Soho’s Tropical New Tulum Import Is Shaping Up to be a Palm Tree-Packed Lounge

The new seasonal Soho restaurant Gitano — a popular eatery and lounge in Tulum, Mexico — will apparently try to be as plant-studded and sleek as the original that’s located in the palm-tree studded jungle.

Gitano reps say the restaurant’s “menu will feature a selection of modern Mexican food, including ceviches, tostadas, tacos, grilled avocado, and more,” which the chefs will serve throughout the expanse.

Originally projected to open late May, Soho’s Gitano is now slated to run from June to November this year and next. The 24,000-square-foot outdoor expanse at the corner of Varick and Canal, previously home to short-lived Smorgasburg Soho, is currently fenced in with a number of palm trees poking out, with signs that most of the buildout is still to come. Renderings show that the space will boast lots of plants and loungey vibes.

Photo via Gitano

Photo via Gitano

When complete, Gitano New York will serve as an expanded version of the original, with a concept store called CALÓ, a grab-and-go cafe, an urban farm in partnership with City-As School, Battery Urban Farms and Grow to Learn, and an artists installation meditation labyrinth named Gitano Loves. Overall, anticipate 400-seats plus a 30-stool bar.

According to Community Board 2’s March meeting minutes, Gitano will be equipped with a small grill and will have to outsource 70 percent of its rustic Mexican plates, so it’s still unclear how that will play out.

Correction: This story has been updated to reflect that a Mads Refslund spokesperson says he will not be helping out at the Soho location.