East Village mainstay Cafe Mogador celebrates its 42nd anniversary

Photos by Stacie Joy 

Above left: Jacob Ahiyon, Rivka Orlin and Danny Orlin

April 2025 marked the 42nd anniversary of the East Village institution Cafe Mogador, located at 101 St. Mark's Place.

I stopped by the all-day cafe between Avenue A and First Avenue as they were setting up for service the other day...

Rivka, a longtime neighborhood resident, still stops by regularly for lunch at the Moroccan-inspired cafe she opened with her brother, Josef Ohayon, back in April 1983. 

"Our customers are our family," said Rivka (above with Abdul Matin, the chef of 40 years).

That sense of family was a recurring theme throughout the day. 

"This is a family-run, family-oriented business," said Danny. "We’re grateful for our guests and the strong community of people who continue to support us."