Barawine Harlem Restaurant, a charming nod to Paris

Barawine Harlem Restaurant transported us to Paris as we enjoyed good food and wine

Contact Info for Barawine Harlem Restaurant

When I first moved back to the United States, after living in Europe for five years I thought everything in New York was too big, too loud, and just extreme in every way possible. My neighborhood in East Harlem was no exception. People here have their own energy and it’s safe to say that the last thing I expected to find within walking distance from my house, was a French wine bar-cum-bistro that immediately transported me back to Europe.

Barawine Harlem is located at 200 Lenox Avenue, but the interior might as well be a charming spot tucked away in the Village, or an American twist on a charming Montmartre Café. Split between a dining room and wine bar, this charming find is great for a bite or for just enjoying a few glasses of wine with cheese.

To the left is a narrow room with a long high table, which also serves as a bar. Above the table, there are chandeliers that elevate the locale from neighborhood bar or wine cellar to an unique place to really slow down and enjoy the moment. Perhaps that is the bit that makes Barawine Harlem feel like Europe to me. In New York we are always in a rush, and part of the charm and wonderful rhythm of life in Spain and France is that they enjoy their food, their meal, the company. This is the definition of working to live and not living to work.

The dining room is intimate and there is a fabulous corner booth where we were lucky enough to get seated. The wait staff is very attentive and is more than happy to recommend a wine or an appetizer to enjoy. When we visited we tried an appetizer of a cheese plate served with bread and quince paste. We also enjoyed a nicoise salad and roasted duck magret with tiramisu for dessert.

The only downside to Barawine Harlem might be the pricetag. The wine and food are delicious, and it’s true that I felt transported from my Harlem nabe to a corner table at modern Parisian bistro. This is a wonderful place to go for a special dinner, but otherwise we ruskommend that you stop in for a less pricey brunch (I’m dying to try the croque monsieur!) or a glass of wine as a pre-dinner aperitif. We ruskommend Barawine Harlem with 5 boquerones.