Team Behind West Village Hit Barbuto Confirms a Return to the Neighborhood

It appears that the team behind beloved California-ish Italian restaurant Barbuto is in fact returning to the West Village. Former Barbuto chef Jonathan Waxman — who is currently “enjoying a temporary retirement in Hawaii” (his words) — confirmed that he and PJ Clarke’s owner Phil Scotti are currently in the throes of next steps, though he could not offer a target opening date.

The sizable new restaurant is located along the Hudson River waterfront at 113 Horatio Street, just blocks from the previous location of Barbuto. Tables and chairs have already been set up, with people visibly working inside, and the address’s liquor license shows Waxman and Scotti as principal owners.

In its 15 year tenure, Barbuto garnered some serious fans, including West Village locals and more than one major celebrity. In 2015, Waxman announced that the restaurant could be forced to close its idyllic garage-style space where diners filled the dining room year after year, returning for signature dishes like garlicky kale salad and roast chicken with salsa verde.

When Barbuto closed last May, Waxman told the Times that he was the searching for a new space in the neighborhood. At that time, he had hoped to land one by the end of the year, but those plans have since been delayed. Stay tuned for more.

Robert Sietsema/Eater

Robert Sietsema/Eater