Waldorf Astoria New York unveiled today details on the property’s signature restaurant, Lex Yard, helmed by acclaimed Chef Partner, Michael Anthony. Expected to debut in spring 2025, the two-story American Brasserie-style restaurant marries the vibrant energy of New York and the essence of contemporary American dining, featuring a lively bar and casually elegant dining room that invites locals, residents of Waldorf Astoria New York and guests alike to indulge in seasonal, American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
“I’m honored to be opening Lex Yard in Waldorf Astoria New York, a hotel that represents iconic New York luxury,” said Chef Partner Michael Anthony, Waldorf Astoria New York. “My favorite restaurants are approachable, offer a personalized experience to guests and don’t take themselves too seriously. This is what we will focus on at Lex Yard, creating a space for guests to enjoy elevated American food and excellent service with their family, friends, and business partners, time and time again.”
Named after the hotel’s Lexington Avenue location and the historic train depot – Track 61 – directly below Waldorf Astoria New York, Lex Yard is steeped in the urban legend of secret travels taken by distinguished hotel guests and dignitaries, connecting the hotel to Grand Central Station. Evoking a sense of exploration, the culinary experience at Lex Yard starts in the downstairs bar and social hub before moving upstairs to the refined dining room with an elevated ambiance on the second floor. The restaurant will blend upscale dining with an approachable atmosphere, creating a truly exceptional encounter that can be enjoyed for any occasion – whether a business meeting, fine dining or a more casual happy hour.
“Lex Yard will offer a neighborhood dining destination for New York, by New York,” said Luigi Romaniello, managing director, Waldorf Astoria New York. “Chef Michael Anthony brings a wealth of culinary expertise and a passion for exceptional dining to Lex Yard, and we are excited for travelers, residents and the local community to experience the artistry and dedication that will define our menu.”
With a passion for sustainable agriculture and dedication to working with local farmers and producers, Chef Michael Anthony’s menus are an expression of seasonal ingredients, composed of locally sourced dishes. Guests will be able to choose from two options for dining at Lex Yard: an a la carte menu featuring a wide variety of some of Chef Michael Anthony’s favorite, curated dishes and a set, seasonal menu featuring four savory courses and a dessert course. Both menus will reflect the immense pride and passion for seasonality Chef Michael Anthony and Waldorf Astoria New York’s culinary team will bring to Lex Yard. The menus will feature vibrant vegetables and the highest-quality meat products from family farms, local oysters and sustainably caught seafood. Each dish will be meticulously crafted while providing a creative and decadent approach to celebrating the everyday through food.
“Seasonal ingredients are the starting point of our menu choices, so diners can expect Lex Yard to tell a story of the people and places that produce the most exciting foods in this region by the ingredients that we choose to put on the plate,” said Chef Michael Anthony. “My most memorable meals have always been anchored to a specific place and time. I hope to bring that to Waldorf Astoria New York and add to the dialog of what makes dining in New York City unique.”
Lex Yard will be expertly designed by AvroKO, celebrating Waldorf Astoria New York’s Art Deco spirit and modern elegance, bringing it to life through texture, patterns, and colors that evoke 1930s New York. Upstairs, guests will experience a refined atmosphere of energized calm and timeless beauty, defined by fluted columns with custom integrated lighting, white oak parquet floors referencing the era’s signature patterns, and a focal point chandelier of glass, stone, and brass. Each floor includes two distinct private dining rooms, accommodating up to eight guests individually or 16 when combined. Downstairs, the legacy of legendary hospitality unfolds in a bar that exudes a vibrant energy, merging sophisticated charm with a relaxed ambiance. Its design will honor the building’s history, incorporating coffered ceilings with inlaid Art Deco stepped brass light fixtures and a dramatically backlit metal brass screen and leather back bar frame complemented by a terrazzo-clad bar die, featuring brushed brass trim and dark turquoise leather panels. Playful nods to New York City will be found in the geometric patterned green and light teal terrazzo floor—with metal inlay influenced by the city’s urban planning—and green table lamps inspired by old subway entrance lighting.
Once open, Lex Yard will also be available for private events. The restaurant is located at 540 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022. Follow along on Instagram at @waldorfnyc and on Facebook at @TheWaldorf.
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