472 reviews for Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar

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  Mar 28, 2012 by by lenarch at Citysearch

  No better wine bar in NYC, and I have tried many. This place knows their stuff and doesn't have the pretentious feel you would expect from guys that know this much about wine. The setting is great, they offer a small menu of tasty food. If you go in and have no clue what you like or know exactly what you are looking for, this is the place to go. ?If you have room for dessert, try the twenty layer crepe cake--amazing! Wines seem to range on average from $9-$18.

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  Feb 29, 2012 by by Joel H at Insider Pages

  Our dining experience here in Ayze Chocolate & Wine Bar was great. It was afternoon when we decided to visit this place. The wine was great and the chocolate too. The place is full of great people. They have good service too.

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  Feb 22, 2012 by by issaeryn at Citysearch

  Important points: - Good food - Good waitstaff - Only one bathroom for the entire restaurant. Seriously? - Terrible manager named Lea. Treated our party of 13 as if we were unimportant, especially after a worker removed a weight that was on the base of one of the 6ft tall heat lamps. Within a couple of minutes, the lamp fell forward onto our table. The lamp cover & heating tubes shattered, as well as the glassware/plates that were on the table. Pieces of glass flew everywhere and sparks shot from the lamp, burning a member of our party on her face, neck, hand and back. I picked a piece of glass out of the back of her shirt where she had been burned by it. It had fused to her shirt from the heat. The manager was slow to respond to our needs and did not express remorse or sympathy for the lady who had been burned. She was more focused on repeating that the insurance company would be calling the victim the next day. Later on she stated in a curt tone, and I quote "I've removed the wine from your bill, which is $300", still expecting us to stay and continue eating inside the restaurant. By this time, we were so disgusted with her attitude that all we wanted to do was leave. She argued with the head of our group over the bill and after half an hour of arguing said "Fine, if that's what you want to do, do that." Not once did she apologize to anyone in our group, least of all to the member of our party that was burned by their equipment. Never again will any of us come to this establishment. The manager's actions last night have tainted this place for all of us.

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  Feb 19, 2012 by by Urbandreamer at Citysearch

  I love it! nothing is perfect but they come close. If you are looking for a great date or fun spot go, you will love it!

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  Feb 18, 2012 by by mlucero24 at Citysearch

  There’s nothing better than a really great wine at the end of a long day at the office. This funky bar with their extravagant chandeliers is just the place. It’s not too loud so I can actually carry on a conversation with people, too. They also have a great selection of truffles which I’ve brought a number of clients to when I’m looking to impress them. They’re not the cheapest in town but they’re worth the money.

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  Jan 29, 2012 by by patriciaroberson at Citysearch

  I’ve definitely been to better places in the city, but this bar is pretty nice. Decent wine selection and lots of food to choose from. We got a meze tasting platter with the shrimp dumplings, artichoke hearts, and the brie croutons. This is very light fare; don’t come here on an empty stomach.

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  Jan 13, 2012 by by alma8215 at Citysearch

  Everything was great highly recommended

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  Jan 02, 2012 by by MJohnK at Citysearch

  Looking for a good time on a friday night?? AYZA is definitely the spot to be. Randomly stopped by the lounge looking for a good time with a couple friends.. and turned into one of those unforgettable nights. Beauitful ladies.. Well dressed and well mannered crowd. Not to mention the hostess who took care of me and my entourage.. Slowly but surely becoming one of my favorite spots.

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  Dec 07, 2011 by by polsneider at Citysearch

  Greate bar!!

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  Nov 13, 2011 by by justme00764 at Citysearch

  The AYZA is one of my favorite bars, and is probably one of the best kept secrets in Hells Kitchen. They make the drinks strong and they make them well, with super friendly staff, an excellent and eclectic musical selection, and a timeless but hip ambiance. I'm not much of a drinker, but when I want to have a little sip, this is one of my top choices

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  Nov 03, 2011 by by itgirlnyc at Citysearch

  The spot is very nice whether going with one other person or a small group. The staff was friendly. I ordered a salad with goat cheese which was pretty good! My cousin ordered a panini which was very GOOD. But we LOVED the sangria, they gave us a complimentary sample and had to order a glass each because it was so good. This is also a nice spot if on a date !!

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  Jul 28, 2011 by by magn3tism at Menuism

  I was the first of my party to arrive at Ayza and upon the hostess' suggestion decided to sit at the bar...

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  Mar 09, 2011 by by TReprise at Citysearch

  I came here on Sunday night for couples night. WOW what a special. My girlfriend was in shock when we showed up and the table was covered in rose petals. To eat, I had the Mediterranean salad to start and the Pan-Roasted Wild Sea Bass which was cooked to perfection. The night ended with a chocolate truffles complementary from AYZA. What a perfect night!

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  Mar 09, 2011 by by Lena S at Citysearch

  I'm not a big chocolate lover but the dark chocolate served with the red wine here is fabulous.The chicken lollipops were delicious --would definitely order again and come again.

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  Feb 22, 2011 by by MTPocketz at Citysearch

  Took my wife for a belated valentine's day celebration, based on listed on Citysearch Best Romantic restaurant. The place was packed, which is expected for a Friday night, but with parties of loud yelling women. No couples. The place was so loud we had to sit outside to hear each other. As far as the wine and food, the taste made up for the noise! We had spiced wine, which was fantastic for the cool air outside, and a great cheese plate. The White Truffle Pizza tasted really creamy, and salty in a good way, but way too oily. The baby shrimp was over-salted but saved by the mango. The Chocolate martinis BLEW US AWAYand the truffle that came with it was like a huge slice of devils food cake in a little square. I recommend this for a girls night out, but not a first date.

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  Feb 16, 2011 by by ravterps at Citysearch

  Food was very tasty and the desserts really hit the spot. Nice vibe to the place...

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  Feb 07, 2011 by by dingdingdong1 at Citysearch

  Fantastic

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  Dec 15, 2010 by by Jill34567 at Citysearch

  This is definitly a new concept - wine and chocolate - together! Wine and cheese I can understand, but wine and chocolate, really?! :) I was surprised to see that this bizzare combination works! We had a couple of drinks and a lot of chocolate!!! The service was great and we will come back soon.

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  Dec 09, 2010 by by lana h. at Judy'sBook

  I was looking for a place to have a romantic dinner. It was excellent place for romantic dinners. Nice wine list, trendy atmosphere, and extensive menu.

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  Sep 08, 2010 by by ArthurKaplan2 at Citysearch

  Wine and Chocolate.. need I say more... Great place to break the routine..

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  Aug 25, 2010 by by boobycoll at Citysearch

  The menu was small but had something for everyone.The dessert was to DIE for. Delicious steak and nicely sized to leave room for killer dessert : The chocolate covered strawberries are not to be missed.Service is great too.

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  Aug 17, 2010 by by rebolse at Citysearch

  I went here for my birthday dinner with friends and the staff catered to our every need.The food was good but the portion size for the entrees was small ......can't wait to return...

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  Aug 17, 2010 by by NYCService at Citysearch

  My kind of Place

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  Jun 29, 2010 by by tracya at Menuism

  I had the sea bass and my friend had the filet mignon. It was all VERY delicious.The wine list is great, but..

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  Jun 26, 2010 by by mary m at Insider Pages

  I loved my dining experience at AYZA Wine and Chocolate Bar.It was great. The service was great and so was the food.Extensive wine list,great chocolate.

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  May 29, 2010 by by mandyweg at Citysearch

  We stopped here around 3 oclock on a Saturday afternoon and had a flight of wines with some cheese and prosciutto in their outside seating area. It was perfect for an afternoon snack and I could see how easy it would be to spend most of the day there! We finished the snack with four truffles, and it was nice that they brought a knife out so we could split them in two and share. All in all, it was about $50 for that small, but very satisfying stop! Yes, it's expensive, but sometimes it's just worth the treat!

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  May 25, 2010 by by jetaime23 at Citysearch

  I must agree with most of teh reviews below mine. While the location is not ideal, I must say that the food, wine, and staff more than make up for it.

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  May 11, 2010 by by evelynm at Menuism

  The cheese plate is a must order ut their hummus is great too. Pretty much you can’t go wrong with...

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  Mar 25, 2010 by by emmonique at Citysearch

  I love it when New York restaurants really make use of all the things that are available to them. Ayza is really OF New York, using cheese from Murray's, truffles from Jacques Torres and the pastries from Lady M, all New York estabolishments. It's a nice treat to have them all in one place, and It's a real friendly place.in such a cool wine bar with such a slick design.

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  Mar 20, 2010 by by jeff w at Insider Pages

  Their wine list is simply marvelous. And don’t even get me started on the chocolates. As much as I wish they were larger it’s good for me that they’re not or I’d simply be three tons by now. Jacques Torres is really a genius, and they do him proud at Ayza.

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  Mar 16, 2010 by by emmar1 at Menuism

  We shared cheese at first, which was really nice, though I felt the portions could have been a little...

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  Feb 03, 2010 by by CSMobileUser2 at Citysearch

  Brilliant

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  Dec 31, 2009 by by Frances H. at Judy'sBook

  it's a good place for private parties. I would highly recommend.

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  Dec 31, 2009 by by Frances H. at Judy'sBook

  they have great food and I guess the whole thing is abot the chocolate more than the wine. In that area they’ve got it going on. I had the passion fruit truffle and it was amazing.

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  Dec 29, 2009 by by alopeznyc at Citysearch

  We like to order a different bottle every time, even though their by the glasses are great as well. I recommend the Albarino if you go by the glass. And then we'll share a bunch of apps, which helps leave room for dessert, a must here. Their cheese selection is fantastic, and they have this hummus that is addictive. The crepe cake has been my go-to for a while.

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  Dec 28, 2009 by by BeHappyNYC at Citysearch

  AYZA looked so out of place on 31st street as it had such a swanky exterior that was far better suited for MPD or Soho. They had a larger area for outdoor seating but being as it was sub-freezing temperatures we quickly hurried in. Inside, the place is deceivingly small. There is seating for maybe 40 people? You think it goes to the back or there is a second level but there isn't... The chocolate martinis came with Jacques Torres truffles! I got the classic which I expected to be reminiscent of a TGIFriday's mudslide and I was SO wrong! It was clear but tasted so chocolaty and good. It was like an optical illusion. My friend had the raspberry chocolate martini and that had the creamy consistency I was looking for. Her drink was fantastic and I would definitely get that next time. Either way, AZYA is a great place for a night cap after a yummy dinner, it's the perfect date (or double date!) spot :-)

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  Dec 27, 2009 by by bllwntr at Menuism

  I wasn't impressed at first. Our waitress had zero personality and didn’t seem to know much about the...

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  Dec 25, 2009 by by coygrier at Citysearch

  This is my new go-to spot. I always scour c.s. for good places when people come to visit, but now I don't have to. I've brought three out of town guests here for dinner in the last month and they all love it. And there is so much on the menu that I don't think I'll be getting sick of it for a while. It's just New York chic but casual at the same time and the food is delish.

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  Dec 23, 2009 by by ScottWeeks75 at Citysearch

  I’ve gone twice now, once with my friend for dinner and another time I took a client. Both times I was blown away. At dinner it’s pretty swanky and they have great entrees. My friend got panini and I got steak and we shared. The plates aren’t huge but it’s a great way to try a lot of things. It's a great place to impress a client too, and you're able to have a nice quiet meal. I'll definitely be going back again soon...

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  Dec 18, 2009 by by alohagr at Citysearch

  Got out of work early yesterday and decided to grb a drink.Ended up staying for dinner and loving it. they have great light salads and soe really delicious apps. We split a bunch of stuff and loved it all. But the most important thing for me was the chocolate. Love the melon. And then there’s white chocolate and lime. Things I’d never put together but that are so good.

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  Dec 16, 2009 by by nellys at Menuism

  My friend and I are obsessed with this place. We come a lot- it's great for dinner but also great for...

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  Dec 15, 2009 by by SStarr at Citysearch

  Great place, great food, nice staff and service. Will definately go back and recommend to others.

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  Dec 15, 2009 by by lfelixx at Citysearch

  I came for lunch and it was disastrous. The waitresses were running all over the place and seemed o busy, and yet it took them 20 minutes to approach me. I wanted a panini but couldn't get the one I wanted becasue they wouldn't do it without mayo and the waitress wasn't helpful in making suggestions. Finally I settled on a different panini and then by the time I got my food it wa nearly time to go back to work (though of course it took forever to get the check).

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  Dec 14, 2009 by by bcronin at Citysearch

  When we girlfriend told me the address I really had my doubts. Then I got there and there was one table open, but they refused to let us sit there because it was for four people which was kidn of annoying since there were no parties of four in sight. Dinner was worth the wait though. The food is divine and they do a really good job of helping you pick wines that will go with it. The filt is one of the best I've had, and affordable.

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  Dec 13, 2009 by by nllysnyydr at Citysearch

  My friend and I are obsessed with this place. We come a lot- it's great for dinner but also great for cheese and dessert. Their cheeses come from Murray's and are fantastic, and their desserts are pretty amazing as well. This yummy moussecake and a molten cake that’s great

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  Dec 08, 2009 by by Susanise at Citysearch

  Our waitress was very sweet, but she seemed to play that “I’m pretty so I don’t have to think” card. We loved the place despite her though. The food was amazing. We did a tapas sort of dinner, splitting a bunch of small plates and then each had a flight. Dinner turned out really long since we loved one of the wines and got a bottle of it to share. I love those kinds of meals and this is the perfect place for them

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  Dec 06, 2009 by by ShnnnS at Citysearch

  I'm a vegetarian andfind that most wine bars in NYC are really meat focused. Of course they've got cheese but usually with meat too. and everything else is loads of meat. Not so at Ayza. I like that there are lots of options for me here. They have good soups anda veggie panini and pasta and loads of yummy salads -- without meat in them. II don't have to ask to do anything special, which is always so ridiculous and embarrassing.. All are pretty good too, which is nice. And I love the wine and atmosphere as well. The service is usually pretty good though last time my friends and I were there we had the rudest server. I think it must have been a fluke though because I've been loads of other times and they've all been nice, even if some of them are a little slow.I'm not such a chocolate fan so I really could take or leave that aspect -- ironic i know.

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  Dec 04, 2009 by by ssccottw at Citysearch

  I am a huge fan of Richard Bloch and think he did a great job with this space. I’m sure it was hard to work with one so little but he really made it cool. The way that the lights hang from those grates in the ceilings, and you can see the wine from above - there are just a lot of gereat touches. It makes for a really cool or really romanic dinner space..

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  Dec 02, 2009 by by ericmllr03 at Citysearch

  The service sorta comes and goes - last week my waitress was really slow - but the food is consistently good and the wine list is amazing. I would go there just for the cheese but I love the paninis and the filet is really fantastic. Plus, at dinner time there are a lot of hot chicks to look at. Goes with the whole wine/chocolate thing I guess.

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  Dec 01, 2009 by by molpytnn at Citysearch

  Great wine bar! I’m generally not all that picky about wines, and will freely admit I don't know a ton, but Ayza could make me a real wino though. They have a huge wine list and if you sit at the bar they often take the time to explain a bunch. The sommelier is probably a genius when it comes to wine and you can tell he's passionate about it. They pair the cheeses as well, which I've discovered makes all the difference. The other night I was there on my own and just had wine and cheese for dinner.

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  Nov 27, 2009 by by MMWood at Citysearch

  Probably the best wine bar in new York City. The plates were not huge, so sharing seemed the thing which was really fun to do. The chesse plate is lovely and comes out so nicely plated -they do a great job with presentation. We got several cheeses and then a few appetizers and then an entrée to share so we could taste a little of everything. The service was a little slow but we didn’t really care because we had such great food.

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  Nov 26, 2009 by by nimmooo at Citysearch

  Tthe servers knew NOTHING about wine but she pulled the sommelier over though. I was put off at first but I guess that's actually the way it should be in a wine bar, epsecially one this small. He recommended a great bottle and it complemented our dinner nicely. Ater dinner we got some nice ports to go with the chocolate. I don't normally llike it but these were acutally great.

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  Nov 26, 2009 by by radhap at Menuism

  I have to say I wasn’t all that impressed with the cheese selection.I know it's from Murray's and it...

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  Nov 25, 2009 by by henrybcn at Citysearch

  My girlfriend loves exploring wine bars but I usually can't stand them. I find them pretentious and overpriced but Ayza is great -- so relaxed but pretty darn cool at the same time. The staff is friendly and down to earth and the food is really good. The portions are a little small, but given NY standards the prices are reasonable and the food is really really good. The waitress recommended a nice wine that didn’t cost too much, which was refreshing -- usually they try to just sell the most expensive thing. We had some sort of pizza that was way more than a pizza and totally delicious and I had a panini that was realy nice a well.

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  Nov 24, 2009 by by brrowwnn at Citysearch

  We’ve been back a couple times since we first discovered this place and and love it more every time. One of the owners is always walking around talking to people and the staff are all freindly and passionate about the food. Theydefinitely focus on the details and you can tell. This great cranberry bread that comes with the cheese, and strawberries in a glass of champagne. It's down to earth but also has the feel of fine dining, withouth thshock of a giant price tage.

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  Nov 23, 2009 by by tomrady75 at Citysearch

  This place is my new date spot. Its a great palce to bring a gal for a drink or for dinner. Swank and romantic too and the wine and chocolate thing seems to be a crowd pleaser. The food is great and th service is usually friendly, and the the tables are small and intimate.

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  Nov 22, 2009 by by billwntr23 at Citysearch

  I wasn't impressed at first. Our waitress had zero personality and didn’t seem to know much about the menu. But the manager suggested wines and was very nice, and the food was amazing. It was one of the best dinners of my life. We got small plates so we could try a bunch of stuff and there was nothing that we didn't like. All just superb.

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  Nov 21, 2009 by by ggunn at Citysearch

  Went in by myself the other night and sat at the bar for dinner.Love it. THe bartender was cool and freindly and knew the wines really well. I had a great glass and then he did a cheese pairing for me, plus this amazing salad that was kind of a mediterranean salad but all chopped really nicely. I had to do dessert too - you can't be in a chocolate bar without dessert.

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  Nov 19, 2009 by by radpalatto at Citysearch

  friendliest staff ever. When we arrived the man at the door greeted us immediately and our waitress was a total sweetheart. The manager came over to the table to recommend wines and the service was great throughout. We had delicious food too, a very great meal. I will definitely go back some time very soon.

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  Nov 18, 2009 by by jonathancbt at Citysearch

  Came here on a date The guy turned out to be a dud but the restaurant saved it. It’s in a weird location but I love the atmospher and the food’s really good too. We each did our own dinners but it would be a great place to share a bunch of things as well. I saw a couple tables doing that and can't wait to go back with someone I actually like, since it seems quite romantic

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  Nov 15, 2009 by by MarkMunafo at Citysearch

  They have a fantastic selection of wine, but the food stands out even more in my opinion. And the staff is so ridiculously nice. Plus, it’s really romantic so it’s a great place to take a date - you can share some small plates and then do the whole chocolate thing.. I took a girl here the other night and I think she was rather impressed.

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  Nov 14, 2009 by by jwinterr06 at Citysearch

  A self-proclaimed chocolate fanatic I was so excited to find a wine bar that combines chocolate with my other favorite thing - wine. Ayzy has delicious truffles from Jacque Torres, and paires them with great wines. All this and great food to boot. Plus a really romantic date spot or great for a night out with the girrls - we love doing dinner here because we can share a bunch of stuff.

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  Nov 10, 2009 by by angel077 at Citysearch

  There aren't many places to do lunh in this area, but Ayza sure beats all the cafeteria style places around. They are friendly and fast and the food is excellent. I love their BBQ panini and could eat it everyday if you let me, though sometimes i just like to do a big bowl of soup too.

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  Nov 07, 2009 by by enick at Citysearch

  I went for the first time last Friday night and it was packed. I wasn't excited about waiting for a table but it ended up being worth it. We stood at the bar (people were eating dinner there too) and had some drinks and then they managed to seat us pretty quickly. The wine list is great and the menu has a little bit of everything. We had a great dinner and then we had some amazing crepe something or other though it looked more like a cake than a crepe, for dessert. It was the waitress recommendation and a good one!

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  Nov 07, 2009 by by jilli1 at Menuism

  Love this spot. I went on a lunch meeting the other day and will definitley be going back. We had these...

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  Nov 04, 2009 by by MelinDd at Citysearch

  I love their hummus and their trufle pizza and they have great soups that change seasonally. I come with friends and we get a bunch of things to share for dinner tapas style. THen we'll do flights and everyone shares the wine too. THe wine list is great and everything we've had we love. Staff is super friendly and knowledsgable and atmosphere is cool yet relaxed. I love the Monday jazz thing they have going on too.

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  Nov 04, 2009 by by thegooddevlin at Citysearch

  We only had cosmo's and raspberry chocolate martinis. w/ the the truffles.. I am still Craving their chocolateraspberry martinis, you have to try them! and they are not to strong, but oh, to die for!!!

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  Oct 31, 2009 by by stanroth at Citysearch

  It’s in sort of a strange neighborhood so when my friend told me where to meet her I wasn't all that excited, but then I got there and realized how cool the space is. Really modern and sleek.The wine was great and we had this mushroom pita thing and some hummus and both really blew us away. The staff is very nice and the chocolates are great. For dinner my friend had the chicken which was a little o the dry side but my pasta was amazing. I'll definitely by going back.

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  Oct 29, 2009 by by abrahammm at Citysearch

  Ok, at the risk of sounding pathetic, I'm going to admite that I come here for dinner around once a week, sometimes even more. I am addicted to their truffle pizza, and I love the seasonal soups. Plus, it's just a great atmosphere. It started with stopping in for a glass of wine every now and then, but the smells always get to me, and so it always ends up becoming more. Not the worst habit to have I guess..

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  Oct 26, 2009 by by cabellky at Citysearch

  Gorgeous wine bar in Murray Hill. Love going on Monday nights for light dinner and live music. Don't find deals like that in most places in the city, especially not with a sleek atmosphere like this one. We had such a great time and the food was awesome too. Very nice patio - get there while the weather is still nice enough to enjoy it

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  Oct 08, 2009 by by kristen592 at Citysearch

  Excellent food, great wine, yummy chocolate. I was with my mom and she loved it, though the music was a little loud. They turned it down but then at one point it seemed to go right back up again. No matter, though - we both really enjoyed our dinners and I'd certainly go back there.

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  Oct 03, 2009 by by mmarisaaa at Citysearch

  I came here on a first date with this guy and it was actually the best part of the date! I ended up not liking the guy, but found a new great wine bar so it wasn't all a wash. It was crowded when we got there and it was a little chilly, but the waitress said that when the weather is nice the patio's great. She was a real sweetheart and I had more fun talking to her than my date. Anyway, they've got great food, and then there are the chocolates, which are just so great. I had a yummy saladand and we shared some cheese (which was amusing because the guy complained about all of them and how small it was). The server gave us great recommendations about everything. We had a couple glases of the wines by the glass, which were quite good but my date was one of those wine snobs and he complained that it wasn’t quite right but I thought it was fabulous. After dinner we had chocolate martinis (I needed the extra alcohol!) which were truly delicious, and the chocolates that went along with them -- holed the phone! I wanted dessert but the dude didn't so I'll be going back without the stick in the mud!

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  Oct 01, 2009 by by eemeliaa at Citysearch

  I'm a bit obsessed. I dream about wine and chocolate - I think I may have dreamed this place long before it was ever in existence. But them it goes beyond my dreams. I just feel uopn it one cday walking around the neighborhood and had to stop in immediately even though I wasn't at all hungry. I had a glass of wine and these to-die-for handmade chocolates. Then I just had to have a little food. They have a great selection of cheeses (all from Murray’s which makes them even better) and I had this gazpacho which was just light and fresh and delicous. and then I had more chocolates. I'm a glutton, I know. but I couldn't help it. The staff is really friendly, and the rest of the food is great. I love sitting out on the patio.I feel like I could eat there every day and never get sick of it.

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  Sep 29, 2009 by by ttmmny at Citysearch

  I had gazpacho again, and a mini panini - the veggie is quite good. The people are really nice too, though the one at lunch was a little less friendly -- she seemed a little stressed though -- theywere packed and of course most people are in a rush. Anyway, I'm a big big fan!

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  Sep 26, 2009 by by sccott34 at Citysearch

  My freind took me there for my birthday and I really liked it. I just love the whole wine and chocolate concept. Of course they have cheese too -- from Murray's so you know it has to be good, but wine and cheese is played out so the idea of the wine and chocolate is great. It’s the type of place where you go and you just enjoy several courses.

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  Sep 25, 2009 by by juudy at Citysearch

  All I can say is thank you Ayza. Thank you for being amazing and a great wine bar in a city of lot of wine bars that all start looking the same You are not the same. You are a little bit of everything. There are small plates that bounce from Asian shrimp dumplings to the most delicious hummus I've ever tasted. And it doesn't matter because the focus is on the wine. The wine and the chocolate, which is phenomenal BTW. I'm not usually a fan of sweet wines, but they have this white port that's so good -- and the whole thing is just luxe and lovely -- it's cool but friendly and the outdoor patio is a key -- and amazing spect since lots of wine bars are a bit sitfiling. I will definitely be back here again and again.

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  Sep 23, 2009 by by keriitarr at Citysearch

  The whole wine and chocolate concept is really a great one. It’s what drew me in, but what will keep me coming back is the romantic atmosphere and the real comfortable feel. I love the outdoor patio and the swanky inside. The waitress messed up our order but she was able to fix it really quickly and the owner came over to apologize for it and offer us a free dessert. It was nice that they went to all that trouble and made the screwup really seem like nothing. The food was excellent though they wouldn’t let me change my sandwich which I found a little annoying

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  Sep 19, 2009 by by charmaiine11 at Citysearch

  The staff are very friendly, though our waitress was a little slow. I think she might have been new, because every time we asked a question she hesitated, and often had to go back and ask the kitchen. (My friend has diet restrications and has to be careful about what she eats). The food was very good, though -- my friend had the gazpacho which we both became obsessed with and I had the BBQ panini which was also delicious. We got the handmade chocolates for dessert because the manager (who stopped by and checked on us, which was nice) said they were new and they were really good.

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  Sep 17, 2009 by by jnnfrjjn at Citysearch

  It doesn't get much better than this. Wine AND chocolate? I'm sold -- it's like thi place was made with me in mind. Plus it's just this great space and the people are friendly and the food is great. They have this really cool space that's totally urban chic, with the steel and wood and all the wine showing upstairs.

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  Sep 14, 2009 by by mazzal at Citysearch

  A friend had her birthday party there and it was the perfect place for a girls' night out. We drank a lot of wine and gabbed and ate a lot of yummy food and then we got to wash it all down with some delicious handmade chocolates! Could you say lovely night? I think sso. Plus we had almost the whole patio to ourselves. It wasn't the perfect night for patio sitting which meant that we were the only ones cray enough to do it -- and a few others, but we basically had it all. Which was lovely. The whole wine and chocolate concept is brilliant. The setting is cool but very romantic too (it's a great date spot). And did I mention there are handmade chocolates?

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  Sep 12, 2009 by by justinmvr at Citysearch

  It’s the best wine bar in New York in my opinion. The only problem was that the music was really loud the night I was there, but they turned it down when we asked them too. Anyways the steak I got was really good though I would have liked to have more of it. My lady was happy and we really enjoyed ourselves. the wine list is great and the design is cool. We got this truffle pizza to start and it was great. I'd eat that as a meal if it were bigger. We had like a really long meal but they didn't rush us, and let us order in a bunch of courses which was cool It can get a little pricey though. When we go again we'll have to be more careful but the other night we went a little crazy with the ordering. All so good though. And of course the desserts are great. They've got these homemade chocolates that are really nce.

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  Sep 11, 2009 by by fflockkk at Citysearch

  We sat outside and had drinks and it was fantastic. Great wine list, and we were even able to order a reasonably priced bottle of champagne to do a little toast. It’s great for a group because there are a ton of options for wine and food. The watiress was good about keeping track of everyone, even though there were 10 of us. We ordered several appetizers and loved them all. The only problem was that they were pretty small, but I guess it meant we got to try a lot.

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  Sep 10, 2009 by by tandyfrmptn at Citysearch

  A few months ago my friend picked this wine bar and we were hooked. Not we do Ayza more often than any other of the staple restaurants. It's just so Yummy! We always order a bottle of wine and start of with cheese and some appetiers, and by now we've tried just about everything on the menu. Their tet du moine cheese is amazing -- I think we are all addicted. and I love the caprese bites, but then there are these great desserts, that we're obsessed with.

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  Sep 07, 2009 by by DavidHoww at Citysearch

  I actually had two meals there in one night. We had dinner and then got a bottle of wine, then felt like eating again. The staff was super nice about how long we stayed, even joking with us by the end.We each had flights with dinner and chocolate martinis with dessert, and then we wanted more wine. (decadent, I know) They have this chocolate cake that is just tres tres chic and it required a bit of wine. Then half way through the bottle we decided a truffle pizza at another table smelled good, so we got that and the shrimp dumplings, both delish! I bet they were ready to see us go but they were so nice.

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  Sep 07, 2009 by by jessbelo at Citysearch

  I've only been to Ayza once and already it's climb to the top of my list for go-to restaurants. I love that it's not just a wine bar bt a wine and chocolate bar. Only in New York, right? They’re always playing fun music, though I think they might just loop the CD! I love to sit outside with a glass of wine and a plate of cheese. Their menu is really diverse, and there are a lot of good options for me and I'm a vegetarian. I like that they have a little bit of everything.

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  Aug 31, 2009 by by brucegoss at Citysearch

  I love that they got the whole New York thing going on: Jacque Torres, Murray’s cheese, Lady M… three great NYC places and its great to draw on that. Then they add there own little spins, such as a divers menu with everything from Asian to French (though it's mostly Mediterranean). They've even got a BBQ panini (which is great BTW). The owners are Turkish and you can definitely sense their influence with things like hummus -- some of the best I've had . I live nearby so I like to stop in oir sometimes I'll order food for pick up on the way home from work.

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  Aug 24, 2009 by by aliciaaaa at Citysearch

  I love wine and I love chocolate, so it was only natural that I would love this place. And love I did! For one, The concept: brilliant, the design: lovely, the food: scrumptious! That's to sy nothing of the huge wine list, which is fab, and the chocolate, well, don’t even get me started on the chocolate. First, you've got Jaques Torres premier truffle maker - gorgeous and tasty little morsels. But now thyey have handmade truffles that are even more amazing, if that's possible I've been a couple times now, and each time is better than the last; cheese plates are a grat app, salads are refreshing, entrees llovely and the atmosphere is so hip and swank, for the area, and just in general. Love sitting outside with a cool wine in the summertime, though inside is equally cozy in the winter.

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  Aug 17, 2009 by by emma05 at Citysearch

  I’m newly obsessed with this place! Stopped in for a drink and liked it so much we stayed for dinner. Amazing Gazpaho, and my friend had the asparagus soup which was really nice as well (don't ask me why we both had soup - we were laughing about it! The white chocolate truffle was great -- so were all the rest, but that was my fave. It got packed whiel we were there And then the other day I went back for lunch and I think it's my new go to We sat outside and It was really nice – the patio is great and they do a cheap fast lunch.

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  Aug 15, 2009 by by ackerss at Citysearch

  This is a great romantic place. I took a first date here and she loved it -- she's now my girlfriend and I swear the place had something to do with it. We jut loved it, and bonded over shared plates and chocolates, and lots and lots of wine. We started in at the bar because it was crowded and then they seated us insidel but we waned to sit outside and the waitress was super cool.

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  Aug 13, 2009 by by pmyr34 at Citysearch

  I had to stop When I passed because the name called to me -- I loved the sound of a wine and chocolate bar. I just stopped for a glass of wine and tried a handmade chocolates, unbelievable. Then I went back a few days later and had an acutal dinner with a friend. My friend was so impressed by my find. We had a little corner table undr a red umbrella on the patio and our waitress was really nice and helped us pick out cheese and wine. We loved our wines and the cheeses the waitress picked were great, and served in the most stunning manner. The hummus was amazing, as was the gazpacho, and my friend had a really lovely salad too. The waitress said the desserts are great, so we tried this crepe concoction that was out of this world. I'll definitely be back.

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  Aug 10, 2009 by by amydams at Citysearch

  It was a shame because the ambiance is really cool but the blaring music made it a little less so. And the service wasn't as great as I'd expected. It wasn't terrible, but our server was a little dull. She didn't seem to know much about the menu either. Still the food and the great wine list made up for everything else. I was there with some girlfriends and sicne there are only a few four entrees we were able to get one of each and share them all. The chicken was a little bit dry for my tastes, but the bass was awesome and the seafood pasta was great too. I think my favorite was the filet though. So much flavor and yet really pretty light. So I will definitely be going back. The chocolates were too small to split between four people but we ended up getting 2 of each of the ones we wanted which worked out wel. My personal favorite was the passion fruit one, but everyone seemed to like something different. The chocolate martinis are yummy as well.

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  Jul 30, 2009 by by joedie at Citysearch

  I brought my gf for a date recently and we had a nice dinner. The cheese plate is a must order, but their hummus is great too. Pretty much you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Though when my gf and I were there we had the soufflé for dessert. It came out not heated all the way through, but we told the waitress and she immeditably took care of it. She was apologetcic and fixed the problem pretty quickly.

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  Jul 01, 2009 by by Visha at Citysearch

  I have been coming to Ayza since it first opened up and absolutely love the place. There is an amazing staff, great food, great wine, great music, and the location is perfect. The best part about the place is their service. You will never find such an attentive staff. The owners are always there to greet you and treat everyone who comes like they are guests in their own home.

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  Jun 28, 2009 by by dan491 at Citysearch

  Wow. Good service. Good wine. Good cheese. And chocolate? Did someone just plop heaven down in Herald Square? Absolutely unbelieveable. Then there is the ambiance, which is uber chic though the outside is really the place to be -- so fun for summer evenings. I loved everything I ate. We went for just a drink and ended up ordering some cheese at the bar. Then we were chatting with the bartender, who convinced us to try the white bean spread, and then we moved to a table and wound up getting dinner. My waitress so nice and knew so much about the menu. Our bill was massive but that was only because we ordered a lot. In fact, for what we got, it was cheap. They have this great Mediterranean salad and their filet is fabulous, done really really well. My friend had the seafood pasteravioli and loved that too. At dessert the waitress recommended the motlen cake but of course we wanted to try the chocolates too, so we did a little of both. I have to say the chocolates were good but the cake was probably the way to go! By the time we were ready to leave we'd been there so long they were treating us like family. So fun I can't wait to go back and try other tings on the menu.

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  Jun 13, 2009 by by rickie l. at Judy'sBook

  Plenty of no-meat options for vegetarians like my gal (inlcuding a great selection of Murray's cheese) and loads of things that can be shared (another nice romantic feature). The service is friendly and fast, but they also never make you fe...

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  May 29, 2009 by by jaereagan at Citysearch

  All I can say is thank you Ayza. Thank you for being amazing and a great wine bar in a city of lot of wine bars that all start looking the same You are not the same. You are a little bit of everything. There are small plates that bounce from Asian shrimp dumplings to the most delicious hummus I've ever tasted. And it doesn't matter because the focus is on the wine. The wine and the chocolate, which is phenomenal BTW. I'm not usually a fan of sweet wines, but they have this white port that's so good -- and the whole thing is just luxe and lovely -- it's cool but friendly and the outdoor patio is a key -- and amazing spect since lots of wine bars are a bit sitfiling. I will definitely be back here again and again.

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  May 21, 2009 by by marianneee at Citysearch

  I’m newly obsessed with this place. I discovered it walking to the subway from work one day and was intrigued by the name at first. I stopped in just to see and ended up deciding to stay for a glass of wine, The gal behind the bar was super sweet and chatty and a glass turned into trying an appetizer -- this white bean spread that she recommended, saying it was new on the menu. And then that was so good I decided to try one of their salads too. I got this goat cheese salad that was simply dlish. They brulee the goat cheese so its crispy and sweet and just unbelievable. Anyways, then of course I had to try the chochlates too -- they have Jacques Torres but they also do handmade chocolates, which are to die for, so basically my "stop in to get a menu" turned into a whole evening. But such a good one. Now I want to go back and take my girlfriend. It's got a really romantic vibe and I know she's going to love it. I think it's going to be my ne go to place.

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  May 12, 2009 by by alexcxx at Citysearch

  Romantic dining at a good price is so hard to find in New York, but this wine bar seems really resonably priced for all that it offers. I wouldn't call Ayza cheap, but it's certainly not expensive either, espeically given the atmosphers, excellent service, and fantastic food. I came here with coworkers one night and liked it so much that when I took a date a couple weeks later. She loved it, the whole wine/chocolate combo, and it was a nice night so we got to sit outside on the patio, which is nice as well. It's a pretty romantic place, and the fact that there are so many small plates for sharing helps up the romantic ante as well. We shared this white bean spread that was phenomenal and so unique and then we had shrimp dumplings too -- I'd go back just for them. The only drawback was that they wouldn't let me make a reservation so we had to wait a while, but that meant a glass of wine at the bar to get the night going, which was actually a really nice extra. In all a very nice experience.

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  May 06, 2009 by by keriitaarr at Citysearch

  Here's a thought: if you're going to have a restaurant, have some of the food on the menu. They were out of the panini I wanted and when I ordered another they were out of that too. Finally on try three I got something they had, but then they were out of the chocolates I wanted too. Not a great way to run a restaurant. The service was ok, but th waitress was a little dense and got all fidgety about not having anything. I know it's not her fault, but she acted so strange about it.

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  May 05, 2009 by by jlacko11 at Citysearch

  I started a new job and was hating my neighborhood, but one day a coworker took me here for lunch and I liked it a lot. The food is good and pretty inexpensive and the service at lunch is really quick. In the evenings it's a bit of a different crowd, definitely trying to be cooler than it should given the location, but in all, I think it's nice and I like the vibe. And the food, of course is very good. I like the fixed price lunch because you get a little bit of everything an it's reasonably priced. The paninis are great, though it's annoying that they won't let you alter them at all. I don't like mayo so there are only a few sandwiches I can get. I guess it has to do with a speed thing though.

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  May 04, 2009 by by jilldoni at Citysearch

  The neighborhood is not so exciting, which makes it even nicer that this fabulous wine bar has graced its streets. It makes Herald Square a lot mre likeable to know that this is nearby. I'd venutre to call it one of New York City's best wine bars (given the amount of wine bars in New York that's a pretty huge thing to saw). Their outdoor seating is great because you don't feel like you're right on the street and it's got a great vibe. The oversized red umbrellas are fun though, and the steel tables are nice and fun. In terms of food, it's a sort of a fusion of all things, but mostly Mediterranean food. There are a few Asian dishes though -- the chicken skewers are fantastic! -- and pretty much everything on the menu is really good. I've been a few times and have tried a lot of the items -- the small appetizer portions make it easy to do a sharing sort of thing. The latest I've noticed is this white bean spread that I really really like. Then of course there are the chocolates, though I'd recommened going for one of the desserts instead. A lot of them come from Lady M and one is better than the next. The crepe cake and the tartufo are both high on my list. I just wish it were bigger there is always a wait now.

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  May 04, 2009 by by sangjhn at Citysearch

  I've never been too much of a chocolate person, but I do like wine, and now I think I like wine and chocolate together. It gives a whole different taste to it. Ayza has a good selection of wines by the glass and a large wine list, though I still wish they'd expand their wines by the bottle lists. I like pairing wine with the chocolate though I think their pairings are a little off. I know they have to offer sweet wines, but since they are a wine bar, they should have more non-sweet wines that pair with the chocolates. Sure, you can make it up youselfe but that's less fun. I like a nice spicey red (their Corvina is great) with the choc. Not everyone likes sweet wines -- in fact, in my experience few do, so they should know that since they know wines. Regardless though, it's a fun concept and it's given me a new appreciateion for chocalate. And BBQ, because their pulled pork sandwish is awesome.

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  May 02, 2009 by by maverr at Citysearch

  My friend and I had tix to a show at Madison Square Garden and were sick of the usual fare over there -- which is pretty limited to things like TGI Fridays. Anyways, he found this place on yelp and we figured we'd try it out. I was worried that it might be more of a chick bar, I mean, wine and chocolates? And sure enough, it was full of ladies -- we may have been the only dudes in the place, but that wasactually a-ok. The food was pretty solid, though I'd say it was a little on the pricey side, and the poritions, were kinda small. Anyway, it was good for a nice splurge, and we had paninis were wheren't that expensive. They have beer too so you're not limited to just wine. I took my gf back one night and she was over the moon. Romantic, chocolate... She couldn't have been happier. She's already planning a trip there with her girlfriends.

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  May 01, 2009 by by maarrk at Citysearch

  I really dig the modern industruial chic feel of the place. As an architect, I can tell that they had a really great designer. IT's a smart use of space and all that, though as a large man, I have to say that I wasn't thrilled with the tiny benches. I had to trade places with my girlfriend and sit on the chair because I didn't feel like I could fit all that well -- doesn't make you want to eat too much. Eat I did, though. The food is sort of Mediteranean fusion with a little bit of everything. I had the filet and it was excellent, and not to overpriced by NYC standards either. Our waitrress was a sweetheart and really quick, but didn't seem to know too much about the wines. With such a huge wine list, though, who would? She did, however, suggest some crepe dessert that was phenomenal -- and I don't even really like dessert. We got flights of wine at first, and we ended up with a bottle of one of them -- I oridinarily would have picked a more expensive bottle but their wines by the glass are fantastic. The owner came by and talked to us for a bit -- I like it when they do that.

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  May 01, 2009 by by Elet at Citysearch

  My girlfriend suggested Ayza for my Birthday. We went there for a drink and to try out a nice wine bar in the city. We sat outdoors under the huge red umbrellas. It gave us a very private and tropical feel.... We had such great time sipping on our Kir Royales we didn't notice it began to drizzle... Ayza is a nice place to come with a date to have a glass of wine or to sample chocolate. The only downside.. I felt Ayza was a little pricey and the appertizers were not the best but it's a wine bar I can't expect anything more. Most importantly, I enjoyed my Birthday and have no regrets going to Ayza.

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  Apr 30, 2009 by by naoomii at Citysearch

  The neighborhood leaves a bit to be desired but the wine bar is one of New York City's best (and that's saying a lot since there are so many wine bars in New York). They have outdoor seating, and it's pretty cool because the sidewalk is huge so you don't feel like you're right on the street like at some cafes with outdoor seatin in New York. However, the caveat to that is that the people watching isn't as good as in a more exciting neighborhood. The oversized red umbrellas are fun though, and the food is fantastic. I can't figure out what the theme is: sort of a fusion of all things, but mostly Mediterranean food, I'd say. There are a few Asian dishes though (I highly ecommend the Asian Steak Tartare). I think it's pretty cool that they don't stick to one cuisine -- it's about the wine, really, and they do that very well. I do think, though, that their winescan get a bit pricey. I mean, they are good, but $17 for the Cabernet (which is, alas, my fave) is a bit hard to swallow. I found the chicken paillard to be dry , but everything else I've tried has been fantastic (and I've tried almost everything). They change certain things on the menu seasonally and right now my favorite thing is the Butternut Squash soup -- that's an easy thing to mess up, but Ayza does it well. Oddly enough, however, the chocolates just don't do it for me -- I feel like Jacuqes Torres is overrated :)

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  Apr 30, 2009 by by juliekaal at Citysearch

  I have to say this place doesn't seem to live up to the hype. I mean, the food was ok, and the wine list was rather impressive, but we had to wait forever for a table, even though there were two tables open when we arrived and no one else waiting. Supposedly they were saving them for larger parties, but in the 2 hours we were there not parties arrived. The waitress was nice enough, but didn't seem to know anything about the wine, which seemed alarming given it's a wine bar. All she wanted to do was recommend the wines by the glass -- which seems silly since I was prepared to order something much more expensive. we had this hummus that was really good.

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  Apr 29, 2009 by by CaroleFagn at Citysearch

  I started bringing out of town guests here. They think the whole wine and chocolate thing is "so New York" and I guess in a way it is. It's always fun to order small plates and share things too, but I do feel i's in a bit of an odd neighborhood. There just isn't much around. Anyway, I brought my parents and then a visiting friend and everyone really liked it. The wine list is good and the food is great, though my dad thought the portions were on the small side. But overall they have something that makes it stand out which is good. And despite the neighborhood the atmosphere in the bar is pretty cool -- it just doesn't fit with the location. Oh well, I guess you can't indeed have it all. But Ayza does have most :)

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  Apr 28, 2009 by by bairrbo0b at Citysearch

  I'm way into this place. My gf has this thing about trying all the wine bars in New York, a habit that I usually make her do with her chick friends. Wine is not gennerally my thing. She went to this one one night with the gals and then came home and insisted that I must try it. After much cajoling I finally went and am glad I did. We actually stopped in for lunch one Saturday after running sme errands in Herald Square. Since I loathe Herald Square with every ounce of my being, I was not in the best of moods when we arrived, but it was a fairly nice day and they have outdoor seating so we sat outside and after a drink -- I admit it, I went for a beer-- and a tasty panini, I was feeling pretty good. I always think of wine bars as chi chi female, but they have a BBQ Pork Panini which seemed quintessentially male -- I know, it's the little things. Anyway, I liked it a lot, even if the service was a little slow. The waitress was nice, but I think she might have messed up the order or something because it seemed to take excessively long for a simple lunch to come out. It was cool though, since we were just enjoying sitting outside.

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  Apr 28, 2009 by by lrsboth at Citysearch

  Perhaps my expectations were too high because of all the hype I'd heard, but I have to say I was a little disappointed. We did a girls' night out and were so excited about this new great wine/chocolate combo thing, but after waiting forever for a table we waited forever for a waitress, who utimately messed up our order and brought us first the wrong food and then cold food. When they finally got the food right, it was actually pretty goos, but by that time were were kind of over it. As for dessert, we ended up going with these chocolate martinis that were pretty rockin. My suggestion is head there for drinks but not for food.

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  Apr 27, 2009 by by vivicab at Citysearch

  The neighborhood leaves a bit to be desired but the wine bar is hip and very cool. I still haven't decided how I feel about the sidewalk thing though. While it's nice to sit outdoors there is something strange about sitting on the sidewalk where there isan't much going on around you -- it's almost just industrial. Still, it is really nice and they have these great red umbrellas that add to the ambiance, to it all works out. And the food makes up for any patio strangness. It's really really good -- everything I've tried at least. The chicken was a little bit dry for my tastes, but everything else I've tried has been fantastic. I think my favorite was the ravioli, very very tasty. I do like the chocolates but oddly enough it's the regular desserts that I love. I had to ask for the secret because I fell in love with this crepe cake thing they have. I don't know what makes it so special, becasue it seems so simpe, but it's like a little bit of heaven in every bite. Now if only they'd turn down that incredibly loud music!

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  Apr 27, 2009 by by tarrahsh at Citysearch

  I'm a vegetarian and I like that there are lots of options for me here. They have good soups and salads and a veggie panini and pasta. I'm always scouring menus and here there are several options to choose from, which keesp me coming back. All are pretty good too, which is nice. I do hate that the music gets so loud, epecially in the evenings, but I'll put up with it for good wine and food. The service is usually pretty good though last time my friends and I were there we had the rudest server. I think it must have been a fluke though because I've been loads of other times and they've all been nice, even if some of them are a little slow.

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  Apr 24, 2009 by by CatMarrJen at Citysearch

  I'm not really a fan. Bad ser vice for one. We ordered a few courses and from appetizers to entrees we had to wait forever. They had cleared one an it was literally 20 minutes before anything else came out. That normal? I know we're supposed to savor the wine but I wasn't e ven that into the wine. I don't know what our server was doing but she seemed more interested in talking to the other servers than in helping us. And they weren't e ven busy so it's completely inexcusable.

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  Apr 23, 2009 by by Hopper8 at Citysearch

  My girlfriends and I like to come to this place becasue it's midway from our places and it's a fun girl's night out. You don't get much grirlier than wine and chocolate and we can also get lots of little plates to share too. The first time we can we all got flights but that is sort of a pain since then the table is covered in wine glasses, so when we went again we tried doing bottles. the wine list is good and there are several that are really good prices, which is nice. I really like the hummus -- I don't know what they put in it, but we always have to ask for more pite and wind up cleaning the plate of it. The decor is nice too, though I really wish that there was more than one restroom, that gets to be a pain.

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  Apr 23, 2009 by by lakejj at Citysearch

  So this is possibly my new favorite lunch spot.I come here at least once a week and I'm not sure I'll ever get sick of it. In the warm weather, it's great because they have awesoe outdoor seating and it's so nice to just be out of the office, but in the cold its pretty comfortable inside as well, which is great. The food is fantastic and the lunch special is cheap and good. The servers are great and fast and they have a really good selection of paninis to choose from. Plus then you get soup or an app to go along with that. Even though I'm there all the tie, I can't get enough of the artichoke dip and order it every time I'm in. And I don't even usually like artichokes! The only unfortunate thing is that their wine list is so great I always want to order a glass and can't when I'm going beck to work. All the more reason to go after work too, right?

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  Apr 22, 2009 by by monah71eve at Citysearch

  I guess I'd say I'm a regular there. I go probably once a month or sometimes more to have a glass of wine. The service is ht or miss. Most of the time they are really on it, but there are a couple waitresses who are on the slow side.All things considered though, I just love the chocolate and the wine. What a fun combo. And the food is nice too -- they have yummy light salads that usually have very different and interesting combos. I mostly do the salads but the paninis are nice too. A lot of the time, though I just do the wine and chocolate. The problem is, it's just a little on the small side, so for someone like me who goes there often it gets a little annoying to have to wait and stuff.

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  Apr 21, 2009 by by JEllliotF at Citysearch

  I know nothing about wines, so that this wine bar has the pairings is great for me. We got the cheese plate with the sommelier flight: the price tag ($40) seemed a little high btu when you think you're getting all that wine and cheese for that, and not having to choose the wines, I guess it's a good deal. We enjoyed all of it. I'm not a wine snob, butI hate it when wines by the glass are just the crp wines that taste like they come from a box. Here they were better, and after the flight we were each able to pick a wine we liked for a glass with dinner. Our food came out a little cold, though, which was frustrating. The waitress took it back and heated it up though, but it was still a bit of a glitch in the meal. The manager was really nice though and sent over a free dessert -- this amazing molten chocolate thing. I know that's a common dessert, but this was like none I've had in the past. Really delicious. It was really packed, which made it a bit noisy, but overall fun It has a European feel.

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  Apr 21, 2009 by by lbertcr at Citysearch

  I LOVE Ayza. It's such a fantastic wine bar, and stands out, even in a city where there are so many wine bars. I have to say, I was spilled on while there. The poor waitress, it truly wasn't her fault, and she felt awful about it. There was a problem opening the bottle and it slipped from her hands. Luckily it was white wine, but even so, the owner came over and was so apologetic. Thing is, stuff like that happens and it's all about how it's handled. They handled it so well, and the service was perfect the rest of the time. Other than that, though, the place couldn't stand to improive. The wine list is huge and has great selections and the food is amazing. You can eat outside, which I love, though it was a little too cold when we were there, still I can't wait until the next warm day! It's romantic but fun at the same time, and I really can't say enough about the staff.

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  Apr 20, 2009 by by Lucyydan82 at Citysearch

  I think the wine/chocolate thing may be btter in theory. They do have a notable wine list, but I wasn't all that impressed by the chocolates. Not to sound like a pig or anything, but they were small, for one thing, especially for what they charge for them. I went by myself one afternoon on the way home from shopping and they let me sit at the bar, which was nice. I had a glass of wine which was quite good, but after ordering the chocolates (and I only wanted something small as a light snack) I had to order something else because they just didn't seem to be enough. And the service was a little slow as well, though it may have been that I was there at a weird time of day. When I arrived there were loads of people finishing up lunch, but shortly after it was just me, and the waitress seemed to want me to leave -- she did let me stay though, which I appreciated. I could just tell I shouldn't be there though. I guess I'd give it another try going at a normal hour, the food looked like it might be good...

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  Apr 20, 2009 by by RobBenHarR at Citysearch

  I've visited several times, from the time I first discovered you about a year ago and I've loved watching the changes. Getting a bar, changing the menu, all these great things. Your wine list is superb and your food gourmet. Your ambiance is the perfect cross of romance and cool and I adore the friendly staff.

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  Apr 18, 2009 by by lpayton22 at Citysearch

  I always struggle tofind cool places to take visitors when they come around, but Ayza is a new staple for that. It's casual but upscale feeling at the same time. The decor is cool and the Mediterranean menu is amazing. Lots of yummy food and great wines and then the amazing chocolates and even better desserts.It's a great way impress visitors and feels so New York. I took some friends, who LOVED it – then my parents, who are totally into wine and were really impressed by the notable wine list. We actually went back another night just for dessert. They loved the molten chocolate cake, and then we had some of the specialty cocktails, which are tasty as well. Thank you Ayza! You are a lifesaver! The staff was all really nice too, and overall it was just a totally great time and I will definitely be returning, with or without guests.

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  Apr 18, 2009 by by kileyclem at Menuism

  The place has a pretty cool vibe and it's a neat concept, but I have to say I wasn't all that excited by...

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  Apr 17, 2009 by by ritterrpete at Citysearch

  Not only is it the best wine bar in New York City (great wine list and a little thing called chocolate!) , but the food is simply fabulous! I’m in the industry (bartender) and I get to see loads of places. I'm trying to be a chef myself and I really admire there chef. He's got a great mix of things -- lots of really unique takes on classic meals, which is really the way to go, especially in a city like NY where there is a gourmand on every other corner. As for the chocolates, Jacques Torres is really a genius, and I love that they pair their specialty cocktails with truffles. It's a great way to get a little taste of chocolate and a yummy drink, and it takes all the decision making out of it for me. The waitress I had last time was a real sweeite and gave lots of good recommendations. You could tell she liked working there, which is really cool to see as well.

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  Apr 17, 2009 by by belle654 at Citysearch

  Great place! Wine selection was amazing, delicious food at affortable prices: cheese platter with proscuitto, delicious cranberry/pistachio bread, and mouthwatering 20 layer creme brulee crepe cake. Quite small so need to get there early as they don't take reservations after 6.

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  Apr 16, 2009 by by clayton58 at Citysearch

  The waitress spilled red wine on my brand new shirt. It was an accident, of course, and she apologized over and over and the manager sent over free dessert, but it really messed up the whole viebe of the night. The waitres was awkward the whole rest of the time, and I was in a bad mood, and didn't even want the dessert. the food was alright, but not the best I've ever had, though the waitress didn't seem to know much about the menu either. The design could be really cool, but it's pretty tiny and it felt like we were practically on the other tables' lap..

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  Apr 16, 2009 by by barrrr at Citysearch

  I knew nothing about Ayza when a friend told me to meet her there but was so pleasantly surprised. It's tiny and they couldn't seat us right away, but it was totally worth waiting. We wound up dining at the bar, which ws actually pretty cool as well. Our waitress was not too friendly but she was really on it and took great care of us. My friend got the Mediterranean salad and everything was all chopped up bitesize. I got a mushroom tart that was really really tasty. We each had a flight of wine, which was so fun and then we ended up ordering one of those as a bottle, which led to even more eating. Everthing was ridiculously tasty, and we loved the ambiance too. Dessert was the main event ghouth -- they have this crepes cake that the waitress recommended. I was less than enthused about it since it istn'y chocolate, but it was really really phenomenal. I cant't even express how good it was. Amazing really. The design is really modern and hip,the people are so nice, and there's just a general lively but sophisticated vibe. You can't help but feel happy there. But perhaps the highlight may jsut be the eye candy they've got working there :)

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  Apr 15, 2009 by by oliverpesc at Citysearch

  I was a little frustrated when I first arrived because it was so crowded and loud. There was one table open, but they wouldn't seat us because it was for four and we were only 2. It wound up being worth the wait though. Our waitress really sweet and totally on the ball -- she made great cheese recommendations, and even told us how to eat this one cheese( can't remember the name of it, but it was a Spanish cheese and she recommended putting it with this guava paste they give you -- great combo. She chatted with us and made made sure everything was cooked right (my girl had to ask for a change on the salad).Food was phenomenal and now I want to taste everything else on the menu. We had the Mediterranean salad and then shared the chicken which was really cool. I didn't know you could stuff paillard but they do it and do it well. and this great asuce too.We had a couple glasses of wine while waiting for a table and then ended up ordering a bottle at the table, sommelier’s rec. At first he seemed cold but was actually really cool, and the man knows his wine. He let us try a few things and was really knowledgeable. As for the chocolates, my girl couldn't decide and loves chocolate so we ended up trying one of each and there was not a bad one in the bunch! My fave was the hazelnut and she couldn't come up with a favorite. She had a peppermint chcolate martini too -- talk about a chocolate lover's heaven. The music got a little loud at one point, but other than that, the place was way cool. Romantic, too, and the presentation of all the dishes was really beatufiul. I will definitely go back.

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  Apr 15, 2009 by by kimmaee at Citysearch

  I came here on a date and ended up hating the guy but loving the place. I know wine bars are really common but Ayza is one of the best: hip atmosphere, notable wine list menu, yummy Mediterranean food and really nice people to top it off.. I had a veggie panini and really enjoyed it, though I felt lame getting a pnaini when they had so many other great things on the menu. All the more reason to go back. The guy complained about the cheese we ordered and said it was really smalle, but I thought the presentation was really pretty and they had this guava paste stuff that was very good. The waitress was sweet and in fact I think I enjoyed her more than my dateWe had cocktails after dinner and those were great too, and served with truffles, which was fun. After the stress of that awful date I needed some chocolate, stat!

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  Apr 14, 2009 by by kendrickbbreeden at Citysearch

  I’m newly obsessed with this place! Came for a friend's bday party -- she had it in this private room and I liked the food so much that I came back withmy bf to eat in the main dinignroom. We had a nice romantic dinner of shared items -- all the apps are small and great for sharing. We had cheese, which came out on this cool board and looked almost oo pretty to eat. They have these caperberries that I never tasted before but really liked. And then we had a salad, which was nice, and some really yummy chicken with lavender sauce. We finished off with his great white port that was light and not too sweet, and we had a few truffles which were great. Our waitress was a little slow but very sweet and it actually allowed us to have a leisurely dinner, which was nice. The decor is stunning -- very cool and interesting and a great use of small space.

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  Apr 14, 2009 by by mila23 at Citysearch

  Our waitress was sweet but a little on the slow side. It took forever to gice us our wines and then even longer for her to come back and take our order. She wasn't able to answer too many of our questions either. Perhaps she was new, but even so it was a little frsutrating. Anyway the food made up for it -- I got this truffle pizza that was amazing and worth the long time it took for it to come out. It was made on pita bread so it had a great texture, and the the truffle oil on the top was simply decadent. We enjoyed our flights of wines, and thought the outdoor patio was nice. It was too cold to sit outside the day we were there, but it's tough to find places in NEw York with outdoor dining, so I'll definitely be back for that.

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  Apr 11, 2009 by by rrebeeccaa at Citysearch

  Maybe I went at the wrong time. When I got there it was packed and it took forever to get a table. Then it took forever to get a menu, I think they may have forgotten me. The waitress was all aplogetic when she finally came over but it had put me into a bad mood to start with. The wine I had was ok but nothing special. They seemed to have good wines but the waitress recommened this one and it wasn't all that grand. The food was tsaty but the plates were small for the prices they charge. As for the chocolates, they were definitely a plus to the whole experience. I thought they were a little expensive as well, but they were worth it, and a good way to relax after what seemed to be a stressful meal.

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  Apr 10, 2009 by by MJJJay at Citysearch

  My girlfriend and I like to come to this place becasue it's romantic and they have such a great menu. We've tried a lot of things and usually will get a bunch of appetizers to share. The cheese plate is great and they serve it on one of the sides from a wine crate which is a really cool, unique idea. The wine list is great, but I like that they also have beers and a full bar in case I just don't feel like drinking wine. The entrees are a little overpriced, bbut that's ok because with all the other offerings there isn't much need for them. THe shrimp dumplings are my favorite -- they have the best crispy texture. and don't even get me started on the truffle pizza. You've never tasted anything like it! They usually play a sort of loungy electronica music -- it works for the place but can get a little on the loud side.

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  Apr 09, 2009 by by emmyy at Citysearch

  This wine bar is fabulous, one of New York’s best. The decor is minimalist but so cool. Steel and dark wood, and these really gorgeous hanging lights over the bar. Up above you can see all the wines, and sometimes you even get to see someone climbing up and down the ladder to get to them. They have great decorations on the bar too -- this really awesome ball of lights that I'm obsessed with. i like that you can dine at the bar, which is what I did, and it was really fun. the server was sweet, and she seemed to know a lot about the menul. Not only that, but she was enthusiastic about it too. Told me what her favorites were, and all that. When I couldn't decid on a wine, she gave me a choice of two and tried to hep with recommendations as well. I ordering too much, surely, but it was allreally good. My girlfriend is a vegetarian, but ther was plenty for her to eat too. We both agreed that the hummus was the best we'd tasted and even their pita seemed better than most!

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  Apr 08, 2009 by by jfavar at Citysearch

  I've never been too much of a chocolate person, but I think that was before I had chocolate with wine. I took my girlfriend to this place for her birthday, thinking that their Mediterranean menu looked cool and that the wine/chocolate combo would be something she'd love. She liked it, but I was the one that was more impressed, oddly enough. They have a very notable wine list, with a lot of greats and some I didn't recognize. we tried a nice bottle that the owner suggested. A blend I'd never heard of by a winery I ddin't know, some French wine, and it was truly amazing. I am a bit of a wino so I'm picky about my wines and this was a good one. The menu is great and there is a lot of variety. It's mostly Mediterranean, and a real good cross-section too. Definitely French and Italian inspired with some hints of Turkish in there as well (the owners are Turkish). Their hummus is delightful and the white truffle pizza was like nothing I'd ever tasted. I had the filet, which was good, though I feel like I should have gone with something a little different -- my girlfrineds bass was fantastic and their chicken had this lavender sauce that sounded really unique. But hte highlight ended up being dessert. We went with the six chocolates and a flight of sweet wines. It seemed a little pricey for the tiny chocolates, but I guess the wine along with it made it a deal. THe got milk truffle was my favorite (I love cognac) but my girlfriend liked the white chocolate love bg. And they went so well with the wines. they have a white port that is like nothing I"ve had before -- amazing.

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  Apr 08, 2009 by by vioolacovin at Citysearch

  New York City has its share of wine bars, but this is one of the best. They have such a great wine list -- selections from all over and good options to fit every udget, and a pretty unbeatable menu too, it's mostly a French and Mediterranean restuarant, but there are flashes of all sorts of other things thrown in. It's great because they don't confine themselves to one food type so the focus is really on quality food and great wine. The design is awesome ? sleek and modern and though they leave the lights dimmed, there is lots of soft, flattering lighting as well. I?m a real foodie and I can?t stop going back to Ayza. I love that they have a menu of staples, but change out key items with the seasons. They have a great selection of wines by the glass and the service is always really good -- not only fast but friendly. They also have a private room -- I just hosted my brother's birthday there and it was perfect -- everyone thought it was a ht.

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  Mar 17, 2009 by by tThereSea at Citysearch

  I love their superb wine list, but their cocktails arealso fantastic and some are so unique. Tt’s great for a girls' night but it's also really romantic too. Not to mention that they have a nice outdoor patio which is so great on warm days. The people are really nice -- we had this server who made some fantastic recommendations, and event old us what she liked and flavor combinations that worekd. Now that's dedication and knowledge. The presentation on everything was just gorgeous. We got these shrimp dimplings which were served in this pretty little dish over seaweed. You can just tell that they pay attention to the little important details, which I love.

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  Mar 11, 2009 by by hagstorm12 at Citysearch

  I love this wine bar. There is a selfish part of me that doesn't even want to write this reivew -- I'd like to keep it for myself. But since it's already pretty crowded at peak hours, I guess the secret is out, and it should be. This is one of the best wine bars in New York. They have great Mediterranean food, and it' nice because there is a good variety. While the entrees are fantastic, there is also a huge menu of yummy saladas and appetizers so it's great for sharing. The atmosphere is really romanitc, though sometimes I'll come by myself and just eat at the bar. Really, I gues it's the best of all worlds :) I've gone so much that some of the staff now know me, which makes it even nicer. It's just a really great place and it seems to continue getting better. I've really liked watching it grow and it seems that they don't miss anything -- the littlest detials are all impeccably accounted for.

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  Mar 10, 2009 by by CSMobileUser at Citysearch

  Liked the Place; not the big thing though but still.Nice wine list & food. I think I saw the chef on the Tv. Last week on Chopped. Service ok; I've been in better places. Its too romantic for my type. Prices bit high for the area.

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  Mar 09, 2009 by by izettaaa at Citysearch

  Murray Hill just got a little cooler. I know that sholdn't take much, but it's now home to one of my favorite wine bars in New York. Ayza is really incredibly cool. They have a huge, all-star wine list and a great menu of dishes that truly complement the wines on offer. I've been a few times now and there isn't anything I've tried that I haven't liked.. Excellent food, great wine, yummy chocolate. It's a great place for a night out with friends but it's also swank and romantic for that special someone as well. And the desserts are unbelieveably. The last time I was there, we just did dessert and we went all the way -- special cockatails (which come with a truffle, so precious) and two desserts. They have this crepes cake thing that is unbelievable. I don't even know how to describe it, you just have to try it.

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  Mar 09, 2009 by by carloswhit at Citysearch

  This place is just fun and hip andI like the whole wine pairing aspect of it. I don't know much about wines but I do know about cheese so I just go backwards, pick my cheese and then pick my pairings from there. I wishe they would expand the cheese list though. They have some good ones but there are some others that would really add to it. Anyways, I like all the other food I've tried too. They have this mushroom appetizer that's like a pizza on pita bread and covered in mushorooms -- it's really really tasty. I'm not much of a dessert person but my gf always loves to order, so we tried the crepe cake here and it made me a dessert persson. It was that good. And the staff are really nice, but sometimes i feel like they are just a little too nice. It's cool when they come and talk to you but sometimes they want to talk a little too much.

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  Mar 08, 2009 by by brendon78 at Citysearch

  I consider myself a New York wine bar connoisseur and was really looking foared to this place, but it didn't quite live up. It should feel romantic, but it's too noisy to be so, and the tables are relaly close together so you feel like you're dining with the people next to you. The wine list is nice, but they could use a bigger cheese list -- I mean, what's a wine bar without a supberb cheese menu. Plus it gets too crowded and waiting for the bathroom is like standing in the middle of traffic. My molten cake arrived with the middle still cold. then it took a really long time to get another one, and trying to get coffee took forever. I think there is definite potential but they have some things to fix.

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  Mar 08, 2009 by by emlynrn at Citysearch

  I had a friend visiting from San Fran and we have this running joke about which of our cities has the better food (New york, of course). Anywayz, she's always making fun of the fact that there are so many wine bars in NYC, so I threw her off by bringing her here. She was like, you're taking me to a wine bar, but when we got there she had to admit I was right. It blew her away., She loved the cool desgin and wanted to order just about everthing on the menu. They have a lot of good Cali wines, so of course she was a fan of that as well, though she ended up choosing the Malbec on ec from the watiress, who was awesome. Thanks Ayza for helping me win!

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  Mar 05, 2009 by by Guest G. at Judy'sBook

  I'm not much of a "wine bar guy" and New York City seems to be the mecca of wine bars, but over the past couple months I've had a barrage of female visitors and it's a great place to bring them. They are always impressed by the whole wine a...

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  Mar 04, 2009 by by lennalinn at Citysearch

  I went here yesterday with a girlfriend and it was such a great experience. We sat at the bar and were able to watch all the goings on behind it, plus it was such a nice atmosphere. they have it decorated really nice and there was a good amount of space, which was nice since we ordered a lot of food. The server was excellent and had fantastic suggestions. The food was amazing especially the mushroom tart. The wine list was a little overwhleming at first, but the owner was right on hand to help select the perfect bottle and we really love it. The atmosphere was beautiful. I live the design and they make great use of a small space so that ti doesn't feel crowded or anthing. We had chocolates in the end because we felt that was the thing to do, even though many of the desserts were tempting. Just an exucse to come back. The truffles were great -- they have a lime-infused white chocolate that was really lovely, and we had chocolate martinis which came with more truffles, so that was ufn.

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  Feb 28, 2009 by by alice212 at Citysearch

  THis is my new favorite place to do girl's night out. My friends and I have all come here a couple times and you don't get much grirlier than wine and chocolate. We order little plates to share and then get a couple bottles of wine for the table. They have such a great wine list that we can order something new every time around, which is so fun. The ambiance is great, but the only thing isthat we order so uch that there ends up not being enough room on the table. Not a bad problem to have I guess! We started coming before they got the bar, but now that they have that,it's even more fun! I lve the chocolate rasperry martini, and all the champange cocktails are really nice too. We always get a mediterranean salad to share and a bunch of cheeses and other appetizers, and everything always looks so pretty too.

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  Feb 27, 2009 by by morgann11 at Citysearch

  I simply can't get enough of this place. I mean, I've only been once for a friend's birthday but now I'm just envisioning going back time and again. First there is the design, truly impressive. It's a tiny spot but the ceilings are so high and they have this whole industrial chic thing going for them that really works. Lots of steel but accented by deep woods and plush reds. I love that you can see the wine from above and that there are chcolate and wine references wherever they can fit them (without being cheesy about it). Then there is the wine -- I am a bit of a wine snob but they have a very notable wine list and they really do a good job of getting a cross section. Third, there is the food. Wow! A great variety of flavors, mostly French in theme, but they throw in lots of Mediterranean and even a little bit of Asian. Basically there is something for everyone and from what I could tell it's all good. I was with a pretty large party so we orderd a lot of little things which means I as able to try a lot and each dish was better than the next. And speaking of parties, I know we were a pain, but our server was just a doll. She was really on top of it and gave us space but was there when we needed... I will definitely be going back, and when I learned that they have a private room, well it made me want an excuse for a party!

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  Feb 26, 2009 by by marrrio at Citysearch

  Food good, Service, eh. Waitress was very sweet but didn't seem to know a whole lot. I don't expect her to be a wine expert, but she does work at a wine bar after all. She shouldn't stammer over the wines by the glass. And then everything seemed slower than it should be. As a former server myself, I'm both extra lenient and extra critical and I think this broad didn't put our order in. As for ambiance, pretty romantic save for the loud music.

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  Feb 25, 2009 by by oscar23 at Citysearch

  This is a fantastic lunch spot. I work in the area and am always stuggling to find a good place to eat, especially one that is suitable if clients are visiting or in the area. Can't very well take them to a cafeteria type place. But when I found Ayza all my problems were solved. They are a wine bar and so much more. By day, they have a fixed lunch that is excellent and well-priced, though I really love their salads as well. Though I usually have to rerain from the wine during lunch becasue of work, when clients are in town it's a great place to take them because they love the wine list and we can order up something to enjoy with lunch. THey are always really impressed by the decor too, and the service is quick and friendly.

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  Feb 25, 2009 by by jadebrk at Citysearch

  My first impression was not a good one It was really loud, and they couldn't seat us right away, which was frustrating since they don't take reservations. But then they suggested we eat at the bar -- I don't usually like that, but it turned out to be great. Since the server was right there she was really on top of the service and we got to watch all the going son which was fun. Though I would say that it still seemed to take a while for ust to actually get our food. It was worth waiting for though. I had this squash soupp which was unbelievable and that's hard to do well. And the chicken was really nic. My friend had a seafood pasta that was also really nice.They have a notable wine list (of course) so we both enjoyed that, winos that we are. Dessert wasn't as good as I expected -- we got a dark chocolate cake, but I think we should have gone with something else -- there were so many things to choose from.

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  Feb 24, 2009 by by johnnaoliv at Citysearch

  The staff is lovely and so friendly and enthusiastic about the menu. You know its a good sign when your watiress is excited to recommend things to you. The mood of the place is small and intimatebut with a very urban chic modern feel that is still friendly and oftetimes romantic. The cheese, well, it's Murrays so it can't be bad right? They have a great selection of it, and really great wiens to match. The goat cheese bruleewas really beautiful -- there is no other word to describe it. and the desserts, well, I'd go again and again just for that moletn chocolate cake. It's become something of a thing around restaurants in New York, but Ayza has the best one, and I am something of a chocolate expert so take it from me.

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  Feb 22, 2009 by by faridadvr at Citysearch

  This place is phenomenal. It's a wine bar and so much more, with unique dishes and friendly staff and fantastic service. Our server was so adorable and she really knew her menu. But more importantly, wshe was excited about it. At too many New York restuarants it's obvious tha tthe staff haven't even eaten there. How can a server recommend anything she hasn't tried herself??? But here, the waitress told us her favorites and with such enthusiasm it was clear she wasn't lying. And all her recommendations were great too, from the wine to the dessert (she recommended this molten cake and I was resisitant because all New York restaurants do is, but like so many things at Ayza it was the best of the best!)

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  Feb 20, 2009 by by rm27839 at Citysearch

  This place is a joke. My wife and I met here for a glass of wine and food late one night after work. There was a very snooty host who passed us by once as we waited, and then sat us. The waitress was very nice, but the menu was far from considered a wine bar. Very poor selection of wine, very loud, and uncomfortable seating. We actually left before we were served because of disappointed we were with this place. I am really surprised at all of the glowing comments. But if you are looking for a disappointment, this is the place!

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  Feb 18, 2009 by by scoottncl at Citysearch

  Ok, so this is going to sound somewhat gay, but I daydream sometimes about Ayza?s crepe cake. I was there one night and the waitress, who was a total doll, told me the thing was going to change my life. I thought that was such a great statement I ordered it just because, event hough I'm not really a dessert person. But I guess it did change my life, becuase now I totally love the thing. I went back the other night to get a slice of it after having dinner in the area with a friend. I think it changed his life too, because he loves it as well (which makes me feel less gay). I'm just glad that I don't live closer or I'd be there all the time. Oh and everything else there is really great too. The food is all really good and there is a great variety on the menu. They have great wines by the glass too. I know they're a wine bar and shopper but you just never know...

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  Feb 17, 2009 by by stellllla at Citysearch

  The first impression I got of this place was not a good one It was really loud, and they couldn't seat us right away, which was frustrating since they don't take reservations. But then they sat us at the bar and we just ended up eating there. Not ideal but good anyhow. And the food was worth waiting for. Everything else, though -- great. The sommelier was there and gave us wine recommendations but I have to say he wasn't all that personable. He did recommend a good bottle of wine though :) Dessert wasn't as good as I expected -- the truffles were small and just ok, but everything else in terms of food was good and I'd definitely go back some other time.

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  Feb 16, 2009 by by MEJBR at Citysearch

  Thie place is nice and low key but also super romantic. My honey and I came for Valentine?s and they had it all decorated pretty. We go there all the time now. The small plates mean we can share everything and get to try more. Plus then we have chocolates in the end, which is more sharing.

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  Feb 14, 2009 by by amyrvt at Citysearch

  I?m newly obsessed with this place I went there for a birthday party a few weeks back and then again for dinner the other night. The whole wine and chocolate concept is brillian. And the small plates are great too. It?s the type of place where you go and you just enjoy several courses. And then in the end you can get chocolate and sweer wine. And everything's all paired for you which is fun too (though I must admit that at first I was very confused by those numbers!) The waitress was a little waspy but sweet and gave us recommendations, though we had to push for them. The only thing is that it's so tiny. There is not even a place to stand while waiting for the bathroom.! Still, it was great.

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  Feb 14, 2009 by by paul06 at Citysearch

  The other night I was walking home from work and I decided to take a different route because of some road construction and crowds. I've never been so glad about a detour! I passed it and stopped in to check the menu. The waitress was so kind and greeted me right away and asked if I wanted to eat. When I told her I was just looking around she immediately offered my a menu to look at and a card to take along. She was so nice I ended up deciding to stay for a glass of wine just based on that. and what a glass of wine! Somehow it turned into a cheese platter and a second glass, and dinner the following night with some buddies. If that isn't a great glass of wine I don't know what is!

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  Feb 13, 2009 by by pppatel at Citysearch

  I've gottne sort of sick of the whole wine bar craze and i feel like there is one on every corner in New York, so I wasn't excited about going to Ayza.A friend picked it when I told her I would take her to dinner for her bday, and I wasn't about to tell her we couldn't go to the restaurant of her choice, so there we were and it changed my whole opinion of wine bars, or at the very least of this one. Such a pleasant surprise. The whole chocolate thing makes them really different -- I just adore Jacques Torres. Those chocolates are great. And they have a really robust menu and some great wines by the glass, but no one is as pretentious as they are in some of the other trendy wine bars.

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  Feb 12, 2009 by by eric212 at Citysearch

  I like dhtat these guys use a lot of NY stpales - Murray's Cheese, Jacques Torres truffles, Lady M cakes. It's pretty nice to give back like that -- and use the best of the best. Then again, maybe it is a little much. The prices could be a little lower or the portions bigger, in my opinion. Still the food's pretty good and that have a nice wine list. I like going there mostly though for the chicks. See, I wnet the first time when I was still with my girlfriend and then we borke up and I told my friend about it. Since theres' the whole wine/chocolate combo going on the chicks love it, and there are always like 98% ladies, so my bro and I go for the eye candy more than anything. That the food's good is just a bonus.

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  Feb 11, 2009 by by helennajmahel at Citysearch

  So when a friend suggested we meet for dinner and gave me the address of Ayza I was like, "is she kdding?" but then I got there and I realzied why. This place is gorgeous! The steel/wood thing is so sleek and hip, and the menu is amazing. Really fresh food and such a good variety. I love the whole idea of combining wine and chocolate and cheese. We started with the cheese and some flights and then we mixed it up and shared a salad and an entreee. There is literally so much to choose from. And then for dessert we had no idea what to do. Our waitress, whoc was so sweet, suggested the molten cake, and we were so glad. It was amazing. I had to get chocolate to take hom though sime you can't go to a chocolate bar and not get chocolate. I ate them the next day and have been thinking of them the rest of the week!

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  Feb 11, 2009 by by jenkin at Citysearch

  I dig this place a lot. My gf dragged me here one night and I wasn't that excited because it seemed to much of a chick place, but not so. They have a good winemenu and some great drinks as well. It was kinda romantic too without being too sappy. A little on the pricey side though. I mean, I liked the food and all, but I could have eaten more of it. I guess it's healthier that way or something. Our waitress was pretty cute and she was really freidnly though she did nearly spill water on my lady. Anywayz I still thought it was a pretty col place and I liked the vibe and all. The manager came over and talked to us and he was pretty cool too. I'd come bakc.

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  Feb 10, 2009 by by BernardoIhle at Citysearch

  This is an increidble wine bar. The space, first off, is simply fabulous. I am a huge fan of Richard Bloch, the designer and he did such a great job with this tiny space. He's outdone himself really. It's so cool to see how he utitlized as much space as possible, and how he opened it up. I love the lights hanging from those grates in the ceilings and that ladder for the staff, and all the wines upstairs. It's cool to be able to see them up there, and the bar is gorgeous too. All the mirrors really open it up, but the tone of them makes it still super sleek. Sometimes I feel like I go there just to geek out on the design, but then my foo comes and and I realize that's totally not the case!

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  Feb 10, 2009 by by emmagailrobson at Citysearch

  The owners of this wine bar are such nice people. They had a great idea and they've really pulled it off. They are almost always there, or one of them is, and they are so freindly and almost always talk to you or stop by most of the tables. Its nice to see people who really care about their business and their patrons. You see that so rarely these days.. They told me that the name Ayza is a combo of their two names, which is really really sweet too. Not to mention that they just do a great business. They have a lovely selection of wines and a really fabulous menu with a wide variety of foods. I'm a vegetarian so sometimes it's tough for me to eat too much, but this place has me covered.

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  Feb 06, 2009 by by georgehall49 at Citysearch

  I like to come eat lunch here. It?s close to work and fast and the fixed lunch is totally cheap, which is a great thing in New York. There are a couple waitresses who know me and are great. Since I come often and usually get the same thing they often ask if that's what I'm having. That can be nice some times but every once in a while it annoys me too. i don't need the waitress to be too chummy with me. Anyhow, it's easy for lunch and I enjoy it. The price fix thing is a great deal, but I'll often do a full sandwich instead becasue they are really good especially the pulled pork. I've seen a few slip ups in service though. When it gets really busy sometimes they seem to get sloppy. One day the girl forgot my drink until I was about to leave. Regardless I will keep going there because for the most part it's really good.

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  Feb 05, 2009 by by scatone at Citysearch

  AYZA was a great experience for me and my girlfriend. I took her here for her birthday and everyone had a great time. The food was very good. And the wine list is most notable. Plus she is a huge chocolate freak, hahaha! She loved it here, what a great experience.

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  Feb 05, 2009 by by rogertaste at Citysearch

  My lady is obsessed with wine bars lately and positive that they're the new hip thing to do. I can't even count how many hole in the wall places she's dragged me to, and most of them are really awful. So when she took me to Ayza I have to admit I was expecting the worst. I don't know if that's why I was pleasantly surprised or if it was simply that Ayza really is fantasttic but I think it's the latter. The food is great, the wine is great. It's a little romantic but also totally chill.

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  Feb 04, 2009 by by Shelat at Citysearch

  Last week I tried to use my Restaurant-com coupon at the restaurant. When I asked whether they honored the coupon I was told by the host that they no longer honor them. I informed him that I had purchased the coupons back in November. He decides to speak with the manager / co-owner. The manager informs me that I must take it up with Restaurant-com. So being the way I am, I decide to call. It turns out that the Ayza's current contract with Restaurant-com states that they must honor all outstanding Restaurant-com coupons. The manager seemed frazzled since I had called his bluff. He then tells me that they will do me a "favor" and honor the coupon for lunch on Sunday, but not any other day. Really? They will do me a favor. As an avid restaurant goer in NYC, I decided to fight for this based on the principle. I asked the manager why they wouldn?t honor their contract with Restaurant-com. He told me again to take it up with Restaurant-com and that I needed to stop wasting his time because I was not welcome at Ayza. Wow. Really? It went from take it up with Restaurant-com to I was wasting his time and I was not welcome there. That was pretty much the end of it there. At that point I reminded him who the customer was using a few four + letter words. I'll never go back, nor would I ever recommend this place to others. It may seem like a nice place, but for the prices people are paying to eat out, they could use a lesson or two on customer service. I know others who have had similar experiences with poor and rude service at this place. I thought like many others that my experience would have been different. Guess I was wrong.

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  Jan 31, 2009 by by jaafo75 at Citysearch

  I've seen other reviewers say this is a good place for a date, but I don't see it. Yes, there's good chocolate and good wine. The food was good, but not great. But the place has such loud music that you can barely have a conversation. You can't linger over dessert and coffee because there are people waiting for tables so the staff kicks you out as soon as you get the check. Maybe it'll be better in the spring and summer when they open up the outside dining.

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  Jan 30, 2009 by by rachelmar at Citysearch

  I was really excited about the whole wine and chocolate thing. What an interesting concept, for one. And it didn't really fail to please either. The food was good though the portions were small and thw wine list was really nice. The chocolate, however, was the star, of course. It?s to die for, really. The truffles are kind of pricey (for their size) but so worth it. We also had a cheese plate to share which was great (but a little small).The place is trendy and hip, but the music was a little too loud for my tastes. Still, I liked the steel and and wood look ? it?s very modern and ultra cool. The food was all very fresh and everything we ordered (cheese, salad, chicken was pretty tasty). We finished up with 5 chocolates and now I want to go back just to try all the others.The only real downer was our waitress. She was pretty quick but had zero personality and when we asked for wine recommendations she couldn't really answer. She did, however, send someone else over to help out with the wine list, so that was good. We were ordering a bottle so I guess the staff can't be expected to know all the wines, especially when the sommelier was right there. The man who brought our food was very charming and told us about all the cheeses on the plate. The manager stopped by and was quite friendly as well. He explained that he and his friend started the place, which gives it good character. Overall, I definitely think I'd return.

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  Jan 29, 2009 by by mrylng at Citysearch

  I started coming here shortly after Ayza opened and it's been so much fun to watch it grow. It started out with just a trickle and now it's this hip wine bar that wars some of the best wine bars in New York, a city that's full of them. The owners are super nice and you can tell they not only care about the place but about the customers too, which makes all the difference. and the place is phenomenal -- a really cool space that's bot lively and romantic, which is a hard combo to find. the food is some of the best food I know. I love the cheese list and those chocolates are simply unbelievable -- I don't even know what to say about them. I'm speechless!

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  Jan 28, 2009 by by JohannK at Citysearch

  While I have nothing to say against the food and drink at Ayza, I was horrified at how management treats the customers. My friends and I started out at the bar and then moved to one of the tiny tables for dinner. The server, who had brought over our wine glasses put the menu on the table, which she put down "standing" Before we knew it, the menu tipped over, crashing into the full glass of red wine and a glass of water. The wine splashed all over my friend's sweater, scarf, my coat and our pants and chairs. The server was apologetic, bringing napkins, a red wine stain remover and brought my friend a new glass of wine. At the end of the night when we got the bill (nothing had been deducted) we inquired about the restaurant's dry cleaning policy as the instructions on the stain remover specified that the items need to be dry cleaned or washed and the stains were still visible on all our clothing items. The server then brought over the manager (bar tender?) who told us that WE tipped the glass over, and had the nerve to say that the server had been "so nice" to give my friend another glass of wine and that he has wine spilled on him frequently when he is out and he doesn't mind. Really?! Red wine on silk and cashmere? We tried to explain how the spillage happened but he was not listening at all. Overall it was a really bad end to what could have been an otherwise nice evening. For the prices they charge, I expected better service. I will never go there again.

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  Jan 28, 2009 by by gregraiford23 at Citysearch

  Even though I think that wine bars are taking over New York, I have to admit that this one is one of the best in the city. It?s very cool and still really friendly. It?s so swanky inside that it doesn?t seem like it would be as laid-back as it is. These people are very friendly and so cool, and really good at what they do. The first time I was there the owner was walking aournd and stopped at our table. He chatted a while and asked how our food wats etc. The waitress was sweet and talkied to us too as did the guy who brought our food. He was great about explaining what all the cheeses were right away, which is not something people often do when they bring a cheese plate, so it was really appreciated. Then I cam back a few days later for lunch and my waitress remembered me which was awesome. The manager was different but he was really nice too, and stopped to talk to us again. Third time I went back the first manager was there and even though I hadn?t seen him in more than a week he remembered me and said hello like I knew him. It was so nice to find a place where people seem to know me and make me feel welcome. It?s really awesome to feel like I have a place that I can go. I live nearby so I?ll often just stop in for a drink now after work. It?s great for that but also just because I now feel like it?s fun to see all them. The food is great, though I have to say a few things on the menu seem slightly overpriced. Not everything (the paninis are a great deal) but many of the other dishes are a little but expensive. Still, I love the atmosphere.

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  Jan 28, 2009 by by Caterinela at Citysearch

  I had the most awful experience at this place and could not recommend it to anyone. I was having drinks at the bar with friends and we requested a table when our entire party arrived as we wanted some appetizers and dinner. First we were told that unless everyone ordered an entree we would not be seated (it was crowded but no lines for tables). After agreeing, they brought our wine to our table when the waitresss knocked my wine glass and water glass over spilling it on me and my friend. She apologized, brought napkins and stain remover that required dry cleaning to work and we tried to salvage the night. After our meal, there were no deductions on the bill so we asked about the dry cleaning policy. The "manager" came to our table (this was the guy tending bar earlier) and said we had spilled the wine ourselves according to a bus boy (there was no bus boy in sight when the wine spilled). He said the fact that our waitress brought me another glass of wine was already very nice and we should not complain. I tried to explain how the accident happened (the waitress tried to stand a menu up on the table and toppled the glasses) and he said "we do that all the time" - put menus on tables or spill on customers and blame them for it??? He again said it was our fault, backtracked and said things happen, he gets spilled on and doesn't mind at all - what? I left in an awful mood - my silk scarf, wool sweater, my friend's beautiful coat and her cashmere sweater all all ruined. Never again will I return. Stay away from this place.

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  Jan 26, 2009 by by albert23 at Citysearch

  This wine bar is my new date spot. Really hip but still romantic too. I've taken two ladies here and both dig the whole wine/chocolate thing. I like that the pairings are there so i don't have to look clueless about wine either. It's all right there in front of me. There are a ton of small plates so if I really like a chick I'll suggest that we share a bunch of things, which not only impresses them but is a good way to get close too! Then again, I came with the guys one night after work to chill at the bar and it turned out not only is it a good place to take dates but to pick them up too. Since there is the whole wine and chocolate thing i guess the place draws a lot of estrogen. You can't ask for more than that. In my book, that makes it the best wine bar in New York.

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  Jan 24, 2009 by by lisanadyy at Citysearch

  I came here on a first date with this guy and was so impressed that he had picked it. You never know what you'll end up with, and when he told me where we were meeting I have to say I cringed at the neighborhood. But as soon as I got to Ayza I was sold. It's got such a great vibe, before you even get inside. I know wine bars are really common in the city but Ayza is a pretty good one hip atmosphere (though it gets a little too crowded), nice menu of wine and cheese and other good food. I have to say I wasn't that impressed with the chocolates though. They were so tuny and just nothing too exciting, at least in my opinion. We got a bottle of wine that the sommelier recommended. I didn't love it but it was pretty good. It was really loud though, which isn't ideal for a first date. I felt like I kept saying, "What?" which is never fun.

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  Jan 23, 2009 by by DrinkingupNYC at Citysearch

  I have been to Ayza about a million times since it has opened. I cannot get enough of the Pino Nior, bbq pork panini, and the keylime pie truffles! I always eat the same things (although sometimes i get more!) I have been there for lunch and dinner and the service and food have always been nothing short of perfect. While this place is a little small, the service, food, wine, and owners make up for it. Btw one or both owners are always there so you can meet them whenever you go! i think that that kind of attention to your restaurant speaks volumns about the type of business that they run. I highly reccommend Ayza to anyone.

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  Jan 23, 2009 by by angenyc at Citysearch

  You will not find me hanging out in midtown. However, if I have to go out I highly recommend Ayza. Great place for drinks. They have some great wines by the glass. And, the food is really really good. Service is great even with the 8 people in my party.

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  Jan 23, 2009 by by woodjoan at Menuism

  I have a list of places I keep on hand for when family and friends come visit me in New York. It’s always...

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  Jan 22, 2009 by by danielll05 at Citysearch

  Not sure about the atmosphere. It could be cool but when I was there it was really busy and the music was so loud the urban chic motif they?ve got going on was simply verging on clubby. Nonetheless, the wines are stellar and the food delish. We had salads and cheese and a pizza that was one of the tastiest things I?ve ever had.

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  Jan 22, 2009 by by jdabyy at Citysearch

  The owners are always there, which is really nice. Both are super friendly and often talk to me, or at least always say hello. I?ts nice to see people so involved in their business and really caring about it. I guess the name is a combo of their two names. They are best friends! If that?s not sweet I don?t know what is. And the food is really great to top it all off. Everything is really fresh and the chef is good about using seasonal things so the menu changes from time to time which gives it a little variety too.

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  Jan 21, 2009 by by Moniq77 at Citysearch

  The service was really really slow We were there for almost an hour before we even got our appetizers.I don't know if the waitress forgot to enter them or what, but we had ordered a while before that, even though it took forever for her to come over to us initially as well. The food was mediocre at best and the wine list could use a little fluffing up, especially given that it's a wine bar. The ambiance could be cool but they had music blaring so I couldn't hear my self think.

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  Jan 20, 2009 by by ploomis at Citysearch

  The owners of this wine bar are such nice people. They had a great idea and they've really pulled it off. They are almost always there, or one of them is, and they are so freindly and almost always talk to you or stop by most of the tables. Its nice to see people who really care about their business and their patrons. You see that so rarely these days.. They told me that the name Ayza is a combo of their two names, which is really really sweet too. Not to mention that they just do a great business. They have a lovely selection of wines and a really fabulous menu with a wide variety of foods. I'm a vegetarian so sometimes it's tough for me to eat too much, but this place has me covered.

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  Jan 19, 2009 by by eelijjahh at Citysearch

  Our waitress was sweet but definitely not the brightest crayon in the box. She stumbled over the wines and merely agreed when we asked if something was spicy or full-bodied. It was clear she didn't really know what she was talking about. When we asked about items on the menu she would say a little something, but she sort of mumbled it and it never really made sense. We did alright without her though. I got this truffle pizza that was amazing but it took a very long time to come out. I think she might have forgotten to put it in. Everything else was really good though. We enjoyed our flights of wines, probably more because we could guess at good ones than from her help, but it was ok. The place was cute and I'd try it again. I guess we just got a lemon.

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  Jan 18, 2009 by by brant39 at Citysearch

  The things these other gents have said about the place being bad are simply bollucks. Ayza is one of the best wine bars in New York City. I moved here a year ago and got infatuated with the wine bar trend. I have visited several and Ayza ranks high on my list. It has a lovely wine list and lovelier staff. The cheese and charcuterie list could be a little more extensive but for the most part it?s fine, and the food is quite good. I especially enjoy the well-done filet. And the price points aren?t bad either, especially considering you?re getting great food and a romantic atmosphere.

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  Jan 16, 2009 by by cchhannddrraa at Citysearch

  This place is a great, cozy little wine bar in the most unlikely of areas. I wouldn?t expect such a romantic little place to me so close to the garment district, but here it is. And I love it. Great wine, great cheese, and of course the chocolate. It has a little bit of everything and the staff really makes you feel at home too. I?ve been there three times and every time one of the owners stops by my table to find out how I?m doing and if I?m enjoying myself. Talk about personal service. It?s really the best. My only complaint is that it?s getting so popular now that it?s starting to get too crowded on some nights. Please don?t tell anyone else about it! Ha ha!

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  Jan 16, 2009 by by john s. at Judy'sBook

  Wow. The. Best. Wine. Bar. In New York. And I've been to a lot of wine bars. This place is just fuyn and hip and just so cool and swanky. I love that they do the wine pairings for you so that you don't have to worry about it or ask a ton of...

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  Jan 16, 2009 by by Guest G. at Judy'sBook

  Wow. The. Best. Wine. Bar. In New York. And I've been to a lot of wine bars. This place is just fun and hip and just so cool and swanky. I love that they do the wine pairings for you so that you don't have to worry about it or ask a ton of ...

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  Jan 14, 2009 by by WolfBrad at Citysearch

  How could I not love a wine and chocolate bar? There's nothing not to like, really, but this place really does it right too. The design is really modern and hip, which I love, and the people are nice, they play fun music, and there's just a general lively vibe to the place. It's the type of place people go and they are really happy. Then the food is simply delish. I've been three times and there is nothing on the menu that I don't like, thus far. the filet is to die for and their desserts are scrum-diddily-umptious. I can't get enough of that chocolate, and I love love love the wine. But perhaps the highlight may jsut be the eye candy they've got working there :)

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  Jan 12, 2009 by by marshmyler at Citysearch

  Wow. I this is the best wine bar in New York City. Good service. Good wine. Good cheese. And then of course there?s the chocolate! Absolutely unbelieveable I loved everything I ate. We were there for a really long time on a Tuesday night. Went for just a drink and ended up ordering some cheese at the bar. Then we were chatting with the bartender and ultimately just decided we were hungry and should eat. They got us a table right away and took care of everything. The owner came by and helped us pick a great wine and we had this amazing meal. My waitress so nice and knew so much about the menu. Our bill was massive but then again we did get a lot of things, and it was totally worth it. They have this great Mediterranean salad and their fish is fabulous, done really really well. My friend had the ravioli and loved that too. At dessert the waitress recommended the motlne cake but of course we wanted to try the chocolates too, so we did a little of both. I have to say the chocolates were good but that cake was simply divine. Gooey and rich at perfect. It was a great night and we will definitely be going back. They treated us like family by the end since we were there so long. The owner came by while we were eating dessert to see how everything was and he talked to us for a long time. It?s just great that it?s such a hip place and yet so comfortable. It really has a nice euro feel but without going overboard.Next time I go I want to sit outside because they have this lovely patio. But when we were there it was imply too hot. The servers are all pretty nice to look at too ? which makes it all the more fun. And they were playing fun music. I could rave forever. Now if only somehow they could get more than one bathroom?

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  Jan 12, 2009 by by mereditheats at Citysearch

  I stopped by here after work on Friday to have a quick drink and then meet my friends at another bar. the atmosphere is really great and very relaxed. I had a fantastic pino nior and was so happy there that i told my friends to come and meet me! I had the bbq pork panini and salad which was exactly what i was looking for. we had so much fun (and the wine was so good) that we stayed until closing. 100% recommend ayza to anyone in the Herald Square area who is looking for good wine and good food.

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  Dec 08, 2008 by by Khris222 at Citysearch

  Ayza is truly the diamond in the rough for this area of Manhattan. I dread any errand that brings me in the vicinity of Penn Station and certainly would never choose this area as a point of meeting, until now. I had to make a return at Macy's after which I rushed over to Ayza to meet a friend who was coming from the east side. This place is everything I'd hoped for when first viewing its website. There are lots of tables outside on the sidewalk, which were crowded with people (a nice crowd). Inside there are a number of high top tables (very comfortable) and bar seating. Our server (Joy) was pleasant and prompt, the sangria was delicious, and so were were the truffles (we tried 6). The food and appetizers smelled great so I will definitely be back here for a meal!

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  Nov 22, 2008 by by greg r. at Judy'sBook

  Great cheese selection. Delicious chocolates. Fabulous wine list. Friendly people. Romantic atmosphere… I could go on and on. There pretty much isn’t a bad thing to say about Ayza, except maybe that they aren’t open for brunch! They have ev...

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  Nov 19, 2008 by by angenyc at Citysearch

  Although the location isn't the greatest, you will forget all about that when you settle in here and order a glass of wine. The service is great. The food is delicous too. When I went, a bunch of us ordered a couple of different plates and shared a bottle of wine. Great find in midtown!

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  Oct 30, 2008 by by jessica b. at Judy'sBook

  Their wine list is massive and I intend to try as many as are in my price range (there was one guy that cost $900!). I’ve tried a few so far, and each better than the one before. Add cheese from Murrays and I’m a happy girl.

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  Oct 26, 2008 by by scottnicole at Menuism

  I’ve been to a lot of wine bars in New York and this is one of the best. It’s small, cozy, not too...

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  Oct 16, 2008 by by Virginia H. at Judy'sBook

  A great place to stop for a bite after shopping b/c it’s really close to Herald Square. It gets pretty busy in the evening though. We stopped by around 7 the other evening and it was packed. Great fun vibe though.

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  Oct 08, 2008 by by sundevil5 at Citysearch

  I was in the doghouse with the lady. What else is new? I needed to take her somewhere nice to win her back. All you had to say was Wine and Chocolate and I was in. The place was nice and romantic. The service was amazing and the Food... If it was just the wine and chocolate I would be a repeat customer but the Food was unbelievable. I had the pulled pork panini which was so good that if Ayza was closer, I would go there during my lunch break. Overall, it was a great night and it bought me a get out of jail free card.

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  Oct 05, 2008 by by jwaters77 at Citysearch

  How could I not like wine and chocolate bar? It's a pretty cool idea for a place and these guys do it well. I like the steel wood design inside and the people who go there are alwys interesting and pretty in the know. The food is great for the most part though I hate that they won't change the sandwiches. It's annoying. I have always wanted to try the Turkish sausage one but they won't take the mayo off and I just don't do mayo. there are other things I'll eat though. I've tried most things on the menu and I really like the hummus. Sounds stragne but whatever they do to it, it's very good. The wine list is good though they focus a littel too much on Napa and France. I mean, expand guys! Hello? Global?

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  Oct 03, 2008 by by sexyonthebeach at Citysearch

  Right when you walk up to the place it has a funky yet classy decor, and if the weather is nice there is a nice little sidewalk patio to sit on. You are greeted virtually right away by the owner and he is so pleasant and friendly. He makes everyone feel welcome and appreciated in his establishment. The wine selection is awesome, something for everyone and by new york standards on the more reasonable side. There really isn't a bad thing to say about this place, we like it so much we've started to go there once a month.

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  Oct 02, 2008 by by yakar s. at Judy'sBook

  I go once a week for the calamari salad. They know me now and always do the calamari extra for me. They’re not stingy on the calamari either. But since it’s a salad I still sometimes have to get a second!

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  Sep 21, 2008 by by AlbertoConnell at Citysearch

  I felt like the prices were a little high when I first went there. But after trying the food I felt it was pretty worth it. They use really fresh seasonal stuff. The mozzarella in those caprese bits is some of the best I?ve ever tasted. And I know they get their cheese from Murray?s. So I guess you go high end you have to pay high end prices. And these are lower than most high end so I?m cool.

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  Sep 20, 2008 by by robert h at Insider Pages

  I took my girlfriend here because a friend recommended it but we were both really disappointed. THe service was really slow. It took a long time for us even to get water, and then the waitress wanted use to order right away and when we weren't ready we had to wait forever for her to come back. The wine list was alright, but not as grand as one would expect from a wine bar. My girlfriend got some fish thing that she had a hard time eating and I got the filet which was good but so tiny I was still hungry afterward. Dessert was pretty good, but it wasn't ennough to make me want to visit again. And the place is so small that we felt like we were sitting in the laps of the people next to us.

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  Sep 19, 2008 by by jtmadison at Citysearch

  I took my girl here for our anniversary. It was really romantic and she loved it. I figured chicks love wine and chocolate, right? I guess these guys figure it too. It was only our 3 month anniversary but she wanted to make it a big deal so I think it really impress her. She loved the place and the atmosphere too. ? it?s really hip byt really romantic. It?s a great place but they really need to do something about those benches ? they are so small. I had to weitch and sit on the floor. Still, my gal was really into it and all excited about getting the chocolate for dessert. But then the wairtress, (who was super cool., and hote too!) suggested some crepe dessert, and it was so good. I think we even liked it better than the chocolate. My girl got some sort of thing were she could taste multiple wines too (a flight I think?) she dug on that. It?s a good place. But the poritions were a lilte puny for my liking. We had cheese and there were like two slices. But the salad my chick got was huge, so that was good. The managere or I think he might have been the owner came by and he talked to us. He was really nice but it was hard to hear the guy because he had a pretty heavy accent of some sort. Anyways the steak I got was really good though I would have liked to have more of it. Anyways, my lady was happy and we really enjoyed ourselves. They?ve got a pretty cool bar too which had some good drinks. We had like a really long meal.

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  Sep 05, 2008 by by bergdorfbombshell at Citysearch

  Great ambiance, awesome food, good customer service, Ayza is one of a kind. Show yourself some love by indulging in the crepe layer cake.

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  Sep 04, 2008 by by PowerNY98 at Citysearch

  My friend and I stopped in for a late lunch after shopping. We decided to have some wine and ended up staying for hours. They just let us sit on the sidewalk and drink, even after they closed the kitchen. It was so nice we ended up getting a light dinner too. Food was really good and we loved their champagne cocktails. The waitress could have been a little friendlier though.

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  Sep 03, 2008 by by gsilas69 at Citysearch

  Not only is it the best wine bar in New York City, but they?ve got a pretty unbeatable menu too. The palce is uber-hip and so much fun. The design is awesome ? really cool and sleek and modern and they have it decorated relly well. I?m a real foodie and I LOVE trying new places in the city. Most never live up to the hype, but Ayza was all I expected and more. I do the wine bar thing a lot, but this is a standout. I went a couple months ago I can?t stop going back! They have a great selection of wines by the glass and the flights are so fun to try a bunch of things. Now that I?m going often though I?m starting to wish that they?d rotate the flights ? it would b fun to get to try something new every time! Whenever possible I try to take a group of girlfriends and we love to try all the different bottles of wine too. Their sommelier did a great job on the wine list, which is simply marvelous. And then of course those chocolates. It?s like someone sent me to heaven every time I go. Sometimes I?ll even stop in on my way home from work and just buy a few chocolates to go. They?ve gotten to know me now which is fun and oh-so-nice. Jacques Torres is really a genius, and they have a great selection of his truffules. I love that they do the pariings with the chocolates too. It makes it so simple and yet so fun. My favorite is the Grand Cru ? its just so smooth and decadent, and the top is so pretty. The last time I was there, though, we tried the chocolate mousse and I have to say, devoted as I am to the chocolates, it was realy, really amazing. The people are so nice too. One night I was in and the service was a little patchy, but it must have just been a bad night because usually that?s never the case. Usually the service is great. I love tht eh owners are so involved and that they often come by and say hello. As swanky and cool an establishment as it is, they really make you feel very welcome.

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  Sep 02, 2008 by by KenuteyYerrry at Citysearch

  the place was crowded and noisy when we visited the first time, but we liked the food so much we decided to give it another try. Went back on a Sunday and it was much better. Quieter and more relaxing. It was nice and romantic and the waitress was sweet (though perhaps a little slow). They give this yummy bread to start and the wine list has great choices. My wife tried the flights which is a nice deal and a good way to try several wines. We picked our wines based on the cheese plate so it was kind of nice to have the pairings. And we did the same thing with the chocolates at the end of the evening. Pretty innovative.

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  Sep 01, 2008 by by yankeefan1981 at Citysearch

  For a wine bar, I think this place could use a better wine list. It seems like they almost focus more on cocktails than wine and the wines are really biased toward France and California with far less from other great regions. That's normal for other restaurants, but a wine bar should have a good variety, especially by the glass. I don't want to have to spend $50 if I want a different type of wine, especailly if I only want a glass or two of it. The people seemed nice enough, but the service was a little slow, to say the least, so nice people don't really make up for that.

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  Aug 30, 2008 by by Tower31 at Citysearch

  I live in the building and am so thrilled to have a wine bar below me. Though having the chocolate makes it pretty dangerous too. I stop in a lot on the way home, just to grab a glass of wine but I think it's almost as much to chat with the geng as it is to drink anything. They are all so friendly and treat me like an old firend. which is great. It's like a great local joint, except with that hip wine bar feel too. A great combo. And the best part is, if I don't feel like cooking I'll just call in some of the yummy food as takeout. I can't even rave enough about their fruta mista salad. Who would have thought that strawberries in a salad could taste that good?

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  Aug 29, 2008 by by maryanmil at Citysearch

  The staff is pretty but not all that bright. Our waitress was mousy didn?t seem to know much about the menu. But the food made up for it. We had the artichoke to start and then shared the Mediterranean salad and the pasta. It was a great meal, and we still had room for dessert.

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  Aug 28, 2008 by by wendychris at Citysearch

  I guess you could say the service was good, but I felt like the waitress kept coming over and we just wanted to be left alone. We were drinking wine slowly and she kept walking by, which was a little annoying. The cheese plate was really nice though.

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  Aug 28, 2008 by by johnherry76 at Citysearch

  Great atmosphere and really romantic; tiny tables and very sophisticated. It was a little hot though and by date was a vegetarian, but there?s only one vegetarian entree on the menu. She wound up getting an appetizer and salad instead and said both were good, but the highlight was the cheese. We got a plate to share and then ended up ordering more, partyl because it?s so good and partly becaue the portions were pretty small. Wines were great though. The server didn?t know about the wines but she sent over the sommelier who gave us a great suggenstion.

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  Aug 27, 2008 by by MalMark at Citysearch

  We were at Ayza wine bars yesterday. It took a while for us to be served. They were really busy and I think our server forgot about us. Great food though. And the entrees were great too. I got the filet and my gf got the chicken, which came with lavender sauce. I didn?t really like the sauce all that much, but she was totally into it ? thought it was great and different. We ordered the chocolate souffle for dessert and it came out still cold ? she waitress said something about them needing to thaw and ended up bringing us another right away, which was cool. When it was served right, it was great.

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  Aug 26, 2008 by by PoluyGreen at Citysearch

  I?m newly obsessed with this place! I freidn took me there for my birthday and I just love the whole wine and chocolate concept. Of course they have cheese too, but the idea of the wine and chocolate is great. It?s the type of place where you go and you just enjoy several courses. We started with wine and cheese and then moved on to a salad and some really yummy chicken with lavender sauces, which was so light and so different. And then in the end you can get chocolate and sweer wine. I?m not usully a huge sweet wine person, but they had this great chilled one (I don?t remember the name but it was amazing) that I absolutely toved. The menu is a little confusing the way that they pair things ? we had a hard time figuring it out at first, but they our waitress who was really sweet helped us figure it out. She totld us her favorite chocolates too. We had this white chocolate one that was great. It got packed whiel we were there ? that?s the only thing. It?s so small that I can see them quickly outgrowing the place But regardless, it was great. And then the other day I went back for lunch ? I didn?t realie it was so close to work but I?m always looking for new places in that area and now I?ve found one. We sat outside and It was really nice ? the patio is great and its great. To just sit outside and enjoy. And the lunch menu is nice and light. I had a yummy salad but they have a fixed price thing that?s pretty cheacp and looked really good. Next ime I go I?m going to try one of the amazing looking Panini. The people are really nice too, and our waitress was so helpful ? thaough the one at lunch was a little less friendly. She seemed really busy though ? they do a good business at lunch.

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  Aug 25, 2008 by by CindHer at Citysearch

  Wine and chocolate? My two favorite things! Azya does them both well. The chocolates are almost too pretty to eat, but of course that didn?t stop me. They?s as delicious as they are pretty!

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  Aug 24, 2008 by by marcossen at Citysearch

  We eat here at least once a week for lunch. Always get the truffle pizza. Service is quick and now that they know us they?re really friendly. Nice to go somewhere where they know you and what you like. Weird thing is though, sometimes they have iced and sometimes they don?t.

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  Aug 24, 2008 by by Loeooe at Citysearch

  I live in Cali but travel to NYC a lot for work. Last week was stuck in midtown, which usually bad, but found this place near my hotel. A diamond in the rough for that neighborhood! And lots of great California wines. My only complaint is that the music was way too loud.

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  Aug 24, 2008 by by monicmonic at Citysearch

  My best friend and I have started doing girls? nights out here. It?s a great place to get a quick bite before going elsewhere. They have great salads. We each got a different salad so we could share and then shared a cheese plate too. Perfect light meal!

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  Aug 22, 2008 by by Maleahia at Citysearch

  In wine bars you either feel over romantic or you are in wine cellar from medieval ages, they always play the same old fashioned songs. This place brings a new breath to wine bars. Its both romantic, comfortable and cool. I really liked the design, the music was great, the food was not extremely superb but I liked what I ate and the wine list is pretty good.

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  Aug 22, 2008 by by PJulie at Citysearch

  I have to say I wasn?t all that impressed with the wine list. It seemed a little limited. But they have great food and I guess the whole thing is abot the chocolate more than the wine. In that area they?ve got it going on. I had the passion fruit truffle and it was amaing.

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  Aug 21, 2008 by by dishtowel at Citysearch

  I used to work here, and I come back for the food and to see what's new. The owners, chef and sommelier are all perfectionists when it comes to finding, creating and presenting the best quality experience. I know this first-hand. If they still have the same pinot noir by the glass and the pita tart with the truffle oil, those were a couple of my favorites. Last time I was there was just for drinks and desserts: red sangria, truffles and of course crepes cakes. FYI the little forks that come with the sangria are for eating the fruit. Also the tete-de-moine cheese is awesome.

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  Aug 20, 2008 by by namalex at Citysearch

  I was really hesitant to come here. I feel like the whole wine bar thing has is so overrated. But a friend was having her bday here and I had to go. Such a pleasant surprise. The whole chocolate thing makes them really different and I love all the fusion foods they have.

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  Aug 19, 2008 by by WingMich at Citysearch

  I'm not sure about all these 5 star reviews. Ok the place is cool, the food is nice etc. but this place is pretty expensive too. If i'm paying $15 for a cabernet sauvignon the place has to be cool, and the food has to be delicious. I think they do what they should do. This place is good enough for its prices.

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  Aug 19, 2008 by by McKayL at Citysearch

  I started coming to this place shortly after it opened and it?s been fun to watch it grow and change. I go every few weeks or once a month and every time I?m there something?s different: new candles, umbrellas, whatever. The menu stays pretty much the same though, which is a good thing. I love the hummus and the truffle pizza. I can?t wait for them to have a full bar, though I?m not really sure where they?re going to put all the people.

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  Aug 18, 2008 by by kellergirl at Citysearch

  I had my doubts when I walked in and didn?t see a host and then finally someone took me to a table and the menu had a huge grease spot on the front, but everything else was exquisite. Flights of wine are a great way to figure out which you want and then after go for a glass of the best one. The food was lovely as well.

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  Aug 16, 2008 by by evancarr at Citysearch

  The food is great, they just need to give you more of it. I had filet but then had to order something else because I was still hungry after eating it. I had the truffle pizza after though, and it was so good I was almost glad I was still hungry. Not to mention it was a chance to try another wine.

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  Aug 15, 2008 by by JESSEE28 at Citysearch

  So our server was a little bit rude, but the place made up for her. The manager came and talked to us which was really fun and we really liked the food. My friend had a sandwich and I had ravioli. Both were great. And some guy behind the bar came by and gave a great recommendation for a bottle of wine.

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  Aug 14, 2008 by by Kbozru at Citysearch

  These guys really know what their doing. The owners are cool and alwayz talk to people in the rest. which I likd. Iv gone here 5 times now and evry time I get the cheese toasts. So simple and so good. Then Iv been trying other stuff too. All pretty good. Som of it?s a little expensivo but worth it.

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  Aug 13, 2008 by by marknelson81 at Citysearch

  I?m not much of a sweets guy but I?m a su*ker for Ayza?s crepe cake. We had this really cool, friendly waitress who made us ordering it by saying it would change out life. I ordered it just because I thought that was such a funny thing to say and man, she was right. The thing doesn?t sound like much, but I think perhaps that?s why it?s so great. Light and good and not too rich. Now I?m hooked, so I guess my life did change

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  Aug 13, 2008 by by sharonpa at Citysearch

  A self-proclaimed chocolate (and wine) fanatic I was so excited to find a wine bar that combines both things. Ayzy has delicious truffles from Jacque Torres, one of New York?s favorite chocolateers and they pair each with wines from their fabulous wine list. All this and great food and atmosphere to boot. Ayza has a little bit of everything. It?s a really romantic date spot but it is also fun for a night out with the girls. (my only complaint on that front is that sometimes the music gets too loud to hear each other, but we asked the waitress to turn it down and she did). Really I can?t think of many wine bars in the city that I like better.

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  Aug 12, 2008 by by EricJ45 at Citysearch

  My wife and I just move here from France. We live in area and found this place. The food is nice and the wines are good. We like to go for cheese and wine. Its nice to sit outside but sometimes it gets too hot and only 3 umbrellas.

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  Aug 12, 2008 by by BrendanMoyer at Citysearch

  I was looking for a nice place to have a romantic dinner for my anniversary and a buddy recommended this place. We both ended up loving it. Really elegant and charming. The only problem was that the music got a little loud, but I said something to the waitress and she was awesome about it. She apologized and said she?d turn it down right away and then actually did. Someone else turned it up a little while later and she checked in with us and turned it down again. It was really personal and she made us feel totally take care of which added to the great place and atmosphere. They?re really great at that at Ayza. We?ve been back a couple times since and one of the owners is always walking around talking to people and the staff is all so nice. Plus all the little touches they do on top of that. This great cranberry bread, and strawberries in a glass of champagne. It?s all those little things that really make the place feel upscale even though it?s still pretty down to earth and casual.

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  Aug 12, 2008 by by IanDan at Citysearch

  I?m a huge fan I Ayza. The service sorta comes and goes (sometimes too quick sometimes really slow) but the food is consistently good so I keep coming back. I would go there just for the cheese but then there are somce great paninis too. And of course there?s the wine, which they really do rigiht

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  Aug 11, 2008 by by davijones at Citysearch

  I am a huge fan of Richard Bloch. And of course the man has outdone himself again. I?m sure it was hard to work with such a tiny space, but he really opened it up and made it cool. The way that the lights hang from those grates in the ceilings and that ladder for the staff. I geek out every time I go there

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  Aug 11, 2008 by by alexastar at Citysearch

  My husband & I past this place one day and I made him stop because I loved the sound of a wine and chocolate bar. So glad we did because it?s really great. Tiny but super romantic and cozy. Our waitress was really nice and helped us pick out cheese and wine. The hummus was dilicous It was a little on the expensive side but worth it for the food and the ambiance and great service. We of course had chocolate at the end and man, I woulc go back just for that. Glad it?s out of the way or I?d be getting chocolate every day!

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  Aug 07, 2008 by by kristen s at Insider Pages

  I am Switzerland and never think chocolate as good as in my home country. I come to Ayza to try chocolate and am very happy. They are small but gorgeous. They are fancy and pretty and taste v. good. They remind me of chocolate shop in my home town. And when my mother comes I take her there and she think same thing. I like Grand Cru truffle. Very smooth and delicious tasting. And passionfruit truffle. More fancy than truffles at home but different and in a good way. My mother like hazelnut. Not quite same as home but the closest I find so far. And I live in New York two years. Also I like wine with chocolate. Very nice idea and the paring is v. good. Place is v. nice too. I like red and silver together, makes v. pretty. And food is nice too, I like truffle pizza best. I like wine too.I think Ayza the best wine bar in New York City.

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  Aug 02, 2008 by by Weeks75 at Menuism

  I went to this wine bar on a whim one day when I was passing by. It’s in a sort of strange neighborhood...

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  Jul 25, 2008 by by Nativeater at Citysearch

  Overall, a good choice for a romantic date or a girls' gabfest. The wine and other spirits were definitely overpriced, with scanty portions, though good--the sangria is a better value for the dollar. The cheese plate was fairly tasty, but not substantial enough compared to other eateries' to justify the price. Truffle pizza was a delicious app., though not as good as the ones at some other places. The turkish sausage panini is not recommended. However, I may just go back...nice outdoor eats.

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  Jul 24, 2008 by by DrinkingupNYC at Citysearch

  I can to Ayza for the first time after reading all of the reviews here on Citysearch. TERRIFIC WINE BAR. I came with a few of my girlfriends after work yesterday. I had the Pinor Noir (AMAZING!) and the other girls had the sangria which they loved. But the most amazing part was the chocolates. They have jacques torres chocolates! white cholocate key lime pie chocolate from HEAVEN! I could have sat there and just eaten those for dinner. We will 100% be back. This place is great!

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  Jul 22, 2008 by by WiParker at Citysearch

  My friend had her birthday party here and we were all excited when we saw that there was a cheese menu ? we love cheese! We ordered a platter of 5 (there were 7 of us) and the cheese was good, but we ended up having to order more. It ended up being about a bite of each cheese a person. The portions were really small, especially for the cheese, but it was worth it. The cheeses are all from Murray?s Cheese and they were really, really yummy. We had chocolates too but we learned from the cheeses and just went for 8 from the start. They?re still pretty small but we had another dessert so it ended up working out

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  Jul 20, 2008 by by AchitaMut at Citysearch

  I come here yesterday for dinner and find that the people are very nice. Wine list has many good choices and I like to have a flight and some appetizer. Waitress is friendly and she suggest I try the crepes cake, very very tasty. But I want decaffeinated coffee and they do not have it.

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  Jul 19, 2008 by by SubenMarry at Citysearch

  Ayza has a great cheese menu. I?ve gone 3 times now and have finally tried every cheese on the menu. My absolute favorite is this one that they shave and then put on the plate in the shape of a flower. I forget the name but the serve recommended. It is really light and looks so pretty too.

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  Jul 19, 2008 by by NewYorkKerry at Citysearch

  Love, love, love this place. Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar has a tendency to be cold and sterile, and make it cozy, funky, and comfortable- but they did. Went there for the first time last night and will definitely be back. The wine selection is nice (and reasonably priced), and I especially love the outdoor dining area, which is not on the side walk. Definitely a fun place to come with a group of friends.

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  Jul 17, 2008 by by Spkera at Citysearch

  The wine bar seems to be the latest trend in the city, but these guys really do it great! Nice cool atmosphere and great cheese and meat list, which is fun to mix and match. Our waitress didn?t know much about the cheeses though. We asked her for recommendations and she tried to sound like she knew what she was talking about but I don?t think she really did. Even so, they do Murray?s cheeses so I?m sure they were all good. We just did wine, cheese, salads and chocolate, which made for a fun, different date night. Their salads are just gorgeous. The one with the fruit in it?s my favorite. I like to get that so that I have room for dessert. Their desserts are simply divine.

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  Jun 19, 2008 by by MissBonafide at Citysearch

  Visited with my sister for a night out. Nice selection of cheesed and wines. Pleased with the chocolate slection as well. Food tasted absolutly fabulous. Portions for entrees are small but that is not the focus of the bar. I found the staff to be very helpful choosing a wine and honest about the flavors of cheese. The only downside is the size. The outdoor dining area is bigger than the interior. Inside seats maybe 12!!

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  Jun 19, 2008 by by Gregwinter at Citysearch

  I guess it?s a pretty good thing when the only bad thing you have to say about a place is that there was too long a wait. Still, it was a bit annoying. I was taking this chick out for a first date and a buddy suggested this place. I called to make a reservation but they don?t take them, so I thought I?d give it a try anyway. We had to wait for a while before we could finally get a table, even though there was a table open?they wouldn?t let us sit there because it was for 4 and we were only 2. Luckily the chick was cool about it, but it made me look a little lame. When we finally did sit, though, the food was great and I think it made up for the wait. She was way into the flights and the cheese menu.

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  Jun 18, 2008 by by StarKristen at Citysearch

  I love that this place has so much local food on the menu. Their cheeses all come from Murray?s cheses, which is in my opinion the best cheese shop in the city. And the truffles are Jacques Torres. I love New York and all its distinctive foods so it?s great to find a place that supports the local businesses. But it has its own flair too. The owners are Turkish so there are some Turkish accents in the mainly French/Italian fusion menu, which makes it pretty fun and different. It?s a little on the pricey side for the size of the dishes but most things on the menu are worth it.

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  Jun 18, 2008 by by ahdior888 at Citysearch

  Was there last night and saw the very staged photo shot, if you want to call it that -for city search. The food you get will not look like the pictures at all!! Our cheese plater had about a tenth of what they used for the photoshoot. Terrible portions and extremely bad service are the highlights of this place. The staff has no idea about wine or cheese and will give attitude for asking questions. Save your time find somewhere else.

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  Jun 18, 2008 by by designerdigs at Citysearch

  Ventured here after work w/ a couple coworkers b/c of the attractive atmosphere; however, the un-accommodating, poor attitude and service of the staff made it a one-time only visit. The wine selection is mediocre at best. The cheese plate has a good selection (from Murray?s cheeses) but the burnt, meager bread to pair was almost detrimental to the flavor. A staged citysearch photo shoot w/ models was done while we where there, and though the models didn?t eat, the cheese plate they received was completely unrealistic to what is received in actuality. The Sangria was strong, but similar to any jungle juice you may have had at a frat party in your hay day. Perhaps the only positive factor was the cucumber water, which was quite refreshing. Did I mention the consistent sour expression the waitress had almost made me lose my appetite, while her air of inconvenience to be serving made me want to hand her a copy of the want ads to find a new profession. Overall: overpriced, poor service, even poorer attitude. Save your money and get out of midtown.

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  Jun 15, 2008 by by joshmurph at Citysearch

  You can really tell that the owners take pride in this place. I go at least once a week for drinks after work or dinner, and one of them is always there. They told me the story and they are best friends who always wanted to start a restaurant (the name is their two names put together). They?re both really good about talking to the customers and explaining things on the menu, but sometimes they may talk a little too much Its great to see New York restaurateurs who really care though.

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  Jun 08, 2008 by by EricPennyworth at Citysearch

  What a wine menu! I?m a recent wino and just got out of a tasting class so it was really fortuitous to discover this place. Went on a Friday evening, and it was pretty crowded, but we sat at the bar and they serve full meal there. Then we got to chat with the sommelier too. Knowledgeable guy but a little hard to understand with that French accent. He definitely steered us to the right wines though. Next time I?m going back to try a bottle.

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  Jun 08, 2008 by by MarJerr at Citysearch

  We sat outside the other night and then it started to rain. There was mad scrambling to get everyone inside but the staff did a great job with the confusion. Unfortunately, it meant we finished out meal at the bar, but they were really nice and offered us a table for dessert. We opted to stay where we were, but liked that they were pretty proactive about the whole thing.

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  May 27, 2008 by by Anonymous at Insider Pages

  I stopped into Ayza because I love wine and I had good time there. I tried the 3 cheese platter with goat cheese, piave and manchego and a glass of pinot grigio. Although it was a bit crowded and it's a small place, the service was great I was comfortable by the window. I'll definitely recommend it to my friends. \r \r J.B.

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  May 27, 2008 by by Anonymous at Insider Pages

  I love this place, very friendly wait staff, great selection of wines. They finally have outdoors open. You can find more information on their nice website \r http://www.ayzanyc.com

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  May 17, 2008 by by danpatten at Citysearch

  I always seem to stop by a bit early on weekdays so I haven't seen it super crowded. To me it's a warm, charming, lay back place with a great selection of wine. In summer the outdoor is lovely. It feels like you're having a few drinks in your friend's parents' backyard. In winter they have delicious sangrea.

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  Apr 29, 2008 by by lilyflower326 at Citysearch

  The person who commented below me is obviously crazy. Azya is right by Herald Square (great location) and is awesome. I have been going to Ayza ever since i came across it on Citysearch and i love it there. The wines are fantastic and the food...have you tried the pulled pork panini nybabe12? Clearly not! The owner has always been there when i was there and if you had a problem i am sure that he would have fixed it if you had bothered to speak to him! Clearly you are just another one of those people who expect red carpet treatment when there is nothing red carpet about you!! Ayza rocks!

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  Apr 26, 2008 by by nybabe12 at Citysearch

  The positive reviews on this site were clearly made by the employees of Ayza. This place is completly a rip off...overpriced, terrible service, staff very knows nothing about wine, tiny portions, bad location, and the outside area is located under a vent that exudes hot air and fumes. Save your money and go elsewhere!

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  Apr 21, 2008 by by AaronFreeman at Citysearch

  This is one of my FAVORITE wine bar in New York City. The wine list is extensive and the food is excellent. The menu is small-plates so it's great for sharing! The chef uses seasonal ingredients so the menu changes from time to time but they always have the hummus dip and hot artichoke hearts, which are a MUST TRY!! They are delicious.

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  Apr 13, 2008 by by donnown at Citysearch

  You have to check this place out. Outdoor space is a big advantage. It is a very popular place, you might have to wait for the food little bit longer than you expect but why would you want to rush yourself as long as you enjoy the ambiance.

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  Apr 09, 2008 by by donnow at Citysearch

  We went to Ayza by a friend recommandation. We didnt know what to expect but I can tell you it is worth it to give a shot. They have a very good ambiance , wine selection, cheese platters and chocolate truffles. Most importantly they have a outdoor space where you can drink and also smoke. Spring is coming and not so many places have the outdoor space in Manhattan. Check it out!!

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  Apr 05, 2008 by by NJgirl2 at Citysearch

  I live in NJ but was in Manhattan visiting friends for our annual "Girls" weekend. On the suggestion of one of our local friends we went to Ayza and had a great time. Our server was great - she was well-versed in all the wines and the cheeses and made great suggestions. All my girlfriends and I love wine and cheese so we were very pleased with her suggestions and our choices. The atmosphere is sleek and maybe not the coziest but we had a fun time.

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  Apr 03, 2008 by by RUDTA3HJ at Citysearch

  This place was so unexpected as my sis and I strolled in!! I just cannot get enough!! Their cheese platter was sooo perfect and perfectly paired to our libations!! The ambiance is so rad..dim, warm, soft colors. I believe one to be the owner and he was so incredibley helpful!!! Their wine list is as long as the hearts I have broken!! I am so in love with this place!! Great place to go with the girls or a date!!!

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  Apr 01, 2008 by by PollyUSA at Citysearch

  We absolutely loved this place! We had their pinot noir, which was excellent, and some cheeses to nibble on. Wonderful place to start off or end an evening with a group of friends.

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  Apr 01, 2008 by by Zidne77NYC at Citysearch

  If you like wine, it's a good place. If not, it's small, boring, and snooty. But that seems to be what we call trendy these days. They have a better wine selection than most places and a decent variety of beer as well. I just wasn't impressed. Not to mention that the wine is over priced. However, the cool kids think that by paying more for a bottle it must be better. Stupid kids, some of the best wines cost less than $18 a bottle... but you would never know that if you spend you time at the Ayza. The location is also so amazingly small that if there are more than a dozen people inside you might as well not bother going in.

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  Mar 31, 2008 by by Eric C at Insider Pages

  I was in NY for a conference and picked Ayza off City Search because it sounded great - and it was. When we arrived we were immediately greeted at the door, by who we later found out to be the owner. Our waitress was a little less then helpful with the menu, but the waitress at the next table was fabulous, so I guess it is just luck of the draw. They brought me the wrong meal, but immediately fixed it and offered us free dessert to make up for it. The owner was very friendly and attentive. I highly recommend this place for either a romantic dinner or a dinner with friends. It is small so you want to get reservations. Delicious food and wonderful experience.

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  Mar 30, 2008 by by zafkan1 at Citysearch

  AYZA is helping you with all your expectations when you decide to go to a wine bar. They have a nice wine selection mostly from France and California, variety of cheese, chocolate truffles from Jacques Torres and very cozy ambiance. I recommend all the wine drinkers to experience this beautiful place.

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  Mar 29, 2008 by by TanyaN78 at Citysearch

  Wonderful service, really wonderful. My friend and I had the white wine flights, which was a perfect variety and amount for an early evening get together. The charcuterie appetizer was impressive! The selection of wine was very good, much more regionally varied than many wine bars who mostly represent their own tastes. I'll be back soon to check out the bottle selection. My only minor complaint is that it got very loud around 7p, so loud I couldn't hear my friend talk. This is the problem with high ceiling alas.

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  Mar 28, 2008 by by LOLOLnyc at Citysearch

  I live in the neighborhood and was soooo looking forward to this place opening up.....but unfortunately I was disappointed each time I went. I love the whole idea of the place, stuff and the owner guy (didn't catch his name) is a real sweetheart and very friendly. I just didn't like any of the wines I tried at all (I've probably tried 5 or 6) and they weren't cheap (I think about $11-$15 a glass). The chairs are not very comfy either. I don't know....I'll give it another try but if I'm going to spend $30 on 2 glasses of wine I want to really enjoy it. Maybe I just haven't been ordering the right thing. I want to support small local businesses and I want this place to succeed so I will go again and give it another shot.

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  Mar 27, 2008 by by DertYOUnyc at Citysearch

  Neighborhood is such an awesome place! It?s situated one block away from 5th Avenue so the crowds aren?t a problem. The place is a little small, but the decor and environment just scream urban cool. The paninis are tasty, but I honestly cant get enough baby field greens. I don?t really drink beer, but they have nice selection, also a lot of wine and two champagnes. A total date spot, or a cool place to hang out with the boys to prename a night out in Manhattan!

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  Mar 26, 2008 by by mereditheats at Citysearch

  I went to Ayza yesterday afternoon for an afternoon snack. Everyone there was wonderful and very pleasant. I had the pre-fix lunch special and it was delicious. More importantly however was the chocolate. White chocolate key lime pie truffle. I dont think that i need to say any thing else.

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  Mar 25, 2008 by by JKfromMI at Citysearch

  I was in NY for a conference and picked Ayza off City Search because it sounded great - and it was. When we arrived we were immediately greeted at the door, by who we later found out to be the owner. Our waitress was a little less then helpful with the menu, but the waitress at the next table was fabulous, so I guess it is just luck of the draw. They brought me the wrong meal, but immediately fixed it and offered us free dessert to make up for it. The owner was very friendly and attentive. I highly recommend this place for either a romantic dinner or a dinner with friends. It is small so you want to get reservations. Delicious food and wonderful experience.

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  Mar 25, 2008 by by KennyNYC3 at Citysearch

  Ayza has a cool concept, that's the only reason it gets 2 stars. Overall I thought the wine was mediocre for what you get for the price. And the place was wayyyy to hot and crowded with no place to sit. They just need a bigger place with a better wine selection.

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  Mar 25, 2008 by by Agatha K at Insider Pages

  After being there a few times and waiting for at least 20 minutes to get a table each time, finally last sunday evening we got to enjoy ayza without all the crowd. We shared a bottle of Chateau clerc milon with the recommendation of the heavy accented friendly French sommelier. It was a pleasure to listen to his detailed explanations. Oh yes it got even better, our waitress which seemed to have an attitude in the beginning came out to be a sweetheart, and she helped us to pair some cheeses and chocolate to go with our great bottle of wine. Sunday evenings seems to be the best time to dine at ayza, at least for now.

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  Mar 24, 2008 by by KrTeJ29 at Citysearch

  This is my new favorite wine bar. I had no clue that they had a private party room in the building. It was the perfect cozy little spot. Low key and mellow with a touch of love in the air, what more can a girl ask for? Servers are super nice, very accommodating, I feel well taken care of when they are around.

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  Mar 23, 2008 by by bedir at Citysearch

  I am visiting from florida. I like to thank owner of ayza that he was personelly host me. I wasn't expecting that owner and staffs are gonna make me feel, I am more than custemer for them. Againg great place, great service

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  Mar 23, 2008 by by SueY1979 at Citysearch

  This is probably the best wine bar I've been to. The setting is cute and dark with candlelight. Perfect for a date or intimate conversation. The couches are not comfortable. I personally prefer to sit at the bar every time I'm there. If you are into wine, then this list you will definitely appreciate. Eric the Sommelier there has done an incredible job putting it together. A couple of my faves are the SantiPinot Grigio, a great biodynamic wine from Italy and P. Maufoux - Pinot Noir from France. The staff is extremely attentive and is excellent at helping you find the perfect wine to satisfy your cheese platter. They are also very friendly. As for food, make sure to try the Medallions Of Filet Mignon it's yummy. Do not forget to try chocolate truffles as well.

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  Mar 23, 2008 by by SKTY3 at Citysearch

  Blah. Wine list very un-exciting and limited. The menu is so-so as well and very limited. The atmosphere is kind of clubby and the servers know NOTHING about wine. I wanted to order a cheese platter, and this "wine bar" had not enough to choose from. And none paired with my wine at all. Nothing was that great and it wasn't a bargain; I wouldn't go back - there are too many other great wine bars in the city to choose from.

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  Mar 22, 2008 by by markydswiss at Citysearch

  Great little wine bar! Their wine list is fantastic! I have eaten chocolate truffles a few times and always had a good experience.

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  Mar 21, 2008 by by erto at Citysearch

  I was looking for a nice place to have a romantic dinner with my wife in an elegant ambiance. I've found Ayza on Citysearch and went there on sunday night. It was exactly what I was looking for. Casual but classy, very good decor , candlelights allover and delicious food. They have a special concept for cheese and chocolate. Little details are important for this establishment such as they put strawberry in your champagne, they make you feel like you are there for a special occasion. Service is attentive. Selected cheese and chocolate truffles are well described. It is my place on sunday nights, very romantic!

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  Mar 20, 2008 by by Mizak26Ger at Citysearch

  Not only is the atmosphere in this place cozy and comfortable but the food is delicious and very reasonably priced. I love the white truffle pizza, the hummus, and my all time fav is the stuffed chicken with a lavender sauce.

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  Mar 19, 2008 by by TanyaNY2NY at Citysearch

  I have walked past this wine bar several times and I wasn't sure what to make of it. Finally, I decided to stop in with my girlfriend and we really enjoyed it. The food was excellent, they had great wines and the staff was very down-to-earth. The prices are really good compared to the other restaurants in the neighborhood. I will keep going back.

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  Mar 19, 2008 by by alisonbe at Citysearch

  After being there a few times and waiting for at least 20 minutes to get a table each time, finally last sunday evening we got to enjoy ayza without all the crowd. We shared a bottle of Chateau clerc milon with the recommendation of the heavy accented friendly French sommelier. It was a pleasure to listen to his detailed explanations. Oh yes it got even better, our waitress which seemed to have an attitude in the beginning came out to be a sweetheart, and she helped us to pair some cheeses and chocolate to go with our great bottle of wine. Sunday evenings seems to be the best time to dine at ayza, at least for now.

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  Mar 18, 2008 by by PolyNYC at Citysearch

  I've been here twice with my boyfriend and we've enjoyed it every time. The service is great and the atmosphere is quaint and comfortable, free of pretentiousness. It almost feels like I'm in a cafe/restaurant in Miami, not NYC. The prices are a little high for me, but you are paying for what you get. I definitely recommend the cheese platter and humus. Wine list is great.

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  Mar 18, 2008 by by Naes77 at Citysearch

  I finally had a chance to dine at ayza last weekend with a few friends. we made the reservations about one week in advanced and had a very spacious table for 4 at the corner. two of us ordered the stuffed chicken and it was worth the one hour wait. every piece was juicy and flavorful. they had chocolate truffles on the menu for dessert which had just the right tartness to it. this place is a new york institution and i definitely will be back.

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  Mar 17, 2008 by by powerb63 at Citysearch

  Great service, beautiful ambiance, food was wonderful....but portions of everything were SO SMALL. It was interesting to see someone describe the flights of wine as "larger then expected" because the ones we got had each glass precisely half full. With the prices they have, they could be a little more generous. We ended up buying a bottle because we may be paying too much...but at least we knew what we were getting!! If money were no object...perfection. Otherwise...elf food!!

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  Mar 17, 2008 by by TommyNY79 at Citysearch

  I thought the food at Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar was excellent. We had goat cheese brulee and hummus to start and they were fantastic. The salad with marinated beets and truffle walnut sherry vinaigrette was out of this world. I ordered the filet mignon and, while delicious, came on a huge plate with a very small piece of filet mignon that I finished in 2 minutes. I would go back to Ayza but would order more appetizers to start in order to compensate for small portions. Wine list is great.

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  Mar 17, 2008 by by JennyJ2 at Citysearch

  Ayza is a great place to come for dinner and drinks (especially in the summer time where you can be seated outdoors in their gorgeous patio). It's not really a place to go if you're looking to meet people, or if you're in a rush. I still let the occasional wait and slow service go because I've had some good times here and I think it's a fun place to go to drink wine and be rosy in comfortable bar stools with friends. You can order from either menu for some satisfying food. Wines by the glass are great.

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  Mar 17, 2008 by by Brian P at Insider Pages

  What a delightful evening. We sat back and surrendered to one great taste after another during a recent dinner at Ayza. This little gem of a wine bar complete with an appealing and cozy ambiance is the genuine thing. Have to admit the setting became secondary once we began tasting our food. The hummus, goat cheese brûlée , and cheese selection were truly exceptional but no more so than the stuffed chicken, filet mignon which were every bit as luscious. We could not find enough good things to say about the experience. It was great. Wines by glass were expensive, but good.

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  Mar 16, 2008 by by LoveBugNYC23 at Citysearch

  The perfect place to come after work or on a date -- great atmosphere and very cozy. Enjoy a fantastic selection of wines by the glass or bottle. Munch on some olives and delicious pates and cheese or chocolate truffles, and enjoy the wonderful surroundings. I love Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar.

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  Mar 15, 2008 by by LolWest9 at Citysearch

  Small but very cute & elegant place. Their wine cellar is very rich. It?s hard to find a good selection like this. I tried the sweet Jurancon and the Italian Pinot Grigio, they deserve a 5 star, and the hot artichoke hearts is yummy.

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  Mar 15, 2008 by by Jen4y at Citysearch

  I wish I could take a star off because they were kind of rude and not happy that we were only ordering sandwiches during dinner rush but I was only told about the paninis and that's exactly what I planned on getting. The area is absolutely beautiful. Snooty, but beautiful. Turkish panini was fantastic, my date agreed. And the cappucino really was incredible. There's not much I could say that hasn't been said before. A little on the pricey side but when in the UES...

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  Mar 14, 2008 by by Allen2897 at Citysearch

  i originally was supposed to meet up w/ a friend, but unfortunately plans fell though. so i decided to head out and venture around by myself. as i stepped outside my hotel, it started to pour. thinking i was doomed for the night, i took a look to my left and load and behold there was a tiny bar called AYZA that didn't look too crowded (for a friday night). i stepped inside, and was impressed by the nice decor and good music. i grabbed a drink and enjoyed the music. chatted it up w/ a couple dudes from london that turned out to actually know one of my teachers from college. small world! :) met a couple girls, but they didn't speak english well so i decided to call it a night. overall - nice atmosphere... w/ a romantic feel to it.

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  Mar 14, 2008 by by fernandamia at Citysearch

  I went for dinner. the food was pretty good, although it took a while to get due to the crowd I guess. The service was ok, I was expecting better though. The waiteress were just kind of hanging around and talking to each other. I would go back for the amazing wines and chocolate though... can't wait for their outdoor seating to be open. I have faith that maybe next time I go I'll get better service.

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  Mar 13, 2008 by by elenaharrison at Citysearch

  we came here for lunch on friday. it was great! the place was beautiful albeit it sparsely populated. the food was delicious - from the bread basket, to their butternut squash soup. we were very comfortable and felt well taken care of by the staff. will be back!

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  Mar 13, 2008 by by ElisSew2 at Citysearch

  After passing many restaurants, trying to find one that appealed to my taste, I fell upon Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar. I walked in, and from the minute I stepped foot into the wine bar I knew I had chosen the right place. The decor itself was very relaxing and made me feel like I had excepted the city. The food, well, was just excellent. I highly recommend the assorted cheese platter. The service was fantastic and you didn't have to rely on just your waitress for attention. Since my first visit to Ayza, I've taken many of NY visitors there - all of which really enjoyed themselves.

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  Mar 13, 2008 by by Bart40 at Citysearch

  It was hard to give this place anything above a 1 star. To my dismay, the food left me with an aftertaste I couldn't get rid of all evening. The produce was beyond expired and I was surprised after mentioning it to the waiter, he said they had complaints from others as well. My wife was dissapointed as well. Never again.

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  Mar 12, 2008 by by DenisKOP1978 at Citysearch

  We tried this wine bar when it first opened and knew that once everyone found out about it, you would have to make reservations. The location is very strange for such a nice quaint wine bar. The decor is beautiful and likewise the surrounding music. This place is very nicely decorated and gives you a romantic feel. We have been back several times and our favorite dishes are always the butternut squash soup and the stuffed chicken. I only wish that they had a full bar but, the wine is good. You will be pleased.

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  Mar 12, 2008 by by elucas at Citysearch

  We stumbled upon what might be considered a hole in the wall a little while ago, and were dually impressed. The food was wonderful. The two drawbacks however, the fact they have slow service and lack of space. Does the food make up for these two weak spots, yes.

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  Mar 12, 2008 by by elleng100 at Citysearch

  Bad service, bad attitudes, bad atmosphere. Average food and for the price it costs, a rip-off, tourist trap. Nothing romantic or chic about this place as many of the reviews suggest. First and last time.

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  Mar 12, 2008 by by Justin1ao at Citysearch

  This place is smaller than I expected, and it's not in the nicest area (garment district), but boy is it awesome! The food is good, the atmosphere is nice, and the service is great. Our waitress, Tabitha, was really nice and knowledgeable. She was engaged in what we ordered and made sure we got the best wine to go with what we ate, but she wasn't rude or annoying about it. Just helpful. We had the flights of wine - which were larger than expected. We liked all the wines we tried there, including the port we had with dessert. Food-wise, we sampled from the small plates section - you can choose a number of meats and cheeses. We also tried the appetizer-sized pizza. And for dessert we did a selection of five truffles...YUM!! This is a really good date place or place to go hang out with one or two friends. Not good for groups. It's also good for when you kind of want to decide as you as far as food is concerned. There aren't that many main courses (four). I would definitely go to this place again.

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  Mar 11, 2008 by by LLindaK3 at Citysearch

  What a delightful evening. We sat back and surrendered to one great taste after another during a recent dinner at Ayza. This little gem of a wine bar complete with an appealing and cozy ambiance is the genuine thing. Have to admit the setting became secondary once we began tasting our food. The hummus, goat cheese brulee , and cheese selection were truly exceptional but no more so than the stuffed chicken, filet mignon which were every bit as luscious. We could not find enough good things to say about the experience. It was great. Wines by glass were expensive, but good.

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  Mar 11, 2008 by by JenJay217 at Citysearch

  This is truly a wonderful dining experience, From the start all the food is the best I have had anywhere in the country. Salads and appetizers all stand on there own and would bring you back for another visit. Then the main courses each out do each other for best dish on the menu. The stuffed chicken is exquisite, light and delicate, perfectly done. The pasta dish is all done to perfection. The desserts and chocolate truffles are all unique and end the perfect meal. This is my favorite place for dinner is in New York City.

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  Mar 11, 2008 by by cathyuk at Citysearch

  We went there a couple of times, it's a cozy place crowded Friday nights. The food is a little expensive but is ok, good presentation and taste. The only problem is that we had to wait like 30 min to get a table each time. They have a nice selection of wines and Jacques Torres truffles to go with it. So we will be there again.

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  Mar 11, 2008 by by lisette75 at Citysearch

  I went to the AYZA last friday with my husband and we absolutley loved it.It's romantic and cozy,a little bit noisy when we were there, but the excellent service makes up for that.The only negative I could find about this place is it takes a while for the food to arrive but it's well worth the wait. W've tried the signature pieces Hummus and hot artichoke dip and as a main course filet mignon and orichiette pasta. Yummy. These are small plates but they are big on taste. Besides the regular menu Ayza has also cheese and chocolate menu and they have a great wine selection to choose from. It was a great night out for us ,they truly made it special. We will definitely be going back.

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  Mar 10, 2008 by by NmichelleK09 at Citysearch

  I had dinner at Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar last Saturday. What a delightful experience. The staff was extremely attentive, the meal from appetizer, through dessert just extraordinary. The plate presentations were marvelous. I need mention the cheese selection. We felt like royalty with the way we were treated. Worth every dollar spent.

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  Mar 10, 2008 by by Aisha36 at Citysearch

  Ayza is the first chocolate bar I?ve been to, but it was worth every cent. I?ve got to say I gave the artichoke hearts a miss, but my Fillet Mignon melted in the mouth. The staff were lovely, and everything was presented beautifully. I?d recommend Ayza Chocolate & Wine Bar to anyone.

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  Mar 09, 2008 by by samued at Citysearch

  Friendly service with little knowledge of the food. The kitchen takes their sweet time in preparing your food, which arrives at your table at its earliest convenience. The food itself is good, provided it arrives warm and prices are unjustifiably high.

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  Mar 09, 2008 by by CleoP3Su at Citysearch

  Although I have only been here once, this is my new favorite wine bar. It is warm, cozy, charming and the chocolate truffles were superb. The menu is well balanced. The prices were a pleasant surprise as well, they have a good quality/value balance. Definitely a place you could go to a couple times a week. I will be back soon and often.

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  Mar 09, 2008 by by Farwellk8m at Citysearch

  I went to AYZA on a Friday. It was raining pretty hard so I figured I would have a better chance of being seated. I was a little too late the night was in full swing and the wait for 3 was pretty long! I could wait at the bar and order a snack. I ordered the hot artichoke of course! Everyone who told me to go had insisted. YUMMMM. so simple yet addictive. The waitress was surprisingly knowledgeable.

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  Mar 08, 2008 by by CorLOPny23 at Citysearch

  I think the atmosphere is really cool. I like the decorations - but I've been at Ayza Wine Bar twice and didnt really like the food either time. There were weird mixes of flavors - which I am very open to, but didnt enjoy here. The wine and beer selection is good, but food -meh....

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  Mar 07, 2008 by by cosiko at Citysearch

  My friend and I went out and had a lovely Monday evening meal here. The service was excellent! Our waitress was very attentive, the food was delivered fast, but not too quickly, and they even noticed that our table was wobbly and fixed it during the meal before we even had a chance to complain about it! The food menu (chicken paillard and filet mignon--delicious) was basic but really great and the wine tasting options were affordable and a lot of fun! Highly recommended!

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  Mar 07, 2008 by by citybug6768 at Citysearch

  Went here recently with my girlfriend and had a very nice time....I just started drinking wine and am still at the stage where I need some guidance picking the right type of wine. The recommendations that were made turned out great. I tried a few different types from different regions, ECT and felt like I learned a thing or two in the process. Had a few apps in the process and really enjoyed myself.

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  Mar 07, 2008 by by JuliaK32 at Citysearch

  The service here is despicable. The management acts as if you should be grateful to be eating in their restaurant. I eat out a good deal and this place is just never worth it. I would like it to be since the atmosphere is nice but it does not compensate for the bad food and terrible service. To top it all off, the hostess is disturbingly rude ? worse than any velvet-rope club I?ve seen.

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  Mar 06, 2008 by by Lovea40 at Citysearch

  It?s all about the scene at this hot spot where the stylish crowd, slick decor and designer-clad staff are all equally gorgeous. You definitely pay for the spectacle, but the well-prepared food is worth it too - if your waitress can tear herself away from the mirror long enough to serve it.

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  Mar 06, 2008 by by ellyta at Citysearch

  We went there last Saturday, first the food was impressive. We knew we had to leave the table after dinner but decided to spend more, and ordered some chocolate truffles and another bottle of wine. Pricey indeed but in reality the best combo package of food/ drinks atmosphere for a date. It actually ends up a better deal for a double experience. I'll be back for my own birthday soon!!

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  Mar 05, 2008 by by nyartbug at Citysearch

  My filet mignon was overcooked and our entrees took almost half an hour to arrive with no apologies or updates from the waitress. They were friendly but not service focused. Not a place we would go back to over and over, perhaps occasionally if looking for a place in murray hill.

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  Mar 05, 2008 by by cankus at Citysearch

  At last! We found a wine bar with a great and affordable wine list and excellent wine appetizers to complement them. No attitude, attractive and very relaxed place with the wines displayed very nicely on a big wine cellar. Additional menu with the best quality cheese and cured meats, and fruit compote etc.. I should also mention the chocolate truffles from Jacques Torres. Compared to the "wine bars" with their laughable limited and overpriced wine choices this place is a gem and the real thing. Congratulations AYZA! You are doing a fine job!

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  Mar 05, 2008 by by HennryNY34 at Citysearch

  I was torn on the 4 or 5 stars for Ayza...and the only reason I would've deducted a star was for the cost. The staff is delightful, the mood of the place is fantastic (small, intimate...think south of France in a family-run place), the cheese selection is OFF THE HOOK! Oh, and funny enough, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the wonderful FULL-SIZE, clean and wonderfully decorated restroom. lol We had a tasting of four wines as I previously mentioned...a Prosecco, a champagne, and two white wines--one with chardonnay and the other a pinot grigio. EXCELLENT. The tete de moine cheese was some of the best I've ever had!! And while they gave the history of the region and how each cheese is made. After the tasting a few of us ordered food...I had the hummus and goat cheese brulee which I would swear are the best in all of the land!! Great place to check out before you head out to dinner or even fun for an event all in itself.

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  Mar 04, 2008 by by SeYi78 at Citysearch

  after reading some reviews i decided to go, saying i live in New Jersey its a long trip just to check it out, anyways the sitting was prompt even i didn't have a reservation, awful hostess though, very rude! waitress was excellent very patient, attentive and knowledgeable, the only thing i found wrong is that she didn't say the price for the bottle of wine, wine was ok only, nothing to talk about. What i so extremely wrong was the price, i got Amarone Bertani Villa Arvedi 2002, and it was expensive but 110 bucks for a bottle of wine, and what I'm the most angry about is that the waitress did not mention about the wine price. i am not a cheap person but i don't like to get ripped off i don't think ill make the trip again.

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  Mar 03, 2008 by by Scoopie at Citysearch

  Wow, were we dismayed at the poor dining experience we encountered at Ayza. Ayza has some good word of mouth working for it, and we were looking forward to dropping in for dinner. Our initial impressions were pleasant; Following a warm greeting from the charming hostess, thoughtful advice from the waitress, and a champagne served with a touch of strawberry, everything was going so well??that is until the food began to arrive. The baked potato appetizer was uninspired and accompanied by tired pickles, although the cheese & butter were fine. My entree was room temperature and amateurish. The baby carrot that accompanied the meal was COLD in the middle of the plate that carried them?.My partner?s dinner was tangling with the port shallots like sauce that left the dish with a monotone taste. I sent my dinner back to be warmed, which took 15 minutes or so and broke the enjoyment of dining together. The waitress came back to just drop the dish and turn back away without so much as looking at us. It would have been nice to at least have her observe we needed to have our waitress refilled (it did come a minute or so before the check!). The staff in general seemed to be hanging out with each other too much and not actually circulating through the restaurant, although given the poor service and attitude that arrived with the waitress, maybe this was a good thing. The price for two (before tip): $90, money much better spent at any of the many fine eateries in Manhattan.

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  Mar 03, 2008 by by SweetD77 at Citysearch

  I have been to Ayza on more than one occassion and my experience is always outstanding. Dining out just doesn't get any better than this!!! Ayza is such a wonderful place for my girlfriends and I to come in and unwind with some amazing wine and luscious chocolates. My boyfriend has taken me to Ayza a few times and it is the perfect spot for a romantic evening as well as feasting on the mouthwatering filet mignon with roasted port shallots and stuffed chicken paillard with sundried tomatoes, fresh mozerella drizzled with the most amazing honey lavender sauce. My parents and I also dined here and they adored the White Truffle Pizza and the Goat Cheese Brulee Salad. But the true indulgence at Ayza is the 20 Layer Crepes Cake!! No words are needed - you just have to try it for yourself. The owners are always extremely hospitable and really take the time to make sure every person who walks through the doors has an exceptional experience. Ayza is a sensational place for any occasion and must for anyone looking to have a memorable time.

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  Mar 03, 2008 by by EatMoreKoy at Citysearch

  Went to Ayza after work with a friend and found a great wine bar with fantastic food! The wine list seems intimidating at first, but it has fun and interesting description that makes choosing a wine by the glass easy and enjoyable. Split the *awesome* cheese platter and hummus to start, then had the stuffed chicken and my friend ordered the medallions of filet mignon - all delicious!

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  Mar 02, 2008 by by monad7123 at Citysearch

  Beautiful ambiance, attentive wait staff, tasty cheeses, and delicious wines make a great meal for any occassion. Must try the chocolate truffles for dessert.

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  Mar 02, 2008 by by zafkan at Citysearch

  I went to AYZA last week for my birthday, as a return customer never disapointed, it feels good to see familiar waiters' faces. Go there and have fun. Nice decor, great food and music, very romantic, relax and take your time to enjoy your wine. AYZA has a selected wine list and also special chocolate and cheese menu. I'll definetely go back.

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  Mar 02, 2008 by by Leslie8li at Citysearch

  I had the amazing butternut squash soup, well selected five piece cheese platter and sommelier's flight selection. They were all perfect. AYZA has a great ambiance, and very friendly service. I fell in love with the chocolates which were recommended by our friendly server.

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  Mar 02, 2008 by by Leslie J at Insider Pages

  I took my family out for Saturday dinner. It is a small place, very cute, unique decor. I felt like I was back in Europe. Nice music too. The cranberry walnut bread is yummy not to mention the olives they serve it with: delicious! ordered the stuffed chicken which was pretty good. My father ordered the salmon which was a little bland. My mom and brothers ordered the hummus and hot artichoke which they thoroughly enjoyed. The sangria was superb, just right! For dessert, I recommend twenty layer crepes cake and chocolate truffles (they set it on fire: very nice!) Only thing, it took a while to prepare our meal. I don't think they're used to big groups (there were 12 of us). I would probably go back, with a smaller group of people, maybe friends...

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  Mar 01, 2008 by by KgLeG8dS at Citysearch

  Beautiful place but that's it. The menu and the prices are so intimidating...so ridiculously expensive and so mediocre. Will not be going back. The food is just OK.

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  Mar 01, 2008 by by auntyanto at Citysearch

  Food was delicious w/o being heavy and too salty - creative w/o looking 'pretentious'. Service was impeccable and warm! We will return and often w/family & friends. Owner Aytac Nural was especially helpful!

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  Feb 29, 2008 by by jessicastrader at Citysearch

  Very pleased with this place! Love the atmosphere. Service was superb and the food was excellent. I highly recommend the butternut squash soup for a starter and the filet mignon for an entree is a very delicious healthy meal. I will definitely be going back.

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  Feb 29, 2008 by by cattyR39 at Citysearch

  I should say it's one of the best wine bar I've been to worldwide. The atmosphere on Friday night was marvelous! The great food, Hummus, Hot Artichoke, Cheese Platter and Chocolate Truffles were great! HIGHLY recommended for whoever wants to have a wine bar atmosphere night out. And to get it right, don't miss drinking the spiced mulled wine.

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  Feb 29, 2008 by by kolchrisb at Citysearch

  Took my date here for a romantic dinner on a wed night. Absolutely no wait at 530pm. Waitress was very friendly and not overpowering or imposing. Knowing my date she was picky about her food and yet she loved it. I was impressed with the Jacques Torres chocolates. Bottom line we both loved the experience.

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  Feb 29, 2008 by by Adnan U at Insider Pages

  I like the food and and the service but place is small so tables are very close to each other. It’s an average place to try. It could be more attractive once the outdoor space is open.

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  Feb 28, 2008 by by Ashley J at Insider Pages

  Small place with nice atmosphere Owners cared with us personally, a little small but cute place, I was really pleased by their friendly care.Nice to see a place like this.

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  Feb 28, 2008 by by KelerF3Ker at Citysearch

  I just adore Ayza. The staff has mastered the art of being attentive, without being intrusive. They are courteous, well-informed, and thoughtful. Their recommendations for wine pairings are always good. The food is fresh, simple, and plentiful. The filet mignon makes me weak at the knees.

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  Feb 28, 2008 by by Blenda28 at Citysearch

  Small place with nice atmosphere Owners cared with us personally, a little small but cute place, I was really pleased by their friendly care.

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  Feb 28, 2008 by by kafkay at Citysearch

  I like the food and and the service but place is small so tables are very close to each other. It?s an average place to try. It could be more attractive once the outdoor space is open.

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  Feb 27, 2008 by by GK78L at Citysearch

  I took my family out for Saturday dinner. It is a small place, very cute, unique decor. I felt like I was back in Europe. Nice music too. The cranberry walnut bread is yummy not to mention the olives they serve it with: delicious! ordered the stuffed chicken which was pretty good. My father ordered the salmon which was a little bland. My mom and brothers ordered the hummus and hot artichoke which they thoroughly enjoyed. The sangria was superb, just right! For dessert, I recommend twenty layer crepes cake and chocolate truffles (they set it on fire: very nice!) Only thing, it took a while to prepare our meal. I don't think they're used to big groups (there were 12 of us). I would probably go back, with a smaller group of people, maybe friends...

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  Feb 27, 2008 by by Catherina40 at Citysearch

  The food was over priced, poorly staffed and the food was average at best.I was told so many things about this place.Never again.

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  Feb 27, 2008 by by gerK34 at Citysearch

  We recently dined there with a group of 9. The food was lovely and beautifully presented. However, the service? We spoke to the manager at least three times; each time we then got service. They add an 18% gratuity to large group orders. Is this why they don't feel it's necessary to earn the tip?

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  Feb 27, 2008 by by Catherina L at Insider Pages

  The food was over priced, poorly staffed and the food was average at best.I was told so many things about this place but i recognized that it is not worthed.

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  Feb 26, 2008 by by Elizabeth P at Insider Pages

  This wine bar looks nice on the outside and inside. This is a place where you look around & everyone is happy to be there. Even though we had to wait a little for it, the food was excellent. Filet mignon was juicy and delicious. Their cheesecake was one of the best I had. The wine list is varied with many decent bottles.

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  Feb 26, 2008 by by KoZ76Jen at Citysearch

  I went with a friend and her parents who were visiting from out of town. Despite the ambiance and nice location I?m not sure what the fuss is about. My stuffed chicken entree was bland at best and overcooked. The twenty layer crepes cake dessert and chocolate truffles seemed to be the best things we had. However, one of the specials that night was very good, just not worth the cost. I feel I?ve had equal and much better food for either the same money or less. Other than the food itself, it was a very pleasant dining experience.

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  Feb 26, 2008 by by Elizabeth47 at Citysearch

  This wine bar looks nice on the outside and inside. This is a place where you look around & everyone is happy to be there. Even though we had to wait a little for it, the food was excellent. Filet mignon was juicy and delicious. Their cheesecake was one of the best I had. The wine list is varied with many decent bottles.

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  Feb 26, 2008 by by lindatigereye2 at Citysearch

  We have given this place so many chances, as we live just around the corner. The food is always good, but they must only have one cook taking care of the orders  because even when we were the only people in the wine bar, the food takes almost an hour to arrive! If you're willing to wait forever to get it and pay a little more than you should, then check out Ayza.

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  Feb 26, 2008 by by lindalovebug at Citysearch

  Everything I ate here I rate an 11 out of 10. The cheese platter, hummus, wine and chocolate truffles are absolutely unbelievable. I was astonished I didn't find one thing I would've changed even slightly w/ each dish. Such reasonable prices too! The only thing I found repellant was the terrible, loud world music they were playing, but it was forgiven due to the delicious integrity of their top-notch food. Can't wait to go back.

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  Feb 25, 2008 by by Amilia at Citysearch

  Not in a busy street, I would never notice if my boyfriend didn't take me there. Friendly service, not that fast on busy times but worths to wait. salmon soup served in teapot suprised me a lot. I wasnt expecting that fancy cheese plate when the owner offered me to taste the cheese, perfect selection.

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  Feb 25, 2008 by by Samatra65NY at Citysearch

  The service here is despicable. The management acts as if you should be grateful to be eating in their restaurant. I eat out a good deal and this place is just never worth it. I would like it to be since the atmosphere is nice but it does not compensate for the bad food and terrible service. To top it all off, the hostess is disturbingly rude ? worse than any velvet-rope club I?ve seen. Go elsewhere.

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  Feb 25, 2008 by by Aman79Sew at Citysearch

  Place was recommended by hotel.. walked in on a sat night at 5:00 pm and found the place empty.. was a little scary but by the time we finished it was crowded. great service and wine list? atlantic salmon with baby carrots was fantastic. prices were a little steep, but not outrageous... hey, it's NYC. Do not forget to try the spiced warm mulled wine.

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  Feb 25, 2008 by by Amilia J at Insider Pages

  Not in a busy street, I would never notice if my boyfriend didn't take me\r there. Friendly service, not that fast on busy times but worths to wait.\r salmon soup served in teapot suprised me a lot.\r I wasnt expecting that fancy cheese plate when the owner offered me to\r taste the cheese, perfect selection.

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  Feb 24, 2008 by by hteresa75 at Citysearch

  I went to AYZA last week for my birthday, as a return customer never disapointed, it feels good to see familiar waiters' faces. Go there and have fun. Nice decor, great food and music, very romantic, relax and take your time to enjoy your wine. AYZA has a selected wine list and also special chocolate and cheese menu. I'll definetely go back.

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  Feb 24, 2008 by by samfx80 at Citysearch

  I will go back here. I love to drink wine but do not know a whole lot about it. The staff here was great in helping me pick out some good affordable wine for a party. When I decided to stay and have a glass. They were more than willing to explain what I was tasting when I was drinking my wine as well as how to taste a wine. What a wonderful, comfortable place to go!

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  Feb 24, 2008 by by suist at Citysearch

  This place by far has the best sangria I have ever tasted, and the humus is amazing. Small portions which I think is great to get a few and share. Not sure what the reviewer before me is complaining about the table space. You can push the table out for more space or just sit on the chair. Anyway the place is great, and worth a try.

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  Feb 23, 2008 by by Sheila323 at Citysearch

  Thanks to their managers, I tried chicken pailard for the first time in my life and now I have a favourite plate. the wait staff was well educated,friendly but still polite. They served me hazelnut bonbons as complimentary, never tasted such chocolate, thank you guys.

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  Feb 23, 2008 by by PJ1981Her at Citysearch

  My wife and I just discovered Ayza and to our surprise it was spectacular. The owner/waitress knew the menu inside and out and helped my wife select items that were safe for her allergy. I highly recommend the roasted acorn and butternut squash and cheese platter, they were ridiculously good. You have to try this place!

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  Feb 23, 2008 by by koozzJ at Citysearch

  I've never had a meal there where the food wasn't good, even better than good. The service can be a little off, in that sort of "you're not trendy enough to be here" kind of way, but I can deal with that. What I can't deal with is the fact that the tables are too tight. Period. I say this as someone who designs restaurants as well as a totally ordinary sized human being. I'm not in any way a large person, but in trying to *squeeze* out from the banquette wall against the back, I dumped a drink into my lap. Forget this place if you're anything larger than supermodel thin unless it;s WELL after peak hours. I get that they're trying to get the most people they can into the space they have to maximize profits. But it's *just too tight. It gets noisy, and uncomfortable. The food is genuinely good though, and the goat cheese brulee and hummus are something completely worth your while. The wines by the glass are great. They have very nice cheese and charcuterie selection. But again this wine bar?s tables are NOT comfortable and TOO tight.

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  Feb 23, 2008 by by Refaz77 at Citysearch

  I visited Ayza last Friday because my friend kind of pushed me into it. I didn't really know what to expect from a wine and chocolate bar. The place was busy around 9pm when we arrived. Thank god we had reservations after we heard the server apologize to a couple which just arrived ahead of us. Very nice atmosphere, also the music was not too loud so we could have a normal conversation without a sore throat next day. Service was fast, precise. Great wine by the glass... The cheese platter was amazing. For the entree we had the stuffed chicken and the filet mignon also great dishes. For dessert we shared the twenty layer crepes cake, very tasty. The wine list was great. Do not forget the order chocolate truffles.

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  Feb 23, 2008 by by Sheila O at Insider Pages

  I take great pleasure in dining out and experiencing new and exciting cuisine but I was in for a classic. I didn't know what to expect from ayza wine & chocolate bar but it was flat out incredible. I frequent places with my girlfriend and she is the toughest critic and even she was impressed. The food and service is above and beyond what I have had in a long time and she cant wait to go back. Here's to the most romantic wine bar in N.Y.C

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  Feb 22, 2008 by by Monica P at Insider Pages

  I was there on Thursday night with my boyfriend. It took us about 10 minutes to get our table. The ambiance is very romantic, mostly candle lights. We’ve tried delicious cheeses and chocolates with our wine flight by the recommendation of the sommelier. Tables were so close to each other, It felt like I was having dinner with the next table but except this I enjoyed my night.

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  Feb 22, 2008 by by emko80 at Citysearch

  Well cooked and reasonably priced food. Pleasant staff, a great wine list. Flights are fun, but the range of prices also allows us to be neighborhood regulars with an affordable glass of wine or two with our meals.\

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  Feb 22, 2008 by by Monica32 at Citysearch

  I was just there over the weekend for a late lunch with the visiting parents. The place itself is impressive. It is sleekly designed, a combination of well dressed business types and young. The food was terrific, the menu comprised of traditional dishes with a creative twist. Everyone with me seemed impressed. Only shortcoming? - the long wait to get a table. Our waitress was excellent. Nice to see places like this.

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  Feb 22, 2008 by by 81LeeJ at Citysearch

  I have now been to Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar on several occasions. The food has always been of excellent quality. The staff are very friendly and the service is great. They don't try to rush you out like so many other New York establishments. Also a good bar if you just fancy a nice relaxing drink. Excellent wine list. Keep up the good work!

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  Feb 22, 2008 by by trk85 at Citysearch

  A great addition to the neighborhood. Good food and selected wine list plus friendly service in a retro influenced cozy space (including an outdoor space in warm weather). The menu is seasonal and has been recently updated to pair with the new wine offerings.Try the cheese and Jacques Torres chocolotes.

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  Feb 22, 2008 by by Leila3480 at Citysearch

  My cousin who lives near this wine bar and has me and my sister totally loved. We live in New Jersey and come this wine bar every time we're in NY. Best food in the world. The ambiance is fantastic and the staff are extremely accommodating. Simply amazing. My mouth waters at the thought of your hummus, goat cheese salad, and stuffed chicken. We just can't seem to get enough!!

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  Feb 21, 2008 by by yad1234 at Citysearch

  I read the reviews posted here and thought it would be a great place to try, but I was completely disappointed. When I go to a wine bar I expect an eclectic selection of wines, but I didn't really see anything unusual or unique. I recognized several bottles and noted the %40 markup. The appetizers were ok, but lacking in quality and imagination. We decided to skip the entree and ordered from the limited selection of chocolates only to be disappointed again. I think I could get more satisfation from a bottle of beer and a hershey bar. Do yourself a favor and leave this spot to the tourists.

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  Feb 21, 2008 by by golfman71 at Citysearch

  I took my fiance to ayza for a dinner after reading all the reviews. My expectations were high for this place. We went there on a monday evening and it was too crowded. Everyone seemed to enjoy the place, but I thought the benches were uncomfortable for a short person like me and the tables are too close to each other. The food was ok, but I believe it was a little overrated. My fiance loved the place, I did like it too but it really seemed a little overrated. Maybe I was in a bad mood and being grumpy.

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  Feb 21, 2008 by by kendralauren at Citysearch

  The flavors are fresh and Mediterranean. The atmosphere is cosy, though a little cramped - it's not a small restaurant by NYC standards, but the tables are packed in. But the flavors aren't the only thing that's fresh. The prices are too, considering that the portions aren't very generous. Eat three courses. You won't be uncomfortably full.

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  Feb 21, 2008 by by hipwest at Citysearch

  Well, this place is just a few blocks from my house and I'd passed it a ton of times. Then, I tried it. And just kept coming back. No, I've only been maybe 5 or 6 times... This is a refreshingly unique space in Murray Hill with a great vibe, amazing wines, perfect cheeses and awesome decor. The place is small which makes it quaint and intimate. Yet the lighting, furnishings and decor make you feel like you're in Europe or somewhere else. My boyfriend and I have had lots of dates here

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  Feb 21, 2008 by by nm4547 at Citysearch

  I have been there a couple times, but I've seen the portions get tinier and tinier, and the prices are getting higher and higher. Well entrees are over $18. Especially the filet mignon, it comes as 3 or 4 little bites of meat. The stuffed chicken with sun dried tomatoes is also tiny. Tasty, though. I do love AYZA, don't get me wrong So nowadays we only go there on special occasions or if we are in the mood to indulge or if we are not very hungry and just want to relax. I would go more often if I didn't walk out hungry without ordering sides or appetizers. Oh yeah, this is another thing: they know the portions are small so they try to push appetizers, which is kind of annoying. Well to be fair, the beef panini can be satisfying, but it certainly won't fill anyone up.Very friendly staff and super cute decor. Great for romantic dinners. Wines aren't cheap either but they are very tasty and unique. I think they do a great job at AYZA overall. It is actually kind of hard to find a good wine bar in NYC. The portion size thing is the one and only drawback. I hope they work on this.

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  Feb 20, 2008 by by Jenny3Kery at Citysearch

  This wine bar was wonderful. we ordered the assorted platter as well as the panini, plus a bottle of white wine and two glasses of a dessert wine. You have to pay extra for side cheeses and fruit, which took me by surprise. It was about $4 for each cheese. The side dishes were TINY, not enough for me and my boyfriend. the cheeses were therefore more on the expensive side, but the panini was a great deal. It came with organic baby field greens and almonds that were all very tasty. The server was very attentive and patient. I also especially liked the fact that this restaurant had not a lot of space, so the waiters did have to squeeze by your table. It made for a much more fun atmosphere like home. Dinner for the two of us took about three hours because we were having so much fun. i plan to go back and try the hummus and the hot artichoke!

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  Feb 20, 2008 by by HJohn32 at Citysearch

  We frequent many of the wine bars in New York City (and there are a LOT!), but this one is exceptional. The food is tasty and well prepared, the ambience of the wine bar is very pleasant, and the service is quite good. If you are vegetarian, as we are, they offer a few dishes that are exceptional. The food is very flavorful and almost addictive. The hummus quite good, a little more mild, and my wife's favorite. The other dishes are also very good. The wine list is great. Espicially Summers cabernet sauvignon. It's a little more expensive than some of the other wine bars in Manhattan, but again, we think it's quite worth it. We wish there were a few more vegetarian option. We love this place.

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  Feb 20, 2008 by by Sergio20039 at Citysearch

  I have gone to this place with advice of a friend, I went alone but the stuff felt like they were friends, helpful about making decisions which is quite difficult for an indecisive person like me. Fillet mignon with port wine sauce was delicious and well-matched with Santi Valpolicella Solane red wine. Thanks to staff...

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  Feb 20, 2008 by by Sergio M at Insider Pages

  The place was great... the wait staff was friendly. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was quaint. We had to wait briefly for a table to open up, much shorter than the 20 minutes they had told us. I forget exactly what we ate but it was awesome. Their staff was informative as we both had no idea what some of the wine menu items were. Ok, so you're rubbing elbows with the people at the table next to you but it's part of the charm :) Highly recommended!

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  Feb 19, 2008 by by John M at Insider Pages

  We found the place from the web. In fact it was higher than our expectations. The food is great, the service is slow but the presentation of food is great. These people really know that the devil is in the details. The hospitality is as expected from a high class restaurant. The Food is the fusion of great French - Italian Kitchen. The cheeses are well selected. And I do not have enough words to describe their desserts.

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  Feb 19, 2008 by by SaM34J at Citysearch

  I took a date here the other night, we got here pretty early and the place filled up quickly, nothing could prepare me for how tiny this space really was, but the decor was clean and nice and overall appealing, we took a seat at the bar. the service here is what makes all the difference, the waitress was extremely helpful, our wines were excellent and the overall experience was great, so why only 4 stars, this place is pricey. We each had a special tasting and it was fun, but at $30 for the equivalent of 2 glasses of wine, I would say this place is expensive, I couldnt imagine the bill if we had a few more drinks and some apps. So basically is you have the money and you really like wine, I would highly recommend this place, and I am glad a place like this exists.

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  Feb 19, 2008 by by cindy23472 at Citysearch

  We've dined at Ayza three times recently and found this to be an outstanding restaurant. Every staff member is friendly, helpful and desirous of making your meal an excellent dining experience. The wine list has numerous, excellent selections. The breads, appetizers, and desserts perfectly complement the outstanding main dishes. The filet mignon and goat cheese brulee were excellent. We recommend it highly and look forward to returning.

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  Feb 19, 2008 by by Joh20063 at Citysearch

  We found the place from the web. In fact it was higher than our expectations. The food is great, the service is slow but the presentation of food is great. These people really know that the devil is in the details. The hospitality is as expected from a high class restaurant. The Food is the fusion of great French - Italian Kitchen. The cheeses are well selected. And I do not have enough words to describe their desserts.

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  Feb 18, 2008 by by Peaches5875 at Citysearch

  AYZA is a fantastic contemporary chic wine bar!! Great atmoshere, friendly attentative waitstaff, excellent wine and cheese pairings. Entrees - filet minon and chicken paillard are the best I've ever had!! The chef is as delicious as his food!! Come to Ayza for an enjoyable relaxing evening and you will be hooked!

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  Feb 18, 2008 by by ferst79 at Citysearch

  I take great pleasure in dining out and experiencing new and exciting cuisine but I was in for a classic. I didn't know what to expect from ayza wine & chocolate bar but it was flat out incredible. I frequent places with my girlfriend and she is the toughest critic and even she was impressed. The food and service is above and beyond what I have had in a long time and she cant wait to go back. Here's to the most romantic wine bar in N.Y.C

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  Feb 18, 2008 by by mfoodieManhattan at Citysearch

  AYZA Wine and Chocolate Bar is better than others. Good food and wine list. Service is just OK. Good dishes- kind-a pricey. Worth a try when it is not busy.

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  Feb 18, 2008 by by KingLynn at Citysearch

  This wine bar is somewhat over-hyped. Couldn't fault the service we had. Very friendly too. However the food was at very best, okay - for the price! Which in my book doesn't add up. Also far too much is served! The crowds were quite a shock, although i quite enjoyed the buzz of the place, the ringing in your ears won't go for some time afterwards. Shouting is the rule here. Be prepared for a crowded experience and an elbow in your face. Don't think i'd go back.

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  Feb 18, 2008 by by Taylor2008 at Citysearch

  We went for the Valentine's Day prefix, and we left very satisfied. The owner came by every table to ask about the meal. It was apparent that he really cared about everyones feedback, and wants to make the place as enjoyable as possible for diners. The food was great, particularly the salads and the desserts. Service was good, and had a nice atmosphere. Will definitely be going back to check out the cheese plates and try different wines (they seem to have a very broad selection).

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  Feb 18, 2008 by by Taylor S at Insider Pages

  My boyfriend took me to Ayza and the entire experience was perfection!! Everyone he knows is just buzzing about this place so we had to check it out. The ambiance is cozy and relaxing. The service was friendly although a bit slow. Actually the slow service aIlowed us to savor the wine and atmosphere. It was so refreshing to see the owner interested in our experience and chatted with us for a while. The sommelier was very pleasant and took the time to offer advice on food/wine pairings. We will certainly be back!!

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  Feb 17, 2008 by by Jennifer C at Insider Pages

  I was there for Valentine’s day.I would highly recommend this restaurant. Very friendly service and wonderful food. Great ambiance.I will definitely be back again.

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  Feb 17, 2008 by by taheyuna at Citysearch

  I eat out at many restaurants in the city, and I was very impressed with my dining experience at Ayza. The food was so delicious that I was full and kept eating! Our waiteress was very attentive and charming. I would say this was one of the best restaurants I have eaten at in awhile.

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  Feb 17, 2008 by by Jennifer40 at Citysearch

  I can not say enough about how fantastic this place is! The staff is on top of their game! I didn't have to wait a second for anything, very attentive. The portions are not your typical American sized by any means which I think is fantastic! Just enough to fill you up and keep you wanting to come back! A great wine list, an amazing menu...how can I complain! The owners are super friendly and always around so introduce your self.

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  Feb 17, 2008 by by NewnewYorker81 at Citysearch

  This place was fantastic. I took my father and he loved the hummus. And the sangria was awesome! I also like the fact that it was a nice cozy little place. It can get a little crowded though, and we had to wait outside because there was no space inside the door. This is a great place to go with your friends, but I wouldn't recommend it for dates. It can be romantic, but it gets so loud that you can't hear yourself talk.

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  Feb 17, 2008 by by workton at Citysearch

  I work two blocks away from Ayza. In the beginning I was going there only at nights. Afterl I try the prix fix lunch special, I've became the lunch regular. Very good food, and reasonable price.. You should definitely check it out!

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  Feb 17, 2008 by by Food78Guy at Citysearch

  Love the food, but we had a rather aloof waitress. One of our appetizer didn't come out, and when we asked for it, we got it way too late. On top of that , they charged us twice. But, besides this one glitch (it was a busy night I guess), the food and wines were amazing. The appetizers are creative and inventive. They have unusual and exciting salads. I went in a big group, and the vegetarians enjoyed their selections as well.

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  Feb 16, 2008 by by happyeats212 at Citysearch

  I would highly recommend this restaurant. Very friendly service and wonderful food. Great ambiance.

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  Feb 16, 2008 by by irishamanda at Citysearch

  Food was a solid alright, space was fresh and interesting, wait staff was a bit confused but well meaning and the hostess was nice. Not quite peaking but should be a decent space when things get cranking.

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  Feb 16, 2008 by by susanmiller78 at Citysearch

  I would never guess there would be a nice wine bar on this block. It is on 31st street between 5th avenue and Broadway. There is nothing on this street but a wine bar. I was just passing by to go to the Penn station and I?ve noticed this place. I got inside to get a glass of wine. Very attractive and well designed. Definitely going back to try the food.

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  Feb 16, 2008 by by JackJackJack78 at Citysearch

  The place was great... the wait staff was friendly. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was quaint. We had to wait briefly for a table to open up, much shorter than the 20 minutes they had told us. I forget exactly what we ate but it was awesome. Their staff was informative as we both had no idea what some of the wine menu items were. Ok, so you're rubbing elbows with the people at the table next to you but it's part of the charm :) Highly recommended!

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  Feb 16, 2008 by by yupblondie at Citysearch

  I was there on Thursday night with my boyfriend. It took us about 10 minutes to get our table. The ambiance is very romantic, mostly candle lights. We?ve tried delicious cheeses and chocolates with our wine flight by the recommendation of the sommelier. Tables were so close to each other, It felt like I was having dinner with the next table but except this I enjoyed my night.

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  Feb 16, 2008 by by George333 at Citysearch

  Ayza just opened this summer and I was presently surprised, it was an answer to my prayers. The concept of the place is to be a more accessible place to get fine wine, cheese, and some food without having to deal with a high end restaurant and reservations. On this note it succeeds 100%.I enjoyed a delicious panini, glass of Shiraz wine, and three different cheeses. I found everything to be delicous and tasted exactly as I would have hoped. My only problem with it was I was still hungry. I could have eaten 2 to 3 times the amount of food or cheese they served up and ultimately had a second dinner 2 hours later. Great food, small portions.

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  Feb 16, 2008 by by LoveFoodNYC77 at Citysearch

  Absolutely fantastic and easily the best wine bar in midtown. Finally a sophisticated and interesting dining choice in Midtown. Interesting menu, elegant space, casual but intelligent service and food bursting with flavor. I can't wait to return!

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  Feb 16, 2008 by by Anonymous at Insider Pages

  Perfect organization for this great day. We were seated promptly, the staff was very polite, the owner was around the be sure that everything was perfect and he cared with us by himself. My wife loved it soo much. Candles, music, atmosphere, champagne, chocolates... Totally Romantic...

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  Feb 16, 2008 by by George F at Insider Pages

  Ayza just opened this summer and I was presently surprised, it was an answer to my prayers. The concept of the place is to be a more accessible place to get fine wine, cheese, and some food without having to deal with a high end restaurant and reservations. On this note it succeeds 100%.I enjoyed a delicious panini, glass of Shiraz wine, and three different cheeses. I found everything to be delicous and tasted exactly as I would have hoped.

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  Feb 15, 2008 by by lisawarchol at Citysearch

  A good restaurant overall. I had the turkish panini and it was pretty good. The waiters were very attentive and helpful. Food took a little long to be prepared. A little crowded. Prices are not bad for well prepared food.

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  Feb 15, 2008 by by nataliabergan at Citysearch

  I was just there over the weekend for a late lunch with the visiting parents. The place itself is impressive. It is sleekly designed, a combination of well dressed business types and young. The food was terrific, the menu comprised of traditional dishes with a creative twist. Everyone with me seemed impressed. Only shortcoming? - the long wait to get a table. Our waitress was excellent. Nice to see places like this.

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  Feb 15, 2008 by by carolina30 at Citysearch

  I was welcomed Warm and kindly, indoor is a bit small but the atmosphere is gorgeous. I tried Hot artichoke hearts, pita tart, fillet Mignon and I can say that the dinner was superb. I can suggest Merlot as red wine, you should definitely try the 20 layer crepes cake. As they say their chocolates are made by Jacques Torres never heard of him before but I searched him over Internet and learned that he was famous :) The manager complimented me with a sweet red port wine and it was great with the chocolate bonbons. The service was not as good as place itself but I will definitely visit again.

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  Feb 15, 2008 by by toa212 at Citysearch

  We were there for the valantines day, and had a wonderfel evening. Amazing chocolates and sooo romantic.

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  Feb 15, 2008 by by KasimKasim at Citysearch

  We were there in the beginning of February, on cold and rainy day after visiting Empire State Building. Food was very fresh, staff pleasant and willing to explain the dishes. With a lot of people, going in and out and talking different languages it was not noisy at all. A little bit expensive but you get what you pay for and it worth the money. relax in cozy atmosphere.

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  Feb 15, 2008 by by lisatouz at Citysearch

  Just what the neighborhood needed - a friendly little spot. Went there one night and it was pretty busy, and the food was top notch and the waitress was super nice. Filet mignon was cooked perfectly.

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  Feb 15, 2008 by by diningjack at Citysearch

  I had a business lunch with a client at Ayza, and I believe the cool atmosphere and the well decorated tasty food affected my client and put him in a good mood, as a result I got the contract. They had a great wine and chocolate menu, I will definetly go back with my girlfriend. I highly recommend this place.

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  Feb 14, 2008 by by denisR34 at Citysearch

  had dinner here the other day - it's a really gorgeous space, warm and open. i had the stuffed chiken, which was fantastic. my friend had the orecchiette pasta - it was great. we found the staff to be gracious and informative. will definitely go again.

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  Feb 14, 2008 by by johnh72 at Citysearch

  The food is very flavorful and well prepared. I've eaten here three or four times and the service has definitely gotten better. Their chocolates are high quality, every penny is worth it.

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  Feb 14, 2008 by by swoosher at Citysearch

  I know types of wines, which one better suit my palette and such. but the owner whom is always at your service will tell you a thing or two about some great wines at very reasonable prices. been there twice in three weeks, which is frequent for me. A great place to bring a date.

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  Feb 14, 2008 by by PaulStein at Citysearch

  I've been to Ayza on two other occasions and found that the quality and taste of the food varies. I would like to seem more consistency with the food and service.

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  Feb 14, 2008 by by sheriboberry at Citysearch

  I was first drawn in by the name which includes two of my most favorite things in life...wine & chocolate. I saw they had this special prix fixe going for Valentines & I was completely drawn in. Being a single, I called to see if they could fit me in. The owner called me personally saying there would be a spot at the bar for me. When I arrived, he remembered me! I was amazed all night long at the level of service and attention I received. Their special Valentines meal was five courses & every meal outdid the previous. There was a sommelier there that night that recommended wines for each course which was absolutely amazing. I have never had recommendations per each tasting plate before. I even received a taste of 2 different wines for one tasting course to show the difference between an OK paired wine & an excellend paired wine. Wow! I was just continually amazed and enthralled. The service reminded me of many of my dining experiences in mediterranean countries where the owner personally takes care of you & its more about the complete experience rather than just a meal. This is definitely one of my new favorite places to eat.. for the service, the food, and the overall experience.

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  Feb 14, 2008 by by scmagallona at Citysearch

  Great find! Very good food- cheese, chocolates, wine, entrees... we really enjoyed our meal. The service was fantastic! Owner and staff were very friendly, we got to try for free some wine and more cheese plus some interesting tidbits of information about the food. The place is quite small so there's some wait for a table, even on a weekday. They also don't take reservations. But this place is worth a try and going back for seconds. I'm recommending it to all my friends in the city. I hope they open up their uptown branch soon!

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  Feb 14, 2008 by by flowerpower2001 at Citysearch

  My boyfriend and me went here for dinner and I was a little put-off by a few things. The fact that the manager asked us to write a review on this site was very unprofessional, especially for the type of place (upscale) they are trying to promote. The service was too slow and sloppy and the waitstaff just looked very frazzled and inexperienced. The food was too expensive compared to the quality. I wouldn't recommend this place.

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  Feb 14, 2008 by by Ashley26 at Citysearch

  I absolutely loved the food. It is a great atmosphere and everything you order tastes better than the one before.Good wine, romantic atmosphere, quality music, delicious chocolate.The place is kind of small, but still is great. Ayza is definitely the right place for taking my boyfriend in Valentines Day. Pretty sure that he will love it.

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  Feb 14, 2008 by by Ashley S at Insider Pages

  I absolutely loved the food. It is a great atmosphere and everything you order tastes better than the one before.Good wine, romantic atmosphere, quality music, delicious chocolate.The place is kind of small, but still is great. Ayza is definitely the right place for taking my boyfriend in Valentines Day. Pretty sure that he will love it

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  Feb 13, 2008 by by Sean K at Insider Pages

  I was quite glad to stumble up this place for a relaxing dinner. The cheese platter was well prepared, decorated, it was perfect. Nice selection of wines to taste from a variety of regions. Service was very friendly and attantive. Perfect wine glasses. The music was a bit loud for a while, We mentioned it to the manager, and he took care of this issue right away. The overall experience was great.It is also very close to Madison square garden and empire state building and that makes them superb.

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  Feb 13, 2008 by by Lindam74 at Citysearch

  Please keep this midtown gem secret and low-key. One word: Wonderful. Great atmosphere combined with tasty food which is served on stylish dishes. Good service, friendly waitstuff. Each time I go there the place is getting more crowded. It will be hard to keep this place as a secret :)

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  Feb 13, 2008 by by 898Sean at Citysearch

  I took my girlfriend with a friends advice. Good wine, well decorated plates, well choosen cheese platter, and chocolatte. Chocolate was the key to impress her , But I was more into details in everything. Silverware, glasses, design, music, even napkins. You feel you are in a 5 star restaurant but with more friendly and comfortable ambiance.

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  Feb 13, 2008 by by cavalier32 at Citysearch

  The decor was about one of the only pros. I didn't like the fact that I was basically sitting on top of the people next to me. Need more space. I ordered a glass of Syrah and it was too warm and didn't taste right. The goat cheese brulee was good and the entree (the salmon) was a disappointment because it didn't taste like good quality fish. At these price points I expected much more.

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  Feb 13, 2008 by by ClaireSess at Citysearch

  The drinks are the usual bottled beers at club prices, but the bar is well staffed and service is quick and friendly. The music is better than (and not as predictable as) other some other wine bars in the area. There was no bad attitude from any punters and everyone seemed to just want to enjoy themselves.

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  Feb 13, 2008 by by dl77 at Citysearch

  My boyfriend took me to Ayza and the entire experience was perfection!! Everyone he knows is just buzzing about this place so we had to check it out. The ambiance is cozy and relaxing. The service was friendly although a bit slow. Actually the slow service aIlowed us to savor the wine and atmosphere. It was so refreshing to see the owner interested in our experience and chatted with us for a while. The sommelier was very pleasant and took the time to offer advice on food/wine pairings. To start we had White Truffle Pizza and Goat Cheese Brulee and both superb. The chicken paillard was exquistely beautiful in presentation and in taste and the filet mignon was the best I've ever tasted. Chocolates and sweet port complimented each other well and were the perfect ending to this amazing evening. I recommend AYZA for couples, after work drink with coworkers and I hear they have great lunch time specials. We will certainly be back!!

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  Feb 13, 2008 by by foodienyc1978 at Citysearch

  went to ayza last night and couldnt have had a better night, i urge everyone to go and try it , very cute place good for date business meeting , anything!.. very good food and amazing wines ,, DELICIOUS!

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  Feb 12, 2008 by by JasonH67 at Citysearch

  This is the first time I went to this place. I read great reviews about it on this site and was very disappointed with Ayza. The waiter was not very knowledgeable about the wines and since this is a wine bar it was a bad experince since I am not too familiar with wines. I ordered the hummus as an appetizer and found that it was too garlicky. The chicken paillard was much better, but overall the food was average and overpriced for the size of the portions. I will not go back to Ayza and it is a shame since it seems the owners have invested a lot of money in the place.

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  Feb 12, 2008 by by PatriciaK30 at Citysearch

  This is a lovely wine bar, I have eaten here on a few different occasions and overall my experiences have been excellent! I love medallions of filet mignon, really the best I've ever had. And the atmosphere is just beautiful. Service is friendly, and could be faster, but the overall value and experience are unique in this area. I'm grateful that this wine bar is in my neighborhood!

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  Feb 12, 2008 by by rj2807 at Citysearch

  I found the service more than adequate, our servicer was very attentive and we were seated right away. For appetizers, we had the white truffle pizza and hot artichoke hearts, they were both delicious. I had the stuffed chicken paillard which was made for my taste, and I had some of my friend's filet mignon which I am not usually a fan of, It was very tender and flavorful. The wine list was great. We enjoyed the dinner very much, and will definetly go there again.

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  Feb 12, 2008 by by winewine at Citysearch

  I would certainly recommend AYZA to people who are into wine and cheeses. Carefully selected and described cheeses and wines must be tasted!! Enjoy!

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  Feb 12, 2008 by by Rebecca S at Insider Pages

  “Wine, Cheese and Chocolate We went there last Saturday with my boyfriend. Got there around 8.30 PM. It was so nice to see the owner welcoming everyone in person. After having some champagne cocktails at the bar, we moved to a table to enjoy the lovely night of us.Everything was great but they should work on service little bit".

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  Feb 11, 2008 by by HowardJ at Citysearch

  after hearing so much about this place...we decided to give it a shot last saturday. The 4 of us walked in with no reservation, and was told that the wait would prob be ~ 1 hour for a table, but we could check the bar area and see if we could be seated there. Within 15 minutes, we managed to snatch 4 seats at the bar. We ordered some wines and appetizers, everything were great. The manager was so attentive. Tried the "Ayza?s Hummus Dip? The steak tartare was also great....we loved everything. And for a restaurant with that great of a level of food & service, we thought the bill was very reasonable as well. Would definitely come here again!

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  Feb 11, 2008 by by Murdoch34 at Citysearch

  If you want to impress someone, or just take them to a great New York Restaurant, this is it. Upon entering the restaurant, you find you are in a completely self contained world. The food is divine. Divine. And the wine list is both eclectic and delightful. The desserts are absolutely incredible, and this is a great place to take your time and dine with someone special. The fillet mignon is fantastic, and everything comes out fresh, hot and delicious. Cheese plates. Cocktails. Artichoke Dip. The Twenty-Layer Crepe Cake is the most fantastic thing I have ever had in my entire life. Enjoy this perfect heaven.

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  Feb 11, 2008 by by aysalcan at Citysearch

  one of the best dining place in midtown in my opinion. The food was delicious and staff was friendly. But I mostly enjoyed the nice atmosphere.

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  Feb 11, 2008 by by crossell at Citysearch

  After reading a bunch of reviews on citysearch, we decided to try this place with my bf. Went there with big expectations, we had to wait almost half hour on the line to get a table. The manager welcomed us and offered complementary mulled wine, which was delicious. Then he guided us through the wine list and helped us pick a nice bottle of cabarnet. We enjoyed our cheese platter and the chocolates.

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  Feb 11, 2008 by by KGeorge78 at Citysearch

  i've been here once - it has a very nice, cozy atmosphere, and a great selection of wine and cheeses. i think i also got desert, which was very good. unfortunately the service could be greatly improved - after we were seated i think it took about 5 minutes to even get a menu, and after we were served we were forgotten. still, go here for the food.

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  Feb 10, 2008 by by Alibaba1965 at Citysearch

  Even though the service was a bit slow and the place was kind of small, I will definitely go there again, because the food is GREAT and very reasonably priced.

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  Feb 10, 2008 by by mcjoe at Citysearch

  I was quite glad to stumble up this place for a relaxing dinner. The cheese platter was well prepared, decorated, it was perfect. Nice selection of wines to taste from a variety of regions. Service was very friendly and attantive. Perfect wine glasses. The music was a bit loud for a while, We mentioned it to the manager, and he took care of this issue right away. The overall experience was great.

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  Feb 10, 2008 by by OkurNaci at Citysearch

  I went to Ayza for the first time last Friday for dinner. The food was better than good and the service prompt and friendly. However, I was taking out a colleague who was leaving for another job and we hung out a while at the table after eating to talk. We were asked - politely - if we could vacate the table because they needed it (the place was busy) This has never happened to me before. So although the food was good, I should think to go back Ayza?.

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  Feb 10, 2008 by by SallyHarper at Citysearch

  We gave this place a try after we saw them on New York Time Out Magazine. But the meat was cold breads were not toasted as it says on TimeOut, and the service was slow. The owner came to ask if we were pleased. He was soo polite, he accepted our invitation to sit with us. Listened our complains, and he did it very carefully. And apoligezed and insisted to accept port wine and chocolate truffles as their complimentary. We dediced to give them a second chance and last night everything was superb. it seems things are getting better for them. Well done guys.

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  Feb 09, 2008 by by GoktugYuksel at Citysearch

  First off, I would like to say that their chocolate menu is otherworldly. For a chocolate lover like myself, it is like being in heaven. Add some tasteful wine to it and, with the help of uniquely designed architecture, you'll definitely have an unforgettable experience at AYZA. Again, you gotta try their chocolate selections, you'll thank me for that. Not a big deal but it could have been better if the service was a little faster but as I said, it was well worth waiting a couple extra minutes for that heavenly taste and experience.

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  Feb 09, 2008 by by TomB77 at Citysearch

  A stupendous selection of wines by the glass. The food is pleasing and very reasonably priced and ranges from hearty to healthy to decadent (Ayza's Hummus Dip, Idaho Baked Potato, Goat Cheese Brulee). The staff people are lovely. The room is comfortable. It is a no brainier - good for after work, eating out with friends, a drink at the bar. Until AYZA Wine & Chocolate Bar came along, we'd been desperate for a place like this in our neighborhood.

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  Feb 09, 2008 by by kjohnr at Citysearch

  I went to AYZA last Wednesday for the first time. The wine bar was so busy and we sat outside. Even if the wine bar was very busy, our server was attentive and gave us advice about the menu. For appetizers we tried humus dip and white pizza truffle. Both were hits!! For entrees, our server recommended medallions of filet mignon and stuffed chicken paillard were DELICIOUS. Very original dish, we both loved it. Also, the wine list is good and very inexpensive. We had a bottle of 2oo3 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigneti La Selvanella Mellini if you get this wine you will not be disappointed. We will return! Good place for a romantic dinner, or special occasion. The dining room decor and music are beautiful and create a stylish, warm ambiance -- the dining room can get a little loud but you can get around this by sitting outside.

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  Feb 09, 2008 by by guarjustin at Citysearch

  The place was packed and it seemed like everybody was enjoying their dinner. Only if the service was a little faster. We had to wait a bit for the service, but the manager was nice enough to come to our table and apologize for the delay. Other than the delayed service we enjoyed everything.

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  Feb 08, 2008 by by lotusflwr at Citysearch

  Went there one night for happy hour...I don't drink hard liquor so this was the perfect place for a few night caps. The ambiance is smooth, romantic and loungy. I loved this place. They have a great selection of wine. Their wine list is amazing...I was confused as to which bottle to pick but luckily I picked a fine italian Pinot Nior. I will definitely go back there, its cool and tres chic!! Best wine bar I've ever been to.

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  Feb 08, 2008 by by yutryi15 at Citysearch

  Ayza picked a nice location as there are not many good choices in the neighborhood. Besides the location, Ayza has a really nice wine selection, great service and a comfortable ambiance. I've been there a few times and will surely be going back again.

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  Feb 08, 2008 by by ngret at Citysearch

  Of all the wine bars in NYC that I have gotten toasty at - Ayza is the cream of the crop. This morning I woke up and wasn't even hungover. And believe me I drank and drank - tasty wine too! Since I was there by myself I had to keep up the front that my friends had left to those that I conversed with, but all in all I met some swell people. I met a wonderfully classy older woman there and we chatted on and on about shot-put and backgamon! I never thought I would enjoy a converstation like that, but I certainly did. She said that Ayza is her fave and that if she was younger...haha...thats another story. But seriously if you are going to a wine bar tonight. Pick one with some class. The only one I will be going to in the future - Ayza, Ayza, Ayza!!!!!

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  Feb 08, 2008 by by scatone at Citysearch

  Finally, I have found a spot that tickles my fancy like NO other. The Filet Mignon is TO DIE FOR! And the Wine and Cheese is superb!! The atmosphere is wonderful, and the service is definitely "White Glove". A great place to take your significant other and score some "brownie points", especially if you were in the "Dog House" like me. ;) She forgot all about our little mishap, we had a great time, and plan on coming back for sure!

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  Feb 08, 2008 by by olpal at Citysearch

  The service, food, atmosphere was all amazing! I loved this place and cant wait to go back. I brought a blind date here last week and she was sooo impressed. I'm definitely going to return very soon, this is quite possibly my favorite restaurant in the city now!

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  Feb 07, 2008 by by marcellopantano at Citysearch

  Had lunch last week at this nice new place. I was impressed with the decor and the way they made great use of a relatively small location. Only had soup and an appetizer, both were absolutely delicious. Service was excellent. And I understand the menu will be expanding a bit. Looking forward to going back in the next week or so. Can't wait to try the truffles!! Highly recommended.

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  Feb 07, 2008 by by NDemirov at Citysearch

  Ayza Wine Bar is an elegant contemporary establishment as it is soo close to both the Empire State and Madison Square Garden. My suggestions would deninitily be Fillet Mignon, Sangria and chocolate truffles. My wife also enjoyed her cheese platter very much. Nice cheese selection.

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  Feb 07, 2008 by by Susuan78Hann at Citysearch

  I had a lovely meal at Ayza Wine Bar the other night. The staff are very knowledgeable about their wines and they seem to take pride in their customer service which is unusual in New York these days. The fillet mignon was fabulous and I would recommend any of the chocolattes

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  Feb 07, 2008 by by bdaykid at Citysearch

  We went to Ayza for a friend's birthday at the weekend, and had a great time. Their Private party lounge was amazing. The meal was fabulous and the wine list really, really long! We will definitely be returning to AYZA soon.

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  Feb 06, 2008 by by elliegirl at Citysearch

  When my boyfriend walked me to this block for my birthday dinner, I felt a little confused. But when we arrived at ayza it made a lot more sense. The restaurant has a warm, modern decor. Their friendly waitstaff welcomed us and we settled down at the bar. After having a few glasses of wine, the manager guided us upstairs. I became the happiest person when I walked into the beautifully decorated private party room and saw about 30 of my friends with their party hats, shouting happy birthday. We enjoyed the finger foods, cheeses, champagne, the amazing chocolate truffles followed by ports. I will definitely use this private party room for more occasions in the future.

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  Feb 05, 2008 by by Bobi33 at Citysearch

  I use to go in this place day time. It is really nice place if you?d like to have good hot drinks and chocolate bonbons. I like the tea and the way they serve it.

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  Feb 05, 2008 by by foody212 at Citysearch

  I had the amazing butternut squash soup, well selected five piece cheese platter and sommelier's flight selection. They were all perfect. AYZA has a great ambiance, and very friendly service. I fell in love with the chocolates which were recommended by our friendly server.

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  Feb 02, 2008 by by Anonymous at Insider Pages

  i went to Ayza on new years eve with a party of 6 people and i have to say we where all very impressed right from the food to the service in this resturant was excellent i would highly recommed it...

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  Feb 01, 2008 by by Chocolove78 at Citysearch

  I was looking for a wine bar close to Madison Square then I saw this Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bare on Citysearch. I would never expect more as a chocolate lover. I recommended it to all my friends. Bonbons were yummy...

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  Feb 01, 2008 by by SalHarper at Citysearch

  2 blocks from Empire State, 2 bloks from Medison Square Garden and 2 blocks from my house, nice location, at least for me. I met with their somalie, a very deep man with a high knowladge and with good guesses about what you would like. The wait staff was not so perfect but they were friendly and kind, the manager filled their gap by himself. Everyone in there tries hard for making you happy. Visited twice and gonna visit again soon.

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  Jan 31, 2008 by by PaulBiggs at Citysearch

  Wine selection by Eric Delacros, chocolates from Jacques Torres, They are all working with professionals, I guess we will hear the name of AYZA more often, nice place...

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  Jan 31, 2008 by by MONROE78 at Citysearch

  Details shows the difference, the choice of the glasses, the silverware, the signs on napkins, presentation of dishes, interior design, and soo much more that you notice every single time you visit again.

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  Jan 31, 2008 by by Winiee H at Insider Pages

  Didn't think that I would find the wines I was hoping to see, quite large and definetely good selection of wine list. I met their somelie in person, he was very helpful and deep in wines.I liked their Summer's Cabarnet Sauvignon.

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  Dec 28, 2007 by by arhart at Citysearch

  Sorry to continue, but there is more to say! For dessert, I decided to try the cheesecake. It struck a great balance between whatever cheese was used - I couldn't tell - and the sugar. Overall, I enjoyed how the food was simply presented on white plates, with attention to detail, but not in a fussy or pretentious manner. It was lovely having the owner come over and speak with us and I hope that continues as the restaurant gains a greater following, ideally expands, and becomes a neighbourhood staple. All the best to Ayza. I'll be sure to stop in again and recommend it to others.

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  Dec 08, 2007 by by katepowell at Citysearch

  I?m not going to dress it up: the Twenty-Layer Crepes Cake, which comes from Lady M Cake Boutique on the Upper East Side, is one of the most heavenly desserts I have ever eaten. It is actually a stack of crepes, layered with light, amazing custard. Do not leave Ayza Cafe and Wine Bar without ordering this cake. It is simply not to be missed. We also had a tasty chocolate mousse layer cake that could be a nice alternative on your 51st visit to the restaurant, after 50 servings of crepe cake. As for wine, we enjoyed a glass of Olivier Leflaive Bourgogne Les Setilles Chardonnay?a light, fresh white Burgundy?and one of pink-tinged white sangria fairly brimming with peach and strawberries, which was ladled from a large pitcher on the bar. Ayza is not the restaurant I would choose for an expense account dinner, but it is the perfect place to gather a group of friends for a delicious bite after work or before a night out. I look forward to returning to try the rest of the meats and cheeses and?I won?t lie?getting another piece of that crepe cake.

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  Nov 27, 2007 by by serggio at Citysearch

  I had a good time with two of my co-workers. We had late dinner, the food was what we expected. we faund this wine bar in the internet.We always want to try something new. Good atmosphere. Just we had the impression that our waitress didn't know about what she can recommend to the customers in a wednesday night. The service is ok. Anyway, this place gives a good vibe, good wine list. Many options for those who likes the good taste. Reasonable prices.

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  Nov 18, 2007 by by femalefoodie4ever at Citysearch

  AYZA is an incredible establishment and my experience was nothing less than perfection. I was pleasantly surprised by the owners genuine interest in the customers experience as well as their extensive knowledge of their products. The waitstaff was diligent, knowledgable & friendly. The kitchen is tiny but the chef orchestrated his team efficiently & professionally. And ladies- he isn't bad on the eyes either!!The slow poached shrimp, spicy horseradish sauce & lemon confit is a must. A hint of spice makes the acorn and butternut squash soup superb. The medallions of filet mignon with roasted port shallots melted in your mouth. But the 20 layer crepes has me speechless - so luscious! Dining at AYZA, your senses will discover a seductive journey through the perfect marriage of distintive wines paired with sinfully satisfying cuisine along with a warm cozy inviting atmosphere. Go to AYZA for a perfectly amazing experience!!

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  Nov 15, 2007 by by lopp at Citysearch

  Last week I went to this wine bar and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised about the ambience, it was very CHIC, warm . The decoration and design are really fancy. The staff and even the owners were friendly, informative and totally professional, they gave us a nice warm welcoming. The food...mmmmmm.... I never had such exquisite medallions of filet mignon with this unique flavor, a delicious arugula soup with scallops, a very rich sangria and why not to mention this...... I gave myself a great treat, I ate one of the must tasty cakes I've ever had before....twenty layers crepe ( I forgot completely about my diet.....) I'm the type of person that loves small but delicate and significant details, thats why I even looked out the restroom.....totally NICE and CLEAN !!! even there you can listen the music. So for me, two thumbs up for that....really, that gives a big hint about how much this people care about their customers. Ayza is a little bit small and narrow place , but this is the perfect example than quality is more important than quantity. I truly recommend this place for a nice lunch or dinner, even for a nice glass of wine after work or like me, after an exhausted shopping day in the city with my girlfriends. I hope I can celebrate my birthday there next year. Before I left the place, I suggested that they should have more chairs and tables, because nobody likes to wait in a line in winter time. Congratulations to the owners, and to that Chef . Hopefully I will be back soon. I'm a happy , well satisfied customer, and as me, there will be more customers that will spell ayza ..... A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.

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  Nov 10, 2007 by by jino74 at Citysearch

  I'd passed by Ayza twice a week for the last two months and had been meaning to swing by for a special occasion. Tonight was such a night, and the service and atmosphere made it perfect. Our hostess, Priscilla, provided great attentive service and knew when to not interrupt a private conversation. (5 stars!) The appetizers were good, the main course was excellent, but lacking in quantity, hence 4 stars rather than 5. The proximity to Penn station and Ktown, along with a cozy yet trendy atmosphere makes this place a must try for weekday happy hours for small groups as well as a cozy spot for two on a saturday night. The food menu is short but to the point so if you're looking for a full-blown restaurant, look elsewhere. We were in a bit of a hurry to leave towards the end and I got up twice to hurry the payment process. The manager ran out to ask me if I was dissatisfied with the service in a sincerely apologetic tone of voice - I told him that we were in a hurry and that we were very pleased with our experience at Ayza. The fact that the manager cared enough to run out shows their dedication to client satisfaction. How many cool places do you know that actually cares about your dining experience?

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  Nov 07, 2007 by by ggrayborn at Citysearch

  My brother and I were in the neighborhood around lunch time with some time to pass. We saw AYZA adverting their $15.95 lunch special. Asparagus soup, chicken panini and hazelnut bonbon were the selections and they were all delish. Nice crowd lunchtime diners who were all in the know. Now we are too. We will be back!

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  Nov 07, 2007 by by eaterjenny at Citysearch

  We had dinner here last night and I'm still thinking about the wonderful food, service and charm of the restaurant. I started with hummus and then for my entree I had filet mignon. Both items were excellent and small portions:) For dessert we shared Twenty Layer Crepes Cake that oozed honey with every bite. The service was excellent and we can't wait to go back.

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  Nov 07, 2007 by by bhoward74 at Citysearch

  Our expectations were high and you did not disappoint. We rocked up about 6 and were seated immediately. The waitress was extremely attentive and did not leave us wanting for anything that she could possibly deliver on. I wish I caught her name so I could pay her the compliment she is due. It is easy to walk straight past 5th Avenue to miss it completely, so keep your eye out for it as you will be getting what I think is a very different, but very New York experience. The cheese cake was nothing short of excellent. When I convert the bill to aussie $'s it is not cheap, but who cares you only live once.

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  Nov 07, 2007 by by pamelalaw at Citysearch

  Great place for lunch. For $15.95, you get a soup, panini, bonbon and soda. All their soup/panini are great - fresh and tasty. Service could do with a little improvement.

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  Nov 07, 2007 by by nicoleantonnyc at Citysearch

  A really nice treat. I love the baked potatoes and the crepes cake. They also have nice a nice cheese plate, and an amazing slightly spicy butternut squash soup.

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  Nov 04, 2007 by by sandrakellard at Citysearch

  A friend of mine found this spot in the neighborhood and invited me for dinner one evening. Oooh, we LOVE this spot. We totally filled up on baked potato , cheese plate, meats, delicious hot arthichoke dip, followed by some hazelnut bonbons and port. I feel lucky to find this place.

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  Nov 04, 2007 by by jhandel at Citysearch

  Went there on a recent friday night and thoroughly enjoyed the food, scene, service and sleek ambiance. Their mulled wine, it's addictive! And the cheesecake is mind blowing!

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  Oct 29, 2007 by by rdasalla at Citysearch

  What can I say about their service? They were very attentive to me and my date. I am one if those people that do not eat out alot, but this place is really romantic and serene. The prices are reasonable, but like the other review, the portions could be bigger. That is if you are the type that likes to eat a good size meal. My date seemed to like the food portions. And yes, MUST try the Bellini, has that great peach taste.

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  Oct 13, 2007 by by yaseminesq at Citysearch

  Elegance off the beaten road. . Quite surprised with the caliber of food and wine. Great hospitality and prompt service. Would highly recommend it.

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  Oct 06, 2007 by by bulentcakir at Citysearch

  Good wine, good food, friendly service! in a beautifully designed atmosphere. I will say watch your fingers, the food is amazing and the wine menu consists excellent choices of wine from different countries. Have been there a few times, each visit was a pleasure. My favorites include but definitely not limited to the goat cheese pate, stuffed chicken paillard and the ohh my god cheesecake :)