LIBBI – A New Kosher Mediterranean Restaurant on the Upper East Side from the Founder of Abaita
The Upper East Side welcomes an exciting new kosher restaurant, LIBBI, crafted by the same visionary team behind the acclaimed Abaita, which proudly features among our list of the best kosher restaurants in Manhattan. More than just a sibling to its Midtown counterpart, LIBBI promises an elevated Mediterranean dining experience that blends thoughtful, personal dishes with a refined atmosphere, true to its name, which means “my heart” in Hebrew, reflecting the passion at the core of the menu.
LIBBI recently opened its doors in a soft launch phase, serving breakfast and lunch at 205 East 81st Street, and it’s already catching attention for its beautiful space and impressive food. Once fully open, dinner service will follow, expanding the opportunity to experience the creativity of Chef David Donagrandi, who many will recognize from his role as the executive chef at Abaita. Donagrandi is known for pushing kosher dining forward by blending authentic Italian techniques with global influences. This philosophy continues in Libbi’s Mediterranean flavor profile, moving beyond traditional Italian cuisine to embrace a broader, fresh palette.
The menu is a heartfelt collection of dishes that are sure to quickly become favorites among diners. Standout plates according to Kosherist, include the Rosti Terrine, a rich potato terrine crowned with a poached egg and hollandaise sauce; the vibrant Tuna Toro with jalapeño melon salad that balances heat and sweetness beautifully; and the Spicy Tomato Pizza topped with mozzarella, shiitake mushrooms, and garlic chili oil, a nod to Abaita’s expertise with kosher wood-fired pizza, but with its own distinct flair (discover more about this culinary style here).
LIBBI embraces its Mediterranean inspiration with an array of vegetarian dishes, flavorful fish options, and unique takes on pasta and Roman-style “pinse” pizzas, which feature the light and airy crusts typical of Italy’s capital. The atmosphere is polished yet inviting, designed to feel like a grand café, particularly during breakfast, where patrons can savor elevated offerings such as pancakes with figs and orange marmalade or delight in rich coffee and carefully curated cocktails coming soon.
The story behind LIBBI‘s creation is rooted in a desire to extend the success of Abaita while experimenting with new ideas and deeper culinary emotion. According to reports, the team views LIBBI as Abaita’s “older sister”—a bit more refined, with dishes that feel personal and thoughtful, truly reflective of the chef’s heart and soul. This heartfelt approach translates into a dining experience that resonates with food enthusiasts eager for kosher options that are both innovative and sincere.
LIBBI‘s online presence captures some of its vibrant spirit and ongoing updates—its Instagram offers a glimpse into beautifully presented plates and the restaurant’s stylish setting. As with Abaita, the team behind LIBBI, in addition to Chef David Donagrandi, is Chef Sruli Subar of Subar & Co., known for creating standout culinary ventures, which further raise expectations for this new addition to the Upper East Side’s kosher dining scene.
For kosher diners in New York looking for a fresh, heartfelt culinary experience on the Upper East Side, LIBBI is shaping up to be a must-visit destination. With its thoughtfully crafted menu, elegant ambiance, and connection to the respected legacy of Abaita, it promises to bring a new level of sophistication and warmth to kosher dining in Manhattan.
Visit LIBBI
205 East 81st Street, New York, NY
OK Kosher / Chalav Yisrael
