Stephen Starr Expands Culinary Empire with Acquisition of Babbo in NYC

Not long after expanding Nancy Silverton’s Italian gem Osteria Mozza to Washington, D.C., restaurateur Stephen Starr announced the purchase of an iconic Italian dining landmark in Manhattan, Babbo Ristorante e Enoteca, along with its more casual sibling Lupa, from the Bastianich family.

Babbo, which opened in the West Village in 1998, was initially established by celebrated chef Mario Batali and restaurateur Joe Bastianich. It is famed for its rustic Italian cuisine that features organ meats in many dishes, complemented by a remarkable Italian wine list. The restaurant’s reputation took a hit in 2017 when several women accused Batali of sexual assault and harassment, leading to a decline in the restaurant’s status after he divested from it in 2019.

Starr’s acquisition signals a potential fresh start for both Babbo and Lupa, which have struggled to maintain their prominence. Known for a portfolio of successful restaurants, including Wine Spectator Restaurant Award winners such as St. Anselm and Le Diplomate in Washington, D.C., Starr continues to enhance his reputation in the culinary world by collaborating with other top chefs.

One notable change is the return of former Babbo chef Mark Ladner, who was part of the original opening team and had a hand in launching Lupa and Del Posto, another Batali-Bastianich venture that closed in 2021. There’s currently no word on the status of Babbo’s extensive wine cellar, which boasts over 37,000 bottles and encompasses 3,000 selections primarily from Italy.

In separate restaurant developments, Jean-Georges Vongerichten will replace the Bryant Park Grill, a decades-long staple in Midtown Manhattan, with a new concept. The grill will close in April for renovations, paving the way for Vongerichten’s new venture, which will capitalize on his esteemed culinary brand. Ark Restaurant Group, which managed the grill for over 30 years, lost its lease to Seaport Entertainment Group, which has a stake in Vongerichten’s restaurant empire.

This trend of high-profile restaurateurs like Vongerichten stepping into prime real estate is indicative of the shift towards upscale dining in popular locations. The final concept for the 1,000-seat Bryant Park restaurant is yet to be unveiled, but it will join an impressive lineup of successful eateries under Vongerichten’s name in New York City and beyond.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!