained that her baked potato and the consistency and taste of cardboard. My mother-in-law did enjoy her catfish so that was a saving grace. I have lived in an around New York city for 25 years and this has to be one of the worst if not worst meal I've ever had."" Pros: Good waiter service Cons: Food left much to be desired more

I was there on 9/30 in the early afternoon. We walked past the place and wanted to eat there due to outdoor seating. The waiter was quick to tell us there was Sunday brunch. So both of us had the brunch, with a Mimosa and pineapple juice. The food was good, although a little cold, since the food was sitting in the catering trays. The bill came to $47.58. I was very surprised by the price. There was no seafood, everything was made with relatively cheap ingredients, nothing exotic. There was no live music either. So I don't know what added up the tab. Had I known the price I would've ate more but risk gaining weight on the soul food. more

I went here for my birthday. The staff was so nice. We even met Londel! Service was speedy. Fried porkchop was awesome!!! more

How do I manage this in 150 words or less? Londel's is a Harlem eatery with good vibes and great food. I brought my young European neice and her boyfriend for lunch, 3/9/2006. The waitress was patient and helpful, the food was rich and hearty but with contemporary/intelligent portions (not mountains of food--part of Londel's health-conscious concept), the fried chicken was truly superb, maybe the best I've ever tasted. The ribs were on the dry side. The collard greens were outstanding and the mac 'n' cheese was delicious. The peach cobbler and bread pudding were great. As mentioned by another reviewer, Londel himself came over to our table mid-meal to check on us and to greet, and graciously took photos. I plan to return often, and I'm eager to dig the Fri./Sat. evening jazz trio one of these weekends. Pros: Great service, Clean, Real Harlem culture Cons: ribs a bit dry more

I went on a Saturday after 8 and the place was just fabulous. I completely adored the atmosphere, the food, and the service. Everthing was impeccable. For drinkers, as a recommendation, try their french martini. more

I was in New York for the Harlem Fringe Festival and looking for a good restaurant in Harlem for dinner between shows. A couple of Harlem residents recommended Londels. The staff was very friendly, we were greated by Mr. Londel himself and seated right away. My green apple martini and my friend's cosmopolitan was delicious and the food was finger licking good. Everything was fresh and served hot. I had ribs, greens and candied yams and my friend had the chicken and waffles. The service was very responsive. 8/24/02 more

The food at Londells is excellent. Especially the macaroni and cheese. The atmosphere is classy and the music is very relaxed and enjoyable. There should be more of a variety if they are considered a soulfood restaurant. The seating is quick, but you may have to wait to be served. I do recommend this place. Pros: Delicious Food, Nice Environment, Good Music Cons: More variety, Service is slow more