Just over a week after a dramatic early-morning fire sent plumes of smoke swirling above Broadway, Ambassadors Clubhouse—the British-Indian restaurant that’s been the city’s toughest reservation of the summer—has swung open its doors once again. The fire, which broke out at 1245 Broadway on August 12, saw at least four FDNY engine companies called to the scene. By sunrise, blackened windows and the acrid tang of smoke marked the otherwise pristine NoMad block, while stunned regulars and would-be diners gathered behind yellow tape, trading updates they’d seen on their phones.

On Wednesday, the crisp white tablecloths were back in place and the signature brass tiger at the entrance had been buffed to a high gloss, as staff welcomed back regulars for a subdued reopening lunch. “We were heartbroken, but we rebuilt fast. New York expects nothing less,” said owner Navin Kapadia, standing by the bar as the first dishes—saffron chicken tikka and Bengali crab—emerged from the kitchen. The space bears faint traces of its ordeal: a lingering whiff of smoke in the vestibule, a patch of newly painted wall beside the wine rack.

The fire, which started in the back prep kitchen, was ruled accidental by the FDNY. No injuries were reported, but the damage briefly threatened to shutter one of Manhattan’s most talked-about new arrivals, known for its impossible-to-book tables and a guest list that’s included everyone from theater stars to tech founders this summer. During the closure, rival restaurateurs sent flowers. “It’s a tight-knit scene up here,” said Kapadia. “Everyone knows how fragile a good run can be.”

Reservations for the rest of August are already snapped up, with a waiting list that’s only grown since the fire. On reopening day, a few lucky walk-ins scored a table for an early dinner, overheard toasting the kitchen staff for their resilience. As the sun set over NoMad, the familiar clatter of cutlery and the low hum of conversation returned to the block—proof, yet again, that in New York, even the hottest spots can take a hit and come back swinging.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the fire at Ambassadors Clubhouse occur?

The fire broke out at Ambassadors Clubhouse on August 12.

Was anyone injured in the Ambassadors Clubhouse fire?

No injuries were reported in the fire.

How long was Ambassadors Clubhouse closed after the fire?

The restaurant reopened just over a week after the fire.

What caused the fire at Ambassadors Clubhouse?

The fire started in the back prep kitchen and was ruled accidental by the FDNY.

Are reservations available at Ambassadors Clubhouse after reopening?

Reservations for the rest of August are already fully booked, with a waiting list that has grown since the fire.

Editorial Transparency. A first draft of this story was produced with AI-assisted writing tools, then reviewed for accuracy and tone by the named editor before publication. More on our process: Editorial Policy.