NYC Restaurants

Il Fiorista, Italian for “The Florist,”  is bringing some flower power to the kitchen. Italian husband-and-wife team, Alessandra and Mario De Benedetti, have turned their passion for flowers into a luscious new space in NoMad that is part flower shop and part restaurant with furnishings by Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola.  Many of those flowers will be finding their way into the Mediterranean menu and flowery cocktails by mixologist Gates Otsuji. The drinks come with names like Petal Pusher (prosecco, elderflower, thistle and cacao) and Thorn In My Side (mezcal, rose, galangal, sweet basil seed, and bergamot). On the menu, Executive Chef Garrison Price is offering dishes like Montauk Fluke Crudo with chrysanthemum, early harvest citrus and fennel pollen; Duck Confit Cappellacci with duck egg pasta, beets, swiss chard, and pink peppercorn; and Anelli al Nero, wild squid with cascabel chili, orange, coriander and fennel. Il Fiorista is also offering classes in DIY bouquet-making and a special Flower Room for events.

- Thomas Rafael