The Dubai Chocolate Trend Hits JC
Mokafé Coffee House is a rapidly expanding café chain in NJ/NYC that is making waves with their luxe interiors, tasty croissants and coffees and their version of the now-viral “Dubai Chocolate.” This is a mixture of the traditional Arab dessert of Knafe (a richly sweet custard made with pastry and syrup), milk or dark chocolate, and pistachio filling. Speaking of pistachio - if you love the taste and/or color then this is your place. It is everywhere – pistachio-cream filled croissants, pistachio lattes and gorgeous pistachio chairs and banquette seating inside the walls of their restaraunts.
Mokafe was founded in 2023 by partners of Palestinian and Yemeni descent. Since opening their first café in Paterson, they have opened spots in Brooklyn, Astoria and Times Square (new locations are coming in Greenpoint, Weehawken and Fort Lee). The new Jersey City location, M by Mokafé, is the company’s first full-service restaurant.
Located at the base of Soho Lofts, the cavernous space has 20 tables, a coffee bar and entincing displays of pastries and sandwiches. The restaurant serves Halal brunch and dinner plates including French toast, pastas, seafood, short ribs and a porterhouse steak for 2. The sides menu includes veggies and crispy truffle fries. They have desserts and a kids menu as well. It’s a glamorous spot to sip a latte or have a fancy supper, and a great addition to this ever-growing area.
273 16th St. @mbymokafe