Shuttered celebrity haunt Nello to reopen at Midtown tower
Fabled Nello Restaurant Set to Reopen in Midtown Location
The iconic Nello restaurant, known for its celebrity clientele, is making a comeback in a new Midtown location after closing its doors last year following 25 years of operation on uptown Madison Avenue.
Real estate mogul and former hot dog franchise king, Thomas Makkos, has secured a lease at 62 W. 55th St., part of SL Green’s modernized office tower at 1350 Sixth Ave. The new location, previously occupied by Bice Cafe, will see the revival of the renowned Nello brand.
Although Nello Balan’s name was associated with the original Italian restaurant, it was actually run by Makkos after the partners went their separate ways in 2015.
The new Nello location will feature 2,300 square feet on the ground floor, 1,500 square feet below ground, and a spacious sidewalk patio, aiming to attract back its roster of celebrity regulars.
The area surrounding the new Nello spot is also home to other popular dining establishments like Alain Ducasse’s Benoit Bistro and media-favorite Michael’s.
James Famularo, president of Meridian Retail Leasing, who brokered the deal, commented, “Nello is an institution and it needed a prime location that reflects its reputation.”
Makkos is hopeful to welcome back Nello’s star-studded clientele, including the likes of J.Lo, Uma Thurman, Harrison Ford, Pierce Brosnan, and Jennifer Aniston.
The reopening of Nello brings back memories of its extravagant offerings, with dishes like a $275 plate of pasta and a side of celebrity sightings. The restaurant was often frequented by paparazzi and even faced controversies during the COVID lockdowns.
To add a touch of whimsy, Makkos famously decorated the outdoor seating with giant red teddy bears wearing masks, a quirky sight that became a symbol of the restaurant’s resilience.
While specifics about the new menu remain unknown, sources suggest that the rent for the new Nello location falls in the range of $250-$300 per square foot.
