Many years ago, my wife and I had great meals at Graffiti on 10th St. Imagine our joy when we found out about his new place. On March 6 I made a reservation for March 12 through OpenTable. On March 10, which is a whole 4 days after I made the reservation and just 2 days before the reservation, OpenTable emailed us to say the restaurant messed up and should have never allowed the reservation for that day. I called the restaurant and after many tries finally reached a human (no one responds to email or text, and 90% of phone calls hit voicemail), who informed me curtly that March 12 had been blocked for over a month for a private event. I called OpenTable and they said someone at Graffiti must've used OpenTable incorrectly. So I am giving this place the worst rating because: 1. They have no clue how to use OpenTable correctly. 2. They claim to have closed March 12 for over a month but kept this date open, then took 4 days after we booked to figure out they messed up. 3. I actually got another email on March 11 from OpenTable telling me to look forward to the reservation, so they continue to use OpenTable incorrectly. I had to manually cancel the reservation so OpenTable wouldn't penalize me for a no-show. 4. Most importantly, the restaurant does not really care about you. They post an email and a number to text, but you never get a response to either. When I called, I was never offered an alternative date or time, which is a natural thing you would expect someone in hospitality to do, especially since the restaurant messed up, not you. I was once a huge fan of Chef Mehta but this restaurant fails on execution, in addition to the overrated and overpriced food other people here have complained about.
AKumar427
I went to see this hole in the wall place a few months ago with my wife and daughter. Service was very slow although there were only two other customers. The owner came out at some out and greeted some customers and totally ignored us since we happened to be Indian. It was sort of odd feeling. The food was expensive and OK.
Vicky Jordan
Small plate was delicious and flavorful. Great services. Staff were nice.
Gijs V.
This truly is a hidden gem. Chef Metha's food is delicious and his focus on sustainability is amazing. Chef Metha really tries to be super conscious about his use of ingredients, try to use everything as well as the materials, old newspapers as table mats. The space is small and intimate as is the service. Really worth a visit.
Selfie
This is our second visit to Graffitti Earth, and our 7th visit to Chef Mehta's restaurants since we discovered him in 2009. We love his food and vision and have recommended the restaurant to many friends, several of whom have tried it for themselves and loved it. My only comment was it was weird being the only customers there on Saturday, I wonder if it was because we were early and/or the really nasty weather that day! We benefitted from attentive service and Chef Mehta came and spoke with us for sometime which was fabulous. I love the variety of flavors he produces and am usually persuaded to try dishes outside my comfort zone and enjoyed every one of them. One may think the plates are small but they pack so much flavor that you are satisfied after each one. Will definitely return.
LudovicaF
Excellent, thoughtfully prepared food that is also sourced in a manner that reflects the need for today's chefs and restaurants to do their part by buying produce and products that are sustainable and on a smaller scale of production than those offered by large commercial distributors.
HughBareiss
Didn't realize this was a hotel bar and not a full restaurant. The (very) small plates were tasty but the flat price of $17 for every dish was out of line (30% too expensive). The minimal wine selection (three different red and three whites) again at $65 each was way too expensive for the quality offered. I will admit we sat nicely, but the place didn't seem fully conceived. Wouldn't go back.
Yumyum
It was perfect! Chef Mehta is not only a culinary genius, he is an exceptionally lovely person . I also really appreciated the emphasis on sustainability. Can't wait to return!
Edna Banks
The small plate sized dishes were fantastic! Indian infused dishes coupled with creative tapas type selections were a party for your tastebuds. The lentil grilled ribs were outstanding. Service was excellent. Chef and staff were attentive and fun to speak with. Very small restaurant - seats about 20 people. Reservations encouraged! Just dined there - great, intimate space with perfectly sensuous and delicious small plates. Shared 5 dishes and every one was wonderful. Every time we go, it's simply great!
Sandra Townsend
Little restaurant but amazing food and great service.
My family and I arrived at this restaurant and was immediately greeted by the owner/chef, who gave us personal attention and was incredibly pleasant. He focused on our food preferences and made the meal a delight. All of the courses we had (about 10) were inventive, unique, and excellent! The sustainable concept here is fresh and authentic.
Michael F.
Delicious and inventive menu (small, shared plates style) filled with some of the most interesting plant-based options in the neighborhood. It's a very small restaurant located in the Duane Street Hotel (I recommend entering through the hotel entrance). The staff and owner are extremely nice - definitely recommend.
426mukeshg
We have been curious about this idea and wanted to experience the concept. Very genuine and passionate effort by chef owner of Graffiti Earth. All materials used for service and ingredients to prepare meals are used, repurpose d textile to make napkins, odds and end plates, glassware and cutlery. Quality of food served was excellent and smaller quantities to be relished and shared. Do not expect to be filled up due to gourmet style preparation and presentation.
Brayden Mora
We come to this hotel, Duane St Hotel, about once a year. Graffiti Earth is one of its best features. This time, we were here to take part in the celebration of the Stonewall riots, and the Gay Pride parades on Sunday, June 30. Our friend Dennis was a guest of my friend and me. The Caterpillar and Butterfly Soup was my favorite dish. The curry flavors were fabulous. Dennis and I ordered one of the 2 meat dishes, a special dish featuring crimini mushrooms stuffed with veal. The flavors were wonderful. We had about 8 dishes and they were all incredible. Our waiter Chaime, was the consummate professional, anticipating our every need. Chef Mehta sent us a special dish consisting of different-colored vegetables representing the rainbow flag of the gay pride movement. Did I mention it was garnished with a delicious pesto sauce? This restaurant is a wonderful place. If you like brilliant, uncompromised food made with the freshest ingredients in a new, original way, try it out!
Michael Francoeur
Good tasting, inventive food and great vegetarian options in a cute little restaurant tucked away in a hotel (you usually need to go through the hotel entrance to get in). Super nice owner and staff.
Many years ago, my wife and I had great meals at Graffiti on 10th St. Imagine our joy when we found out about his new place. On March 6 I made a reservation for March 12 through OpenTable. On March 10, which is a whole 4 days after I made the reservation and just 2 days before the reservation, OpenTable emailed us to say the restaurant messed up and should have never allowed the reservation for that day. I called the restaurant and after many tries finally reached a human (no one responds to email or text, and 90% of phone calls hit voicemail), who informed me curtly that March 12 had been blocked for over a month for a private event. I called OpenTable and they said someone at Graffiti must've used OpenTable incorrectly. So I am giving this place the worst rating because: 1. They have no clue how to use OpenTable correctly. 2. They claim to have closed March 12 for over a month but kept this date open, then took 4 days after we booked to figure out they messed up. 3. I actually got another email on March 11 from OpenTable telling me to look forward to the reservation, so they continue to use OpenTable incorrectly. I had to manually cancel the reservation so OpenTable wouldn't penalize me for a no-show. 4. Most importantly, the restaurant does not really care about you. They post an email and a number to text, but you never get a response to either. When I called, I was never offered an alternative date or time, which is a natural thing you would expect someone in hospitality to do, especially since the restaurant messed up, not you. I was once a huge fan of Chef Mehta but this restaurant fails on execution, in addition to the overrated and overpriced food other people here have complained about.
I went to see this hole in the wall place a few months ago with my wife and daughter. Service was very slow although there were only two other customers. The owner came out at some out and greeted some customers and totally ignored us since we happened to be Indian. It was sort of odd feeling. The food was expensive and OK.
Small plate was delicious and flavorful. Great services. Staff were nice.
This truly is a hidden gem. Chef Metha's food is delicious and his focus on sustainability is amazing. Chef Metha really tries to be super conscious about his use of ingredients, try to use everything as well as the materials, old newspapers as table mats. The space is small and intimate as is the service. Really worth a visit.
This is our second visit to Graffitti Earth, and our 7th visit to Chef Mehta's restaurants since we discovered him in 2009. We love his food and vision and have recommended the restaurant to many friends, several of whom have tried it for themselves and loved it. My only comment was it was weird being the only customers there on Saturday, I wonder if it was because we were early and/or the really nasty weather that day! We benefitted from attentive service and Chef Mehta came and spoke with us for sometime which was fabulous. I love the variety of flavors he produces and am usually persuaded to try dishes outside my comfort zone and enjoyed every one of them. One may think the plates are small but they pack so much flavor that you are satisfied after each one. Will definitely return.
Excellent, thoughtfully prepared food that is also sourced in a manner that reflects the need for today's chefs and restaurants to do their part by buying produce and products that are sustainable and on a smaller scale of production than those offered by large commercial distributors.
Didn't realize this was a hotel bar and not a full restaurant. The (very) small plates were tasty but the flat price of $17 for every dish was out of line (30% too expensive). The minimal wine selection (three different red and three whites) again at $65 each was way too expensive for the quality offered. I will admit we sat nicely, but the place didn't seem fully conceived. Wouldn't go back.
It was perfect! Chef Mehta is not only a culinary genius, he is an exceptionally lovely person . I also really appreciated the emphasis on sustainability. Can't wait to return!
The small plate sized dishes were fantastic! Indian infused dishes coupled with creative tapas type selections were a party for your tastebuds. The lentil grilled ribs were outstanding. Service was excellent. Chef and staff were attentive and fun to speak with. Very small restaurant - seats about 20 people. Reservations encouraged! Just dined there - great, intimate space with perfectly sensuous and delicious small plates. Shared 5 dishes and every one was wonderful. Every time we go, it's simply great!
Little restaurant but amazing food and great service.
Restaurantji Recommends
My family and I arrived at this restaurant and was immediately greeted by the owner/chef, who gave us personal attention and was incredibly pleasant. He focused on our food preferences and made the meal a delight. All of the courses we had (about 10) were inventive, unique, and excellent! The sustainable concept here is fresh and authentic.
Delicious and inventive menu (small, shared plates style) filled with some of the most interesting plant-based options in the neighborhood. It's a very small restaurant located in the Duane Street Hotel (I recommend entering through the hotel entrance). The staff and owner are extremely nice - definitely recommend.
We have been curious about this idea and wanted to experience the concept. Very genuine and passionate effort by chef owner of Graffiti Earth. All materials used for service and ingredients to prepare meals are used, repurpose d textile to make napkins, odds and end plates, glassware and cutlery. Quality of food served was excellent and smaller quantities to be relished and shared. Do not expect to be filled up due to gourmet style preparation and presentation.
We come to this hotel, Duane St Hotel, about once a year. Graffiti Earth is one of its best features. This time, we were here to take part in the celebration of the Stonewall riots, and the Gay Pride parades on Sunday, June 30. Our friend Dennis was a guest of my friend and me. The Caterpillar and Butterfly Soup was my favorite dish. The curry flavors were fabulous. Dennis and I ordered one of the 2 meat dishes, a special dish featuring crimini mushrooms stuffed with veal. The flavors were wonderful. We had about 8 dishes and they were all incredible. Our waiter Chaime, was the consummate professional, anticipating our every need. Chef Mehta sent us a special dish consisting of different-colored vegetables representing the rainbow flag of the gay pride movement. Did I mention it was garnished with a delicious pesto sauce? This restaurant is a wonderful place. If you like brilliant, uncompromised food made with the freshest ingredients in a new, original way, try it out!
Good tasting, inventive food and great vegetarian options in a cute little restaurant tucked away in a hotel (you usually need to go through the hotel entrance to get in). Super nice owner and staff.