Michael White’s Santi Opens Today: A Grand Return to NYC’s Italian Culinary Scene

Today marks a monumental moment for NYC’s dining world as acclaimed chef Michael White unveils Santi, his latest Italian culinary masterpiece, at 520 Madison Avenue. After years away from Manhattan’s restaurant scene, White’s triumphant return promises to redefine modern Italian cuisine in the city he helped shape. Santi, a luxurious new flagship from White’s BBianco Hospitality Group, opens its doors with a menu that showcases the chef’s unparalleled mastery of pasta, crudos, and seasonal Italian cooking.

The cocktail program, designed by James Lamb, complements White’s signature attention to detail with Italian-inspired beverages such as the Diavolo Fashioned and Saint’s Cure, while the wine list, crafted by Hak Soo Kim and Andreina Mayobre, highlights top selections from Burgundy to Brunello and hidden Italian gems. Desserts like the Tartaletta with Sicilian pistachio and the indulgent Millefoglie promise to round out the experience with sophistication.

The restaurant’s design, courtesy of Michaelis Boyd and L’Observatoire International, offers an atmosphere as artful as the menu. Guests enter through a grand horseshoe bar with a dramatic yellow onyx backdrop, transitioning into spaces adorned with green onyx, rich walnut, and dreamlike painted walls. With a mezzanine overlooking the central dining space, the lavish yet intimate setting combines elegance with grandeur. Artistic touches throughout the restaurant, including a meticulously restored 11-foot "Vagabond Mirror," add layers of storytelling and history to the space.

Santi promises not only to redefine Italian dining in NYC but to serve as a testament to Michael White’s enduring legacy in the culinary world. This highly anticipated opening is set to become a centerpiece of Manhattan’s gastronomic scene. Reservations are highly recommended for this exceptional new destination.

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