Category: Blog

If you’re exploring Midtown Manhattan restaurants, especially restaurants near Bryant Park NY, there’s no shortage of options. But when it comes to refined, upscale dining with a Riviera twist, one name stands above the rest: Ai Fiori.

 

Ai Fiori: Midtown Dining at Its Most Elegant

 

Located just a short stroll from Bryant Park, Ai Fiori sits on the second floor of The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue, offering a sanctuary of elegance, exceptional cuisine, and world-class service.

 

Riviera-Inspired Cuisine in Midtown NYC

 

Ai Fiori—Italian for “among the flowers”—celebrates the flavors of the French and Italian Riviera, interpreted through a New York lens. Helmed by the Altamarea Group, the restaurant is a beacon of sophistication in the heart of Midtown.

Signature dishes include:

• Trofie Nero: Squid ink pasta with scallops, crustacean ragù, and shellfish 
• Spaghetti with Blue Crab: Accented with lemon, bottarga, and Calabrian chili 
• Risotto with Truffle and Parmigiano 
• Mediterranean Branzino and Braised Veal for entrées 

Every dish is crafted with finesse, balancing indulgent flavors with light, coastal freshness. Whether you’re stopping in for a client lunch or an intimate evening, the ambiance and service consistently match the high standard of the cuisine.

 

Refined Atmosphere for Every Occasion

 

Ai Fiori’s interiors are newly refreshed, with deep velvets, gold accents, and moody lighting that evoke a modern Riviera chic. The dining room offers a calm oasis above the Midtown bustle—perfect for both special occasions and business dinners.

The wine list and cocktail program are also standout elements. From bold Barolos to playful spritz variations, the beverage program is curated to complement every dish on the menu.

 

Private Dining in Midtown Manhattan

 

What truly sets Ai Fiori apart from other restaurants near midtown Manhattan is its range of private dining rooms, ideal for hosting events just minutes from Bryant Park. These include:

• Vernazza Room – Intimate and fully private, for up to 12 guests 
• Monterosso Wine Room – Surrounded by the restaurant’s wine collection, seats 18 
• Genoa Room – Semi-private space for up to 32 guests 
• La Spezia Room – Lightly curtained and semi-private, up to 26 guests 
• Savona & Imperia Tables – Smaller semi-private areas perfect for 10 to 16 guests 

Whether you’re hosting a rehearsal dinner, VIP meeting, or private celebration, Ai Fiori offers Midtown’s most versatile and elegant private dining options.

📍 400 5th Avenue, New York, NY
🌐 aifiorinyc.com

 

A Few Other Restaurants Near Bryant Park Worth Mentioning

 

While Ai Fiori is the crown jewel, Midtown does offer other options nearby for various styles of dining:

 

Gabriel Kreuther

 

A two-Michelin-star restaurant directly across from Bryant Park, offering refined Alsatian-inspired cuisine. Great for special occasions.

 

L’Adresse

 

Modern American bistro-style dining just a block from the park. Known for its matcha French toast and truffle burger in a stylish, relaxed setting.

 

Bryant Park Grill

 

A Midtown staple with a classic American menu and seasonal rooftop seating. Ideal for brunch or people-watching just steps from the lawn.

 

Final Thoughts

 

For those seeking the best restaurants Midtown NYC has to offer, especially near Bryant Park, Ai Fiori delivers on every front—cuisine, ambiance, location, and service. It’s not just a place to eat—it’s a destination for memorable dining.

Whether you’re planning a corporate dinner, a romantic night out, or a high-end lunch meeting, Ai Fiori is your go-to in Midtown Manhattan.

This Easter Sunday, April 20th, step into the floral embrace of spring with an unforgettable Easter brunch in NYC at Ai Fiori, one of Manhattan’s most refined dining destinations. Nestled within The Langham Hotel on Fifth Avenue, just steps from Bryant Park, Ai Fiori blends Riviera elegance with culinary artistry in an elevated Midtown setting.

Whether you’re a New Yorker seeking a fresh tradition or a hotel guest looking to indulge, Ai Fiori’s special Easter prix fixe brunch menu offers a luxurious experience that celebrates the season in full bloom.

 

A Springtime Culinary Celebration

Ai Fiori, which means “Among the Flowers,” has recently reimagined its concept, channeling the joie de vivre of the French and Italian Riviera. Under the creative direction of Executive Chef Lauren DeSteno, the restaurant’s spring offerings reflect both the warmth of Mediterranean coasts and the playful glamour of the 60s and 70s.

For Easter, guests can expect a prix fixe brunch menu highlighting seasonal, coastal-inspired ingredients. Past favorites such as Nova Scotia lobster with crustacean butter, Lamb Roulade, and the showstopping Tagliatelle Royale with caviar and sea urchin might make their way onto the holiday menu, complemented by a curated selection of spring verdure and house-made pastries.

Pair your meal with a vintage selection from Ai Fiori’s Grand Award-winning wine list or indulge in a festive spring cocktail at Bar Fiori, which exudes a sultry Riviera vibe.

 

The Setting: Refined and Radiant

 

Located on the second floor of the Langham Hotel, Ai Fiori’s ambiance evokes relaxed sophistication, with recent renovations enhancing its celebratory spirit. Cream-hued nautical-inspired staff uniforms and golden light fixtures give the dining room a distinct Riviera charm, while lush floral arrangements and spring decor add a festive touch for Easter.

Ai Fiori’s location at 400 Fifth Avenue offers both convenience and prestige—ideal for visitors taking a stroll through Bryant Park or enjoying spring shopping along Fifth Avenue.

 

Family-Friendly and Elegant

 

While Ai Fiori is the picture of elegance, its warm hospitality extends to families celebrating Easter together. The staff’s attentive service and the welcoming atmosphere make it a perfect destination for multigenerational gatherings.

Children and adults alike will be delighted by the thoughtfully designed menu and the seasonal touches throughout the space. Easter-themed desserts and floral centerpieces create an inviting, celebratory feel.

 

Reservations & Details

 

• Date: Sunday, April 20th, 2025 
• Location: Ai Fiori, 400 Fifth Avenue, 2nd Floor, NYC 
• Reservations: Strongly recommended. Book via aifiorinyc.com 
• Menu: Easter prix fixe with multiple courses, featuring spring ingredients and Mediterranean flair 
• Setting: Elegant dining room & Bar Fiori lounge 
• Family Friendly: Yes – upscale yet welcoming for all ages
  

 

Why Ai Fiori is Among the Best Easter Brunches in NYC

 

When it comes to the best Easter brunch in NYC, Ai Fiori is unmatched in delivering a memorable culinary journey. With its Riviera-inspired cuisine, elegant Midtown location, and impeccable service, this Easter experience promises more than just a meal—it’s a seasonal celebration in one of the city’s finest dining rooms.

Whether you’re savoring saffron-scented risotto or sipping bubbly with views of Fifth Avenue, Ai Fiori makes Easter Sunday one to remember.

​When it comes to hosting exclusive private events in New York City, Ai Fiori stands out as a premier destination. Nestled within The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue, this esteemed restaurant offers a selection of private and semi-private dining spaces, each thoughtfully designed to cater to various event needs. Whether you’re organizing a corporate gathering, celebrating a milestone, or planning an intimate dinner, Ai Fiori’s private dining rooms provide an elegant setting complemented by exceptional service and cuisine.​

Ai Fiori’s Private Dining Rooms

Ai Fiori presents a variety of private and semi-private dining options, each with its unique ambiance and capacity:​

Vernazza Room

• Capacity: Up to 12 guests at one large round table.​ 
• Features: This bright and airy room boasts a large window, creating an open and spacious feel, ideal for intimate gatherings or business meetings. ​ 

Monterosso Wine Room

• Capacity: Up to 18 guests, arranged at one long table or two round tables.​ 
• Features: A fully enclosed, elegant dining space adorned with selections from Ai Fiori’s extensive wine collection, offering a sophisticated atmosphere for special occasions. 

La Spezia Semi-Private Room

• Capacity: Up to 26 guests at up to three long tables. 
• Features: This curtained-off space provides a delicately private feel while maintaining the aesthetic and energy of the main dining room, suitable for social events and celebrations. 

 

Genoa Semi-Private Room

• Capacity: Up to 32 guests at up to four long tables.​ 
• Features: A fully enclosed, curtained-off area that offers the exclusivity of a private room while allowing guests to enjoy the ambiance of the main dining area, perfect for larger gatherings.
  ​

Savona Table

• Capacity: Up to 16 guests along a partially screened and curtained-off banquette area.​ 
• Features: This space offers a tucked-away table where guests can observe the main dining room’s activity while enjoying a more intimate experience, ideal for casual yet refined events. 

Imperia Table

• Capacity: Up to 10 guests at one long, partially screened-off table.​ 
• Features: Provides a semi-private setting that balances seclusion with the lively atmosphere of the restaurant, suitable for smaller gatherings or business lunches.
   

Culinary Excellence

Ai Fiori’s menu celebrates modern interpretations of regional dishes from Liguria and the South of France. Guests can indulge in an array of coastal-inspired small plates, an expanded verdure section, and the restaurant’s renowned pasta offerings, all infused with fresh, bold flavors. Signature dishes include the Trofie Nero (squid ink pasta with a Ligurian crustacean ragù) and the Spaghetti (blue crab, lemon, bottarga, and Calabrian chili).

When people think of 5th Avenue, they often picture luxury fashion houses and iconic NYC landmarks. But for food lovers and discerning diners, 5th Avenue restaurants offer an equally impressive experience. From haute cuisine to designer cafés, dining in Midtown NYC reaches new heights along this famed boulevard.

If you’re searching for upscale restaurants in NYC, especially around 5th Avenue, there’s one name that rises above the rest: Ai Fiori.

Ai Fiori: Fifth Avenue’s Crown Jewel of Upscale Dining

Tucked within the elegant Langham Hotel at 400 Fifth Avenue, Ai Fiori is a standout among restaurants on Fifth Avenue. Operated by the Altamarea Group, this fine dining destination has carved out its niche with a bold and contemporary reinterpretation of coastal cuisine.

A Taste of the Riviera in the Heart of Manhattan

Recently reimagined, Ai Fiori now draws culinary inspiration from the Italian and French Riviera. The atmosphere is a romantic blend of dusky elegance and modern luxury—think deep velvets, warm lighting, and textures that nod to 1920s glamour. But it’s the menu that truly transports you.

Executive Chef PJ Calapa (formerly of Nobu and Bouley) has crafted a selection of refined yet approachable dishes:

• Coastal-inspired antipasti like crudo and tuna tartare
• An expanded verdure section, with vibrant vegetable-forward dishes
• Signature handmade pastas like Trofie Nero with scallops and lobster, or the beloved Agnolotti
• Riviera-style entrées such as Mediterranean branzino and braised veal

Ai Fiori also shines in its beverage program. From rare wines to expertly crafted cocktails (including Riviera-inspired spritzes), the bar menu complements the food experience perfectly.

Elegant Yet Relaxed Dining

While Ai Fiori delivers the sophistication expected from a top-tier Midtown restaurant, it avoids the stiffness often associated with fine dining. The team embraces a philosophy of celebration and joy, creating an environment where both locals and international guests feel welcome.

Whether you’re closing a business deal, planning a date night, or celebrating a milestone, Ai Fiori combines atmosphere, service, and cuisine for an unforgettable evening.

📍 400 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY
🌐 Visit Website

Other Notable Restaurants on Fifth Avenue for Upscale Dining

While Ai Fiori leads the charge, 5th Avenue is home to several other upscale restaurants in NYC worth mentioning:

Café Carmellini – Elevated Dining at The Fifth Avenue Hotel

Located at 250 Fifth Avenue, Café Carmellini is the signature restaurant of James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Carmellini. The menu seamlessly blends French and Italian classics with a New York twist, served in a romantic, gold-accented dining room.

Armani Ristorante – Fashion Meets Fine Dining

Inside the Armani flagship at 717 Fifth Avenue, this minimalist, mirror-wrapped space offers beautifully plated modern Italian cuisine. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a luxurious feel, it’s a perfect spot for fashion-forward food lovers.

Harry Cipriani – Classic Italian at Its Best

For a timeless experience, Harry Cipriani at the Sherry-Netherland Hotel (781 Fifth Ave) serves up Cipriani family staples in a classic Venetian atmosphere. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking tradition, style, and impeccable service.

Le Café Louis Vuitton – French Fare in a Designer Setting

On the fourth floor of the Louis Vuitton boutique, Le Café Louis Vuitton delivers refined French cuisine in an ultra-chic setting. With a menu curated by Michelin-starred chefs, this spot offers a unique twist on Midtown Manhattan dining.

Final Thoughts

If you’re exploring restaurants on Fifth Avenue, the options for upscale dining in NYC are as diverse and refined as the city itself. From timeless classics to bold new experiences, each venue tells its own story.

Yet, if you’re looking for a destination that blends culinary artistry, modern elegance, and Riviera charm, Ai Fiori remains the clear standout. It’s not just one of the best 5th Avenue restaurants—it’s one of the best restaurants in all of New York City.