M
otek, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant chain with seven Miami locations, is expanding to New York City. Happy Corner Hospitality, founded by Charlie Levy, will open three sit-down restaurants in the city: one in Williamsburg at 168-170 Wythe Ave., another in Flatiron at 928 Broadway, and a third on the Upper West Side, which will take over the Serafina space.
The Williamsburg and Flatiron locations are expected to open later this year, while the Upper West Side location is set for 2026. Additionally, Sesame Bakery will launch an outlet in Battery Park. Motek's menu features kosher-style dishes made with olive oil, avocado, and butter instead of seed oils.
Typical offerings include whole Mediterranean branzino, crispy chicken schnitzel with harissa aioli, and Middle Eastern dumplings. Levy, who lived in New York for 20 years before moving to Miami, sees the expansion as a natural step, given that Miami is often referred to as the sixth borough.
