Chat Noir in Rockville Centre closes after 16 years
Chat Noir in Rockville Centre has closed. Credit: Newsday/Melissa Azofeifa
Rockville Centre’s longtime high tea cafe, Chat Noir, has closed indefinitely after 16 years in a prime village location.
Chat Noir opened in 2009 on Merrick Road, offering an elevated brunch experience with dishes like French onion soup, spinach and bacon quiche as well as sandwiches laden with smoked salmon and cucumber. The restaurant frequently hosted bridal and baby showers with a high tea theme.
Tea service at Chat Noir in Rockville Centre included tiered platters of pastries. Credit: Timothy Fadek
But the restaurant has not been open in the past two weeks, neighboring business workers say, and the restaurant's phone number and website are disconnected. Owner Melissa Kelly, who took over the business in 2021, did not respond to Newsday's requests for comment.
Anu Singh, owner of neighboring jewelry store Touch of Silver, said his business has already been indirectly affected by the restaurant's closure over the past two weeks. Chat Noir patrons could see his shop while they dined "and I took advantage of that," Singh said. "Since they have been gone it’s seemed like a ghost town, meaning the [foot] traffic is less."
As of Wednesday afternoon, there was no sign indicating the restaurant's closure. A peek through the windows showed tables and decor still in place.
Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce president Ed Asip said he remembers attending events at the popular eatery organized by the Lions Club.
"We would have events there every year," he said. "They were always very supportive of everything that went on in town."
Melissa Azofeifa is a restaurants reporter with Newsday's FeedMe team. Having grown up on Long Island, she loves talking about food and its impact on culture. A graduate of Stony Brook University, she joined Newsday in the fall of 2024.
