Serafina Restaurant Group, founded by Fabio Granato and Vittorio Assaf, announces the opening of Brasserie Cognac Américain, a new French American grand brasserie developed in partnership with Chef Michael Lomonaco.
Located at 461 Fifth Avenue at 40th Street, overlooking the New York Public Library and Bryant Park, Brasserie Cognac Américain spans nearly 12,000 square feet across two levels. Conceived as a true all-day brasserie, the restaurant draws from classic Parisian models while reflecting the scale, pace, and sensibility of Midtown Manhattan today.
“After three decades of building restaurants in New York and around the world, Brasserie Cognac Américain represents an important new chapter for us,” said Vittorio Assaf, Co-Founder of Serafina Restaurant Group in a statement. “Every detail, from the cuisine to the design, was developed to capture the soul of the great European brasseries while expressing the energy and ambition of New York City. Chef Michael Lomonaco was the natural choice to bring this vision to life.”
Chef Michael Lomonaco brings his longstanding New York perspective to the project, drawing on experience from 21 Club, Windows on the World, and Porter House Bar & Grill. His approach centers on classic French brasserie cooking, with a broader American influence and an emphasis on seasonal ingredients sourced from both local purveyors and select producers in the U.S. and France.
“New York has always been my home, and collaborating with the Serafina team on this concept felt entirely natural,” said Chef Michael Lomonaco. “Brasserie Cognac Américain reflects the kind of restaurant I’ve always believed in, very welcoming, refined, and designed for guests to return to again and again.”
The Cuisine
The menu at Brasserie Cognac Américain centers on French brasserie classics, interpreted through a modern American lens. Alongside dishes such as escargots de Bourgogne, duck à l’orange, and steak frites, the restaurant places a stronger emphasis on dry-aged meats, composed plates, and a wider range of American influences. Signature dishes include lobster Américaine, tagliatelle with truffles, and a lobster mac and cheese.
The Design
The interiors evoke the enduring glamour of Parisian brasseries, with a ground floor anchored by a large horseshoe-shaped bar and main dining room, with warm wood, polished brass, and a prominent wine display setting the tone.
Spanning two levels and approximately 250 seats, the second floor includes a private dining room and a more dedicated dining area. Deep banquettes, patterned floors, layered textures, and curated pop art are paired with a stronger wine focus.
With Chef Lomonaco leading the kitchen and Serafina Restaurant Group expanding beyond its Italian roots, Brasserie Cognac Américain introduces a large-format brasserie to Midtown at a time when few restaurants are opening at this scale.
Brasserie Cognac Américain opened May 19, 2026, and will operate daily from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day. Reservations will be available via OpenTable.
