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A glance at the menu–and the endless racks of bottles that line the walls–makes one thing clear: Winebar takes wine seriously. Dark wood paneling, high stools and communal tables enhance the space’s wine-cellar-in-a-luxurious-Italian-villa mood. In the early evening, first dates and business acquaintances whisper confidingly over glasses of white. Later, carefully coiffed singles roam from table to table as they sip through their carefully chosen bottles of red. The knowledgeable servers make sure that dilettantes don’t feel uncomfortable as they explore outside Merlot and Chablis. Unusual vintages allow patrons to taste the exotic yet avoid a pricey commitment. Tapas are hit-or-miss: The simple flatbreads from the brick oven are a natural accompaniment. — Emily Gould