Conrad New York Downtown announces the transformation of its iconic 16th-floor rooftop space into Leonessa, an elegant, Italian-inspired cocktail bar created in partnership with New York beverage authority Ariel Arce. Leonessa, which opened Thursday, April 3, will transport guests with the charm, vibrancy, and ritual of Italian aperitivo culture, offering a refined cocktail experience set against views of the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty.
“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 in a statement. “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 NYC-based Islyn Studio, Leonessa will bring Conrad’s signature design to life, evoking the splendor of an Italian terrace at golden hour, creating a space that will feel transportive yet distinctly New York. The rooftop will be adorned with lush lemon trees, verdant greenery, an Amalfi Coast-inspired fountain and bold, colorful seating, capturing the essence of a timeless palazzo terrace. Beyond a premier cocktail destination, Leonessa will serve as a versatile venue for private events and celebrations. The space will feature glassware that pays homage to Italian cocktail culture along with an expertly curated bar piece from the Milan-based Fornasetti.
Leonessa’s bar program is a love letter to Italy’s rich drinking traditions, showcasing an expertly curated selection of spirits, wines, beers, and sodas. The cocktail menu blends timeless classics with inventive modern interpretations, organized into Spritzes, Bitters, Frutte, Martinis, and Specialty Cocktails. Highlights include the Molto Forte, a bold bourbon-based cocktail infused with coffee and tobacco bitters; and the Kingston, a tropical twist on the Negroni featuring rum, sweet vermouth, and Campari. Martini drinkers can opt for the Leonessa Martini, a refined blend of Portofino Dry Gin, dry vermouth and citrus bitters or the Picante Martini, which brings the heat with Calabrian chili-infused vodka and a full-bodied ambrato vermouth. The Frozen Sgroppino offers a light, refreshing take on the classic Venetian cocktail, made with Belvedere Vodka, Limoncello, and sorbetto. Leonessa also embraces Italy’s sessionable drinking culture, featuring low-ABV selections and digestivi, such as the Sempre Avanti, a sparkling, herbaceous mix of Strega, mint, and Angostura bitters, and the Spagliato – a sparkling and bittersweet twist on the classic Negroni with sweet vermouth and Campari.
Leonessa offers an equally dynamic selection of non-alcoholic beverages such as the Una Siesta, a citrus-forward drink made with blood orange and lemon mixed with the warming spice of Ghia ginger beer; and Le Stelle, a bright, effervescent mix of passionfruit, lime, mint, and sparkling Limonata. Leonessa also boasts a comprehensive selection of Amari, Vermouth, and Cordials, inviting guests to explore Italy’s rich aperitif traditions, with the option to add soda or tonic with lemon for a personalized spritz.
As a nod to Italian tradition, each cocktail at Leonessa will be served with a rotating menu of complimentary aperitivo-style snacks, designed to enhance the drinking experience. The offerings will change nightly, with a selection of thoughtfully curated bites available each evening—examples include Black Olive Taralli, Rosemary Marcona Almonds, Sweet & Spicy Hazelnuts, Fennel & Orange Marinated Castelvetrano Olives, Parmesan Twists, and Rosemary Carta di Musica with Fava Beans and Green Olive Tapenade. Whether it’s Aperitivo hour, sunset drinks, or an after hours nightcap, Leonessa offers an immersive, all-evening experience that invites guests to sip, savor, and indulge in the essence 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.”
The Conrad New York Downtown is located at 102 North End Avenue, between Murray and Vesey Streets. 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 center.
Beginning April 3, Leonessa’s hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 4pm to 12am. Starting May 26, Leonessa will be open seven days a week from 4pm to 12am.
