New York restaurant comebacks don’t get much tastier than this. Cafe Commerce is bringing the spirit of a beloved West Village dining destination uptown, giving the Upper East Side another delicious reason to make dinner reservations—and perhaps loosen a belt buckle.
Located at 964 Lexington Avenue, Cafe Commerce is the latest chapter in chef Harold Moore’s New York culinary story. The original Commerce became a downtown favorite before closing in 2015. Now, Moore has revived its spirit with a neighborhood restaurant blending contemporary American cooking with French and Italian influences. The new Cafe Commerce opened in January 2025, and longtime fans have plenty of reasons to celebrate its return.
Old Favorites, New Neighborhood
Moore knows a thing or two about making comfort food feel special. His culinary résumé includes acclaimed kitchens led by Daniel Boulud and Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and his cooking at Cafe Commerce reflects that experience without sacrificing the pleasures of a satisfying neighborhood meal.
Among the menu’s highlights are sweet potato tortelloni with hazelnuts, chicken schnitzel, steak Diane and stuffed cabbage. Then there’s the coconut cake, a four-layer dessert with a following of its own. Consider it the kind of finale that makes ordering dessert feel less like an indulgence and more like excellent planning.
The restaurant also offers daily specials, thoughtfully crafted cocktails and a focused wine list spanning French, Italian and American bottles. With an intimate dining room, a small bar and outdoor patio seating, Cafe Commerce aims for the warmth of a neighborhood hangout with the polish of a special-occasion destination.
A Fresh Reason to Dine Uptown
Cafe Commerce’s appeal lies in its balance: familiar dishes, carefully executed cooking and an atmosphere that feels welcoming rather than overly formal. Whether you’re planning a date night, catching up with friends or simply exploring Upper East Side restaurants, it deserves a spot on your dining shortlist.
New York has never been short on restaurants, but a great neighborhood bistro is always worth celebrating. At Cafe Commerce, the downtown spirit has moved uptown—and brought the coconut cake along for the ride.
