The Past
New Leaf's spectacular fieldstone cottage was built by John D. Rockefeller in the 1930s as a public cafeteria and park administration building. Designed by the famous Olmsted Brothers, the classic structure has a cobblestone exterior, granite archways and a slate roof, with massive oak trusses supporting the dining room’s 18-foot ceiling.
Over the ensuing decades, the beautiful building fell into disrepair. Bette Midler and her friends rediscovered it in 1995 in the midst of a massive cleanup of then-neglected Fort Tryon Park. That effort prompted Midler to found the New York Restoration Project (NYRP), a non-profit that works to create and restore New York’s parks and community gardens. In the ensuing years, Midler, NYRP, and a team of talented artists and architects transformed the former park concession into a celebrated fine-dining establishment.
The Present
Currently, New Leaf is open year-round serving locally-sourced, modern American fare and hosting weddings, parties, and other private events. Just steps from The Cloisters museum and gardens, surrounded by majestic trees, the 1930’s cottage and outdoor patio offer a one-of-a-kind experience for locals and tourists alike. Whether you are at New Leaf for a meal in the main dining room, an event on the garden patio, or cocktails in the tavern room, the tranquil setting is a delightful reprieve from urban living.
New Leaf is operated by COFFEED, a charity-minded, NYC-based food & beverage company with cafes, restaurants, and event spaces throughout the New York area. All COFFEED-operated locations donate a fixed portion of gross revenue to local charitable partners. At New Leaf, COFFEED donates a total of 7% of its revenue to NYRP and the Fort Tryon Park Trust.