TLDR
Sophisticated Chinese American small plates paired with an expansive wine list. Perfect for adventurous eaters and wine lovers in a chic, intimate setting.
Instagram Posts References
Lei Wine is a stylish wine bar that focuses on quality bottles and offers a polished, intimate atmosphere.
An intimate spot with a menu that changes often, known for dishes like cumin-braised lamb noodles and clever bathroom decor.
Resy highlights Lei, a celebrated Chinatown jewel box where chef Patty Lee serves innovative Chinese American dishes alongside a global wine list.
Lei is an exemplary Chinatown jewel box offering a unique blend of Chinese American cuisine and a global wine program.
A standout wine bar in Chinatown serving modern Chinese American fare in a jewel-box setting.
Bryan Kim reviews Lei, a Chinatown wine bar offering French-leaning wines and creative Chinese-American small plates, perfect for drinks and a light bite or a date night.
Details
A sophisticated Chinatown gem, this wine-focused establishment offers a unique perspective on Chinese American cuisine, moving away from traditional tropes to deliver creative, non-traditional small plates [1], [2]. The menu features inventive dishes like strawberry-glazed short ribs and sesame shao bing with butter, all designed to harmonize with a global, French-leaning wine list [1], [3], [4]. While the atmosphere is intimate and candlelit, the spot is popular enough that securing a seat can be challenging following its recent industry recognition [1], [5], [6].
Food Overview
The kitchen excels at innovative Chinese American fusion, moving past standard classics to offer refined, modern dishes [1], [2]. Highlights include celtuce, Berkshire black sausage, and sticky toffee rice pudding, though some diners find specific main courses like the cat's ear noodles to be merely average [5], [6], [7].
Highlights / Recommended
"Highly recommended items include the strawberry jam-glazed short ribs, warm sesame shao bing with butter, and the creative celtuce dish [1], [4], [5], [6]. Diners also frequently enjoy the sticky toffee eight-treasure rice pudding for a sweet conclusion [5], [6]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •celtuce(3)
- •lady edison jinhua ham with thinly sliced seasonal fruit(2)
- •warm sesame shao bing with a cold pat of butter(2)
- •sweet and sour braised short rib(2)
- •fried whiting(2)
- •sticky toffee rice pudding(2)
Caveats
Due to its recent awards and popularity, the restaurant can be difficult to get into and frequently feels very loud [6].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About LEI
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Restaurant Vibe Similar To Thursday Kitchen In
"A simple recommendation for the restaurant."
NeutralFrom post: 1st Time Tourist Only Concerned With Making The
"Recommended for great plates that have Asian cuisine influences."
PositiveFrom post: Seafood Restaurant Recommendations That Are Must
"Listed as one of four distinct seafood styles in the city."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Restaurants Under 100 In Manhattan
"Recommended in a list."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Unique Dessert Spots In Nyc With
"Lei Wine Bar is mentioned alongside Cosme, Oxomoco, Bistro, and Bar Bete."
Neutral