Cote 550 opened its doors in Midtown on Wednesday night, attracting a steady stream of guests along Fifth Avenue. The new project from Simon Kim, known for the original Cote in Flatiron, occupies the base of a high-rise between 45th and 46th Streets.
By noon on Thursday, the restaurant’s bar was already filled with office workers and hospitality regulars, many noting the scale of the space. At 15,000 square feet, Cote 550 is larger than its predecessor, with seating that stretches across multiple dining rooms and a private event floor.
The menu continues Kim’s focus on Korean steakhouse fare. Dry-aged beef and tableside grills anchor the experience. Prices for set meals start at $95 per person, with à la carte options and a raw bar available. Reservations for the opening week filled quickly, according to staff.
Cote 550 enters a Midtown dining landscape that has seen renewed activity in recent months, especially as summer brings more late-night crowds around Bryant Park and Grand Central. The restaurant will serve lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Industry observers are watching to see if the large-format restaurant model can thrive in Midtown’s unpredictable weekday traffic. For now, Cote 550 is drawing attention as one of the season’s highest-profile debuts.