Residents at the northern end of Hell’s Kitchen and around Waterline Square — an area that has seen its dining options thinned by recent closures — are getting a fresh addition next spring. Mad Restaurant Group has announced it will open a second Casa Louie at Three Waterline Square, taking over the former Empellón Taqueria space with a nautical-leaning, Italian-focused menu.
The Hot Louie pie, topped with vodka sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella and honey. Photo: Steve Hill
The expansion follows the success of Casa Louie’s Hudson Yards/Hell’s Kitchen flagship at W37th Street and 10th Avenue, which opened earlier this year under longtime local operators Jonah Phillips and Marom Unger. Between Casa Louie, Suram and Friedman’s, Phillips’ ventures have become reliable standbys for Hell’s Kitchen and the blocks around Waterline Square — which makes this new outpost a notable addition for neighbors who’ve seen several food anchors vanish.
Across the plaza, Empellón closed last summer. And in August, residents learned that Cipriani’s Harry’s Table — the high-profile Italian market and dining hall once pitched as a marquee amenity for the development — would shut its doors on November 1, leaving a 28,000-square-foot gap in the neighborhood’s daily food offerings. With Bellini shuttered earlier this year and the market closing, many locals have been hoping for something to fill the culinary void.
Casa Louie will occupy the space vacated by Empellón last summer. Photo: Phil O’Brien
Casa Louie’s Waterline Square location is expected to open in Spring 2026 in a 3,300-square-foot space designed by Sarah Carpenter. The restaurant will serve lunch and dinner, offering wood-fired sourdough pizzas, handmade pastas, vegetable-forward dishes, and a full slate of gluten-free options — from pizza crusts to fresh pasta.
“At Waterline Square, our goal has always been to create a dynamic environment where exceptional dining fosters connection and brings neighbors together,” said Wendy Adam, Senior Vice President of Commercial Asset Management at GID, which developed the three-tower complex. “We are confident it will be a welcomed and vibrant addition to the community.”
Phillips echoed that sentiment. “We can’t wait to open our doors at Waterline Square and bring classic Italian cuisine to the neighborhood,” he said. “We look forward to creating a place for gathering, celebrating milestones, and savoring the simple joys of good food and good company.”
Mad Restaurant Group operates 34 locations across New York City, including Friedman’s, Kossar’s and Suram. With this Waterline Square expansion, the team is betting that Casa Louie’s combination of modern Italian comfort and neighborhood-friendly service will resonate with a part of the West Side still hungry for dependable dining options.
Marom Unger and Jonah Phillips trying out the Insalata Pie, topped with an “everyday Italian salad” at Casa Louie. Photo: Steve Hill
W42ST will share opening details — including menus and first looks inside — as the debut approaches in 2026.
Dining and Cooking