Starlica Reiné

I don't make it into NYC often, and once loved the food options at Rockefeller Center. Decided on this black-owned spot with a fusion of cultures. I ordered the crispy fish bowl, crab pockets, Nana's bread (much like a naan) and fried chicken chunks. Listen, just call me the sodium police. I really wanted to like this place, but sadly the salt was extremely heavy in everything. The naan was the only thing I could enjoy, but the paired carrot dip was nothing special. It lacked carrot flavor oddly to say. A tamarind chutney or dip could have done well.

The fish was cooked well, enjoyed the rice and greens, crab pockets had a decent portion of crab meat, and chicken chunks were a pleasing bite size. But lord, the salt in the fish, crab (also a little overcooked) and chicken was too loud. I couldn't eat it.

On a good note, staff was friendly and service was fast. But management, please review sodium added to your food.

This place is black-owned which is great, and my food was decent. I ordered a Clobster roll (½ crab + ½ lobster), tater tots and peach cobbler (not pictured). I've ordered here before and loved the crab rolls with great seafood portions. However, this time the crab portion was too salty for my taste. It seems the lobster was fine, but the crab half was high in sodium. The tots were crispy, but could have done without them. Lastly, the cobbler was sadly a disappointment. I honestly make a better peach dump cake. All in all, I gave them a 4 out 5 towards room for error. Staff were friendly and the outdoor seating area is lovely. Please monitor your salt. Thanks! 😉

Had the Egusi soup with goat meat, along with jolof rice. Yes, I mixed the two, rather than getting white rice. Disclaimer: I'm not Nigerian. The woman who took my order was appalled..lol, but I love those flavors together. Probably the best Egusi I've had thus far, it was really hot and fresh. The jolof rice was not the best I've had, but together they were a winning team. I must also add, the food is on the pricey side compared to the portions. But going back for Egusi soup very soon.