Café Carmellini

- 250 5th Ave, New York, NY 10001

In a city renowned for its culinary excellence, Café Carmellini stands out as a triumphant return to fine dining from one of New York’s most celebrated chefs, Andrew Carmellini. Located within the stunning confines of The Fifth Avenue Hotel, the restaurant is a masterclass in modern luxury and Old World elegance. It’s a place that feels simultaneously grand and intimate, with a design that pays homage to the building’s neoclassical heritage while embracing a lush, maximalist style. The atmosphere is upscale and romantic, an ideal setting for a special occasion or a truly memorable night out.

Chef Carmellini, whose name is on the door for the first time in his prolific career, has distilled his 30 years of experience into a menu that is a sophisticated marriage of Italian and French cooking. The dishes are a reflection of his extensive training and personal history, showcasing the purity of Italian flavors alongside the finesse of French technique. This unique fusion results in a menu that is both refined and personal, with each dish telling a story. Café Carmellini is more than just a restaurant; it’s an immersive experience that combines beautiful design, impeccable service, and a culinary vision that is a highlight of New York’s fine dining scene. The restaurant has already garnered praise and a Michelin Guide recognition, underscoring its commitment to excellence.

Café Carmellini is situated at the prestigious address of 250 5th Ave, New York, NY 10001, USA. Its location within The Fifth Avenue Hotel places it in the heart of Nomad, a neighborhood known for its mix of classic architecture and modern energy. The restaurant's prime spot on Fifth Avenue makes it easily accessible for both locals and tourists. It is conveniently close to several major subway lines, including the R, W, and 6 trains, ensuring a smooth journey from most parts of the city.

The restaurant is designed with inclusivity in mind, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating to accommodate all guests. While street parking in this busy area is limited, there are paid parking garages nearby for those arriving by car. Given its popularity and upscale nature, a wait is common, and reservations are required for both lunch and dinner. The restaurant's location in a beautifully reimagined landmark building adds to the overall experience, transporting guests to a world of Gilded Age splendor and elegance.

Café Carmellini's services are tailored to provide a full-scale fine dining experience, focusing exclusively on in-house service and events.

• Dine-in and Table Service: The primary offering is a full-service, fine dining experience. The restaurant's staff provides impeccable and attentive table service, guiding guests through the menu and ensuring every need is met.
• Reservations: Reservations are essential and required for both lunch and dinner. The restaurant is a popular destination, and booking in advance is the only way to guarantee a table. The front desk staff are known for their helpfulness in securing a booking and providing a pleasant experience from the moment you arrive.
• Private Dining: Café Carmellini offers an intimate private dining room, known as The Club Room, which can accommodate up to 18 guests. This is an ideal space for a special celebration or a corporate event, offering the same high-level cuisine and service in a more secluded setting.
• Full Bar and Extensive Wine List: A key feature is the onsite bar, which offers a wide array of spirits, including a diverse list of vodkas, gins, tequilas, and mezcals. The wine list is particularly noteworthy, with over 1,800 bottles curated by a master sommelier, offering a wide selection of both classic and rare vintages.
• Dining Options: The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a distinct menu for each. From "The Fifth Avenue Breakfast" to a multi-course dinner, there's a dining option to suit various occasions throughout the day.

The service is renowned for being polished and professional yet never stuffy, with the team making a concerted effort to create a warm and celebratory atmosphere for every guest.

Café Carmellini's reputation as a top-tier fine dining destination is built on a number of exceptional features.

• Michelin-Recognized Cuisine: The food is a sublime blend of French and Italian techniques, creating dishes that are both classic and innovative. Chef Carmellini’s menu is focused and intentional, with each item being a refined expression of his culinary expertise.
• Impeccable Service: The staff at Café Carmellini is consistently praised for their gracious and professional service. From the front desk to the servers, the team is dedicated to providing a truly great dining experience, paying close attention to every detail and ensuring guests feel celebrated and cared for.
• World-Class Beverage Program: The wine and cocktail list is a major highlight. The extensive list is a sommelier's dream, and the staff's knowledge allows them to guide guests to the perfect pairing for their meal. The house cocktails are creative and expertly crafted, with options like the "Fifty-Fifty Martini" and "Calvados Manhattan."
• Stunning Decor and Atmosphere: The restaurant's interior is a work of art, with lush decor, velvet booths, and sculptural trees that create a grand, yet cozy, setting. The two-story dining room includes private balconies that offer an intimate view of the lively scene below, making for a truly unique and romantic experience.
• Signature Dishes: The menu features a number of standout dishes that have become instant classics, such as the "Spring Pea Caramelle," a delicate pasta dish that showcases seasonal flavors, and the "Grilled Wild Salmon Salsa Barolo," a beautifully prepared fish entree. The "Oysters À La Pomme" are a delightful and artfully presented appetizer.
• Celebrated Desserts: The dessert menu, crafted by a pastry chef with a renowned pedigree, is a highlight. The "Apple-Cognac Soufflé" is a perfectly executed classic, while the "Grapefruit Sorbetto" is celebrated as a signature, refreshing end to the meal.

These features combine to make Café Carmellini not just a place to eat, but a place to experience the very best of New York’s fine dining culture.

For reservations and inquiries about dining at Café Carmellini, please use the contact information below:

Address: 250 5th Ave, New York, NY 10001, USA

Phone: (212) 231-9200

Choosing what to order at Café Carmellini is an exercise in culinary delight, as every dish is carefully curated and expertly prepared. What is truly worth choosing here is the complete experience: the opportunity to surrender to a team of professionals who are passionate about providing the perfect evening. This is a place where you don't just eat food; you engage with a personal and artistic menu that reflects a lifetime of culinary passion.

To begin your meal, the "Raw & Cured" section offers some exquisite choices. The "Oysters À La Pomme" are a beautiful and fresh starter, while the "Bluefin Tuna Crudo" is a testament to the kitchen's commitment to high-quality ingredients. For those looking for a light yet flavorful start, the "Italian Chicory Insalata" is an excellent choice, while the "Sweet Crab & Pepper Mille-Feuille" is a delicate and beautifully presented option.

When it comes to the main courses, the pasta dishes are a highlight and a must-try. The "Spring Pea Caramelle," with its vibrant green color and fresh flavors, is a beloved dish that showcases the kitchen's mastery of pasta making. The "Risotto Del Giorno" is always an intriguing option, as it reflects the chef's current inspiration. For a truly memorable main, the "Black Bass Brodetto Di Mare" is a standout, combining perfectly cooked fish with a rich, savory broth. For a shared experience, the "Gran Sasso" section offers stunning plates for two, such as the "Veal Medallions English Pea All'ortolana" or the "Squab En Croute," which are both decadent and perfectly executed.

The beverage program is also a significant part of what makes Café Carmellini worth choosing. Instead of just a simple cocktail, you can enjoy a beautifully crafted drink like the "Fichi Americano" or "Calvados Manhattan." The wine list is an adventure in itself, and the knowledgeable sommeliers are eager to guide you through it to find the perfect pairing for your meal.

Finally, make sure you save room for dessert. The "Apple-Cognac Soufflé" is a showstopper, arriving at the table as a cloud of perfectly baked perfection. The "Chocolate Ganache Tart" is a rich and decadent alternative, while the "Grapefruit Sorbetto" is a light and refreshing end to a luxurious meal. The dessert and cocktails are often praised for their beautiful presentation and delicious flavors.

In conclusion, Café Carmellini is worth choosing for anyone in New York seeking a fine dining experience that is both sophisticated and heartfelt. It's a place where every detail is considered, from the perfectly ironed tablecloths to the perfectly balanced dishes. It is a destination that delivers on its promise of an elegant and delicious experience, solidifying its place as a new classic in New York City's vibrant restaurant scene.

Café Carmellini

250 5th Ave, New York, NY 10001, USA