When you think of department stores, you think of shopping, fashion, and luxury goods. But did you know some department stores worldwide are also home to amazing restaurants? These department store restaurants are more than just a place to grab a quick bite while you shop, they’re a unique dining experience where you can eat great food in beautiful surroundings. Here, we’ll look at the most famous department store restaurants that combine retail therapy with food.
Department store restaurants are located inside or attached to department stores, where shoppers can grab a bite. They’re more than just a convenient place to eat; they’re destinations in their own right, with stylish interiors, unique menus and special touches that make the experience memorable. From traditional French food in Paris to modern American food in LA, they offer various culinary experiences to suit every taste and preference.
Let’s look at some of the best department store restaurants:
Neiman Marcus is a luxury department store chain in the US, and its Dallas store is home to the famous Zodiac Room. This restaurant is renowned for its sophistication, and you can enjoy popovers with strawberry butter, chicken broth, and a host of classic American dishes. The Zodiac Room has excellent service and has hosted many famous faces over the years, so it’s a must-visit if you love shopping and fine dining.
In Milan, the fashion capital of Italy, 10 Corso Como Café is a superb spot that combines art, design and food. Founded in 1991 by Carla Sozzani, a former fashion editor, this café is part of a larger complex that includes a gallery, bookstore and boutique. The café is famous for its stylish interior and has a “secret garden” where you can dine. The menu mixes Italian and international food, and the atmosphere is relaxed and stylish, just like Milan’s fashion scene.
LAvenue at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York has a luxurious dining experience with views of Rockefeller Center. French designer Philippe Starck designed the interior with solid oak tables and a private elevator entrance. The signature dishes are the LAvenue Burger with prime beef, bacon jam, truffle aioli, and the Lobster Club Sandwich. The atmosphere and menu are designed for local and international tastes, so it stands out in the New York dining scene.
The menu boasts signature dishes like the LAvenue Burger, made with prime beef, bacon jam, and truffle aioli, and the Tuna Tartare with avocado, cucumber, and soy-lime vinaigrette. Additionally, guests can savour the Lobster Club Sandwich, served on a brioche bun with crispy bacon and an herb aioli. The menu offerings also include a variety of seasonal salads, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list, ensuring a memorable dining experience in the heart of New York City.
| Interior Design Highlights | Signature Dishes and Menu Offerings | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Solid oak tables | LAvenue Burger | New York City |
| Outdoor terrace | Tuna Tartare | Rockefeller Center |
| Views of Rockefeller Center | Lobster Club Sandwich | Private elevator entrance |
The Rose Bakery inside Dover Street Market in New York offers a modern take on the traditional department store dining experience. The bakery focuses on minimalist design and fresh, quality ingredients, and it serves pastries, salads, and light meals. A favourite among fashionistas and foodies alike, it’s a cozy yet stylish spot that reflects the avant-garde vibe of Dover Street Market.
Continuing the exploration of exquisite department store dining experiences, Fred Segal Café in the trendy Fred Segal store on Sunset Boulevard in LA is famous for its laid-back atmosphere and French-inspired menu. The Croque Monsieur and avocado toast are popular dishes. It’s a favourite among celebrities and locals and offers a relaxed yet chic dining experience that matches the store’s cool vibe.
Paris, France, is home to some of the world’s most luxurious and exquisite department store restaurants, offering a beautiful blend of culinary delights and stunning ambiance. Iconic French cuisine takes center stage in Paris department store restaurants, where visitors can indulge in the finest flavours of the country. One must-visit location is Galeries Lafayette, featuring a rich history and charm that captivates locals and tourists.
The tearoom on Rue De Rivoli, known as Angélina, Angelina inside the iconic Galeries Lafayette in Paris, is famous for its elegant tearoom and signature Mont Blanc dessert, a meringue, whipped cream and chestnut cream combination. This tearoom is a taste of classic French luxury where you can enjoy pastries, light meals and the best of French cuisine while looking out over the historic streets of Paris.
The following table highlights the enchanting allure of these department store restaurants in Paris.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Culinary Experience | Iconic French cuisine |
| Ambiance | Rich history and charm |
| Signature Dish | Mont Blanc dessert |
| Scenic Views | Panoramic view of the Alster Lake |
The Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store in Tokyo has a huge food hall (called “depachika”) where you can find various dining options, from traditional Japanese tempura at Yamanoue to freshly baked baumkuchen at Club Haries. You can try many Japanese delicacies in one place, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
| Restaurant | Specialty |
|---|---|
| Yamanoue | Tempura |
| Club Haries | Baumkuchen |
These department store restaurants allow locals and tourists to savour traditional Japanese dishes and explore Tokyo’s vibrant culinary scene. Whether savouring the crispiness of tempura at Yamanoue or indulging in freshly baked baumkuchen at Club Haries, these dining experiences showcase the rich gastronomic offerings within Tokyo’s department stores.
Neiman Marcus Restaurants offers exclusive culinary experiences, chef collaborations, and themed dining events. The promotions include special events and private occasions, providing guests unique opportunities to enjoy exceptional cuisine and unique dining experiences.
The 10 Corso Como Café in Milan, Italy, is housed in a former Fiat garage, reflecting the restaurant’s fashion-forward concept. The building’s history ties into the café’s ambiance, with its secret garden seating options and Milan’s status as a fashion center.
Looking to host a memorable event? Saks Fifth Avenue restaurants offer an elegant setting for private events and special occasions. Exclusive chef collaborations, themed dining experiences, and unique amenities await guests seeking a truly exceptional gathering.
The Rose Bakery at Dover Street Market NYC distinguishes itself with a modern interpretation of a department store and offshoot of the beloved Parisian bakery. Signature dishes include the knitted kaleidoscope-patterned turtleneck by Magda Sayeg, creating a unique ambiance.
The atmosphere and design of Tesse Bakery and Café at Fred Segal Sunset in Los Angeles, California, embody the store’s overall vibe. The chic, relaxed ambiance and modern aesthetic reflect Fred Segal’s trendy yet laid-back spirit.
In conclusion, department store restaurants offer a unique and opulent culinary experience, seamlessly blending high-end retail with exceptional gastronomy. With renowned chefs, stunning interior design, and innovative menus, these restaurants redefine the concept of retail dining. It’s interesting to note that the department store restaurant industry is estimated to be worth over $5 billion globally, showcasing the growing popularity and success of this immersive dining experience.
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