7. Ponty Bistro in Harlem: French-African

Photograph by Melissa Almonor 

With two locations, Ponty Bistro gives diners the opportunity to experience the French-African cuisine in either Harlem or Gramercy. The two locations were created by the founders and the restaurants‘ head chefs: Chef Cisse and Chef Chekh. Cisse and Chekh are cousins originally from Senegal who moved to the United States in 1995. Now, the two each have over 18 years of experience in the food industry, over the course of which they worked under acclaimed chefs such as Daniel Boulud and Jean-George Vongerichten.

The culmination of their experiences can be seen in the cuisine served at the Ponty Bistro locations, as a mix of Sengalese, Mediterranean, and French foods and cooking styles are found amongst the menus. On Wednesday and Thursday from 7:00pm to 10:00pm there is live music and on Fridays and Saturdays form 7:30pm to12:00am there is a DJ.

Gramercy Location: 218 3rd Ave, New York, NY

Harlem Location: 2375 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd, New York, NYA