Seems funny to do a “New Kid on the Block” post for a place that had not yet officially opened, so here’s a sneak peek into Thisbowl, the Australian Sweetgreen that is quickly expanding in Manhattan and opens today at 100 Barclay. I will revisit when they are fully underway and have the hours posted, etc.

They had a sort-of press junket for food creators on Friday where one of the founders (Nathan Dalah, below, who lives Downtown) and the head chef were walking folks through the salad bar to assemble their own bowls. I wanted mine made by a pro, and also didn’t feel like making decisions, so they served me the OG: salmon sashimi, kale, beets, red onion, edamame, roasted sesame, seaweed salad. An exceptional salad for richness and balance. The whole thing was dressed with a light mayo-based dressing; there was a generous dollop of guac on top. I love a seaweed salad, and it made for an excellent combo with the kale and salmon — never would have thought of that on my own.

While there I happened to chat with the owner of a workout studio on the Upper East Side, The Formula. She is a devoted, devoted fan (just to come to an opening on the Westside Highway alone…) and says the miso salmon is “next level.” She always gets the brown rice and shredded cabbage as a base — “I love the crunch” — and says everything is always fresh and worth the $20.

The brand was founded in 2016 by three pals — Dalah, Nicolas Pestalozzi and Casper Ettelson — while they were in college in Sydney. Forbes did a story in 2024: “They raised about $250,000 to open its first location, about half provided by Dalah who had run a boat cleaning business in college and half from the landlord who believed in the 21-year-olds,” Forbes wrote. “It was a tiny space of about 300 square feet, seating about seven people, and was mostly take-out, where people brought their salads to the beach.”

(NB: The fast casual chain is actually called Fishbowl in Australia — a much better name, but one they didn’t want to perpetuate lest folks think they only sold fish.)

They have built 60 locations in Australia; Noho opened in spring 2024 to lines out the door. There’s also one in Nomad and Midtown.

Like Interlude, Thisbowl has made the most of a space on the highway by taking advantage of the light. Double height ceilings (their offices look out onto the dining area) and hanging linen panels make it super sunny in there, and there’s a prime window spot on the south side of the room. (There was thumping house music on when I was there — not sure if that is the regular vibe.)

They pay attention to art and design, and it pays off. Even the to-go bags are special.

The salads range from $15 t0 $17 and you can order off the menu or build your own. Don’t skip the housemade drinks — the hibiscus and mint tea was a treat.

More TK.