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New Yorkers who often travel to Miami don’t usually come back raving about Floridian restaurants. After all, New York is home to some of the very best cuisine in the country. But there are a few exceptions—Motek being one of them. This beloved Mediterranean spot from Charlie Levy has made a name for itself across Miami with six bustling locations serving top-notch falafel, kebabs, shakshuka and more.
Offering the sort of bold, ethnic flavors rooted in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern traditions that New Yorkers often crave, the question has always been: when will the restaurant make touchdown on this side of the country? The wait is over. The brand just announced it’s expanding to New York with plans to open five (yes, five) locations over the next few years.
First up: a signature Motek restaurant scheduled to open this fall in the Flatiron District, right on Broadway. Then, in winter 2026, the team will debut Yalla Motek, a kosher street food concept. Details on the remaining locations are still under wraps, but considering the group’s track record, expectations are sky-high.
“I spent 20 years in New York before Miami became home,” said Levy in an official statement. “Miami is often called the sixth borough of New York, so it’s a natural next step for our brand to expand here. We’ve built a loyal clientele in Florida, and with so many requests to bring Motek to New York, it just made sense to take this leap now.”
Motek first opened during the height of the pandemic in 2020 and, in just a few short years, has grown into a Florida favorite. Its expansion into NYC signals just how strong the demand is for this kind of vibrant, craveable food—bonus points for the colorful, welcoming vibes the Miami locations are known for, which we’re sure will feel right at home in New York.
Let’s just say, we’ve cleared our calendars for opening days.