New York City has no shortage of wine bars, but Bar Lento is taking a decidedly Italian approach to slowing things down.
The new Italian wine bar and bistro is now open at 158 Eighth Avenue in Chelsea, bringing a taste of Verona to Manhattan courtesy of husband-and-wife team Simone Viola and Chiara. And the name says it all: “lento” means slow in Italian. In a city where everyone walks like they’re late to something, that’s practically a revolutionary concept.
Bar Lento is designed as an intimate neighborhood spot, with just 27 seats inside and another 10 on a rear patio. The restaurant’s approach is intentionally relaxed, built around Italian hospitality, a small food menu and plenty of wine.
The menu moves through the Italian meal in classic fashion, from antipasti to primi and secondi before finishing with dolci. Rather than overwhelming diners with an encyclopedia-sized menu, Bar Lento keeps things focused and lets the ingredients do the heavy lifting.
Then there’s the wine.
The bar features an all-Italian wine list, making it an easy destination for anyone looking to turn “one glass” into a full evening. Because in Italy, apparently, nobody is checking the clock—and New Yorkers could probably use the reminder.
The Chelsea location also puts Bar Lento in an increasingly busy dining corridor, making it a natural stop before or after exploring the neighborhood’s galleries, restaurants and nightlife.
For anyone searching for new Chelsea restaurants, Italian restaurants in NYC, Italian wine bars in Manhattan or new bars in Chelsea, Bar Lento is one to know.
So forget rushing through dinner.
At Bar Lento, the whole point is to take it slow.
And honestly, New York could use more of that.
