Sundays in New York move at a different pace. The city softens a little, the sound of traffic fades, and the air feels lighter. In Chelsea, people stroll instead of rush, browsing through art galleries or meeting friends for a late breakfast that stretches into lunch.
And in the middle of this calm, one place stands out for its warmth and soul: Porteño NYC, the best restaurant in Chelsea. An Argentinian gem on 10th Avenue where Sundays feel like home. A place to slow down, enjoy good food, and share laughter over a glass of Fernet.
The Taste of an Argentinian Sunday
In Argentina, Sundays are sacred. They’re for family, friends, and food. A slow, comforting rhythm built around long lunches and good company.
It’s also when Fernet with Coca-Cola becomes part of the day. That iconic bitter, herbal drink that has turned into a symbol of togetherness. Originally Italian, Fernet Branca found its second home in Buenos Aires, becoming an inseparable part of Argentinian weekends.
At Porteño, that tradition lives on. The first sip of Fernet is earthy and refreshing, the kind of drink that resets you after a long week. It’s no surprise Argentinians call it a cure-all. It’s their way of feeling good again after long nights out with friends or endless celebrations.
Some call it a digestif. Others, a remedy. At Porteño, it’s a ritual. A taste that brings you back to life, one pour at a time.
The Weekend Remedy
There’s something almost magical about Fernet’s effect. It’s strong, but not overpowering. Bittersweet, yet refreshing. After a night of laughter and drinks, it’s the one thing Argentinians trust to make the next morning feel better.
At Porteño, that same spirit finds a home in Chelsea. You can sit at the bar, take a sip of Fernet, and feel the day start to slow down. It’s the perfect pairing to any meal, a quiet moment that connects New York’s energy with Buenos Aires’s heart.
Whether you’re catching up with friends or taking a solo Sunday break, Fernet is the drink that says: you’ve made it through the week, now relax.
Chelsea Sundays and Argentine Comfort
Chelsea is made for days like this. Between iconic galleries like David Zwirner, Pace, and Hauser & Wirth, you can feel creativity in the air. After hours of walking through exhibitions and cobblestone streets, all you need is a place to unwind and Porteño offers exactly that.
The space feels familiar from the moment you walk in. Wooden tables, cozy lighting, and the kind of easy atmosphere that makes you want to stay. Jorge and George, always smiling behind the counter, greet you like family. Their warmth sets the tone for everything that follows.
What Sundays Taste Like at Porteño
At Porteño, Sundays are never rushed. They’re about comfort, flavor, and connection.
You might start with the soup of the day, always seasonal, always crafted with care. It’s the perfect first bite on a chilly afternoon. Then there’s the Argentinian steak, juicy and smoky from the grill, paired with a glass of Malbec.
Each dish feels like an embrace, simple, full of life, and unmistakably authentic. Every bite tells you you’re not just eating, you’re experiencing a tradition. Every option reflects Argentina’s soul. Rich in flavor, made with love, and meant to be shared.
Why Porteño Is the Best Restaurant in Chelsea
Porteño stands out not because it tries to impress, but because it stays true. It’s the kind of place that values real food, honest service, and the beauty of slowing down.
Locals love it for its balance, casual enough for a weekday lunch, elegant enough for a date night. Whether you stop by for a quick meal or linger for hours, it feels like the right place to be.
That’s what makes Porteño one of the best restaurants in Chelsea: its authenticity. The space blends the warmth of Buenos Aires with the sophistication of Manhattan, creating a dining experience that feels both timeless and intimate.
How to Spend the Perfect Sunday in Chelsea
Start your day exploring The High Line, watch the city wake up from above, and stroll down to Chelsea Market for a quick browse. Then make your way to Porteño for a slow, satisfying meal. The kind that resets your mood and energy.
Order a drink, share a few dishes, and let the day unfold naturally. For some, the afternoon continues at The Shed or Hudson Yards, for others, it ends right there, over a final sip of Fernet and an easy conversation.
Because sometimes, the best Sundays aren’t about doing more, they’re about finding the right place to pause.
A Home Away from Home
Porteño isn’t just about food, it’s about feeling welcome. Every corner of the restaurant carries that Argentinian spirit, friendly, open, and full of heart.
The staff makes sure you’re taken care of, the music sets the mood, and the flavors speak for themselves. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for your favorite dish, you’ll find the same warmth every time.
So the next time you’re in Chelsea wondering where to go for Sunday lunch or dinner, remember this place on 10th Avenue. Porteño is more than a restaurant, it’s a moment, a ritual, a reminder of how good food and good people can make you feel at home.
