Nino’s to Shut Down in June for New 23-Story Building Development

Nino’s Ristorante, a go-to Italian favorite that has been a fixture on the Upper East Side for more than three decades, will reportedly close for good later this year.

Nino Selimaj, the owner of the restaurant, located at 1354 First Avenue (between 72nd Street and 73rd streets), told Eater on Friday that he is planning to close up shop by June; the space is slated to be demolished to make way for a major residential development being undertaken by the Midtown-based Manocherian Brothers.

Advertisement

Back in December, Crain’s New York Business reported that the firm submitted plans for a 23-story, 148-unit mixed use development at the site. The developer has owned the building where Nino’s is located since 1966, and in 2019 they purchased the building next door at 1352 First Avenue for $14 million.

Selimaj told Eater that he is looking to relocate. East Side Feed reached out to Nino’s to learn more about the restaurant’s future plans but has yet to hear back.

Nino’s has been on the Upper East Side since 1991, and has hosted the likes of Hilary Duff, Tony Bennett, Clint Eastwood, Angela Lansbury, and the late James Gandolfini, among others. The menu features classic Italian-American favorites like fettuccine alfredo, baked clams, chicken parmesan, ravioli and much more.

“With a humble beginning and a hard work ethic [Nino Selimaj] has been able to do what few other restaurateurs have done, to warm his way into the hearts of most New Yorkers while establishing a restaurant with an incredible dedication to service and a great love for food,” Nino’s website states.

Have a news tip? Send it to us here!