New York Dearest
The guide, $35
A restaurant · Chelsea · on two New York Dearest lists

Jack’s Wife Freda

Worth it. Now almost a decade later with five locations, Jack’s Wife Freda has grown to be an incredible success, attracting locals and visitors seeking delicious meals in a welcoming setting.

Address
116 8th Ave Directions
Subway
A, C, E, L to 14 St, under a minute
Website
jackswifefreda.com

Jack’s Wife Freda, in my photographs

Two more from my visits

Every list it’s on

Worth it. Been? Say if you agree.

Best brunch in Chelsea

No. 4 on that list
Worth it
What I wrote thereFold it away

Jack’s Wife Freda is a popular restaurant that merges South African and Israeli cuisine.

The couple worked at several notable restaurants before fatefully meeting at Balthazar. Years later, they took a leap of faith by opening their own. Named after Dean’s grandparents, Jack and Freda, this chic Chelsea brunch restaurant is a love letter to comforting childhood meals.

But you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

Perabo is best known for roles as Annie Walker in Covert Affairs and Violet Sanford in Coyote Ugly.

What I wrote thereFold it away

Jack’s Wife Freda is a popular NYC restaurant known for its cozy atmosphere and Mediterranean-inspired menu. Founded by Dean and Maya Jankelowitz, the restaurant pays tribute to Dean’s grandparents, Jack and Freda.

And while those names might not sound familiar, the reason Jack’s Wife Freda made our list of celebrity-owned restaurants in NYC is thanks to co-owner Piper Perabo. Perabo is best known for roles as Annie Walker in Covert Affairs and Violet Sanford in Coyote Ugly.

Perabo befriended the Jankelowitz, who had previous restaurant experience, Maya was the maître d’ of Balthazars and Dean was the maître d’ of Schiller’s. When they shared their plans to start their own venture, Perabo was eager to join them.

Now almost a decade later with five locations, Jack’s Wife Freda has grown to be an incredible success, attracting locals and visitors seeking delicious meals in a welcoming setting.

Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest
On The Best of New York

I put Jack’s Wife Freda on my best list

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