Profile

Civilized and low-key, iCi has many charms, not the least of which are expert mom-and-pop service and a peaceful, uncramped garden where the bilingual conversational hum rarely rises above a discreet peal of laughter. The menu is equally impressive—gently priced and more seasonal than the typically formulaic New York French bistro. A cool sweet-pea purée is full of fresh spring flavor, crisp-skinned chicken with lemon couscous is a paragon of the regulation-bistro form, and the house spaetzle is as comforting as macaroni and cheese. — Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld

Brunch

Sat.—Sun., 9 a.m.—4 p.m.

Best New Bistro Dish
The kitchen produces plenty of fine food at this sleek little French bistro in Fort Greene, but the chicken liver schnitzel alone is worth the trip.

Recommended Dishes

Fried soft shell crab, $12-$15; spaetzle, $12; skate, $19; hanger steak, $20; mackerel, $21; chocolate pot de creme, $7

Related Stories

New York Magazine Reviews

• Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld's Full Review (6/21/04)

Best of New York Awards

• Best Under-the-Radar Restaurant (2005)

Featured In

• The Breakfast Manifesto - The City's Best Morning Meals (6/9/08)
• Celebrate Earth Day at These Sustainability-Minded Restaurants (4/23/07)
• Cheap Eats Guide 2006 (8/7/06)
• 101 Best New York Restaurants for 2006 (1/9/06)

Recipes at iCi

• Roasted Carrot Salad With Winter Pesto (2005)