The best wine bars in Manhattan

Sure, the limewashed walls and illustrated prints of natural wine bars can feel a little oversaturated these days, but when a place does it well, it’s not so intimidating. St. Jardim is located on a charming street corner in the West Village. It’s an intimate space with streetside seating, and the interiors are minimalist but far from basic – a marble bar anchors the space, and vintage fixtures make it feel relaxed and cozy.

The spot functions as a café by day and a natural wine bar at night, blending the all-day-cafe culture of France with the sleekness of a classic Manhattan wine bar. Breakfast dishes include coffee, yogurt bowls, and pastries, and seasonal small plates take over the menu in the late afternoon. You’ll find yellowfin tuna with yuzu, scallop crudo, and aperó dishes like oysters and olives.

The wine list is eight pages, with rotating by-the-glass options sourced everywhere from Japan to Slovakia. You can snag a bottle from their “last call” list and get a great deal on something new.

Contact the venue for private event information.

You may be a little confused to see that a French wine bar has found New York roots in Little Italy, but let us explain. In 2023, a group of business owners named the stretch of Center St between Broome and Grand “Little Paris”, working to establish an anchor for French culture in the city. Parisian signs decorate the streets, and smack dab in the middle is La Compagnie, an authentic wine bar directly from the French capital itself.

If that doesn’t convince you, there are over 1000 hand-selected wines from around the world, featuring regions in Europe, the Middle East, and South America, along with a permanent non-alcoholic selection. Elegant and playful small plates accompany the drinks, like grilled cheese with leeks and garlic aioli, cacio e pepe popcorn, and “super French beer tartare”. And yes, charcuterie too, of course.

The Center St. Location can host up to 65 guests for a private event or large groups of up to 15.

Wine30 evokes the classy atmosphere of a mahogany-drenched steakhouse without sacrificing the coziness you expect from a good wine bar. Corks decorate the ceiling, and the array of two-seater tables create an ideal setting for one-on-one get-togethers.

Originally a tiny spot, they have since expanded to include an enclosed all-weather back patio, which can be rented out privately or semi-privately for groups of up to 50. The stone-finished private wine cellar can host 15 for intimate dinners or tastings, and a full venue buyout can accommodate 100 guests.

There are several options for wine by the glass, as well as port, sherry, and dessert wine. You’ll also finda list of over 300 bottled wines from around the world, with prices ranging from $30 to $1600. A New American dining menu includes NY strip steak, ginger shrimp, tuna tartare, and brisket tacos. Finish off with a treat, and order the oatmeal chocolate chip cookie skillet with vanilla ice cream. Thank us later.

At one point, Corkbuzz owner Laura Maniec was the youngest female Master Sommelier in the world, one of very few in a traditionally male-dominated industry. When opening her wine bar in NYC in 2011, she set out to make it more than a bar – Corkbuzz offers a full-service menu curated by a female executive chef, and offers private wine classes and tasting sessions. The interior is stylish and warm, with plush rugs, red leather detailing, and a glittering open shelf of wine glasses.

A 21-page wine menu boasts the owner’s expertise, with over 50 options for wine by the glass and several curated regional tasting flights. A la carte food options range from light (popcorn, charcuterie), medium (burrata, brussel sprouts) and full (duck confit, wagyu burger) bites.

Seated events can be reserved for up to 54 guests, and standing receptions for up to 120, with customized wine packages curated by the team of sommeliers. Three-course brunch, lunch, and dinner menus are available, along with station and beverage packages. Private wine classes can be reserved for 32 guests.

This bright, woody wine bar will transport you to Nonna’s cottage in the Italian countryside. Chandeliers, nature-inspired artwork, and wooden beamed ceilings give the space a welcoming atmosphere, with a selection of made-from-scratch Italian home cooking accompanying a worldly selection of wines.

The private garden space can be rented out for 30 guests, and the private back room can host intimate dinners for up to 15. A la carte options are available for semi-private functions, and a full private buyout would accommodate 50 attendees for an event with options for food and beverage packages.

A changing rotation of selected wine includes monthly specials of red, white, and sparkling, and glasses range between $14 and $18. Food includes assorted Sicilian-style pizza (with Gluten-Free options), house-made pasta, bruschetta, and meat and cheese platters. If your kids are feeling left out, they offer a summer Kids Lunch with entertainment and ice cream.

Located within the hustle and bustle of the Lower East Side, Gem Wine is quaint and welcoming. The interior is cozy and creates a comforting environment, perfect for trying that new Cabernet you heard about. Gem Wine focuses on low-intervention winemakers and has an impressive range of options. Not to mention, their locally-sourced menu pairs beautifully with the bottle of your choice. The menu changes weekly and includes a la carte options or a set dining experience. Gem Wine is highly regarded as a perfect first date spot. Whether you are sharing a glass with a partner or friend or you’re simply treating yourself, Gem Wine will provide a memorable experience. When it comes to private events, there is a back room for smaller parties, or you can buy out the full space for up to 35 seated guests.