LAvenue At Saks Saks Fifth Avenue Didier Coly L’Avenue At Saks

L’Avenue At Saks Awards

Sceney Parisian bistro at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Openings: Lunch & Dinner daily

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L’Avenue At Saks, New York, NY


L’Avenue At Saks Restaurant Review:



About the restaurant & décor: L’Avenue, the Philippe Starck-designed restaurant tucked away on the ninth floor of Saks Fifth Avenue, is a departure from its glamorous Parisian parent. Designed in tones of tan and brown with blonde wood, the room is comfortable and welcoming, like a worn-in leather sofa updated to make you feel at home. After a long walk through corridors from a private entrance at the side of the famous department store, you arrive at the spacious venue anchored with a circular bar and segmented into three sections with glass dividers. A significant design element, the dividers are displays for a random assortment of French-inspired items that serve as a conversation piece.

Likes: Despite the scene, everyone feels welcome.
Dislikes: A bit difficult to find.

Food & Drinks: Equally diverse, a broad menu of small plates and mains spans the globe with dishes like Thai beef, egg white omelet, and shrimp risotto with a wonderfully savory sauce complementing the jumbo shrimp. Starters are myriad but standouts include the ceviche, spicy tuna tartare and white asparagus. There really doesn’t appear to be a theme, just a selection of the chef’s favorites and seasonally inspired options. Desserts are a focus, as they are creations of Pierre Hermé, noted Parisian pâtissier. In fact, his macarons and other treats are sold at a counter by the entrance, the only place in the U.S. where you can buy them. Try the intriguing ispahan, a macaron biscuit laced with rose petal cream, raspberries and lychees. Fourteen wines by the glass, all from France and the U.S., offer a lovely choice along with an extensive bottle collection from France, California and New York. This is a room to see and be seen. Be sure to wear your Christian Louboutins or your black sneakers if you want to fit in with the largely chic crowd who frequents the restaurant. For a complete change of pace, walk down the curved staircase to the Alpine lodge Le Chalet below for clubby small-plate dining and drinking.