Lina Frey was born in 1903 in Alsace (East France). Throughout her life, Lina Frey enjoyed the hospitality business. She owned several B&Bs from Alsace to La Rochelle, however her real passion was a simple yet delicious home cooking style based on light butter and fresh ingredients. Her specialties included a special beurre maitre d’hotel sauce (butter Lina), moules au poivre (mussels in a green peppercorn sauce) and, of course, the crepes!!

Thirty years later, her grandson, Patrice Bihina, dedicated his second New York restaurant to his forever beloved grandma, hoping to convey beyond the food and atmosphere, the core values of someone that was a genuine, good person.

Lina Frey restaurant is located in the Lower East Side in downtown Manhattan. The restaurant boasts a 1500 sqft rectangular room with a very unique industrial/vintage/rococo style. At the center of the room, there is an amazing retractable skylight that gives an open feeling to the room. In the evening, the closed skylight is lit from the inside to resemble a giant chimney. Manon and Patrice (co-owners of Lina Frey) spent a substantial amount of time looking in flea markets and metal shops for what could recreate this vintage/industrial look, resulting in a truly unique design. Lina Frey restaurant also morphs with seasons. The addition of chimneys and curtains give the summer indoor terrace a cozy chalet style in the winter.

Lina Frey’s menu is inspired by the original recipes of Lina Frey back in France in the 50’s-60’s. Some of the specialty dishes are the moules au poivre (mussels peppercorn sauce), the butter of Lina (butter with garlic and parsley), the roasted cauliflower puree, the grilled marinated steak and of course the sweet and savory crepes, made on the pan oldschool style.
Lina Frey Bistro Nouveau concept consists of separating the proteins from the side dishes, salads, soups and vegetables. Patrons enjoy creating their own meal, the mixing and sharing possibilities are endless.
Lina Frey won best crepe of New York City 2010 by citysearch.