Vinateria

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Harlem Table Worth Gathering Around

Since 2013, Vinateria has been a fixture on Frederick Douglass Boulevard in Harlem — proudly Black-owned, women-owned, and rooted in the neighborhood in ways that go well beyond real estate. Owner and restaurateur Yvette Leeper-Bueno grew up with Harlem in her blood: her parents first met on 122nd Street in the 1950s, and she has shared a townhouse in the neighborhood with her husband and sons for over two decades. That depth of connection shapes everything about this place.

The Food and the Wine

The kitchen draws on the culinary traditions of Italy and Spain, producing seasonal dishes that Vinateria describes as "vibrant yet comforting." The Italian-Spanish pairing isn't a gimmick — it reflects a genuine affinity between two Mediterranean traditions that share a love of good olive oil, cured meats, and wine-friendly cooking. The menu shifts with the seasons, keeping the offer fresh without chasing trends.

The wine program earned Vinateria a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, recognition that speaks to the seriousness with which the list is curated. Wines are sourced from small producers, and the bar also runs an artisan cocktail and spirits program for those who want something beyond the bottle.

The Feeling of the Place

Vinateria puts community at the center of what it does. The stated aim — bringing people together, making every guest feel like a longtime friend welcomed with a glass of wine — comes through in how the room operates. The restaurant accommodates everything from quiet weeknight dinners to large group celebrations and private events, and brunch runs through the weekend alongside a daily happy hour.

For a neighborhood restaurant with genuine character, a decorated wine list, and Italian-Spanish cooking grounded in real tradition, Vinateria makes a strong case for the table.