Kaia Wine Bar Introduce
For those seeking a truly unique and memorable experience on the Upper East Side, Kaia Wine Bar stands out as a vibrant and welcoming destination. This isn't just another wine bar; it's a culinary journey to South Africa, right in the heart of New York City. Kaia offers a distinct blend of a thoughtfully curated wine list, featuring authentic African blends, and a menu of unique, flavorful dishes that you won't find anywhere else in the neighborhood. As a women-owned and LGBTQ+ friendly establishment, Kaia fosters an inclusive and comfortable atmosphere that makes every visitor feel at home. It’s a place that buzzes with a cozy, trendy energy, perfect for a romantic evening or a lively gathering with friends.
The essence of Kaia Wine Bar is its commitment to providing an authentic and educational experience. The staff are known for their friendly and knowledgeable service, offering great information about the wines and the regions they hail from. This personal touch elevates the experience, turning a simple glass of wine into a discovery. The menu is equally exciting, with dishes that reflect the rich and diverse flavors of South African cuisine. From the "Peri Peri Smoked Head On Prawns" to the "BOBOTIE," each dish is an adventure. While the atmosphere can get a bit noisy, it only adds to the lively and communal feel. Kaia has successfully created a space that feels like a true local spot, where great food, great wine, and great company come together to create a sense of community.
Beyond the fantastic food and wine, Kaia's appeal extends to its dedication to hospitality and creating a special experience. Customers consistently praise the quality of the drinks, from the great cocktails to the extensive wine list. The small plates and snacks, like the "Veggie Sliders" and unique cheese options, are perfect for pairing with a drink. The attention to detail, such as the complimentary bread with its special seasoning, shows a genuine care for the customer experience. Kaia Wine Bar is a place where you can relax, explore new flavors, and feel like you've stumbled upon a hidden gem, even in a city as vast as New York.
---Kaia Wine Bar is conveniently located at 1614 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10128. Situated on the Upper East Side, this address places it in a prime, residential neighborhood with easy accessibility. The bar is well-connected by public transportation, including several subway and bus lines that make it a breeze to get to from anywhere in Manhattan. For those who are driving, the area offers both paid street parking and valet parking, which is a significant convenience in a dense urban setting. The location is an ideal spot for locals looking for a neighborhood haunt or for tourists who want to experience a unique culinary destination away from the typical tourist crowds.
The establishment is committed to providing a welcoming and accessible environment for all patrons. Kaia features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring that everyone can comfortably enjoy their visit. The layout is designed to accommodate both large and small groups, with seating arrangements that are flexible and comfortable. The outdoor seating is a great feature, allowing guests to enjoy their wine and food in the open air, a perfect option on a pleasant evening. The atmosphere is consistently described as cozy and trendy, making it a great place to linger and enjoy the evening.
---Kaia Wine Bar offers a comprehensive range of services that go beyond a simple bar experience, creating a full-fledged dining and social destination. Their service model is designed for a seamless and enjoyable visit. Here is a detailed look at what they offer:
- Dine-in Service with Outdoor Seating: Guests can enjoy table service in a beautiful, cozy setting. The bar also offers outdoor seating, which is a great option for a pleasant evening.
- Takeout and Delivery: For those who want to enjoy Kaia's unique dishes at home, the bar provides both takeout and delivery services, including a no-contact option for convenience and safety.
- Accepts Reservations: As a popular spot, Kaia accepts reservations, which is highly recommended to secure a table, especially during peak hours.
- Happy Hour: The wine bar offers happy hour specials on both food and drinks, making it a great spot for a post-work gathering or a pre-dinner treat.
- Food and Bar Offerings: The bar provides a full menu of food and drinks, including a wide selection of wine, beer, cocktails, and hard liquor. They also serve food at the bar for solo diners or those who prefer a more casual experience.
- Flexible Payment: Customers can pay using a variety of convenient methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
What makes Kaia Wine Bar a standout choice among the many bars and restaurants in New York City? It's a combination of its unique offerings, a welcoming atmosphere, and exceptional service. Here are some of the key highlights that make this place special:
- Unique South African Wine List: Kaia is a rare find in NYC for its focus on authentic South African wine blends. The staff’s knowledge of these wines provides an educational and enjoyable experience for patrons.
- Authentic and Delicious Cuisine: The menu is a major highlight, featuring unique South African dishes that are praised for their flavor and authenticity. Items like the "Peri Peri Smoked Head On Prawns" and "DUCK FRITES & CHERRY MONKEYGLAND SAUCE" are unique and delicious.
- Outstanding Cocktails and Beer Selection: Beyond wine, the bar is known for its great cocktails and a strong beer list, ensuring there's a drink for every preference.
- Cozy and Welcoming Atmosphere: The ambiance is consistently described as cozy, trendy, and comfortable. It's a space that feels inclusive and welcomes all crowds, from groups of friends to solo diners.
- Exceptional Service: The friendly and knowledgeable staff are a major draw. They are happy to provide recommendations and information, enhancing the overall dining and drinking experience.
- Women-Owned and LGBTQ+ Friendly: Kaia's identity as a women-owned and inclusive space adds to its appeal, fostering a sense of community and safety for all patrons.
For more information or to make a reservation, you can contact Kaia Wine Bar at their Upper East Side location:
Address: 1614 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10128
Phone: (212) 722-0490
---Choosing a wine bar in New York can be difficult with so many options, but Kaia Wine Bar provides a truly compelling reason to visit. What makes it worth choosing is its one-of-a-kind blend of a curated wine list and authentic South African cuisine. This combination creates an experience that is both educational and deeply satisfying. The opportunity to try unique African wine blends while enjoying flavorful, one-of-a-kind dishes is something you simply cannot find anywhere else in the city.
Beyond the food and drink, the atmosphere and service are what truly set Kaia apart. The cozy and trendy setting is perfect for a special night out, and the friendly, knowledgeable staff make you feel like a welcomed guest. The bar's commitment to creating an inclusive and comfortable space for everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community, shows a dedication to hospitality that goes beyond just serving good food and wine. For a memorable evening filled with unique flavors, great drinks, and a sense of community, Kaia Wine Bar is a top choice that promises a special experience you’ll want to repeat.
Kaia Wine Bar Menu
Kaia's Taco Shop
- Chakalaka Met ‘N Kaas En Tamatie Braai Broodjie $17.00
south african veggie and bean stewy soup with a cheesy tomato and onion sandwich
- Shrimp $8.00
pico de gallo, fresh tomato salsa.
- Chorizo $7.00
tomatillo, fresh tomato salsa
- Pineapple Jarritos $2.00
- Eend Confit $32.00
magret duck confit leg with parsnip puree and sage gravy
- Beef Tongue (Lengua) $5.00
Green tomatillo, fresh salsa.
- Margaritas $10.00
plain or spicy jalapeno
- Pork Pastor $7.00
grilled pineapple, guajillo & morita chili sauce, spanish onions and fresh cilantro.
- Duck Carnitas $9.00
duck leg braised in duck fat and spices, cilantro, spanish onions & green tomatillo sauce
- Oxtail Birria/Beesstert $9.00
Braised Oxxtail with warm spices, cheddar, white onion, coriander leaf
- Chicken Tinga $7.00
spanish onions, green tomatillo sauce, bay leaf and smoked chipotle.
- Steak $7.00
pico de gallo, guajillo & morita chili sauce and fresh cilantro
- Oxtail Birria Taco/ Beesttert Taco $9.00
braised oxtail with warm south african spices, white onion & coriander leaf
Kaia Famer's Market
- Bacon (Uncured Hickory Smoked) $9.00
- Adirondack Blue Potatoes (1lb) $5.50
- Smoked Chicken Apple Sausage $8.00
- Brown Eggs From Campanelli Farm (1 Dozen) $6.00
- Charmin Toilet Paper (1 Roll) $1.00
- Vine Tomatoes (1lb) $5.00
- Fuji Apples (2) $1.00
- Top Sirloin $9.00
- Kaia Jam $12.00
Small.
- Mangoes $2.00
- Brussels Sprouts (1lb) $2.00
- Asparagus (1 Bunch) $5.00
- Mini Peppers (1lb) $4.00
- Kaja Mustard $12.00
Small.
- Sweet Potato (1lb) $2.00
- Yellow Fingerlings (1lb) $3.50
- Dukka Spice $20.00
- Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes (1 Pint) $5.00
- Naval Oranges $1.00
- Baby Creamer Potatoes (1lb) $5.50
- Shallots (1lb) $4.50
- Boneless Strip Steak $15.00
- Duck Lard $5.00
- Grapefruit $2.00
- Heirloom Carrots (1lb) $3.00
- Whole Milk Or Reduced Milk From Clark Farms Creamery (32oz) $3.50
- Clementines (2) $1.00
- Baby Buttons (1lb) $5.50
- Kiwi (2) $1.00
Nagereg – Dessert/ Homemade Goods
- Beskuit/Rusks $12.00
traditional South African rusks ( similar to biscotti ) made by my mom - sold per pack
- GRANADILLA ( PASSIONFRUIT ) CREMORA $9.00
passionfruit creme
- Kaapse Brandewyn Poeding $9.00
Cape Brandy Pudding
- Boerewors $22.00
traditional Free State Farm sausage made by my mom. Sold per pack.
- Crunchie Chocolate & Honeycomb Fridge Tart/ Crunchie Crisp Yskas Tert $9.00
layered fridge tart with honeycomb chocolate crunchies, banana, vanilla pudding, amarula caramel & tennis biscuits
- Koekies $6.00
Peanut butter OR Peanut butter and Nutella Cookies baked by my mom
- MALVA 'POEDING" $9.00
Sticky cake with homemade vanilla custard.
- Donker Sjokolade Terrine / Dark Chocolate Terrine $9.00
dark chocolate terrine with amarula creme and honeycomb crunchies
- DARK CHOCOLATE FLOURLESS TERRINE $9.00
Dark chocolate flourless terrine with honeycomb chocolate crunchies & amarula cream
Vleis – Meat
- Capocollo $7.00
New York. Pork salami.
- Sopressata $7.00
New York. Hot.
- Prosciutto Rosso $8.00
New York. Aged for 18 months, sweet and mildly salty.
Mains
- Peri Peri Smoked Head On Prawns/ Peri Peri Gesmoorde Steurgarnale $24.00
head on prawns in a peri peri & smoked paprika butter sauce
- Geroosterde Seekat $23.00
roasted octopus with a summer heirloom potato salad
- Eend Confit $32.00
magret duck confit let with parsnip puree and sage gravy
- ELK CARPACCIO With My Mom's Mustard And A Peppery Arugula & Peppadew Salad $31.00
served with my mother Elize's homemade mustard and arugula salad.
- Beesstert En Samp $29.00
braised oxtail stew with hominy ( a nelson mandela favorite )
- CURRIED TOMATO & CHICKPEA SOUP With A Cheesy, Tomato, Red Onion & Chutney Sandwich $25.00
Creamy Corn Soup with brown butter and a cheesy, tomato, red onion and chutney sandwich
- Hoender Vlerkies $15.00
chicken wings with south african monkeygland sauce ( no monkeys harmed in the making of the dish ) just south african BBQ sauce!
- Spear & Shield $18.00
Portabello mushroom and asparagus spears with a green peppercorn cheese sauce
- Samp & Bone /Hominy, Bean & Veggie Stew $20.00
South African veggie stew with hominy, bean and veg - also a Nelson Mandela Favorite
- WILD HEAD ON TIGER PRAWNS $33.00
Wild HEAD ON shrimp in smoky paprika and peri peri sauce with Tannie Elize's bread.
- Chef Billy's Tiger Shrimp & IWISA Pap ( Grits ) $31.00
- Kamossels $21.00
pan seared wild dry sea scallops with sweet potato puree and spicy maple bacon bits
- Soetpatat En Garbanzo Boontjie Kerrie En Rys $20.00
sweet potato and garbanzo bean curry and rice- vegetarian/vegan
- Samp En Bone $19.00
South african hominy and veggie stew that was also a Nelson Mandela favorite.
- WILD HEAD ON TIGER PRAWNS $33.00
Wild Head on Tiger Prawns in a smoked paprika and peri peri lemony butter sauce
- PAN ROASTED WILD STRIPED SEABASS $36.00
Pan Roasted Wild Striped Seabass with blistered tomato & lemony potatoes
- Grilled Veal Chop/Gebraaide Kalsfsvleis $48.00
grilled veal chop with broccoli rabe, Ken Forrester Renegade wine reduction & pinotage salt
- ROOIBOS TEA & CRANBERRY BBQ BABYBACK PORK RIBS With Chef Billy's Coleslaw $34.00
Rooibos tea and cranberry baby back pork ribs with Chef Billy's coleslaw.
- Roasted Bronzini/Geroosterde Bronzini $34.00
bronzini served whole, yuzu butter, broccolini
- Vis En Chips $18.00
fish and chips with Kaia's caper tartar sauce and malty fries
- Spear And Shield $0.00
Portbabello mushroom, asparagus spears, green peppercorn sauce
- Fried Quail - Kwarteltjies $19.00
crispy quail tossed in peppadews and scallions
- Chakalaka Gevulde Okkerneut $26.00
Chakalaka -South African bean and veggie stew stuffed acorn squash
- KAIA FARMERS MARKET SEASONAL SALAD $22.00
rainbow swiss chard, beets, pears, pumpkin seeds, manchego cheese, umami vinaigrette
- Botterskorsie Sop Met 'N Kaas Braal Broodjie $19.00
Hudson valley butternut squash soup with a cheesy toasted sandwich.
- The Kaia Smash Burger $18.00
Single or double beef patty, american cheese, red onions, kaia kirby cucumber pickles, ketchup, mustard and mayo on poppy seed bun.
- Lam Choppies/Lamb Chops $38.00
celeriac puree, ken forrester pinotage red wine reduction
- DUCK FRITES & CHERRY MONKEYGLAND SAUCE $40.00
Pan roasted magret duck breast & Fries with a cherry monkeygland sauce. NO monkeys killed in the making of the dish :) - it refers to a South African sweet and sour sauce
- Spring Uie En Broccolini Sop Met 'N Kaas Braai Broodjie $17.00
spring onion & broccolini soup with a cheesy tomato and onion sandwich
- Lamb Shank Stew/ Lam Tomatie Kos $38.00
my Sotho Mother Susan's Lamb Shank and Tomato stew served over 'krummel pap' ( crumbly polenta )
- WILD MUSHROOM MAC AND CHEESE $27.00
Wild mushroom mac & cheese
- Umngqusho $21.00
traditional Xhosa samp ( hominy ) & white bean, veggie stew braised with chicken quarter
- THE GATSBY(Capetonian Street Food) $26.00
Portuguese roll stuffed with garam masala pulled chicken, peppadews, kaia kirby cucumber pickles, mayo & fries.
- PERI PERI PAN SEARED SCALLOPS With Leek Risotto $43.00
- Lensie Biryani/Lentil & Veggie Biryani $26.00
lentil & veggie coconut milk curry stew stuffed acorn squash
- Pampoen Sop Met N Kaas Braai Broodjie $17.00
pumpkin soup with a cheesy tomato sandwich
- Mushroom Al Forno $17.00
shitake and portabello mushroom 'al forno" baked in a green peppercorn cheese sauce
- Steak And Romaine $33.00
petit tender steak with seared romaine ceasar & monkeygland sauce ( no monkeys in the making of the dish :) refers to a South African BBQ sauce
- BOBOTIE $29.00
South Africa's unofficial, national dish! Cape malay spiced beef served with egg custard on top and yellow rice and raisins.
- White Bean & Crispy Prosciutto Soup With A Cheesy Tomato, Red Onion & Chutney Sandwich $18.00
served with cheesy, tomato, red onion & chutney sandwich
- KAIA LAMB BURGER $27.00
Lamb burger with kaia pickled cucumbers sour cherry compote local roquefort on brioche with fries. **Ladies and gents - please no substitutions or changes & medium rare only. No one makes this like we do and we would like to keep it that way. A lot of love goes into making this handmade burger.**
- Pinotage Braised Rabbit Leg Stew - Haas Bredie $32.00
served with pap ( south african polenta )
- Geroosterde Seekat/Roasted Octopus $30.00
roasted octopus with chorizo and baby potatoes
Kaas – Cheese
- Manchego $9.00
Sheep's Milk, Hidden Springs Creamery - Wisconsin. Rich and nutty with a pleasant gaminess - hard.
- Black Pepper Pot $6.00
Cow's Milk, Dartori Dairy Farm - Wisconsin. Black pepper, slightly fruit forward, milky - semi hard.
- Rosey Goat $7.00
Goat's Milk, Cypress Grove - California. Covered in rosemary cream and mild - supple.
- Mount Tam $7.00
Cow's Milk, Cowgirl Creamery - California. Buttery and mellow earthy flavor, white mushroom - triple crème.
- Queen Of Corona $8.00
Goat's Milk, Crown Finish Caves - Brooklyn. Nope we are not joking... a real name for a cheese ordered before all this mess - but it is really really delicious!
- Saint Stephen $9.00
Cow's Milk, Hudson Valley Creamery - New York. Buttery hints of sun dried wheat and sweet cream - triple crème.
- Peggy $9.00
Cow's Milk, Churchtown Dairy - Hudson, New York. Brie, buttery, mild, mushroomy, brothy and nutty - soft.
Sliders & Snacks
- MUSHROOM AL FORNO $20.00
inspired by Decameron Restaurant in Stellenbosch - baked portabello mushrooms in a creamy cheese sauce
- DUCK 'WINGS' (Dremettes) $26.00
duck wings ( dremettes) in Kaia's sticky mango sauce
- DUKKA CRUSTED CHICKEN SLIDER $6.00
Dukka spiced chicken slider with onion marmalade and kaia aioli.
- POTATO LATKE SLIDER $6.00
a potato latke SLIDER with chipotle aioli
- THICK CUT BACON WITH TOMATO CHUTNEY $21.00
with heirloom tomato chutney
- DEVILLED EGGS $6.00
Peri peri spiced deviled eggs.
- FISHCAKE SLIDER $6.00
Crusted fishcake slider with curry aioli.
Kaia Wine Bar Details
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Food
- Food at bar
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Wine
Dining options
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Paid street parking
- Valet parking
Kaia Wine Bar Photos










Kaia Wine Bar Location
Kaia Wine Bar Reviews
south african winehappy hourslidersflavorslamb burgerduckdeviled eggselkdukkahoxtail
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Nice spot for a bottle of wine and some unique South African dishes. The prawns were were outstanding served with a really nice spicy sauce that also went really well with the bread they served. It is rather noisy but overall was still a nice evening.
June 19 · ReedHThis 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.Insta: @TheShahLALand
May 25 · Forum ShahA hidden gem in the UES. This place was highly recommended to me and it did not disappoint. Everything we ordered were delicious and super flavourful. Highly recommend anyone who wants to try South African food and wine. They have a great happy hour and pulsd deal
July 22 · Queeny QiuSome friends of mine brought me here cause it’s their favorite wine bar in the city. Both bottles of wine, we let the staff select for us and both were perfect. I did prefer the slightly drier sauv blanc. It’s not just wine though, the food is beyond delicious. The chicken sandwich I will dram about until I can have another. It was crazy how good it is. The duck was so surprising, I’m used to duck being tough or chewy and the duck frites here melt in your mouth. Beyond impressive. Don’t forget to start with the deviled eggs (although, two pieces, which is one full egg is kinda disappointing) and end with dessert. Malta pudding for the win. I immediately started making a list of people I need to bring to this amazing restaurant. It looks like they have some fun day events sometimes too based on some posters I saw. I’d love to come back for that.
August 01 · Charles RockhillWe had never tasted this kind of food and we were happily surprised. It was really good. It’s spicy, full of flavour and delicious. The wine selection is also very good. Service was super friendly and they recommended very good dishes. Would love to come back and have another glass of wine. Thanks for everything.
April 07 · Andrea Garcia
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