The line between dinner and nightlife has officially blurred at 394 West Street, where DEJAVU, a new speakeasy-style restaurant and lounge, has opened its doors in the heart of the West Village. Designed as an immersive, multi-layered experience, DEJAVU invites guests into a world that transitions seamlessly from after-work cocktails to sophisticated dining and late-night revelry.

The venture is the vision of celebrated restaurateur and nightlife entrepreneur Barış Köroğlu (Baris Koroglu), whose career has been defined by creating spaces that merge culinary craft with art and entertainment. Drawing inspiration from his Cappadocian heritage and a decade of experience shaping New York’s social scene with concepts like The Lullaby and collaborations at 9 Jones and Paradise Club, Köroğlu has crafted DEJAVU to be an evolving narrative.

“We wanted to create a space that feels both familiar and entirely new, a place where every night can take an unexpected turn,” said Köroğlu. “The idea is to offer an experience that lingers in your memory, a taste, a feeling, or a night that feels like a dream you’ve had before.”

Upon entering, guests discover that DEJAVU is not one single space, but a trio of distinct environments. The evening begins in the lively Emerald Room, a green-and-gold-accented bar perfect for pre-dinner cocktails. From there, the journey continues into the Golden Room, an elegant 40-seat dining area with cream-toned interiors and antique taupe drapery, setting a refined stage for the Mediterranean-inspired menu.

The kitchen, led by a team of chefs with pedigrees from esteemed restaurants across Europe and New York, presents a menu that fuses coastal Turkish and Italian influences through a modern New York lens. Dishes are crafted to be both comforting and surprising. Starters include DEJAVU Burrata ($19) with Mediterranean herbs, a New York-inspired Pastrami Croquette ($19), and a delicate DEJAVU Carpaccio ($24) with truffle oil and shaved Parmesan.

Hand-rolled pastas reflect a deep connection to Mediterranean roots, highlighted by the Manti Dumplings ($32)—Turkish ravioli dressed in a velvety yogurt sauce and Aleppo chili butter. For a touch of indulgence, the menu offers a luxurious Lemon Spaghetti with Caviar ($42) and a traditional caviar service.

The bar program is a performance in itself, where mixology meets molecular science. Each cocktail is designed to evoke the restaurant’s namesake sensation. The signature DEJAVU cocktail combines white rum, lychee, yuzu, and a delicate matcha foam. The Truffle Coffee Negroni uses truffle oil fat-washing to create a deep, earthy complexity, while the Emerald Dream offers a crisp blend of tequila, Lillet Blanc, and basil cordial.
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As the night deepens, the energy shifts. For those in the know, the experience culminates in the Red Room. Also known as the “Desire Room,” this intimate 10-seat speakeasy, hidden behind velvet curtains, hosts exclusive tasting menus and immersive burlesque performances from Thursday through Saturday.

This chameleonic atmosphere is exactly what Köroğlu intended, describing the vibe as an “elegant Halloween every night.” DEJAVU is more than a restaurant; it’s a destination for rediscovery, promising an experience that feels both timeless and thrillingly new.

DEJAVU is located at 394 West Street, New York, NY 10014. It is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 5 PM to 12:30 AM, and on Fridays and Saturdays until 2 AM. Reservations are available on Resy.

By Margaret Wright