Cafe Gitane 242 Mott St. (Houston & Prince Sts.)
NoLita
212.334.9552
Cafe Gitane:
“Gitane” means “gypsy” in French, but you’ll find no tramps or thieves, only hipsters, at this French-Moroccan NoLita bistro. It’s actually named for a French cigarette, which incidentally would go perfectly (Bloomberg, be damned) with a nice glass of Pinot while lounging at one of the café’s outside tables and, in true French fashion, discussing the existentialist overtones of Galliano’s latest collection. During the day it’s a lovely spot for a sun- and champagne-drenched brunch. The bar itself is small and the dining area intimately packed, so if you can get a table, hang onto it for dear life and take your time. The other downtown Francophiles will have to wait; la vie bohème hurries for no one.
