Empire Diner — New York, USA

In the fickle world of restaurants, reincarnations are an everyday occurrence. In New York, no one knows this better than Empire Diner, an iconic four-decade-old eatery in West Chelsea that has recently reopened for the third time.
The restaurant’s landmark art moderne exterior, which made a cameo in Woody Allen’s Manhattan, remains untouched, but local firm Nemaworkshop reworked the interiors to deliver a modern interpretation of a buzzy diner without completely abandoning its historic style. In fact, after looking through old photos of the space, the designers decided to reference its original industrial aesthetic in a few ways, including adding stainless steel replicas of the sunburst panels that used to decorate the original diner when it was first unveiled in 1976.
But mostly, the two-floor eatery’s current vibe feels contemporary and bright. A portion of the main dining room, set against the bar on the first floor, combines blonde wood booths and carrera marble tables with steel accented pendant lighting, while the the leather banquettes, brick walls, and curvy custom-made wood furniture that adorn the other sections of the restaurant oozes warmth and comfort.
This continues to chef John DeLucie’s menu, which partners elevated diner fare (indulgent wedge salad dressed with blue cheese sauce and hearty pastrami sandwich) with light, modern favourites (yellowtail crudo in a jalapeño broth and an addictive beef carpaccio).
INFORMATION
ADDRESS
210 10th Avenue
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
-
The Sialia 45 cruiser is a welcome addition to the new generation of electric boats
Polish shipbuilder Sialia Yachts has launched the Sialia 45, a 14m all-electric cruiser for silent running
By Jonathan Bell
-
Tokyo design studio We+ transforms microalgae into colours
Could microalgae be the sustainable pigment of the future? A Japanese research project investigates
By Danielle Demetriou
-
What to see at London Craft Week 2025
With London Craft Week just around the corner, Wallpaper* rounds up the must-see moments from this year’s programme
By Francesca Perry
-
Fancy a matcha-beer cocktail? Visit this dashing new LA restaurant
Café 2001 channels the spirit of an American diner with the flow of a European bistro and the artistry of Japanese cuisine
By Carole Dixon
-
At this secret NYC hangout, the drinks are strong and the vibes are stronger
For People's bar, Workstead serves up a good time
By Anna Fixsen
-
Visit this Michelin-star New York restaurant that doubles as an art gallery
Artist Mr.StarCity is exhibiting his emotionally charged yet optimistic ‘Bloomers’ portrait series at Frevo, a Greenwich Village hidden haunt
By Adrian Madlener
-
With glowing honeycomb-shaped booths, this futuristic Japanese restaurant is ramen heaven
After a successful U.S. expansion, Kyuramen touches down in Los Angeles.
By Carole Dixon
-
Tour the best contemporary tea houses around the world
Celebrate the world’s most unique tea houses, from Melbourne to Stockholm, with a new book by Wallpaper’s Léa Teuscher
By Léa Teuscher
-
Seven things not to miss on your sunny escape to Palm Springs
It’s a prime time for Angelenos, and others, to head out to Palm Springs; here’s where to have fun on your getaway
By Carole Dixon
-
At Linden Los Angeles, classic New York comfort food gets its due
The restaurant, inspired by a stretch of boulevard bridging Brooklyn and Queens, honors legacy, community and pleasure
By Carole Dixon
-
This atmospheric New York restaurant was designed to be a ‘beautiful ruin’
At Leon’s, classic Italian fare comes with a North African accent and with a side of family history
By Anna Fixsen