On the corner of Grand and Thompson streets, above the bustle of the streets of Soho and Tribeca, sits Twenty Three Grand. Helmed by Executive Chef Ashley Rath (Saint Theo’s, Gramercy Tavern, Major Food Group’s The Grill, and Santina) and conceptualized by James Julius (Major Food Group’s’ ZZ’s, The Grill, Carbone, and Annabel’s in London), the menu features global flavors and elevated classics with a Mediterranean flair – all within a sun-soaked atrium beneath a retractable roof, ideal for al fresco dining.
Created by a female-led kitchen, dishes are shareable and craveable, and don’t take themselves too seriously while still feeling occasion-worthy. Signature dishes include Caviar Bumps with tater tots, crème fraiche, and chives; a Zucchini Tower with crispy chips and tzatziki; and a Crudité as photographable as it is edible with three house-made dips. Additional menu highlights include a selection of raw items including Tuna Carpaccio with sunchoke chips, capers, shallots, chives, and fresno peppers; pastas like the Pomodoro with angel hair and basil; and main dishes like the Whole Grilled Branzino with royal trumpet mushrooms and mint salsa verde; and the Hearth Roasted Chicken with garlic aioli. The menu also features vegetable-forward dishes such as the Roasted Caraflex Cabbage with harissa, yellow tomato glaze, and crispy kale, as well as a selection of four salads perfect for sharing or as a main.
The restaurant’s decadent dessert menu includes the Flourless Chocolate Cake with salted caramel gelato; Burnt Basque Cheesecake with whipped ricotta and candied tomatoes; and a build your own Chipwich that can be customized with a variety of ice creams and toppings. Additional menus include the brunch service available Saturdays and Sundays. Signature offerings served for brunch include Lemon Pound Cake with strawberries and olive oil; Avocado Toast with Calabrian chili, parsley pesto, pumpkin seeds, and basil; and Challah French Toast topped with a maple syrup glaze and black sesame caramel.
The Bar at Twenty Three Grand offers luxe indoor lounge seating and a terrace overlooking Grand Street with its own bar and wine menus. In partnership with Élan Artists the bar offers a live music experience from Wednesday to Sunday during dinner and brunch service. Signature light bites available from the bar menu include Spinach Dip with gouda, madras curry, and chips; and Fried Green Olives with green tomato remoulade. Cocktails range from over-the-top concoctions like the Cielo Azul Martini with Patron El Cielo tequila, dry vermouth, and a lemon twist to signature selections like the Soho Spring Fling with Bacardi Rum, lime, grilled pineapple, and mint. Spirit-free cocktails are also available, including the Hibiscus Lemonade with house-made red hibiscus syrup. Guests can order by the glass or bottle off the wine menu, with varieties including sparkling, white, red, or rosé.
Designed by stylist and interior design consultant Melissa Bowers, the indoor-outdoor space embodies livable luxury. Drawing inspiration from Philip Johnson’s Glass House and Europe’s atrium cafes such as Berlin’s Literaturhaus, the 2,700-square-foot space artfully combines vintage pieces and lush textures. A romantic sensibility is infused into the space through custom velvet and leather banquettes, Brochier textiles, vintage Murano frosted glass sconces, Jean Cocteau wallpaper from Lelièvre, and preserved trees and greenery that further bring nature indoors. The sun-soaked atrium transforms into a sexy, moody space at nightfall, allowing for intimate dining experiences in a buzzy atmosphere.
: @MAGRINOPR