City Winery’s Gilded Age-inspired restaurant Cornelius opens in Grand Central
All photos of Cornelius courtesy of City Winery
Cornelius, a new high-end restaurant by City Winery, opened in Grand Central Terminal last week. The 75-seat restaurant offers patrons farm-to-table fare inspired by Gilded Age menus and created by Chef Zach Bondy. The restaurant joins two other concepts from City Winery, including a signature experience with tasting bars and City Jams, which has a first-of-its-kind wine-to-go program and an all-day menu.
Described as serving “old farm, new table” fare, Cornelius offers diners classic meals with a modern twist made with fresh ingredients. Menu items include dishes like lobster strudel, Hudson Valley steelhead trout, foraged mushroom tartlet, and more.
“I am looking forward to bringing my passion and experience to Cornelius,” Bondy said. “The menu puts a modern twist on familiar favorites with ingredients sourced from Hudson Valley and the local area.”
They currently have a selection of more than 250 wines on their lengthy international wine list, in addition to a variety of craft cocktails, including a caviar martini, oyster martini, and an espresso old-fashioned.
Dessert options include NY cheesecake, orange chiffon cake, coffee, and spiked coffee drinks.
The restaurant’s Art Deco-inspired interior features “light-hued natural wood, intricate lattice accents, plush banquettes, and suede wingback stools,” according to a press release.
Located within what was formerly Grand Central’s ladies waiting room, the walls are adorned with photographs of New York City landmarks and historical photos of Grand Central Terminal over the course of its construction.
The restaurant is named after Cornelius Vanderbilt, Grand Central’s developer and a monumental figure in the history of New York.
“With Cornelius, we pay homage to one of the most industrious American Business icons, Cornelius Vanderbilt, and carry on the tradition of high-end dining at Grand Central,” Michael Dorf, City Winery Founder and CEO, said.
“The unique experience is reminiscent of the Gilded Age, but with a new modern twist, and of course a robust international wine list. We are excited to introduce our executive chef, Zach Bondy, who has really captured this elevated dining experience.”
Debuting at the Grand Central City Winery is a wine-to-go program, which allows patrons to take their bottles to-go. After washing and returning the wine bottle, guests will receive a $5 credit towards their next one.
Cornelius is located between Vanderbilt Hall West and the shuttle passage off 42nd Street in Grand Central Terminal. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 12 p.m., and on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations can be made here.
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