When South African restaurant Kaia in the Upper East Side closed in December to move several blocks downtown, the area lost a great option for wine and cocktails. Fortunately, a restaurant with a similar bar focus is set to take its place at 1614 3rd Ave. In addition to focusing on wine and cocktails, owners of the yet-to-be-named restaurant have indicated that it will have a seafood focus.
Co-owner Enrique Lerma recently told a Community Board 8 virtual meeting that “we’re applying for a full liquor license, but we’re going to serve mostly wine and cocktails,” and later added that the restaurant will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. What Now New York has reached out for more information
Lerma is a seasoned figure in the local dining scene, currently owning craft-beer hotspot Alison, which has two Manhattan locations, and co-owning Bar Vivant, a wine bar on East 88th St. Chef Anne O’Hare is the other owner of Bar Vivant, and she is listed as a partner for the upcoming restaurant.
