From the brilliant minds behind Eataly & Babbo, come long-awaited La Sirena

PHOTO: Interior of La Sirena courtesy of La Sirena

Most famous as the owners of unparalleled and super-popular Eataly and one Michelin starred Babbo, exuberantly fun “Molto Mario” Batali and his business partner Joe Bastianich finally have ended the anticipation of when exactly their 31st restaurant will open. Today, La Sirena, located in The Maritime Hotel, officially opened and, just in time for Valentine’s Day, will now accept reservations.

The sprawling indoor-outdoor venue is Batali & Bastianich’s first new restaurant in New York in nearly a decade, relaunching the plaza level of Chelsea’s iconic The Maritime Hotel, a nautical-themed modernist landmark by hoteliers Sean MacPherson + Eric Goode and prolific developer Richard Born.

PHOTO: Interior of one of the two dining rooms at La Sirena courtesy of La Sirena

Divine, black-steel-casted, floor-to-ceiling windows set the perfect backdrop to La Sirena’s indoor/outdoor feel while the crisp black-and-white decor invokes a cool, Amalfi Coast vibe. Notable decorative flourishes include an enormous red door fit for a Game of Thrones castle, splashes of greenery as well as oversized light installations.

PHOTO: Another angle of one of the two dining rooms at La Sirena courtesy of La Sirena

Additionally, The Maritime Hotel’s notoriously happening courtyard space has been completely transformed into an elegant trattoria which Architecture Digest would be proud to give the cover to. At its center, a sparkling, glass-enclosed 38-foot long white Caesarstone bar connects the two intimate dining rooms characterized by custom Mod-inspired curvilinear pavers and walls clad in quartz.

PHOTO: The bar at La Sirena courtesy of La Sirena

The menu is elevated, playful, and sometimes even “old school.” For starters, classic Italian dishes like Burrata di Stagione and Grilled Calamari with Maccu & Broccoli are given a zesty twist. While from the Secondi the Lardo Crusted Dry Age Bone-in NY Strip for Two is a feast for both the eyes and senses.

Of course, the standout dishes really comes from the mezze Primi, i.e. pasta, course. Cavatelli with Spare Ribs Leoneta Style; Semolina Pasta with Pork Spare Ribs in Tomato Sauce; Duck Mezzalune with 3-Minute Marinara; Duck Filled Half Moons with a Quick Marinara Sauce; or for vegetarians the Panzotti La Sirena Leek and Mascarpone Stuffed Pasta with Spinach & Walnuts.

A full list of menu items and pricing may be found here, while La Sirena boasts another Batali & Bastianich first: the duo’s most extensive cocktail program to date. More than two dozen Italian-influenced libations that will also be available for service throughout the hotel’s redesigned lobby space.