Kaia Wine Bar Reviews

We loved this place. We had an excellent early dinner and great wine. The food was perfect. The service was amazing, and the atmosphere fun / vibrant. We wish we had a place like this back home!

Great little find in the upper east side. Wine and food was all excellent and unique, but everything was pricey. Roughly $18-23 for a glass of wine.

Having been to South Africa recently I was happy to find this place. Good selection of SA wines which we loved so much when we were there. The food was interesting and really good--= the pork ribs soaked in tea was a stand out and the chicken curry in the bread bowl also worth getting. The appetizer of baked stuffed lemons was different and really good.

First experience with South African cuisine . . . and everyone in our group was impressed, starting with the fabulous seeds for dipping oil soaked break in . . . like an everything bagel with as much of the everything as you've ever wanted . . . except better. the sliders are tasty as was the lentil biryani and the baked lemons . . . go . . . explore. and if you're a gin drinker, try the delicious Amber gin.

Great little restaurant on the Upper East side. Interesting choices of apps, entrees and dessert. Nice atmosphere. 'The Gatsby' sandwich had great flavors. Staff was also very helpful with the menu and suggestions. Definitely recommend for a couples night out.

We were hoping to revisit the innovative, tasty meat and fish creations we had experienced in Cape Town and we were blown away by Kaia Winebar. Combinatons of flavours which stop you in your tracks and make you wonder what you've been eating all these years! We were impressed by everything we tried from the Autumn menu and will go back to try all the other things. The winelist includes many superb wines from South Africa and we were particualry impressed to be able to have MCC Brut Rose (Graham Beck) which is so rare to find in the USA. Michelin recommended for a reason :-)

The food was delicious! The scenery and vibes were also so charming and inviting. My friends and I came after the Guggenheim and were very pleased. It was my first time indulging in South African foods and wine and it was truly delicious. I had the ribs and salad, my friend had the kale and another had the Bp pies and we were all pleased! The rose I got was delicious but my favorite part was the pudding dessert! It was amazing and so so yummy! Get the dessert and thank me later. Final verdict: We will definitely be returning after great and attentive device and delicious food!!

Have been to this restaurant a few times and it certainly doesn't disappoint. I've had many items on the menu and they are all very good with great flavour combinations. There's a cocktail in particular that I fell in love with. It was a peach cocktail and was served with half a fresh peach at the top of the cup. Was very delicious. Also try the fresh oysters, they are served with a pineapple sauce/chutney type thing which is amazing! The staff are extremely lovely and helpful.

Kaia is great for so many reasons. It is a wonderful space where you can simply enjoy a great and unique glass of wine or you can go for a full and delicious meal. Kaia has a few staples that stay on the menu regularly but their menu also changes with the seasons. The food is always creative and tasty and we always leave full and happy. If you find yourself on the UES, this is definitely a unique gem to wander into!

Perhaps they are going for the South African feel of the 1980s when mixed couples were frowned upon. Or perhaps having a coupon from Pulsd means you get inferior service than others. Whatever the case, this was one of the worst services my wife and I have ever encountered. When we first arrived, a lady sat us down and explained what we would be getting with our 3 course dinner with a bottle of wine. We looked at the menu for 15 minutes, and finally someone decided we could use some water. No bread. After ordering our wine, we decide on a wild boar slider and a fishcake slider. Even at this point, no bread. When they finally bring out the sliders, they finally bring the bread with olive oil and seasoning. It would've been nice if they brought this out first, since the bread was quite good. Between finishing the first course and bringing out the second course was an extended period, probably close to 20 minutes. During this whole time, no one bothered to pour our bottle of wine (we did it ourselves) or refill our water. Meanwhile, other couples and a few sailors from Fleet Week were being served their entrees before us, even though they came later than we did. (Yes, the other guests were white). My wife had the octopus and I had the lamb burger. The food was decent, but again, the lack of attention and service was so obvious that it didn't matter how the food was, we were quite annoyed at this point. We had finished our entrees, and it was another 20-30 minutes AFTER WE FINISHED until they cleared our plates. It got so ridiculous that we slid our plates all the way to the edge of the table in case they may notice that we were done. The plates were finally cleared, but side plates and bread basket were left. And of course, no one asked if we wanted dessert. Since the deal included a dessert, I finally got one of the servers' attention to see the dessert menu. When I directly asked him why the service is so poor and if it had to do with the fact that we bought a deal through Pulsd, he told us that "there is no conspiracy here," instead of apologizing. When a patron asks why the service is horrendous, this is when most decent restaurants would come talk to you and ask you if they could do something to make the dinner better. Instead, they made us wait another 15 minutes for dessert (we poured our final glasses of wine ourselves) and they brought THE WRONG DESSERT. They brought out a banana-based dessert when we clearly asked for a passionfruit tart. Really? When I told them they brought out the wrong dessert, they had a guy come over to try to pour more wine into our glasses. Here's a thought: why don't you actually pour the wine that we had ordered 2 hours ago? Too little too late, Kaia. We were there at 8pm, and we didn't get to leave until 10pm, even with us trying to hurry the torture along. The food may have been decent, the atmosphere may have been nice, but when service is this horrendous, it completely overshadows everything good that may be going on. I guess you have to be "friends" in the inner circle or not a mixed race couple to actually get service at this place. They definitely recreated the old atmosphere in South Africa where you become aware of the color of your skin. And definitely don't try to use a Pulsd deal or any other deal to try this place. You'll feel like a 3rd-rate citizen not worthy of any service or attention.

I only had four sliders here, not being very hungry. One thing that impressed me right off was that I placed a random order, but the four sliders came out neatly presented in a row on a long plate. They were good too, including, as I recall, a crab cake and a boar burger. Decent wine (I chose the cheapest, because even by the glass they run high here). Some other people had what I assume was the spiced beef with egg custard on it in a hot skillet. Looked good, but more than I needed just then. The general atmosphere was genial; lots of regulars, I think. So, overall, a good place to have just what you want and no more, knowing whatever you get will be good. And likely something you won't quite find elsewhere. But it helps to be a wine lover, since you'll be paying a slight premium for the quality.

I had wines with my wife. The restaurant offers South African cuisines and wines. The South African red wine, Big Flower (Botanica) with Cabernet Sauvignon, was so-so. I saw the menu of the meals. It was difficult to imagine the meals just from the titles. I am curious to them.

I was on my way elsewhere when I heard this beautiful music coming from the bar beside me. When I peeped inside, the atmosphere was bubbly, kind, and elegant. The hospitality was as warm and savory as the empanadas on my plate. (Mmm, …empanadas) Funny story: I ordered a tall glass of orange juice before realizing that this was a “wine” bar because the appetizers caught my full attention. I had such a great time and can’t wait to come back for the wine and cheese!!!

Only in NYC can you unintentionally stumble upon a gem of a restaurant like this. Never had South African food before but both the vegetarian and meat dishes were delicious and perfectly spiced (we had the Chakalaka, Bobotie, and the Gadsby) and desserts - a sticky cake and also a dark chocolate - were equally yummy. Couldn’t decide between 2 wines so they brought us tastes of each and picked a great red. Relaxed vibe, music that drowned out the street noise, just a really enjoyable place to spend the evening.

Kaia serves up South African-inspired staple dishes and selected wines in a context meant to evoke certain cultural references. It all works, but only if you bring your own understanding. Kaia fails to play this up as part of the unique experience -- the coal stove, enamelware, provenance of the dishes and logic behind the wine selection aren't fully explained. That's a pity.

If you find yourself on the Upper West Side around 91st try this wine bar/restaurant at 1614 3rd Avenue. They pour only South African wines. The place is relatively small and mercifully lacks trendiness. It seems everyone there is a "local". The owner, Suzaan Hauptfleisch kindly guided my wife and I through their lists of reds and whites. Prices were low for the area and all the selections were excellent. The place had a very cool ambience. They also serve South African dishes although we partook only of wine. The menu looked very healthy and several tables were occupied by families. I guess it should be called wine bar with gastropub. Being from Los Angeles we have been in many wine bars but none this friendly and unpretentious. Given the somewhat outrageous prices for wine by the glass in NYC this place is a real find.

Delicious, all items prepare to order by Suzaan. Relaxed informal dining on the shaded patio. What could be better.

Right off the bat you will notice that the staff are so friendly, accommodating and from South Africa. The owner Suzaan was very welcoming and recommended some great wine that we enjoyed tremendously. We started off the meal with some biltong that took me back to SA. Following on that I ordered the Lamb Burger, I have had many burgers from many different countries and I must say hands down the Lamb Burger was literally perfect and the best burger I have ever had. You have to try it. It was my friends Birthday and when they found this out we were treated to a round of "SpringBokkies" (Shots from SA) and a desert with a candle in it, also an amazing desert. Well done Kaia Wine Bar, you are smashing it!

We have been to Kaia three times. It is a "must do" for us when in New York. The food, wine, and hospitality are impeccable. Kaia's staff and owner have always made us feel as if we're over for a party. Try bobotie, bunnychow, and malva poeding along with wines that the staff suggests. It can be crowded, so arrive early and plan to relax the entire evening.

The locale is very nice and simple like a local bar/restaurant. Very nice atmosphere and great service. Food and flavors were amazing for a party of 6. The wine list and the fact that the wines are by the glass worked really well. definitely a destination in the UES. Wiil definitely be back. Thanks again for a great evening.

Kaia was a great find on the UES. We walked by and decided to stop in for a glass of wine and ended up staying for a delicious tapas-style dinner. The decor is very cozy and inviting with a local's vibe and friendly staff. The wine was good, mostly South African offerings, and the bartender was very knowledgeable. The menu offered a variety of South African small plates that were so much fun to try. The proteins were familiar but the spices and preparation were unique and so tasty. I tried to get them to share the recipes, but they politely declined. We look forward to going back the next time were are in town.

Authentic food from South Africa! Even the waitress was South African. Everything was delicious. The menu is a refreshing and unique change from what’s usually on offer in NYC. The food is exotic but not so much so that a picky eater wouldn’t like it. A lamb burger with sour cherries and peri-peri chips is still familiar but different enough to be fun. Wild boar slider with whatever cool aioli they had was amazing. The malva pudding was scrumptious. The cocktail list was full of interesting ideas. We will surely be back.

We went here before an event at the 92 Y, and I have to say this place is now in my must go to places in the city. The place is cozy, and the food is amazing. The stuffed baked lemons were unique and delicious. The staff and owner were extremely friendly and knowledgeable and made some great suggestions for the wine. A definite must go!

Visited kaia on my most recent trip to nyc and was so impressed I went back 2 more times! Food, drinks and service were all on point. Great atmosphere too! Highly recommend!

Nice atmosphere. Good food with typical afrikaanse geregte. Well done Susan! Keep on doing the good work. Exploit you are from the rainbow nation and promote your beautiful country. Greetz Govert Leendertse

My wife and I needed a light meal before a seminar at the 92nd St. Y, and we wanted something more than falafel. This South African wine bar was a hit. I ordered Curried Butternut Squash Soup topped with squash seeds, served with a Grilled Cheese Sandwich made up of mozarella and a soft sheep's milk cheese ($15). The soup was sublime, and the grilled cheese was wonderful, if a bit soft, so the cheese spurt out with every bite. It paired nicely with a spicy South African Pinotage recommended by our server. My wife had a Kaiai Winter Slaai: kale, roasted butternut squash, roasted Seckel pears, pecans, pomegranates, shaved pecorino romano cheese, and maple coriander vinaigrette -- sound familiar? Of course not, and, at $16, a great find. The Twinings teabag tea she had was ordinary, but the little bowl of honey to sweeten it was not. This is a special place, and we'll be back.

This is a great local wine bar. We got to try authentic African blends and they were really good. The staff there were very friendly and gave us a lot of information about the different wines and where the regions they’re from. We also got the veggie sliders as a snack and they were delicious. The sauce that it comes with perfectly complemented the potato patty. They also give you some bread with your wine and I really enjoyed the seasoning that it came with. We also got some cheeses and I really liked that there were so many different options to pick from. The seating area is really nice, it’s comfortable for big and small groups. This wine bar really felt like a local spot that welcomes everyone and really fosters a sense of community.

A South African themed wine bar. The waitress was South African too and charming and friendly - as would be expected of a South African. Small with a bustling atmoshpere. The food was straighforward and typivcal simple South African. I had the Cape Malay curry sandwich which was unpretentious and tasty.

I visited with friends who have been raving about this gem of a South African restaurant with a charismatic staff who make everyone feel at home. I was not disappointed. The mango bellini was a wonderful start to the meal. They served a bread basket with olive oil, a spice rub, butter and a fruit compote or jam that tasted a bit like cherries and apple butter. The spice mix and olive oil were also a flavorful option. I selected the Juannie’s skillet and it was amazing with eggs served on a bed of chorizo and black beans with tortillas toasted with a crumbly cheese on the side and a green tomato salsa. My friends had a steak and potatoes platter, and a vegetable stew with eggs baked in the stew skillet. We saw a couple of their stuffed French toast dishes go by and all agreed that was something to try the next time. Literally everything that came out of the kitchen looked amazing. I look forward to returning on a future visit to NYC.

Small restaurant, suggest you make a reservation. It was busy when we were there and probably not enough staff on. The food had really good flavours. Star anise in the films, cinnamon smells coming from the kitchen. It took forever for us to get served and for our food to come. Nice full bodied South African wine

We stumbled across this place as we were walking around and I'm glad we did. I ordered the bunny chow and it was delicious. I also enjoyed the milk stout. The service was great and it wasn't too expensive.

A great place to drink (and also possible to have a conversation). Delicious S. African wine (love the chenin blanc) and S. African food (highly recommend the wild boar sliders!). Service is friendly and hospitable - feels like a family place.

This wonderful little wine bar is an oasis of great food & drink, and comfortable atmosphere, in the nightlife wasteland that is the Upper East Side. Their wine selection is varied and excellent, their food is always good (make sure to get the bread with oil & mixed seeds/spices while you wait), and the people are friendly. Probably my favorite spot for dinner in the neighborhood.

Came here to meet a few friends at the bar for a early dinner. Started with the oysters who were from main. excellent. Then we decided to share a few plates washed down with some South African white wine. All very satisfactory. Bar tender was very helpful. Will definitely come back.

Can't say more than expect "Just Go!" It is exactly "Farm-to-table small plates, with craft beers & a New World wine list emphasizing South Africa." Enjoy assorted authentic dried beef jerky Biltong, "BEDUIWELDE EIERS Devilled eggs with peri peri and topped with biltong fuzz" , specifically South Africa's own PINOTAGE: " Pinotage, Survivor, Overhex Wines, Swartland, South Africa, 2015 Pinotage, Olson, Paarl, South Africa, 2009", craft beer, and a well concocted cocktail called the "Free State Sunset bulleit bourbon, maple syrup, orange marmalade, lemon juice, fresh rosemary". Service: GREAT & informative!!! Go!

As a South African I was sceptical at first to try the food when I stumbled upon this cosy restaurant in NYC. However, I was pleasantly surprised and left homesick after experiencing some of the delicious cuisine on offer. Keep up the good work Kaia.

The lamb burger was good but probably too pricey for what it was because it only came with potato chips.. Cool spot for couples or friends for drinks but not all that impressed in general. I like that their menu changes seasonally since it's farm to table.

Loved this place. It’s a South African restaurant and I was surprised by how good it was. Great wine list of all wine from that country. The octopus entree was cooked just right. And my entree of something that looked like meat lasagna workout the cheese or tomato was absolutely delicious. And dessert was amazing. Definitely going back. The waiter was very attentive and spot on for the wine recommendation

This was our second time at Kaia and once again we had a great evening. We sat at the bar and enjoyed the excellent food, and got chatting to someone else sitting at the bar. Good service, good food, good people! We will be back!

I visited the Kaia Wine Bar twice during my stay in NYC. Both times it was hard to leave the place. The staff and owner make this place feel like home away from home. The food is out of this world and it amaized me what they could pull off in a small kitchen space. For that alone they deserve 5 stars. The wine is all South African and the food has a South African influence also. This makes it a taste adventure and food and wine pairing paradise. All the wines is available by the glass and really good value for money. Go visit Kaia Wine Bar - you will experience something very special!!!

South African-inspired & rustically chic interior with a hearty, filling menu in Afrikaans (with translations, of course). The pork ribs infused with rooibos tea were superb. Very polite, friendly & conscientious service with a comprehensive wine selection. A unique find on the Upper East Side!

Nice South African restaurant and wine bar with a nice vibe and outstanding service. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Good selection of South African wines, if buying a bottle and undecided they will let you sample the wine before ordering. Interesting menu with both sharing and entree options., The food was good, some dishes better than others.

I must start by saying the staff at Kaia were friendly and helpful. However, overall the experience left much to desire. I went with a friend during happy hour, and the happy hour beer was out. As such, we tried the South African wine which was good and a couple of cocktails. All in all I probably would not go back.

I actually completely disagree with review below about Kaia's context not being explained or 'played up' Meeting the owner responsible for Kaia- you will understand why the stoves, the enamel ware and food. The food is not to refer to specific cultures as the reviewer suggests. I have been to South Africa a few times myself and the food is much rather a representation of what is happening currently in South Africa. A modern play on all the unique things that make up the food scene now which is incredibly exciting- but even more that of what the owner suzanne and her chef, Ivan grew up on. They are from the same province in SA and their mothers' influences everywhere. Suzanne's mother cooks with the chef when she visits and we remember meeting her last year as she was feeding people dessert she was making in the line waiting for their one bathroom downstairs. If you go- ask for Suzanne. You will leave Kaia with context that is personal and different. As for the wines.. Her place offers a winelist that you can taste everything and all is sold by the glass, which is rare in this city. I think it is more what is availabe withing a certain price range to them by Importers (I used to work for a distributor). Lastly- just go. There is a little, intimate, very personal wine bar on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. They change their menu frequently and if you are looking for only traditional SA food, it is probably not the place for you. Otherwise- GO. Talk to the people serving your food, and if you are lucky enough to meet that incredible woman- ask for her. You will leave Kaia falling in love.

Suzaan accomodated our group and made sure we had seats ahead of time although they don't take reservations. The wine was lovely and we enjoyed 2 different tapas to compliment the wine. You can have a lovely meal here by ordering a few of the heartier tapas and salad. The room is quite loud at capacity though - even on a Tuesday night, we had trouble hearing each other and were shouting to be heard which was the only bummer about our experience there.

This is a taste thing - nothing wrong with the service or decor but from the minute they brought out our water in mason jars, it just screamed inauthentic and "trying too hard". Wine list is adequate but for the prices they charge, that extra element that makes it something other than another run of the mill locale surfing-the-hipster-wave is missing. Totally suitable if you are staying round the corner, as we were, but I wouldn't go out of my way to come again.

The lamb burger was delicious. The owner was very friendly and explained the menu. The interior of the restaurant is clean but doesn't look like the fancy places you see in Times Square, but that isn't important. They change up the menu throughout the year. This isn't a copy cat menu--it is authentic. I would recommend it. By the way, if you don't know what "sweetbreads" are--ask before you order them.

Good old South African hospitality right in NYC! The menu has all the old favorites like Bunny Chow, Bobotie, vetkoek etc... complimented well by a nice selection of South African wines in a cosy atmosphere. The Granadilla martinis are killer and best you save room for the homemade "Malva pudding for dessert!

We were so anticipating trying Kaia after reading about it in The Week magazine. We wanted to experience some ethnic food while in NYC and they exceeded our expectations by far. It's a cute place, clean and some dishes were unique. Tacos were amazingly good! We enjoyed sampling many of them. The staff was over the top as far as service was concerned. It was nice to see the owner there helping to keep things moving smoothly. Get there early for a seat as they don't take reservations. I would highly recommend Kaia to folks wanting a great time and luscious food.

Being a native from South Africa, I was excited to visit your restaurant in Manhattan. My excitement soon changed to disappointment. Other than names of items on a menu, nothing resembled South Africa. I'm not a review person, but I couldn't pass this by. The food was not authentic, the service was non existent and it was so overcrowded you couldn't be serviced or hear yourself talk. Sorry, not good.

I had read this place gets packed quickly and they were not lying. We arrived on a Friday evening at 4:30pm and it was already getting full. By 5:00pm it was pretty jammed and by the time we left, numerous people were either waiting or turned away. The staff was very friendly. We began with one of their cocktails, the Grandalia Lollie, and it was delicious. One of those kinds of drinks you could have twenty without realizing it so we switched to a bottle of their sparkling South African and it was different and yum! For appetizers we had the baked lemons (so unique!) and the duck drumettes. Both were good. For dinner the shrimp and grits and the lamb burger. The shrimp/grits were beautiful to look at as well as tasty. Overall, the experience was great, and we will definitely come back. Again, people can make/break a place, and everyone was super nice.