Conrad New York Downtown Introduces Leonessa, An Aperitivo Rooftop Bar Destination Opening April 3

Leonessa: New Rooftop Bar in NYC

Conrad New York Downtown has announced the transformation of its 16th-floor rooftop into Leonessa, an Italian-inspired cocktail bar created in collaboration with New York beverage specialist Ariel Arce. Set to open on Thursday, April 3, Leonessa invites guests to experience the charm, vibrancy, and traditions of Italian aperitivo culture. It provides an elevated cocktail experience complemented by views of the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty. Reservations for Leonessa can be made through Resy.

"At Conrad New York Downtown, we strive to deliver impactful experiences for both our guests and locals by collaborating with innovative partners like Ariel Arce,” said Chintan Dadhich, General Manager, Conrad New York Downtown.

"Ariel is a visionary in the beverage industry and her expertise in crafting immersive cocktail programs is unparalleled. We are excited for this partnership to create an inventive cocktail destination befitting our luxury hotel’s legacy in downtown Manhattan."

"This partnership with Conrad New York Downtown in Battery Park City offers an opportunity to create an unrivaled rooftop terrace for the community," said Ariel Arce.

"With Leonessa, we're crafting an experience that captures the sophistication and romance of Italy while honoring New York's legendary landmarks. The details of the artisanal cocktail program have been carefully considered to create an unforgettable rooftop destination."

Designed by Islyn Studio in New York, Leonessa captures Conrad’s iconic style, evoking an Italian terrace at sunset. This environment promises a uniquely immersive experience while remaining deeply rooted in New York. The rooftop will showcase lemon trees, greenery, a fountain inspired by the Amalfi Coast, and inviting seating, reflecting the essence of a classic palazzo terrace. Beyond being an exceptional cocktail bar, Leonessa will be a venue for private gatherings and celebrations, providing a unique setting in downtown Manhattan.

At Leonessa, every service detail is carefully crafted to enhance the guest experience. The venue features glassware that honors Italian cocktail traditions, along with a specially chosen bar piece from Milan's Fornasetti.

Leonessa’s premium bar program celebrates Italy’s drinking culture, featuring an array of spirits, wines, beers, and sodas. The cocktail menu expertly combines classic favorites with creative contemporary twists, categorized into Spritzes, Bitters, Frutte, Martinis, and Specialty Cocktails – guaranteeing options for all tastes.

Highlighted beverages feature the Molto Forte, a bold bourbon cocktail infused with coffee and tobacco bitters, alongside the Kingston, a tropical rendition of the Negroni crafted with rum, sweet vermouth, and Campari. For those who appreciate martinis, there's the Leonessa Martini, an exquisite combination of Portofino Dry Gin, dry vermouth, and citrus bitters, plus the Picante Martini, adding heat with Calabrian chili-infused vodka and ambrato vermouth. The Frozen Sgroppino provides a revitalizing twist on the classic Venetian cocktail, combining Belvedere Vodka, Limoncello, and sorbetto. Leonessa also reflects Italy’s fondness for moderate drinking, offering low-ABV choices and digestives such as the Sempre Avanti, a sparkling herbal blend of Strega, mint, and Angostura bitters, along with the Spagliato – a bittersweet take on the traditional Negroni featuring sweet vermouth and Campari.

Leonessa presents an array of non-alcoholic beverages, including Una Siesta, a blend of blood orange, lemon, and the warming spice of Ghia ginger beer, and Le Stelle, a lively combination of passionfruit, lime, mint, and sparkling Limonata. Additionally, Leonessa features an extensive selection of Amari, Vermouth, and Cordials, inviting guests to delve into Italy’s rich aperitif culture. Guests can customize their drinks by adding soda or tonic with lemon, creating a spritz perfect for any occasion.

In keeping with Italian tradition, every cocktail at Leonessa comes with a rotating selection of complimentary aperitivo-style snacks to elevate your drinking experience. These offerings will vary each night, featuring an array of bites, such as Black Olive Taralli, Rosemary Marcona Almonds, Sweet & Spicy Hazelnuts, Fennel & Orange Marinated Castelvetrano Olives, Parmesan Twists, and Rosemary Carta di Musica served with Fava Beans and Green Olive Tapenade.

From Aperitivo hour to sunset drinks and after-hours nightcaps, Leonessa provides an engaging evening experience where guests can sip, savour, and immerse themselves in the richness of Italian drinking culture.

“Rooftop bars are a rarity in this part of Manhattan, making Leonessa a true hidden gem in the city’s ever-evolving cocktail landscape,” said Adam Crocini, Senior Vice President, Design, Wellness and Food & Beverage, Hilton.

“Designed as a sophisticated homage to the ritual of aperitivo and the artistry of Italian cocktail culture, every element—from its breathtaking skyline views to its impeccably curated menu—has been crafted with intention. Partnering with Ariel Arce, who has redefined modern hospitality, ensures that Leonessa isn’t just another rooftop bar—it’s a destination in its own right, where each sip is an experience and every visit feels like golden hour on the Amalfi Coast. This concept also exemplifies Hilton’s forward-thinking approach to F&B storytelling and concept design—proving that when the right partner and the right hotel come together with a bold, strategic vision, the result is nothing short of extraordinary.”

Located at 102 North End Avenue, between Murray and Vesey Streets, Leonessa will further solidify Conrad New York Downtown’s reputation as Downtown Manhattan’s premier luxury hospitality destination. The 463-room, all-suite hotel is known for its contemporary elegance, award-winning service, and tailored guest experiences. Leonessa will complement the hotel’s existing offerings, which include ATRIO Wine Bar & Restaurant, 30,000 square feet of flexible function space and a 24-hour fitness centre.

Starting April 3, Leonessa will operate Tuesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to midnight. Beginning May 26, the restaurant will extend its hours to seven days a week, also from 4 a.m. to midnight.