Restaurateur Emily Shaya and James Beard Foundation Award-winning Chef-Partner Alon Shaya, owners of New Orleans-based hospitality group Pomegranate Hospitality, are gearing up for two new vibrant food and beverage projects set to debut by the end of 2025. In Denver, Chef Alon Shaya will open Ceci! Italian Lounge, a new bar and lounge concept. Secondly, the team will open Safta’s Table in New Orleans, a neighborhood all-day Mediterranean cafe, in one of the best food cities in the world.
Safta’s Table, slated to open in New Orleans’ Lakeview neighborhood in Late 2025, will capture the warmth and comfort of dining at your grandmother’s house. The menu will focus on fresh and sustainable ingredients in a comforting atmosphere that keeps you returning for more. Below, Chef Shaya shares more about his vision for the upcoming Safta’s Table and why he’s so excited to add this restaurant to his New Orleans portfolio.
The vision for Safta’s Table
“Our vision for Safta’s Table is to open a Mediterranean neighborhood restaurant that will be a gathering place for friends and families. I’d love to show off some of my grandmother’s best recipes while cooking comforting and approachable meals that people can count on,” says Shaya. “With an emphasis on everyday meals that are both approachable and delicious, it felt only natural to bring this counter-service, all-day cafe to Lakeview, a neighborhood brimming with families of all ages.”
“We will offer a variety of fresh and healthy dishes, along with items you can stock the fridge with or pick up for your family dinner. We will also focus on catering for people’s special events or casual get-togethers. Lots of prepared foods are ready to be picked up quickly, like hummus, pita, soups, casseroles and sauces, vinaigrettes, and spice blends from our pantry. Saba and Safta are more full-scale dining experiences, while Safta’s Table will be more casual and offer more catering and retail options. Safta’s Table will be an all-day cafe offering breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, which is a major difference.”…