By Scott Etkin and Lisa Kava
Sempre Oggi, an Italian restaurant, is opening at 164-166 75th Street (off Amsterdam) this summer. It is backed by Robert Guarino, the restaurateur behind several UWS institutions, including Playa Betty’s and 5 Napkin Burger. Robert said that the concept has been years in the making. “First and foremost the goal is to be very seasonal,” he said in a call with the WSR (“sempre oggi” means “always today”). He aims to strike a balance between casual and fine dining – “we won’t be white table cloth per se, but it will be an elevated experience.” The space, which used to house the Italian restaurant ‘Cesca, appealed to Robert because its location on the side street is quieter and more open than most spaces that are along the avenue. Operating restaurants in a residential neighborhood like the UWS “makes it fulfilling to develop regulars – to get to know people, to get to know their families,” Robert said. On Instagram, he is providing frequent video updates on the process of opening the restaurant.
Yakitori Sun-Chan, the Japanese restaurant on Broadway between 103rd and 104th Streets, is temporarily closed after a NYC Department of Health inspection found several violations. On January 19th, the restaurant posted on Instagram that it will be closed for “maintenance” for two to three weeks. (Thanks to Lesley for the tip.)
Fashion Nail & Spa has signage up at 521 Columbus Avenue between 85th and 86th Streets. The nail salon has six locations on the Upper East Side, and this will be the first Upper West Side location. A representative from the Madison Avenue location told WSR the Columbus Avenue salon is expected to open in “a few months.” The space was formerly occupied by Uni K Wax.
La Traviata 2, a pizzeria, opened on February 1st at 2753 Broadway (on 106th Street). The pizzeria is under the same ownership as La Traviata Pizza, a longstanding Upper West Side spot at 101 West 68th Street. La Traviata 2 is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm for dining-in, take out, and delivery. (Thanks to Susan for the tip.)
The Duane Reade at 94th Street and Broadway is open, even though it says that this location is “temporarily closed” on the website and in the recorded message when you call the store. A representative from Walgreens (Duane Reade’s parent company) said they’re working on fixing the issue. (Thanks to Elisabeth for the tip.)
The Shell, a seafood restaurant with a raw bar, has opened at 635 Amsterdam on the corner of 91st Street. “From lobster salads to garlic shrimp our menu has something for everyone,” the restaurant posted on Instagram. The space, formerly the Mexican restaurant Blockheads, has a large outdoor patio section that can seat 60+ people. (Thanks to Ian and Emily for the tips.)
The Citibank branch formerly at 2560 Broadway between 97th and 98th Streets has completed its move across the avenue to 2553 Broadway on the corner of 96th Street. The move was scheduled for early December 2022 but it was delayed a couple months due to construction at the new building. (Thanks to Robert for the tip.)
dntl Bar, a dentist office offering same-day appointments and memberships, has closed its location at 2169 Broadway between 76th and 77th Streets. The UWS office opened in fall 2022 but a representative said that the company is consolidating their locations. The remaining dntl Bar offices are in Chelsea and Union Square. (Thanks to Rena for the tip.)
Oh, dear, I hope Sun-Chan makes it. They’ve had some difficult challenges over the past decade or so.
Love Sun-Chan but the place has been dirty for many, many years.
Pre-Covid even, they regularly had not-stellar grades from the DOH
They seem to have health violations. I don’t know what hard times you’re talking about other than what all restaurants have gone through. But if they can’t keep a place clean and safe I’m in no rush to go there.
Can’t imagine how much money dntl bar spent to rent a space, gut and redo it, and close in a few months.
“The Citibank branch formerly at 2560 Broadway between 97th and 98th Streets has completed its move across the avenue to 2553 Broadway on the corner of 96th Street.”
The branch was on Broadway at the southwest corner of 96th St, and is now at the northeast corner of 96th & Broadway.
Ugh, got the map mixed up in my head. It moved from the northeast corner to the southwest corner!
Not surprised that Dntl didn’t make it. If you walked by you had no idea it was a dental office.
I actually stopped by to ask what it was, walked by many times without knowing the purpose of it’s existence.
No sign just the abbreviation Dentl on the window.
I was a marketing, major in college many years ago I had no idea what that meant.
. One of the things from college I remember very distinctly was a comment one of my professor made
“A BUSINESS WITH OUT A SIGN , IS A SIGN OF NO BUSINESS “
PS
Maybe its the new way of doing business, keeping a secret of what you are doing in that location.
There is another store front on Broadway with just a name on the window that gives you no idea what that do.
In entered that location also.
, to find out exactly what service they were offering? ??
“La Traviata 2” is opening across the street from “Mama’s TOO!”. Maybe two much pizza for 1 block.
Mamas too is burnt pizza and lots of crowds. More than happy to have an alternative.
Mama Too’s is amazing. But if you don’t like it there are already 5 alternatives within a few blocks.
Sal I was a big fan of your playing days with the Oakland A’s! I just checked WIKI and see that he died just last month on JAN 20.
But, I digress.
Just went to Traviata and had a plain slice as well as the indulgent Bacon+Pepperoni slice. Good, not great, could have benefited from a little more tomato sauce. Two slices and a soda $11. About the same quality as Broadway Pizza at 103RD. Still feel that Mamas in # 1 with Sal (Bando) & Carmines #2 locally.
Mamas Too has very good pizza, but staff with attitude. I love Traviata and will give it a go.
Not really. Have you tried it? Mama’s Too has nothing to worry about.
I miss Cesca. Went there often since it opened,. Great Happy Hour. It had about the most expensive prices in the area when it was in business. I am sure its replacement will be very expensive, I am looking forward to its opening.
What’s the deal with the Shell restaurant? When I went on Google maps nothing came up!
I hope they get rid of scaffolding in front of a lot of these business as well as put up signs, otherwise you cannot see them.
Re dntl Bar: Who would go to a dentist who eschews vowels? Not I; that’s for sure!
Perhaps that’s how their clients end up talking…
I notice the restaurant Shell does not have handrails for its steps or a ramp for wheelchairs. I assume they don’t want people with walking difficulties as patrons. Not very nice of them
Why not contact them and ask? It’s a new place and maybe they haven’t thought about it. Give them the push they need to do the right thing.
There was another restaurant there before, did it have a ramp or handrails?
Very happy with my entire meal at The Shell. The owner Val is very sweet.
This is a must visit restaurant. Great addition to the UWS. Wishing them much success!!!