Closings: Emilia by Nai on 1st Ave.

Photo by Pinch

A for-rent sign hangs above 174 First Ave. (south storefront), marking the official end of Emilia by Nai here between 10th Street and 12th Street.

There's no mention of a closure on the restaurant's website or Instagram account. A "Closed for Private Event" sign had been on the storefront for months.

This was a return (circa June 2022) to the address for Chef Ruben Rodriquez, who ran Nai Tapas Bar in the subterranean space until a move to Second Avenue in 2018.

Rodriquez has several other restaurants in the neighborhood, including the recently opened Bad Hombre at 29 Second Ave. — the former Amigo.

Per the listing (PDF), the asking rent at 174 First Ave. is $18,500 a month.

Openings: Emilia by Nai

Chef Ruben Rodriguez unveils his third East Village project today with the opening of Emilia by Nai at 174 First Ave. between 10th Street and 11th Street.

Per the Emilia by Nai website: "A minimalist farm-to-table restaurant — where Rodriguez pays homage to his Grandmother Emilia, for her untraditionally kept garden in Galicia and her love for coffee."

The coffee portion will come during the day as the team behind the Coffee Project NY on Fifth Street (and other locations) will be running a daily cafe service between 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The restaurant will be open then from 5-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, with a 11:30 p.m. close on Friday. And Saturday: 1-11:30 p.m. ... and Sunday: 1-10 p.m.

You can find the menu here.

This is a return to the address for Rodriquez, who ran Nai Tapas Bar here until a move to Second Avenue in 2018.

Rodriguez also operates Amigo by Nai at 29 Second Ave. between First Street and Second Street.