This month, we made our way to Midtown to try Ginger Ristoranti for dinner on an unseanably warm day this Spring! We had heard a lot about this Roman-born Mediterranean lifestyle destination that comes together with it’s unique blend of wellness, design, color, and culinary come together! From healthy juices, satisfying appetizers, mains, and cocktails - this was defintiely a great meal to enjoy.

We sat down with Chef Gabriel Luca to find out more about the restaurant, its Roman roots and what we should order upon our next visit with friends, family, and colleagues.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we delve into Ginger Ristoranti here in NYC, we know that it started in Rome and has 3 locations there. What can you tell us about these locations?

CHEF GABRIEL LUCA: Ginger Saporie Salute was born in the historic heart of Rome, with three locations embedded within the city’s Centro Storico and close to landmarks such as the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps. Each address is deeply tied to Rome’s architectural memory and tells a different story. In Via Borgognona, an original Liberty-style skylight washes the room in soft natural light, while the building itself once housed the boutique of iconic Roman designer Laura Biagiotti, leaving behind a sense of elegance that still defines the atmosphere. At Corte Laica, inside Palazzo Raggi, the space was once a convent courtyard and today lives beneath a Rationalist skylight that preserves its openness while giving it a luminous, contemporary identity. Across all three Roman locations, the vision is consistent: to inhabit beautiful historic spacesand reinterpret them through a fresh, wellness-driven lifestyle lens.

AM: Can you tell us a bit about the background of the Roman restaurateurs?

CHEF GL: Ginger is driven by the vision of founder and owner Dario Asara, who, although born in Rome, has Sardinian roots - a heritage that deeply informs the philosophy behind the brand. Sardinia is one of the world’s Blue Zones, where lifestyle, food, sea air, and a strong connection to nature have long contributed to exceptional longevity and quality of life. That idea of living well is central to Ginger. Together with his wife, Corinna Bassetti Josi, who leads the creative direction of the brand and imagines each space with a strong visual identity, Dario built a concept where Italian tradition meets a more vibrant global perspective. Their travels, especially throughout South America, introduced a colorful fruit-forward energy that can still be felt across the menu today.

AM: Why did you want to bring Ginger Ristoranti to the US and to launch here in NYC?

CHEF GL: New York felt like a natural evolution for Ginger. It is a city where people move fast, yet think carefully about quality, ingredients, and how they want to feel. That makes it the perfect place for a concept rooted in balance - where Roman hospitality, Mediterranean freshness, and a contemporary wellness mindset can all coexist. Bringing Ginger to NYC meant translating our Roman DNA into a more cosmopolitan rhythm without losing the warmth, generosity, and sense of pleasure that have always defined us.

AM: You’re located in Midtown, steps away from Rockefeller Center which is a busy neighborhood that is a mix of the theater crowd, media conglomerates, and other businesses and then you open the doors and you step into an oasis of vibrant hues and calm that gives you the feeling of being transported to a resort like destination where Summer never ends. You are located in the former Exxon building and the restaurant is 7,000 square feet! Tell us about the aesthetic and interior design of this restaurant and why you wanted to be in this neighborhood?

CHEF GL: Our Midtown location, inside the former Exxon Building at 1251 Avenue of the Americas, is our most ambitious project to date: a 7,000-square-foot restaurant conceived as a contemporary Mediterranean escape in the middle of Manhattan. Being steps from Rockefeller Center placed us in a neighborhood that is constantly alive - from office workers and media to theatergoers and visitors - and we loved the idea of offering a sensory contrast to that pace. Warm terracotta tones, light woods, lush greenery, and tactile surfaces soften the city outside and create a feeling that is sunny, relaxed, and transportive. The space was imagined by Corinna Bassetti Josi in collaboration with Costa Group, with the goal of creating not simply a restaurant, but a destination where design, light, color, and lifestyle all become part of the experience.

AM: What are the spices and ingredients that are indicative a Roman-inspired menu.

CHEF GL: At the heart of a Roman-inspired menu are straightforward, yet deeply expressive ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, pecorino romano, black pepper, artichokes, chicories, anchovies, citrus, and fresh herbs. At Ginger, we build on that foundation with seasonal vegetables, ginger, tropical fruit, bright vinaigrettes, and a lighter hand overall. The result is a cuisine that still feels unmistakably Italian, yet more vibrant, contemporary, and naturally aligned with how people want to eat today.

AM: Guests can enjoy an all day menu that focuses on healthy interpretations of these dishes. Your menu is rooted Roman culinary traditions - can you tell us what those are?

CHEF GL: Roman culinary tradition is rooted in simplicity, seasonality, and intense flavor rather than excess. It is the cuisine of olive oil, vegetables, handmade pasta, cured meats, cheeses, and iconic pairings such as artichokes with guanciale or black pepper with pecorino. At Ginger, we keep that soul intact while reinterpreting it through a fresher lens: more produce, more brightness, lighter sauces, raw preparations, and fruit woven naturally into the menu. It is comfort food with energy - traditional in spirit, but more fluid and modern in execution.

AM: What are 3 appetizers that we should consider whether we’re coming in for Lunch or Dinner?

CHEF GL: 3 appetizers to try: A vibrant beginning that captures Ginger’s signature style: colorful, polished, Mediterranean, and full of freshness.

Suppli - Golden and crisp on the outside, with a comforting molten center; crispy rice and tomato balls filled with mozzarella, served with basil mayo.

Crudo di Ricciola - Bright, silky, and elegant; sliced hamachi with pimenton-marinated mango, shaved spring onion, and toasted macadamia.

Barbabietola - Earthy yet luminous, with a beautifully balanced sweettart finish; braised beets, green apple puree, pickled green apples, toasted almonds, and raspberry dressing.

AM: What are 3 pastas that we should be thinking about?

CHEF GL: 3 pastas to try:

Here, handmade pasta becomes both comforting and refined - a meeting point between Roman soul and Ginger’s lighter, more expressive style.

Paccheri - Generous and satisfying, with a delicate maritime richness; homemade pasta with wild branzino ragu and confit cherry tomatoes.

Gnocchi ai Carciofi - Pillowy, savory, and deeply Roman in spirit; homemade potato and parsley gnocchi with sauteed artichokes, guanciale, and crispy Parmigiano.

Bottoni di Burrata - Silky and gently indulgent, with creamy and briny notes in balance; burrata-filled ravioli with mussels, tomato sauce, and black pepper.

AM: In terms of Mains, what are 3 that our table should consider ordering?

CHEF GL: 3 mains to try:

Balanced, nourishing, and visually vibrant, these plates reflect the way Ginger brings together wellness, flavor, and polish.

Salmone - Luminous and gently sweet, with freshness in every bite; roasted salmon with ginger glaze, avocado puree, mango, cucumber, watermelon radish, and sesame seeds.

Spigola - Clean, elegant, and Mediterranean in tone; wild striped bass with red pepper reduction, shaved fennel, and black olive powder.

Saltimbocca - A timeless Roman classic with a refined touch; veal filet rolled with Prosciutto di Parma, butter and sage sauce, and broccoli rabe.

AM: What are 3 sides that we should or to compliment our meal?

CHEF GL: 3 sides to complement the meal:

Simple, intentional, and full of character, these sides bring contrast, texture, and a distinctly Mediterranean point of view.

Patate - Crispy, golden, and moreish; crispy russet potatoes served with mustard mayo.

Melanzane - Soft and smoky with gentle spice; seared Japanese eggplant with oregano and pimenton.

Cime di Rapa - Bold and savory with a pleasant bitter edge; sauteed broccoli rabe with garlic oil and chili.

AM: For those looking for pizza, what are 3 that we should keep in mind?

CHEF GL: 3 pizzas to know:

Our pizzas feel classic yet elevated, with premium ingredients, lively textures, and the kind of flavor contrast that makes them instantly memorable.

Barese - Bold, savory, and slightly spicy; smoked provola, Parmigiano Reggiano, sausage, broccoli rabe, and spicy olive oil.

Nerano - Creamy and indulgent while still feeling fresh; zucchini, Parmigiano fondue, and zucchini chips.

Parma - Airy, elegant, and effortlessly Italian; Prosciutto di Parma, arugula, and shaved Parmigiano Reggiano.

AM: What are 3 salads that we should know about?

CHEF GL: 3 salads to highlight:

Fresh, polished, and lifestyle-minded, these salads are designed to feel nourishing without ever sacrificing personality.

Seggiola - Crisp, colorful, and layered with texture; avocado, carrots, celery, fennel, grape tomatoes, Castelvetrano olives, watermelon radish, organic seeds, mixed salad, and balsamic.

Aurelia - Savory and gently sweet, with a satisfying crunch; steamed organic chicken, green apples, celery, parsley, toasted walnuts, mixed salad, and mustard dressing.

Botticella - Bright and contemporary with a tropical note; house-cured salmon, mango, shaved spring onion, toasted pistachios, dill, mixed salad, and citronette.

AM: Tell us about the Salumni Bar!

CHEF GL: The Salumi Bar is our celebration of Italian conviviality and the pleasure of sharing. It brings together premium cured meats and cheeses in a way that feels both classic and social, whether guests order Salumi e formaggi, Formaggi, Prosciutto e burrata, or hand-cut Patanegra. It naturally pairs with aperitivo and reinforces the idea that Ginger is as much about gathering and rhythm as it is about any single dish.

AM: We had the pleasure of trying one of your ginger juices which was amazing - what are 3 smoothies and/or juices you would like to highlight?

CHEF GL: 3 juices and smoothies to try:

This is the most immediate expression of Ginger’s identity: energizing, sunny, fruit-driven, and rooted in feel-good living.

Ginger - Zesty, refreshing, and cleansing; pineapple, fennel, ginger, and apple.

Buzz - Tropical and lively with a little kick; mango, soursop, ginger, and apple.

Floripa - Smooth, rich, and quietly nourishing; acai, banana, and apple.

AM: What are 3 desserts that we should have in mind?

CHEF GL: 3 desserts to finish with:

Dessert at Ginger feels indulgent without heaviness - polished, playful, and designed to leave the table on a high note.

Tiramisu - Classic and airy with comforting depth; organic coffee, savoiardi, and mascarpone.

Magnum - Textural and fun, with a crisp shell and creamy core; homemade gelato pop glazed with dark chocolate and almonds.

Acai Cheesecake - Fruity, lightly tangy, and unexpectedly fresh; acai-flavored cheesecake with banana.

AM: What are 3 cocktails that you suggest that we should have?

CHEF GL: 3 cocktails to know:

The cocktail list bridges Italian ritual and New York momentum: expressive, stylish, and built with the same colorful energy that defines the room.

Fresh n’ Cool - Crisp, herbaceous, and ultra-refreshing; gin, mint, lime, simple syrup, cucumber, and club soda.

Amore Amaro - Layered, citrusy, and gently bittersweet; vodka, lemon, simple syrup, Aperol, strawberry, and bubbles.

Ace - Bold and unexpected, with savory brightness and spice; whisky, carrot juice, lemon, orange, and a Tajin rim.

AM: What should we know about Aperitivo Hour?

CHEF GL: Aperitivo is one of the rituals that most clearly expresses our Italian side. At Ginger, it becomes a lively Midtown pause: a moment for spritzes, cocktails, selected wines by the glass, and light bites such as olives, Suppli, crispy potatoes, focaccia bites, cold cuts, cheese, and calamari. It is social, easy, and full of atmosphere - the bridge between daytime energy and evening conviviality.

AM: If you haven’t done so, please tell us about your outdoor patio, The Bar, and your private dining room?

CHEF GL: Each area of Ginger Midtown was designed to feel like a seamless journey between indoor and outdoor living. The outdoor patio is a small urban oasis, lush and intimate, where greenery becomes part of the experience through both planted vessels and the natural palette echoed in the furnishings. Inside, the restaurant opens like a contemporary piazza or indoor garden, with the bar acting as its beating heart: the colors of fresh fruit and bottles bring movement, rhythm, and visual energy to the room. Our private dining room offers a quieter, more intimate point of view. Enclosed by a Liberty-style glass partition, it is full of natural light and overlooks a public garden, creating a beautiful balance between privacy, openness, and nature.

AM: Are there any upcoming events that you have that we should know about?

CHEF GL: Yes - we are building a calendar of moments that reflect the lifestyle side of Ginger. Upcoming highlights include a brunch event to celebrate the opening of the new brunch season, a Mother’s Day opening celebration designed around shared dining and togetherness, and curated wine tasting experiences that explore both Italian and international labels. These events are meant to bring people together around food, atmosphere, and a sense of occasion.

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PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Ginger Ristoranti