New Neighbor Roundup: TAP Brazilian Café, El Califa de León, and Tatte Bakery & Cafe

Several exciting new businesses have recently opened in the neighborhood. This month’s roundup features a variety of new neighbors, from a Michelin-starred taqueria to the latest location of a Brazilian cafe. Stay in the know with the latest New Neighbors in Flatiron & NoMad.

TAP Brazilian Café, 261 Fifth Avenue, @eat_tap
TAP Brazilian Cafe has opened their newest location in the neighborhood. Led by brothers Pedro and Cleo Uchôa, TAP serves nutritious Brazilian superfoods while maintaining a commitment to wellness, community, and hospitality. “Opening our fifth location on Fifth Ave is an exciting milestone for us,” says Pedro. “Flatiron has such a unique mix of people who live, work, and spend their time in the neighborhood, and we’re excited for TAP to become part of their everyday routines.” “NoMad feels like a natural fit for TAP,” notes Cleo. “It’s a neighborhood full of energy and people always on the move, but there’s also a real sense of community, and that’s exactly the kind of place TAP would love to be a part of.” TAP stands for “Tapioca sandwiches, Açaí bowls, and Pão de queijo,” which are central to the cafe’s 100% gluten-free menu.

Choose from a selection of flavorful tapioca sandwiches made with tapioca imported from Brazil. For breakfast, try the NYC-inspired Bacon, Egg n’ Cheese, featuring a parmesan crust filled with crispy turkey bacon, eggs, and mozzarella. Or, enjoy the protein-filled Chicken Club with shredded chicken, mozzarella, and fresh tomatoes. Additional sandwich options include a variety of Egg Wraps made with tapioca flour as well as Pão de Queijo (Cheese Bread) Paninis. TAP’s popular Pão de Queijo is also served individually, and comes in traditional, spicy, or pesto flavors. Pair your meal with a vibrant Açaí Bowl, featuring açaí sourced from Pará in the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest and naturally sweetened with organic Guaraná extract. Try the Tropical Bowl, filled with açaí, house-made granola, and topped with fresh strawberries and bananas, or the Samba Bowl layered with passionfruit and mango. Unique to TAP is their coffee program which is made with coffee beans from Minas Gerais, one of Brazil’s most renowned coffee-producing regions. Stop by TAP for your next nutritious meal in the district! TAP is open daily.

El Califa de León, 20 West 23rd Street, @califadeleontacos
Founded in 1968 by Juan Hernández in Mexico City, El Califa de León is the world’s first-ever Michelin-starred taqueria. Decades later, El Califa de León is making its U.S. debut in the neighborhood. “Flatiron is the perfect home for our first U.S. location. It’s one of the most demanding, food-loving neighborhoods in the world, exactly the kind of place that pushes us to be at our best,” says Co-Founder & CMO Rodrigo Diaz de Rivera. “We’re thrilled to bring the world’s first Michelin-starred taquería to a community that celebrates great food, and we can’t wait to become one of its neighborhood staples.” Still family-owned, El Califa de León has remained true to its roots, serving the same menu since its inception. With his background as a butcher, Juan Hernández believed that a taco doesn’t need embellishment through sauces or garnishes, but rather the centerpiece is the cut of high-quality meat paired with disciplined technique. Today, the team is led by Juan’s son, Mario Hernández, alongside Founder & U.S. CEO José Andrés Hernández and Co-Founder & CMO Rodrigo Diaz de Rivera.

The menu mirrors the Mexico City location featuring a selection of five distinct tacos. Highlights include the signature Gaonera made with thinly-sliced prime tenderloin cooked on the plancha and served on a freshly pressed corn tortilla. El Califa de León was the first taqueria in Mexico to slice tenderloin, a technique that is now commonly used across the country. The Costilla features prime ribeye for a rich, juicy flavor profile, while the Bistec is made with prime New York striploin rather than lean secondary cuts of meat traditionally used. The Chuleta, a pork chop taco is made with Heritage Hampshire pork featuring a natural sweetness and tenderness with each bite. The Vegetarian combines roasted poblano peppers, huitlacoche, and corn. New to the New York City location, is their first bar program, featuring a lineup of margaritas in four variations, Clásica, Verde, Roja, and Tuna with tequila or mezcal, agave syrup with orange oleo, and freshly squeezed lime. Guests can also enjoy a selection of Mexican beers and classic sodas. Visit El Califa de León to experience the Michelin-starred taqueria in the neighborhood! El Califa de León is open daily.

Tatte Bakery & Café, 315 Park Avenue South, (332) 296-6543, @tattebakery
Tatte Bakery & Café has opened their first New York City location in the neighborhood. Founded 17 years ago in Boston by self-taught pastry chef Tzurit Or, Tatte has grown into a bakery-cafe with several storefronts in the Greater Boston area, Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., New Jersey, and now New York City. “Opening our first New York cafe in Gramercy feels particulary special. We’re grateful to finally welcome longtime Tatte guests in New York and to introduce the cafe to those discovering us for the first time,” says Tatte Cafe & Bakery. “Gramercy felt like the right place to begin. It’s a neighborhood people actually live in – walking to work, knowing their local places, meeting for coffee, lingering over lunch. That rhythm feels very familiar to us.” At the heart of Tatte is a mission to bring people together through great food and community. Alongside its signature pastries and desserts, Tatte also a seasonal food menu inspired by Eastern Mediterranean flavors, featuring dishes such as Shakshuka, Tahini Caesar Salad, and all-day selection of breakfast and lunch options and a full coffee bar.

To start, order a handcrafted beverage such as the Pistachio Rose Cold Foam Latte or the Honey Halva Latte, or choose from an assortment of coffees, teas, and fresh juices. For breakfast, enjoy the Halloumi & Sunny-Side Breakfast Sandwich served on a house-made challah roll or the Corn & Spinach Shakshuka. At lunchtime, savor the Chicken Pita with green herb dressing or the Strawberry, Roasted Peach & Chicken Salad with toasted cashews and goat cheese. Pair your meal with one of Tatte’s delicious baked goods. Indulge in the Lemon Mint Tart or a Strawberry Turnover, or browse the dessert case for seasonal treats. Tatte also offers convenient grab-andgo options like Chicken Salad, Overnight Oats, and Tomato Basil Soup. Join Tatte in celebrating their Grand Opening Weekend on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20 featuring fun activities and partnerships! Tatte Bakery & Cafe is open daily.

Header & Thumbnail Photo Credit: TAP Brazilian Café