To-Go TakesNew York

Niche Niche’s Ariel Arce is a Pizza Girl with a Balthazar Fantasy

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To-Go Takes is Resy’s regular feature wherein we quiz the folks behind some of our favorite restaurants about all things related to takeout. 

In this edition, we speak to Ariel Arce, the owner of the wine-filled, dinner party concept restaurant Niche Niche (as well as Tokyo Record Bar and Air’s Champagne Parlor), currently open for outdoor dining, pickup, and delivery. Below, she shares some of her favorite takeout tips, tricks, cocktails, and regular stops.


Restaurant: Niche Niche
Name + Title: Ariel Arce, Owner

Niche Niche owner Ariel Arce. Photo courtesy of Ariel Arce

Resy: What’s your favorite dish from Niche Niche’s takeout menu?

Arce: Our restaurant changes every week with a brand new restaurant takeover, so really, I just get excited for a new menu! We had Frasca with Bobby Stuckey Master Sommelier’s wine selections, Per Se, and Le Bernardin. We have had amazing chefs like Kwame Onwuachi and Jason Stanhope from Fig in Charleston, and collaborated with amazing restaurants like Bistrot Paul Bert in Paris and Vin Mon Lapin in Montreal!

Where are you getting takeout from and what are you ordering?

— I Sodi: It really needs no more hype, but the delivery from I Sodi is incredible.
— Taïm: I always love Taïm because I feel like I’m being healthy even though, let’s be honest, I’m not!
Ayada: Every time I’m feeling “eh,” I need spicy Thai food and my new obsession is Ayada in Chelsea Market.
Pizza: I’m also a pizza girl — like, order it once a week — and have been going greasy slice NY Pizza Suprema and keeping it classic with Joe’s.

Best tip to amp up your takeout?

Seems basic, but heating things up! I got that Jewish girl palate which is “Hot and Boiling” and I do a lot of reheating to feel like it’s just come out of the kitchen.

What’s your favorite place for cocktails to go?

Gotta throw a shout out to my pals at Joyface who are keeping drinking fun.

What single restaurant dish would you walk miles for?

I would walk very far for nizami rolls when I’m craving it. The TheLeWalas chicken spicy roll is a guilty pleasure. Luckily it’s right between Tokyo Record Bar and Niche Niche.

What restaurant do you wish was open?

I just wish Uncle Boons had not closed. Sisters is a beautiful, close second, but Uncle Boons is my heartbreaking casualty from COVID. Also I know this would be a dream fantasy but I would get the escargots and fries from Balthazar, and two Negronis.

What do you miss the most about restaurants?

I miss energy. I miss people connecting. I miss getting dressed up. I miss calling a friend and saying “Let’s meet here in an hour.” I miss lighting!


Niche Niche is open for outdoor dining seven days a week. Catch Niche Niche’s weekly dinner party Tuesday through Saturday (seating times are at 6 and 8:15 p.m.) or go à la carte Monday and Sunday. Get Niche Niche takeout and delivery here.

Check out Arce’s other restaurants: Air’s Champagne Parlor, Tokyo Record Bar, and Special Club, too.