A new culinary energy comes to midtown Manhattan with the arrival of ZUMA.
The launch in late fall 2014 will mark the iconic restaurant's ninth location in its international collection. ZUMA New York (261 Madison Ave.) will have a main dining room, a bar and lounge area, and private rooms, all of which will be situated across two levels.
Designed by Noriyoshi Muramatsu of Tokyo-based Studio Glitt, the space will capture the style and elegance of ZUMA worldwide, yet will embrace elements exclusive to New York.
“The first time I visited New York I was, like everyone else I know who has ever been here, completely hooked," says creator and co-founder of ZUMA, Rainer Becker. "That first visit, I was blown away by the diversity and quality of the food and that experience has continued on every single visit to the present day. I am excited and eager to be involved in the energy of a city I have both respected and loved for so long."
Becker spent six years in Tokyo, where he passionately engaged in Japanese food culture and explored ancient and modern traditions that have shaped contemporary Japanese cuisine. His attraction to izakaya, an informal dining style, coupled with his fascination for the respectful discipline and standards of excellence that define Japanese cuisine, lured him to conceive the concept for ZUMA.
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to partner with Arjun Waney to bring his vision for ZUMA to fruition in 2002, opening the flagship London location. The foundation of ZUMA’s philosophy is to offer a complete dining experience where all elements are of equal importance to compliment the taste and flavor of the cuisine.
ZUMA New York’s menu will offer signature dishes including Suzuki No Sashimi, seabass sashimi with yuzu and salmon roe; Tori No Tebasaki, sake glazed chicken wings, sea salt, and lime; Ebi No Sumibiyaki Yuzu Kosho Fuumi, jumbo tiger prawn with yuzu pepper; and a U.S. Prime, bone-in, 24-ounce ribeye, while celebrating new creations specific to New York.
Each of the three kitchens at Zuma, sushi counter, main kitchen, and robata grill, offers a menu of bold flavors and simple presentation that embodies the relaxed energy and ambience of izakaya, in the contemporary sophistication that is ZUMA style.
