Service Director

Sartiano's was born from the Tuscan heart and soul of Italy. Business leader, Restaurateur, and Lifestyle Architect Scott Sartiano introduces his latest concept, appropriately chosen after his namesake. Founded at the Mercer Hotel, New York, Sartiano's embodies a classic modern Italian twist at the most premium level while maintaining a familiar spirit that is meant to be shared.

The Cuisine:
Alfred Portale will lead the culinary direction as the Chef managing Partner. The uniquely crafted menu hones in on a specialty to set the tone for the fine dining experience. Building off the foundation of offering specialized meats, Sartiano's establishes itself as an authentic Italian restaurant.

The Executive Chef:
Chef Chris Lewnes, a Brooklyn-born Italian American, grew up surrounded by the flavors and aromas of Italian American cuisine in central New Jersey. After attending Rutgers University and earning a degree in journalism, Chris decided to embrace his love for cooking and pursue a career in the culinary arts. After graduating from the Institute of Culinary Education, in New York City, Chris took a position as Chef de Partie at Batard. Mentored by Chef Markus Glocker, he honed and developed his skills in classic French technique and gained experience cooking in fine dining. After two years at Batard, Chris was asked to join Chef Glocker as a sous chef at Keith McNally's Augustine restaurant in the Beekman Hotel. When the pandemic forced Augustine to close its doors permanently, Chris took the opportunity to take the next step in his career. He landed a job working as the Chef de Cuisine at American Brass in Long Island City. Three years later, Chris felt he was ready for a bigger role and the chance to bring his own creative vision to the table. As fate would have it, Chris was approached by Chef Alfred Portale with the exact opportunity he had been waiting for: the position of Executive Chef at Scott Sartiano's namesake restaurant, Sartiano's in The Mercer Hotel. Chris is excited to work alongside Chef Portale, a pioneer of New American cuisine, in a legendary location, and finally get the chance to share his love for Italian American cuisine in New York.