Casa Dani’s design embodies a blend of modern and traditional elements inspired by Mediterranean and Andalusian aesthetics. Crafted by the Rockwell Group, the space combines warm colors, tiled walls, and natural textures, evoking the feel of a Spanish home with a contemporary edge. The open dining area creates a light and airy ambiance, complemented by chic furnishings and artful touches that reflect García’s Spanish roots. Each detail, from the handmade ceramic tableware to the ambient lighting, is chosen to enhance the dining experience and set a relaxed, welcoming tone. The restaurant’s layout and design aim to transport diners to a Mediterranean setting, creating a sensory experience that mirrors the flavors on the menu.
García is one of Spain’s most celebrated chefs, known for modernizing Andalusian cuisine and introducing it to a global audience. His career began in Marbella, where he trained under highly acclaimed chef Martín Berasategui and developed his innovative approach to Spanish flavors. After earning two Michelin stars for his restaurant Calima and then three for his eponymous Dani García Restaurante, he pivoted from fine dining to more accessible concepts, broadening his culinary vision. García’s restaurant group now spans international locations from Madrid and London to Doha and New York City, and includes diverse ventures such as BiBo and Leña, each showcasing different facets of Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine.
Casa Dani is García’s latest venture in the US, but not his first, and almost certainly not his last. In 2013, he opened Manzanilla, a Spanish brasserie in New York City that received praise but closed within a year. With Casa Dani, García returns to New York with renewed focus, offering a sophisticated interpretation of Andalusian cuisine adapted to American tastes. His dedication to quality and creativity has positioned him as a prominent ambassador of Spanish cuisine in the US and beyond.
Since opening, Casa Dani has quickly garnered attention as one of New York City’s standout Mediterranean dining spots. Within its first year, it received high praise from critics for its authentic yet innovative approach to Andalusian flavors. Building on its success, a second Casa Dani is scheduled to open soon in Los Angeles. García’s expanding presence in major cities highlights his ability to adapt traditional Spanish cuisine to diverse markets, with Casa Dani further solidifying his status as a celebrated global chef. But Casa Dani is by no means his only success story. His restaurant Smoked Room in Madrid earned two Michelin stars within six months of opening, and Leña in Marbella was awarded 'Most Beautiful Restaurant in the World' at the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards in 2021.
