In an unexpected twist that merges high fashion with fine dining, supermodel Heidi Klum has partnered with former flame Flavio Briatore to bring their upscale pizza concept, Crazy Pizza, to New York’s vibrant SoHo district. The establishment, opening November 6th at 218 Lafayette Street, promises to deliver a uniquely theatrical dining experience that’s already generating buzz in Manhattan’s competitive restaurant scene.

A Fashion-Forward Feast

The restaurant’s aesthetic is as carefully curated as a runway show, featuring sleek red interiors and white tablecloth-topped tables that create an elevated dining atmosphere. The centerpiece of the space is a custom-made pizza-shaped disco ball, complete with heart-shaped pepperoni, handcrafted in London by disco ball artist Sophie Lopez (TownGirlDisco). The walls showcase bespoke artwork by New York cartoonist Arianna Margulis, depicting celebrities enjoying Italian cuisine in playful, street art-inspired scenes.

Menu: Where Traditional Meets Contemporary

The menu reads like a love letter to Italian cuisine, featuring classics with a modern twist. Starters include crispy focaccia, fresh burrata, and calamari fritti with zucchini. The pasta selection showcases traditional favorites like pennette all’arrabiata and linguine alle vongole. However, it’s the pizza selection that takes center stage, with standout offerings such as the Vesuvio, topped with Buffalo mozzarella and smoked provolone, and the luxurious Tartufo, featuring truffle paste, mushrooms, and fresh black truffle shavings.

A Cultural Clash Over Pineapple

In a revealing moment of cultural friction, Klum disclosed to PEOPLE an amusing dispute with her Italian business partner over menu offerings. The German-born supermodel advocated for including a Hawaiian pizza, a suggestion that initially met strong resistance from Briatore. “Italians think this is the worst thing on the planet,” Klum shared, though she eventually won the battle, albeit as an off-menu item.

The Business of Second Chances

The partnership between Klum, 51, and Briatore, 74, demonstrates how business acumen can transcend past relationships. The pair, who dated in 2003 and share daughter Leni (now 20), have put any personal history aside to focus on this venture. Crazy Pizza NYC marks the brand’s first American location, with plans for expansion already in discussion.

A-List Opening

The restaurant’s launch event was attended by notable figures including Klum’s current husband Tom Kaulitz, designer Christian Siriano, and social media sensation Elevator Boys. The evening featured theatrical elements that will become signatures of the dining experience: waiters tossing pizza dough in the air, tableside tiramisu preparation, and personalized touches like embroidered napkins for guests.

Looking Ahead

As Crazy Pizza prepares to open its doors to the public, it joins a competitive landscape of high-end Italian eateries in New York. However, with its unique combination of theatrical dining experience, celebrity backing, and proven international success (the brand already boasts 14 locations worldwide), it seems well-positioned to carve out its own niche in Manhattan’s demanding culinary scene.

The venture represents more than just another celebrity restaurant opening; it’s a testament to how modern business relationships can evolve beyond personal history, creating innovative partnerships that blend European sophistication with New York energy. As Klum noted, “It’s super chic. And obviously the food is amazing, and we leave it to the Italians.”

Photo via Crazy Pizza NYC