At first glance, you could be forgiven for mistaking Casa Cruz New York for a private member’s club. The ivy-covered facade, the concierge-like check-in and the hushed atmosphere as you’re escorted to the elevator all suggest exclusivity. But while this six-story Upper East Side townhouse drips with glamour, Casa Cruz New York is surprisingly open to the public, inviting everyone to experience a taste of its luxurious dining.
Situated between Park and Madison Avenues, this townhouse — originally designed by renowned architect CPH Gilbert — has been transformed into a dining destination that feels both grand and intimate. The space offers multiple dining rooms, bars and private event areas, each with its own distinct character. As of June 2024, Casa Cruz’s rooftop is home to Frances, the Upper East Side’s first year-round rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy a more relaxed menu and seasonal cocktails out in the city air.
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The decision to convert an entire Beaux-Arts townhouse into a restaurant might seem bold — maybe even risky — in a city as competitive and ever-changing as New York. But this is not Juan Santa Cruz’s, the creative force behind the Casa Cruz brand, first rodeo. With a track record that includes the original Buenos Aires outpost and the wildly popular London location in Notting Hill, Santa Cruz has built Casa Cruz into a name synonymous with luxury and discretion, attracting an elite clientele. Celebrities like Elton John, Kate Moss and Prince Harry are regulars at the London venue, and it seems New York is already catching on. The restaurant has quickly become a go-to spot for high-profile events, including Stella McCartney’s Met Gala afterparty and a recent joint soiree hosted by Bergdorf Goodman and Schiaparelli.
Yet, despite its undeniable allure and famous clientele, Casa Cruz New York is not a member’s club — at least, not officially. It has to be noted one of the building’s floors is reserved for a select group of 99 investors (note, investors not members), who’ve contributed between $250,000 and $500,000 for the privilege of accessing the townhouse’s most exclusive spaces, inclusive of (real) zebra-print lounges, hidden bars and dining areas filled with iconic art pieces.
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But for those who want a taste of New York’s elite without the quarter-million-dollar price tag, Casa Cruz remains open and welcoming.
Must Order:
The Maine lobster ravioli
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What to Drink:
The Rita Hayworth, made with pineapple, sage-infused mezcal, lime and herbal liqueur
Best Seat in the House:
The new rooftop Frances is definitely worth a visit, whether for a pre-dinner drink or for a full seafood platter
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Menu
Casa Cruz New York’s menu, reimagined under the guidance of chef John Fraser, is a celebration of South American and Mediterranean flavors. In the main 66-seat dining room, dishes like orecchiette al limone and Maine lobster ravioli are served beneath a rare three-dimensional Keith Haring piece. The restaurant’s Josper charcoal oven, a centerpiece of the kitchen, turns out delicacies like split Scottish langoustines and snow-aged wagyu paired perfectly with an impressive wine list.
For those seeking a lighter, more relaxed dining experience, the rooftop terrace at Frances offers a lighter, seafood-forward menu. Raw clams and oysters, octopus carpaccio, and charcoal-grilled red shrimp are among the highlights, with the seafood tower being an absolute must-try.
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Interior
Decorating an entire mansion to the typical Casa Cruz standard is not an easy task, but Juan Santa Cruz’s keen eye has ensured that every floor offers visitors a distinct ambiance, creating a unique, intimate experience in every corner of the sprawling venue.
At Frances, the rooftop terrace, pastel pink tones, fairy lights and a rose-hued canopy by Johanna Ortiz make a cute nighttime spot, contrasting the more moody interior space. Inside, green velvet upholstery, shiny copper details and white chinoiserie-inspired curtains pay homage to the brand’s signature style, and breathtaking original art pieces, by the likes of Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst and Fernando Botero, play centerpiece in many of the dining rooms.
The bathrooms were a standout, each decorated with a custom de Gournay mural paying fantastical homage to Santa Cruz’s Chilean heritage. Even the smallest details, like the hostess uniforms designed by Emilia Wickstead — known for dressing Kate Middleton — ensure that guests are immersed in luxury throughout their entire dining experience. Whether you’re seated in the plush main dining room, sipping a Pisco Sour at the bar, or enjoying the views from the rooftop terrace, Casa Cruz offers a slice of luxury that is completely unforgettable, and surprisingly accessible.
