Jupiter at Rockefeller Center: A Modern Italian Ode Led by Women Who Know How to Dine Well

Introduction: Reimagining Rockefeller Center Dining

Rockefeller Center, one of New York’s most iconic and heavily trafficked destinations, is often associated with holiday snapshots, casual food kiosks, and hurried bites in between tourist stops. But nestled just below the rink—where skaters glide in winter and sunseekers gather in warmer months—is a restaurant that’s rewriting the narrative: Jupiter.

Jupiter is the brainchild of the acclaimed trio behind King in Soho—Annie Shi, Jess Shadbolt, and Clare de Boer. Known for their refined approach to European-style dining, the team has brought a similar sensibility to their latest venture, only this time in a location that might surprise some. Situated on the rink level, Jupiter doesn’t scream for attention. Instead, it lures diners with thoughtful flavors, polished service, and a calm sophistication that feels like a well-kept secret amid the city’s bustle.

Now, under the helm of Lucy Gibson, a seasoned talent from King, Jupiter continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.

The Story Behind the Concept

For Shi, Shadbolt, and de Boer, launching a restaurant at Rockefeller Center wasn’t a gimmick—it was an opportunity. Where many saw tourist traps and corporate chains, they saw potential for something grounded, elegant, and distinctly New York.

Their original concept focused on creating a space that balanced Italian culinary influences with modern restraint, offering seasonal plates that are light, precise, and full of character. The location—central and iconic—allowed them to engage both local professionals and curious travelers without compromising their standards.

Jupiter is, in many ways, a natural extension of the ethos they honed at King: a commitment to simplicity, exceptional ingredients, and a dining room that feels more like a European café than a Midtown megaspot.

A New Chapter Under Lucy Gibson

Now leading the kitchen is Lucy Gibson, who earned her stripes at King before taking on the executive chef role at Jupiter. With a deep understanding of the group’s culinary philosophy and a keen sense for balance and detail, Gibson steps into the role with quiet confidence.

Rather than overhauling the menu or redefining Jupiter’s identity, her approach is rooted in continuity and finesse. She honors the original blueprint laid down by her mentors while refining flavors, elevating execution, and introducing seasonal inspirations that keep the offerings vibrant.

Her leadership reflects a collaborative and precise kitchen culture, where the goal is not to dazzle with theatrics but to deliver deliciously understated dishes that speak for themselves.

What Makes the Menu Stand Out

At Jupiter, the food speaks softly but leaves a lasting impression. The menu is anchored in modern Italian cooking, but it sidesteps clichés in favor of subtlety and seasonal expression.

You won’t find overwrought pasta dishes or heavy sauces here. Instead, expect delicate agnolotti filled with seasonal vegetables, tender fish preparations, and elegant salads laced with anchovy or fennel. The dishes feel light on the plate yet full of flavor—a hallmark of the team’s restrained but confident culinary style.

One of Jupiter’s greatest strengths is its focus on lunch and dinner service that feels both accessible and luxurious. Whether you’re stopping in for a midday bite or settling into an evening meal, the food remains thoughtful, composed, and deeply satisfying.

And while the setting may be glamorous, the vibe is never stiff. The hospitality is warm, polished, and welcoming—just as it was intended.

The Space: Elegance Beneath the Ice

Stepping into Jupiter, guests are met with a design that balances cosmopolitan edge with classic charm. The space, tucked below the Rockefeller Center ice rink, offers a unique vantage point—especially during winter, when diners can watch skaters from their tables.

The interiors are modern but not sterile, with brass accents, warm lighting, and intimate table settings that encourage conversation. Whether you're dining solo, enjoying a business lunch, or celebrating with friends, the ambiance strikes the right chord between chic and cozy.

This thoughtful design reflects the broader mission: to offer a sophisticated but unpretentious experience in the heart of one of the busiest parts of Manhattan.

Women at the Helm: A Distinctive Voice in NYC Dining

One of the most remarkable aspects of Jupiter is its leadership. In an industry still struggling with gender equity, Jupiter stands out as a rare all-women-led restaurant team—not just in the kitchen but across operations, vision, and design.

Shi, Shadbolt, and de Boer have long been champions of creating space for women in hospitality, and their influence is evident in every corner of Jupiter—from the calm precision of the kitchen to the intuitive rhythm of the dining room.

Lucy Gibson’s rise to executive chef is also a testament to the team’s commitment to mentorship and internal growth. Rather than bringing in outside talent, they chose to elevate someone who deeply understands their philosophy and culture.

In doing so, they’re fostering a new generation of female culinary leaders—ones who are reshaping the future of fine dining in New York and beyond.

Why Jupiter Matters in the NYC Food Scene

Jupiter is not a flashy restaurant, and that’s precisely why it works. In an age of food fads and TikTok-driven hype, it offers something more lasting: a sense of place, consistency, and quiet excellence.

It also brings serious culinary credibility to Midtown Manhattan, a neighborhood better known for power lunches and quick bites than thoughtful dining. By choosing Rockefeller Center as their canvas, the team has reimagined what this part of the city can offer to discerning eaters.

Their approach proves that great food doesn’t need to be loud to be memorable. It can be subtle, soulful, and—when done well—utterly transformative.

Conclusion: The Future Looks Bright for Jupiter

Jupiter may be young, but it carries the spirit of a seasoned establishment—rooted in vision, powered by talent, and executed with care. Under Lucy Gibson’s guidance, it continues to blossom into a restaurant that reflects the best of New York’s evolving food landscape.