Nai to close on Nov. 8 after 15 years in the East Village

After 15 years in the East Village, Nai, the tapas restaurant owned by chef Ruben Rodriguez, will close on Nov. 8. 

Nai — which means "mother" in Gallego — has its roots in Galicia, Spain, where Rodriguez drew inspiration from his mother, Ana Maria Gonzalez Arias. 

The restaurant had several EV locations, beginning on First Avenue and later its current spot, 84 Second Ave. between Fourth Street and Fifth Street.

In a message to EVG, Rodriguez wrote: 

Been a very heartbreaking couple of weeks making this decision. Last couple of days I couldn't imagine how many private messages from people I've never met about how much Nai meant to them. I leave with nothing but gratitude. Unfortunately, it was my time to go.

This is part of Nai's official closing notice via social media and its website: 

What began as a small dream — a place to share the flavors of Spain, the warmth of family, and the joy of gathering — became something far greater than we ever imagined. 

Nai became a home. For our team. For our guests. For our neighborhood. 

Fifteen years is a lifetime in restaurant years. We close this chapter not with sadness, but with gratitude — for every plate served, every story shared, and every person who walked through our doors. 

Fifteen years is a solid run in these parts. 

Rodriguez also operated the now-closed Kōbo by Nai at 202 Avenue A and Emilia by Nai on First Avenue.