The Citiblog
Kobo Arrives in the East Village
December 20, 2022, 11:12.15 pm ET
Photos: Kathryn M. Sheldon
Kōbo is the latest addition to the restaurant portfolio from Chef/Restaurateur Ruben Rodriguez, owner of Nai Restaurant Group. Kōbo brings together the best of Rodriguez’s Spanish upbringing and his travels throughout Italy and the Mediterranean with handmade pastas and other dishes designed for sharing.
Rodriguez, who grew up in his mother’s restaurant in Galicia, Spain, worked his way up through numerous NYC kitchens before founding Nai in 2010. At Kōbo, he’s brought in Co-Executive Chef Rafael de la Rosa, (formerly of Minetta Tavern) to help craft the menu.
The meal begins with snacks like Mortadella with cornichon on sourdough; Oysters with orange and rosemary; and Focaccia baked fresh daily with herb butter. Other offerings include Cured Sea Bream with blood orange, grapefruit, black olive, and rosemary; Asparagus dressed in hollandaise, Calabrian chili, and anchovies; and Grilled Sardines with cilantro chimichurri and charred lemon.
Pastas are based on what’s in season. One signature dish is Fideua, a pasta form of paella from Spain’s Valencia region made with saffron-infused squid ink pasta, octopus and baby squid. Heartier plates include Iberico Pork Milanese served with frisée and honey-mustard dressing; and Whole Dorade with lemon potatoes, black olive, and herbs. For a sweet finish there is Tiramisu and Panna Cotta with a maple-sherry vinegar syrup. Wines lean Italian but also include selections from Italy and Spain, or grab a classic cocktail.
The centerpiece at Kōbo is a champagne pink Brazilian stone counter and a custom light fixture above the bar made with 1,117 handcrafted pieces of wood.
Kōbo is located at 202 Avenue A, New York, NY (212) 6770 1030
For more information, visit nairestaurant.com/kobo
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