THE RESERVATION EVERYONE WILL BE CHASING THIS AUGUST
Contributor - Ximena Lascurain | Lifestyle Consultant • 7/23/26
Get ready to clear some space on your reservation wish list this August!
Legendary restaurateur Pablo Rivero—the genius behind Buenos Aires hotspots Don Julio (yes, the Michelin-starred World’s 50 Best legend) and El Preferido has officially landed in NYC with his very first restaurant outside of Argentina: Graciela.
Partnering up with Adam and Alex Saper (the brothers who brought us Eataly), Rivero is bringing serious live-fire cooking, world-class wines, and bottomless Argentine warmth straight to a prime corner in the West Village.
WHY IT’S CALLED "GRACIELA"
The restaurant is named after Rivero’s mom! Inspired by traditional Argentine bodegones (neighborhood tavern-meets-gathering-place), the whole vibe is built around the kind of hospitality his mother embodies: generous, personal, and instantly welcoming.
THE FLAME-KISSED HIGHLIGHTS
10+ Feet of Pure Fire: At the center of the room sits a massive custom-built Argentine parrilla (grill) and Josper oven fueled by imported Argentine charcoal.
Buenos Aires Dream Team: Rivero literally flew in his top talent from Argentina to run the kitchen and front-of-house, so you get the exact same legendary service and grilled perfection you'd get in South America.
More Than Just Steak: Sure, you're going to want the Ojo de Bife (ribeye) slathered in 30-day aged chimichurri, but leave room for the charred eggplant dip, housemade Fainá (chickpea tart), and crispy Milanesa. As partner Adam Saper says: "People may come for the steak, but we want them to leave talking about the vegetables."
Sips by the World's Best: Rivero was named Best Sommelier in the World in 2024, so expect an incredible line-up of low-intervention organic wines, seasonal cocktails named after fun Argentine slang, and rare vintage Fernet.
DON'T SLEEP ON DESSERT
You can't walk out without trying the housemade Dulce de Leche Gelato or traditional Flan. Trust us on this one.
Keep an eye out later this year when Graciela unveils a hidden, vaulted speakeasy-style space underneath the main dining room for exclusive pours and secret menu items!
Contributor — Ximena Lascurain | Lifestyle Consultant
From Mexico City, Ximena Lascurain brings to the Four Hundred Team a Latin flair. Growing up and attending Culinary School there, she has always been interested in the culture and gastronomy of her country. When she moved to NYC she attended the International Culinary Center where she certified as a Sommelier under the Court of Master Sommeliers. Prior to Four Hundred she worked in the kitchens of several Michelin star restaurants throughout Mexico, Spain and NY. What she enjoys the most when it comes to travel, is doing a lot of research. Specially when it comes to the "hidden gems" for local food and specialty coffee.