+1 212-510-8550
Nestled in the vibrant heart of SoHo at 226 Lafayette Street, Jack’s Wife Freda is a captivating Mediterranean-American bistro that skillfully blends bold flavors with a warm, inviting atmosphere. This restaurant has quickly become a cherished gem for locals and visitors alike, known for its thoughtfully crafted dishes that pay homage to both Mediterranean traditions and classic American comfort food.
From the moment you step inside, the lively yet cozy ambiance strikes a perfect balance—bright and modern with a buzz that makes each meal feel special. Whether you choose the bustling outdoor seating to soak in the infectious energy of the neighborhood or the intimate indoor space with attentive service, Jack’s Wife Freda promises an experience beyond just dining.
The menu itself is a delightful mosaic of flavors. Picture starting your day with the Green Shakshuka, where two soft-baked eggs rest gently in a fragrant green tomatillo sauce, accompanied by fluffy challah toast that soaks up every savory bite. Another breakfast stand-out, the Madame Freda pressed sandwich, layers duck prosciutto, melted cheddar béchamel, and gruyère under a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg—a symphony of rich and savory textures. For those who savor lighter mornings, the Grapefruit Yogurt combining Lebanese yogurt, granola, and honey offers a fresh, vibrant start.
When it comes to sharing a meal or enjoying a more substantial bite, dishes like the Side Prego Steak and the crisp Fried Zucchini Chips provide an exciting play of robust flavors and contrasting textures. The Chicken Schnitzel with Mashed Potatoes & Diced Salad delivers comfort food elevated through meticulous preparation and fresh ingredients, while the Tuna Salad, with chopped tomatoes, avocado, and a sweet soy balsamic dressing, bursts with freshness.
Jack’s Wife Freda also satisfies the sweet tooth with decadent yet thoughtfully composed desserts. Standouts include the Flourless Chipotle Chocolate Cake, offering a gluten-free indulgence with a subtle smoky warmth, and the Homemade Spiced Cheesecake, rich and dense, seasoned with inviting notes of cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. The Noam's Malva Pudding rounds out your meal with its warm vanilla sponge soaked in luscious caramel sauce, served alongside whipped cream—a comforting finale that lingers in memory long after the last bite.
Patrons consistently commend the impeccable quality of food and the genuine friendliness of the staff. As Alex Vano mentions, the portions strike a perfect balance—generous enough to satisfy without overwhelming—complemented by an accommodating menu, including gluten-free options that cater thoughtfully to all dietary needs. The atmosphere sparks as much joy as the food itself, with Jose highlighting the outdoor seating as a hotspot for people-watching and soaking in SoHo’s dynamic vibe, where the energy feels palpable and the experience, truly immersive.
Whether joining for a leisurely weekend brunch or an intimate dinner, each visit to Jack’s Wife Freda feels like being welcomed into a vibrant culinary neighborhood home. The combination of carefully selected ingredients, inviting presentation, and an atmosphere buzzing with warmth and life creates a sense of belonging that transcends the typical dining outing. It’s a place where every meal tells a story—rich, textured, and deeply satisfying.
The atmosphere was amazing and the waitstaff were absolutely lovely. Usually I wouldn't give such an expensive place 5 stars but the quality of their food made up for everything. Not huge portions, but enough to keep you full and delivers on taste. Also many options which makes it hard to choose but also good for gluten free people.
spots purely for the vibes. Sitting outside is the real star here — it’s perfect for people watching, soaking in the energy of the neighborhood, and feeling like you’re right in the middle of everything SoHo has to offer. Almost every time I’m there, there are influencers outside snapping photos, styling outfits, and creating content, which honestly just adds to the fun, buzzy atmosphere. The food is good and reliable, but this is definitely a place I come to more for the experience than a mind-blowing meal. That said, everything I’ve tried has been tasty, well-presented, and easy to enjoy whether you’re grabbing brunch, lunch, or a casual bite. It’s the kind of menu that works perfectly for lingering over conversation while watching the city move around you. Service is usually friendly and efficient, and the whole place has that effortlessly cool, downtown café feel. If you’re looking for a spot to see and be seen, enjoy great outdoor seating, and absorb classic SoHo energy, Jack’s Wife Freda is a great choice.
My girlfriend and I visited Jack’s Wife Freda in SoHo for a late breakfast after reserving a 10:45am table, and it was the perfect brunch experience. We sat in the outdoor dining area. Seating was a bit cozy, but the atmosphere was lively and welcoming. She ordered the Mediterranean Breakfast paired with a refreshing matcha, and I went with the Jack’s Breakfast, cooked perfectly medium rare. To fully take in the Jack’s Wife Freda experience, we shared their famous waffles, and they absolutely lived up to the hype. Light, crisp, and delicious. The service was phenomenal from start to finish. Everyone was attentive, friendly, and made us feel right at home. Highly recommend this spot for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful, charming brunch in SoHo. We’ll definitely be back!
I visited Jack’s Wife Bodega in New York City on my own, and the experience was surprisingly warm and inviting from the moment I walked in. The ambience was cozy with a stylish, modern touch—bright enough to feel lively, but still relaxed and comfortable for solo dining. The staff was welcoming and attentive, making the space feel friendly without being overwhelming. The service moved smoothly, and I never felt rushed. The menu had a great variety, and the dish I ordered was flavorful, fresh, and beautifully presented. Everything tasted thoughtfully prepared, and the portion sizes were just right. The drink options complemented the food well, and the overall pace of the meal made the experience feel peaceful and enjoyable. Even dining alone, it felt like a place where you can settle in, enjoy your time, and feel completely at ease. Jack’s Wife Bodega delivered a lovely, relaxed visit with great food, warm service, and a charming atmosphere.
I came in for breakfast and was absolutely blown away by the delicious food, the friendly service, and the incredible ambiance of the place. My server, Mike, was so helpful when I was deciding what to get. I’m incredibly happy with the breakfast I got, poached eggs with roasted tomatoes, haloumi cheese, and sourdough toast. The manager, Cello, also greeted me when I came in and made me feel at home right away.
Mediterranean restaurant. Their Portuguese chicken is so good and the spice levels are perfect. The restaurant is pretty busy but the wait is not too long. Cocktails are yummy and service is fast. They serve brewed teas which is a plus. The ambiance is modern and busy.
Good lunch in NYC, portions were balanced and everything tasted fresh and great. Had Jacks breakfast and would have ate more had it been there but for $30 felt like a lot of value. Jasmine tea was really good and brewed in pot. Service was friendly and helpful.