- Project: La Tête d’Or Restaurant
- Architect: Rockwell Group
- Location: United States, New York City
- Year: 2024
- Area: 1254 m2
- Photography: Jason Varney
A New Culinary Landmark in the Flatiron District
Designed by the acclaimed Rockwell Group, La Tête d’Or is the latest signature restaurant from Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Boulud. Located at the base of the elegant One Madison tower at 318 Park Avenue South, the restaurant offers a refined fusion of New York sophistication and French culinary tradition. The design is inspired by classic Lyonnais brasseries and reimagined with a bold, modern elegance.
Architecture and Design by Rockwell Group
The restaurant’s double-height glass façade draws in guests with a warm glow, leading them into a space that masterfully balances theatricality with intimacy. Rockwell Group’s interiors pay homage to both the Art Deco architecture of New York and the romantic legacy of French fine dining. Rich materials—mirrored surfaces, dark marble, wood and leather paneling—combine with a color palette of deep blues and vibrant reds.
The entrance vestibule is paved with Italian black and charcoal stone flooring and illuminated by custom amber glass light fixtures. This immersive transition from the bustling Park Avenue to a sensuous dining environment sets the tone for what lies ahead.
Distinct Dining Zones and Opulent Detailing
Upon entry, guests are welcomed into a curved red-paneled host lobby with warm cove lighting and bespoke furnishings. A corridor clad in Port Laurent marble leads to a luxurious bar, anchored by a bronze-detailed mirrored column. The bar features a bronze-hued quartzite countertop, copper pencil tile accents, and blue leather stools, surrounded by velvet armchairs for a plush lounge feel.
Moving into the main dining room, diners are treated to soaring ceilings, walnut wood floors, and silk-look upholstered wall panels. A geometric art hood over the open kitchen—crafted by Italian manufacturer De Castelli from five unique metals—commands attention and reflects the energy of the wood-fired grill.
Private Dining and Event Spaces
Two semi-private rooms north of the main dining area offer exclusive experiences: the King’s Table dining room, aligned with the open kitchen and grill, and the Wagyu Room with a horseshoe-shaped stone table designed for tableside grilling. For larger private events, the restaurant also features a separate dining room accessible through a pre-function lounge, complete with custom murals and abstract floral wallpaper by Glamora.
Culinary Theater by Daniel Boulud
Named after Lyon’s iconic park, La Tête d’Or pays homage to Chef Boulud’s roots while offering a distinctly New York experience. The menu celebrates French-American cuisine with dry-aged steaks, Dover sole, tableside Caesar salad, and classic sauces that highlight Boulud’s precise culinary philosophy. The focus on tableside service and open-grill preparation adds a theatrical element that enhances the ambiance.
Rooftop Expansion: Le Jardin sur Madison
In addition to the ground-floor restaurant, Rockwell Group also designed the 28th-floor rooftop venue, Le Jardin sur Madison. This exclusive event space with outdoor terrace continues the restaurant’s refined palette and is fully integrated with Boulud’s hospitality program—offering another layer of luxury atop One Madison.
Experience La Tête d’Or
More than just a restaurant, La Tête d’Or is an immersive experience crafted through the collaboration of world-class design and culinary expertise. It sets a new benchmark for luxury dining in Manhattan, joining other design-driven hospitality venues previously featured on our site such as Terrazza Aperol in Milan and Dorset Beach House in the UK.
With its dramatic design, intimate dining spaces, and culinary artistry, La Tête d’Or is poised to become a timeless classic at the intersection of hospitality and high design in New York City.
