Chef Behind Miriam Opens Rafael on Lexington Avenue

A new Mediterranean restaurant called Rafael, created by Chef Rafael Hasid, opened its doors on September 19 at 973 Lexington Avenue (between 70th and 71st streets).

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In April, Chef Rafael presented plans to Community Board 8 to open a new restaurant at the location, which was previously home to Caffe dei Fiori.

“Rafael will offer a fresh take on Mediterranean cuisine, with a focus on vibrant seasonal dishes and a serene escape inspired by the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast,” a press release for the restaurant said.

Chef Rafael is best known for Miriam, an Israeli and Mediterranean restaurant with locations in Park Slope and on the Upper West Side.

“[Chef Rafael] will serve an all day menu at its new location as a cornerstone of Rafael, alongside an exciting dinner menu showcasing both traditional Middle Eastern favorites and innovative side dishes inspired by the rich and cultural melting of pot of the Mediterranean,” the presser says.

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For lunch, offerings include an assortment of egg dishes such as an herb and feta cheese frittata; the “Rafael Breakfast,” which is two eggs any style, potato latke, salmon roe, house salad and labneh; and zalouk shakshuka. Other offerings inlaced a lamb burger on a challah bun with feta cheese and house pickles, an assortment of meze platters, as well as kofta kebab, braised lamb chicken schnitzel and a falafel platter.

Dinner is a bit more of a decadent affair, with a few of the same offerings as lunch as well as filet mignon skewers, grilled dorado and corn schnitzel.

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“Alongside its vibrant Mediterranean cuisine, Rafael will offer a captivating cocktail program curated by Beverage Director Will Rivas. Inspired by the flavors and ingredients of the Mediterranean, the cocktail menu at Rafael will feature a selection of creative libations that complement the restaurant’s culinary offerings,” the presser says.

The restaurant also offers a wide array of cocktails: the Pistachio Dream contains Pistachio dream rum, pistachio syrup, pineapple, amaro, lemon and red wine, while the Green Velvet features vodka, agave, lemon, pepper, cucumber and cilantro.

Rafael is open Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.