Caffe Bene

1636 Palisade Ave, Fort Lee, NJ 07024, United States
+1 201-741-2263
$$$ Coffee shop , Cafe , Dessert shop
(832 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Caffe Bene stands out in Fort Lee as a cafe blending Korean-inspired flavors with the cozy rhythm of a neighborhood coffee shop. Situated on Palisade Avenue, this spot offers more than just coffee — it’s a go-to place for casual lunches, sweet afternoon treats, and a quiet spot to catch a break from the daily hustle.

The interior has a comfortable, contemporary vibe that appeals to a diverse crowd, from local workers grabbing sandwiches on the go to groups of friends lingering over desserts. Seating tends to be on the low side, which can feel quirky for taller visitors, but it adds to the relaxed, informal atmosphere here. The place can get busy during midday, especially on weekends, but the line moves steadily and the baristas work efficiently.

Menu-wise, Caffe Bene excels in offering a creative range of refreshments and bites that reflect its Korean cafe roots. Their shaved ice desserts — including the Green Tea Bingsu, Mango Bingsu, and Strawberry Bingsu — are popular choices for cool, refreshing breaks, especially on warmer days. The whipped cream strawberry waffles make for a light, sweet snack, while the sandwich selection — featuring options like the Asian Shrimp Sandwich, Spicy Chicken, and Portabella Mushroom — delivers satisfying savory flavors that work well for a casual lunch or a quick bite.

For beverage lovers, the cafe’s offerings stretch from traditional espresso drinks to more playful choices like their Black Milk Bubble Tea or the bright Green Grape Refresher. Seasonal specials, like gingerbread latte or mocha iced coffee, add a little extra touch to their coffee lineup. Those in need of a fruity pick-me-up can also explore their smoothie options, which range from mixed mango and passion fruit blends to strawberry and peach varieties.

One distinct feature is the small jewelry and accessory boutique tucked inside, showcasing Korean-made items that offer a different kind of browsing experience beyond food and drink. This addition often surprises visitors and fits well into the local shopping environment.

In terms of when to visit, late mornings through early afternoon seem ideal, when you can comfortably settle in with a sandwich and a latte or gather with friends over dessert. Caffe Bene serves as a casual local spot where people come for both the quality food and the cozy, somewhat eclectic environment, making it a spot that feels at home in the Fort Lee neighborhood.

Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
What they serve
Coffee
Quick bite
Small plates
Best for
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

09:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 09:30 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 09:30 PM

Sunday

09:00 AM - 09:00 PM

832 Reviews
Nicole Banales

28 Feb 2026

Found this place while detoured looking for a good coffee shop. We were hungry as well so we ordered their shrimp and their chicken teriyaki sandwiches as well as their strawberry and whipped cream waffle. The food was good. The waffle small for the price. I ordered their seasonal special, a gingerbread latte. It was good. Boyfriend got mocha iced coffee. He thought his was pretty good.

Darren Santo Tomas

27 Feb 2026

First of all, the seats are VERY LOW. I believe the seats near the walls may be a bit taller --- but just fair caution, if anyone is above 5'9 --- the chairs take a bit of getting used to. Friends and I came to get some dessert after some good korean bbq. We got the Matcha (Green Tea) Bingsu and the Strawbanana Waffle (yes, that's how it was spelled.). After placing the order, the Bingsoo came out fairly quickly. The texture of the ice was literally shaved....it was so delicate. I loved the texture...the matcha taste went amazing with the red beans; I give it the ultimate asian dessert compliment: "NOT TOO SWEET". It was wonderful. The downer? Suprisingly, the waffle! If you like waffles, sure get it --- but it took a while and although it was crispy, boy --- was it tough to cut through to share! THE STRUGGLE WAS, INDEED, REAL. And a struggle to eat stawberries and bananas with chocolate sauce and whipped cream? I could pass on this struggle next time. My advice? Stick to the bingsu and the drinks --- they offer a lot of coffee options! Great comfortable place to hang out with friends after work, or after school.

Andrew Chin

23 Feb 2026

This is a very cute cafe with great food and drink as well a sample seating. The aesthetic was very nice and seats very comfortable. It was busy when we went ,but the line moved fast and got our drinks quick. They have a nice selection of buns and pastries as well as coffees and other drinks. I got a hazelnut hot cocoa. There was a little jewelry shop inside as well and a lot of seating. It is very nice and a great place to meet up with people or do some work. Highly recommend!

Esther P

15 Feb 2026

Came here to have lunch with my sister. Wasn’t disappointed. We had tea and sandwiches and some pastries. The sandwiches were delicious! We both enjoyed I enjoyed the aesthetics of the place. Very cozy and inviting. They have a little shop indoors were you can purchase affordable jewelry - mink accessories made in Korea. So unique! Will certainly be back whenever in the area.

Stanley B

07 Feb 2026

Caffe Bene is one of the one of a kid cafés you do not come across often. Containing imported original South Korea products, to almond-chocolate French croissants, to the classic bubble tea and macarons, this cafeteria meets the customer with tons of surprises. Located in the city of Fort Lee, it is a popular place for locals to eat breakfast at, but not only that, I've seen people from other cities come here as well. Guilty being myself. Want to travel to a new breakfast location but don't know where? Try Caffe Bene. P.S the sofas are super comfortable.

N8 IVEY

08 Jan 2026

This is an absolutely charming cafe located within easy walking distance of a very high speed electric car charger. I stopped for coffee and a fresh hot waffle drizzled in Nutella. Absolutely delicious, charming, and fabulous service! Highly recommend!

Rachel Lopez

20 Dec 2025

Super cute & cozy café! Great chill atmosphere. Love the misugaru latte & the vanilla latte! Sandwiches & taiyaki are also delicious.

Yuri Paik (Yuri)

18 Nov 2025

A cute sit-down cafe with plenty of seating and lots of options for breads and drinks. My personal favorite is the strawberry honey toast, and they cut it so it’s easy to share. A nice and accessible place for desserts or drinks, and to just hang out with friends or family!

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