The Upper East Side has welcomed a fresh new dining destination with the opening of ZOI Mediterranean UES, the latest chapter from the team behind the beloved ZOI Nomad flagship. Located at 1480 2nd Avenue, the new restaurant brings ZOI’s signature coastal Mediterranean spirit north, offering brunch, lunch, and dinner in a setting that feels both transportive and distinctly at home in the neighborhood.
Already known for its vibrant mezze culture, thoughtful cocktails, and warm hospitality, in NoMad, ZOI’s Upper East Side opening marks a natural evolution for the brand. The space blends traditional Mediterranean flavors with a modern sensibility, pairing relaxed elegance with the energy of New York City. From the moment guests step inside, they are enveloped by calming blue tones, textured finishes, and an inviting atmosphere designed to awaken both the eyes and the palate.
At its core, ZOI UES is about sharing, discovery, and balance. The menu draws inspiration from across the Mediterranean, Greek, Italian, and Levantine traditions, while subtly weaving in Asian influences that add brightness and contrast. Seasonal ingredients anchor every dish, resulting in plates that feel fresh, flavorful, and refined without ever being fussy.
Mezze remains the heart of the experience. Guests are encouraged to linger over a table filled with small plates, perfect for tasting and conversation. Highlights include the Beet & Burrata Carpaccio, a vibrant, visually striking dish that balances earthiness with creaminess, and the Citrus Tuna Tartare, which delivers clean flavors with a refreshing lift. The Grilled Octopus, tender and charred just right, is already emerging as a crowd favorite, echoing the coastal traditions that define the ZOI ethos.
For those seeking something heartier, the Mediterranean Breeze Soup stands out as a signature. Featuring short-rib beef, yogurt, chickpeas, orzo, and mint, it’s a dish that feels comforting yet complex, an ideal expression of how ZOI marries tradition with modern technique. The menu flows seamlessly from light and bright to rich and satisfying, making it equally suited for a business lunch, a leisurely brunch, or an intimate evening out.
The beverage program is just as considered. ZOI UES offers an extensive cocktail list designed to complement the food rather than overpower it. Herb-forward spritzes, aromatic seasonal infusions, and balanced classics anchor the menu, inviting guests to sip slowly and stay awhile. Whether it’s a midday aperitif or a late-evening cocktail, the drinks reinforce the restaurant’s easygoing, social spirit.
“ZOI Upper East Side is our love letter to the neighborhood,” says Onur Safak, Founder of ZOI. “We wanted to create a place that feels like a second home, with delicious food, meaningful hospitality, and a sense of belonging.”
That sense of belonging is intentional. ZOI UES was designed to be a neighborhood fixture, a place where locals can gather regularly, not just for special occasions. The layout supports everything from casual solo meals at the bar to group dinners and private celebrations, making it a versatile addition to the Upper East Side dining scene.
The opening also further strengthens ZOI’s presence across Manhattan. With its flagship location still thriving in NoMad at the Life Hotel (19 W 31st Street), the brand now bridges downtown buzz with uptown refinement. While each location has its own personality, both share the same commitment to quality, hospitality, and soulful cooking.
Conveniently situated near Central Park and Museum Mile, ZOI UES is poised to become a go-to for locals and visitors alike, whether stopping in after a gallery visit, meeting friends for mezze and cocktails, or settling in for a relaxed dinner that feels like a brief escape to the Mediterranean coast.
With its thoughtful fusion of tradition and modernity, ZOI hasn’t just opened another restaurant; it has introduced a new gathering place, one defined by warmth, flavor, and a distinctly New York sense of ease.
