On Saturday, October 25th, I celebrated my birthday in a way that felt both intimate and intentional solo, reflective, and surrounded by the kind of warmth you can only find in Harlem. The air was crisp, the city was humming, and I found myself at PB Brasserie a French, Senegalese, and Tanzanian restaurant quietly redefining Harlem dining culture.
You might have passed it without realizing what you were missing. Nestled just off 125th Street in Harlem, PB Brasserie is one of four celebrated restaurants founded by Chef Cisse, a Senegalese-born, Harlem-bred culinary visionary. Together with his brother and cousin, Chef Cisse has built a family of establishments — Ponty Bistro, Renaissance Bistro 132nd Street, and Harlem Café NYC — each weaving together the threads of French finesse, African flavor, and New York energy.
When I walked into PB Brasserie that evening, I was greeted with genuine kindness. Cheik, one of the owners, welcomed me at the door, and Waleek, my server, set the tone for the night with effortless professionalism. The lighting was soft, the interior spacious and elegant modern Harlem sophistication with a soulful undertone.
For my first drink, I ordered the Harlem Soul a smooth blend of vodka, peach crème, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup the kind of cocktail that earns its name. My starter, the crispy calamari with shishito peppers and red pepper aioli, was golden perfection: crisp, light, and seasoned with intention.
Then came the star the spaghetti and lobster rich, flavorful, and balanced in a way that captured both French technique and Senegalese warmth. Let’s not forget, this is a brasserie and they take their steaks seriously. Watching the kitchen at work, you could tell precision and pride were in every dish.
Halfway through my meal, the staff surprised me with a birthday song in English and French pronouncing my name perfectly. Guests at nearby tables joined in; turns out, there were multiple “birthday twins” in the room. That sense of communal joy reminded me that love really is never far away.
Beyond the food, PB Brasserie is deeply in tune with Harlem’s rhythm. They host live jazz every Wednesday and Thursday from 5–9 PM, DJ Messiah every Saturday from 7 PM–12 AM, and brunches that have become neighborhood staples. From morning coffee to late-night sets, PB Brasserie embodies Harlem’s creative and cultural pulse.
Speaking with Aziz, one of the servers, I learned the backstory: Chef Cisse arrived from Senegal in the ’90s and, through dedication and family partnership, built a restaurant group that celebrates diaspora excellence and hard work. Their story is proof that belief, craft, and community can turn dreams into legacy.
Final Verdict: 10/10.
PB Brasserie is more than a restaurant it’s a reminder of what’s possible when culture, culinary artistry, and Harlem pride come together.
Visit PB Brasserie:
60 W 125th St, New York, NY 10027
Instagram: @pbbrasserie
Meet the chef: Chef Cisse on Instagram
Sister Restaurants:
@pontybistro • @renaissancebistro132ndstreet • @harlemcafenyc
A special thank you to Marie Assante for making this evening possible.
If you’ve visited PB Brasserie or any of their sister restaurants, share your experience or leave a review here on Google Maps.