Contento
Mexican restaurant · Delafield ·
Elevated tacos, fresh guac, craft cocktails, and unique tequila selection
Elevated tacos, fresh guac, craft cocktails, and unique tequila selection
"An East Harlem Peruvian restaurant known for being accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities, this spot opened in 2021 with wine professional Yannick Benjamin and garnered acclaim from the New York Times, Esquire, and Eater, but it closed in late 2024 because the business was reportedly too unsustainable." - Nadia Chaudhury
"A Peruvian restaurant in East Harlem, opened in 2021 and recognized on the New York Times top 100 restaurants list two consecutive years, that closed after struggles including inflation and safety concerns; co-owner Yannick Benjamin, who was paralyzed below the waist and had made accessibility central to the operation, posted a heartfelt note that detailed the pressures: “Rising crime forced us to hire full-time security. I took on side jobs just to afford health insurance,” he said. “Despite our team’s tireless efforts, inflation, safety concerns, and declining numbers proved insurmountable.”" - Emma Orlow
"A Harlem restaurant cited as having recently closed due to rising costs; its closure is used as an example of how rising ingredient costs, fair wages, steep rents, and industry pressures have already forced businesses to shut and how additional congestion-pricing-related costs could deal another blow to restaurants and diners." - Melissa McCart
"Its sommelier, Yannick Benjamin, was awarded Michelin's Sommelier Award in 2023, recognizing the restaurant's wine program." - BySam Stone
"The ethos and layout at Contento is “accessible for all,” including the wheelchair-accessible bar and the wide aisles. It’s inspired by beverage director and co-owner Yannick Benjamin, who recovered from a car accident, rejiggered a tray onto his wheelchair, and kept working as a sommelier. His wine list at Contento highlights wines that have a social impact, which showcases women, BIPOC, indigenous, and sustainability-driven winemakers. His partner, Oscar Lorenzzi, created a food menu that combines his Peruvian roots with the French techniques gleaned from working at Marseille and Nice Matin." - Eater Staff
