NYCReview
photo credit: Teddy Wolff
Contento
Included In
Contento is a restaurant built for everyone. That’s evident from the touchless sinks and grab bars in the bathroom, the lowered bar built in mind for wheelchair accessibility, and the wide aisles between tables. Social sustainability is built into the ethos of this place, with particular attention being paid to the disability community in the neighborhood.
Considering how few operations like this exist, we don’t want to overstate how important these elements are — but you should know that the food and thoughtful service at this East Harlem restaurant deserve to be celebrated just as much as their commitment to accessibility. The Peruvian-leaning menu is full of standouts (like a tart ceviche and a hefty burger cradling raclette), and the whole dining room — both staff and diners — feels connected in a way most championship-winning sports teams do.
photo credit: Teddy Wolff
During your meal here, chances are, lots of people will check in on you. A somm could stop by to highlight a few reds from the Willamette Valley, or a maybe bartender will point you in the direction of small-batch amari to enjoy at the end of the night. Choose wisely from the menu, and the head chef might even run a jenga tower of pork katsu to your table.
When it comes to ordering, try as many plates from the “Large” section as you can. The aforementioned pork katsu comes lightly dusted with salt (as all fried things should be) and is accompanied by yuzu aioli and a tangy daikon slaw that helps brighten the whole dish up with a pang of citrus. Short ribs arrive covered in a rich peanut sauce (over either udon noodles or rice), and they’re worth seeking out when you want a stew-adjacent entree. With the exception of the tangy ceviche and creamy salmon tiradito (start your meal with both of these), the more-substantial dishes hit much higher highs than any of the smaller plates like the botanas and pizzetas.
photo credit: Teddy Wolff
Contento is a place where you’ll always leave with what we call The Feel Good Factor™. The accessibility certainly contributes to this, but you’ll notice that everybody around you will be feeling this way about their meal as well. If what we’re describing sounds like a cheesy sitcom season finale, know that there’s real substance to back up the atmosphere. This is a restaurant (for everybody) to be excited about.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Teddy Wolff
Ceviche Classico
photo credit: Teddy Wolff
Salmon Tiradito
photo credit: Teddy Wolff
Verde Pizzetta
photo credit: Teddy Wolff
Contento Burger
photo credit: Teddy Wolff
Pork Katsu
photo credit: Teddy Wolff