My friend has been watching out of her Chelsea window as the new Faena, New York, was being built. The hotel and restaurant had recently opened, and we decided to sample it on an odd afternoon, as we couldn’t get a reservation otherwise.

The restaurant is Chef Francis Mallmann’s tribute to Buenos Aires’ iconic neighborhood, featuring bold colors and curated gold accents. The chargers at the tables are gold-rimmed, rose-embossed Villeroy & Boch china, which sets the mood.

We started nibbling the crusty, baquette with fresh butter as we looked over the menu.

We decided to share their oversized fried artichoke, served in a vast puddle of sesame yogurt, topped with gremolata—finely minced parsley, garlic, and lemon zest—all sprinkled with sourdough breadcrumbs.

My dining partner ordered the fried calamari salad with avocado, sungold tomatoes and pickled chilies in a “lemoneta” vinaigrette ($27), while I sampled their eggplant Milanese with an Aleppo pepper aioli, sorrel and avocado salad ($32).

Don, our attentive waiter, noticed I wasn’t enjoying the dish and offered to replace it. He brought me the grilled chicken paillard topped with little Gem lettuce, sliced avocado and fresh dill and parsley in a cabernet vinaigrette ($33). Now that’s what I call hospitable service.

La Boca
Chelsea
500 W 18th St,
New York, New York 10011
faena.com/new-york/dining/la-boca-by-francis-mallmann
212 545 8100