Not that we were around for it, but there was something gloriously excessive about Wall Street New York in the 80s. Now, with the arrival of Faena, it’s just what the city needs for a throwback to the days when lunch was for wimps and the only thing compelling about the UWS was Madonna and Sean Penn. This is a look at La Boca at Faena, Francis Mallmann’s latest venture in New York City.

Overview

The Faena New York has arrived and brought with it some big 1980s Wall Street energy. You know the days when people dressed for dinner and jockeyed for a dinner reservation at the top tables in town. La Boca at the Faena NYC is by the famed Argentine chef Francis Mallmann. In lieu of Argentine parilla-inspired backyard dinners, this rendition is all about the red velvet and chanderliered dining room that speaks more bordello than farm-house vibe. It’s a scene that doesn’t really exist anymore in New York City, but just what you need when you’re in the mood for a big night out.

Atmosphere

To put it in a nutshell, you come to Faena for the scene. It’s dramatic, in both the decor as well as the people-watching. You may not need to head to Miami anymore when you want to relive your party days of your twenties. La Boca at Faena leans big into the nights of dressing up and special occasions. It’s the exact glamorous, big not “out” spot that New York City needed.

The crowd is interesting— and yes, you did used to run into that guy at Bungalow 8 in your twenties. The New Yorkers in residence are re-living their club days, while the scene otherwise may be an attractive young-ish or young-at-heart crowd that you’d see in Miami. The space is indisputable luxurious and you are at La Boca at Faena to people-watch.

What makes La Boca compelling beyond the theatrics is the nightly live music. The jazz band adds a supper club elegance that New York City was missing.

Food

I fell in love with Francis Mallmann’s cooking when I discovered his restaurant, 1884 in Mendoza Argentina. The wine-country vibes and warm Argentine hospitality along with food made with love made the experience so special. Ditto with his restaurant at Villa La Coste in France, which is like beautiful theater — watching the open kitchen grill steaks, fish and specialty breads on the open flame. While in the latter experience, Francis wasn’t in the kitchen, his passion transcended through the food. There is soul in every smoky bite and morsel of bread served. It was such a special experience and I would fly around the world just to return for the food alone.

The menu and experience could not be more different at La Boca at Faena in NYC. I’ll shortcut it; I think I’ve had everything on the menu besides steak, because I don’t eat meat. My dinner companions, however, did weigh in on this area. Overall, the food is average and not reflective of Mallmann’s other restaurants. There’s nothing offensive, but nothing memorable or awe-inspiring. Both times I’ve eaten at La Boca I’ve wondered if Mallmann has ever stepped foot in the kitchen. However, I returned and would return again for the stunning setting of La Boca, which is its strong suit.

Service

It’s no surprise that service is tops, as Faena has hired away many employees from other luxury hotels in New York City. For a place this scene-y, they could have more attitude, but in general the staff at La Boca is professional and warm to those who are regulars.

Overall: 7.8/10

Come here for the scene, and stay post-dinner for The Living Room.

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FAQs

Q: Where is La Boca at Faena NYC located?

A: La Boca is located inside the Faena Hotel at 500A West 18th Street in Chelsea, New York, NY.

Q: Do you need reservations for La Boca?

A: We highly recommend reservations for dinners at La Boca. If you don’t have a reservation, arrive early to try for bar seats.

Q: What is the dress code at La Boca?

A: Elevate your wardrobe; Faena is sticking to a glamorous dress code, lest you not make it past the velvet rope.

Q: What are the hours of operation for La Boca?

A: The daily hours of operation of La Boca are as follows:

Q: What is the price range at La Boca?

A: Expect to spend $100-150+ per person for dinner with drinks. The $265 parrillada for two is the splurge option.