L’Avenue Restaurant Opens at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York

Just when you thought New York had it all, L’Avenue, Paris’ Costes Brothers upscale eatery, opens its only location outside the City of Lights at Saks Fifth Avenue to show the city what it’s been missing.

L’Avenue at Saks Fifth Avenue opened on February 4 (just in time for the New York Fashion Week swarm) – and just in time for New York’s fluctuant winter weather. This cozy haven atop the ninth floor, with its warm, honey-colored interiors, French comfort food (think spicy beef tenderloin and tuna tartare) and a curated cocktail menu by in-house mixologist, Nico de Soto, is unequivocally fabulous. Designed by Parisian interior design extraordinaire, Philipe Starck, its interiors don’t mimic the original L’Avenue in Paris but instead deliver its own identity – an elegant city ambience.

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L’Avenue Bar

And to make it even better, the restaurant spans two floors and has two distinct vibes – a chic, winding staircase from L’Avenue gives way to the eighth floor’s Le Chalet, a Courchevel-meets-Montana-inspired après-ski-style bar and lounge, also designed by Starck. The space is inspired by 1940s ski chalet and every detail is perfection, from the vintage snowshoes hanging atop a fireplace to cowhide-stitched lounges and vintage-looking armchairs. With small bites and inventive cocktails, like the apple-based Normandie Spritz or Croissant and Bubbles, which has croissant-infused cognac with chamomile, lemon and champagne, you’ll be immediately transported to a mountainside escape.

There’s a terrace off the 8th floor, though now closed, it will be open for alfresco dining come summer. The wait staff is nothing but impeccable, so rest assured that your experience at both L’Avenue and Le Chalet will be exceptional.

At the entrance of L’Avenue, you’ll find a Pierre Hermé confectionary boutique (the only other boutiques are located in Paris and at JFK’s Delta terminal). Come for a macaron, a spot of tea or simply to relish at the grandeur adorning the top floor of one of New York City’s most storied department stores.

Perfect for grabbing a classic French brasserie dinner or a glass of bubbly post-shopping, L’Avenue and Le Chalet can be accessed through the store or via a separate entrance on 50th Street. L’Avenue is open Monday through Sunday from 5p to 11p; and Le Chalet is open Monday to Saturday from 5p to 1a and Sunday, 5p to 12a.