Smith & Mills Rockefeller Center

Adjacent to Rockefeller Center's famous rink and Titan Prometheus Statue sits the second location of Tribeca's beloved Smith & Mills.

The design collaboration between Matt Abramck and Akiva Elstein of Neighborhood Projects and Krista Ninivaggi of Woods Bagot creates an intentional guest experience that draws visitors from the bright, bustling concourse into a softly lit sanctuary.

Upon entering, guests are welcomed in a cozy vestibule featuring dark tones, dim lighting, and vintage wrought iron elevator cab panels—a direct nod to the celebrated elevator cab restroom at the original location. The minimal host stand showcases skinny wood paneling with deep bevels, emphasized by two-tone gloss paint. These panels, along with black zellige tile, serve as primary wall finishes throughout.

The restaurant's centerpiece is a striking zinc and walnut wrapped oval island bar sitting on tiled black stone flooring. Columns between directional wall panels are clad in zellige tile with inset mirrors, while custom large mirrors on walls opposite the storefront feel both antique and industrial—reflecting the original location's old-meets-new aesthetic. Oxblood velvet and leather banquettes with distinctive piping-leg details line the perimeter, framing the central bar. White marble tables feature brass band detailing and pair with classic bistro chairs. Lighting varies from 1930s-inspired cast aluminum and bronze pendants with hand-blown diffusers to authentic Christian Dell pendants from the same era, complemented by bronze picture lights and Prismatic Glass sconces.

Original artwork by Yelena Yemchuk references Rockefeller Center's Art Deco heritage, contributing to what co-owner Akiva Elstein describes as "an atmosphere that transports guests somewhere else."

A private dining room features handmade Moroccan red zellige tiles transitioning to botanical print wall covering above, furnished with carefully curated found pieces for flexible seating arrangements.