Located atop a nationally-landmarked Art Deco skyscraper in lower Manhattan’s Financial District, the two Michelin-starred SAGA is the first fine-dining restaurant for former Eleven Madison Park Executive Chef James Kent. Completed in 2021, the design repurposes the three uppermost floors of the landmarked property, which boasts unobstructed views across New York City. Welcoming guests into a private, luxurious world inspired by the secret residence of a 1930s bonvivant and world traveler, each floor of the venue unfolds into its own enveloping atmosphere.
Name
Saga
Location
New York City
Type
Hospitality
Size
8,200 SF
Status
Completed
Project nr
1709B
Further design inspiration for the space was the Turin home of the famed Italian designer Carlo Mollino, which he is rumored to have worked on for 20 years yet never lived in nor shown to the public. The experience is heightened through art by the likes of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Egon Schiele and Victor Vasarely as elements of the imagined home, rather than works at which to marvel. The finishing touch of a pair of striking handmade silk pendant lights anchor the dining spaces, envisioned as pieces purchased during travels abroad.
Photos by Adrian Gaut
“Despite its intentional interiors, the restaurant’s atmosphere is almost domestic, without the pretension of a traditional fine-dining establishment. The discreet guest could even slip off a shoe...”
Vogue Magazine
Stats
66
Stories at 70 Pine Street, of which SAGA resides on 62nd, 63rd, and 66th floors
2
Handmade silk pendant lights anchor the primary dining spaces
1
Painting by Jean Michel Basquiat hangs in a discrete corner of the restaurant, while pieces by Egon Schiele and Victor Vaserely quietly adorn other spaces
111
Site meetings held during construction
88
Quantity of architectural drawing sheets in the Construction Documents set required to build the restaurant
3
Custom-designed banquettes upholstered with dark green cotton velvet
18
Consultants Modellus Novus partnered with on this project
188
Total seat count
3
Terraces for outdoor dining in the warmer months
2
Michelin stars awarded to SAGA in 2022
