🚕 Trump Starts Pizzeria in Midtown

Good Morning NY!

Big names are setting the table across Manhattan this week.

We’re covering where Broadway’s biggest stars are eating before and after their performances.

Trump has opened a pizza spot in Trump Tower, and it’s as over-the-top as you'd expect.

In Hudson Yards, a new restaurant is mixing Peruvian, Japanese, and Argentine influences into one ambitious menu.

A Venice Beach favorite has landed in NoHo.

And on the Lower East Side, a former Jupiter chef is opening a fine dining spot inspired by Mexico City’s food scene.

Let’s dig in.

Scott's Pizza Tours

Craving an authentic taste of New York's pizza scene?

Hop on the New York City Pizza Bus Tour and embark on a journey through the city's diverse neighborhoods, sampling slices from four of the finest pizzerias.

Led by expert guides, you'll delve into the history, culture, and science behind each delicious bite.

Traveling aboard a classic yellow school bus, this tour is perfect for families and offers a fun adventure for pizza lovers of all ages.

Don't miss out on this cheesy exploration—book your spot today!

Where Broadway Stars Dine

If you're heading to a Broadway show this spring, you're not the only one flocking to Times Square.

With a dozen new productions opening, restaurants near the theaters are packed—and not just with tourists.

Sardi’s, the classic spot on West 44th, is suddenly cool again, drawing younger crowds and stars like Alicia Keys.

Just upstairs, Bar Centrale remains the industry’s best-kept secret, still a low-key favorite for George Clooney and Patti LuPone.

Joe Allen and Orso, both sister spots to Bar Centrale, are still Broadway regulars’ go-tos for pre- or post-show meals.

Younger Broadway actors are opting for Hold Fast or the Civilian hotel’s bar scene for a more casual vibe.

Glass House Tavern and the newly revived Langans are also in the mix, hosting names like Alex Newell and Bobby Flay.

Steakhouses like Gallagher’s continue to lure the old guard, while Italian staples like Osteria Al Doge and Café Un Deux Trois never go out of style.

If you’re hoping to spot a celebrity, your best chance might be at the table next to yours—not the stage.

Times Square dining might just be the real second act of the night.

Gjelina Brings LA Cool to NoHo—But Can It Translate?

The beloved Venice Beach hotspot Gjelina has officially landed in NYC, setting up shop in NoHo.

Known for its wood-fired vegetables and breezy West Coast vibe, the original helped define LA’s produce-forward dining.

In New York, the menu remains largely the same—sweet potatoes with spicy yogurt, kale salad, seasonal pizzas—but the setting feels different.

Instead of sprawling sunshine, guests step into a narrow, dimly lit space made up of boxy rooms stacked on each other.

It’s less Venice Beach, more overcrowded Manhattan.

The food still delivers, with bright flavors and confident execution, but the atmosphere feels curated rather than effortless.

Gjelina NYC joins a stretch of upscale LA-born boutiques in what some are now calling “LiLA”—Little LA.

It’s stylish, no doubt, but whether it captures the spirit of its West Coast counterpart is up for debate.

For now, it’s a taste of LA—just without the ocean breeze or golden light.

Trump Pizza Lands in Midtown

Donald Trump just added a new venture to his resume: pizza shop owner.

Inside Trump Tower, the newly revamped Trump Café now includes “Trump Pizza,” a marble-and-gold slice joint tucked within the Midtown skyscraper.

The setup screams Trump style—ornate, flashy, and unapologetically on brand.

Menu options so far are straightforward: pepperoni, sausage and pepper, and Margherita.

Details on pricing and a full menu are still under wraps, but if past Trump Tower offerings are any clue, expect a hefty price tag.

Trump has long been vocal about his love for pizza, even starring in a 1995 Pizza Hut commercial with Ivana Trump.

His unorthodox pizza habits—like using a knife and fork or ditching the crust—have kept him in the pizza conversation for decades.

Now, he may be the first U.S. president to open a pizzeria while in office.

Whether you’re a fan of the man or just curious about the pie, Trump Pizza is officially a thing in NYC.

Edge: See NYC Differently

Experience NYC at the Edge, the city's highest outdoor sky deck. Standing at 100 stories above the Hudson Yards, Edge offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the skyline, from the Statue of Liberty to Central Park.

For you risk-takers out there, you can step onto the glass floor and gaze down at the bustling city streets below. It's an adventure that blends excitement with breathtaking beauty.

Whether you're planning a memorable outing with friends or seeking a unique perspective of the city, Edge provides an unforgettable experience.

Book your tickets now and see New York from a whole new vantage point!

Papa San Arrives in Hudson Yards With a Global Twist

A new player just hit the Hudson Yards scene—and it's not playing it safe.

Papa San is the latest restaurant from the team behind Llama Inn, teaming up with Buenos Aires’ acclaimed bar Tres Monos.

Their goal?

Fuse Peruvian flavors with Japanese izakaya style and top it off with Argentine cocktail flair.

The result is a menu that balances bold, savory plates with nine inventive cocktails crafted to match.

Expect ingredients like chirimoya, tonka beans, and Alfonso olives to show up in drinks that are as thoughtful as they are photogenic.

Presentation is key here, with foams, garnishes, and unexpected touches that feel more playful than precious.

Even better—many cocktails are low-ABV, making them perfect for everything from a touristy detour to a Midtown power lunch.

Papa San opened on February 18, and it’s already carving out a lane in NYC’s ultra-competitive food and drink world.

Mexico City-Inspired Fine Dining to the LES

A new destination for upscale Mexican dining is arriving on the Lower East Side this June.

Chef Gaz Herbert, who previously cooked at Jupiter in Midtown, is opening his first solo venture: Comal.

Located at 116 Forsyth Street, the space formerly housed the beloved Gem Wine.

Comal will seat around 44 guests and plans to offer outdoor dining as well.

The concept draws inspiration from Mexico City’s restaurant scene, with influences from Herbert’s time at London's River Café and Ikoyi.

Expect a fine dining experience that blends international techniques with Mexican flavors.

The interior is being designed by La Metropolitana, a Mexico City studio known for their work with Contramar.

Details on the menu haven’t been revealed yet, but the vision is clear—Comal aims to deliver thoughtful, globally informed Mexican cuisine in an intimate setting.

With its roots in both New York and Mexico City, Comal is shaping up to be one of the summer’s most anticipated openings.

And it’s another sign the LES continues to be a launchpad for serious culinary talent.

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.