Welcome to Vinatería
Vinatería, located in the heart of Harlem, is a hidden gem that fuses modern aesthetics with a cozy atmosphere. Renowned for its exceptional Italian dishes, the restaurant features an inviting wine selection and delectable menu items like Bacalao croquettes and Black Spaghetti that keep diners raving. Their house-made focaccia and olive oil give a Mediterranean flair, ensuring a memorable dining experience. With attentive service and a welcoming vibe, Vinatería has earned accolades as a Black-owned, Michelin-recognized establishment. Perfect for a casual dinner or special occasion, it embodies the spirit of New York’s culinary scene, where every bite tells a unique story.
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2211 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026, United States Hotline: +1 212-662-8462
If you're on the hunt for an exceptional dining experience in Harlem, look no further than Vinatería. Nestled at 2211 Frederick Douglass Blvd, this gem brings together a cozy atmosphere, a modern Italian menu, and a friendly, attentive staff that elevates your dining journey. What sets Vinatería apart is not just the food; it's the entire experience, where a blend of flavors meets a welcoming vibe, making it a must-visit location for food lovers.
Step inside, and you'll immediately feel the chic yet relaxed ambiance, a space that perfectly encapsulates the understated elegance of Harlem. The restaurant strikes a balance between lively and intimate, ensuring a welcoming environment that’s perfect for both special occasions and casual dinners. With a Michelin recognition to boast, _Vinatería_ has rightfully secured its place as one of the neighborhood’s culinary highlights.
The standout offerings are utterly irresistible. Many patrons rave about the brussel sprouts, which endearingly showcase the restaurant’s commitment to combining simplicity with exquisite taste. The Black Spaghetti is another crowd favorite, enveloped in a buttery sauce that captures a culinary moment you won’t soon forget. Many diners, like Yasielle Nunez, can't help but sing praises for the dishes that haunt their dreams long after their meal – a true testament to the chef’s skill in crafting memorable flavors.
Equally impressive is the Orecchiette with sausage and broccoli rabe, described as a textbook example of perfect al dente pasta, complemented beautifully by rich sausage undertones. The thoughtfully curated menu showcases the beauty of fresh ingredients, with selections ranging from delicately prepared bacalao croquettes to a show-stopping whole branzino that highlights the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.
You can’t miss out on their complimentary house bread served with olive oil, a simple yet delightful touch that transports you to rustic Italian charm. Vinatería is not just about feeding your hunger—it’s about sharing experiences, celebrating flavors, and creating memories.
Affordability is another feather in Vinatería’s cap. In a city where meal prices can often hit hard, this restaurant offers outstanding cuisine without overwhelming your wallet. As many satisfied diners have noted, it feels like a rare find in the culinary landscape, combining exceptional quality with reasonable pricing.
For those trying to sip while savoring, the happy hour specials are equally enticing, showcasing fine wines and select dishes that are perfect for unwinding after a long day. With an inviting bar where the bartender exudes confidence under pressure, even a casual drink can turn into an extraordinary experience.
So, whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, gathering with friends, or simply indulging in a well-deserved treat, make your way to Vinatería. Here, every meal tells a story, and every bite invites you further into the heart of culinary delight. It’s not just dinner; it’s an experience waiting to unfold.
Great happy hour specials on wine and select dishes. Get the brussel sprouts . Lovely spot to stop and eat in Harlem.
YUM YUM YUM! I was on my menstrual cycle and was hesitant to go outside. I caved and decided to just go out, it was my boyfriend’s & I’s anniversary . It was absolutely amazing . The hostess saved us a nice seat in the restaurant as we were celebrating - she was very kind. Our waiter was helpful and knew the popular dishes. We got the Black Spaghetti . GET IT ! DONT QUESTION IT !!! I’VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT IT FOR WEEKS NOW. It was so savory and buttery. It did not stain . We also got a beet salad and brussle sprouts which were lovely. The beet salad had vegan cheese which was a plus since I am dairy free. We shared everything and we were so satisfied. We had room for dessert and the olive oil cake was everything I desired. Not too sweet and the perfect texture. Please go! Do not hesitate
Vinateria is the kind of place that reminds you Harlem is one of New York’s most underrated neighborhoods. It’s chic and chill and blends a modern aesthetic with a warm, welcoming vibe. There is an understated cool here that doesn’t need to scream for attention because the food and atmosphere do all the talking. Let's start with the bar. It's intimate yet lively, serving up a full dinner menu without pretense. The bartender? Unshakable. Calm under pressure, navigating the packed house with effortless control that makes you trust he knows what he's doing. And then there is the food —because that’s what you’re really here for, right? The Bacalao croquettes arrive golden and crisp, delivering that perfect contrast of crunchy exterior and soft, flavorful salt cod within. The orecchiette with sausage and broccoli rabe is textbook perfection al dente, the sausage adding richness without overpowering the rabe's bitterness. Get that dish! And then, the star of the night: the whole branzino, deboned with surgical precision, put back together, head to tail, and stuffed with spinach; it was perfectly cooked, each bite melting into a delicate balance of flaky, sweetness, a dish that reminds you why simplicity, when done right, is unbeatable. And let’s take a moment for the complimentary house bread with olive oil. Yes, they still do that here. When did it become a forgotten luxury to be offered good bread and oil at the start of a meal? At Vinateria, they know the little things matter, and those touches make you feel like you are in on a well-kept secret. The prices? Fabulous. Finding outstanding food at reasonable prices feels like a minor miracle in a city where a mediocre meal can drain your wallet. Add in the fact that Vinateria is Black-owned and Michelin-recognized, and you realize this spot is not just worth a visit —it’s worth the trip uptown. Oh, and a quick nod to the bathroom: clean, fresh-smelling, and a bold, shocking red that somehow fits perfectly. Vinateria doesn’t just deliver a meal; it delivers an experience — a delicious nod to why NYC remains a mecca for food lovers, where every bite tells a story, and the vibe is just as satisfying as the plate. Go!
A perfect spot for a glass of wine or a nice dinner. Cozy atmosphere with a great setup both inside and outside. Friendly staff and a great location. Plus, their bread and olive oil have a lovely Mediterranean touch. Highly recommend!
I recently dined at Vinateria and I must say, the food and service were absolutely phenomenal. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted warmly and seated promptly. The menu offered a variety of authentic Italian dishes, and everything we tried was delicious. The pasta was perfectly cooked and the sauce was rich and flavorful. The service was attentive, friendly, and truly made our dining experience exceptional. I would definitely return to this restaurant in the future and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fantastic Italian meal. 5/5 stars.
We had a 6pm reservation for 11 of us and I arrived about 30 minutes ahead thinking that the parking would be difficult. I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to find parking. We were seated right away by a very helpful gentleman who took a wonderful picture of us outside the restaurant. The service was outstanding and the food was very tasty. Great job.
Food has been on point since they opened ways back, the regular dishes like the ragu and octopus continue to be killer, as does the house bread. Management and service are always on point - one of the few places around the neighborhood that has a true place in my heart. Highly recommended for events or a nice dinner alone at the bar. My wine friends also think very highly of the list, but great cocktails too.
Came here with a group of 3 and had a reservation so it was easy to get seated immediately. Good: - Omg the free bread was great - focaccia bread - Good intimate dinner vibes - The food all came out so quick! - Polenta fries were amazin, good crispy texture - Mushroom appetizers were savory and sweet - Ragu was tasty and very well portioned Bad - it’s on the expensive side Overall I’d come again! This place was impressive in vibes and in service