A beacon of luxury, with diamonds, designer ware and some of America’s flashiest individuals, where else would Giorgio Armani open his first New York City restaurant other than Madison Avenue?
Launched on December 2, Armani/Ristorante sits between 65th and 66th Street, with views across one of NYC – nay, the world’s – most premier shopping streets. Inside, the restaurant is the embodiment of the Armani world: simple, sleek lines, with quality-led dishes.
“My time in this city has always been significant and has marked key moments in my career, so I am therefore delighted to unveil a unique and ambitious new project,” Giorgio Armani commented, ahead of the restaurant’s opening.
[See also: Melissa Rodriguez Makes NYC Return with Crane Club]
“The new building on Madison Avenue, which brings together the Giorgio Armani and Armani/Casa boutiques, an Armani/Ristorante, and private apartments, marks the completion of a project begun a few years ago with my team of architects, with whom I work on original solutions that express a new concept of luxury while respecting the culture and ethos of the place. This opening, on the eve of my 90th birthday, is an important personal milestone because it crystallizes my vision of style in the city that was perhaps the first to truly embrace it.”
[See also: Twin Tails Storms onto NYC Restaurant Scene]
Related
Story
The story of Armani/Ristorante New York must begin with the man himself: Giorgio Armani. The Italian designer gained a reputation working for the likes of Cerruti, Allegri and Hilton before launching his own eponymous label in 1975.
In 1998, the world of Armani expanded into hospitality for the first time with the launch of its Paris restaurant. This move would become the start of a food and drink empire, with over 24 restaurants opened around the world. To this day, Giorgio Armani still sits presides as president and CEO.
Content from our partners
Menu
In news that is surprising to no one, Armani/Ristorante New York City’s menu looks over the waves of the Atlantic to Italy for its culinary inspiration (to the extent that dishes are listed in Italian ahead of their English translation).
Simple yet flavorful dishes – many of which are inspired by recipes from Armani’s childhood – are the star of the show here, with elegant plating emulating the Armani brand’s signature style.
By lunch there’s a set price-fix menu of two, three or four courses; by night, the offering is fully a la carte. Standout highlights include a steak tartare with saffron and bone marrow; a guinea fowl-stuffed bottoni pasta with pine nuts and black truffle; and seabass with lemon and radicchio.
[See also: Casa Tua Expands to the Bright Lights of NYC]
Heavy emphasis has been put on a stellar cocktail list, too, with fancy twists on classic serves including a martini made with chilled -40°F Chopin Reserve vodka, and a negroni with blue butterfly tea-infused gin.
[See also: Mother Wolf Makes East Coast Debut in Miami]
Interiors
Expect serious style at Armani/Ristorante – it is owned by a fashion label, after all. Guests are first greeted by a grand curved staircase. To the left is the main dining room with views across Madison Avenue; on the right, an intimate champagne bar (with space for just five) that leads on to a private dining room. Above, a mezzanine floor seats 40 and can be hired exclusively for parties and receptions.
The whole space is understated but with subtle details that nod to the underlying current of luxury: grand marble slab floors, Armani/Casa-branded lighting and a collection of novelties from Giorgio Armani’s life spent traveling. Calming tones of green and champagne add to the elegant atmosphere.
Armani/Ristoranti, 760 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States, armani.com
