Housed within the iconic Nordstrom department store in the heart of Manhattan, Wolf emerges as a hidden gem for those seeking a culinary retreat amidst their NYC shopping or simply looking to savor exceptional meals in midtown New York. This newly opened gem marks the New York debut of renowned chef Ethan Stowell, whose much talked about career spans must-visit restaurants primarily located in Seattle.
Ethan Stowell sits down with DSCENE Editor In Chief Zarko Davinic, to talk about working with Nordstrom, NYC dining scene and fashionable dining guests:
The moment you enter Wolf at Nordstrom, one is taken by the setting that balances elegance with comfort—a direct reflection of Stowell’s culinary philosophy which emphasizes simplicity and quality. The restaurant’s design is modern and welcoming, quickly bringing you into an atmosphere where the food truly takes center stage.
In collaboration with Nordstrom, a relationship forged through numerous events over the years, Stowell found the perfect locale to bring his vision to life. “Our restaurant group has had the good fortune to do countless events with Nordstrom over the years. Through these collaborations, we developed a close relationship with the Nordstrom family, and a partnership felt like a natural progression,” Stowell explains. “When the opportunity to open Wolf within their flagship store in Manhattan presented itself, we knew it was the perfect fit. The store’s iconic status and prime location made it an exciting and obvious choice for us.“
The menu at Wolf at Nordstrom is a celebration of Italian-inspired fare with a distinctive Pacific Northwest twist, showcasing Stowell’s roots. It seamlessly blends traditional Italian cooking techniques with the best ingredients from the Pacific Northwest. Expect dishes that feature local seafood, foraged ingredients, and a spotlight on exceptional wines and spirits from Washington and Oregon. “When designing the menu for Wolf, we wanted to honor the traditional techniques of Italian cooking while incorporating the best of Pacific Northwest ingredients. This means featuring local seafood, foraged ingredients, and regional specialties. We also highlight exceptional beverage selections from Washington and Oregon, including wines, distilleries, and breweries. This fusion allows us to offer a unique dining experience that celebrates both Italian heritage and our Pacific Northwest roots,” Stowell notes, ensuring a unique dining experience that resonates with both Italian heritage and his own regional influences.
The summer menu, perfectly curated for the season, includes everything from Stowell’s signature burgers—juicy and rich with flavor—to creatively crafted pasta dishes that promise to delight the palate. Each dish defines Stowell’s commitment to creating delicious, approachable food served without pretense. This philosophy particularly shines through in New York’s vibrant dining scene, where the straightforward yet sophisticated offerings of The Wolf have quickly found favor.
A surprising and delightful aspect of dining at The Wolf is its clientele—fashionable patrons and occasional celebrity diners add to the vibrant atmosphere, making every meal feel like an event. “One surprising and delightful aspect has been the number of well-dressed patrons and famous faces dining with us. There have been many moments where I have stopped in the middle of service to marvel at the effortless style on display in the dining room. We also love how welcoming the city of New York has been to us as we have always loved spending time here. It’s not a surprise, but the Nordstrom team has been fantastic to work with at every turn. From the store team to the culinary team, everyone has been consummate professionals, making an incredible experience all the better,” Stowell recounts, reflecting on the unique blend of fashion and dining that defines Wolf Nordstrom.
Stowell and his team, have also found a way to mix in Seattle with New York in a simple yet inviting manner. Finding a perfect spot in the New York dining scene. “We believe that New York’s dining scene is unmatched in depth and diversity and we saw this as an opportunity to be true to ourselves. Our goal was to do what we do best: take an organic approach to the diner’s experience while prioritizing delicious, approachable food served without pretense,” shares Ethan while we talk about fitting in on NYC’s dining map, and adds “This Pacific Northwest-inspired mindset, characterized by a laid-back approach to high-quality cuisine, has felt right at home in the New York dining scene. We believe great food speaks for itself, and we’ve found New Yorkers appreciate our dedication to fresh, unpretentious, and delightful dishes.
Rounding out the culinary offerings, Wolf’s menu features a slew of shareable small plates including fried oysters and burrata bruschetta, alongside tempting salads such as the king crab with baby beets. Heartier options abound with pasta, meat, and fish entrées, and vegan dishes are available upon request. The beverage selection is equally impressive, featuring an extensive wine list that spans old- and new-world wines, complemented by a variety of craft beers and specialty cocktails. Conveniently located on the second floor of the Nordstrom NYC flagship store, Wolf Nordstrom offers a stylish and accessible dining experience for all.
For anyone on its way through the busy streets of Manhattan midtown or hunting for the latest fashion pieces, Wolf Nordstrom is your invitation to pause, indulge, and enjoy a meal that promises to be as memorable as it is delicious.
Location: Nordstrom Address: 225 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019, USA
Mon-Sat: 11am-9pm
Sun: noon-8pm
Phone Reservations at 212.295.2184
More on NORDSTROM.com.
Had a few drinks at wolf afer shopping at nordstrom! Very cute and felt like a special zone , you feel transported into this cool zen restaurant moment u enter ❤️