Yara

Yara from Former Porsche Exec Opens in Midtown Next Week | Eater NY

"Located at 319 East 53rd St., between First and Second Avenues, I visited a swanky two-story, 200-seat Lebanese restaurant and cocktail lounge opened by former Porsche VP Jacob Harb as a family project with his uncle Paul Hobeika; Harb brings some Porsche luxury flair to the space with three fireplaces, a private dining area, a lounge, and a coffee bar. The menu, from chef Refeat Husseini (who previously worked at Al Bustan), focuses on vegan and Lebanese fare—ranging from salads like tabouli to shareable plates such as grilled chicken skewers and lamb with sautéed okra, rice, and tomatoes—with a good portion of dishes marked vegan to accommodate large groups with varying dietary preferences. Prices run roughly $10 for hummus and other small plates up to $35 for grilled fish, and drinks lean into wine and cocktails, including a “Candella,” a Manhattan-inspired cocktail made with bourbon, vermouth, and arak. The venue is aiming for a fashion-forward crowd by hosting launch parties and future Fashion Week events, and it opens January 24 with daily hours from 5 p.m. to midnight." - Carla Vianna