Tribeca Grill, Robert De Niro’s famous restaurant in New York City, has closed after 35 years. The restaurant was a favorite among stars like Christopher Walken, Keira Knightley, and Katie Holmes. Over the years, A-listers like Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lopez, Paul McCartney, and even Nelson Mandela dined there. It became a go-to spot for celebrities, filmmakers, and New Yorkers looking for a high-end dining experience. The closing of this legendary place marks the end of an era for the city’s restaurant scene.
Opened by De Niro in 1990
The restaurant first opened in 1990. De Niro partnered with restaurateur Drew Nieporent to bring it to life. Other celebrity investors included Sean Penn, Bill Murray, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Ed Harris, and Christopher Walken. De Niro’s restaurant quickly became a landmark in the Tribeca neighborhood. It was known for its upscale American cuisine, extensive wine list, and warm atmosphere. Over the years, it welcomed many of Hollywood’s biggest names, making it a must-visit spot for both locals and tourists.
A place for Hollywood and history
Located on Greenwich Street in Lower Manhattan, Tribeca Grill was more than just a restaurant. It had a private dining room, a basement space, and even a small cinema upstairs. Film industry legends like the Weinstein brothers and Steven Spielberg were part of the building’s history. The restaurant played a major role in the gentrification of Tribeca, which transformed from a warehouse district into a high-end neighborhood. De Niro, who lived just a few blocks away, saw potential in the area and wanted to create a place that brought people together. The restaurant did just that, becoming a hub for artists, actors, and filmmakers.
How Tribeca evolved over the years
When the restaurant opened, Tribeca was still transforming from an industrial area into a trendy neighborhood. Today, it is one of the most expensive areas in NYC, with rent averaging over $8,000 per month. The shift in the neighborhood brought new challenges for the restaurant. It had to compete with a growing number of high-end dining spots. Despite this, Tribeca Grill remained a staple in the city’s food scene. It was a place where classic New York dining met Hollywood glamour. For many, it was more than just a restaurant. It was a symbol of the city’s evolution.
The decline and final goodbye
Despite its success, Tribeca Grill struggled after the COVID-19 pandemic. De Niro’s restaurant never fully bounced back. The New York dining scene has also changed, expanding beyond Manhattan to Brooklyn and Queens. Nieporent admitted that surviving in the restaurant business requires constant adaptation. The final Saturday night saw the restaurant packed with diners, former staff, and longtime regulars. Many came to say goodbye to a place that had been a part of their lives for decades. The closure was a bittersweet moment for both the staff and the loyal customers who had made the restaurant what it was.
De Niro’s legacy lives on
For many, Tribeca Grill was more than a place to eat. Former staff members returned for the final night, sharing memories. Some had worked there for decades, even passing the job down to their children. Robert De Niro’s managing partner, Marty Shapiro, reflected on the restaurant’s impact. Many people had their first date, wedding, or family celebrations there. It was a place filled with history, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Though the doors are now closed, the memories created inside will last forever.
Tribeca Grill’s closing marks the end of a New York institution. It will be remembered for its star-studded history and deep roots in the city’s culture. Though the physical space is gone, its legacy will remain in the hearts of those who dined and worked there. New York is always changing, but some places leave a mark that time cannot erase.
