ZipPicks Awards
Best French in Greenpoint
Master Critic Review
Chez Ma Tante
8.9
Chez Ma Tante is a neighborhood bistro where French-leaning European plates and one of the city’s most talked-about pancakes anchor brunch and dinner. Open since the late 2010s and now Michelin-listed, it’s where Greenpointers go for food that feels upscale but still works for a casual martini at the bar or a low-key date.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buttermilk pancakes, Chips with garlicky aioli, Egg and sausage sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A Michelin-recognized neighborhood bistro where serious cooking hides behind a casual corner-room look.
Who should go: Brunch and dinner diners who want refined comfort food.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early dinner for best pacing and energy.
What to order: Buttermilk pancakes, chips and aioli, pork shoulder or roast chicken.
Insider tip: Book the small sidewalk tables in good weather—the quiet corner feels like a low-key European terrace.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—manageable on nearby residential blocks, but can be competitive during peak brunch and dinner hours. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but most diners lean polished: button-downs, sweaters, or casual dresses.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is comfortable at most tables, slightly louder during peak brunch.
Weekend wait: 20–45 minutes without a reservation, longer for prime 7–8pm slots.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait on weekdays; brunch traffic doesn’t apply.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good support—several composed vegetarian dishes and sides.
Vegan options: Limited—kitchen can modify some items, but core signatures rely on dairy and eggs.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—several GF-friendly entrées and starters; confirm with staff on cross-contact.
Best For
Better for: Elevated comfort dishes, standout pancakes, and a relaxed Michelin-level dining tone that feels both neighborhood and destination.
Skip if: You want a sprawling French menu, ultra-quiet white-tablecloth formality, or vegan-forward dining.