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A 19-Year-Old Is Behind NYC’s Latest ‘It’ Restaurant
Flynn McGarry, a culinary prodigy who began his career hosting pop-up dinners at the age of 12, has opened his first brick-and-mortar restaurant, Gem, in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. At 19, McGarry, who previously stated his ambition to open “the best restaurant in the world,” has not only demonstrated his culinary skills but also a remarkable talent for interior design, creating a space that feels both sophisticated and deeply comfortable. Gem is structured into two distinct areas: a 16-seat dining room for intricate multi-course meals and a café-style living room that functions as a neighborhood hangout, serving coffee and pastries.
McGarry’s design philosophy for Gem mirrors his approach to cooking. He views the restaurant space as a blank canvas, similar to an empty plate, where various elements are combined harmoniously without being overly manipulated. This philosophy resulted in a clean, warm, and minimal aesthetic, characterized by a palette of mustards and deep wood tones that evoke an inviting atmosphere. The intention was to create a setting that felt like his “dream apartment,” rather than a traditional restaurant, thereby allowing patrons to enjoy complex dishes in a relaxed environment. The separation into distinct dining and living areas further enhances this residential feel, reminiscent of the at-home dinners that launched his career.
To bring his vision to life, McGarry collaborated with his friend and interior designer, Brett Robinson. Robinson’s role was to execute McGarry’s clear and informed design ideas, translating them into tangible details while maintaining a shared aesthetic. The collaboration focused on creating a space that felt honest and minimal, with the energy primarily emanating from the food itself. Every design choice in Gem reflects a high degree of intentionality, from the specific materials and colors to the carefully selected furniture.
McGarry personally chose every element within the restaurant, including the ochre-colored corduroy for the banquettes and 1940s bronze lamps. He spent six months searching for the ideal chair for the living room, eventually selecting a 1950s-style wood chair in aged yellowish pine. A large Persian rug, chosen by Robinson, anchors the living room, contributing to the sense of a private, residential space. Crisp white walls and light, neutral flooring provide a backdrop that allows other design elements to stand out, while aged leather on the banquettes and cozy textiles add warmth and a lived-in feel.
The dining room, which hosts $155 prix fixe dinners for approximately 16 guests per night, features custom-built modular tables designed by McGarry. These innovative tables can be reconfigured with dividers to transform a four-person setting into two two-tops or accommodate larger groups, offering a creative solution for small spaces. The tables are also designed with subtly rounded edges, reflecting McGarry’s desire for a sense of movement within the space and contributing to a communal yet comfortably separated dining experience. The overall ambiance prioritizes community, friendship, and family, distinguishing Gem from more traditional fine dining establishments.
The restaurant’s design is intended to evolve organically over time, gaining character as it is used and lived in. McGarry envisions the space aging gracefully alongside his own growth as a chef, with ring stains on tables and scuff marks on the floor adding to its charm and making it feel increasingly like a comfortable home. This organic evolution reinforces the restaurant’s core concept of combining high-quality food with a profound sense of comfort and community, adapting to the interactions of its guests and the changing light.
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