The Top 10 Wine And Cheese Spots In New York City

From charming dives to upscale lounges, New York City’s vibrant bar scene offers something for everyone. It comes as no surprise then that the city’s nouveau crop of wine bars is turning the classic wine and cheese pairing on its head, introducing exciting twists and flavors at every turn. Proving there’s more than meets the eye to this sophisticated snack, here are 10 wine and cheese spots that make it fun to be fancy.

1. AYZA Wine And Chocolate Bar

Bar, European

For a sweet spin on the traditional wine and cheese experience, look no further than AYZA Wine and Chocolate Bar, a chic West Village spot sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Stick to the classic cheese board (which features guava preserves and fresh berries), or dare to indulge in creamy cheese fondue and warm apple and pistachio-topped goat cheese. Keep things sweet with a selection from Ayza’s wine and cocktail list, featuring exciting options including mulled wine, chocolate martinis, and chocolate wine.

2. Gottino

Bar, Charcuterie, Restaurant, Italian

Enjoy the last of the year’s warm weather at Gottino, a charming Greenwich Village spot boasting creative small plates, Italian wines, and a sophisticated yet comfortable backyard patio. Gottino’s customizable cheese and charcuterie boards feature nontraditional finds such as wild boar pâté, oxtail marmalade, and a gorgonzola-mascarpone soft cheese. Also offering its popular cheesy crostinis in both sweet and savory varieties, this bar-cum-restaurant masters both parts of your favorite food and drink pairing.

3. Cork 'n Fork

Bar, Wine Bar, American

Riverford Christmas 2014 wine red white mixed-case

A self-described ‘international tapas and wine bar,’ Cork ’n Fork packs plenty of flavor in its eclectic selection of small plates, cold cuts, and imported wines and cheeses. In addition to cheesy snacks such as manchego-parmesan croquettes and chorizo mac and cheese balls, the extensive menu at this East Village hangout features a variety of European cheeses as well as wines hailing from Italy, Argentina, and France.

4. Aldo Sohm Wine Bar

Bar, Wine Bar, French, American

Join the trendy clientele at Aldo Sohm Wine Bar, a high-end hotspot garnering a cult-following of foodies and wine enthusiasts alike. Begin your meal with the (extremely) locally-sourced cheese board featuring products from Maison Kayser and Murray’s Cheese before digging in to decadent Tibetan yak cheese pasta and the popular foie gras lollipops. With its lounge-like décor and expertly-curated wine list of over 200 options, Aldo’s invites patrons to sit back and settle in for the long haul.

5. Fifty Paces

Bar, Wine Bar, American

From Marco Canora, the celebrated chef behind local favorites Brodo and Hearth, comes Fifty Paces, a cozy-casual wine bar with an East Village edge. Enjoy wine by the glass as you sample customizable platters featuring items like German blue cheese, chicken liver pâté, and dark chocolate. From its unexpected murals of artists like David Bowie and Leonard Cohen to its extensive vinyl collection patrons may play and peruse, Fifty Paces redefines the traditionally-buttoned up wine bar.

6. Amelie Wine Bar

Wine Bar, Bar, French

Marrying authenticity and originality, Amelie Wine Bar boasts a friendly French-speaking staff, wine-infused dishes, and an array of creative cheese plates. With a menu featuring wine-soaked escargot, pistachio-crusted goat cheese, and bacon-wrapped blue cheese dates, this self-described ‘modern wine lounge’ delivers a playful take on the standard wine and cheese pairing. Also considering more traditional tastes, Amelie offers classic cheese boards and exciting wine options from South Africa, Chile, and, of course, France.

7. Murray's Cheese Bar

Cheesemonger, Restaurant, Bar, North American

At Murray’s Cheese Bar, the restaurant’s namesake ingredient steals the show, appearing in everything from classic wine-infused fondue to more playful plates such as buffalo cheese curds and pulled pork pimento mac and cheese. Diners can’t go wrong with Murray’s traditional cheese boards, featuring locally-sourced products and designed with wine, beer, and champagne pairings in mind. Be sure to save room for dessert, though, the menu’s curated selection of sweet wines and the popular cheese ice cream will make you glad you did.

8. Aria Wine Bar

Bar, Restaurant, Wine Bar, Italian

With its understated style and warm low-lit interior, Aria Wine Bar is an ideal destination for a leisurely dinner with friends or a relaxed first date. The menu at this Italian restaurant features decadent sharable plates such as gorgonzola-stuffed dates wrapped in filleted speck, Italian soft cheeses, and rich ricotta cheesecake. Also boasting an exciting wine list showcasing products from female vignerons, Aria Wine Bar delights and indulges at every turn.

9. h Street Winecellar

Bar, Charcuterie, Wine Bar, American

Offering unbeatable happy hour deals and quality food in a casual setting, 8th Street Winecellar is Manhattan’s wine bar for the people. Enjoy mascarpone-topped bacon with figs, loaded cheese and charcuterie boards, and wine by the bottle or glass all without breaking the bank.

10. Jadis

Bar, Wine Bar, French, Pub Grub

With its candle-lit interior, plush leather seating, and elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, Jadis brings a French flair to the Lower East Side. Carafes of wine pair well with the lounge’s French-leaning menu of cheesy homemade quiches, mushroom and gruyere tartines, and fromage platters featuring creamy goat’s milk brie, duck fat pâté, and lamb prosciutto.

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