Oscar Lorenzzi is bringing a South American-inspired restaurant called Nuyores to a 2,100-square-foot space at 154 West 13th Street. The space was formerly home to Il Totano.
“It’s a show of my love for New York,” Lorenzzi told What Now New York. “That’s where the name Nuyores comes from — it’s the South American slang for New York that we use.”
Through the restaurant, Lorenzzi is hoping to showcase Peruvian dishes and flavors. Customers can expect menu items like ceviche, ribeye steak with Argentinian beef, and a twist on anticuchos that will replace the skewers, traditionally made with beef heart, with lamb ribs.
The menu will center around small plates priced under $30, and there will be large-format options that can be shared at the table. Customers can also expect to see Lorenzzi’s love for wine make an impact on Nuyores — he expects to have a deep cellar with plenty of options.
The design of the space will be eclectic and fun, featuring an earthy color scheme with elements of terracotta, beige, brown and coffee tones.
Prior to this venture, Nuyores was the chef at Contento in East Harlem, where he also served Peruvian cuisine. It shuttered this past December. He is also not new to the West Village scene. He worked as the executive chef at Waverly Inn for a couple of years, and he is looking forward to bringing something new to the neighborhood.
“Coming back to the West Village, I love the area,” Lorenzzi said. “I think the area lacks a bit of eclectic cuisine, so they need a little bit of South American and Peruvian flavor in it.”
He is hoping to be ready to open by the end of the summer.
