Kaia Wine Bar
Wine bar · Upper East Side
1614 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10128
Highlights
Farm-to-table small plates, South African wines, craft beers
Farm-to-table small plates, South African wines, craft beers
"Kaia is the South African wine bar you need in your life, and it’s one of the best hangs on the Upper East Side. It feels like eating at your world-traveling Aunt’s place - more like a home than a restaurant. They serve over 50 wines from South Africa, and encourage you to try them until you find exactly what you’re in the mood for. The people here want you to learn about their wine and, just like your aunt, they pour massive glasses of it. Everything we’ve eaten here is tasty and different - like the elk tartare and lamb burger. They change the menu often, but there’s always the kale salad, which is actually great. Kaia is a spot you’d probably walk right by without noticing, but it should have a siren on top of it. If you’re a parent seeking an hour of alone time, dinner for one at the bar is a great idea. First dates, husbands/wives, and parents will all appreciate this place as well. If you live on the Upper East Side and you enjoy drinking wine, Kaia should be in your rotation. Food Rundown Oysters No need to rush to get here for Happy Hour, because oysters are $1.50 all day, every day at Kaia. Wild Boar Slider Probably the only restaurant in NYC that really wants you to kick things off with a boar slider. Get off on the right foot and do it. Elk Carpaccio One of their signature dishes, elk is less gamey than you might expect. Silky smooth and super tasty, definitely order it. Mac & Cheese With Wild Mushrooms If your first impulse isn’t to order the skillet mac and cheese, then we are not motivated by the same needs. BBQ Pork Ribs Technically, this dish is called “Rooibos Tee En Bosbessie Vark Ribbetjies,” which means “rooibos tea and cranberry BBQ pork ribs with coleslaw.” These are a mandatory order. Meat falls of the bone, and there’s a ton of flavor. Lamb Burger This is a very different burger, and one we absolutely love. $23 is a lot to spend for any burger, but it's incredibly rich, meaty in flavor, crazy juicy, made by hand and served with roquefort and cherry compote. You won’t be disappointed." - Andrew Steinthal
"Along with takeout and delivery, Kaia Wine Bar on the UES is serving hundreds of meals to healthcare workers every week. You can call 212 722 0490 to place your delivery and pick-up order, and email suzaan@kaiawinebar.com to find out more about their meal donation project." - hannah albertine
"This week, you have the opportunity to have a perfect Saturday at Kaia with a raw-bar fest during the day and disco drag at night. Come here for oysters or a full seafood feast at 1pm, or swing by at 10pm for a drag show, $10 martinis, and dancing. More info here." - neha talreja
"This South African wine bar is hosting a crab bake and drag show this weekend inside its dining room on the Upper East Side. Kaia’s end-of-summer seafood bash will begin at 12pm on Sunday, September 26th, and three local drag queens will be performing throughout the day. For $39, you’ll get a massive pot of fresh crab, sausage, potatoes, lobster, and corn. And since this is a wine bar after all, expect a full menu of great by-the-glass options from South Africa to enjoy with the show." - nikko duren
"For South African wine, shrimp rolls, and oysters on the UES, head to Kaia Wine Bar. They have eight outdoor tables spread across their sidewalk where you can try a glass of something you’ve probably never had. If you happen to love it, make sure to pick up a bottle from their cafe before you leave." - hannah albertine, nikko duren
