Lea Wine Bar

I love this wine bar! The service is fantastic. The food is delicious and the wine is amazing. I've been here many times and will continue to come back! Perfect for a happy hour or date night. It is such a cute restaurant.

Nice secret bar in Grand Central area. I just have few hours meeting up friend who works near by so it is not a lot of bar around because the area is mostly office. It took me walking 2-3 rounds to find this place but when I got in it was very crowded. No space to sit at that time so my friend and I just stand at the bar. Looks like lot of people don't want to go back home right after work so they just come to hang out here.Drink is good, confirm by my friend who is martini lover :) So I recommended.

Not sure how we ended up here (the person I went with always surprises me with new places to dine) but as soon as we walked in we were warmly welcomed by an older gentleman who although told us that we may not get seating due to a private party he graciously focused on finding us private seating in the matter of minutes . Although the place had alot of chatter and pretty crowded the service was still immaculate. The maitre d was very friendly and attentive , the drinks were delectable (you can always spot a mixologist) and the food was absolutely delicious, sides served family style - and we enjoyed every moment. I cant wait to come back .

Lea is hard-to-find but conveniently located in the Helmsley Building. It likely goes after the same base of midtown white collars that would go to The Campbell Apartment, but the ones who prefer some peace and quiet in a cozy setting. Lea is a plush-looking lounge with fancy decor, largely in red and black, with gilt-framed paintings and fit-for-purpose lighting.I am a big fan of their thin-crust pizza (tortizza), the grilled vegetables, edamame and several other selections from the tapas menu. Others might find the sushi bar and cocktails to be the draw. Regardless, I am impressed with what Lea has created as a viable, and relative more attractive, alternative to the lounges and bars in the area. They are open late (1am), but not on weekends, except for private events. Lea will leave you wanting to come back, especially if you work in and around the area.

Fantastic wine bar midtown east with a comfortable, contemporary atmosphere. Hidden, tricky to find if you are not familiar where to go. We went off peak so it was not overcrowded. Inviting ambiance, great aesthetically, with wonderful artwork on the walls. Wine, old fashioned and the appetizers (mini meatballs) we had were very good.

Well, the low rating is based on our hope for a nice wine bar. Nope. It's been taken over by Bobby Van's steaks. The steak apps did look good at the other tables. However, when my friend asked for a red Zin, the waiter thought "all Zins were sweet." I pivoted to go with the steak vibe and chose a martini. Nice olives, but not nearly icy or dry enough. Sigh.

I must have passed by this place a million times but only recently had the chance to step in for drinks, and I thought it was pretty good (minus the loud after work crowd)The bar is dim, somewhat upscale and because of its obscure location is free of tourists (amen!). The drink menu seemed creative although pricey ($17-19 for a cocktail is a lot, even by midtown standards). Ordered the Lychee Martini and was not disappointed! Wanted to review it because I loved its location right next to grand central but for some reason, it doesn't really stand out for anything else. Would have liked to try their sushi but was told the chef was in Japan (yeah, okay).I could see this as more of an after work drink venue or a late night date spot bc during early evening, you'll have to shout across the table. So yeah, if you want to lose your voice, this is the place!

Highly recommend the cherry old fashioned!! I asked for them not include whatever would make it sweeter & it was perfect for me. My friend got the same drink, kept the sweetener in & it was perfect for him! The service was great. Our server was attentive, funny and gave us good advice about food recommendations (apparently the meatball salad is actually just a large meatball on a small bed of lettuce). I ordered the burger and it was SO MUCH food!! I subbed the onion rings for a salad. Still had fries and a full burger. I ended up sharing my fries with the table and really enjoyed the burger and salad. Beware: the place is a little challenging to find! It's in the Park Avenue east tunnel.

Léa's Wine Bar: Manhattan's Secret to a Decadently Romantic Hot Spot!Dark and discreet, nestled inside The Helmsley Building Walkway is Léa's Wine Bar, a hidden gem located under the arches behind Grand Central Station. This was the quintessential, chic, cozy spot to hold Edgewater Markets' Holiday Bash back in December of 2018. Decorated in a decadently romantic way, with its long bar, high party tables, tall bold red walls, accentuated by a yellow-gold ceiling bedecked with artistic reproductions of Italian neo-romantic paintings framed in gilded antique gold. Think late 1800's bordello with wonderful music, or late 80's famous upscale mega-nightclub, Nell's, nesting hole to the "rich & famous", minus the coke denned bathrooms. Beautifully blended influences from French and Italian cultures, Léa's has an intimate feel centered around an artsy wall of liquor, though their apparent focus is on wines from different countries and a diverse scrumptious menu screaming: "Eat Me!" Unbeknownst to the local passerby, this jewel, co-owned by Rick Passarelli, owner of the famous Bobby Vans', with Chef Bobby Dickert at the helm, offers an interesting and marvelous tapas menu with heavenly options, lush in taste and aroma. We were tempted by the succulent nibbles of the Brazilian Pasteis, a saporous corn and palmetto deep-fried chicken empanada, and the chicken satay in an ambrosia of plum-ginger sauce. Both divine. Exciting the sensations, the Wild Crab Taquitos in a chipotle, chives and sesame sauce. The choice Filet Mignon Tips on toast with a caustically delicious biting horseradish sauce.The sushi station was a glorious addition to the delights of savory palmfuls of rice where the Sushi Chef, prepared the most unique flavored Dragon rolls, perfectly paired with the high-quality Chardonnay being served by the friendly staff. Resembling the swooners from the 50's, the likes of Frank Sinatra, Lenny Passarelli, Léa's General Manager, enchants guests with his charismatic old-world class elegance. Everything was prepared close to perfection. The cheese platters were covered with artisanal cheeses. The meatballs, scrumptious. The music wasn't too loud so you could speak to each other. The vibe was amazing. In the city where everything is on display, Léa's Wine Bar is the best kept secret in the heart of New York. The ideal spot for an afterwork "apéro" or delightful nibble! The best wine bar Manhattan has to offer.

Incredible service! We spent a few hours and had a blast! The drinks were fabulous, food delicious and the staff and manager could not have been more gracious and attentive! Excellent time-Thank you!