Balthazar restauranteur opens Augustine in the Financial District

It’s the 14th restaurant from Keith McNally, veteran proprietor of classic NYC establishments like Balthazar, Cherche Midi and Minetta Tavern.

Housed within the recently renovated Beekman Hotel (5 Beekman St.), where Tom Colicchio just opened Fowler & Wells last week, the restaurant’s aesthetic combines old world French decor with warm lightning, brown banquettes, vintage mirrors and Art Nouveau tiling. It’s located just across the street from City Hall, close to Stephen Starr’s recently opened Le Coucou.

Co-executive chefs Shane McBride and Daniel Parilla, also alums of McNally’s greatest hits, have put together a menu of modern French classics from rotisserie selections to grilled fish, steak frites and aged veal chop. Starters range from a fresh avocado and crab salad with a grapefruit vinaigrette to a roasted bone marrow with oxtail marmalade.

Complementing the meal is a well-curated wine list, classic cocktails and a wide variety of martinis from head bartender Francois Morrison. Desserts from pastry chef Regis Beauregard of Balthazar London lean toward fresh fruit and seasonal ingredients.

Augustine is open daily at 5:30 for dinner. Starting Tuesday, Nov. 29, it opens for lunch service, brunch the weekend of Dec. 3; breakfast service will begin Jan. 2., 2017.