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Ai Fiori
Master Critic Reviews (9 Lists)
Ai Fiori
9.1
Located within the Langham Hotel, this Michelin-recognized destination from Chef Michael White delivers refined French-Italian Riviera cuisine with impeccable execution. Handmade pastas and a Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning list of over 1,000 selections elevate the experience, while the elegant dining room with Fifth Avenue views sets the stage for special occasions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sagne Pasta with Braised Rabbit, Hiramasa Crudo, Risotto ai Funghi
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 9
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized Riviera cuisine with Wine Spectator Grand Award wine program
Who should go: Fine dining enthusiasts and special occasion celebrants
When to visit: Weekday lunch for prix fixe value or dinner for full experience
What to order: Handmade pastas, Hiramasa crudo, seasonal tasting menu
Insider tip: Bar Fiori offers the same quality in a more casual cocktail setting
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Meyers Parking Garage on 35th/36th between 5th and 6th (no validation). Hotel valet available. Subway recommended: 34th St-Herald Sq (B/D/F/M/N/Q/R) 7 min walk
Dress code: Smart casual—no jacket required but guests dress up for the elegant Riviera-inspired room. Skip athletic wear; polished looks fit the Fifth Avenue setting
Noise level: Quiet to moderate—thick linens and hotel setting absorb sound. Weekday lunch is most tranquil; weekend evenings livelier around Bar Fiori
Weekend wait: Reservations essential—book 2-4 weeks ahead for prime Fri/Sat times
Weekday lunch: Often available same-week; prix fixe lunch is the insider value play
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—expanded verdure section with seasonal vegetable-forward dishes; kitchen accommodates well
Vegan options: Limited but available—speak with server in advance for modifications on crudo and pasta courses
Gluten-free options: Yes—accommodations available, inform server. Fine dining kitchen skilled at modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Exceptional choice—floor-to-ceiling Fifth Avenue windows, elegant floral arrangements, and gracious service create a romantic backdrop. The four-course prix fixe dinner with optional wine pairing makes it memorable without decision paralysis
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely for dinner, possible at Bar Fiori. Weekday lunch has better walk-in odds. For dinner, book via OpenTable or Resy at least 1-2 weeks ahead; weekends need 3-4 weeks during peak seasons
Is it kid-friendly? Not primary audience—fine dining ambiance suits well-behaved older children (10+). Children's menu ($55) available for holidays. Request corner banquette for containment; weekday dinner quieter than weekends
Best For
Better for: Wine collectors wanting Grand Award-level selection (1,000+ bottles), business entertaining requiring white-tablecloth polish, or special occasions deserving Michelin-caliber handmade pasta with attentive service
Skip if: You want casual neighborhood Italian, prefer adventurous/trendy over refined classics, or are budget-conscious—this is expense-account territory with entrees $45-65+
Ai Fiori
8.9
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Girls Night Out Approved
Instagram Worthy Wonders
The Parisian Tea Room is a reservations-only high-tea salon in the Garment District, styled after a 1920s Paris apartment with chandeliers and pink carpets. Guests come more for the occasion—tiered trays of sandwiches, scones, and French sweets in a quiet, decorated room—than for everyday coffee runs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature High Tea tier (sandwiches, scones, pastries), Brioche French Toast, Macarons and seasonal petits fours
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A Paris-themed high-tea room with chandeliers, tiered trays, and French patisserie in a tucked-away Garment District suite.
Who should go: Groups planning birthdays, showers, or dressy afternoon tea outings.
When to visit: Weekend midday seatings for the full high-tea experience.
What to order: Signature high-tea service, French toast, and extra macarons.
Insider tip: Build in extra time for photos—the room’s decor is a big part of the draw and staff are used to guests taking pictures.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking. Nearby garages available but expensive; street parking is very limited. Public transit or rideshare is strongly recommended.
Dress code: Dressy casual to semi-formal. Guests often lean into tea-party attire; jeans are acceptable but many opt for dresses or smart outfits.
Noise level: Quiet to low — designed for conversation and photos rather than lively chatter.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — high-tea seatings are reservation-only.
Weekday lunch: No walk-in wait, but reservations are still required for most seatings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the tea service includes vegetarian-friendly sandwiches and sweets.
Vegan options: Limited — advance notice is recommended to accommodate vegan requests.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some items can be adjusted, but full gluten-free service is not guaranteed without prior coordination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for planned, occasion-style dates than casual first meetings. It’s structured, quiet, and photo-driven rather than spontaneous.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. This is a reservations-focused tea room, and walk-ins are rarely accommodated, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older children who can sit through a formal tea service. Not ideal for toddlers or restless kids.
Best For
Better for: Celebratory high tea, Instagram-worthy interiors, and curated afternoon experiences rather than casual dining.
Skip if: You want a quick meal, flexible timing, or a casual café vibe — traditional cafés or hotel tea lounges are better fits.
Ai Fiori
8.6
A polished, hotel-set dining room where Riviera-leaning Italian cooking shows best in pastas and seafood-forward plates. It excels as a classic “dress-up dinner” when you order with restraint—one signature pasta, one elegant main, and a measured dessert finish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crab spaghetti, Sagne (truffle-leaning pasta), Lobster ravioli
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Refined Riviera-Italian cooking in a true hotel fine-dining room.
Who should go: Couples and power-lunch diners who want polish.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for the calmest room.
What to order: Crab spaghetti, sagne, a seafood main.
Insider tip: Ask what pasta is freshest—then commit and stop there.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet available at The Langham; expect premium pricing. Street parking is very limited and unreliable after early evening.
Dress code: Dressy smart casual to business formal—jackets and cocktail attire feel appropriate; jeans are acceptable if polished.
Noise level: Low to moderate—refined room where conversation is easy and uninterrupted.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though power-lunch hours can fill quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pasta-forward and vegetable-driven options available.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with advance notice or light modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes—select dishes and gluten-free pasta substitutions available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a polished, grown-up first date. The calm room and professional service make conversation easy, but it’s more elegant than playful.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Occasionally at lunch or early weeknights, but dinner is reservation-driven—especially Thursday through Saturday.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially. While children aren’t prohibited, the formal setting and pacing are best suited for adults or older, well-behaved teens.
Best For
Better for: Elegant business meals, refined date nights, and diners who value classical service and composed Italian execution.
Skip if: You want a lively, buzzy scene or bold, experimental Italian—more casual trattorias or modern Italian spots will feel looser and more fun.
Ai Fiori
8.7
A polished, hotel-set dining room where Riviera-leaning Italian shines brightest in pastas and seafood-forward mains. It’s built for anniversaries and “dress-up” dinners—refined without feeling fussy when you order with restraint. The sweet spot is one signature pasta, one elegant main, then a clean dessert finish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crab spaghetti, Sagne pasta, Seafood main (ask what’s best that night)
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Riviera-Italian finesse in a true Midtown fine-dining room.
Who should go: Couples who want polish and calm.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for the quietest room.
What to order: Crab spaghetti; sagne; a seafood-driven main.
Insider tip: Ask which pasta is best tonight—then commit and stop there.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet available at The Langham (pricey); street parking is very limited, especially after 6pm. Most diners use taxis or rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy. Jackets, dresses, and polished shoes fit the room best; jeans are acceptable if styled cleanly.
Noise level: Low to moderate — conversation-friendly with a calm, refined dining-room hum.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside peak business hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-driven pastas and composed mains can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — the kitchen can accommodate with advance notice, but options are not menu-forward.
Gluten-free options: Yes — some naturally gluten-free dishes and flexible pasta substitutions with staff guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want an elegant, low-pressure setting. The room is calm, service is polished, and the menu rewards restrained ordering—ideal for conversation-focused dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights or early evenings, but weekends and peak dining hours fill quickly. The bar can be a backup, but reservations are the safest play.
Is it kid-friendly? Best suited for adults and older teens. There’s no kids menu, and the tone is quiet and refined rather than family-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Refined special-occasion dining with polished service, excellent pastas, and a true luxury-hotel atmosphere that feels celebratory without being stuffy.
Skip if: If you want bold experimentation, high-energy buzz, or a more casual, value-driven Italian meal—there are better options for trendier or louder nights.
Ai Fiori
8.4
A polished Fifth Avenue hotel dining room that leans Riviera-Italian in spirit—crudos, carefully worked pastas, and a bar program that matches the room’s quiet luxury. The tasting option is best for diners who want refinement and rhythm over flash.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hiramasa crudo, Handmade pasta (seasonal), Olive oil gelato
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Hotel-luxe Riviera-leaning cooking with a true fine-dining glide path.
Who should go: Client lunches and polished date nights.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner.
What to order: Crudo, signature pasta, dessert.
Insider tip: Start with a bar cocktail, then commit to the tasting.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel-attached valet available; nearby paid garages around Bryant Park. Street parking is very limited, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart business casual to dressy. Jackets aren’t required, but this is not a shorts-and-sneakers room.
Noise level: Low to moderate — designed for conversation, business talk, and focused dining.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating may shorten the wait
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 15 minutes with flexible seating
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetarian tasting and à la carte accommodations with advance notice
Vegan options: Limited — possible with advance notice, but not the kitchen’s strength
Gluten-free options: Yes — kitchen can adapt most courses; notify when booking
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want polished and calm rather than playful. The room is elegant, service is attentive without hovering, and conversation is easy—ideal for a composed first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes at lunch or early evening, especially for smaller parties. Dinner weekends are tougher, but the bar is a reliable fallback if you’re flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young children. There’s no kids menu, and the room favors quiet pacing over family dining.
Best For
Better for: Refined tasting menus with smooth pacing, Riviera-Italian flavors, and a business-friendly luxury setting.
Skip if: You want bold experimentation, theatrical plating, or a casual, high-energy vibe—there are more expressive tasting menus elsewhere.
Ai Fiori
8.6
A Langham-hotel dining room that leans Riviera-Italian with high-polish pacing, making it a natural fit for client-grade private dinners. The kitchen’s strengths are crudo-level precision and pasta that stays composed start-to-finish, with a service team built for scripted, high-stakes nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hiramasa crudo, Sagne pasta, Dozen oysters
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Hotel-luxe Italian with multiple semi-private/private room setups for polished groups.
Who should go: Client hosts and milestone diners who need privacy.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners for smooth pacing and focus.
What to order: Hiramasa crudo, sagne pasta, oysters
Insider tip: Book a curtained semi-private setup for privacy without losing room energy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet available at The Langham; street parking around Bryant Park is extremely limited, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Dressy business casual to formal — jackets and cocktail attire feel appropriate; jeans are technically fine but read underdressed for private dinners.
Noise level: Low to moderate — private and semi-private rooms allow easy conversation without spillover from the main dining room.
Weekend wait: Walk-ins are unlikely; expect no availability without a reservation, especially for private or semi-private rooms.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait with reservations; walk-ins may be seated in the main room but private spaces require advance booking.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable-forward pastas, antipasti, and custom prix-fixe adjustments are handled comfortably with notice.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with advance coordination, but the menu is not naturally vegan-driven.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free pasta substitutions and crudo-focused courses are routinely accommodated.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s better for a confident or established pairing than a casual first date — the room is polished, formal, and reads more ‘impress’ than ‘relaxed flirt.’
Can I get a table without a reservation? Occasionally at the bar or main dining room during off-hours, but private and semi-private dining requires advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — this is an adult, business-forward room without kid amenities; better suited for teens at celebratory meals than younger children.
Best For
Better for: High-stakes private dinners, client hosting, and milestone meals where pacing, service control, and discretion matter more than culinary theatrics.
Skip if: You want a lively, social private dining atmosphere or a more experimental menu — choose trend-driven or chef-led rooms instead.
Ai Fiori
8.6
A polished hotel dining room that excels at business-lunch formality: composed pastas, precise seafood, and service that keeps the table moving without feeling rushed. It’s best when you treat it as a structured lunch—two courses, a signature pasta, and a confident close.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sagne pasta, Hiramasa crudo, Rack of lamb (when offered)
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Riviera-leaning Italian in a quiet-luxe room made for client lunches.
Who should go: Client meetings and polished work lunches.
When to visit: Weekday lunch for the smoothest flow.
What to order: Sagne pasta, crudo, seasonal main.
Insider tip: Keep it to two courses—pasta + main—so the table stays on schedule.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet available via The Langham; nearby commercial garages around Bryant Park. Street parking is very limited during weekday lunch hours.
Dress code: Business formal to polished smart casual. Jackets common at lunch; jeans are acceptable but lean tailored.
Noise level: Low to moderate — quiet enough for confidential conversation without strain.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak evenings.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait with a reservation; short wait possible for walk-ins right at noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — composed vegetable starters and pasta options can anchor a full lunch.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with advance notice; not the kitchen’s primary strength.
Gluten-free options: Yes — seafood mains and select preparations can be accommodated; staff handles requests smoothly.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want polished and calm rather than playful. The room is elegant and composed, ideal for conversation but more formal than flirt-forward.
Can I get a table without a reservation? At weekday lunch, often yes if you arrive early or slightly after peak noon. For guaranteed timing with clients, reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older, well-behaved kids. There’s no kids’ menu or casual flexibility, and the room favors quiet, adult pacing.
Best For
Better for: Structured business lunches where timing, service precision, and polish matter more than trendiness or theatrics.
Skip if: You want a loud, scene-driven power lunch or a casual drop-in meal — choose a more relaxed Midtown brasserie instead.
Ai Fiori
8.8
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Birthday & Celebration Central
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
A polished Midtown dining room inside The Langham that leans Riviera: pristine pastas, seafood-forward mains, and a wine program built for celebrations that still run on time. Best for families who want a “special meal” without theatrics—order a few pastas to share and let the kitchen handle the elegance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster pasta, Crudo (seasonal), Ricotta pancakes (weekend brunch)
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Riviera-leaning Italian cooking with a luxury-hotel service engine.
Who should go: Families celebrating something in Midtown
When to visit: Early dinner for calm pacing
What to order: Lobster pasta, crudo, one seasonal main
Insider tip: Ask for a quieter table away from the bar corridor.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site valet. Nearby commercial garages around Bryant Park; street parking is extremely limited and unreliable, especially after 5pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Jackets common at dinner; jeans are acceptable if polished, but athletic wear feels out of place.
Noise level: Moderate-low. Conversation-friendly, especially in the main dining room away from the bar.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days; busiest between 12:30–1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pasta, antipasti, and vegetable-forward options available.
Vegan options: Limited — not menu-forward, but the kitchen can accommodate with advance notice.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free pasta available and servers are knowledgeable about modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a confident or celebratory first date than a casual one. The room is elegant and polished, which sets a serious tone rather than a relaxed, exploratory vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes at lunch or very early dinner, but evenings and weekends are risky. Book ahead if timing matters.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older, well-mannered kids. No kids menu, but pastas are shareable and pacing works well for family celebrations rather than casual dining with toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Refined Italian cooking with luxury-hotel service that still respects Midtown timing — ideal for celebrations, business lunches, and polished family dinners.
Skip if: You want rustic Italian, a casual neighborhood feel, or a budget-friendly meal; there are better options for loud groups or very young kids.
Ai Fiori
8.8
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Business Lunch Power Players
A luxury-hotel Italian dining room that leans Riviera: pristine pastas, seafood-forward mains, and a service engine designed to make celebrations feel effortless. It’s a top-tier date pick when you want elegance without drama—let the kitchen steer you through crudo, pasta, and one composed main.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster pasta, Seasonal crudo, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Riviera-leaning Italian technique with luxury-hotel precision.
Who should go: Couples celebrating something.
When to visit: Early dinner for calm, unhurried service.
What to order: Crudo, lobster pasta, one seasonal main.
Insider tip: Ask for a quieter table away from the bar corridor.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet on-site. Nearby garages around Bryant Park and the Langham Hotel; expect $40–$60 evenings. Street parking is extremely limited after 6pm.
Dress code: Dressy smart casual to formal. Jackets, cocktail dresses, and polished evening wear feel appropriate; jeans are accepted but should be elevated.
Noise level: Low to moderate – refined hotel dining room where conversation is easy and private.
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes without a reservation; bar seating may shorten the wait but is not guaranteed.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait with reservations; short waits possible for walk-ins during business lunch peak.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple pasta, vegetable, and antipasti options; kitchen is accommodating.
Vegan options: Limited – possible with advance notice or server guidance, but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free pasta available and several naturally gluten-free mains.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re aiming for an elevated impression. It’s polished, calm, and intimate—ideal for confident first dates rather than casual get-to-know-you drinks.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at lunch or early weekday dinners, but risky at prime dinner hours. Reservations are strongly recommended for evenings and weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children. Best suited for adults and teens who can handle a formal, quiet dining environment.
Best For
Better for: High-stakes date nights, anniversaries, and celebratory dinners where service precision and polish matter more than trendiness.
Skip if: You want a lively, casual Italian vibe or a budget-conscious night out—there are better options for relaxed energy or value.