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Applauded in the Michelin Guide, celebrated by The New York Times, and on Eater's list of the "The Best Upper East Side Restaurants" lineup, Kaia is a "warm and welcome respite off the beaten path” that is "impressive” (Michelin Guide). Here, you'll unearth cozy charms & upscale cuisine, which makes this gem in a league of its own come time to dine.
Grab this $75 pulse (a $174 value) for a 3 Course Dinner For Two, including 1 Small Plate, 2 Entrees, 1 Dessert, and 1 Bottle of Wine that will highlight their hyper-curated selection, hand-picked by an in-house sommelier.
For 10+ years, Kaia has been feeding discerning palates South African fare with an ingenious Manhattan twist. It's the work of both South Africa-born owner Suzaan Hauptfleisch and Executive Chef Billy Dineen, whose "dishes are chock-full of local ingredients and also celebrate his South African heritage" according to the Michelin Guide.
Hauptfleisch's mother's recipes are given a modern spin, while Dineen also flexes his creativity on new interpretations of traditional delights. Think juicy, succulent Vark Ribbetjies, aka rooibos tea and cranberry-rubbed baby back pork ribs that fall off the bone, not to mention the fresh Halibut repping caramelized fennel & spicy micro greens.
The wine will take your plate to the next level, elevating each bite with every sensational, sommelier-selected sip. The vibe is buzzing, the flavors, are "wow," and the night? Unforgettable...
Kaia, which means “home” in Zulu, lives up to its name in every exquisite detail. An inviting refuge of flickering candlelight, hand-hewn wood, and effortless sophistication, Kaia has quietly become one of the city’s most celebrated destinations for soulful South African cuisine. Applauded by The Michelin Guide and The New York Times, it’s where locals gather, and connoisseurs return.
At the heart of Kaia is founder and South African native Suzaan Haupfleisch, whose culinary heritage and fine dining pedigree (including a tenure at the iconic La Grenouille) are the foundation of every dish. Rooted in ancestral recipes and reimagined through Executive Chef Billy Dineen's modern lens, Kaia’s menu honors the flavors of home while dishing up something entirely new. These are comfort foods elevated, rich with memory, refined with technique.
Signature dishes like The Gatsby (a Cape Town street classic reinterpreted with garam masala pulled chicken, tangy peppadews, Kaia’s house-pickled cucumbers, and crisp fries tucked into a warm Portuguese roll) speak to this incredible reinterpretation of heritage. Or linger over the Wilde Sampioen Mac En Kaas. a luscious wild mushroom mac & cheese baked in a cast-iron skillet that feels as indulgent as it is grounding.
Complementing the cuisine is an expertly curated wine list led by Kaia’s in-house sommelier. With a particular emphasis on South African producers, the cellar features rare and expressive selections that rival the best in the world. Each bottle is thoughtfully chosen to pair beautifully with the menu’s bold and nuanced flavors.
Tucked into a warm, rustic jewel box on the Upper East Side with just 50 seats, Kaia exudes intimacy and charm. Be it a romantic hideaway, a place to unwind with coworkers, or simply savor a cozy evening with extraordinary food and wine, Kaia welcomes you like family...
All selections will be made from the restaurant's full dinner menu.
Your $75 3 Course Dinner For Two (a $174 Value) Includes:
Kaia is an ever so popular place with New Yorkers - 640+ Google reviews to the tune of 4.5 Stars including:
"We used a pulsd deal which included a bottle of wine, a starter to share, dessert to share, and two main dishes. Best date night in a while. Food was excellent! A good selection of African wines with a nice outdoor eating area. Oh, and we loved the music. Waiter was super attentive."
"They have a great pulsd deal. A hidden gem in the UES. This place was highly recommended to me and it did not disappoint. Everything we ordered was delicious and super flavorful. Highly recommend anyone who wants to try South African food and wine.
"An AMAZING experience every time! Thank you to the staff! The food is DELICIOUS! The vibe is my people I get so overwhelmed every time we go, the food has all the flavors from home and my husband gets to experience a little bit of South Africa. Thank you for bringing our home to the US."
Kaia Restaurant's Website | Michelin Guide | Google
May purchase as many vouchers as you like for personal use or for gifting.
Multiple vouchers may be combined for larger groups.
Tax & tip not included; reservation required.
Expires on Friday March 6, 2026.
