New York’s dining scene loves a comeback story, especially one involving celebrity sightings, extravagant Italian food and a little old-school glamour. Nello is back in New York City, bringing its storied name to Midtown after closing its longtime Upper East Side location on Madison Avenue in 2024.
The restaurant has resurfaced at 62 West 55th Street, near Sixth Avenue, trading its former uptown address for a prime Midtown location. And while the neighborhood has changed, Nello is clearly hoping to recapture the star power that made it one of Manhattan’s most talked-about dining destinations.
From Madison Avenue to Midtown
For more than 25 years, the original Nello at 696 Madison Avenue was a favorite gathering place for celebrities, executives and the international jet set. Its famous guest list included Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Uma Thurman, Harrison Ford and Jennifer Aniston.
Of course, Nello was almost as famous for its prices as its clientele. The restaurant made headlines for its famously expensive dishes, including a reported $275 truffle pasta. At Nello, apparently, even the pasta came with a celebrity-sized price tag.
What’s on the Menu?
The restaurant’s culinary identity centers on Northern Italian cuisine, handmade pastas prepared fresh daily and ingredients sourced from Italy. Truffles remain part of its signature appeal, alongside an extensive wine selection and an atmosphere designed for leisurely lunches and glamorous dinners.
The new Midtown location is listed at 62 West 55th Street, with the restaurant positioning itself as a destination where food, fashion, entertainment and business intersect.
Can Nello Reclaim Its Celebrity Status?
The revival is being led by Thomas Makkos, who operated the original restaurant after his partnership with namesake founder Nello Balan ended. Balan passed away in 2023.
Whether the new location attracts the same A-list crowd remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Midtown just got another restaurant with a serious appetite for the spotlight.
