The Italian-inspired cocktail bar Leonessa has opened on the 16th floor rooftop of Conrad New York Downtown. Leonessa, created in partnership with Ariel Arce, encourages guests to embrace the Italian aperitivo culture within a space featuring quintessential New York views of the Hudson River and Statue of Liberty. Leonessa is located at 102 North End Avenue, between Murray and Vesey Streets.
“Rooftop bars are a rarity in this part of Manhattan, making Leonessa a true hidden gem in the city’s ever-evolving cocktail landscape,” said Adam Crocini, senior vice president, Design, Wellness and Food & Beverage, Hilton. “Designed as a sophisticated homage to the ritual of aperitivo and the artistry of Italian cocktail culture, every element—from its breathtaking skyline views to its impeccably curated menu—has been crafted with intention. Partnering with Ariel Arce, who has redefined modern hospitality, ensures that Leonessa isn’t just another rooftop bar—it’s a destination in its own right, where each sip is an experience and every visit feels like golden hour on the Amalfi Coast. This concept also exemplifies Hilton’s forward-thinking approach to F&B storytelling and concept design—proving that when the right partner and the right hotel come together with a bold, strategic vision, the result is nothing short of extraordinary.”
Design
NYC-based Islyn Studio captured the beauty of an Italian terrace while leaving a hint of New York style in the design. The rooftop features vibrant seating enveloped by lush greenery – including lemon trees – and even has an Amalfi Coast-inspired fountain. Every element at Leonessa has been curated to bring the palazzo terrace to NYC, right down to the Milan-based Fornasetti bar piece and glassware.
Beverages & Bites
Leonessa’s cocktail menu is organized as Spritzes, Bitters, Frutte, Martinis and Specialty Cocktails. Highlights include:
- Molto Forte: a bourbon-based cocktail infused with coffee and tobacco bitters
- Kingston: a tropical twist on a Negroni with rum, sweet vermouth and Campari
- Leonessa Martini: made from Portofino Dry Gin, dry vermouth and citrus bitters
- Picante Martini: made from Calabrian chili-infused vodka an ambrato vermouth
- Frozen Sgroppino: a light update to the classic Venetian cocktail featuring Belvedere vodka, Limoncello and sorbetto
As a nod to Italian sessionable drinking culture, the rooftop bar serves low-ABV options and digestivi, including the Sempre Avanti and Spagliato.
Leonessa also offers a range of non-alcoholic beverages, including:
- Una Siesta: blood orange and lemon flavors mixed with Ghia ginger beer
- Le Stelle: a combination of passionfruit, lime, mint and sparkling Limonata
Leonessa has an expansive collection of Amari, Vermouth and Cordials, to encourage guests to partake in Italy’s aperitif traditions. Guests can add soda or tonic with lemon to create a unique spritz.
Each cocktail at Leonessa will be served with complimentary aperitivo-style snacks chosen to enhance the drinking experience. This menu will be changed nightly and include bites such as:
- Black Olive Taralli
- Rosemary Marcona Almonds
- Sweet & Spicy Hazelnuts
- Fennel & Orange Marinated Castelvetrano Olives
- Parmesan Twists
- Rosemary Carta di Musica with Fava Beans and Green Olive Tapenade
Hours of Operation
Leonessa is currently open Tuesday through Saturday, 4pm-12am. Beginning May 26th, hours of operation will expand to seven days a week. Reservations can be made via Resy.To make a reservation for a group of fifteen or more people, email NYCCI-SalesAdm@ConradHotels.com.