The restaurant is housed in ‘The Waffle,’ a striking steel and glass structure by architect Eric Owen Moss. This futuristic building sets the stage for the surreal journey that follows. A warm and sincere welcome awaits in the garden, where host advisors thoughtfully outline the evening’s itinerary, addressing individual preferences and allergies. From there, the path leads through the kitchen, inviting guests to interact with the chefs and sample ingredients.
Inside, the atmosphere is designed to evoke mystery and wonder. Minimalist decor, subtle lighting, and ethereal soundscapes—created in collaboration with Jónsi and Paul Corley of Sigur Rós—immerse diners in what Kahn calls “new nature,” a harmonious blend of ambient sounds that enhances the dining experience.
The intimate dining room, accommodating just 20 guests, features custom-made dinnerware by Mitch Iburg and Zoey Powell of Studio Alluvium, with each piece tailored to complement the 16+ course tasting menu. The menu tells the "origin story of everything," moving from primordial plants to the Cambrian explosion, culminating in an aged dairy calf raised on grass-fed milk. Each dish combines avant-garde techniques with unexpected flavors and visual artistry. Signature creations, such as a black sand-inspired scallop dish, have been reimagined as a mussel dish with an edible, iridescent cover. The journey concludes with a tea ritual downstairs.
Kahn’s culinary journey began in Savannah, Georgia, and flourished in prestigious kitchens like Per Se and The French Laundry under Thomas Keller and at Alinea under Grant Achatz. Before Vespertine, Kahn gained acclaim with his restaurant Red Medicine, where he, initially at least, reinterpreted Vietnamese cuisine with bold innovation. Vespertine represents the pinnacle of his artistry, a multi-sensory exploration that transcends conventional dining.
Vespertine has retained its prestigious two Michelin stars in its latest iteration and earned a Michelin green star, underscoring its commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious practices. Renowned for its groundbreaking and avant-garde approach, chef Kahn’s vision reflects a relentless dedication to innovation, artistic evolution, and reimagining fine dining’s future. At its heart, Vespertine blends culture, creativity, and culinary mastery, creating an unforgettable immersive experience that places diners at the forefront of its transformative journey.
