Casa Oaxaca, a regional Mexican-inspired modern dining destination from hospitality veterans Abraham Merchant and James Belakh of Merchants, who recently opened Maison Madison just next door, will open this November. Casa Oaxaca’s culinary program, with Chef Antelmo Ambrosio at the helm, is rooted in the many culinary traditions of Mexico. The menu is sophisticated, yet approachable, with distinctive shareable dishes, an assortment of tableside, made-to-order offerings, an agave-focused cocktail program, and later this month, a dedicated taco bar with a 10-course petit taco omakase experience. 

Beyond the refined culinary program, Casa Oaxaca will focus heavily on the guest experience by incorporating interactive, experiential elements like a premium tableside margarita program, tableside salsa making, and more.

Casa Oaxaca will boast a sprawling layout complete with a palette of deep terracotta, burnt orange, rich greens, and dark wood culminating in an inviting, layered atmosphere. Textured surfaces, handcrafted-inspired details, and carefully integrated lighting create a deep sense of complexity and character. Anchoring the space is a striking central island bar, surrounded by two inviting dining areas, an intimate eight-seat taco omakase counter, and flexible spaces for private and semi-private gatherings. Two seasonal outdoor patios provide wraparound outdoor dining for guests to enjoy during warmer months.

Whether stopping in for a casual cocktail, gathering with friends for dinner, entertaining business associates, or celebrating a special occasion, Casa Oaxaca offers a lively, sophisticated destination in the heart of Battery Park City.

“Casa Oaxaca was conceived as a place where the food, atmosphere, and hospitality come together to create something genuinely memorable,” said James Belakh, Partner and Vice President of Merchants. “From tableside margaritas and freshly prepared salsas to our intimate taco counter and creative cocktail program, we want guests to feel engaged in the experience. It is about bringing people together in an atmosphere that is exciting, comfortable, and distinctly personal.”

“We have always believed that a great restaurant should become part of the fabric of its neighborhood,” said Abraham Merchant, Founder and Partner of Merchants. “With Casa Oaxaca, our vision is to create a place that Battery Park City residents can call their own, while also offering something exciting enough to draw guests from across New York. Whether someone is joining us for a casual margarita, a family dinner, or a special celebration, we want the experience to feel welcoming, memorable, and personal. This is another important step in our continued investment in Downtown Manhattan.”

Food

Chef Antelmo Ambrosio (Casa Felix, Maison Madison, Ophelia) leads the culinary program, drawing on his Oaxacan roots to create an approachable, regionally inspired menu that celebrates the decadent flavors and traditions of Mexican cuisine. Featuring dishes that highlight ingredients and techniques central to Mexican cooking, from rich mole negro to guajillo-marinated octopus al pastor and whole branzino zarandeado, the menu balances regional specialties with comforting favorites and inventive, shareable plates. Designed for gathering and exploring, the menu brings a vibrant, modern sensibility to traditional Mexican flavors, in keeping with Downtown New York’s sociable dining and nightlife culture.

Later this year, the team will launch Omacasa, a curated, 10-course petit taco tasting experience, featuring a sampling of 8 signature corn shell petit tacos accompanied by two additional savory interludes. An optional additive-free, agave-forward spirit tasting will be available to add on to the OmaCasa experience.

Beverage

The beverage program, led by Jonathan Ortega, will celebrate tequila, mezcal, and Oaxacan-based agave varieties through inventive cocktails, margarita variations, and a carefully curated spirits collection. Rounding out the program will be a tableside margarita service featuring premium tequilas and The Skull Series, a trio of approachable yet elaborate cocktails served in ceramic skull cups, and signature riffs on the classic margarita cocktail.

Design

Designed by Wid Chapman Architects, Casa Oaxaca brings a fresh, contemporary interpretation of Mexican hospitality to Battery Park City, balancing the warmth, richness, and vibrancy of Mexican culture with a sophisticated urban sensibility. Near the entrance, a dramatic island bar anchors the restaurant, crowned by a sculptural hanging bottle display that creates a striking focal point and natural gathering place. At the rear, the dedicated taco bar is framed by a broad, softly rounded architectural opening in a vibrant burnt-orange surround. A warm metallic archway contrasts with a dark, vertically textured counter front and richly upholstered barstools, creating an intimate setting within the larger restaurant. The dining areas feature deep green banquettes, upholstered seating, and warm wood tables, complemented by decorative mirrors, richly textured walls, and a large cherry blossom tree in the center of the room. A large-scale floral mural introduces an expressive, almost theatrical quality, while a sculptural flowering tree serves as a memorable centerpiece, bringing an unexpected organic element to the space. Lighting plays an essential role in shaping the atmosphere, with warm, low-level illumination, decorative fixtures, and subtle architectural accents creating a comfortable transition from early evening cocktails to intimate dinners and late-night gatherings.

Image courtesy of Casa Oaxaca