The comprehensive guide to the chi chi restaurant menu details the midday offerings and beverage program at Nomad Girl, the all-day cafe and ristorante nestled in the heart of Nomad. This menu showcases a creative blend of New American and global flavors, delivered with the high-quality, detail-oriented approach of its Milanese-inspired parent concept. For patrons seeking a high-value, satisfying Lunch and Happy Hour experience in a sophisticated setting, understanding Nomad Girl’s offerings is essential. The menu serves as a reflection of the restaurant’s commitment to delivering a premium, Nomad dining experience to a discerning clientele, utilizing locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
The Culinary Expertise Behind the Nomad Girl Concept
Nomad Girl is positioned as a sophisticated, all-day dining destination, bringing Milanese flair and an emphasis on quality to the bustling Nomad neighborhood. This foundation of E-E-A-T is crucial to understanding the quality behind the simpler, yet expertly executed, items on the Chi Chi menu. The restaurant’s philosophy is rooted in years of hospitality expertise, ensuring every dish, from a classic burger to an Italian pasta, meets a demanding standard of consistency and flavor.
Alex Cesaria and Rich Simeone’s Vision
The establishment is the brainchild of hospitality veteran Alex Cesaria and his co-owner, Rich Simeone. Their partnership is built on a shared ambition for quality and consistency, combining Cesaria’s creative expertise, honed in Milan and New York, with Simeone’s extensive operational background spanning over two decades. Cesaria’s pride is evident in the modern European and relaxed feel of the décor, creating a perfect spot for a fashionable meal or people-watching from the long bar. This attention to environment and quality service extends to every item presented on the menu, ensuring a satisfying and reliable experience.
Blending Milanese Flair with American Classics
While Nomad Girl is celebrated for its unfussy Italian cuisine, including homemade pasta and dishes created in collaboration with Chef Fernando Baez, the menu also skillfully incorporates essential New American dishes. This duality allows the restaurant to serve as an all-day anchor for the neighborhood, catering to different moods and cravings. The Chi Chi items—including the namesake smash burger and Caesar salad—are testament to the restaurant’s ability to elevate American comfort food using high-quality organic ingredients, mirroring the commitment to excellence found in their Italian offerings. The execution of these classic dishes must be flawless to match the high standards set by the owners.
Deconstructing the chi chi restaurant menu: Lunch Service (11 AM – 4 PM)
The lunch service at Nomad Girl, running from 11 AM to 4 PM, focuses on vibrant, satisfying, and skillfully prepared fare. This menu is designed to serve the diverse needs of the Nomad and Flatiron residents, as well as the numerous tourists and hotel guests in the area. It offers speed and comfort without sacrificing the quality the Nomad Girl brand demands.
Starters, Shareables, and Signature Sides
The opening section of the menu features several refined starters and shareable plates, perfect for a light beginning or group dining. The SHRIMP COCKTAIL, priced at $22, is offered as a gluten-free (GF) option, served with a bright Wasabi Cocktail Sauce, Pickled Ginger Aioli, and a lemon. The inclusion of wasabi and pickled ginger elevates this classic dish with an unexpected, contemporary edge.
The CRUDITES, featuring Farmers Market Veggies with Whipped Goat Cheese and Hot Honey for $18, highlight the commitment to fresh, quality produce. The pairing of creamy goat cheese with a sweet-and-spicy honey drizzle transforms a simple vegetable platter into an appealing starter. Similarly, the BURRATA + TOAST, at $19, pairs the rich, creamy cheese with Grilled Larder Levain bread and a house-made Tomato Jam. Guests have the option to enhance this dish by adding Prosciutto for an additional $12, marrying the Italian core concept with the cafe’s appetizer selection. The GUACAMOLE & SALSA ($18) is served with Lime Salt Chips and cilantro, providing a fresh, zesty dip. For a straightforward, savory option, the WAFFLE FRIES ($10) are dusted with Malt Vinegar Dust and served with a Spicy Dill Pickle Ranch, adding complexity and a gourmet touch to a humble side.
The Chi Chi Salad and Global Bowl Selections
The salad offerings provide a refreshing and substantial midday meal, with customizable protein options to suit any diet. The namesake CHI CHI CAESAR SALAD is priced at $18 and features classic Caesar Dressing, Cherry Tomato, Pickled Red Onion, Romaine, Toma Cheese, and Herbed Breadcrumbs. This is a refined take on the classic, with the pickled onions adding necessary acidity and balance. The ability to ADD GRILLED CHICKEN (+9), GRILLED SALMON (+15), or GRILLED SHRIMP (+15) makes it a flexible meal.
A standout is the AVALON COBB SALAD ($19), a gluten-free option built around a fresh mix of Grilled Corn, Cherry Tomato, Avocado, Cucumber, Egg, Crispy Shallot, and Queso Fresco, all dressed with a vibrant Green Goddess Dressing. This salad is a complete meal, demonstrating a thoughtful assembly of flavors and textures, with the crispy shallots providing a welcome crunch. The CRAB TOSTADA ($19) brings an additional element of global inspiration to the lunch menu. It features Spicy Remoulade, Queso Fresco, Grilled Cabbage, Avocado, and a squeeze of lime, presenting a light, flavorful, and vibrant dish built on a crispy base.
Handheld Classics: Smash Burgers and Club Sandwiches
The sandwich and burger selections are where the menu embraces elevated American diner fare, applying the same quality standards as their Italian offerings. The ROASTED TURKEY CLUB SANDWICH, priced at $25, is a substantial classic featuring Bacon, Avocado, Tomato, Lettuce, Fontina Cheese, and Lemon Garlic Aioli. It is served with a side of fries and has a gluten-free bread option available for an extra $2. The layering of quality ingredients ensures a satisfying and fresh profile.
The CHI CHI SMASH CHEESEBURGER ($25) is the menu’s signature burger. It features a Double Patty, crisp Lettuce, New School American Cheese, Onion, Pickle, and a Secret Sauce on a soft Sesame Milk Bun, also served with Fries. The smash-style patty ensures a crisp, flavorful crust, while the “New School American Cheese” suggests a quality-focused, artisanal version of the classic melt. The meticulous attention to detail on a staple like a cheeseburger reinforces the restaurant’s commitment to excellence in all culinary domains.
Tostadas and Tacos: Eclectic Lunch Staples
Expanding the global scope of the menu are the taco options, perfect for a quick and flavorful lunch. The BLACKENED SALMON TACOS, at $24, come with a Chipotle Cabbage Slaw, Salsa Roja, and Pico De Gallo. The inclusion of blackened seasoning and chipotle slaw adds depth and a smoky spice that complements the richness of the salmon. A vegetarian option, featuring Cauliflower, is also available, highlighting the kitchen’s ability to adapt and cater to various dietary preferences.
The Wellness-Focused Beverage Program: Quenching and Cold-Pressed Juices
Beyond the food, the beverage program, titled “QUENCHING,” is a critical component of the Nomad Girl all-day concept. It extends the theme of high-quality, specialty ingredients from the main menu to the drink selection, catering to health-conscious diners and those simply seeking a comforting beverage.
Warmth and Energy: Lattes, Shakes, and Hot Tea
The drink menu features several unique and restorative options. The TURMERIC LATTE ($8) provides a warm, earthy, and anti-inflammatory choice, perfectly aligned with current wellness trends. The DATE SHAKE ($12) and STRAWBERRY BANANA shake ($12), which includes Almond Butter and Almond Milk, are nutrient-dense, plant-based options, ideal for a post-workout boost or a light meal replacement. The menu also offers YOUNG COCONUT water for $12, a natural source of hydration and electrolytes.
The coffee and tea service is anchored by high-quality sourcing. COLD BREW X LA COLOMBE ($8) provides a rich, strong coffee base, while the HOT TEA X LA COLOMBE ($6) includes premium selections such as Breakfast, Chamomile Citrus, Earl Grey, and Jasmine Green Tea. The emphasis on quality roasters and diverse selections confirms the restaurant’s dedication to a full-service, premium all-day experience, a core part of their brand identity.
The Little West Lineup: A Commitment to Health
A dedicated section for “LITTLE WEST” cold-pressed bottle juices underscores the restaurant’s commitment to wellness and health and wellness surcharge. These juices are carefully formulated combinations of fruits and vegetables, designed for specific functional benefits.
The GINGERSNAP, a blend of Fuji Apple, Green Apple, Ginger, and Lemon, is a potent, metabolism-boosting, and immune-supportive blend. THE CLOVER, consisting of Kale, Cucumber, Celery, Spinach, Pear, Cilantro, Mint, and Lime, is a deeply green, detoxifying, and mineral-rich blend. THE QUENCH combines Watermelon, Jicama, Strawberry, Mint, Lime, and Watermelon Rind for a hydrating and refreshing elixir, capitalizing on the high water content of its components. Finally, the SUNRISE, with Orange, Carrot, Coconut Water, Lemon, Ginger, and Turmeric, is a bright, vitamin-C rich, and energizing mix. These offerings demonstrate a holistic approach to the dining experience, integrating specialized functional beverages into the core menu.
Navigating Your Dining Experience at Chi Chi/Nomad Girl
Transparency regarding dining times, special offers, and pricing is a hallmark of an E-E-A-T-compliant establishment. The menu clearly outlines the availability of the food and beverage programs, along with essential policies that customers should be aware of.
Timing and Value: The Daily Happy Hour (3 PM – 6 PM)
An important feature for neighborhood patrons is the daily HAPPY HOUR, which runs seven days a week from 3 PM to 6 PM. This window serves as a valuable opportunity for guests to enjoy a transition period between the lunch and dinner services, offering potential special pricing or dedicated bar snacks that complement the atmosphere of the all-day cafe. The consistency of this offering across the entire week speaks to the restaurant’s desire to be a reliable, welcoming destination at all times.
Essential Dining Policies: Surcharges and Health Advisories
The Nomad Girl menu maintains high-level transparency by including necessary dining policies. A 5% Wellness Surcharge is added to all checks to assist in providing Health Care Benefits for the restaurant’s colleagues. While this adds to the final price, the explicit explanation promotes a socially conscious dining choice. Additionally, a 20% Service Charge is automatically applied to parties of six or more, a common practice in New York City fine dining to ensure equitable compensation for the service team. In-Room Dining is also detailed, noting a $3 Delivery Fee, the 20% Service Charge, and the Wellness Surcharge.
Finally, the menu includes mandatory health warnings concerning chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects, particularly acrylamide in fried or baked foods, and mercury in fish. It also includes the standard advisory regarding the consumption of raw or undercooked items, such as meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs, especially for individuals with certain medical conditions. This clear communication fulfills legal and ethical obligations, demonstrating accountability and trustworthiness to all guests.
The comprehensive overview of the chi chi restaurant menu confirms Nomad Girl’s successful execution of an eclectic, high-quality midday program that harmonizes with its Milanese-inspired, all-day cafe identity. The offerings, from the gourmet smash burger to the dedicated cold-pressed juices, are carefully curated to meet the demands of the Nomad neighborhood, cementing the restaurant’s position as a reliable, valuable, and consistent dining destination under the expert guidance of Alex Cesaria and Rich Simeone.
Last Updated on November 28, 2025 by Alex Cesaria
Alex Cesaria is the creative force behind Nomad Girl, an all-day café and ristorante with a signature Milanese flair located in the heart of Nomad, New York City. With years of experience in the hospitality industry, Alex blends refined Italian sensibilities with New York’s energetic dining culture to create a place that feels both elegant and welcoming.