The Leopard at des Artistes

Rich in history, the landmarked Hotel des Artistes is the largest “studio” building in New York City. It was originally designed by George Mort Pollard and developed by Walter Russell as an artist’s cooperative apartment building in the beginning of the 20th century.THE LEOPARD at des Artistes finds its roots in the area once known as “The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies” (mid 1800s) and in the...

Classy, old-school swank pervades this dinosaur, a conspicuous canteen for celebrities and gastrocrats. The food, though good enough, is something of an afterthought.

The UWS space that once housed Cafe des Artistes has been "beautifully updated" and "reenergized" with the "beloved" Howard Chandler Christy murals "looking brighter than ever" and "honest" Italiana delivered by "skilled" staffers; no wonder "well-heeled" locals and the "Lincoln Center" crowd have returned in droves.

Classy, old-school swank pervades this dinosaur, a conspicuous canteen for celebrities and gastrocrats. The food, though good enough, is something of an afterthought.

Set in the erstwhile (and legendary) Café des Artistes space, the Leopard at des Artistes (get the allusion in the name?) carries on the former eatery’s stately vibe. Owned by Gianfranco and Paula Sorrentino, who also run Il Gattopardo, the Leopard focuses on southern Italian fare with a very formal touch. You can smell the affluence in this brightened (still muraled) spot. What comes out of...

Il Gattopardo mom and pop take over ground floor of the Hotel des Artistes. Legendary paintings of frolicking nymphs fully restored, set off with improved lighting. Kitchen swings Southern Italian instead of French now, but remains plenty refined. Signature branzino wrapped up in parchment paper, lamb in red wine and tarragon, fennel and orange salad. Leopard aperitivo parlor sure to attract...

Located in the New York landmarked Hotel Des Artistes, and surrounded by the astonishing 1920s murals by Howard Chandler Christy, THE LEOPARD at des Artistes finds its roots in the area once known as “The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies” (mid 1800s) and in the culinary traditions of the regions of Campania, Basilicata, Calabria, Apulia, Sardinia, and of course Sicily, reaching a balance between...