Located at 105 Hudson Street, in the space once made legendary by the original Nobu, Beefbar New York is quietly redefining what a modern steakhouse can be. The internationally renowned brand, known for its luxurious yet laid-back take on high-end meat, found its first and only US home in Tribeca, thanks to the vision of the Rahman family and their hospitality group.
Mahween Rahman, co-owner of Tribeca Hospitality Group, was joined by Niki Le Bouquin, Director of Events, and Shelby O’Connell, who leads Marketing and PR, at a recent What Now New York Accelerate event hosted at Beefbar. The event brought together local restaurant owners and preferred partners to network and grow within the city’s competitive food scene, an apt setting given the restaurant’s unique mix of global flavor and local passion.
Originally from Canada with Bangladeshi roots, the Rahmans—Mahween, her husband AJ, and their sons, Aqib and Tareef—relocated to Tribeca in 2020. While quarantining in Toronto during the pandemic, the family began seriously exploring their next move.
“During COVID quarantine in Toronto, we had time to really consider what we wanted to build next,” Mahween told What Now in an exclusive interview. “My husband and I are passionate foodies. We’ve had amazing dining experiences around the world, and with our son Aqib, we started brainstorming what it would mean to bring something meaningful to our new home in New York.”
When they discovered that the iconic Nobu space was available, the opportunity came before the concept.
“We didn’t even have a concept finalized when we signed the lease,” she said. “We just knew that it was special, and that whatever we put there had to live up to its history.”
The Rahmans found their answer in a restaurant they already loved: Beefbar. Initially launched in Monte Carlo in 2005 by Riccardo Giraudi, an importer of some of the world’s most exclusive meats, Beefbar flips the script on traditional steakhouses with a sleek, international flair and a menu divided into three parts: elevated street food, world-class meat cuts, and iconic sides and desserts.
“We wanted a brand and restaurant that we already loved and would be a great addition to the neighborhood,” Mahween explained. “We loved the Monaco location and wanted to bring it to Tribeca.”
Though Beefbar New York is part of a global brand with locations in Monaco, Paris, Hong Kong, and beyond, the Rahman family has made the Tribeca outpost its own. Since opening, the journey has brought both accomplishments and lessons.
“It’s been both a successful and challenging journey, filled with valuable learning experiences,” Mahween said. “Overall, it’s been a rewarding and positive endeavor, and we’re fortunate to have a dedicated and talented team supporting us.”
That team has proven to be both the biggest strength and the most challenging part to build.
“The most challenging aspect has been building and retaining a loyal, reliable team,” she said. “Finding individuals who not only have the right skills but also align with our values and vision takes time and effort.”
Despite those challenges, the family has found deep fulfillment in the process.
“The most rewarding part has been seeing how warmly clients have embraced the brand, and having the opportunity to build this venture alongside family,” she said.
Inside, Beefbar Tribeca reflects the brand’s signature design language, which its creators refer to as warm glamour. Tailored interiors, custom plateware designed by Riccardo Giraudi in collaboration with Bernardaud, and a rotating lineup of playful visuals from artist Josh McKenna give the restaurant a polished but approachable feel. Menu standouts include Kobe beef street tacos, creamy polenta with Parmesan espuma, and indulgent Wagyu ribeye, all curated to celebrate the simple luxury of high-quality ingredients.
And the Rahmans are just getting started.
Tribeca Hospitality Group is preparing to open its second concept in the neighborhood, Paper Moon, a restaurant inspired by a beloved Milanese brand and another personal favorite of the family. Details are still under wraps, but the spirit of global inspiration and local connection remains at the heart of their expanding vision.
For now, Beefbar New York continues to draw both locals and international diners eager to experience a restaurant that is part culinary destination, part neighborhood gem—a perfect reflection of the Rahman family’s journey from concept to community.
