Our Story
"A place of plenty"
Named after the prosperous Acadian empire, and translating to “a place of plenty”, Acadia brings the rich heritage of the Eastern Mediterranean to midtown Manhattan. More than just a region, the Levant is its own culture and way of dining; the embodiment of a sense of adventure and connection through food.
From the bustling streets of Jerusalem to the bay of Beirut, each dish on our menu tells a tale of its origin, brought to life by Chef Ari Bokovza. Highlights include our house-baked Kubaneh, Yemeni pull-apart bread with za’atar and feta, Israeli-inspired Shishlik skewers, and Lamb Kofta Terra Cotta with tahini and Levantine vegetables.
Our food is perfectly complemented by a list of exceptional wines and creative cocktails, curated by our Beverage Director, Aviram Turgeman. From a Tel Aviv-style Gazoz, to our own house-made lemonades, evoke memories of the Mediterranean with every sip.
Growing up in Israel, Chef Ari Bokovza was introduced to new foods and exotic spices by his Tunisian grandmother, a founding relationship that paved the way to a bountiful culinary career.
Ari went on to train in some of Europe's best restaurants, including Michelin-starred El Racó d’en Freixa in Barcelona, Spain. His move to New York saw him take up positions in some of the city's most renowned kitchens, including Union Square Cafe, Picholine, The Standard Grill, and The Modern, where, during his three-year tenure as chef de cuisine, the restaurant was awarded three stars from The New York Times.
From his role as Culinary Director at Casa Nela Group, Ari joined the Chef Driven Hospitality family, and opened critically acclaimed Dagon in 2021. Ari's distinctive cuisine brings together his family's culinary heritage, with inspiration from the Middle East and North Africa, and promises an always vibrant and uplifting dining experience.