Friends actor Michael Rapaport slams Zohran Mamdani over luxury NYC restaurant visit
Actor and podcaster Michael Rapaport has publicly criticized Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani after the politician was spotted dining at Omen Azen, one of Manhattan’s most exclusive Japanese restaurants.
How’s a so-called “working class” mayoral candidate like Zohran Mamdani eating at OMEN SUSHI tonight — one of the priciest joints in NYC? 🍣💰
This clown lives in a rent-stabilized apartment in Queens but dines like a diplomat on a Qatar-funded per diem.
Who’s paying for that… pic.twitter.com/NpWk6hsfE1On Wednesday, Rapaport posted a photo of Mamdani at the Greenwich Village restaurant to X (formerly Twitter), questioning how a self-proclaimed democratic socialist could afford such a venue. “How’s a ‘working-class’ mayoral candidate like Zohran Mamdani eating at one of the most expensive spots in NYC?” Rapaport wrote, mocking Mamdani as “Zoron the Moron” and accusing him of hypocrisy.
The upscale restaurant, known for its minimalist décor and celebrity clientele, features menu items such as kampai caviar priced at $27 and a 12-piece sashimi platter costing $50, with tasting menus reaching $145. In a follow-up Instagram post, Rapaport doubled down, sarcastically asking whether Mamdani took the subway home to his rent-stabilized apartment in Queens and declaring his support for Andrew Cuomo, Mamdani’s independent rival.
Mamdani, who secured a Democratic primary victory earlier this year, has campaigned on themes of affordability, rent freezes, free public transport, and social reform. Critics quickly contrasted his dinner choice with statements from a recent mayoral debate, where he said he spends about $125 to $150 a week on groceries—roughly the price of Omen Azen’s tasting menu.
The controversy follows recent remarks by Cuomo, who labeled Mamdani “a child of wealth” on Logan Paul’s Impaulsive podcast, alleging the candidate grew up in luxury abroad before attending elite schools.
While Mamdani has not publicly responded, the viral exchange has added a new twist to an already contentious New York City mayoral race, where image and authenticity have become central voter concerns.