TLDR
Intimate, stylish Chinatown gem serving creative Chinese-inspired small plates alongside an expansive, curated wine list. Perfect for adventurous date nights or a sophisticated pre-dinner drink.
Instagram Posts References
Features creative Chinese cooking paired with a wine selection.
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.
Resy reviews Lei in Chinatown, a critically acclaimed restaurant that serves creative Chinese American food paired with 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
Located in a fashionably snug space in Chinatown, this wine-forward destination offers a unique perspective on Chinese American cuisine [1]. Chef Patty Lee’s menu moves away from traditional tropes to provide creative small plates and innovative dishes that pair harmoniously with a global, French-leaning wine list [2], [3]. While the restaurant has gained significant acclaim as a James Beard Award winner, it remains a popular and intimate spot for both quick bites and full meals [4], [5].
Food Overview
The cuisine focuses on Chinese American small plates that highlight seasonal and unconventional ingredients, priced at a higher $$$$ level [1], [9]. Standout dishes frequently recommended include the celtuce, warm sesame shaobing with butter, and strawberry jam-glazed short ribs [1], [4]. While most enjoy the food, some diners have noted that certain main courses, like the 'cat's ear' noodles, are merely average compared to the quality of the wine and snacks [8].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About LEI
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Under The Radar Holy St Howdidyoufindthis Dinner
"Recommended for wine in the city."
NeutralFrom post: Eloping In The Les Where Should Two Foodies
"A wine bar that is great for drinks or a light bite, though popular and intimate."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Recs For A Couple Days In The Les One
"Recommended for a visit."
PositiveFrom post: Any Recommendations For Someone Who Misses
"A recommended wine-centric spot."
NeutralFrom post: Restaurant Vibe Similar To Thursday Kitchen In
"A simple recommendation for the restaurant."
Neutral