Serafina Restaurant Group Takes Over Iconic Midtown Site in Major SL Green Deal

SL Green Realty has secured a significant new tenant at its 800 Seventh Avenue property, with Serafina Restaurant Group signing on for a sprawling 28,000-square-foot space that will house Brasserie American by Michael Lomonaco — an American brasserie concept representing the group's 16th New York City location.

The site carries considerable history in Manhattan's dining scene, having previously housed Rosie O'Grady's, an Irish bar that operated there for decades before relocating to 148 West 51st Street in July 2023. The arrival of a new American brasserie concept represents an evolution in Midtown's culinary landscape and reflects shifting tenant preferences in the area.

According to Commercial Observer, the New York Post first broke news of the transaction, highlighting another notable leasing victory for Manhattan's largest commercial landlord.

Key Details

The transaction encompasses several noteworthy elements for industry watchers:

• Square Footage: The deal spans 28,000 square feet, making it a substantial restaurant commitment in the current market
• Location: 800 Seventh Avenue sits in the heart of Midtown Manhattan
• Tenant Track Record: Serafina operates 15 other locations across New York City's boroughs
• Historical Context: The space was previously occupied by Rosie O'Grady's, a neighborhood institution
• Landlord: SL Green Realty, New York City's largest commercial property owner

Market Impact

This transaction offers several insights for commercial real estate professionals tracking the Manhattan market. First, it demonstrates that well-established hospitality groups continue to pursue expansion strategies despite ongoing headwinds in the restaurant industry. A commitment to nearly 28,000 square feet for a new American brasserie concept signals confidence in Midtown's recovery and sustained demand for experiential dining.

For SL Green, the deal represents progress in backfilling retail and restaurant space at a time when many landlords struggle with ground-floor vacancies.

The replacement of a legacy establishment like Rosie O'Grady's with a growing restaurant group reflects broader trends in tenant composition. Modern restaurateurs increasingly seek larger footprints that can accommodate diverse revenue streams, including private events and expanded bar operations.

For brokers and landlords, this transaction reinforces the importance of targeting established brands with proven expansion capital when marketing large restaurant spaces in prime Manhattan locations.

Related coverage: Historic Steakhouse Brand Expands Footprint with Major Midtown Lease · Kohlberg Secures Nearly 19K SF at SL Green's 500 Park Avenue in Midtown Move · High-Profile Design Firm Secures Nearly 6,000 Square Feet in Bryant Park Tower