This spring, leading hospitality group Apicii, in partnership with acclaimed Extell Development, debuts four unique concepts at Kimpton Era Midtown New York, creating a dynamic, star-powered dining destination adjacent to Rockefeller Center. The rollout begins with Bar Rocco, by James Beard Award–winning chef Rocco DiSpirito, and The Parlor, a European-inspired bar. In mid-March, Latin steakhouse Amasa will open its doors, along with Bar Amasa, a casual cantina. The Asian rooftop izakaya Jade Rabbit will open in April. All four concepts were brought to life by New York City-based SLCE Architects and interior design studio INC Architecture & Design.
Bar Rocco - Opening Early March, 2026
From beloved James Beard Award-winning chef, television personality, and author Rocco DiSpirito comes Bar Rocco (pictured top right), a destination Italian American brasserie, with its name serving a playful nod to both the chef and the restaurant's panoramic views of Rockefeller Plaza. DiSpirito has conceptualized a refined yet approachable Italian American brasserie, with a market-driven menu informed by his frequent visits to regional greenmarkets and long-standing relationships with local farmers and purveyors. From its bold mosaic floors and paneled walls to its handsome banquette seating and showstopping scarlet ceramic bar, Bar Rocco's design is a fitting homage to classic Midtown institutions.
DiSpirito’s menu showcases playful signatures like Mama's Meatballs, alongside Oysters "Rocco-Feller” - a jaunty take on a New York favorite – served warm on the halfshell with Guanciale and Herbal Broth. His heritage and upbringing are reflected in authentic recipes like Pappardelle Genovese with 24-hour smoked short rib ragu, and he pays a heartwarming homage to his mother’s home-cooked potato salad with the Hester Street Home Fries (double-fried russet potatoes served with lemon aioli).
The Parlor - Opening Early March, 2026
The Parlor (pictured bottom left) is an all-day gathering place inspired by the neighborhood bars and cafés of Europe. The menu draws from French, Italian, and Spanish traditions - fresh-baked croissants, hand-pulled espressos, paninis, and aperitivo-style snacks are served alongside spritzes, wines, and classic cocktails as the evening unfolds. Designed for early commuters grabbing coffee and the evening cocktail crowd alike, the room is anchored by floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Rockefeller Plaza and the midtown streetscape, and is adorned with a diverse mix of relaxed lounge and bar seating for guests to unwind and connect.
Amasa - Opening mid-March, 2026
Amasa (pictured top left) is a Latin steakhouse that celebrates the region's bold culinary traditions, rich flavors, and attention to craftsmanship while delivering a dining experience filled with soulful hospitality. Chef Christopher Loeffl’s (Cimera, Cozobi, Mercantile Dining & Provisions) menu embraces the vibrant spice profiles of Peru and Mexico, blending time-honored cooking techniques with modern culinary finesse. Latin and American cuts of Heritage Black Angus beef are paired with regional marinades and sauces such as citrus garlic mojo, and Aji Amarillo Béarnaise. The restaurant's design evokes the warmth of the region's natural landscape, reflected in earth-tone mosaic finishes, jewel-toned fabrics, and hand-crafted terracotta lighting. Bar Amasa is the restaurant's street-level cantina serving iconic Latin cocktails alongside inspired Mexican tacos.
Jade Rabbit - Opening April, 2026
Jade Rabbit (pictured bottom right) is named after the mythical jade rabbit of the moon and offers sweeping 360-degree views of Rockefeller Center and the New York City skyline. This lush and lively rooftop izakaya features small plates bursting with Asian flavors meant for sharing, along with fun and flavorful riffs on classic Asian and tiki cocktails. Drawing on New York’s Chinatown dining legacies, its tomato-red bar is framed by tiled portals and temple-like joinery, grounded in intimacy by hand-painted lotus motifs.
All four restaurants are located in the Kimpton Era Midtown New York at 32 W 48th Street, NYC.
Images courtesy of Apicii