The Lower East Side has a new restaurant worth putting on your dining radar. Mili NYC, the highly anticipated permanent home of a popular traveling pop-up, has officially opened at 123 Ludlow Street, bringing creative cooking, seasonal ingredients and an intimate wine-bar atmosphere to downtown Manhattan.
Behind the restaurant are chef Jorge Luis Pabón and hospitality veteran Alexis White, partners in both life and business. After hosting 18 pop-ups across New York, Naples and Mexico City, the duo have finally put down roots.
And judging by the menu, they’re making themselves right at home.
French Technique Meets New York Creativity
Mili describes its cooking as “New York Creative,” combining French culinary techniques with seasonal ingredients and unexpected flavor combinations.
Among the standout dishes is its signature savory cheese course, featuring freshly shaved cheese, caramelized onions, grilled grapes and a crispy semolina sesame cracker.
Another must-try is the potato and sunchoke tart, wrapped in flaky puff pastry and served with Taleggio cheese sauce, herbs and lavender.
For something more substantial, the kitchen is serving dry-aged Hudson Valley duck and monkfish with onion sauce and sea lettuce. The menu is designed around approximately 15 shareable plates, making it an ideal destination for a group dinner.
Cocktails and American Wines Take Center Stage
The beverage program is just as thoughtfully curated. White has created an entirely domestic wine list, featuring producers from California, Oregon, New York and Virginia.
One cocktail worth ordering is the Sake Negroni, made with Brooklyn Kura sake, Meadowsweet amaro and vermouth from Long Island’s Channing Daughters.
Where to Find Mili NYC
Located at 123 Ludlow Street, Mili offers an intimate 34-seat dining room with an open kitchen and cozy bar.
The restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
With its creative menu, thoughtful wine selection and neighborhood atmosphere, Mili is making a compelling case for becoming the Lower East Side’s next dining favorite.
