Just celebrated my daughter’s 25th birthday at The Black Whale yesterday and had to write this review and let everyone know about this hidden gem on City Island. A small, quaint, quirky, magical, Alice in Wonderland like place that exceeded my expectations. Thanks to everyone at The Black Whale for making my daughter’s birthday a magical experience. I found out about this place by reading their reviews and they not only lived up to the many reviews I read; they knocked it out the park! From the moment I called to make an inquiry and spoke with the owners granddaughter Luna, I was sold! She was amazing from that first phone call to the very end of the night after we left the celebration feeling full and well satisfied. We celebrated in their courtyard out back under an eclectic covered patio, which was reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland! The evening was magical, the food fabulous and the staff amazing! Hat’s off to The Black Whale, their owner, hostess, wait staff, cooks and everyone who helped to make my daughter’s birthday a memorable one! Also a very special thank you to Luna, who is the Gem of The Black Whale. Please go check it out! They won’t disappoint!
Cute ambiance restaurant. The daily soup Manhattan cod chowder was delicious. Lobster portion was huge! And we both loved the cheesecake.
Fresh, expertly crafted food; peaceful nostalgic outdoor atmosphere with soothing music; friendly, knowledgable waiters and staff 5 out of 5 stars!
4.5 STARSMuch like City Island itself This place doesn't need my approval or review. It has a dedicated local following of regulars who have been coming here for years. Atmosphere 11 out of 10. Service 5/5. Food 3.5-4/5.Incredibly comfy and warm heartfelt decor of tiffany lamps and nautical history in an 1850s building. The owners are obviously very engaged here and keep up the facilities very well.The service was exceptional. Large glasses of water brought instantly and refilled often. Friendly and gracious hostess/waitress. We were checked on just the right amount. Food came shockingly fast as well.The food was comfortable. It was quite good, but overall nothing special. I could nitpick the food if this were some extra manhattan upstart but it's a nice place run by nice people and frankly the food is good enough for what this place is, an unsurpassably comfortable local institution in a nautical island community with a great community vibe. And the owners clearly know how to run a restaurant and take care of their guests.
I've been going to the Black Whale since the 1970s, and it's always a joyous experience, from the charming antique-shop decor to the yummy food to the transcendent desserts. One of the best and most enduring spots in City Island, for good reason.
Great setting, friendly staff, excellent food!
This place was so nice the food was very nice and I'm glad we didn't walk to Crab Shanty!
This Restaurant came highly recommended and it did not disappoint. I would recommend making a reservation because they are very busy. Are waitress Lisa was so good that my wife ordered a clam chowder to go.
Really cute restaurant with a nautical theme. Service was great too. The food was just ok, could’ve been better. I would go back for the ambiance.
The mushroom ravioli is to die for and so it the shrimp roll my 2 favorites! I tried their duck with pomegranate special and was delicious, great ambiance, super unique place to be with so much charm! A hidden gem!