The Upper East Side is set to get an elevated outpost of a Brooklyn favorite.
In April, Chef Rafael Hasid–the owner of Miriam, an Israeli and Mediterranean restaurant with locations on the Upper West Side and in Brooklyn–presented plans to Community Board 8 to open a new restaurant at 973 Lexington (between 70th and 71st streets). The space was previously home to Caffe dei Fiori.
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Hasid opened Miriam’s first location in Park Slope in 2005, and it remains a go-to brunch spot for locals. In June 2020, he opened a to-go version of the restaurant in Tribeca called Homemade By Miriam, but it closed in 2022. The UWS location opened in 2022.
Chef Hasid was originally planning to open another Miriam on the Upper East Side, but when he saw the space he decided they should change it up a bit.
Sarit Holzmann of 6R Hospitality group told East Side Feed that Rafael will be “a bit more upscale” than Miriam, although the focus will still be on Mediterranean flavors and brunch. She says that Rafael’s food will be “tailored to the Upper East Side.”
Rafael’s website only offers a glimpse of its future offerings, saying that the “menu features seasonal ingredients sourced from the Mediterranean’s lush landscapes,” and that from their “delicate seafood dishes to hearty, aromatic preparations…” they “promise to transport you to the Mediterranean with every meal.”
East Side Feed got a first look at the space, which is expected to open in early September. The exterior of the townhouse is now accented with soft blue trim, including the awning which features the name of restaurant in script.
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Though the interior is still under construction, the eatery is well under way. Holzmann told East Side Feed that they wanted a more “whimsical” feel for the space. They worked with architect and designer Amanda Sullivan, making use of the split-level layout by creating several seating areas that will hold banquettes and small tables. The bar on the lower level is highlighted by a geometric pattern in a rainbow ombre that morphs from blue to orange, a pattern that repeats in the cozy upstairs seating area, framing the windows that look out onto Lexington Avenue. The space also boasts a covered back patio that will be used year-round.
While the menu and operating hours aren’t yet available, you can check the restaurant’s website and Instagram for developments.
