The Lifestyle Co. is pleased to announce it is working with Casa Cruz in partnership with Louisa Rose PR.
Casa Cruz, the flagship U.S. property from Santa Cruz Co, has quickly become one of New York’s most compelling destinations for dining and nightlife. Housed in a meticulously restored, multi-level Upper East Side townhouse, Casa Cruz blends exceptional cuisine, beautifully layered design, and a distinct sense of warmth to create an atmosphere that feels both intimate and electric. With its rooftop bar, fourth-floor living room, and signature dining levels, Casa Cruz is designed as a modern-day “house”—a place where guests can dine, meet, lounge, celebrate, and let the night unfold organically.
Often described by its founder as “the home you wish you had if you had forty staff members,” Casa Cruz offers an experience rooted in personal connection rather than performance. Every room is created with intention: spaces for business, spaces for fun, spaces for spontaneity, and moments that transition effortlessly from dinner to late-night drinks. A curated but relaxed mix of guests—from global creatives to cultural leaders—contributes to the dynamic energy that has become synonymous with the Casa Cruz name.
A Multi-Level Experience
Casa Cruz is built around a fluid, residential-style journey. Guests might enjoy a drink on the rooftop, settle into the fourth-floor living room for conversation, or dine in one of the warmly lit, art-accented rooms designed to evoke the feeling of being in a beautifully appointed private home. The recently launched Secreto 61 expands this vision with a “Dinner Plus” concept—an inviting, loungy space where nights naturally extend into music, drinks, dancing, and conversation. The vibe is distinctly New York: spirited, eclectic, and alive with possibility.
A Design Language of Warmth and Instinct
The design of Casa Cruz reflects Juan Santa Cruz’s instinct-driven approach—one that eschews mood boards and trends in favor of intuition and timelessness. The townhouse was fully reimagined from a deteriorated shell into a richly layered environment marked by custom copper finishes, warm woods, jewel-toned upholstery, and intimate lighting that flatters every corner of the space. The décor intentionally avoids feeling like a gallery; instead, it captures the spirit of a private, well-lived home, where every room invites conversation rather than distracts from it. The result is an environment that feels both glamorous and deeply comfortable—a visual signature that has become synonymous with the Santa Cruz Co aesthetic.
Elevated, Seasonal Cuisine by Chef John Fraser
Casa Cruz’s culinary identity is led by acclaimed Chef John Fraser, known for his refined technique, vegetable-forward sensibility, and ability to balance elegance with approachability. At Casa Cruz, Fraser brings a menu rooted in seasonality and high-quality sourcing—with dishes that are thoughtful, expressive, and crafted to complement the restaurant’s dynamic social atmosphere. The menu leans into bold flavors and polished simplicity, offering elevated interpretations of classics alongside standout signature dishes. Fraser’s food aligns seamlessly with the Casa Cruz ethos: generous, vibrant, and designed for the kind of convivial, lingering dining that defines the experience.
About Juan Santa Cruz
Casa Cruz is the creation of Juan Santa Cruz, the hospitality visionary behind Santa Cruz Co, whose portfolio includes Casa Cruz, Obvio, and Coco’s across Buenos Aires, London, and New York. After beginning his career in finance, Santa Cruz pivoted toward his true calling: creating environments where people genuinely enjoy themselves. His design approach avoids trends, mood boards, and imitation; instead, he follows instinct, resulting in spaces that feel singular and deeply personal. Driven by a philosophy of warmth, spontaneity, and impeccable service, Santa Cruz is now shaping the next chapter of his global footprint with upcoming expansion in the U.S. and his long-held ambition of developing a landmark hotel—“the Claridge’s of the future.”
A Home for New York, A Vision for the Future
Casa Cruz represents not only a refined dining experience but also a broader vision for what hospitality can be: personal, intuitive, and built around the joy of gathering. As Santa Cruz Co expands into new markets, the New York townhouse remains the group’s crown jewel—an environment that brings together great food, exceptional service, evocative design, and the mix of people that defines the city at its best.
Image courtesy of Casa Cruz
