Baby Back Ribs
Looking for the next hot restaurant to impress a date or wow your clients? Why not bring a little bit of Miami to Manhattan?
Kyu is a wood-fired, Asian-inspired eatery that came to life in the heart of Miami’s Wynwood arts district. It’s beloved by locals and tourists alike, and it was named the Best Restaurant in Florida by Time Magazine. It even became a semi-finalist for Best New Restaurant the year it opened by the James Beard Foundation.
Its authentic flavors and modern style already made a big splash with an expansion into Mexico City. Now, Kyu makes a landing in Soho, taking over the space at 324 Lafayette Street.
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“I am excited and proud to bring the soul of KYU’s unique cuisine and hospitality to the heart of New York City,” founder and owner Alan Omsky is quoted in a press release. “It’s a dream come true for our fabulous team.” He’s joined by co-founder Jordan Sayfie and their global expansion partners at the Reuben Brothers Britain-based firm in this latest NYC move.
Being trendy is one thing, but it’s the food of a place that really sells its salt. At Kyu, food is cooked via the Japanese technique of yakinuki. It’s a wood-fired grilling method that serves up Kyu signature dishes including smoked wagyu beef brisket, whole-roasted cauliflower with goat cheese and shisito herb vinaigrette, and the fan-favorite multi-layered coconut cake dessert.
The NYC location will be overseen by Executive Chef Chris Arellanes, who cut his teeth at Per Se and Eleven Madison Park.
Kyu NYC has totally renovated the 5,700-square foot space. Watch your food as it’s prepared in an open kitchen, while you get cozy among the oak-wood floors and brick-walled columns. A mesh curtain separates a lounge from the main dining space. You could also choose to just take in all the sights, sounds and flavors from the bar.
Coming with a large group? Take advantage of the wooden chef’s table and watch all the wood-burning and smoking while enjoying some burrata with yuzu marmalade, or wagyu toast with truffle puree and grilled garlic chives.
The food is paired with a delightful beverage and cocktail menu. Even more so, you can take heart that Kyu has committed to planting enough trees that it neutralizes all the wood the kitchen uses for grilling and smoking. Indeed, Kyu is a partner with the environmental non-profit 1% for the Planet Charity.
Maitake Mushroom
“As a long standing fan of KYU in Miami, I am excited to bring the KYU brand to New York, alongside our fantastic partners Alan and Jordan,” Jamie Reuben of the Reuben Brothers firm says. “The food, atmosphere and service are all incredible, and I couldn’t think of a better location for our first opening together.”
Taste Kyu for yourself and see what all the fuss is about at 324 Lafayette Street, open Monday to Sunday from 4 to 11 p.m. The restaurant is officially open and ready for your business. Visit kyurestaurants.com to learn more.
Coconut Cake
Photography by: Courtesy of KYU
