Cactus Wren officially landed on the Lower East Side last night and it is a must visit.

From the extremely talented duo behind 63 Clinton team, Arizona natives, Chef Sam Clonts and co-owner Raymond Trinh, comes a new restaurant that effortlessly combines innovation with an impeccable, unstuffy dining experience.

Huddled on the corner of Rivington and Ludlow this sleek yet casual spot immediately draws you in with a striking design that reflects the spirit of the Arizona Cactus Wren…bold, curious and visually captivating.

Sommelier Michael Tran has compiled a wide ranging, fairly priced list of amazing wines from around the world along with very appealing cocktails developed by long time 63 Clinton head bartender, Nemanya Popovich.

The actual Cactus Wrens speckled brown feathers and heavy white characteristics are reflected in the appealing lighting fixtures designed by Nicole Pilar.

Let’s dive straight into the food which, unsurprisingly, is nothing short short of fabulous.

After toasting their success with exquisite cocktails (Smokestack Scotch with ginger, bitters and lemon ($20), a superb perfectly chilled Gin Martini ($18) and a divine Pepiere Muscadet-Sevre-Et-Maine from the Loire region ($25) we kicked off our inaugural meal with something from the enticing Snack column, the outrageous Maryland Shrimp Toast.

This is not just an appetizer; it is a late night snack game changer. Fluffy, succulent shrimp is nestled on delicate buttery toast. Each bite was a melt-in-your-mouth delight.

It is the kind of dish you could imagine Door Dash should be delivering every night after midnight to satisfy late night cravings. Forget pizza and Chinese, shrimp toast is the new after midnight treat ($12).

The newest addition to the team, General manager Liz Cohen pictured with owner Raymond Trinh, touted its merits before we even sat down.

Liz waxed poetic about her favorite menu items while she showed us the attractive private downstairs dining room.

Following the toast, a beautifully composed Salad from the Smalls category, arrived. The dressing with a hint of fish sauce was divine, a balance of rich and tangy flavors with the addition of crunchy diced peanuts which brought just the right amount of texture to elevate the dish ($24)

The Tuna and Chorizo ($28) as well as the Chips & Fish ($22) will definitely be sampled next visit.

We did order the Montauk Shrimp, another Smalls item which is served with the head and tail. The body of the shrimp is sweet and rich ($28).

The Fruit de Mer served hot and cold is presented on a gorgeous Nicole Pilar designed platter. The seafood is divine and a testament to the team’s commitment to using the finest ingredients. I grabbed the Raw Oyster with Caviar and the diced Bay Scallops which were both amazing. My dinner partners raved about the Bang Island Mussel and the sweet Razor Clam ($38).

Let’s talk about the pizza. The Aged Comte & Honey Pizza baked in an eye catching pizza oven was delightfully sweet and savory ($24).

Under the Bigs, The memorable Lobster Pot Pie was overflowing  with sweet, delectable lobster meat, fresh veggies and enveloped by an outstanding buttery pie crust ($55).

The Crab Omelette is also on the hit list for my next go round ($36).

I did not indulge in the seven-layer Caviar Dip served with flour tortillas; caviar is also offered as an add on to the pizza ($45). I am due next time. If you have been to 63 Clinton which is my favorite NYC dining experience you are familiar with the Caviar Hand Roll made table side which is an absolute must.

Desserts were creatively delicious. The Sticky Toffee Banana Cake ($14) was like a fine wine with a lingering finish that kept getting better.

I loved the Cinnamon Toast Sundae with unbelievably delicious miniature beignets snuggled amongst the cinnamon ice cream ($14).

What truly sets Cactus Wren apart, aside from its stellar food, is the exceptional service. The front-of-house team, led by the lovely General Manager Liz Cohen, is both welcoming and knowledgeable, bringing an extra layer of warmth to the entire experience.

Sommelier Michael Tran has crafted a wine list that is as diverse as it is affordable, with selections that perfectly complement the bold flavors of the food. Each pairing seemed to bring out something new in the dishes, making the meal even more enjoyable.

Cactus Wren is a rare find in today’s competitive NYC dining scene. It is understated yet exceptional, offering not only an extraordinary culinary experience, but an inviting atmosphere where hospitality and warmth shine through.

This is a place that feels special, but doesn’t demand a formal dress code or pretension.

If you’re looking for a spot that’s both cutting-edge and cozy, with food that delights at every turn, Cactus Wren should be at the top of your dining list.

Sam and Ray (sounds like a 50’s singing duo) you have struck culinary gold twice and it could not happen to two nicer, more deserving, beyond talented people.

Cactus Wren 98 Rivington Street New York City. Open Wednesday-Sunday 5:30-10pm. Weekend brunch/lunch service to follow. Reservations on Resy.