Leonessa: Italian aperitivo facing the Hudson
A palazzo terrace in Battery Park City
Steps from Brookfield Place and the World Trade Center, the Conrad New York Downtown transformed its 16th-floor roof in April 2025 into an aperitivo bar called Leonessa. The decor takes its cue from Italian terraces: potted lemon trees, greenery, a lion's-head fountain, brightly colored striped seating and motifs borrowed from the world of Fornasetti. Part of the terrace is covered by a pergola; the rest is open to the sky.
The view looks west across the Hudson: the Jersey City towers straight ahead and, farther south, the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. The sun sets right in front of the terrace, behind the New Jersey towers.
Spritzes, bitters and martinis
The drinks list revolves around the Italian ritual: house spritzes, negronis and their variations, martinis, fruity cocktails and a few nonalcoholic options. Expect to pay $22 to $28 per cocktail; during Aperitivo Hour, weekdays from 4pm to 6pm, spritzes and bitters drop to $18. Complimentary bites come with your drinks. The bar can be booked for groups of up to 70 people.
Practical information
In fall and winter, Leonessa is open Tuesday through Saturday from 4pm to 11pm; hours expand in the warmer months, and the bar has closed for the season in the dead of winter before, so it's best to check the dates on Resy before you go. Reservations are recommended on weekends, but walk-ins are welcome. Access is via the elevators signposted in the hotel lobby. Subway: World Trade Center (E train) or WTC Cortlandt (1 train), less than ten minutes' walk away.
