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Casa La Femme's speciality martinis are much like the restaurant itself: sexy, exotic, and liable to make you swoon. The tanned, bejeweled, and mostly middle-aged clientele knocks back more than its fair share of these passionate potions (think mango and tamarind). Add to that a curvy belly dancer provocatively shimmying past diners, castanets tinkling, as well as a handful of tented tables in the breezy dining room, and you’re in for a boisterous night at the Casbah. The prix-fixe menu is required for a floor seat in one of the semi-private tents, and if you stick with the basics you’ll eat well, including flavorful grilled fish and meats that arrive well-salted and crispy. Meanwhile, the meze like humus and babaganoush are so silky and luxurious you could be dining on caviar; but unfortunately, fava beans arrive in a gluey mash reminiscent of refried beans. Unless you’re a limber couple looking to romantically recline, reserve a table in the midst of the throng: You’ll still enjoy much of the same atmosphere and friendly, if forced service—and an à la carte menu will allow you to skip some mediocre appetizers and a throwaway course of bland, lukewarm soup. Plus, you won’t be rushed to make way for the next round of seating. — Carla Spartos

Four courses, $55

Belly Dancing
Sun-Wed, 9:15pm; Thu, 9:15pm and 11:30pm; Fri–Sat, 9:15pm and 12:30am

Babaganoush, $6.95; lamb chops, $28

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New York Magazine Reviews

• Hal Rubenstein's Full Review (7/12/04)