A new all-day dining destination has arrived in the heart of the West Village. Lume West Village, pronounced “Lu-me,” meaning “light” in Italian, has opened its doors at the corner of West 4th and Perry Street (where Extra Virgin was previously). Inviting guests to write the next chapter with an Italian-French dining experience.
Lume West Village is the brainchild of restaurateur Yohann Pecheux, the visionary behind St. Tropez Wine Bar, St. Tropez Soho and Mino Brasserie. Pecheux, who honed his hospitality expertise in renowned restaurants across Saint Tropez and Aix-en-Provence, brought his passion for Southern French cuisine to New York in 2012. His dream: to create a dining experience inspired by his heritage. That dream has now taken on a vibrant new form with Lume West Village. Bringing this vision to life is a dedicated team of investors Fabien Pichard, Tim Anderson, Jean-Marc Maggio, and Federica Giacometti. And Executive Chef and Partner Gérald Barthélémy who is the chef at all establishments including St. Tropez Wine Bar, St. Tropez Soho, Mino Brasserie and Lume West Village. Chef Barthélémy earned a Michelin star in 2010 for his exquisite work at Le Cinq restaurant in Paris. His culinary artistry, characterized by meticulous techniques and the freshest ingredients, also shines through in Lume’s innovative menu seamlessly blending modern Italian cuisine with French flair and American classics. This culinary fusion is evident throughout the all-day offerings, from the café and lunch menus to the enticing dinner and cocktail selections.
Committed to preserving the neighborhood and legacy of this beloved West Village corner, having even outbid many for the prized location. “We’re a neighborhood-owned restaurant with a vision that extends beyond borders,” says Pecheux in a statement. “Lume West Village isn’t just a place to eat or drink. It’s a location with many memories that we want to preserve, while helping create new ones for locals and travelers alike.”
As an all-day cafe and restaurant, Lume West Village flows to the rhythm of the neighborhood, effortlessly transitioning from a morning café to a vibrant lunch spot and finally, a stylish cocktail bar and restaurant as evening descends. During breakfast from 8:30 AM – 4 PM, guests can start their day with artisanal coffee, fresh Viennoiserie, and a tempting breakfast selection that includes bowls and paninis, perfect for a post-workout boost. Lunchtime brings a selection of craveable dishes from Pinsa Burrata ($22), featuring creamy burrata atop a bed of tomato sauce and basil on Pinza bread, or Pinsa di Parma ($24) with arugula, prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, and Parmigiano Reggiano. Fresh pastas and the signature Lume Burger ($26) with 6oz Wagyu beef, fontina cheese, truffle mayo, and Italian fries are also not to be missed and available on the dinner menu. As day transitions to night, Lume’s menu unfolds to reveal tantalizing dinner options. Begin with Antipasti like the Wagyu Beef Carpaccio ($26) with Parmigiano Reggiano, basil, red pesto, and arugula, or the Arancini Al Porcini ($18), rice balls stuffed with porcini mushrooms and served with pomodoro and Parmigiano Reggiano.
Guests are invited to embrace European tradition with the in-house Focaccia Service. Choose from Sea Salt & Rosemary ($12), Ricotta and Honey ($14), or Garlic and Truffle ($16) to pair with a selection of Taleggio, Comte, Speck, Mortadella, or Saucisson. To bring the full aperitivo-inspired experience full circle, complete the meat, cheese and bread experience with Prosciutto Service, featuring 30-month aged prosciutto served with Parmigiano Reggiano, Crostini, and 12-year aged Balsamic Vinegar ($28). Housemade pastas are a must-try. The Rigatoni and Burrata ($27) with Espelette pepper and tomato sauce, the classic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe ($22), and the nostalgic Ziti Alla Bolognese ($30) with short ribs ragu are satisfying and great for sharing. And lastly, Piatti Unici (Mains) offer a diverse selection, including the Cotoletta Lume ($28), a juicy boneless chicken breast stuffed with fontina cheese and served with tomato sauce and potato al forno; the Mediterranean Branzino ($42), a whole grilled branzino with artichoke, eggplant, and lemon confit; and the Hanger Steak ($39), an 8 oz hanger steak with French beans, Italian fries, and peppercorn sauce, representing the perfect marriage of French and Italian flavors. A Late Night Luminescence (After 11:00 PM) to encourage the cocktail scene includes a special late-night menu available for those seeking culinary delights after hours.
Lume’s interior is a blend of classic and contemporary. A whimsical paper chandelier by designer Ingo Maurer, composed of love notes in different languages, hangs in the café section. However, the centerpiece is the striking U-shaped bar, illuminated by an enigmatic light array, creating an inviting atmosphere for mingling and conversation and inspiring the restaurant name. Traditional French red banquettes, warm beige tones, and bronze moldings complete the sophisticated ambiance.
Lume’s cocktail menu (All $18) is as creative as its cuisine. Standouts include the Chai Espresso Martini with vodka, Borghetti, cinnamon syrup, banana liqueur, cold brew, chai concentrate, and a delicate elderflower garnish. Other enticing options include ‘Le Petit Secret’ with Rye Cognac, simple syrup, Peychaud Bitters, orange bitters, and Sambuca, and the Famous at Midnight with Luxardo Bitter Bianco, Cocchi Rosa, Dolin Rouge, soda, orange bitters, an orange wedge, and an olive. And as an homage to the West Village,
Enjoy Happy Hour from 4-6 PM, Monday through Thursday, with bar bites like the Lume Burger, Calamari Fritta, and a selection of cheeses, alongside discounted cocktails ($12), beer ($6), and select wines ($10).
Lume West Village is located at 259 West 4th Street, New York, NY 10014.
