OPENING TODAY: Saint Neri, An Opulent New Cocktail Bar & Lounge, Is Bringing Old-World Glamour to Buffalo, New York

Internationally-Acclaimed Designer and Buffalo-Native, Samuel Amoia, Brings Bold European Vibes, Alongside Craft Cocktails and Southern-Italian Dishes

Saint Neri, a sophisticated, design-forward cocktail bar and lounge, will open in Buffalo, New York, on Monday, January 22nd. Exuding glamorous European opulence and world-class hospitality, Saint Neri will serve elegant craft cocktails, and an Italian-leaning menu bolstered by a mix of Southern-style classics and refined bar bites.

The concept, truly a first-of-its-kind for the city, comes from internationally acclaimed interior designer Samuel Amoia, and Michael Woltz – two Buffalo natives who have drawn on the romantic, Art Deco Grandeur of Europe’s old-world private-members clubs, fused with unique touchpoints inspired by their home city.

The striking 70-seat, candle-lit space is lavish, with a quirky and playful touch; draped curtains made from 17th-century Venetian fabrics line the interior, and walls gilded entirely with 24-carat gold leafing, further enchant the space. Leopard print carpet runs throughout the interior, matching 15 bar stools. The bar itself is adorned in an eye-catching tortoiseshell print, while stunning Murano glass fixtures fill the room with a sexy, dimly-lit glow. Black lacquer tables provide an additional 50+ seats, with black lacquer continuing through to the countertops in the bathrooms. 

Saint Neri Partners

Amoia has also created a bespoke scent for the room, with warm and herbaceous notes reminiscent of Palo Santo. Hosts dressed in white tuxedos and 1920s flapper-style dresses add another layer of glamor, while a genre-hopping soundtrack plays hits from Aretha Franklin through to 90s hip-hop. Saint Neri is named after the patron saint of joy and good times and this is evident in every detail of the bar experience. 

“Saint Neri truly is a love letter to the city my business partner, Mike, and I grew up in as best friends. It takes everything we love about the city, our memories, and combines it with our passion for beautiful design and world-class hospitality,” says Amoia.

The Saint Neri kitchen is helmed by renowned local chef, and James Beard Award nominee Steven Gedra (The Black Sheep Restaurant and Bar), who has crafted a menu of elegant bar bites and nostalgic Southern-Italian mains that will be served through to midnight. Appetizers include Cacio e Pepe Arancini, packed with cauliflower, fonduta, Parmesan Reggiano, and Tellicherry pepper; Short Rib Stuffed Peppers, served with gremolata, toast and Calabrian chili; and panzerotti – traditional Italian turnovers filled with mozzarella, marinara and basil. There’s also a luxe selection of caviar, accompanied by house-made Saratoga chips, créme fraîche, and dill. Nostalgic, Southern-Italian style mains include Nana’s Lasagna, based on the Amoia family’s recipe, layered with béchamel, bolognese, and cheese; and Spaghetti alla Chitarra, tricked up with clams, bottarga, agrodolce, and Calabrian chili. For dessert, the menu offers a 24k gold chocolate budino, with whipped cream, luxardo cherry and pistachio praline, finished with a dusting of gold leaf. 

The cocktail menu is a collaboration between Beverage Director Jessica Benham and Head Bartender Megan May who are also native Buffalonians. The drinks line-up includes a rotating list of classics and seasonal signatures. Each ingredient is sourced from local farms and each cocktail is inspired by local Buffalo haunts or childhood memories that Amoia and Woltz associate with the city. There’s The Miss Ward, made with rum, bay leaf, lime, ginger; The Calumet, a combination of agave, guajillo peppers, lime, chocolate bitters; and The Crocodile, featuring amari, mulled pineapple, and citrus. 

Amoia adds: “We are beyond grateful to work with such a talented team, such as Chef Gedra, who approach hospitality in the same way. Saint Neri represents the heart of Buffalo with global influences. Guests can feel like they are part of an old-world private club in Europe while eating my grandma’s homemade lasagna and sipping a cocktail named after the haunts of our childhood. This is a world-class cocktail bar in a place that means the world to us.”

Amoia is additionally excited to partner with his close designer friends, including Adam Lippes, for fashion pop-ups and events in the coming months.

Saint Neri is located at 220 Lexington Avenue, Buffalo, New York and is open Wednesday-Thursday from 5pm-1am and Friday-Saturday 5pm-2am. 

For more information please visit saintneri.com and follow along on Instagram at @saintneribar. 

About Saint Neri

Known as the patron saint of good times and joy, Saint Neri does just that as guests enter a transformative haven designed by Buffalo native and internationally acclaimed designer Samuel Amoia (Ian Schrager and Hotels AB (Andre Balazs) alum) and Michael Woltz, exuding glamorous European opulence and the sought-after private club experience. Expect sophisticated craft cocktails, sexy martinis and menu selections from James Beard nominated Chef Steve Gedra (formally of Black Sheep) featuring fresh Sicilian and northern Italian influenced dishes, regional delicacies and full caviar service.