The name means “happy” and it refers to the particular state of mind of enjoying a delicious meal at Felice. That’s what you get when you dine and drink Italian wine at any Felice location throughout Manhattan. The Italian restaurants by SA Hospitality Group are committed to spreading that happiness all over New York City and just opened a seventh restaurant on the Upper West Side at 240 Columbus Avenue. It offers a taste of the Tuscan vineyards. “The translation of ‘Felice’ is happy, and that is what we’re trying to achieve with the space. We want to offer a reprieve to New Yorkers who work hard every day,” says partner and COO Jacopo Giustiniani.
Giustiniani opened the first Felice wine bar in Manhattan’s Upper East Side in 2007 so New Yorkers could share the spirit of his homeland and the wines of his family’s vineyard.
Giustiniani says he hopes Felice on Columbus Avenue conveys the energy that typically characterizes the area below 14th street in New York to the Upper West Side.
Polpettine at Felice.
Samantha Tannehill designed the space with elements reminiscent of the Tuscan countryside while incorporating the history of the building and neighborhood. It's two levels, spanning nearly 4,000 total square feet, with the main level featuring an entire wall of floor-to-ceiling windows and a sprawling 42 1/2-foot long bar. The lower level is an intimate wine and cocktail lounge. “The bar will have a Negroni program and wines from over 20 different Italian regions, as well as Felice's private wine label,” explains Giustiniani.
The menu, overseen by culinary director Iacopo Falai, features items that are handmade from scratch and integrates locally-sourced seasonal produce. Staple dishes include the Fusilli al Ferretto e Burrata and Pappardelle con Salsiccia, both on the Felice menu since its opening in 2007, along with new menu items such as a chef’s board of a variety of imported smoked fish, butter balsamic cipollini, pickled artichokes, and more. A section of the menu is dedicated to Verdure, a chef’s interpretation of plant-based and seasonal vegetables sourced from local farms.
SA Hospitality Group is the vision of Gherardo Guarducci and Dimitri Pauli, who have translated Old World sensibilities to appeal to modern-day New York City clients. Since 2003, it has expanded to a selective group of iconic New York neighborhoods with its three brands: Sant Ambroeus, Casa Lever, and Felice, with locations in Manhattan, Southampton, and Palm Beach.