10 Best Spanish Restaurants in NYC

From the makers of the Fly, we bring Cervo’s. Depending on your time, it can set the whole mood for this Spanish eatery. Come by early in the afternoon by 5:30 p.m. You might find it to have a more open feel, especially if you’re sitting in the prime patio or the long bar upfront, but if you arrive at night, you get this calm ambiance that’s perfect for casual date nights.

But ambiance is just one of the things this Spanish eatery has to offer. The food is top-notch, just like the restaurant. It specializes in Spanish and Portuguese coastal flavors.

You’ll feel transported to the Mediterranean coast with just a bite of their signature Crispy Shrimp Heads and Manilla Clams.

To avoid being confused with Mexican flavors, we have covered the best mexican restaurants nyc in a separate blog.

If you’re not a big fan of fish, you could always enjoy their Half Chicken with Piri Piri or munch down on some Grass-Fed Lamb Burger. While all is well in the food department, the only downside is getting a reservation. Either get a reservation a week early or arrive early, and I hope you’re lucky.

If you’re craving classic tapas, head to Tomino Taberna Gallega, Little Italy. Founded in 2017, this Spanish eatery offers dishes that will tantalize your tastebuds.

Tomino Taberna Gallega specializes in Tampas and, more specifically, the ones with tomatoes as the vital ingredient. While you’re there, try out their ice-cold Gazpachos and the hard Pan Con Tomate. If you want something daring, go for Arroz Negro. However, if you get your clothes stained, consider wearing your petite favorite shirt because the squid ink in the dish is hard to scrub off, even with the best detergents.

It’s not just the food; the ambiance also makes first-timers regular here. Stepping in, you’ll believe you entered a ship docked on the coast. A few wooden rafters from an old ship dot the ceiling, and the smell of burnt ocean-drench driftwood wafting through the air makes it all the more immersive.

If you’re in Chelsea, New York, you must visit Txikito. Even among Spanish restaurants in the area, it stands out. Why is that, you wonder? Well, it’s perfected its craft in bringing exotic flavors to the already exotic Basque cuisine while ensuring it retains its cultural touch.

The dishes are no pushovers, from appetizers to full meals, and they pack a punch regarding flavor, taste, and quality. Most dishes served here are seasonal, including Shrimpy Quisquillos and Flowery Pulpo. But they also ensure they have dishes year-round that their customers can’t live without, like the suckling pig or, in its native name, Cochinillo.

Overall, it’s a great dining spot to hang out with friends or set a date with your special someone. Reserve in advance; otherwise, you’ll have to wait for ages. 

If you love fresh and healthy food, you’ve got to try the best Greek restaurants in NYC. Trust me, it’s totally worth it!

When it comes to fine dining, most would imagine a haughty place where rich snobs come together to enjoy food bites on a stick. This is typically the trend in most fine-dining eateries that lack culture.

However, if you are a fan of small plates, French restaurants in NYC are worth checking out.

Casa Mono likes to do things differently. While it does have the air of an exclusive restaurant, it ensures that it offers the experience that its guests deserve.

Often dubbed as the best Spanish restaurant in Gramercy, N.Y.C., this eatery offers good food and even better wine.

You should try the Scrambled Creamy Eggs with Umi and Confit goat among the Spanish delectables. Both are highly recommended. Once you take a bite, you’ll know why. Apart from food, they also offer a worthy wine collection. They’ll show the variety you can pair with your food with a thick book resembling an encyclopedia, more than a wine catalog. Among N.Y.C.’s best date-night hotspots, this one is a must-visit.

However, the only downside is the long waiting time. Consider making a reservation online early. Otherwise, you will sit outside on the patio rather than dining inside.

Next among the best N.Y.C. Spanish eateries is La Vara. However, a few might debate why it is on the list. It’s all due to its Spanish-Middle Easter fusion menu, which is worth trying.  

But apart from that, La Vara is another popular spot to enjoy Spanish flavors. Chef Alex Raij and Eder Montero are the force behind this fine eatery. While they do serve classic Tapas, you must visit this restaurant to have a taste beyond that. They have Cantabrian Anchovies on the menu served with Salted Dukkah Butter and Salchichón —a sausage dish made using Iberico de belote sausage paired with fried artichoke hearts.

Its charming ambiance and guests are a few reasons why it’s dubbed one of the best date night restaurants in nyc Being a dating hotspot, be ready for long waits. Either get there early to have a chance to dine there.

You might have heard of Little Italy in Manhattan. Now, there’s Mercado Little Spain in Hudson Yards, Midtown. This food hall has everything to offer to those who crave Spanish delicacies. You can get it all here whether you’re looking for Tapas or a complete meal.

Among the tapa options are empanadas, flatbread, and cured meat. The food hall consists of two Spanish restaurants, Mar and Lena. While both serve authentic Spanish cuisine, they have infused their specific style into the food. Mar prefers to offer the delicacies of Marine, while Ver is more versatile, offering dishes made from large-cut meat, vegetables, and Seafood.

Strolling through Little Spain is worth it if you want more eating options. It’s a great place to spend time with family, hang out with friends, or host a casual date with your partner. And if that doesn’t work, Italian restaurants in NYC. can be the perfect date spots.

According to the Michelin Star Guide, one star means a good restaurant, two stars mean an excellent one worth the detour, and three stars mean an exceptional eatery worth the journey. While sadly, there aren’t any 3 Michelin Star restaurants that specifically serve Spanish, Ernesto’s is just a star short of becoming a 3 Michelin star restaurant in NYC.

This Basque-leaning restaurant and wine bar have something unique to offer everyone who visits. The Spanish Tapas are the main highlight of Ernestos. If you plan on going solo, sit near the bar and have a good time munching down on Pintxos, Gildas, or Croquetas. Pair these loaded snacks with your favorite wine from their extensive list. If you can’t choose, you can always go with their classic Vermough, which goes well with practically everything.

If you’re in Chelsea and need a quick bite, consider heading to Tia Pol. It is a great Tapas bar where you can relax while gobbling up top-notch Patatas Bravas and Croquetas de Jamon. They have everything: Seafood, meat, vegetables, you name it. But food isn’t the only highlight. You can enjoy their Spanish wine as well. Tia Pol also serves as a great casual spot for small groups, but ensure you arrive early. If you’re coming with a group of three people, you must reserve your seats beforehand; otherwise, be prepared for a long wait.

Quality food and a pleasant ambiance do matter for any successful restaurant. But if you prioritize ambiance over the other, then The Bazaar by Jose Andres is worth considering.

Set up as an upscale restaurant in Noho, the restaurant has a certain luxury feel. Stepping in, you’ll feel transported to a first-class hotel lobby. The fact that it has an official “sophisticated and chic” dress code makes this much more obvious.

This restaurant brings something new to the Spanish culinary scene. Rather than making the food traditionally, it incorporates Japanese cooking techniques. Sounds strange, right? But trust us, they make it work.

Most dishes prepared are bite-sized creations. While not as savory as the selection other Spanish restaurants offer, The Bazaar By Jose Andres is all about giving that one-of-a-kind first-class experience that others may lack.

Some dishes include their miniature Tuna Empanadas and Molecular Olives. If you visit this unique Spanish eatery, be prepared for a hefty bill. The restaurant charges premium prices, but spending a few extra bucks is worth it if it’s the upper-class experience you’re looking for.

Throughout the blog, we mentioned the best Spanish restaurants in N.Y.C. While most would be the ideal hangout spots for dinner dates or get-togethers with family, what about restaurants you could try while at work?

If you work near Hudson Yards, then Casa Dani is worth checking out. It’s one of those restaurants that fits perfectly between not being too pricey and not being cheap. Think of it as one of those places where you can host corporate deals while munching down on some quality food.

Consider trying their jamon croquetas and pan con tomate. For a light seafood snack, you can also get the oxtail brioche.

While it’s true that New York doesn’t have the best Spanish restaurants in N.Y.C., the ones it has to do pretty well against other eateries. This list includes just a handful of the incredible Spanish restaurants N.Y.C. offers. From cozy tapas bars serving Pintxos and Gildas to Michelin-starred establishments with innovative takes on classic Spanish cuisine, there’s something for every craving and every budget.

So, next time you’re looking for a delicious and authentic Spanish dining experience, don’t despair. This guide is your launchpad to explore the vibrant world of Spanish cuisine in N.Y.C.

Buen provecho! (Enjoy your meal!).