Even before the landing a prestigious James Beard Award for best new restaurant, the tiny Chinatown hot spot with only 28 seats,was already one of the hardest reservations to land in the city.
Even before the landing a prestigious James Beard Award for best new restaurant, the tiny Chinatown hot spot with only 28 seats,was already one of the hardest reservations to land in the city. ( Photo: Lei NYC)

Even before it won the prestigious award, Lei, a critically acclaimed wine bar restaurant, was already was one of the toughest reservations to obtain in the city.

Chinatown hot spot is named Best New Restaurant by James Beard
17 Jun 2026 | 04:41
Food & Drink

Lei, a tiny, 28-seat restaurant in Chinatown has defeated finalists across the nation to land the Best New Restaurant title at the annual James Beard Awards.

The intimate, ambient lit establishment at 15-17 Doyers Street was opened in June 2025 by Annie Shi, a New York restaurateur who also serves as...

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