Aldo Sohm Wine Bar — Restaurant in New York

Hmmm, I sit here unsure if some of my criticisms of Aldo Sohm Wine Bar are fair. It is a very small, loud but intimate space with guests crammed into a variety of bar tables/stools, couches, and a few regular tables tucked away...the "Intimacy" was a bracing reality check for one who hasn't ventured out much since the pandemic began nor has spent much time in a real dining room in nearly two years. True to it's name, this IS a wine bar as evidenced by the SEVEN page wine list. However, the sheer size and quality of the wine list completely overshadows the small food menu. As you would expect from this restaurant group, this is an excellent wine list, worthy of the best rooms in the city but come on guy's...folks need a half hour to digest it before they can consider making a choice and only if you don't have more than a few involved in the decision. It is also a very expensive list with mark-ups that boggle the mind. I get it. Location, location, location. Their expenses must be astronomical, however some glasses and bottles were nearly TWICE what you might pay at a good restaurant outside of Manhattan. I wonder if the food is meant to be a star here or only a compliment to the wine because it was clear from our visit that Aldo Sohm Wine Bar is a place for grazing and NOT a place for dining. Generally speaking, the food was good. The Artichoke and Apple salad was fine, but the apples were lost in the tart citrus dressing. It's apple season, and in my opinion apples should standout. The Roasted Spiced Carrots “Façon Marrakech” was very tasty and while the carrots were tender and flavorful it seemed to be lacking the anticipated Moroccan spices. The Crispy Duck was just that and by all accounts, delicious. My wife enjoyed the Vegetarian Bolognese as did I the Short Rib (although I felt at $34, the portion was very small). Unfortunately the Tarte Flambee' with bacon and caramelized onions was an unexpectedly poor representation of what can be a very satisfying dish. This version is basically a large, round cracker, brushed with some sort of sauce (is it a Soubise?) spread on it with a sprinkle of chopped bacon. I didn't really see any caramelized onion, which led me to wonder if the sauce was an onion Soubise? As you'd expect, they have a nice selection of charcuterie, and a smaller printed cheese list but for some reason the chef curates "The Tower" with cheese that isn't on their published list, which seems a little strange. Generally speaking the food was good but the portions small and I encourage the staff to guide your guests more through the menu selection process and let us know if portions are small. One of our friends ordered the Spicy Lamb Merguez for her entrée. She didn't order an appetizer and it wasn't until it arrived that she realized it was a small appetizer or sharing plate. So are my criticisms fair? Perhaps. Would I return or encourage others to give it a try? Perhaps, but with the understanding that wine is the focus, food is just the compliment and grazing is the...

Aldo Sohm Wine Bar is a delightful destination for wine lovers looking for a sophisticated setting to enjoy their favorite wines. Located in Midtown Manhattan, the bar boasts a modern decor. The atmosphere is elegant, relaxed, and welcoming.

The bar offers a tasteful collection of high-quality wines from all over the world. The knowledgeable and friendly staff is on hand to help you navigate the wine list, providing recommendations based on your preferences.

Despite its proximity and direct relationship with the world-famous restaurant La Bernadine, Aldo Sohm Wine Bar has a different, more relaxed vibe. It's not too loud so that you can enjoy your wine and conversation. However, the bar does get busy, especially during peak hours, so arrive early if you want to secure a spot.

The crowd at Aldo Sohm Wine Bar is upscale and refined, creating a pleasant and sophisticated atmosphere. It's an excellent place to unwind after a long day or to enjoy a leisurely evening with friends or colleagues. If Aldo shows up in person, that’s another huge plus to be there. Aldo Sohm is a world-renowned sommelier who, in my book, is second to none.

Overall, if you're looking for a chic and stylish place to enjoy an exceptional wine selection, Aldo Sohm Wine Bar is worth a visit. With its big-apple atmosphere, welcoming staff, and top-notch wine selection, this place is an excellent choice for wine lovers and anyone looking for a relaxed and elegant...

I discovered the Aldo Sohm wine bar through the recommendation of my online friends who live in New York. Since then, it’s become my “regular haunt” - combination of a peaceful atmosphere, incredible wine menu and a break away from the Manhattan Chaos work perfectly for me. But there is one really big strength to the bar - the Sommeliers who work there. It’s clear that wine is their passion and Aldo has trained them wonderfully - knowledgable, friendly, welcoming and always willing to talk about wine.

On day 1, I was made to feel exceptionally welcome straight away by a very friendly and knowledgeable Sommelier, who introduced herself as Carla - who went to great lengths to ensure I was choosing wines that I would find interesting and different.

As time has gone by, I’ve got to know all of the team very well. They are hardworking, their enthusiasm and knowledge shines through. And that’s what makes those bar stand out above the rest for me - the staff.

Plenty of interesting and different wines populate the menu, and the staff will gladly help navigate you through the menu based on your tastes and preferences for styles of wine. The food is also excellent too.

Thoroughly recommended - especially if you’re a “wine geek” like I am or just fancy trying something different. You’ll be made to feel...