Popular downtown Mediterranean restaurant Shoo Shoo Nolita is bringing its shareable dishes and Tel Aviv cafe vibe to the Upper East Side next month, according to Patch.
Why It Matters: The restaurant will take over the corner of East 77th Street and Second Avenue, filling the space briefly occupied by Avenue Bakery, which opened in 2024 to fanfare but closed later that year, Patch reports.
The Big Picture: CEO Albert Bitton, who got his start in the industry in SoHo in 1987, sees the Upper East Side transforming into a dining destination. “This has become like Soho, everybody’s opening,” Bitton said, as reported by Patch. “I was working in SoHo in the 80s when big brands started to come in. I feel the same way here.”
Zoom In: Shoo Shoo East will feature the same menu as its downtown counterpart, focusing on Mediterranean and Middle Eastern salads, dips, kebabs, teas, and pastries — all meant for sharing, per Patch. Several plant-based options will be available.
What They’re Saying: “I love creating spaces where you can have good experiences, to have joy and people you love,” said Bitton, whose Moroccan and Israeli upbringing inspires the restaurant’s all-day menu and atmosphere, Patch notes. “It’s like a Mediterranean bistro, with some influence from Tel Aviv, that’s for sure, and Morocco, definitely, because I grew up with my mother in the kitchen.”
Between the Lines: The name “Shoo Shoo” fuses Bitton’s worlds — in French, “chou chou” is a term of endearment, while in Hebrew, “shoo shoo” is slang for something kept secret, like a speakeasy, Patch explains.
What’s Next: The new restaurant at 1477 Second Ave. is expected to open in mid-to-late September, as detailed by Patch. “We’re excited to be a part of the buzz,” Bitton said.
