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A popular Miami-based restaurant group is making its way to the Upper West Side — but at the cost of a neighborhood staple.
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Motek, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with seven locations in South Florida, will be opening a sit-down location at 2178 Broadway, on the southwest corner of West 77th Street, the New York Post reports. That address is currently home to Serafina, the bright yellow Italian eatery that’s been serving pasta and pizza to Upper West Siders since around 2012. The transition is expected to take place in 2026.
Motek’s parent company, Happy Corner Hospitality, was founded by Charlie Levy, a former New Yorker who now calls Miami home. “Miami is often called the sixth borough, so expanding here feels like a natural next step,” Levy told the Post.
The Upper West Side outpost is one of three full-service Motek restaurants coming to NYC; the other two are slated to open later this year in Flatiron (928 Broadway) and Williamsburg (168-170 Wythe Avenue). The company is also planning to bring its Sesame Bakery concept to Battery Park.
Motek describes its menu as “kosher-style,” featuring modern Mediterranean fare made without seed oils — instead relying on olive oil, avocado, and butter. Dishes include whole branzino, crispy chicken schnitzel with harissa aioli, and Middle Eastern-style dumplings.
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Here are Google reviews for Motek’s Florida locations.
While Upper West Siders may have to wait until 2026 to try Motek, some are already mourning the loss of Serafina, whose closing will mark the end of a more-than-a-decade run on this prominent corner of Broadway.
ILTUWS will keep you posted on any updates — including the official timeline of Serafina’s departure and Motek’s arrival.
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