Kaia Wine Bar

"Kaia Wine Bar on the UES is offering a bunch of wine and picnic kits for pick-up or delivery from noon to 8pm every day. They’re also running their own farmers market with goods available for pick-up. You can check out their website for more details." - hannah albertine

"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

"With flagship restaurant Madiba closed, the city is nearly bereft in the South African restaurant department. So, where will we get our biltong (beef jerky) and bunny chow (loaf of bread hollowed out and filled with a curry) now? The answer is Kaia, a great wine bar and restaurant a stone’s throw from the 92nd Street Y. Amazingly, the expansive wine list is all South African vintages, and there are happy hour bargains before 7 p.m." - Robert Sietsema

"Kaia offers more than 70 South African wines, but whether you have thoughts on the differences between South African and French chenin blanc, or you didn’t really know South African wine was a thing, you’ll enjoy spending time here. The casual Upper East Side wine bar offers Happy Hour every day, a great lamb burger, and a space that works as well for casual dates as dinners with parents. And even if you’re not sure how you feel about South African wine going in, the friendly bartenders will keep pouring you tastes until you find one you like." - hannah albertine, bryan kim, matt tervooren

"Kaia is a rare place in the city to find South African fare. Find dishes like duck with mango chutney, chilled asparagus soup, barramundi with roasted red peppers, and a lamb burger with sour-cherry compote. It also boasts an extensive South African wine list — making it a solid pick for a glass of wine and snack or a full-fledged meal." - Eater Staff