Kaia Wine Bar

Welcome to the vibrant and eclectic world of Kaia Wine Bar, where South African flavors and culture come alive in the heart of New York City. Located at 1614 3rd Ave, this unique establishment offers a fusion of South African cuisine, tapas bars, and cocktail bars, creating a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

From sliders and snacks like Wild Boar Slider and Fish Cake Slider to main dishes like Cape Malay spiced Beef Bobotie and Wild Mushroom Mac and Cheese, Kaia Wine Bar tantalizes your taste buds with a symphony of flavors that will transport you to the bustling streets of South Africa.

But the experience at Kaia Wine Bar goes beyond just the food. The intimate and classy ambiance, outdoor seating options, and attentive waiter service make it the perfect spot for a romantic date night or a gathering with friends. And with Happy Hour specials, a full bar, and live music on select nights, Kaia Wine Bar promises to be a memorable destination for any occasion.

Customer reviews rave about the friendly staff, extensive South African wine selection, and the delectable dishes offered at Kaia Wine Bar. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or new to South African cuisine, Kaia Wine Bar's diverse menu and welcoming atmosphere are sure to leave a lasting impression.

So why not step out of your culinary comfort zone and immerse yourself in the flavors of South Africa at Kaia Wine Bar? Indulge in traditional dishes like Malva Pudding and Milk Tart, savor unique creations like Grilled Cheese with Pickled Onions and Chutney, and sip on South African wines while enjoying the lively ambiance of this gem in the Upper East Side.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the magic of Kaia Wine Bar - a true hidden gem where every dish tells a story and every sip transports you to a land rich in flavor and tradition.

Kaia Wine Bar Menu

Location

Address: 1614 3rd Ave New York, NY 10128
Phone: (212) 722-0490

🕓 Work Hours
MON 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
TUE 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
WED 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
THU 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
FRI 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM
SAT 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM
SUN 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Business info

  • Takes Reservations
    Yes
  • Offers Delivery
    Yes
  • Offers Takeout
    Yes
  • Many Vegetarian Options
    Yes
  • Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts Apple Pay
    Yes
  • Outdoor Seating
    Yes
  • Intimate, Classy
    Yes
  • Moderate Noise
    Yes
  • Casual Dress
    Yes
  • Offers Catering
    Yes
  • Good for Groups
    Yes
  • Good for Dinner
    Yes
  • Street Parking
    Yes
  • Waiter Service
    Yes
  • Best nights on Thursday, Friday, Saturday
    Yes
  • Happy Hour Specials
    Yes
  • Full Bar
    Yes
  • TV
    Yes
  • Heated Outdoor Seating
    Yes
  • Covered Outdoor Seating
    Yes
  • Gender-neutral restrooms
    Yes
  • Not Good For Kids
    No
  • Not Good For Dancing
    No
  • Wi-Fi
    No
  • Smoking
    No
  • Dogs Not Allowed
    No
  • Bike Parking
    Yes

Last Reviews

  • Author: Jeffri D.

    09 July 2024

    The staff at Kaia were so friendly and welcoming, as well as attentive. The food was so good - my date and I shared an appetizer (a lamb kebab with an amazing reduction), each of us got an entree, a bottle of wine and a dessert. The music and vibe of the place was really cool, and they were advertising an upcoming disco night. I don't know South African food and can't comment on authenticity. For a NYC restaurant though, it had an amazingly welcome freshness and diversity of taste. As an update, I've been coming here for over a year now, and the food and service is still fantastic. I can't recommend this place enough. I'd definitely recommend going there.

  • Author: Liz K.

    26 June 2024

    Surprisingly good food, great selection of South African wines, and plentiful outdoor seating! The grilled cheese sandwich with pickles onions and chutney was a standout, but our group also enjoyed the lamb skewers, rooibos ribs, and desserts. The mushroom mac & cheese was nothing special. Service was a bit odd, and our server wasn't very helpful in helping us select bottles of wine, but overall we had a great meal and look forward to returning!

  • Author: Elaine C.

    22 June 2024

    Went for a quick snack and the happy hour, which is every day from 4-7pm. It was $8 for martinis and wines. There are a couple of items on the menu that are brought back by enthusiasts, which mean you can't get them regularly anywhere else. I haven't tried South African food before so it was fun to get introduced to a very extensive menu. From what I can tell, it's curries with a touch of what you'd expect from the Dutch - fries, mayo, a lot of bread. The portions were big and I gotta say, pretty decadently delicious. Service was lovely and attentive. The place gets loud inside once the crowd comes so come early and/or sit outside. But come! I know I'm going back sometime soon to try the rest of the menu.

  • Author: Jane G.

    22 June 2024

    Kaia Wine Bar is a truly unique spot in the UES. They're a South African wine bar serving up drinks, small bites, and unique entrees, with incredibly friendly service. Pro tip: their happy hour specials are not only out of this world, but incredibly affordable. Two drinks and a cheese board (with complimentary bread) was only $25!! Pretty unheard of, if you ask me, given that most cocktails nowadays are $18+. Although I've realized that dirty martinis and I will never get along, I was told that as dirty martinis go, this one was excellent. The olives were delicious. The cheese I ordered was overpriced for the portions ($8 for 3 slices) but delicious nonetheless.I recommend Snow Camp for anyone who wants a creamy cheese akin to brie. The jam had notes of cinnamon, and paired well with the rest of our meal. The highlight of Kaia is their complimentary (with food) bread with olive oil and spices. I don't know what kind of witchcraft is involved in the making of the spice blend that is brought out with the bread, but it is entirely worth it to order a small plate JUST to get the bread. Dip in olive oil then the spice mix, and you'll see what I mean. Heaven. If the owner ever decided to sell this top secret recipe, I'm sure she'd make millions. Such a fun spot, can't wait to go back!