Why New York Needed a True Italian Bar — And How La Tazza D’Oro Finally Delivered

With the opening of La Tazza D’Oro in Manhattan’s Gramercy neighborhood, one of Tuscany’s most beloved café institutions has officially arrived in New York. Founded in Prato in 1984, the iconic Italian bar makes its U.S. debut through a thoughtful partnership with LDV Hospitality, bringing with it decades of ritual, warmth, and tradition. From espresso at the marble bar to custard-filled cremini and aperitivo, La Tazza D’Oro offers New Yorkers a rare taste of authentic Italian daily life.

We recently sat down with LDV Hospitality founder John Meadow to discuss the inspiration behind the collaboration, the nuance of translating Italian bar culture stateside, and why this opening feels especially meaningful.

Credit: Melissa Hom

How did the partnership between LDV Hospitality and La Tazza D’Oro come about, and what made this collaboration feel like the right fit for New York?

This partnership really grew out of a long-standing friendship. I’ve known Enrico Negri and the Bini family for many years, and there was always a shared dream on both sides — they wanted to open in New York, and I’ve always wanted to create a truly authentic Italian bar in the city. When the timing finally aligned, it felt like an ideal and very natural partnership. There was mutual trust, shared values, and a deep respect for what makes Italian café culture so special.

Melissa Hom

What initially drew you to the story and heritage of La Tazza D’Oro? Was there a specific moment in Italy that made you believe this concept would resonate in the U.S.?

I discovered the original La Tazza D’Oro in Prato through friendship, which is often how the most meaningful Italian food experiences begin. I still vividly remember my first cremino — that custard-filled pastry was a bite I will truly never forget. It was simple, comforting, and executed with such care. In that moment, I fell completely in love with the place, and I knew that this kind of authenticity and emotional connection would resonate far beyond Italy.

Melissa Hom

In your opinion, what is the hardest element of Italian café culture to recreate outside of Italy?

The Italian bar itself is something that doesn’t really exist in the United States. In Italy, coffee, pastries, wine, aperitivo, and prepared foods — tavola calda style — all live under one roof. Here, those offerings are usually split into separate venues. The Italian bar brings everything together, which is why it becomes such a powerful community anchor. American guests aren’t always familiar with this mixed offering, but New York’s strong Italian community has really embraced it. That blend of authentic Italian guests and curious New Yorkers, paired with uncompromising quality, has made the space feel vibrant, charming, and very real.

Italian café culture is deeply rooted in daily rituals. How did you ensure that same rhythm translates into the pace of New York life?

We focused on creating an environment that encourages people to pause. From the marble countertops to the 1960s Italian pop music, to the warmth of the service and the depth of the offering, nothing about the experience feels transactional. While we do offer coffee and food to go, most guests naturally choose to sit, linger, and enjoy the atmosphere. It’s a space that invites you to slow down, even in the middle of a busy New York day.

Melissa Hom

Melissa Hom

What are some of your personal favorite menu items, and which do you think will become instant favorites for New Yorkers?

My personal favorites are the cremino, the salami and butter panino, and the capolavoro espresso drink. They’re simple, classic, and incredibly satisfying — exactly the kind of items that define Italian bar culture. I think New Yorkers will immediately connect with them.

LDV Hospitality has long been associated with translating La Dolce Vita into modern hospitality. How does La Tazza D’Oro deepen that narrative within your portfolio?

For me, La Dolce Vita has always meant the charming good life, not the fancy or exclusive one. There is no restaurant concept that embodies that philosophy better than the Italian bar. It’s welcoming, accessible, and deeply rooted in everyday pleasure. Being part of this project feels very personal and meaningful, and it adds an important layer to our broader hospitality story.

Melissa Hom