{"id":15345,"date":"2025-04-02T07:07:57","date_gmt":"2025-04-02T11:07:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/new-york\/?p=15345"},"modified":"2025-04-02T07:07:57","modified_gmt":"2025-04-02T11:07:57","slug":"nello-to-reopen-at-midtown-tower","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/new-york\/2025\/04\/02\/nello-to-reopen-at-midtown-tower\/","title":{"rendered":"Nello to reopen at Midtown tower"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction to Nello’s Revival<\/h2>\n

Fabled celeb-magnet restaurant Nello, which closed last year after 25 colorful years on uptown Madison Avenue, is coming back in a new Midtown location, The Post has learned.
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\nReal estate mogul and former hot dog franchise king Thomas Makkos signed the lease at 62 W. 55th St., which is part of SL Green\u2019s recently modernized 1350 Sixth Ave. office tower. The location was most recently home to Bice Cafe.<\/p>\n

History of Nello<\/h2>\n

Although Nello Balan\u2019s first name adorned the original Italian restaurant until its final days, it was actually run by Makkos after the partners split up in 2015.
\nNello closed last year after 25 colorful years on uptown Madison Avenue. Brigitte Stelzer<\/span>
\nOne A-lister unlikely to return anytime soon is President Trump, who as a frequent customer reportedly courted Melania there. The couple in 2002, above. Getty Images<\/span><\/p>\n

The New Location<\/h2>\n

The new Nello will have 2,300 square feet on the ground floor, 1,500 square feet below ground, and a large sidewalk patio.
\nThe block between Fifth and Sixth avenues is also home to Alain Ducasse\u2019s Benoit Bistro and media-favorite Michael\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Expectations and Hopes<\/h2>\n

\u201cNello is an institution and it needed a prime location that reflects its reputation,\u201d said Meridian Retail Leasing president James Famularo, whose firm brokered the deal.
\nMakkos hopes to lure back Nello\u2019s many boldface regulars such as J.Lo, Uma Thurman, Harrison Ford, Pierce Brosnan and Jennifer Aniston.
\nOne A-lister unlikely to return anytime soon is President Trump, who as a frequent customer reportedly courted Melania there.
\nJay-Z and Kanye West dining at Nello in 2010. WireImage<\/span><\/p>\n

Menu and Past Controversies<\/h2>\n

\u201cIf you ever wanted a plate of pasta that cost $275, with a side of Beyonc\u00e9 and Jay Z, then you went to Nello,\u201d Page Six wrote when Balan died in 2023.
\nIt wasn\u2019t known whether Romanian-born Balan\u2019s pricey dishes, such as a $55 asparagus plate, would be part of the new menu.
\nThe old place was often besieged by papparazi eager for shots of celebrities coming and going. It even had a flair for showmanship during the 2020 COVID lockdowns. Its liquor license was briefly suspended after it was accused, as many other restaurants were at the time, of serving a few customers indoors against state rules.
\nMeridian\u2019s James Famularo brokered the Nello lease at 1345 Sixth Avenue.
\nReal estate mogul and former hot dog franchise king Thomas Makkos signed the lease at 62 W. 55th St., which is part of SL Green\u2019s recently modernized 1350 Sixth Ave. office tower. Tamara Beckwith\/NY POST<\/span>
\nMakkos installed a dozen giant red teddy bears on its outdoor seats in 2020. Steve Cuozzo<\/span><\/p>\n

Rebranding Efforts<\/h2>\n

To improve its image, Makkos installed a dozen giant red teddy bears wearing masks on its outdoor seats. The jumbo plush toys were so popular, they remained in the seats without masks long after the threat abated.<\/p>\n

Financial Details<\/h2>\n

Famularo was mum on rent at the new Nello, but sources said it was in the $250-$300 per square-foot range.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

The revival of Nello marks an exciting development in the Midtown dining scene, promising a blend of luxury, celebrity sightings, and potentially pricey but exquisite dishes. As the restaurant prepares to reopen, fans and newcomers alike await the unveiling of its new menu and ambiance.<\/p>\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n