The Musket Room
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | June 2013 |
| Founder | Matt Lambert, Barbara Lambert, Jennifer Vitagliano |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Cuisine initially influenced by New Zealand; expanded culinary range |
The Musket Room is a dining establishment located in New York City that began operations in June 2013. It was created by the husband-and-wife team Matt and Barbara Lambert, together with their business partner Jennifer Vitagliano. Originally, the restaurant specialized in cuisine influenced by New Zealand but has since broadened its culinary range. Matt and Barbara Lambert exited the enterprise in 2019.
History
Conceived to introduce a unique gastronomic experience to New York, The Musket Room has developed its menu beyond its initial New Zealand-inspired dishes. The founders’ ambition played a key role in establishing the restaurant’s presence in a competitive environment, ultimately securing a Michelin star.
Raf's
In 2023, Chef Mary Attea, pastry chef Camari Mick, alongside Jennifer and Nicole Vitagliano, opened Raf's close to The Musket Room. Characterized by Nina Friend of Air Mail as an all-day café, Raf's serves pastries during weekends and offers full dinner service in the evenings. This venue occupies a space formerly operated by Angie's and later Parisi Bakery, representing a calculated growth within the neighborhood’s culinary landscape.
Reviews
Ligaya Mishan of The New York Times commended the restaurant’s cuisine in a 2013 critique, describing it as "ambitious and meticulously detailed."
In 2022, Pete Wells provided a favorable assessment, emphasizing chef Mary Attea’s "border-hopping" menu drawing inspiration from Spanish, Eastern European, and Middle Eastern flavors. He also remarked on the vibrant ambiance, particularly attributing much of the energy to the bar area, which maintains a no-reservations policy.
Accolades
Within just four months after opening, The Musket Room was awarded a Michelin Star, joining the ranks of the Michelin Guide in 2014.
Mary Attea received a nomination for the 2023 James Beard Award in the Best Chef: New York State category. The honor was ultimately claimed by Junghyun Park of Atomix.
In 2023, The Musket Room hosted a gathering of Michelin-starred chefs including Mary Attea, Camari Mick, and Malyna Si from Orlando’s esteemed Capa restaurant.