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 dishes based on rural elements, such as pasta, vegetables, cheese, and seafood ingredients from the Costiera.
"The overall experience was underwhelming at best. The wait staff, although seemingly plentiful, were condescending, inattentive and inept, except for the man who continuously refilled the water glasses after each sip. After being seated we were left alone for quite a while and had to request that our drink order be taken. One scotch and water took multiple attempts to get correct and the wine was a long time in getting to the table. The food was acceptable and forgettable . The room itself is lovely and it's in a good location. Other then that I would not bother with this overly expensive poorly run place."
Dined on 5/23/2013
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"We live nearby and had delayed trying this restaurant after the initial reviews were so mixed. However, now we are sorry we delayed so long. Service can still be a little disconcertingly 'Italian confusion' but otherwise we really had a nice evening. The space is beautiful with the restored murals and lightened floors. Pastas are interesting and different from the norm. The entrees could use some work but we both really enjoyed our fish---Branzino and Swordfish which were both done perfectly. Don't miss the Zabilone and fresh berries made at the table."
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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"The food was very very good but the service was exceptional. We dine out regularly and this was a really special experience. A problem was handled beautiful and I highly recommend this restaurant."
Dined on 5/22/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Ahh, the lovely restaurant with softly lit rooms allowed the lush nude paintings to glow throughout the evening. Martinis and Manhattans were done to perfection. Adrian, our waiter, was knowledgeable, offering suggestions when requested, but deferring to our tastes when required. Caprese salads were excellent, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and balsimic vinegar, but the mozzerella, so fluffy, was what made the salad exceptional. My sole, lemon/olive oil basted and deboned at the table was sublime with swiss chard the perfect complement. Others had carbonara, scallops, and pasta special, which were all pronounced "very good". Lava cake and profiteroles were delicious. Coffee, Drambuie, and B&B brought our lovely evening to a close."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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"Both times I lunched here, my experience was satisfactory. What gives me pause in considering dining at this restaurant in the future is that on both occasions, I observed patrons at nearby tables sending their dishes back to the kitchen. What they ordered, I could not be sure. It seemed to be fish. The great attraction here are the bright, lively, sensual murals. But the crowding of the tables makes enjoying them difficult."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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"We arrived a little late and they didn't have good faces. (20 minutes late) They told us to ordered fast and we had dinner quickly. When stayed only three tables they open the restautar doors to let in the cold and we left quickly."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: romantic
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"Great food. Amazing service. Attentive but not intrusive. Everyone was extremely knowledgeable without any air of superiority. Everything was perfect."
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"As fans of Il Gattapardo, we were eager to try The Leopard, but we'll stay with the former. The renovation which echos Il Gatt doesn't work with the stunning murals that now have lost their charm in such a modern setting. Wine by the glass poured from the bottle, always a plus. The apps, soup and fennel salad were fine, as was the bucatini; the seafood in the risotto was all overcooked. Lots of managerial and waitstaff though only one of the three hosts spoke to us once, briefly. Would we return? Perhaps...but not any time soon."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2007
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"Celebrating a friend's 70th Birthday, we three (fairly cosmopolitan ladies) were very satisfied, uplifted, even. Thank you for a most memorable experience."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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"Reservation was made very shortly before our arrival at 9:30 pm. We were seated immediately and our server was very attentive. Varied and interesting menu. Drinks and food excellent and served promptly. Even though it was late , we were not rushed to finish and leave. All in all , it was a memorable dining experience."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2011
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"This is a very special space, and I'd certainly recommend it but the space out ranks the food by several points. The brunch menu sounds good, but the the omelete was dry and the salad dressing boring. Still, it's a beautiful place with excellent service."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2008
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Glad that this re-opened recently. Nice decor (if you like to dine surrounded by naked women), cosy atmosphere, excellent food (the branzino special was great) - although quite pricy - and good/reasonably affordable wine list. Great experience overall."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"This restaurant is VERY expensive for what you get. Food is ok but nothing to drag about. Don't get the Veal milanese, it's dry and cost $40. I liked the old restaurant, it was less snob."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2007
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"The restaurant was very good overall, but it was slightly disappointing. The food was good but not fabulous, the best part was the Chocolate Lava Cake. We arrived around 8pm and yet the restaurant was not bustling until 9pm, so it felt empty...and a bit lacking in atmosphere."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Met friends from out of town - he's a chef from Philly and she's a GM. They loved it and we did too! Nice ambiance, friendly waiter and great selections. Will definitely come back."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"Lovely historic place. Service was very good but not too attentive. Allowed to take as much time as we pleased. Food could be a notch better. Also surprised about the noise level in such a cozy looking place."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Came here with the family for Easter Sunday, 2:15pm dinner after church. We had a great time! The wine list was great, sorted by northern, central, and southern regions of Italy. Waiter recommended the Nero D'Avola "Feudi del Pisciotto" and we very much enjoyed it. Everyone ordered lamb, so we were glad they were offering both the regular menu roasted lamb, and the special Easter menu lamb chops. It was nice we never felt rushed, since the four of us were there for maybe 2.5 hours even though there were many people in the restaurant for the entirety of our meal. We really splurged on dessert and ordered the special Italian spongecake, the cheesecake, and the profiteroles. All three were fantastic! Neighborhood gem - definitely coming back."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Service was very good, seemed like there were too many wait staff, thought not overbearing.
Food was very good - on par for a restaurant at this price point. Wife's seafood special was well portioned, my lamb slightly less so.
Ambiance is nice, though the physical layout is a little odd - steps and more steps. Murals on the wall a little over the top with frolicking nudes. Front area is comfortable, but prepare to be warm the farther back you go. Front area has entry to hotel next door which are used quite often (take out).
Proximity to Central Park is nice if you happen to arrive a little early."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups
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"I was put off by the reception I received. I went to the desk as we entered and said I had a reservation in the name of Liz Robinson. The receptionist did not make eye contact with me and looked in her computer and said, yes, Robinson, Elizabeth. Not exactly the way I usually introduce myself. Even though it was 5:45pm we were not offered the prix fixe menu and had to ask for it. All in all not an auspicious start to the evening. Our actual waiter was very nice and the food with good but I will probably not go back."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2012
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"Excellent;table of four; my cousins from Europe absolutely were astounded by the authentic preperation and presentation."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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"Dea Artiste, now The Leopard, is of course located in a great building right off Central Park West.
The restaurant is a beautiful place, ideally suited for a special event.
The restaurant frequently gets a 2 star rating which I think is about right. The food is good but did not knock my socks off. The service is excellent and the staff friendly and very professional. We had a good time and a nice dinner it just didn't take my breath away."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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"room was not as artsy as shown in photos on website or as touted by enthusiasts (stark wood floors, dark furniture, a bit worn out looking)... food was good, but nothing was "wow, I gotta come back for more"... service was mediocre... not coming back..."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2002
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"Food was mediocre. The Branzini was barely warm and not very tasteful. The chestnut gnochi was OK but very saucy. The Pork Chop was very good. Very expensive meal but not very satisfying. Service was very slow. The entire meal spread over 2 hours. Would not repeat."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
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"We had a very lovely meal here to celebrate my husband's birthday on a special trip to New York. The meal was delicious, with great advice and recommendations from our waiter. The wine he suggested was perfect with our salads and fish. We enjoyed sharing a dessert of cannoli as we couldn't manage a full three courses each, and it was a lovely ending to a delicious meal. If we lived in the city we would return! As it is, we will try to make a reservation on our next visit from Scotland."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"I took my husband to The Leopard at des Artistes to celebrate his birthday before going to the opera. It was within walking distance to Lincoln Center and the reviews were great. It was as people described: quaint, romantic, quiet with great service. Our reservation was for 6:00 pm before most other diners arrived so we had a chance to drink in the surroundings (beautiful art, white table cloths, candlelight). The menu is pricey but well worth the money and since we were not very hungry, I ordered the beet salad (delicious) and braised artichoke ravioli (exquisite) and my husband ordered the carbonara which was light and perfectly seasoned. We also had an amazing passionfruit tart for dessert. Highly recommended."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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