Big on Hospitality at Little Maven
Photo: NOAH FECKS
Having opened in November, Little Maven is making a big splash in Flatiron. From the team behind Ito and Flyfish Club, Little Maven is carving out their space as a staple neighborhood favorite. With a team that cares about consistency and hospitality, a well-balanced menu, and a quirky, yet chic space, Little Maven should be on everyone’s “Must Try” list.
Photo: NOAH FECKS
When Little Maven was first opening, they booked a private event that requested a cookie platter for dessert. Though it wasn’t something that they offered, they immediately got to work on how to deliver. When it was suggested that they would need to outsource the cookies, their pastry chef was not having it.
What started as a desire to bring their customers the perfect event, turned into baking 200 miso chocolate chip cookies a day and permanent spot on their dessert menu.
Hospitality, in restaurants, is focused on guest relations. Any restaurant can have great food. Any restaurant can be built in the perfect space. But what keeps guests coming back? Hospitality.
Little Maven understands how important this is. Their staff works like a professional ballet corp. From seamless check–in and coat check, to beautiful table service, to the perfect ambience, they make you feel like you belong exactly where you are in their dining room because every member of their staff is invested in your experience.
Photo: NOAH FECKS
Beyond their formal dining room, they have a hidden gem nestled beside the kitchen, a private dining room.
The private dining room can really be tailored to your specific needs. They can accommodate 30 people for a seated dinner and 45 people for a standing cocktail event. The interior of the space differs from the main dining room, as they wanted the space to feel different than the vibes of the main dining room. Featuring an incredible singular line mural that encompasses the whole room, the space feels intimate without feeling small, making it great for gatherings of all sizes.
From private and semi-private dinners to 16 tops, to seated dinners, and to cocktail hours, their group dining team, headed by Paige Barthel, will help you tailor your event to be exactly what you need.
Photo: NOAH FECKS
Our takeaway? Make sure you get a reservation at Little Maven, and soon! The team at Little Maven understands the key point of hospitality and are quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite. We are excited to see what is next for them, and for many more dinners to come.
Ambiance: intimate and chic
Favorite sip: Little Maven’s Signature Espresso Martinis
Our menu favorites: Caeser Cups (endive cups, charred broccoli, garlic crumbs), Oxtail Troife (braised oxtail, spicy tomato ragu, crispy rosemary), Tuna Tartar Cannolis (picy tuna, crispy nori, sesame), Dry Aged Roast Duck (red wine braised pears, turnips, tardivo)
Our Favorite Bite: Cookies and Cream (homemade miso chocolate chip cookies with vanilla ice cream). People knock on Little Maven’s windows at all hours asking if they’ve made the cookies yet, and honestly, we would too!
Contributor — Andrew Barnes | Lifestyle Consultant
You can always find Andrew with his nose in a book and a negroni in his hand. He is determined to find the best bite of pasta in New York City.