Tribeca Grill to close after 34 years in New York's dining scene

After 34 years, Tribeca Grill, a renowned wine restaurant in New York, will close its doors. Owners Drew Nieporent and Robert De Niro have decided to end the restaurant's journey, with the last meal scheduled for March 1. Located in Lower Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood, Tribeca Grill opened in 1990. It quickly became a hotspot, attracting Hollywood stars and wine enthusiasts. Over the years, it earned the prestigious Wine Spectator Grand Award annually since 2002. Despite its success, Nieporent believes it's time to move on, comparing the closure to the natural lifecycle of a Broadway show.

Nieporent and longtime wine director David Gordon see the closure as part of broader changes in the fine dining scene. Many diners now prefer exploring dining options in Brooklyn and Queens. Economic challenges, such as inflation and rising labor costs, have also impacted the restaurant industry. Tribeca Grill started with a modest wine list of 60 bottles. Gordon expanded it significantly, turning the restaurant into a wine destination. The cellar now holds 25,000 bottles, but there are no plans for its future.

The restaurant attracted a diverse clientele, from movie stars to wine industry figures. Notable guests included Bruce Springsteen, Mick Jagger, and Paul McCartney. Tribeca Grill offered elevated New American cuisine, such as pan-roasted Amish chicken and butternut squash ravioli. Its interior featured a brick-lined design, an oak bar, and tiled floors, blending fine dining with comfort. Gordon focused on providing exceptional wine selections at reasonable prices, particularly from the Rhône and Châteauneuf-du-Pape regions.

Tribeca Grill also played a significant role in nurturing wine industry talent. Many staff members, including food runners, have been with the restaurant for over 20 years. Gordon emphasized the importance of treating customers with respect, regardless of their wine choices. The decision to close was bittersweet, but there was a shared understanding that it was the right time. Nieporent mentioned there are no plans for the 100-year-old building owned by De Niro or the restaurant's space.

In its final weeks, Tribeca Grill is offering a $59 three-course prix-fixe menu alongside its regular à la carte options. Nieporent expressed pride in the restaurant's legacy, acknowledging its role in New York's food and wine community. Despite the closure, he remains optimistic about the city's vibrant dining scene. Tribeca Grill's departure marks the end of an era, but its impact on the industry and its patrons will be remembered fondly.