Perched on the second floor of the ModernHaus SoHo hotel, Veranda recently opened with a retractable roof at the metaphorical intersection of April and outdoor dining season. The low-rise vantage point here is somewhat unique. It neither approximates rooftop dining nor sidewalk seating, but instead offers a low-flying birds-eye view.
Chef-partner George Mendes’ (formerly of Michelin-starred Aldea) menus include snacks and apps like croquettes and ceviche, crudite and jumbo asparagus for sides, and entrées like Norwegian salmon, piri-piri chicken and dry-aged New York Strip. A whole roasted branzino and chicken confit are also available, each intended for two.
Bar bites like vadouvan-spiced popcorn and fries pair with charred sishito margaritas, “ultimate” dirty martinis, a couple of boozy slushees and Veranda’s takes on juleps, Moscow mules and old fashioneds.
Veranda is located at 23 Grand Street and is open nightly from 5:30pm–11pm.