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OPTO Opens in the Iconic Periyali Space in Flatiron
January 24, 2025, 6:11.14 pm ET

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Photos: Noah Fecks

In the heart of Manhattan's Flatiron District, a new chapter unfolds in the space that once housed the iconic Periyali restaurant. OPTO, a new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant helmed by Executive Chef Alex Tubero and co-owner Nicola Kotsoni, who owned and operated Periyali for 38 years, has arrived on the scene.

Located at 35 W 20th Street, OPTO draws its name from the Latin words meaning "to desire" and "to vision." Chef Tubero, whose experience spans culinary stalwarts like Union Square Café and Amali, brings a refined yet approachable take on Mediterranean flavors, rooted in high-quality ingredients and refined technique.

The menu begins with house-made durum wheat bread paired with premium Spanish olive oil, setting the tone for a journey through raw bar selections like Bluefin Tuna, Norwegian Yellowtail, and King Salmon Tartare.

Appetizers bring Charred Spanish Octopus with aged sherry and mint, and Tiger Shrimp Guazzetto, seared giant prawns simmered in a white wine and tomato garlic sauce. Handmade pastas include classics like Trenette al Pesto Genovese with Ligurian olive oil and Tagliolini al Amalfi Limone, finished with Amalfi lemons and cultured butter imported from France.

Entrées range from Filet Mignon, from cattle raised on nutrient-rich volcanic pastures of Tasmania to Canary Islands Branzino, Hawkeye Point Lamb T-Bones from Colorado, and Suckling Pig Shoulder with chestnuts, brown butter and sage. Desserts feature Lemon Torte Caprese and a nod to Periyali’s legacy: its signature Crème Caramel.

Complementing the cuisine is a wine list emphasizing Italian and French selections, alongside a playful cocktail menu inspired by literary quotes. Standouts include the gin-based "Don’t Give Up" with blood orange and Prosecco, "Today You Are You," a vodka cocktail with Limoncello, and refreshing spritzes like "Beauty Is a Form of Genius" made with cherry Antico, Amaro Nonino, and Prosecco.

Kotsoni, who has opened more than a dozen New York restaurants, describes her partnership with Tubero as a meeting of shared passion and vision. “Alex is inspiring, and the food is going to knock everyone’s socks off,” Kotsoni said.

The restaurant’s design, spearheaded by Glen Coben of Glen & Co. (Gabriel Kreuther, Carbone and Francie Brooklyn), filled with tones and jewel-toned banquettes. A large white marble bar, framed by a bronze arch and mother-of-pearl tiles sets the tone as guests arrive.

OPTO is open for dinner daily from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Reservations can be made via Resy or by visiting optonyc.com. Follow along on Instagram at @opto.nyc.



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