Kōbo by Nai has not been open lately

Kōbo by Nai has been dark the past few weeks at 202 Avenue A between 12th Street and 13th Street.

There isn't any notice of a temporary or permanent closure on the storefront or online. The Mediterranean restaurant no longer accepts reservations, and Kōbo has been removed from the main Nai website. 

Meanwhile, someone looks to be packing up the interior...

The restaurant opened in late 2022. This is the second establishment from Chef Ruben Rodriguez to close in the East Village in recent months, following Emilia by Nai on First Avenue.

Rodriguez still operates the original Nai at 84 Second Ave. near Fifth Street and Bad Hombre at 29 Second Ave. 

Also on the block, Borrachito Taqueria & Spirits will not reopen at 206 Avenue A. It has been dark since January. Someone painted the marquee and added Bar TBA on March 30. (Thanks to EVG reader Joe for this photo from March.)

Kōbo by Nai watch on Avenue A

As you may have noticed in recent months... the small plaque for Kōbo by Nai outside 202 Avenue A between 12th Street and 13th Street...

This will be the latest EV establishment for Chef Ruben Rodriguez ... the restaurant's website notes that Kōbo by Nai will be "a contemporary pasta bar featuring Mediterranean fare."

Rodriguez told us in a recent message that he hopes to be up and running here later this fall. 

Rodriguez is also behind Nai Tapas Bar on Second Avenue, Amigo by Nai on Second Avenue and the recently opened Emilia by Nai on First Avenue.

This marks the first retail tenant for No. 202, which underwent a gut renovation and expansion ... the custom stereo shop Bright Audio was the previous business in the old 202 storefront.