VIBE

Downstairs at Aria, a happening wine bar serves up flashy drinks to a well-heeled meet-and-greet set, while one floor up (via a dramatic circular staircase) there’s a posh European dining room where important deals are sealed over gourmet meals. A busy open kitchen and Roman frescoes on the walls add some pizzazz to an otherwise restrained palette of creamy carpets and white-on-white linens.

CROWD

Business-heavy crowd, with a smattering of "special occasion" couples mixed in.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Shoot for somewhere between your business best and smart casual, like a tailored skirt, pearls, heels, and a trend-setting clutch.

GO HERE WITH

Colleagues or clients; a date

WHY WE LIKE IT

Spurning trendy minimalism for all-out swankiness, Aria’s surrounds make schmoozing a breeze–this is still one of the best spots in town for a classic wine-and-dine.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The loos are outside the restaurant–we wish they were a touch closer.

GOOD TO KNOW

There’s live jazz in the downstairs wine bar every night of the week, and now that they’ve pulled star mixologist Bruce Li (formerly of Centro) on board, there are fab cocktails to be had, too. If you’re having trouble finding it (the China World Center can be a little tricky to navigate), go to the main entrance of the China World Hotel (there are signs all over the complex guiding you there) and head for Level Two.