🚕 Guy Fieri's New NYC Restaurant

Good Morning NY!

This week, we’ve got a mix of high-profile reopenings, fresh new spots, and major moves by some of the biggest names in the industry.

Stephen Starr just added two legendary Italian restaurants to his growing empire, and over in the East Village, Momofuku’s Paul Carmichael is putting Caribbean fine dining in the spotlight with the launch of Kabawa.

Meanwhile, Gitano is making a permanent home at the South Street Seaport, bringing its jungle-glam aesthetic and Tulum-inspired nightlife to Pier 17.

We also got a list of the best new bars and restaurants opening this winter, from French bistros to Speakeasies.

Let’s dive in.

Stephen Starr Takes Over Iconic NYC Restaurants

Renowned restaurateur Stephen Starr has expanded his New York City portfolio by acquiring two of the city’s most esteemed Italian restaurants: Babbo and Lupa.

Previously co-owned by Joe Bastianich and Mario Batali, these establishments have long been celebrated for their elevated take on rustic Italian cuisine.

Starr’s acquisition signals a major shift for both restaurants, with plans to revitalize their menus by adding his signature standard of excellence.

A key component of this revival is the return of chef Mark Ladner, a veteran of the NYC fine-dining scene.

Ladner, who previously helmed Del Posto and earned a Michelin star, was also a part of Babbo’s original team and the opening chef for Lupa.

His return is expected to breathe new life into both establishments, restoring their reputations as top-tier destinations for Italian dining.

Momofuku Introduces Caribbean Concept 'Kabawa'

Momofuku has unveiled its latest venture, Kabawa, marking the group’s first new restaurant since 2019.

Located in the East Village, Kabawa represents an exciting shift for the Momofuku brand, embracing Caribbean flavors and traditions through the vision of chef Paul Carmichael.

Carmichael, who previously led the acclaimed Momofuku Seiobo in Sydney, brings his Barbadian roots to the forefront with a menu deeply influenced by Caribbean cuisine.

The restaurant is divided into two distinct areas: Kabawa, the main dining room, which offers a three-course prix fixe menu with standout dishes like rasta pasta, curry goat, and jerk duck; and Bar Kabawa, a vibrant space focusing on daiquiris, raw-bar selections, and a unique patty program.

The patties—featuring fillings like short rib with conch and bone marrow or duck with foie gras—blend Jamaican and Haitian influences, adding an innovative twist to a classic Caribbean staple.

With Carmichael’s return to New York, Kabawa is set to redefine Caribbean fine dining in the city, offering a fresh and sophisticated take on the region’s rich culinary traditions. The restaurant officially opens Thursday, February 6th.

Gitano Establishes U.S. Flagship at South Street Seaport

Luxury jungle-themed restaurant and club Gitano has secured a massive 14,000-square-foot space at Pier 17 in the South Street Seaport, marking its first permanent U.S. flagship location.

Previously known for its seasonal pop-ups in Soho and Governors Island, Gitano has gained a reputation for blending tropical elegance with high-energy nightlife, drawing inspiration from Tulum’s lush, upscale aesthetic.

The new venue, set to replace the former Koko’s Pearl Alley bar area, will feature an expansive indoor-outdoor space with towering palm trees, intricate design elements, and a 30-foot-high ceiling adorned with a giant disco ball.

Beyond its striking visuals, Gitano will offer a mix of Mexican-inspired cuisine and signature cocktails, seamlessly fusing dining, nightlife, and entertainment.

Grupo Gitano CEO James Gardner has emphasized that the new location will merge New York’s high-energy atmosphere with the relaxed sophistication of the Yucatán, creating an immersive experience unlike any other.

With stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge, this latest addition to the Seaport Entertainment Group’s roster is set to become one of NYC’s most sought-after destinations for dining and nightlife.

Guy Fieri's 'Chicken Guy!' Opens in Times Square

Celebrity chef Guy Fieri is set to launch his fast-casual restaurant, 'Chicken Guy!', in Times Square on Friday, January 31, 2025.

The new establishment is located at 138 West 42nd Street, between Broadway and Sixth Avenue.

This venture marks Fieri's return to Manhattan after the closure of his previous Times Square restaurant in 2017. 'Chicken Guy!' specializes in chicken dishes, offering a variety of sandwiches priced around $14 and an assortment of sauces to complement their chicken tenders.

The menu is designed to provide a flavorful and accessible dining experience for both locals and tourists in the bustling Times Square area.

New Bars and Restaurants to Explore in NYC This Winter

Despite the chilly weather, New York City's dining scene remains vibrant with several new openings:

• Chez Fifi (Upper East Side): This French bistro, from the team behind Sushi Noz, is housed in a stylish townhouse adorned with artwork from Calder and Miró. The menu offers a mix of classic and inventive French dishes, including frog legs, deviled crab, and filet mignon au poivre, complemented by a signature blue cheese martini.

• Monsieur (East Village): A gothic-meets-rock-‘n’-roll bar envisioned by Baz Luhrmann, featuring medieval-inspired decor, suits of armor, and nightlife photography by Dustin Pittman. The menu leans indulgent, with options like jamón ibérico, shrimp cocktail, and grilled cheese with osetra caviar.

• People’s (Greenwich Village): A former art gallery-turned-club with three distinct rooms: the Parlour, featuring a cozy fireplace; the Salon, a DJ-powered dance space; and the Gallery, where guests can sip cocktails under a 1920s skylight. Their banoffee pie is quickly becoming a fan favorite.

• Zimmi’s (West Village): A Southern French-inspired eatery offering a homey, intimate setting with checkered tablecloths and rustic wooden chairs. Expect comforting dishes like poached leeks with Dijon, slow-cooked lamb stew, and tagliatelle with chicken ragout.

• The Bar at Quarters (TriBeCa): A natural wine bar doubling as a curated home goods store. Enjoy tinned fish on toast and caviar service while browsing vintage furniture—all available for purchase.

• Mitsuru (West Village): A Japanese dining concept blending traditional and modern influences, offering an intimate omakase experience in a sleek, minimalist setting.

These venues reflect the city's dynamic and ever-evolving culinary landscape, offering unique dining experiences despite the cold.

Thanks

Thanks for reading NYC Bites today! If you found something useful, please share it with someone who loves food and NYC.

Want to advertise in our newsletter? Fill out this form here and we will be in touch shortly!

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign-up to get it.

Have a question or need support? Contact us.