New Zuma Restaurant opens in New York City

Zuma, the award-winning restaurant, has opened a new branch in Madison Avenue, Midtown Manhattan with executive chef Carlos Jorge at the helm.

The restaurant chain, co-founded by Rainer Becker, offers contemporary Japanese dining inspired by the time Rainer spent working in Tokyo. Zuma presents informal izakaya-style dining in an elegant space, with authentic and simple presentation. The restaurant features a main kitchen, sushi counter, and a robata grill that produces dishes designed to be shared.

Working with Tokyo-based designer, Noriyoshi Muramatsu, the new restaurant’s design follows the group’s signature, so it is inspired by the four elements of earth, fire, water and air, but it also reflects New York's vibrant, metropolitan energy and diverse cultures.

The main dining room can seat 100 covers, and it includes a sushi bar that accommodates eight. Guests can also experience the action seating at the robata grill.

There is a choice of more intimate dining. Groups of four can be placed in a slatted steel booth called koyas, while on the second level there are two private dining rooms.

"New York has an energy that is unmatched by any city in the world and I have always been impressed by the quality of food and incomparable dining experiences here," said Zuma creator and co-founder Rainer Becker. "We are excited to join this culinary community and hope that guests will enjoy not only our interpretation of Japanese cuisine, but an experience that reflects the vitality of this great city."

The new restaurant is located on the first floor of The Sapir Organization (261 Madison Avenue New York, New York, 10016). It is open for lunch Monday – Saturday from 11:45 AM to 3:00 PM and is open for dinner Monday – Saturday from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

For more information, please visit www.zumarestaurant.com

By John Guinn