AYZA Wine & Chocolate Bar

I had attempted a lunch here during my lunch hour and had arrived when the place was full (semi-full). There was a large table outside and a small table inside that were left as reserved. Instead of offering how long the wait would be, the hostess simply said "we have no tables" and blankly looked at us. We suggested to sit at the bar to wait for a table for 2. After only 5 minutes a table became free so we decided to ask another waitress to let us know when we can be seated- she seemed even less thrilled that we needed a table (if that was possible). We were trying to occupy ourselves at the bar and after another 7 minutes noticed the table that opened inside was still not cleared off, 2 tables sat with reserved signs and 2 new customers were being seated outside. First impressions are everything. We understand they had tables to attend to, but no one seemed to acknowledge we were waiting for a table and if anything all responses were unwelcoming. I would not suggest this place to anyone for fear of the poor customer service, I will look for a better lunch spot.

My girlfriend took me to Ayza for what she thought would be a romantic night cap for my birthday after the observation deck of the Empire State Building. Everything was a disaster once we got there. We go out to eat a lot in the city but never have I felt the stereotypical small portions, rushed service, and high prices in NYC until we went to Ayza. The waitress asked me THREE times which wine I wanted to drink BEFORE I had a chance to even look at the wine menu. I'm no genius but I feel like a wine bar would want you to look over their complete wine list and have you choose from their many selections before rushing your order. Even more shocking was the unexpected laugh we had when our deserts came to the table. We thought we would be daring and have the "choose four" option from the menu and have all the different chocolate filled and topped options for a total of $15. Each of the 4 chocolate pieces was no bigger than a Hershey Kiss. I split the chocolates with a knife so we could share but all we ended up eating was the crumbs we picked up with our finger tips. Keep in mind that the whole time we are eating this tiny desert, the waitress kept bothering us to see if we were finished and if she could give us our bill so we could leave. Once the bill came, they asked us TWICE if we already put the credit card in the bill slip so they could get us out of there. Let's just say our reservation was at 10:45 and we caught the 11:15 train home with time to spare.

Ayza is trendy and chic and is a great place to get a great glass of wine. I have tried several things on the menu and the food is pretty good. Last night I had the baby calamari with mixed greens, fresh dill, plum tomatoes in a lemon walnut dressing. The calamari was grilled to perfection and the dressing on the salad was perfect - light with a good balance of herbs and acidity.

I went here with my boyfriend and I must say, it was disappointing. We ordered the cheese and meat plate for $14 and what a rip-off!! they gave us two pieces of cheese that were sliced so thin you could have used them as tracing paper. The meats were not good either. Then we ordered the grilled calamari salad and not only were there 4 tiny pieces of calamari over a few pieces of spring greens, they had no flavor. Long story short we left hungry and had to go get pizza. I don't mind paying good money for food but lets at least make the food good.

My wife and i had a really good time, the food was good and the service was ok, the music was really good but the place is a little bit small. I'll recomend this place.

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 expensive but worth it.

When I saw this place on line I was under the impression it was a big place with an outdoor section in the back. It's very tiny inside and I am confused how they stay open int he winter. The outdoor seating is in the front on 31st street. It's cute and the food is good and prices are reasonable so good spot in the summer..not sure about other months.