Midtown Wine Bar with A View

Center Bar

Restaurateur Michael Lomonaco knows a thing or two about running a successful eatery. The former chef and director of one of the top five highest grossing restaurants in the world – Windows on the World, which was located on the 106th floor of the fallen World Trade Centre, Lomonaco also owns steak-lover’s paradise Porter House New York, which celebrated its sixth birthday this year. But despite Lomonaco’s pedigree, there was still skepticism that his proposed wine bar concept, the straight-forwardly monikered Centre Bar, could work in the atrium space alongside Porter House and globally-acclaimed fine-diners Per Se and Masa in NYC’s Time Warner Center. Thankfully, Center Bar stands tall in its five-star company, providing a welcome middle ground for those either waiting for a table at one of the neighbouring heavy-hitters, or simply seeking a little less extravagance in terms of bravado and bill total.

With its clean and subtle fit-out of taupe, walnut and marble, the expansive fourth-floor space offers panoramic views across Columbus Circle and Central Park, making it an obvious pitstop for date night pre or post-prandial. Brad Nugent’s wine list is home to 100 unique names, and the cocktail menu crafted by James Moreland features a natty collection of champagne, rum and whiskey-based offerings. Small plates like ceviche, caviar with corn blinis, and stuffed piquillo peppers round out the offerings, ensuring Center Bar really is front and centre. Critics? Schmitics.