Located on the 16th floor of Conrad Hotel is a new rooftop bar, Leonessa. The Italian-style cocktail bar and rooftop lounge is right out of an interior design magazine, but its best feature is that it offers guests a genuine Italian aperitivo cocktail experience. As one might expect, the menu is a mix of spritzes and bitter-forward cocktails, partnered with complimentary snacks. Their most famous drink is the Frozen Sgroppino, which is a classic Venetian cocktail. The summery drink is made with Belvedere Vodka, limoncello and a scoop of sorbetto. Now that is spin on a drink we can appreciate. Come here for golden hour, and bring someone who appreciates slowing down with a cocktail in hand! As far as NYC rooftop bars go, Leonessa’s concept strives to re-create that much-desired Italian vacation feeling, all without the hassle of traveling. Reservation is recommended!
Leonessa at the Conrad Hotel, 102 N End Ave (betw Vesey/Murray St) Financial District
Living la dolce vita seems to be the biggest trend in hospitality right now, and Bar Bianchi has provided New Yorkers with the perfect Italian-style escape. Opened by the team behind Golden Age Hospitality, Bar Bianchi, is at the former Boulton & Watt location. This corner of the East Village has the perfect flow for aperitivo hour, as the space allows for outdoor seating and open windows, with a healthy dose of people watching. The Milan-inspired bar and cafe serves all your Italian favorites, like Cacio e Pepe and a spritz-fueled cocktail menu. As is the case with Leonessa, the drink that stands out the most is Sgroppino, with this one being made with sorbet from Hallie Meyers’s Caffè Panna. Come here to sip on cocktails among the relaxing bistro-themed ambiance, decorated with vintage posters and 1960s fixtures. The Milanese piazza culture is relaxed, and Bar Bianchi certainly reflects that.
Bar Bianchi 5 Avenue A (corner of Houston St) East Village
One of the buzziest bars in the city right now has to be Schmuck. This modern European-style bar, from Juliette Larrouy and Moe Aljaff, comes to us from Barcelona. The already-established brand has managed to create something interesting in a sea of bars, transforming an East Village space into a youthful cocktail bar with complex drinks and a compelling atmosphere. The interior looks more like a cool apartment, one where the owner enjoys modern contemporary designs. Unfortunately it will take them a while to open the door for you. Schmuck is mainly for walk-ins, and the line to get in is long. We have not decided if the wait is worth it! For drinks we recommend trying The Schmuck Martini, which is topped with olive oil drops. They even leave the dropper with you for extra olive oil. Come here with someone who has patience, and can appreciate a fun atmosphere with expertly crafted cocktails.
Schmuck, 97 1st Ave (betw 5/6th St) East Village
Obvio is decidedly one of the most beautiful bars to open this spring. Dreamed up by the team behind Casa Cruz and chef John Fraser, Obvio is quickly becoming one of the most talked about and elegant places for a specialty Mezzal cocktail. This bar and lounge stands out from the rest with its chic giraffe print interior and seasonal food menu. The warm glow-like lighting will have you relaxed and basking in the ambiance. You can expect a Mezcal-forward drink menu and fresh dishes like the Fluke Ceviche. If you have trouble deciding, order the agave tray service, giving you the option to taste pechuga, tequila, and mezcal. Martini drinkers will enjoy their cold and crisp Obvio Martini (with classic gin) or the Carajillo (espresso martini.) Come for the eclectic decor, great drinks and refined atmosphere. Interior design fans will want to take a look because even the bathrooms here are beautiful.
Obvio, 3 E 28th St (betw 5th/Madison Ave) Nomad
Cafe Zaffri is a chic new restaurant and bar inside The Twenty Two Hotel, a London luxury brand known for their European elegance. The Union Square hotel (and private club) opened in the landmarked Margaret Louisa Home, which was built in 1981 to help provide inexpensive housing for women who looked to become self-sufficient. Cafe Zaffri is on the ground floor in a beautifully designed space, done as a collaboration between Post Company and Child Studio. If you enjoy a pretty aesthetic depicting old world charm you will be right at home. We especially love the floral wallpaper and comfortable velvet seats.
Behind the opening are sisters Jennifer and Nicole Vitagliano, who also own Raf’s and The Musket Room. While we were personally not impressed by Raf’s, The Musket Room has become a beloved classic, which makes us want to give Cafe Zaffri a real chance. At the helm of the menu here is executive chef Mary Attea. Drawing from her Lebanese heritage you will find that there is a balanced mix of Lanverine and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The best options to order are the Lamb Wellington, Chicken Liver Moose and you have to try the breads and spreads.
Cafe Zaffri, 16 E 16th St (betw Broadway/Union Sq West) Union Square
