Tucked away on Mulberry Street in Manhattan’s Nolita district, Café Mulberry has quietly established itself as one of New York City’s most exclusive hospitality destinations. While the restaurant maintains the atmosphere of a cozy French bistro, its reputation has grown thanks to a steady stream of high-profile guests who value privacy as much as the food.
Actors, musicians and fashion figures have become familiar faces at the venue, with Rita Ora, Jason Momoa, Ed Sheeran and several other celebrities counted among its regular visitors. Despite its growing profile, the restaurant has deliberately avoided becoming an overly public celebrity hotspot, instead focusing on creating an intimate experience for every guest.
Photo Credit: Café Mulberry co-owners Leo Jacob and Justin Sievers (above) took Page Six on a tour of their Nolita restaurant.Brian Zak/Page Six
Small Dining Room, Big Reputation
The restaurant’s main dining room seats only around 25 guests, making reservations highly sought after. Exposed brick walls decorated with photographs of notable visitors add to the personal atmosphere rather than creating a flashy celebrity showcase.
According to co-owners Justin Sievers and Leo Jacob, the goal has always been to build a welcoming environment where guests can relax without unwanted attention. That approach has helped establish Café Mulberry as a discreet meeting place for actors, musicians, filmmakers and other creatives looking for a more private evening out.
French Cuisine Remains the Main Attraction
While celebrity appearances often generate headlines, the restaurant continues to emphasize its French-inspired menu.
Chef Nicole Gajadhar leads the kitchen, serving dishes that have become customer favorites, including French onion soup, steak au poivre with pomme purée and a 48-hour brined chicken that has earned praise from returning guests. The venue originally opened with plans to operate primarily as a daytime café before customer demand prompted the owners to expand into a full-service dinner restaurant.
The café at the front of the property still offers coffee, pastries and sandwiches throughout the day, preserving the concept’s original neighborhood feel while complementing its evening dining service.
Hidden Spaces Add to the Appeal
One of Café Mulberry’s defining features is its secluded outdoor garden, designed with inspiration from the French Riviera. Surrounded by greenery, brick flooring and classic café umbrellas, the courtyard offers diners a peaceful escape from the busy streets of Lower Manhattan.
Below the restaurant sits The Mulberry, a members-style cocktail lounge that has become known for hosting private celebrations, wrap parties and after-hours gatherings. The underground venue includes a dance floor, DJ booth and a preserved 19th-century bread oven that has been incorporated into the design. Behind a curtain is the so-called Whisper Room, an intimate private space recognized for both its acoustics and its secluded setting.
A Venue for Private Celebrations
Over the past several years, the restaurant and its underground lounge have hosted a range of private events following film premieres, concerts and entertainment industry gatherings.
Previous guests have included Taylor Swift, Sophie Turner, Margot Robbie, Colin Farrell, Chris Evans, Jenna Ortega, Saweetie and Jon Hamm, among others. The owners say the venue’s relatively small size allows them to occasionally close the space for invitation-only celebrations, offering guests additional privacy away from larger nightlife venues.
Photo Credit: “We’ve tried to create a place that is discreet and intimate,” Sievers told Page Six of the French restaurant (pictured above).Brian Zak/Page Six
Building a Long-Term Neighborhood Destination
Although celebrity visits have helped raise Café Mulberry’s profile, its owners say their long-term vision extends beyond star power. They hope the restaurant will continue evolving into a neighborhood institution where local residents and visitors alike can enjoy quality food, cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere.
That balance between exclusivity and accessibility has helped distinguish Café Mulberry in one of New York City’s most competitive dining scenes. Rather than relying solely on celebrity attention, the venue continues to build its reputation through hospitality, carefully designed spaces and a dining experience intended to keep guests returning long after the headlines fade.
