The Leopard at Des Artistes

The story

The Leopard at Des Artistes – Italian Fine Dining in New York City | Michelin Recommended

The Leopard at Des Artistes

For fifteen years, The Leopard at Des Artistes was a fixture on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, serving contemporary Italian cuisine at 1 West 67th Street. The restaurant, which earned a Michelin Recommended distinction, recently closed its doors at that location, marking the end of an era for a place that had become a true community hub.

The Leopard was a project of deep commitment. The Sorrentinos and The Leopard family, as they call themselves, built a restaurant that fostered a welcoming environment. Over the years, guests entrusted the team with life’s most cherished moments: birthday celebrations, graduations, first dates, marriage proposals, engagement parties, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and intimate wedding receptions. The restaurant was not just a place to eat; it was a backdrop for countless celebrations.

The decision to close the 67th Street location was not made lightly. The team cited overwhelming challenges including rising rent, increased labor expenses, tariffs on imported goods, and unreasonable insurance premiums, along with unsuccessful lease negotiations. They expressed deep gratitude to their remarkable staff, past and present, whose dedication and professionalism were essential to The Leopard’s story, and to the loyal patrons who supported them.

The spirit of The Leopard lives on. The team invites guests to continue sharing unforgettable experiences at their Midtown locations: Il Gattopardo restaurant and Mozzarella & Vino enoteca, both on 54th Street across from MoMA. The Italian culinary tradition and the warm, delicious environment that defined The Leopard continue in these new spaces.