Selene by Kyma Arrives in SoHo: A Modern Aegean Escape Beneath the New York Sky

In a city that constantly reinvents how we gather, dine, and experience space, a new concept is quietly redefining what a restaurant can feel like.

Set in the heart of SoHo, Selene by Kyma introduces a layered, sensory approach to modern Greek dining — one where architecture, atmosphere, and cuisine move together in rhythm rather than in sequence.

Opening in spring 2026, the nearly 10,000-square-foot space is designed not just for dining, but for transition. From daylight lunches to late-night energy, Selene unfolds as an environment that evolves alongside its guests.

A Space Designed to Move With the Moment

At the center of Selene's design is its most striking feature: a retractable roof atrium that opens the dining room to the sky.

By day, sunlight filters through greenery and soft Mediterranean textures. By night, the ceiling recedes, revealing the moon overhead — a subtle nod to the restaurant's namesake, Selene, the Greek goddess of the moon. The result is an atmosphere that feels both grounded and cinematic, where the passage of time becomes part of the experience.

The interiors draw from Aegean influences without leaning into nostalgia. Travertine stone, linen drapery, plaster arches, and terracotta tones create a palette that feels organic and tactile, while custom furnishings and handcrafted elements sourced from Greece anchor the space in authenticity.

It is transportive, but never theatrical.

The Vision Behind Selene

The concept is led by co-founders Reno Christou and James Ragonese, each bringing decades of experience shaping New York's dining landscape.

For Christou, Selene represents a continuation of a long-standing mission: redefining Greek cuisine beyond traditional expectations. His approach centers on restraint, ingredient quality, and coastal simplicity — allowing the essence of the Aegean to speak without excess.

Ragonese complements this with a deep understanding of hospitality as a social experience. His perspective is less about building a restaurant and more about creating a destination — one that feels equally suited for an intimate dinner or a high-energy night out.

Together, their vision positions Selene somewhere between fine dining and nightlife — a space that doesn't force a transition, but allows it to happen naturally.

Aegean Cuisine, Refined

The menu is built around clarity and precision.

Rather than overcomplicating flavors, Selene leans into what defines Aegean cooking at its best: pristine seafood, exceptional olive oil, and a balance of brightness and depth.

Dishes feel intentional and composed:

• Whole grilled fish finished simply with lemon and oil


• Charcoal-grilled octopus with a subtle smokiness


• Citrus-forward crudos that highlight freshness


• Handmade pastas inspired by coastal traditions

Signature plates include a layered Greek salad with barrel-aged feta and early harvest olive oil, Colorado lamb chops prepared in a Greek style, and Mediterranean sea bass finished with ladolemono.

Dessert follows the same philosophy. Thick Greek yogurt is elevated with thyme honey sourced from Kythira and toasted walnuts — a dish that feels both familiar and quietly luxurious.

At the crudo bar, seafood becomes performance. Tartares and carpaccios are prepared with a focus on traceability and seasonality, while tableside service introduces moments of interaction that blur the line between kitchen and guest.

Where Dining Becomes Atmosphere

Selene is not structured around a single moment. It's designed as a progression.

The evening begins with a lighter, airy soundscape — Mediterranean rhythms layered with subtle percussion. As the night unfolds, the energy deepens, shifting into something more hypnotic and immersive.

There is no clear divide between dinner and nightlife. Instead, the space transforms gradually, allowing guests to stay, move, and experience different moods without ever leaving.

From the main dining room to the terrace, from the bar lounge to more intimate corners, Selene operates as a living environment.

A New Standard for Downtown Dining

Located at 23 Grand Street, Selene arrives at a time when New York dining is increasingly defined by experience as much as cuisine.

It reflects a broader shift — where restaurants are no longer just places to eat, but spaces designed to evoke feeling, connection, and memory.

With its architectural ambition, ingredient-driven menu, and fluid approach to hospitality, Selene positions itself as more than a new opening. It signals where dining is heading next.