Ayza Cafe and Wine Bar, NYC

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    I’m not going to dress it up: the Twenty-Layer Crêpes 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 crêpes, layered with light, amazing custard. Do not leave Ayza Café 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 crêpe 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 crêpe cake.

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    AT A GLANCE
    Ayza Cafe and Wine Bar
    11 West 31st Street, New York, NY
    212-714-2992
    Contemporary
    Midtown
    Venue:
    Cafe, Bar
    Hours:

    Price Range:
    $$$
    Payment:
    Master Card, Visa, American Express
    THE BUZZ

    IN THE AREA

    43 Reader Reviews

    We had a couple glasses of wine and then ended up ordering a bottle at the table, , sommelier’s rec. We liked him a lot and talked to him while were were at the bar. At first he seemed like he had a chip on his shoulder, but I think it’s just the French thing. And man does he know his wine. Everyhtng he suggested was great, and he was happy to let us try a few things before deciding too. He’s really knowledgeable but not the most personable. We liked the wine though. And then of course there are the chocolates.

    1. Will's Review :: February 21, 2010
    Will's Rating: 4 Stars
    Service was a little slow, but we didn’t mind because we wanted to linger over our bottle of wine. Food was really good too. The waitress knew a lot about the menu and was really nice. It just took her a long time to coume around.



    2. Serbay Yakar's Review :: September 19, 2008
    Serbay Yakar's Rating: Stars
    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!!!



    3. Jenny Colosky's Review :: April 10, 2008
    Jenny Colosky's Rating: 4 Stars
    I was told that the food at Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar was excellent and i went there to check it out last friday. We had goat cheese brûlee 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.


    4. Powerb's Review :: March 17, 2008
    Powerb's Rating: 3 Stars
    Note to Ayza owners: Do you really think you're fooling anyone with all these "glowing" reviews? They're all done by the same person! The only real reviews are the ones that are somewhat negative. BW

    5. Anonymous's Review :: March 04, 2008
    Note to Ayza owners: Do you really think you're fooling anyone with all these "glowing" reviews? They're all done by the same person! The only real reviews are the ones that are somewhat negative. BW

    6. Brian Wolfe's Review :: March 04, 2008
    Brian Wolfe's Rating: 1 Stars
    Perfect place to take your wife or husband.We were seated promptly,the staff was very polite,the owner was around to be sure that everything was OK and he cared with us by himself and my husband loved it so much.Candles,music,atmosphere,champagne,chocolates…Totally romantic.

    7. Hillary40's Review :: March 04, 2008
    Hillary40's Rating: 4 Stars
    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...

    8. Anonymous's Review :: March 02, 2008
    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...

    9. Leslie8li's Review :: March 02, 2008
    Leslie8li's Rating: 3 Stars
    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.

    10. AdnanM38's Review :: February 29, 2008
    AdnanM38's Rating: 3 Stars
    The food was over priced, poorly staffed and the food was average at best

    11. Catherina40's Review :: February 27, 2008
    Catherina40's Rating: 2 Stars
    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.



    12. Amilia's Review :: February 25, 2008
    Amilia's Rating: 4 Stars
    OH COME ON! Every 1 or 2 days "someone" writes a glowing review of Ayza Cafe! Hey owners or staff - you should at least make the reviews look different - every time it's almost exactly 4 lines with the exact same writing style and the exact same talking points.

    13. Anonymous's Review :: February 22, 2008
    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.

    14. Anonymous's Review :: February 22, 2008
    OH COME ON! Every 1 or 2 days "someone" writes a glowing review of Ayza Cafe! Hey owners or staff - you should at least make the reviews look different - every time it's almost exactly 4 lines with the exact same writing style and the exact same talking points.

    15. Pete Largo's Review :: February 22, 2008
    Pete Largo's Rating: 1 Stars
    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.

    16. Monica Pellisas's Review :: February 22, 2008
    Monica Pellisas's Rating: 4 Stars
    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!

    17. Anonymous's Review :: February 20, 2008
    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!

    18. Sergio39's Review :: February 20, 2008
    Sergio39's Rating: 4 Stars
    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.

    19. Anonymous's Review :: February 19, 2008
    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.

    20. John's Review :: February 19, 2008
    John's Rating: 4 Stars
    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!!

    21. Taylor's Review :: February 18, 2008
    Taylor's Rating: 4 Stars
    I was there for Valentine’s day.I would highly recommend this restaurant. Very friendly service and wonderful food. Great ambiance.

    22. Anonymous's Review :: February 17, 2008
    I was there for Valentine’s day.I would highly recommend this restaurant. Very friendly service and wonderful food. Great ambiance.

    23. Jennifer40's Review :: February 17, 2008
    Jennifer40's Rating: 4 Stars
    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.

    24. Anonymous's Review :: February 15, 2008
    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.


    25. Carolina E's Review :: February 15, 2008
    Carolina E's Rating: 4 Stars
    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!!

    26. Anonymous's Review :: February 14, 2008
    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

    27. Anonymous's Review :: February 14, 2008
    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!!



    28. Dorothy's Review :: February 14, 2008
    Dorothy's Rating: 4 Stars
    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

    29. Ashley26's Review :: February 14, 2008
    Ashley26's Rating: 4 Stars
    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.

    30. Anonymous's Review :: February 13, 2008
    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.

    31. 898Sean's Review :: February 13, 2008
    898Sean's Rating: 4 Stars
    “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".

    32. Anonymous's Review :: February 12, 2008
    “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".

    33. Rebecca's Review :: February 12, 2008
    Rebecca's Rating: 4 Stars
    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.

    34. Anonymous's Review :: February 01, 2008
    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.

    35. Western Chick's Review :: February 01, 2008
    Western Chick's Rating: 3 Stars
    I heard Eric Delacros the somalie before and I was suprised to meet
    him in this place, I'm glad to take his advice, he offered us Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz which I can offer to my friends.its cute but small inside the restaurant, you have to make reservation in winter.

    36. Anonymous's Review :: January 31, 2008
    I heard Eric Delacros the somalie before and I was suprised to meet
    him in this place, I'm glad to take his advice, he offered us Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz which I can offer to my friends.its cute but small inside the restaurant, you have to make reservation in winter.

    37. Paul's Review :: January 31, 2008
    Paul's Rating: 3 Stars
    Last friday I had such a nice time with my friends. I'm not a good writer, so thats why I'll make my comment about this place ( food, ambience, service,etc...) using just one simple word.
    can you spell...... A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.
    Congratulations to the owners, thanks for that splendid Sangria,we'll come back definitely.
    I truly recommend Ayza for a nice lunch or dinner ,either for drinks after work.

    38. Anonymous's Review :: November 14, 2007
    Last friday I had such a nice time with my friends. I'm not a good writer, so thats why I'll make my comment about this place ( food, ambience, service,etc...) using just one simple word.
    can you spell...... A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.
    Congratulations to the owners, thanks for that splendid Sangria,we'll come back definitely.
    I truly recommend Ayza for a nice lunch or dinner ,either for drinks after work.

    39. Lissette L.'s Review :: November 13, 2007
    Lissette L.'s Rating: 4 Stars
    One of the best local eateries I have been to in a long time! Very hospitable service; they made me feel as if I was the only patron in the establishment. The appetizers, especially the pita tart and hummus were delicious. The filet mignon is my absolute favorite and you cannot leave without having tried the cheesecake. Kudos to Ayza!

    40. Michelle's Review :: October 23, 2007
    Michelle's Rating: 4 Stars
    The food was over priced, poorly staffed and the food was average at best.

    41. Sheila's Review :: October 21, 2007
    Sheila's Rating: 2 Stars
    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 tot he waiter, he said they had complaints from others as well. My wife was dissapointed as well. Never again.

    42. Anonymous's Review :: October 16, 2007
    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 tot he waiter, he said they had complaints from others as well. My wife was dissapointed as well. Never again.

    43. Bart's Review :: October 15, 2007
    Bart's Rating: 1 Stars
    Click here to view all 27 reviews

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