Alessa (237 W 35th St) Cucina e Bar opened in The Penn District on September 20th from owner Thomas Murphy of 212 Hospitality Group (Juniper Bar, Bourbon & Branch). Executive Chef Denevin Miranda, who was previously the Head Chef at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, will bring a slice of ‘La Dolce Vita’ to Midtown with a menu of housemade pizzas made in an Italian-imported oven, Italian Caviar Bumps, contemporary Italian dishes and a can’t miss Aperitivo Hour. Alessa brings the culinary heritage of Italy in an elevated, yet casual atmosphere. The beverage program will come from Damiano Corren who previously worked at Employees Only, Macao Trading Company and Sant Ambroeus.
Owner, Thomas Murphy of 212 Hospitality Group, known for hotspots like Juniper Bar and Bourbon & Branch, introduces his newest contemporary Italian concept to NYC, Alessa.
Executive Chef Denevin Miranda, formerly the Head Chef at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, brings a slice of ‘La Dolce Vita’ to Midtown. His menu includes housemade pizzas from an Italian-imported oven, Italian Caviar Bumps, contemporary Italian dishes, and a can’t-miss Aperitivo Hour. With over a decade of luxury hospitality and restaurant experience, Chef Miranda’s culinary journey began on Long Island, inspired by his grandmother’s Filipino cooking and her respect for quality and tradition. After earning a degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University in Miami, he honed his skills in some of Miami’s finest kitchens. Crowned Food Network’s Chopped Champion in 2021, Chef Miranda brings his energy and creativity to Alessa’s menu, which is also featured in The Osprey, Harriet’s Lounge and Rooftop, and Neighbor’s Café. His focus on sustainability and the freshest local ingredients is reflected in all his food programs, with an emphasis on reducing waste and minimizing the carbon footprint.
The beverage program is led by Damiano Corren, who previously worked at Employees Only, Macao Trading Company, and Sant Ambroeus. Born and raised in Rome, Damiano began his career at the Hotel de Russie. Seeking new horizons, he moved to London, where he expanded his expertise. Known for his exceptional customer service, eagerness to learn, and passion for crafting well-balanced cocktails, Damiano is also a certified sommelier. Through Coren Consulting Corp., he assists clients in creating cocktail and wine menus, staff training, brand development, and everything related to the beverage world.
A native New Yorker with more than 12 years of industry experience, Gerald Monokrousos brings both expertise and passion to his role as General Manager of Alessa. He joins Alessa from his previous role at Juniper Bar & Grill, a sister restaurant under the 212 Hospitality Group portfolio.
Alessa’s antipasti offerings include House-Made Focaccia with Cacio E Pepe Butter, Crimini Caps stuffed with Blue Crab, Mascarpone, and Fontina, and Arancini with Charred Eggplant, Tomato Jam, and Smoked Mozzarella. The Raw Bar features Oysters, Fluke Crudo, Octopus Carpaccio, and Tuna Tartare. Housemade pastas cater to every palate, with options like Risotto with Hen of the Woods, Truffle Butter, Pesto, and Grana Padano; Gnudo with Blue Crab, Caviar, Almond, and Amaretto Cream Sauce; and Rigatoni with Braised Short Rib Sugo, Ricotta, and Basil. Pizzas are baked to order, with classic options like Meatball with Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato, and Ricotta, or Spicy Salami with Pork Soppressata, Calabrian Chili, and Pecorino. Mains include fresh Bronzino with Spinach, Artichoke, and Salsa Verde, or Lemon Chicken with Capers and White Wine. Signature dishes for two include Squid Ink Linguine with 1.5 lb Lobster, Bisque Sauce, and Tarragon, and Bistecca Alla Fiorentina (32oz Bone-in Ribeye) with Arugula and Cacio E Pepe Butter.
Alessa’s signature cocktail list includes irresistible concoctions like the Dolce Vita with Tequila, Prickly Pear, Ancho Reyes, and Campari; the Costiera Negroni with Malfy Orange, lstine Vermouth, Campari, and Cedro Nardini; and the Ambra with Vodka, Mint, Lemon, Italicus, and Ginger Beer. The meticulously curated wine list features grapes from around the world, with a strong emphasis on Italian wines from regions such as Tuscany, Piedmont, and Bolgheri. The beer menu caters to all tastes, offering both domestic and imported brews on tap and in bottles, along with non-alcoholic options.
Days & Hours of Operation: Monday – Sunday 3 PM – 12 AM. Lunch service will be available this coming fall.
Alessa’s is 5,400 sq ft and has the capacity to accommodate 450 people.
Alessa is located at 237 W 35th St., New York, NY 10001.
