By Scott Etkin and Lisa Kava

Coppola’s, the longtime Italian restaurant at 206 West 79th Street, has temporarily closed for indoor dining while a renovation is taking place. The renovation is expected to last “a few weeks,” a representative from the restaurant told West Side Rag. Coppola’s is still offering take-out while the construction is happening in the interior. Owner-Chef Salvatore Coppola opened the restaurant in 1989. Coppola’s also has an East Side location at 378 3rd Avenue. (Thanks to Eric and Billy for the tips.) 

Kissaki, the omakase sushi restaurant on Columbus Avenue and 74th Street, is re-opening on September 23rd after being closed for renovation and expansion into the unoccupied space next door, which used to be the eyeglasses shop EuroOptica. “ The renovation will include doubling the amount of space inside the restaurant and adding a second room specifically for omakase,” a representative wrote to WSR. “A sushi counter is being installed in that room where guests will be served directly by the sushi chefs. There is also some work being done on the indoor bar. While it won’t be considerably larger, it will be comfortable for guests to have a drink at.” Kissaki’s other NYC location in the Bowery received recognition from New York’s Michelin Guide last year.

Affordable Chic, a modern luxury brand that sells European-style clothing, is in a “soft opening” phase of their new permanent showroom, called Studio 79, located at 224 West 79th Street (off Broadway). The clothing company will be sharing space with Virve Jewelry , a NYC-based artisanal jewelry designer. A representative from Affordable Chic told WSR that each piece of clothing they sell is priced under $100. Together with Virve Jewelry, Affordable Chic plans to host “exclusive art and cultural events” at the space, and is in the process of “planning some grand opening events” for October.

Rosetta, an Italian bakery, has opened on the corner of 64th Street and Broadway. Already with several stores in Miami, it is the chain’s first location in NYC. A rosetta is “the most recognizable bread in Italy” and often “filled with slices of natural ham or other cold cuts,” it says on the website. The menu includes focaccia, pizza, sandwiches, pastries and cakes. The storefront was previously occupied by Lululemon and a Tracksmith pop-up. 

Royale Cleaners, previously located at 689 Columbus Avenue (on 93rd Street), has moved across the street to 690 Columbus between 93rd and 94th Street, replacing Columbus Park Shoe Repair. Now operating under the name Symphony Cleaners, the business recently had an issue with its previous landlord and temporarily had to send customers’ laundry and dry cleaning to a warehouse to be cleaned, rather than cleaning on site. A representative from Symphony told WSR that they were unable to reach an agreement with the landlord, and decided to relocate to the new location. (Thanks to Joseph and Mary for the tips.)

Clear MD has opened a Covid-19 and STD testing site at 105 West 72nd Street between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues. The space was most recently used as a temporary campaign office for Rep. Carolyn Maloney. Clear MD previously had a location nearby on Broadway between 68th and 69th Street, but the retail spaces on that block are being converted into a Morton Williams Supermarket. Kamin Health, an urgent care center, had signage up on the 72nd Street storefront, but it never opened.

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Coppola’s has been a gem and an anchor on our block. Please open again soon!

Coppola’s has one of the best chicken parms I have ever had.

Can’t wait for Coppola’s to reopen. We walked by today and spoke with the manager who said it should be completely finished in about two weeks. The food was always delicious, and we’ll be looking forward to the reopening.

Does anyone know off-hand if Symphony Cleaners (formerly Royale) will start cleaning on-site again? Feel uneasy about my dry cleaning going to “a warehouse” (who? where?) I can certainly swing by and ask if nobody knows.

Sorry about your uneasiness but the people living above and adjacent to the former location were probably uneasy about the use of carcinogenic dry cleaning chemicals being used in their building. That is why the vast majority of dry cleaning is done offsite now.

We’ve been sending our shirts and dry cleaning to Royale/Symphony during this move, and the service has been seamless. I think they’ve done a great job with this transition.

“seamless” – love the unintended pun :-)))

I’m excited about Affordable Chic. Beautiful merchandise and lovely owners. It will be a plus for our neighborhood.

224 West 79th St is where Irving Farm Coffee is. Is this upstairs?

Curious to see the quality a Affordable Chic, where “Some clothes are made in India, some in China”…and WHERE is 224 West 79th Street (off Broadway)????

Mostly made in Italy. I passed by today.

Rosetta’s is gorgeous, but the canoli was not fresh / cream was average. The best canolis in NYC are at Eataly — made to order, with different fillings and toppings. You’re welcome.

Hate to hear that. We have been to Rosetta’s on South Beach many times and it is fantastic. Never ordered cannolis though. The sandwiches are amazing.

Kissaki is definitely expanding…way too far onto the sidewalk now.

Can Kissaki *not* use the entire sidewalk as a construction site? There is no way to walk down that street now more than 2 abreast. The complete abdication of zoning for construction and outdoor eating areas is obscene

Has anyone noticed the inordinate amount of bakeries being opened on the UWS..Seriously, there has got to be better options then this.

Like what, more smoke shops or cell phone stores? I’ll take the bakeries!

When I lived on the UES you couldn’t turn a corner without seeing a laundromat. I never see it mentioned in this forum. Or does everyone have a laundry in their building? I need practical things like a laundry and a houseware/hardware store that offers handyman services.

— “When I lived on the UES you couldn’t turn a corner without seeing a laundromat. I never see it mentioned in this forum.”

Umm, maybe because this forum is about the Upper WEST Side??

Exactly my point. Why does the UES have a laundry on every block but there aren’t any (or many) on the UWS? Do you all have washer/dryers in your apartments/basements? I don’t, which is why I asked.

I had the opposite experience living in the UES. Had the larger underwear collection ever and got really good at hand washing. Never living in a building without laundry again. I agree I don’t see too many in the uws- I assumed a lot of landlords were forced to add those during Covid, at least that’s what happened in my building. Every new tenant after Covid got a washing machine in their apartment.

Glad to hear Kissaki is adding a sushi counter – I’ve avoided it for lacking one. To me, omakase just isn’t unless it’s served directly. Part of the experience.

Coppola’s is the best Italian restaurant in the city. Delicious, traditional, yummy Italian food. And, yes- best chicken parm in the city.

I thought Coppola’s was closing?

Right. Wasn’t there an article on this website not too long ago about their closing?

No, it’s just under renovation inside for about 10 days and there’s still delivering orders. They will be coming out with a new menu.

Anyone know if Uno Chicago Grill on Columbus and 80th closed down? I walked past there yesterday around 6:30pm and it was not open and totally dark inside. No note or anything on the window.

Rosetta does look good. Still as others have noted, a bit puzzling to see so many bakery chains on the West Side…

I had dinner years years ago at Coppola’s. Never since. Nice to know that others enjoy it. Maybe I’ll give it another try.

We had our first pandemic visit to an indoor restaurant here and it was not a positive experience, service or attitude wise. Would not go back.

I thought Coppola was closing all-together? Excited to see Kissaki expanding!

It’s odd that Coppola’s hadn’t had its liquor license for over a year. Anyone know the reason?

My understanding is that Coppola’s is NOT reopening but will be a new Italian restaurant.

Rosetta: the home of the $7 croisson has finally arrived.

Ooops: I meant croissant – but it is still seven dollars.

Thanks but where, O where did the fabulous Columbus Park cobbler go? His work was always faultless. He was courteous, civil and customer friendly. Does anyone know how to find if he is in business at a new store yet?

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© 2022 West Side Rag | All rights reserved.