In the center of Midtown, surrounded by concrete and glass, Le Jardinier doesn’t compete with the clamor of New York City. It carves out quiet. This garden-like restaurant offers something rare in Manhattan—a sense of peace and calm. The restaurant is part of The Bastion Collection, an internationally renowned hospitality group with ten distinct concepts dedicated to epicurean excellence and innovation. Since 2019, the collection has held a total of ten Michelin Stars and three Michelin Keys.
The Vibe
Le Jardinier sits on the ground floor of the GM Building, near Central Park and Fifth Avenue. The space was designed by architect Joseph Dirand, known for his minimal, almost architectural interiors. The dining room feels like a greenhouse reimagined in marble, honed granite, and velvet. Plants line the walls, creating a jungle-like vibe. Green-veined stone stretches across the floor. Pale olive banquettes and soft light bring a sense of warmth and high ceilings provide room to breathe. It feels open but contained—sheltered from the street but not sealed off from the city. This harmony between nature and refinement carries through every part of the experience. Service is polished but not stiff. The staff knows the food, understands the wine, and moves at an even pace. There’s no urgency; guests are encouraged to settle in, not rush through.
The Menu
The kitchen is led by Chef Alain Verzeroli, a longtime collaborator of Joël Robuchon. Verzeroli’s vision is executed daily by Executive Chef Andrew Ayala, who, rather than chase trends, elevates his ingredients with intention. The restaurant’s name—French for “The Gardener”—signals its direction. Seasonal produce shapes the menu, and each dish is grounded in the rhythms of nature. This is the spot for those who appreciate detail—the snap of a perfectly blanched snow pea, the tang of a mandarinquat sliver, and the chef’s handwritten notes within the menu, detailing what’s new and exceedingly fresh. His menu changes with the seasons, and lucky for me, my visit took place just as the spring menu was introduced. (Come fall, you’ll find squash, mushrooms, or earthy roots paired with roasted proteins and complex reductions.) This current celebration of farmers market green included peas, fava beans, asparagus, broccolini, and plenty of fresh herbs. My delicate risotto, featuring stinging nettle and baby artichokes, was vibrantly emerald-hued. Even the fresh, house made bread basket featured spring green in its spinach striated milk bread.
The menu provides choice. Select from a set, multi-course chef’s menu, or the three or four course menus from which you select a starter, a mid-course, an entrée, and a dessert. In addition to the “garden” items, you’ll also find fish, poultry and beef options. My husband pronounced his American Wagyu Bavette entrée (with fresh broccoli rabe, natch) as “perfectly prepared and utterly delicious.”
Executive Pastry Chef Salvatore Martone brings precision and a sense of play to the many dessert choices. A total surprise was the plant-based ice cream offering—scoops of dark chocolate, pistachio, and coffee. Rich, creamy, and smooth, I’d have never known of its non-dairy provenance had I not been forewarned.
Don’t Miss Bar Bastion
Upstairs, guests will find Bar Bastion, an intimate cocktail lounge that provides sultry contrast to the restaurant’s green glow. Start your Le Jardinier dinner with an aperitif here, or end with a digestif. Either way, don’t miss a peek at the discreet space, and don’t miss the bar’s cocktail collaboration with Baccarat, in which creative tipples are served in Baccarat’s iconic crystal glassware.
- Radiant Rouge, served in the Talleyrand “Encore” Coupe, a bold and refreshing blend of olive oil-washed Truman Vodka, tomato water, and dry vermouth, finished with a basil oil garnish.
- Golden Harmonie, a luxurious mix of Zacapa 23 Rum, Diplomático Reserva, and walnut bitters, topped with edible gold flakes and served in the Harmonie Tumbler.
- Le Fourneau, crafted with The Gardener Gin, rhubarb, and ginger foam, is presented in the Mille Nuit Glass for a visually stunning and flavorful experience.
Adding to the indulgence, guests receive a complimentary Raspberry Chocolate Bonbon from Chef Salvatore.
The Takeaway
In a city that rarely slows down, Le Jardinier offers a sense of elegant calm. The menu surprises and delights; nearly every dish delivers something unexpected, whether in texture, color, or flavor. It’s a place that rewards curiosity and invites you to linger. For those seeking brief escape from the Manhattan hustle and bustle, Le Jardinier delivers.
Photos courtesy of Le Jardinier