Kaia Wine Bar

Kaia Wine Bar Restaurant Review:

Although it is billed as a wine bar, you should surely save room for dinner when stopping by this airy Upper East Side South African spot. Wines from South Africa, with their crisp, mineral tones, are available by the glass; more than 65 selections are on offer. The beer list is well-stacked, too, with hard-to-find brews from Upstate New York. In addition, seasonal cocktails are served. Don't let the unfamiliar nature of the menu intimidate you; the dishes often mix sweet and savory in an appealing and unexpected way. Bobotie, the national dish of South Africa, are small, almost custardy bites filled with meats and vegetables. One will not be enough. Boar, ostrich and elk sliders are also addictive. Lighter dishes include cantaloupe soup and ceviche. The butter-laden sticky cake will have you dropping back in for dessert before you know it.