Naked Tomato

- 20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001

In a city where culinary trends come and go, some restaurants manage to create a truly memorable experience that transcends a simple meal. Naked Tomato, a premier Israeli and Mediterranean restaurant located in the dynamic Hudson Yards neighborhood, is one such place. Helmed by the creative vision of celebrity Chef Eyal Shani, this restaurant offers a unique dining concept focused on sharing and connection. The name itself is a nod to the chef's passion for fresh, high-quality ingredients, particularly the tomato, which he sees as a symbol of perfection and hospitality. More than just a place to eat, Naked Tomato is an experience designed to break down barriers, where plates are shared and conversations flow freely. This article will explore what makes this restaurant a standout destination for both locals and tourists seeking an elevated and authentic Mediterranean dining experience.

Naked Tomato distinguishes itself with a philosophy centered on shared dining. The experience often begins with a complimentary and constant supply of sides, including delicious olive oil and fresh bread. This generous and welcoming approach sets a tone of abundance and camaraderie, encouraging diners to connect over food. A key feature of the menu is an impressive range of skewers—from chicken, beef, and lamb to various vegetables—served alongside up to 15 different small plate salads that are replenishable and change with the seasons. This "mezze-style" dining is both vibrant and interactive, transforming a meal into a communal journey of flavors and textures. The attention to detail extends to the quality of the main dishes, with one reviewer calling the "Branzino" "perfection."

The atmosphere is a critical part of the Naked Tomato experience. Described as a cacophony of Israeli, Arabic, and American music, the space is lively and energetic, filled with the sounds of clattering plates and engaging conversations. The restaurant is noted as being "family-friendly" and "LGBTQ+ friendly," creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for a diverse crowd. The availability of a "bar onsite" with a full range of "alcohol," "beer," "cocktails," and "wine" adds to the appeal, making it a great spot for happy hour or a celebratory dinner. While some may find the prices on the higher side, as noted in a review, the overall quality, unique concept, and generous servings of sides are a significant part of the value, making the experience feel worth the investment for many patrons.

From its generous hospitality to its creative and communal dining style, Naked Tomato offers a dining experience that is both unique and unforgettable. This overview sets the stage for a more detailed examination of its location, services, and the key features that make it a premier destination in the Hudson Yards dining scene.

Location and Accessibility

Naked Tomato is located at 20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, USA, on Level 2 of The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards. This address places it in one of Manhattan's most modern and impressive developments, a bustling hub for commerce, culture, and dining. The location provides easy access for visitors and locals alike. It is a short walk from major transit hubs, including the 7 subway line at 34th Street–Hudson Yards, as well as being well-connected by bus routes. For those arriving from outside the city, it's also conveniently located near major tunnels and highways.

The restaurant and the entire Hudson Yards development are designed with accessibility in mind. Naked Tomato offers a "wheelchair accessible entrance" and a "wheelchair accessible restroom," ensuring that all guests can enjoy their visit comfortably. The spacious layout of the restaurant and the surrounding shopping center makes it easy to navigate. While finding street parking in this area of Manhattan is typically challenging, the availability of parking garages within Hudson Yards and the excellent public transportation make it a highly convenient destination.

Services Offered

• Dine-in: Naked Tomato is primarily a dine-in establishment, focused on providing a full, sit-down dining experience centered around sharing and community.
• Catering: The restaurant offers catering services, allowing you to bring the unique culinary experience of Naked Tomato to your private event or gathering.
• Accepts Reservations: To ensure a table during busy times, the restaurant "Accepts reservations," which is highly recommended.

Features / Highlights

• Communal Dining Experience: The core concept revolves around sharing, with a continuous supply of complimentary small plate salads and a focus on group dining, making it a great spot for "small groups."
• Unique and High-Quality Cuisine: A standout is the "Israeli restaurant" concept by Chef Eyal Shani, offering unique dishes like perfectly cooked "Branzino" and "cauliflower" that one reviewer described as "divine."
• Full Bar: Naked Tomato features a "Bar onsite" with a wide range of "Alcohol," "Beer," "Cocktails," "Hard liquor," and "Wine," including options for "Happy hour drinks."
• Vegetarian and Organic Dishes: The menu includes a variety of "Vegetarian options" and "Organic dishes," catering to health-conscious diners and those with specific dietary preferences.
• Inclusive Atmosphere: The restaurant is noted as being "Family-friendly" and "LGBTQ+ friendly," creating a welcoming environment for a diverse crowd. They also provide "High chairs" and are "Good for kids."
• Amenities: The restaurant is well-equipped with amenities like a "Gender-neutral restroom," a standard "Restroom," and "Wi-Fi," which adds to the overall comfort of the dining experience.

Contact Information

Address: 20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, USA

Phone: (646) 434-2071

What is worth choosing

Naked Tomato is worth choosing for its genuinely unique and high-quality dining experience. Unlike many restaurants that simply serve food, Naked Tomato offers a cultural and social concept centered on sharing and connection. The "small plates" and a continuous supply of fresh, seasonal salads and bread are a generous and inviting touch that enhances the entire meal. This communal style of dining is perfect for those who want a more interactive and engaging experience with their companions.

The quality of the food is a significant draw. The restaurant’s reputation for excellence is evident in reviews that praise the "perfection" of the "Branzino" and the "divine" cauliflower. This attention to detail and flavor ensures that while the focus is on sharing, the individual dishes themselves are of the highest standard. The menu also caters to a variety of dietary needs with its range of "vegetarian options" and "organic dishes," showing a commitment to inclusive cuisine.

The atmosphere is another compelling reason to choose Naked Tomato. The lively, high-energy vibe is a perfect fit for its location in Hudson Yards. It's a place where you can celebrate a special occasion, enjoy a fun dinner with friends, or simply savor a meal in a vibrant setting. The inclusive nature of the restaurant, being "LGBTQ+ friendly" and "Family-friendly," makes it a welcoming space for all. The ability to "accept reservations" is also a valuable planning tool, especially for those looking to dine during peak hours. For anyone in New York seeking a memorable meal that combines delicious food with a unique and communal experience, Naked Tomato is an outstanding choice that lives up to its reputation as a one-of-a-kind culinary destination.

Naked Tomato

20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, USA