Nightly's, Uva Restaurateur Plans 2 New Japanese Spots On The UES

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — A new Japanese counter service spot from the owner of several Upper East Side favorites is planning to open on Second Avenue, a representative for the restaurateur told Community Board 8 on Tuesday.

Massimo Lusardi, who operates Nightly's, Uva, Uva Next Door, and Key and Heels, will open the new locale on Second Avenue between East 77th and East 78th streets, Blair Papagni told Community Board 8's Street Life Committee on Tuesday night.

The restuarant will take over a small storefront previously occupied by Tozzo, an Italian coffee bar.

Papagni described the new space as a compact, casual spot.

"It's a counter service, looking at about 19 seats. If he can squeeze in a few more, he would love to, but we know that that number will fit comfortably for sure," Papagni said. "He has a few different places and has happily served the neighborhood for a while."

The Street Life committee voted to approve the liquor license application 13–0, clearing the way for the owner to move ahead with their plans.

The new space will be located at 1491 Second Ave. and will open later this year, a representative for the yet-to-be-named space told Patch.

Across the street at 1492 Second Ave., Lusardi is also planning to open Koakuma. According to an Instagram account for the new eatery, Koakuma serves "New York Japanese," and its name translates to "a charming, mischievous temptress who teases and toys with hearts."

Koakuma is expected to open this fall, a representative for the restaurant told Patch.

Know of a business opening or closing on the Upper East Side? Email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.

Correction, Aug. 6: Koakuma and the unnamed sushi counter are two separate restaurants, both owned by the same team.