Despite its Midtown Manhattan location, Ai Fiori from the Altamarea Group (Marea, Osteria Morini, 53, and Cucina Morini) manages to transport you directly to the French and Italian Riviera; this is an oasis for foodies amid the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple.
The sights and smells of the Mediterranean prove to be Ai Fiori’s muse, permeating the seasonal menu and the design of the space, including the swanky bar outfitted with photographs of various French and Italian scenes.
The restaurant seamlessly combines the culture and cuisine of both countries for a culinary concept that takes traditional dishes and adds a contemporary twist.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- The upscale Midtown Manhattan eatery specializes in signature hand-made pastas.
- Chef Lauren DeSteno drew inspiration from her personal ties to the Mediterranean with recent trips to Nice, Cannes, and Monaco influencing the menu.
- Bar Fiori offers a daily Martini Hour, with an assortment of riffs on the classic and paired with bites such as the delicious bolognese and grilled market squash.
Things to Know
- From the beginning, Ai Fiori’s concept has stemmed from the cuisine of the French and Italian Riviera. Therefore, you’ll find a menu heavily dominated by a blend of dishes from those seaside regions of Italy and France.
- The menus at the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star restaurant change seasonally to keep things fresh and varied.
- While the restaurant may feel like it’s nowhere near New York City, Ai Fiori’s location is quite convenient. The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue can be found in the city’s Midtown Manhattan neighborhood along the famous shopping street.
The Food
- Nosh on starters such as savoy cabbage stuffed with a rich medley of potato, cauliflower and black truffle or a caramelized onion tart.
- Portions at the New York restaurant are perfectly plated to balance the richness of a dish so you can save plenty of room for tasty desserts such as a chocolate espresso Tiramisu.
- Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or not, there’s no denying the impressive laundry list of wine on offer, covering a wide range of regions that takes you from Provence and Burgundy to Liguria and Tuscany.
The Look
- There’s something incredibly calming about the design of Ai Fiori, making it a great escape from the frenzied commotion of New York City. Meaning “among the flowers” in Italian, Ai Fiori evokes a sophisticated Mediterranean ambiance, complete with sleek lines, textured light blue columns, walls of windows and plenty of flowers.
- The restaurant’s corner location within The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue affords pristine views of the city, even though you’re only on the second floor.
- The dimly lit bar proves an ideal spot for a cocktail before you head in for your main meal at the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star restaurant, with colorful images of the Italian and French Riviera above the white marble bar.
Amenities
Bar
Breakfast
Brunch
Business casual
Dinner
Lunch
Private dining
Reservations recommended
Getting There
400 5th Avenue | 2nd Level Langham Place Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10018
TEL212-613-8660
TEL212-613-8660
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