Ayza Cafe & Wine Bar

Took my gf there for her birthday and she loved it. We got to sit outside and we enjoyed a nice bottle of wine and some cheese -- the waitress did a really good job of recommending good cheeses. They seem to really know what their talking about. Then she had the sea bass and I had the filet -- both were really good, but came out a little cold, not cold, but rather not wuite hot, which was a little annoying. The waitress took it back and heated it up though, and was really sweet about it, but it still was enough to be memorable. Worked in our favor though because the manager who I think may also be the owner, was very cool about the whole thing and apologized all over himself and and sent over a free dessert -- this amazing molten chocolate thing. You see it at wine bars all over New york, but not like this one. This one was really really good and went well with the wine. Also, we tried their chocolate martinis, which are pretty nice as well.

In an age when wine bars seem to be taking over New York City, Azya really stands out as one of the best wine bars around, and for several reasons. 1) they have a great selection of cheeses (all from Murray’s) 2) they have a really nice outdoor patio which makes for lively after work or weekend hangouts 2) the staff is so friendly and really makes you feel welcome and at home. Even the owners come and chat it up. 4) and most importantly, they have incorporated chocolate into the mix, making it not just a wine bar but a wine and chocolate bar, which is not only innovative but simply fantastic. The only downside is that they aren’t bigger.

The corner booth is great because its really intimate, but sometimes their jerks about letting 2 people sit there (I like to go with my gf so we can sit next to eachother). Great because she loves the chocolate though and I get to drink. Wisht they had alcohol though.