How a historic pump house became a luxe new restaurant near Morningside

The space: At a historic coral pump house in Morningside, just down the street from his namesake restaurant, Soyka employs that same industrial-luxe feel he pioneered so well at his namesake restaurant. The building’s original coral rock walls are paired with oil paintings, chandeliers, gilded mirrors, polished concrete floors and exposed rafters. Now that it’s cooler outside, opt for seating in the outdoor garden that is lushly landscaped and set on multiple levels, all overlooking two ponds.

The dishes: Seasonal cuisine with Mediterranean and Latin influences. Prices reflect the special occasion atmosphere with starters $11-$16, mains $17-$38.

The Yellowfin Tuna Crudo with focaccia toast, quail egg, red onion, capers and tempura crisp makes a fine starter, paired with the pulpo dressed with chorizo dust and micro arugula and the Pump House salad tossed with watercress, pear and feta.

Hot plates include organic sweetbreads with Japanese eggplant terrine, zucchini, squash, and a balsamic fig glaze; a butterflied local red snapper with cherry tomato scales, paprika lemon–thyme, confit gold potatoes, and asparagus. Vegetarians will appreciate the “chickpea stack” starters and the vegan dish of the day, while carnivores will crave the lamb burger and Malbec-braised short ribs.

Desserts include crepes in flavors of strawberries and cream, and nutella and banana, an espresso panna cotta and a chocolate truffle cake. 

Bottom line: A sophisticated new spot from industry veteran Mark Soyka.