Korea meets Spain, France shows up too
East Village · New York · Korean, Spanish · Visit Website ↗
Updated June 2026
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · April 19, 2026
RagingWine reviewed Nudibranch’s wine list and gave it The Wild Card — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
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Wingman Metrics
A Korean-Spanish restaurant in the East Village with a Wine Spectator Award and a soft spot for Burgundy and Rioja — we weren't expecting that, and we mean that as a compliment. The list is tight but clearly assembled with intention, not just filled out to hit a bottle count. Someone here actually thought about this.
Eighty to a hundred and twenty bottles sounds like a lot until you realize how focused the list actually is — France and Spain share equal billing, which makes complete sense given the kitchen's dual personality. On the French side, you've got serious Burgundy names like Domaine Leflaive and Faiveley alongside Rhône heavyweights Chapoutier and Guigal. Spain answers back with Muga and La Rioja Alta holding down Rioja, and Clos Mogador bringing Priorat muscle. The Albariño from Rías Baixas is the smartest move on the list — it bridges both cuisines without trying too hard.
Ten to sixteen pours by the glass is a generous spread for a room this size. We'd expect some rotation given the dual-cuisine concept, though the program reads more static than spontaneous — great options exist, but don't count on a surprise pour every visit. At least the range covers enough ground to match whatever direction the kitchen takes you.
Albariño, Rías Baixas — $12
At the low end of the glass price range, Albariño from Rías Baixas is doing the heavy lifting here — bright acidity, saline edge, works against the galangal and lemongrass in the frog legs like it was planned. It probably was.
Clos Mogador, Priorat
Most tables at Nudibranch are going to reach for Rioja out of habit — understandable, safe, fine. Clos Mogador is the move you make when you want to actually be surprised. René Barbier's Priorat flagship is dense and mineral in a way that holds up to the dry-aged branzino's richness without steamrolling it.
Champagne selections
Champagne at a Korean-Spanish East Village spot feels like a hedge — it's there for the table that can't decide, not because it fits. The selections listed don't come with enough context to justify whatever premium you're paying, and the Albariño or a white Burgundy from Leflaive will do more interesting work with this food.
Muga Rioja Reserva + Dry-aged branzino with Korean sweet potato and beurre blanc
The beurre blanc needs something with enough structure to cut through the fat but enough restraint not to fight the Korean sweet potato's earthiness. Muga Reserva — old vines, good acidity, that signature Rioja dustiness — threads that needle cleanly.
The Bottom Line
Nudibranch is doing something genuinely unusual and the wine list actually keeps pace with it — a Franco-Spanish bottle selection inside a Korean-Spanish kitchen that earned a Wine Spectator nod in its first year. Send a friend here, tell them to order the branzino and the Albariño, and don't overthink it.
Downtown · New York · Steakhouse
STK Downtown is a place where people order Champagne to celebrate, not to drink — and the wine program is built accordingly. If you're here for the vibe and someone else is paying, pop the Dom and enjoy it; if you actually care about what's in your glass, you're in the wrong room.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Midtown · New York · Upscale Seafood & Steakhouse
Three happy hour wines do not a wine program make. Ocean Prime is a place you eat well and drink safely — but if wine is a priority, this list will let you down before the bread basket arrives.
Grocery Store
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Occasional
Acceptable
Midtown · New York · Steakhouse
STK Midtown is a great place to see and be seen, but the wine list is there to pad the check, not to excite you. If you're here for the experience, lean on the cocktails or grab a glass of Bonanza at the bar — don't expect the bottle list to reward any real curiosity.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Midtown West · New York · Russian-American
The Russian Tea Room treats wine as an afterthought dressed up in Champagne flutes — five famous labels at punishing prices with no range, no by-the-glass program, and no apparent curiosity about wine beyond what looks impressive on a table. Go for the spectacle, order the caviar, but don't come here expecting a wine list.
Grocery Store
Gouge
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· New York · Restaurant
David Burke Tavern's list is a Chardonnay lover's comfort zone with a solid sparkling section propping up the top — but the narrow focus and steep pricing mean you're paying for familiarity, not discovery. Send a friend here if they want California whites and a glass of Champagne; send them somewhere else if they want to explore.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· New York · Restaurant
Corima's wine list is proof that ten well-chosen bottles beat a hundred thoughtless ones every time. If you care about what's in your glass, this place is worth your attention.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
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