The Parliament, a Modern American Restaurant Debuts in Midtown at The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel

Introducing a menu thoughtfully designed for power breakfasts, business lunches and afterwork cocktails, inspired by the energy of Midtown, celebrating classic New York

NEW YORK, NY – October 21, 2025 – The Parliament is set to open on November 10 at The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel on Lexington Avenue. The modern American cuisine developed by Executive Chef Rakmin Lee, notably from Morimoto NYC, Four Seasons New York and San Francisco, offers a refined yet approachable all-day dining experience featuring power breakfasts, business lunches, and afterwork cocktails with small plates that elevate classic New York favorites.

Designed by Architecture and Design firm //3877, the new restaurant boasts dark woods, stone, brass accents, and nods to vintage art, creating a sophisticated and timeless atmosphere drawn by the architect Emery Roth and The Benjamin’s historic landmark building. The keystones above the arches contain corbels topped by sculptures of owls. Inspired by the term for a group of owls, The Parliament reflects a sense of wisdom, community, and conversation. With seventy seats, the restaurant will feature a distinct bar for cocktails and dining as well as “the nest,” perfect for intimate and semi-private events.

Breakfast highlights include egg specialties, the staple Avocado Toast, and signature dishes such as Catsmo Smoked Salmon (Spanish capers, tomato, pickled red onion) and Croque Madame (prosciutto cotto, truffled mornay, farm egg) complemented by locally roasted coffee.

The robust lunch offerings are designed to cater to the busy Midtown business lunch crowd with starter items such as the Shrimp Cocktail, a variety of salads including The Parliament Salad (fresh and pickled apples, pistachio crumble, celery hearts, and stilton cheese) and the Forestiere Flatbread (fennel sausage, caramelized onion, truffle mornay) Rounding out the lunch menu are “signatures” which include a Pan Roasted Salmon (fall squash, citrus beurre blanc.) and a vegetarian Roasted Fall Veggie Penne (squash, brussels sprouts, snap peas, tomato sauce.)

For guests lingering into the evening, The Parliament transitions into an intimate dining scene with small plates such as the Warm Artichoke Dip, Steak Tartare, Ricotta Meatballs, Oysters and entrees including Herb Roasted Chicken, Grilled Branzino (roasted fennel, citrus, minted salsa verde) and the classic Parliament Burger(grilled onions, Cooper’s Aged American, garlic & truffle aioli, brioche bun.)

The dessert menu features decadent treats such as a Lemon-Olive Oil Cake, Bittersweet Chocolate Pudding, and an Almond Pot de Crème. But the “sweets” star will undeniably be The Parliament Sundae, crafted with vanilla gelato, toasted peanuts, Luxardo cherries and finished off tableside with malted chocolate sauce.

The Parliament will truly come alive as the after-work crowd settles into the bar, capturing the spirit of the city. The beverage program led by Sommelier Nicolas Prieto, will feature curated cocktails and low-ABV options, ideal for relaxed meetings or unwinding after a productive day. Signature drinks include The Lobbyist Spritz (Italicus bergamot, fresh lemon sour, club soda prosecco), The Diplomat Manhattan (Bulleit bourbon, vermouth, orange and angostura bitters), The Madame Speaker (blueberries, Grey Goose Vodka, St. Germain, Ripe Cosmopolitan) and noteworthy Night Owl (Los Siete Misterios Mezcal, Amaro, Demerara Syrup, Orange Bitters.)

“The opening of The Parliament marks the final and most exciting chapter of our hotel’s $25 million transformation,” said Simon Chapman, General Manager of The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel. “With the addition of our spa earlier this year and now a culinary experience that reflects the spirit of Midtown, we’re proud to offer guests and locals a truly unique dining destination that inspires productivity, connection and sophistication.”

The Parliament is located at 557 Lexington Avenue between 50th and 51st streets and is open midweek for breakfast (7:00–10:30 AM), lunch (11:30 AM–3:00 PM), dinner (4:00–10:30 PM), and weekend brunch (8:00 AM–2:00 PM). The bar remains open until midnight, except Sundays (9:00 PM).

Reservations are available at www.theparliamentnyc.com or by calling 212.715.2400.

For more information, follow @TheParliamentNYC on Instagram and Facebook.