'Top Chef' Alum Will Open New South Indian Restaurant In Williamsburg

BROOKLYN, NY — Mythily, a new South Indian restaurant from chef Rasika Venkatesa is set to open in Williamsburg this week.

The restaurant, set to open at 129 Havemeyer St. on Sept. 30, is named after Venkatesa's grandmother and earliest culinary inspiration.

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The 45-seat restaurant draws on the traditions and flavors of Tamil Nadu while incorporating techniques and influences from Venkatesa's experience at restaurants including The French Laundry and Mourad.

The menu combines family recipes and regional South Indian traditions with contemporary preparations.

Highlights include Green Apple & Fennel with rasam broth, Kathrikkai Adaippu Curry inspired by Venkatesa's grandmother's stuffed eggplant, Benne Dosa, Green Circle Kozhi Ballotine, Tilefish with Nagapattinam manga curry, and a signature Short Rib served with plums, maitake mushrooms and bone marrow kozhumbu.

Desserts include Ras Malai "Tres Leches" and Filter Coffee Soft Serve. The beverage program features low-ABV cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, local beers and wines, including the Marina Beach cocktail with pineapple tepache, green cardamom shochu and ginger beer.

Venkatesa, who was born and raised in Chennai, previously competed on Season 21 of Top Chef.

She began developing Mythily through pop-ups and collaborative dinners in 2024. She is joined by co-founders Varun Kandadi and Nicolas Chavotier.

Designed by Venkatesa and Kandadi with assistance from Studio Purisic, the restaurant features deep reds, greens and warm neutrals, natural materials, greenery and a nine-seat bar.

Mythily will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 4 to 9 p.m.