On October 29, the spirit and culinary traditions of northern Mexico will arrive in Manhattan’s Flatiron District with the opening of Norte, a new neighborhood Mexican steakhouse from restaurateur Alberto Martínez.
Norte marks the latest U.S. venture from Martínez and his second restaurant in New York City, following the 2025 opening of Cuerno New York at Rockefeller Center. Located at 39 West 19th Street in a restored 1910 landmark building, Norte draws inspiration from the asador de barrio – the northern Mexican tradition of gathering around carne asada, a communal ritual of grilling meat over live fire and sharing meals around the table. Anchored by a Josper charcoal oven, Norte combines prime steaks and open-fire cooking with the warmth and familiarity of a classic neighborhood bistro.
“For generations, Mexican cooks have shaped how New York eats. Norte is our way of honoring that legacy by bringing northern Mexican cooking and hospitality to the heart of the city,” said Martínez. “Northern Mexican cuisine has a depth, history, and craft that deserves to stand shoulder to shoulder with the American, Chinese, Italian and French culinary giants that have defined New York dining.”
Led by Executive Chef Oriol Mendívil and Chef of Culinary Innovation Jaime Cavazos, Norte’s menu traces the traditional progression of a northern Mexican meal – moving from botanas and tacos to vibrant vegetables, carne asada, and slow-cooked house specialties designed for sharing. Each section – Botanas, Tacos, Vegetales, La Carne Asada, Especiales de la Casa, and Sides – honors regional traditions through premium ingredients and precise techniques.
“In building the menu at Norte, we wanted to create something deeply rooted in our traditions while offering a fresh perspective on a side of Mexican cuisine we’re proud to introduce to New York,” said Executive Chef Oriol Mendívil. “We let the quality of the ingredients and the depth of the flavors speak for themselves, creating a menu that feels authentic to our roots yet distinctly Norte.”
Complementing the main menu, Bar de Mar is Norte’s dedicated raw bar and seafood menu, celebrating the coastal traditions of northern Mexico through tostadas, aguachiles, ceviches and fresh oysters, with select preparations finished over the fire. It can be enjoyed at its own chef’s counter, at the bar and throughout the restaurant.
Norte’s beverage program pairs native Mexican flavors and spirits with globally renowned selections. The cocktail menu features fresh, citrus-forward drinks, a curated trio of margaritas, signature cocktails highlighting spirits from northern Mexico and updated classic cocktails. The wine list showcases over 40 Mexican labels alongside benchmark bottles from Champagne, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Napa Valley, Tuscany, Piedmont and Ribera del Duero. At the bar, tequila and mezcal take center stage alongside curated selections of sotol and raicilla. The beer list pairs local New York craft brews with traditional Mexican staples, including Carta Blanca and Tecate.
Designed by Mexican firm A de Arquitectos, Norte has an old New York soul and a northern Mexican heart. Honoring the history of the Flatiron District, the design draws inspiration from the city’s classic bistros and grand dining rooms with noble materials, distressed brick, aged timber, metallic ceilings and antique furnishings. The 150-seat interior features a 16-seat central bar, a Bar de Mar chef’s counter, and a private dining room.
