Harlem Welcomes Vinateria On Their Opening Night

It was a warm welcome at Vinateria in Harlem on opening night.  I showed up early with friends and there were a few people there but by an hour later the place was full with a lot of activity and all the tables were occupied.  The layout offers dinning tables to the left and the wine bar to the right.

As you can see the final execution of the interior came out nicely.  And quite a difference from the very first interior photos that we posted last week.  Above is a picture of the lovely owner (Yvette) with her father (both are residents of Harlem) in front of the beautiful custom made entrance doors.  They were the first two people that I met when I walked in and it started the evening off with a welcoming vibe.

I only had drinks on opening night but plan on going back for dinner soon.  I can say that I was impressed with the wine selection and presentation.  Open etched glass school house pendants illuminate the distressed metal bar which I thought was an effective look.  It’s informal rustic with a bit of modern chic when you take in the whole decor.  Almost a Mediterranean, European feel to it.  Antoinette who was helping us at the bar, was inviting and very informative with her recommendations.   A few of the wines that I would recommend are…

I would suggest that you have a conversation about the wine before choosing one as this really made a difference for me and my experience.

I look forward to writing part two to this review after dinning at Vinateria very soon.  I spoke with Yvette briefly about the menu and she did mention that it was Italian based with a global, mediterranean flair.  Sounds good to me.  First impressions I’d say this place was very well thought out and if opening night was any indication it was well received and the neighborhood seemed to approve.

Vinateria
2211 Frederick Douglass Blvd. (corner of 119th St.)
New York, New York 10026
212-662-8462