Claudette, the Provençal-inspired bistro on lower Fifth Avenue, quietly slipped back into service on Tuesday after spending more than a year in the dark while its building underwent structural repairs. The Village dining room and bar are open again, with the kitchen turning out a seafood-leaning, market-driven lineup of small plates and mains.
As reported by The New York Times, the restaurant first went offline in 2024 to address the building's structural problems. Its return comes with a key change behind the line: Igor Almeida Cabral has taken over as executive chef, a shift the paper framed as "Claudette’s Second Act."
New Chef, Familiar Flavors
The menu stays rooted in Provence, with moules gratinées, rabbit rillettes, cured mackerel, roasted artichokes, cast-iron chicken and a bourride of monkfish and mussels all currently listed. Hours, lunch and brunch service details, reservation options and the full menu are posted on Claudette's website.
Chef's Background
Igor Almeida Cabral, born in Portugal and a former resident of Marseille, trained in notable French kitchens and worked for Alain Ducasse before stepping into the role at Claudette, according to The New York Times. At Claudette he leans on coastal ingredients and Provençal technique, threading Mediterranean flavors through the bistro's established dishes.
A Familiar Corner Gets Another Life
The 24 Fifth Avenue space first opened under operators connected to Rosemary's years ago and has long served as a neighborhood fixture near Washington Square Park, evolving in both menu and mood over time. Early coverage of the original opening and the conversion of the former Cru space is archived by Eater NY.
When To Go
Reservations, current hours and contact information are listed on Claudette's site, and the restaurant maintains a phone line for bookings and walk-ins. The venue page also notes private event capacity and a dining room sized for roughly 70 seated guests, making the space workable for casual dinners as well as small celebrations. Details are available on Claudette's venue page.
