Two Mediterranean restaurants opened in Chelsea in the last week of May 2024. The launches coincide with higher seasonal foot traffic in the area.

  • Olea and Levant Table opened in Chelsea in May 2024.

  • Both restaurants are located within three blocks of the High Line.

  • Summer visitor numbers in Chelsea were up over 15% from last year, according to NYC & Company.

Olea, a Greek-inspired restaurant from chef Eleni Vassilou, opened at 215 Ninth Avenue on May 27. The opening follows an increase in outdoor diners in the neighborhood as summer begins. Olea seats about 60, offering a menu centered on grilled seafood and seasonal vegetables.

Levant Table, led by chef Samir Haddad, began service on May 30 at 318 West 23rd Street. The restaurant focuses on dishes from Lebanon, Syria, and Israel, including mezze plates and charcoal-grilled meats. Levant Table occupies the former site of a tapas bar that closed in 2023.

The new restaurants are within walking distance of the High Line and Hudson River Park, both of which attract higher visitor numbers in warmer months. NYC & Company, the city’s tourism agency, reports a 15% increase in Chelsea pedestrian counts compared to summer 2023. Restaurant operators in the area have described summer as their busiest stretch of the year.

Olea and Levant Table join several other Mediterranean establishments that have opened on the West Side in the last two years. The two new restaurants each plan to offer sidewalk dining throughout the season, weather permitting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the new Mediterranean restaurants located in Chelsea?

Olea is at 215 Ninth Avenue, near West 24th Street. Levant Table is at 318 West 23rd Street. Both are in close proximity to the High Line and within three blocks of each other.

Who are the chefs behind these restaurants?

Olea is led by chef Eleni Vassilou, previously of a Greek eatery in Astoria. Levant Table features chef Samir Haddad, who has worked at Middle Eastern restaurants in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

What kind of menus can diners expect?

Olea’s menu highlights Greek seafood, grilled meats, and seasonal produce. Levant Table offers a range of mezze, house-made breads, and grilled dishes from across the Levant region. Both plan to feature rotating seasonal specials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the new Mediterranean restaurants in Chelsea located?

Olea is at 215 Ninth Avenue near West 24th Street, and Levant Table is at 318 West 23rd Street.

Who are the chefs at Olea and Levant Table?

Olea is led by chef Eleni Vassilou, and Levant Table is led by chef Samir Haddad.

When did Olea and Levant Table open in Chelsea?

Olea opened on May 27, 2024, and Levant Table opened on May 30, 2024.

What type of food do Olea and Levant Table serve?

Olea serves Greek-inspired dishes focused on grilled seafood and seasonal vegetables, while Levant Table offers mezze, house-made breads, and grilled dishes from Lebanon, Syria, and Israel.

Are the new Mediterranean restaurants near the High Line?

Yes, both Olea and Levant Table are within three blocks of the High Line.

Editorial Transparency. A first draft of this story was produced with AI-assisted writing tools, then reviewed for accuracy and tone by the named editor before publication. More on our process: Editorial Policy.