New York's Obvio, an elegant cocktail lounge located in the city's NoMad district, has been named Best Standalone Bar in the Americas at the 2025 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards, one of the world's most prestigious honours in hospitality design. The international awards celebrate excellence and innovation in restaurants and bars across the globe, with this year's competition receiving over 1,100 entries from 61 countries.
© Obvio
Conceived and designed by Juan Santa Cruz, Obvio redefines the modern New York evening through a seamless blend of craftsmanship, luxury, and playfulness. The space is enveloped in a distinctive giraffe-patterned silk brocade, shifting in shades of champagne to create a rich monochromatic effect that mirrors the golden tones of dusk. The striking curved bar, inspired by the sculptural fluidity of Elsa Peretti's jewellery, serves as the room's centrepiece, while a bespoke lighting scheme casts a soft, cinematic glow throughout.
Every element of Obvio's design tells a story of meticulous detail, from handmade Milanese table lamps and English-woven carpets to a vivid red-lacquered bathroom, designed with perfect lighting for that quintessential "mirror selfie." The effect is an atmosphere both sophisticated and sensual, echoing the glamour of old New York with a distinctly contemporary flair.
Since opening in March 2025, Obvio has quickly become a destination for both its design and its inventive culinary program. The menu, led by Chef John Fraser and award-winning Beverage Director Amy Racine, features dishes such as Peekytoe Crab Doughnuts and Torched A5 Wagyu with Australian black truffles, paired with signature cocktails like the Tamarind Mezcalito and the Obvio Martini, a savory twist on the classic.
As night falls, a hidden DJ booth transforms the space from a refined lounge into an intimate late-night retreat, a perfect embodiment of Obvio's cinematic and ever-evolving spirit.
Obvio is located at 3 East 28th Street, New York, with reservations available via OpenTable.
More information:
Obvio
www.ObvioNYC.com
