Vella Wine Bar + Kitchen

The focus of this Upper East Side eatery is on the vino, with 24 wines available by the glass or carafe and another 40-plus available by the bottle. You could also order a specialty cocktail or pint of beer, if you’re not a big wine drinker. And after a glass or four of wine, you’ll want to order some food. The menu reveals influences of French, Italian, and seasonal American cuisine, offering everything from build-your-own charcuterie and cheese boards to oysters ($18 for six, $33 for twelve) to truffled mac and cheese ($12). Other lighter offerings include a burrata caprese salad ($16) or steamed mussels served with toasted baguette ($14). Looking for something heartier? An oven-baked flatbread topped with prosciutto, ricotta and mozzarella ($16) or braised short rib ragu ($24) might do the trick. The restaurant also hosts wine tastings on the last Tuesday of every month, and offers half-price oysters and $7 glasses of wine at their daily happy hour from 4 to 7pm.