Chef Charlie Mitchell Takes Over Saga: A New Era for Fine Dining Above the City

A New Era for Saga

In a bold move that has caught the attention of the culinary world, Kent Hospitality Group has announced a significant transformation for Saga, a two-star Michelin restaurant located on the 63rd floor of the iconic 70 Pine Street in New York's Financial District. In September 2025, Chef Charlie Mitchell, a renowned culinary talent and the first Black chef in New York City to earn a Michelin star, takes over the restaurant, promising an innovative approach that melds traditional fine dining with personal cultural influences.

Chef Charlie Mitchell: A Culinary Visionary

At just 33 years old, Chef Mitchell has a remarkable culinary journey. He honed his skills at Eleven Madison Park under the tutelage of acclaimed chefs. His new direction for Saga incorporates a creative tasting menu that draws heavily from his own upbringing; flavors inspired by his grandmother's Southern cooking, alongside the influences of his Detroit roots and his appreciation for Japanese cuisine. This approach aims to create a soulful dining experience that pays homage to his heritage while adhering to meticulous culinary techniques.

"I'm grateful to the many great chefs who came before me, who gave me opportunities to shape my craft. However, I also draw inspiration from creative entrepreneurs in other fields, who have excelled while maintaining their authenticity and connection to their community," says Mitchell. This dedication to authenticity resonates deeply within the dining ethos that he intends to cultivate at Saga.

Revamping the Saga Experience

The renovations at Saga extend beyond the food. The restaurant's interior has undergone a light refurbishment, incorporating visual elements that harken back to the Financial District of the 1990s, intertwined with a modern dining aesthetic. The dining space now reflects an artistic intersection where style meets culinary innovation under Chef Mitchell.

Chef Mitchell's vision is not just about the plate—he is also collaborating with fashion designer Sergio Hudson to redesign staff uniforms, which reinterpret the classic silhouettes of Wall Street in a way that resonates with contemporary culture. Additionally, acclaimed designer Grace Wales Bonner has crafted a unique chef's jacket for Mitchell that symbolizes the marriage of culinary and fashion artistry.

Maverick Carter, a partner at Kent Hospitality Group, shares his enthusiasm for the new direction, stating, "When creative talent of this caliber is given a platform, extraordinary things happen. Charlie is a one-of-a-kind talent, and I have no doubt he will push Saga to new heights."

Honoring a Legacy

Mitchell's appointment comes at a poignant time; he takes over the kitchen after the untimely passing of his mentor, Chef Kent. With this role, Mitchell not only honors Kent's legacy but continues the mission of establishing Saga as one of the world's premier dining destinations. His approach reflects a commitment to empowering the next generation of culinary leaders while celebrating diverse cultural expressions through food.

A Culinary Experience for a New Generation

Saga officially reopened to the public on September 1st, with reservations available via Resy. Chef Mitchell emphasizes: "I want Saga to resonate with the tastes and interests of the next generation of fine diners. It'll be a place where classical technique meets rich personal stories, uniting people from various backgrounds through an unforgettable dining experience."

With this new chapter at Saga, Chef Charlie Mitchell aims to elevate the fine dining landscape, creating a space where culinary excellence is paired with profound cultural significance.