This place is a gem! Our Sunday brunch spot, the food is delicious with an Algerian French influence. The ambience as the name suggests is simple but cozy. Make sure you talk to the owner about the dishes and her inspiration behind the recipes. read more

This French Algerian place has become my goto weekend breakfast place. I love the friendly staff and the delicious food they serve. One of my favorite must haves is the cafe au lait before the main course, it the perfect amount of coffee milk and foam. As for breakfast options you can't go wrong with the buffet or anything on their menu. My must have includes their croque madame. It's heavenly! Made with toast ham, cheese and egg with a side of salad. I just can't get enough I need you madame. My girlfriend loves the Algerian Tchouchouka which is scrambled eggs onions tomatoes red pepper garlic cumin and harissa. If you find yourself in Williamsburg by Bedford ave try Simple out. read more

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This place was so good! A friend and I tried to have brunch at a place next door, but they were full with a long wait. We walked down the block and found this adorable little cafe and they sat us right away. The interior gives ultimate Parisian vibes and has a wonderful indoor/outdoor community table. The mimosas were strong and fresh, and the croque madame was delicious! We'll definitely be returning. (They don't take Amex but they do take all other cards!) read more

We live right across the street from this cafe. Love getting a loaf of bread in the morning if we get up early enough. Fresh and delicious! Went there to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday once, the food was great and eminence very casual. The owner clearly loves her business, and puts a lot of personal touches. A great neighborhood corner cafe! read more

I'm glad I happened upon this place today because it was quiet, mostly empty on a Saturday evening (the whole area seemed a bit quiet tonight) and I really just wanted a burger and fries somewhere but something that was not fast food. I mean it was exactly what I was looking for atmospherically and menu. I liked my waiter, he was the only one there; he was pleasant and laid back..nice vibe. My burger took awhile but it came right before I started to really feel hangry haha. So then I was fine. I was happy in my little corner with some pillows behind me and good music playing. read more

one of these places where you live here for a couple years, always pass it by, not sure what it is, and eventually go. It's delicious. The brunch is so yummy, the cooking so focused and sublime. It's an unusual space, connected to a very attractive little shop, but the overall vibe is very neighborhood-y, if that makes sense. Definitely worth a trip for the food alone! read more

My cursor has been hovering between three and four stars for a while now as I prepped to write this review. Though I've enjoyed my experiences here (always for brunch on a weekend), the past few times we have received such slow service that it threatened to put a damper on an otherwise really pleasant experience. In the end, though, their cozy-cute ambiance and amazing scrambled eggs win out. They don't have a ton of brunch menu items, but they have a brunch buffet that's pretty sweet. You need to be OK with carbs as much of it is pastries and breads (which are all fantastic). They'll also make you eggs to order, and like I mentioned, their scrambled eggs are just the most fantastic ever. I'm pretty sure there must be two sticks of butter in each serving, but they're amazing. They also have some rotating specials that they advertise on the chalkboard outside, and I noticed that they usually have a specialty pancake. After walking by the board advertising strawberry pancakes for a week I was dying for some, but by the time I finally made it in they had switched to raspberry. However, they kindly offered to give me strawberry anyway to help me curb my intense craving and I very much appreciated the gesture! There's also a cute little shop attached that sells candles, dried flowery things, and $600 rugs that is fun to look at even if I don't think I'll ever buy anything from them. Best of all, Simple rarely has a wait for a table even at prime Saturday and Sunday brunch times. If you're not in a rush to get served or get your check, it's worth checking this place out for sure. read more

Simple Cafe & Restaurant - Strawberry pancakes - New American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

A very cute place! We enjoyed the taste of everything that we tried: Appetizer: Algerian Plate. The hummus is some of the best you are going to get. Entrees: Berbere Tagine, Tagine Poulet and Lamb Banmhi. The entrees were delicious if somewhat small. Dessert: The crepes were wonderful and the Corne de Gazel were comical. The two cookies together are about the size of a human thumb. So Simple got $8 and I got 4 dainty bites of a better than average almond cookie. It's best not to focus on the yelp-star lost, but rather the joke which was gained. TL;dr: A quality over quantity situation with latter miserly enough to make it fall short of a 5 star rating. Pro-tip: Have a pre-dinner snack, you'll need it. read more

Most enchanting and beautiful cafe in New York. The owner Sam, has the hospitality and ambiance that makes you feel you have been friends for years. This place transformed me to a different time and place. Food is 10/10 and wine list impeccable. Most visit for sure! I am in awe. read more

Last time I wrote about Simple Cafe, I wasn't so impressed. Since then, I've been back twice in an effort to eat some breakfast while I read a book. I'd initially set out for Rabbithole, but it was so packed I couldn't even open the door. So, I decided to give brunch at Simple Cafe a whirl, and I'm glad I did. With no wait time at all, and a nice, bright, happy atmosphere; I was happy to step inside, be seated right next to a big window and the space heater. Their menu for brunch actually is pretty expensive, especially when you count in their specials that they always have. They keep the coffee flowing, and the food is much better than the last time I'd went a few months back. Just look at that big, crusty roll above. Doesn't that look heavenly? The first weekend, I opted for homemade lamb sausage, with a Mediterranean spicy sauce and amazing gratin dauphinois. And eggs, which I'd asked for over easy but gotten scrambled. I forgive them. The sausage was very tasty, especially with the sauce, which reminded me of my Mediterranean Spiced Shrimp that I make sometimes. What I really want to talk about however is the gratin dauphinois, which are essentially potatoes sliced and baked in butter, garlic and cream. Not the healthiest, but damn is it tasty. The next weekend, I got steak and eggs, once again with the same potatoes. Honestly, the food, service, and price are all on point, so I can't think of a better place near by to just relax and get a tasty home-style breakfast on Bedford. read more

I never thought I'd see the day that I would literally rave about a $12 kale salad without punching myself in the face, but I had THE most specTACular kale salad w pecorino, poached eggs and lemon vinaigrette here. I can still imagine the amazing taste in my mouth. And even though I'm a pretty great cook myself, I don't think I would have the skill to pull off that salad whatsoever. I have zero idea how they made it so delicious. I swear they have motherf*cking artists back there. read more

The portion of the food was incredibly small. I had the lamb sausage and there were two, they were the size of fingers. And there was potato and eggs nothing special. It feels like I had a plate of sides. My friend had the kale salad with salmon and I saw a few pieces of salmon scattered in her salad. I don't think she was happy with her food. The cumin fries are greasy. read more

A nice simple cafe. French inspired, fresh food and a charming overall experience. In an urban jungle it's nice to find a simple refuge. I had fresh squeezed orange juice (really) and a goat cheese and spinach omelette. Perfect! read more

Simple Cafe & Restaurant - New American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I visited Simple cafe for lunch with my friend. I ordered a delicious salad, kale poached egg and Parmesan cheese and shared a Moroccan green tea that was served in a super nice silver pot. The restaurant itself offers a very cozy environment and our server was very attentive. Very Rich and healthy. read more

Simple Cafe & Restaurant - New American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Maybe I came on an off day, but holy crap! Their service was horrendous! I loved that they had a buffet, and the food was pretty delicious, but we seriously had to remind them to do just about everything that is required of a server. Could we have some water? Can you take our order? Can I get creamer with my coffee? Can I get a clean plate? Can we get our check? Can we get our card back? Can we get a pen to sign my slip with? Not exaggerating at all. They were friendly enough, but they never once came by to check on us. We had to flag people down. No refills on coffee or juice. I was dumbfounded by how clueless they seemed. read more

I definitely enjoyed my meal at simple. Went in on a Saturday and immediately got a table. Service was great. Music actually added to the experience, which doesn't always happen. This plane nailed the healthy comfort food thing. I got the simple poached eggs that were light and airy but filling. I was pleasantly surprised that my meal came with a decent side salad. Veggies were fresh and the dressing had the air of a citrus vinegar eternity. I don't even love dressings but I enjoyed this one. Also had the chance to try the fried egg. Perfectly fluffy and a solid portion. While there is an all you can eat brunch buffet option, there are not bottomless drinks available which was disappointing. The bloody Mary was solid. Not too spicy but lots of flavor. Could have used more garnish. But that's honestly nit picking. Overall I had a very satisfying experience. I would definitely recommend this place and will be back for more tasty foodstuffs. read more

I don't know if it's the right thing at the right time or what. But man this place was amazing. It is very French. Not American french.. it's French. And the food feels good. You feel taken care of. It's simple. All I know is that's exactly what I needed today. In this crazy city and the insanity of everything life is (sorry going through a lot at the moment) this place is simple. Also-- the food is bomb. read more

Simple Cafe & Restaurant - Sunday Brunch Buffet - New American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I've been eager to try Simple Cafe because of their lovely interior design, but the quality of food and service did not match. The host hid by the kitchen texting on his phone. After multiple minutes passed by, he looked up so we motioned to request a table for two. He ignored us but finally the waitress jumped in to seat us. She was lovely and sweet, but unfortunately everything else -- from the coffee to the entrees--was terrible. I ordered the Shakshuka which was over cooked to the point of being dry and crusty (I know! The whole point is the dish is to be saucy!) and was supposed to come with runny eggs. Instead, it was served with a single, over-hard egg. Will not be returning. read more

Decent service. Terrible food. When considering how poorly the food was prepared, I would say heinously expensive too. I ordered the steak and eggs, medium rare and eggs over easy. I received two eggs "over easy. However, the yolks were completely cooked solid and over cooked by a hard boiled egg standard. To make it worse, under side of both eggs were burnt and practically charred. My steak was mediocre, but continuing the same theme as the eggs, over cooked to a very well done degree (I asked for medium rare). Shocked after seeing all these positive reviews how terrible the food was. I would like to give this place the benefit of the doubt and hope it was a chef in training or some other fluke, but after a meal that bad, I won't be returning read more

Cute cafe. Good solid food. Nice vibes. Really enjoyed the steak and eggs. The potatoes were wonderful and steak was well cooked sitting atop an onion sauce. Mimosas were quite good as well!! read more

Very cute location. Came here a couple weeks ago and so it was sunny and hot out, they had the restaurant open. The inside decor, table settings, and overall look & feel is very vintage. There wasn't a wait at all. I sat down and I thoroughly enjoyed the brunch buffet here for $13.99. All you can eat. It wasn't too pricey. The scrambled eggs were perfect, creamy, eggy, firm enough, and a healthy amount of butter. So good. Gratin Dauphinois was great, the vegetable gratinee, french bread & homemade bread were amazing too, the quiche was divine. I had a good time here with friends. Will definitely come back here soon. read more

Simple Cafe & Restaurant - Very pretty restaurant. - New American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Love this place , best happy hour as well.Algerian Lamb Sausage and Algerian tchouktchouka are a must .

This place is the best restaurant of NYC. The service is simply magical, the waiters are so kind and always ready for anything so you could have the best brunch experience. I have too say, when it comes to food I'm a little complexe but here you can ask anything they'll do. The food is excellent and comes quickly. The decoration is sublime, you will just feel at home. Ideal for weekend brunch read more

I love to go to simple cafe, specially on weekends since they have such a good brunch! specially the unlimited buffet. Nice vibe and atmosphere and the owner, Sammy is super nice and kind. The steak frites I think is one of my favorite plates! read more

Absolutely delicious. I'm someone who takes my pancakes seriously and they were fluffy and filled with super sweet and ripe fruits. The iced coffee was fantastic, was a nice blonde roast, not too strong or weak. I ordered a side of bacon too and it was more than expected. My friends were very satisfied with their food also. I was able to be seated right away at peak brunch time. I definitely plan on coming again. It was just like the name, simple, and the price was right too. Our waitress was super sweet also, and let us enjoy ourselves, and didn't bother us at all. The place is small enough for you to get your waiter or waitresses attention. read more

Simple Cafe & Restaurant - New American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Really cute place, fun romantic ambiance. We walked in on a Saturday and there was no wait. Server was really nice and friendly. Music was lovely. Not overwhelming and added to the experience. They weren't lying when they said healthy comfort food. I got the simple poached eggs that were light and airy but so filling. Baba ganoush was dank. Yes, dank. I was pleasantly surprised that my meal came with a side salad. Veggies were super fresh and the dressing had the air of a citrus vinegarette. Also had the chance to try the fried egg. Perfect fluffy and substantive. While there is a all you can eat brunch buffet option there are not bottomless drinks available which was disappointing. The bloody Mary was solid. Not too spicy. A little light on the garnish. But the meal was filling so it didn't bother me. Overall I had a very satisfying dining experience. I would definitely recommend this place and plan on coming back for more brunch. read more

Eh, mid summer, no ac, small extremely basic entrees for brunch. Yeah I get it, it's brunch but if it has any similarities with the main menu I'd skip this one read more

This is the spot. Exceptional service, ambience, and a feeling of home. Come for the food, stay for the exceptional entertainment and hospitality from Sam, the True and undeniable Mayor of Williamsburg! read more

The food here is delicious. Love the menu flair of French meets Vietnamese. Cool, cozy, charming vibe. It's finding a little Paris bistro in BK. My favorite time is coming after the brunch rush....after 3pm. read more

Simple Cafe & Restaurant - Yummy yum - New American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Not a lot of vegetarian options if you don't eat eggs. I got the daily special, beer and burrata salad. It was incredibly bland. Pretty gross actually. I was disappointed in the fries. They didn't have any seasoning either. Everything lacked spice / flavor read more

Simple Cafe & Restaurant - Brunch - beautiful but flavorless - New American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

A pretty standard Williamsburg lunch, but in a good way. It was an impromptu visit as we were walking by and it didn't disappoint. I has the veg burger, but the standout for me was actually the coffee. The server was really pleasant and the prices are fair. I'm not exactly rushing back anytime soon, but I wouldn't oppose a round two. read more

Simple Cafe & Restaurant - Veg burger with slammin spuds - New American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Man, New Yorkers are spoiled. If this place were in Sacramento it would make a killing! I can't believe some of the bad reviews - if I lived in Brooklyn this would be my spot! The brunch buffet is served until 4 pm which is extremely conducive to my boozy, dipsomaniacal lifestyle. Actually, it reminds me of Northern California with it's mellow vibe and delightful healthy and savory food. I could imagine the Simple Cafe in Santa Cruz or Eureka for sure. My girlfriend who lives in Brooklyn took me here for breakfast on a Sunday. I was torn between many menu items and their breakfast buffet. After much deliberation I went with the buffet and I am damn glad I did. The buffet consisted of an interesting combination of foods including crusty bread with brie cheese, potatoes au gratin, pureed vegetable soup and eggs. My favorite dish however was surprising and unusual for a brunch buffet: a sauteed green bean and onion recipe with sesame seeds. While eating I made the mistake of starting a friendly conversation with what turned out to be a loquacious and insane woman who spent about 10 minutes telling me about her art and how she can't wait for John McCain to die. It was a serious mind fuck but I was so happy with the city and my food that the crazy lady with bad breath didn't phase me for a moment. read more

***Update*** How a FOUR star review drops to a TWO star review. Step #1: Upon taking the order you neglect to tell the customer that the brunch buffet is about to end; leaving only the dregs of cold scrambled eggs, dried baguette, and greasy bacon. (In hind site it wasn't that bad. Bacon is bacon after all). Although $13 is steep for a plate of bacon. Step #2: Keep your coffee consistently BAD even though coffee is a very necessary element to any breakfast or brunch. (The specialty coffees are good though; the latte in particular). Step#3: You make your customer chase you down to get their CHECK. You make your customer chase you down to PAY. You make your customer chase you down to GET THEIR CARD BACK. EVERY GODDAMN TIME. Yes, I love the atmosphere and the cuisine. It has a very European feel (see original review below). My main problem is with the service. When abroad, I love leisurely meals and wait-staff that have mastered the art of attending to your needs without being intrusive. That works abroad, but here, they just forget about you. We aren't in France!!! Can you just get a little more efficient? Please? I want to love you. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Original review March 2008 It took me a while to actually try this place. It has a kind of sterile facade. But, inside it's very warm and charming. The brunch was really lovely and there was just a really French vibe. I was reminded of when I was stranded in a little French village with my best friend when I was 19. We were backpacking and kept missing our trains to Paris. The B&B we stayed at had fresh croissants and bread and amazing jam. We were lost and our credit cards were maxed out but, happy with our marmalade. I held back a star because the coffee is CRAP but, in my heart this is a 5 Star place. BTW this is not a French place per se, the brunch just made me nostalgic, because the offerings were light. Don't get me wrong, they had the breakfast prerequisites of bacon and eggs though. read more

This review is for the weekend brunch buffet, which I have had 10+ times. In short, it's an incredible deal. $14.50 for an assortment of cheeses?? Quiche? Flaky croissants? Fresh baked bread that tastes like hugging Big Bird?? French onion soup?? Fruit salad?? Eggs cooked to order? The best gratin one could ever want first thing on a supremely hung over morning?! Look, you've probably paid $15 for a burrito before. This is NYC. And I know the spread looks unassuming and meager - I walked out the first time I passed by. But it's very satisfying, delicious food in a pleasant establishment. It's not Sunday brunch at the Waldorf Astoria. It's $15. Just get there early and give it a try. This brunch buffet will likely be the only good decision you make this weekend. read more

Two words. Breakfast buffet. They have everything on it! Pancakes, omelets, home fries, bacon, sausage, muffins, bagels, smoked salmon. It's only on the weekends. I'd definitely recommend checking it out. Fill your belly to your hearts content. During the week I find this a good place to have a quiet lunch on my own or meet a friend for a coffee and a bite. read more

SERVICE: We had a cute little girl server! She's way awesome - very hipster-ish. Love her hat! One thing I love - There's WIFI!!! Thank you! It's on the back of the menu. FOOD: (1) Beef Sandwich: Delicious! Perfectly cooked! My favorite - medium rare! The portion is pretty small, but enough to fed me. Came with either fries or salad. We picked the salad - a very good choice. 5 stars. (2) Bagel with Avocado: 4 stars. I don't think it's on the menu, but I ask the lady to make me something small. And she bought out Bagel with Avocado, indeed it was pretty good! DRINKS: (1) Coffee: A-Okay. 3 stars (2) Mint Tea: WOW! there's like real mint leaves! 4 stars. **NOTE: They don't take plastic cards for $12 under. **OVERALL: Beef Sandwich - a must try. 4 stars overall. read more

I love Simple Cafe. I've had the buffet at least a dozen times at this point, and it is all SO GOOD. They have the most incredible gratin and zucchini, quiche, and freshly baked fluffy bread like nowhere else. The buffet also comes with coffee, juice, and eggs-- plus they have Nutella. And cheese. And fruit. And bacon. And croissants. It's not only an amazing deal, but serious quality food (and it's French, and therefore swathed in butter and cheese, and 100% reliably delicious). I don't live in the neighborhood anymore and I still go back as often as I can. Sidenote: the service is also pretty French... they take their time and they let you take your time, too. So don't come here if you're in a rush! read more

This is a small, adorable place tucked right into the corner of Willamsburg, just right over the bridge from the lower east side. The people there are always friendly and the food makes me want to put extra knots onto my belts. I had the strawberry and blueberries french toast this morning and did not want to leave that place for the next few hours. There's free wifi and great coffee, how could you go wrong?! read more

Simple Cafe & Restaurant - Blueberry and Strawberries french toast - New American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

OMG if you haven't eaten here yet, you are missing out on one of the ny area's hidden gems. I live in Boston,MA and whenever I visit my sister who lives in Williamsburg, this is the first place I stop. I literally call her as Im going over the Whitestone and tell her to meet me at Simple and will wait for her to get off work until she can get there. Its that good. I'm salivating write now as I write this review thinking of the next time I can get there for the Sunday brunch [which by the way is SO well priced] that the chef/owner Sami puts out. Seriously this is a woman with talent. Everything, and I mean everything is made to order. My husband dreams of the eggs benedict, her Croque Monsieur is to die for, as for the quinoa salad, FRESH BAKED BREAD :), and OMG those potatoes au gratin make me never want to go to the gym again i could eat those for B,L, or D and die a happy satisfied woman. People, GO HERE!!!...and be satisfied with the most phenomenal meal you will ever eat outside of your mothers kitchen while equally contending with all those stuffy 4 star gaps downtown. Its like a portal to the French countryside when you enter, not only because of Sami's food, but because she's from Grenoble and you're likely to hear her speaking in french to someone... or shouting :) ahh jose. You won't be sorry. And have some sangria while you're there waiting for a table, although it won't be a long wait... Sami makes the sangria herself, with a suprising yet wonderful hint of cinnamon stick that puts a bite on the usually sweet concoction. Stop reading this and head over now... you're wasting time! read more

Came here in the winter for a brunch buffet for about $15 - includes a regular coffee, orange juice and the whole buffet that is available! I just moved a block away recently, and noticed that during the week from 6-11pm this place turns into "Bep" - a Vietnamese restaurant. All other hours M-F 10AM-5PM, Sat-Sun 10AM-8PM this place is Simple Cafe. read more