400 5th Avenue, 2nd Level • The Langham NYC, New York City, NY 10018 • Tel:212.613.8660
New York City transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, offering countless opportunities to celebrate in style. Amid the twinkling lights, festive windows, and the hum of seasonal joy, one destination stands out for those seeking a refined and unforgettable Christmas dinner in NYC: Ai Fiori, nestled inside The Langham Hotel on Fifth Avenue.
With its Riviera-inspired cuisine, elegant ambiance, and award-winning wine program, Ai Fiori offers a Christmas dining experience that is both luxurious and deeply comforting. Whether you’re visiting New York for the holidays or looking to elevate your annual traditions, Ai Fiori presents the perfect setting to savor the season.
Ai Fiori—meaning “Among the Flowers” in Italian—has long been revered as one of Manhattan’s premier fine dining destinations. Located on the second floor of The Langham, Ai Fiori is more than just a restaurant; it is a celebration of the culinary traditions of the French and Italian Riviera, interpreted through a contemporary lens.
Recipient of three stars from The New York Times, four stars from Forbes Travel Guide, and a Grand Award from Wine Spectator for its 1,000+ bottle wine list, Ai Fiori is the epitome of culinary excellence in New York City.
The Christmas season brings a renewed emphasis on comfort and celebration in the kitchen, and Executive Chef Lauren DeSteno’s holiday menu reflects this spirit beautifully. Drawing inspiration from recent travels to Nice, Cannes, and Monaco, the menu reimagines Mediterranean coastal classics with seasonal ingredients that resonate with winter warmth.
Signature dishes such as the Tagliatelle Royale—featuring Nova Scotia lobster, crustacean butter, and sea urchin—embody the richness and decadence of the holidays. The Zuppa di Mare, a seafood tomato broth brimming with clams, prawns, mussels, and red snapper, offers an elegant take on traditional winter stews. Meanwhile, starters like the Lobster Knuckles in garlic butter and the Petite Chou Farci—stuffed cabbage with black truffle and cauliflower—balance bold flavor with refined technique.
Ai Fiori’s cuisine emphasizes shareable plates and convivial dining, making it ideal for family gatherings, romantic evenings, or festive dinners among friends. Each dish is plated with artistry and intention, allowing guests to savor the full range of Mediterranean luxury.
Ai Fiori’s recent redesign breathes new life into the dining experience, embracing the relaxed glamour of the 1960s and 70s French and Italian Riviera. The interiors are sophisticated yet inviting, with soft lighting, plush textures, and nautical-inspired details that evoke the spirit of travel and celebration.
Bar Fiori, the adjacent lounge space, has also been transformed. Staff don elegant cream jackets, and the cocktail program introduces bold, adventurous options that are perfect for toasting the season. Guests can begin their evening with an aperitif or linger after dinner with a digestif in a space designed for social connection and holiday joy.
Whether you’re planning an intimate Christmas Eve dinner or a festive gathering for colleagues and family, Ai Fiori offers a range of private and semi-private dining spaces to suit every need. The Monterosso Wine Room seats up to 18 guests in a refined setting ideal for celebrations. Other options include the Imperia Table (10 guests), La Spezia Semi-Private (26 guests), and Genoa Semi-Private (32 guests), each tailored for an exclusive yet warm atmosphere.
Every event is handled with the precision and grace that Ai Fiori is known for, ensuring that your holiday celebration is both seamless and memorable.
No Christmas dinner is complete without exceptional wine, and Ai Fiori’s cellar delivers. The restaurant’s Grand Award-winning list from Wine Spectator features over 1,000 meticulously curated selections from France, Italy, and beyond. Whether you’re seeking a rare vintage Barolo, a celebratory Champagne, or a bold Bordeaux to accompany your lamb or veal, the sommelier team will guide you toward the perfect pairing.
For those with a taste for indulgence, Ai Fiori also offers premium caviar service and white truffle dishes—ideal for those looking to mark the occasion with something truly special.
In a city filled with dining options, Ai Fiori offers a rare combination of culinary brilliance, holiday charm, and elevated service. Christmas at Ai Fiori is not just about the food—though that alone is reason to reserve a table—it’s about the atmosphere, the attention to detail, and the sense of timeless elegance that defines every aspect of the experience.
This year, gather your loved ones for a Christmas dinner in NYC that balances fine dining with festive warmth. Whether it’s your first visit or part of an annual tradition, Ai Fiori at The Langham NYC promises a celebration worthy of the season.
