Oti - New York

Stepping into Oti, you’re greeted by a quietly charming corner of New York City’s Lower East Side that feels both intimate and inviting. The space hums with the warmth of close conversation and slowly poured drinks, a welcome pause from the city’s usual buzz. Light filters softly through mismatched vintage glassware, and the welcoming staff moves with an attentive ease that makes you feel part of something quietly special.

This is a place where Romanian cuisine is reimagined with both affection and creativity—rooted in tradition but never confined by it. The pace here is unhurried, encouraging you to share little plates that invite discovery and storytelling around the table. You’ll find yourself drawn to unexpected tastes, like the smoky sweetness of a stuffed pepper or the gentle tang of house-made pickles, each bite unfolding layers of memories and new experiences.

Cocktails here lean into subtle complexity—crafted to complement the depth of flavors on the plate without overpowering the senses. The atmosphere encourages lingering over drinks like a silky martini or a spirituous nod to familiarity, perfect for those moments that feel like a conversation worth savoring.

At Oti, you don’t just eat; you explore the textured, heartfelt expressions of a cuisine quietly stepping into the spotlight. It’s a shared discovery, wrapped in warmth and grounded in honest hospitality—a neighborhood refuge where food feels both familiar and refreshingly new.