Spanish cuisine has taken the world like a storm in the past few years. Their incredible dishes with numerous spices have been a big hit, especially in the United States. We prepared a list of all the top 18 best Spanish restaurants in New York. Check it out below.
1. La Vara
$$$ | (718) 422-0065 | WEBSITE
The first restaurant on our list is La Vara, owned by Chefs Alex Raij and Eder Montero.
Their cuisine is known for embracing Moorish and Jewish cultures mixed with their signature Spanish dishes. You’ll definitely see and taste the authenticity and originality of their dishes, from taste to design.
When dining here at this establishment, you can try some Pica Pica first, like Garbanzos Fritos (crispy spiced chickpeas) and Huevos Rellenos (deviled eggs).
There are many options for the main dish, from seafood to meat and vegetables. Do try out their best-selling dishes like Arroz Meloso and Cochinillo.
2. Ernesto’s
$$$ | (646) 692-8300 | WEBSITE
Next up, we have Ernesto’s. From 5 pm onwards, this restaurant serves up delectable Spanish cuisine that everybody can enjoy. The establishment is located on East Broadway.
Suppose you want to have some light bread and coffee in the morning. In that case, you may also check out Ernesto’s Cafe, located just around the corner from the restaurant main.
Their menu has four main sections, which are the Para Picar (Appetizers), Entradas (Entrees), Platos Principales (Main Dish), and Dessert. We recommend that you try their Croquetas de jamón, Callos de Joan, and Magret con Salsa Oporto.
3. Boqueria
$$ | (212) 343-2227 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Over here, we have a fantastic restaurant on 2nd Ave with Boqueria Upper East Side.
With more than eight branches all over New York, Washington, and Chicago, this establishment is considered one of the most successful Spanish restaurants in the United States. They are open daily from 12 pm on weekdays, and 11:30 am on weekends.
Their menu consists mainly of Spanish cuisines like paellas, tapas, and more. Patrons appreciate their menu the most because of its wide selection of dishes. You should try El Melodia, Tapas de Carne, and Tapas de Verduras.
4. Casa Dani
$$$ | (212) 785-0352 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Casa Dani is established by renowned Chef Dani Garcia, serving Spanish Mediterranean dishes.
Garcia is known for her ability to mix all kinds of textures, flavors, and temperatures to create an exquisite dish. Because of this, she was the Bib Gourmand in 2015 and is currently a 3-star Michelin.
If that has sparked your interest, wait until you hear about their menu. They have six different menus for different meal times and types. When you come to visit Casa Dani, check out some of their famous dishes, such as Chorizo Brioche and Hanger Steak.
5. El Quijote
$$$ | (212) 518-1843 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
If you’re stuck in 23rd Street, New York, you should stop by and enjoy the exquisite taste of Spanish cuisine in El Quijote.
There are many Spanish restaurants around West 23rd Street. Still, El Quijote at Hotel Chelsea was one of the grandest of them all. It was established in 1980 and has since served Spanish cuisine to all its customers.
If you ever choose to dine with El Quijote, be ready to feast on dishes like Matrimonio de Anchoas y Boquerones, Gambas al Ajillo, Pollo Asado Al Andaluz, and Paella de Marisco.
6. Mercado Little Spain
$$ | (646) 495-1242 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Up next on our list is Mercado Little Spain, a Spanish restaurant established by a team of chefs headed by Chef José Andrés. They open their doors at 11:30 am on weekdays, and 11 am on weekends. Doors close by 10 pm, so make sure to come before then.
Their casual-looking establishment welcomes customers and serves them some of the best Spanish favorites they can offer.
They also have regional specialties to offer to those who want something different. The menu offers everything from Patatas chips con mejillones en escabeche to Callos con garbanzos, morcilla y chorizo.
7. Huertas
$$$ | (212) 228-4490 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
For those who are looking for a Spanish restaurant near 1st Ave, Huertas is a good option for you to consider. They regularly serve customers from Wednesday to Friday from 5:30 to 10 pm.
On weekends, they open at 4 pm and close by 9 or 10 pm. This restaurant mainly serves Basque-influenced cuisine while living up to Northern Spain’s drinking and eating culture.
Huertas offers a menu with three different sections to their customers. Starting from the Pintxos (small bites) to the Raciones (shared plates), you’ll have 30 other dishes to choose from and more on the beverages.
8. Casa Mono & Bar Jamon
$$$ | (212) 253-2773 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Casa Mono & Bar Jamon is a restaurant that is inspired by the famous cuisine of Costa Brava, Spain. Since 2009, this establishment has received a Michelin star each year and continues to grow steadily in the following years.
It’s led by Executive Chef Andy Nusser, who brings tradition back to life as he reimagines all the dishes he had growing up on the coast of Costa Brava while giving it a modern twist.
If you’re wondering what their best-selling dishes are, some are the Bone Marrow with Tomato Jam and Pickled Sandía and Razor Clams a la Plancha.
9. El Pingüino
$$ | (347) 463-9509 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
If you’re looking for a Spanish seafood restaurant, you should go for El Pingüino. Located at Greenpoint Avenue, you can enjoy the fusion of traditional Spanish dishes with seafood. They are open daily from 4pm to 12 am.
This restaurant offers two menus, one for drinks and one for food. You can take advantage of their happy hour daily from 4 pm to 7 pm.
Their menu offers a wide variety of Spanish foods you’ll enjoy, such as Piquillos Confitados, Seafood Plateau, A la carte Seafood, Grilled Sardines Escabeche, and Mackerel Filet in Olive Oil.
10. Tomiño Taberna Gallega
$$ | (212) 933-4763 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
The next restaurant on our list is a Galician restaurant on Grand Street called Tomiño Taberna Gallega. Their dishes aim to bring their customers to Northwest Spain and enjoy the flavors that make up Galician cuisine.
All of their leading chefs have experience with cooking the flavors and textures of Spain. You can come to visit them from 1 pm onwards, except on Mondays.
This restaurant offers a Lunch & Dinner Menu, a Drinks Menu, and a Wine List. There are over 50 different food options that you can choose from, with images of some of their best-selling dishes to make your choice easier.
11. Haizea
$$ | (646) 476-2261 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Over here, we have a grand restaurant in New York named Haizea. It is inspired by Catalan and Basque to form the intimate atmosphere inside this restaurant.
They are open from 12 pm every Wednesday to Friday while they open from 1 pm during weekends. Vaccinated customers are presented with an indoor dining option, while unvaccinated people can enjoy an open space terrace dining.
It’s important to take note that their menu differs depending on the seasonal ingredients available. Some of their must-try dishes include Arroz Negro de Txipiron & Moluscoc, Calamar Crujiente and Salteado de Secreto Iberico, Patatas Fritas & Piperrada.
12. Pil Pil
$$ | (212) 988-3788 | WEBSITE
Next up, we have Pil Pil, a Spanish restaurant on 78th Street with a great outdoor setup and an indoor dining setup with a great ambiance.
They are open every day from 12 pm, and you don’t need a reservation. If you’re in for some Spanish tapas, come by and visit this restaurant.
For their menu, it’s essential to know that they serve different sets of dishes for Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner. They also have Happy Hour daily from 12 to 5 pm, where you can enjoy delicious drinks. If you’re coming by for lunch, be ready to eat as many tapas as possible.
13. Centro Español de Queens
$$ | (718) 626-0872 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Centro Español de Queens is an excellent Spanish restaurant you can visit after watching some shows on Broadway.
This establishment has been the center of Spanish culture in New York for the past few years, from music and dance to dining.
The society was first established in 1971, but it wasn’t until 1985 that they could find a home for their group, which brought us the restaurant and events.
The restaurant has full plates, tapas, and homemade desserts that will give you a taste of Spanish cuisine. They also have a selection of Spanish drinks to offer.
14. El Pote Español
$$ | (212) 889-6680 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
For those who want to enjoy the exquisite taste of Spanish cuisine in a cozy space, why don’t you try checking out El Pote Español?
This restaurant is located along 2nd Ave in New York, which is highly accessible for people who may want to try their food. They are open every day from 12 pm onwards.
El Pote offers delectable Spanish cuisine to all of its customers. Their signature dishes include Chicken in Garlic Spanish Style / Pollo ala Ajillo, Pork Chops in Wine with Red Pimientos / Chuleta de Cerdo, and Lobster in White Sauce / Langosta en Salsa Blanca.
15. Despaña
$$ | (212) 219-5050 | WEBSITE
The next restaurant is Despaña Soho, a part of the Despaña food brands that deliver Spanish food nationwide.
They were first established in 1971 as a wholesale brand that brings Spanish food to New York. At our current date, Despaña has three different locations in the entirety of New York. Their place in Broome Street also offers a Tapas cafe for those who want to dine with them.
If you ever visit this cafe in the future, make sure that you try out their Manchego Salad, Chorizo Con Castanas, Flourless Almonds Tort, and Tortilla Dezucchini.
16. La Nacional
$$ | (917) 388-2888 | WEBSITE
Over here, we have the La Nacional restaurant located at West 14th Street. It’s considered the oldest Spanish place in the United States, established in 1868.
For more than 150 years, La Nacional aimed to shed light on Spain’s unique culture in many ways. One of their key events was creating La Nacional restaurant in 2018, after their 150th anniversary.
This restaurant offers nothing but the best when it comes to Spanish cuisine. Some of their famous dishes include Croquetas Caseras, Pollo & Verduras, Pulpo a la Plancha, Manchego Mac & Cheese, and Striploin Steak.
17. Cervo’s
$$ | (212) 226-2545 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Last but definitely not least is a Canal Street Spanish restaurant called Cervo’s. It was established in 2017 and had since been growing steadily for the past few years. Open daily from 5:30 pm, they offer one of the best Spanish seafood dishes and wine list in New York.
Cervo’s is a good restaurant option if you’re looking for good Spanish food and drinks.
Check out some of their best-selling plates, such as Fried Skate with Spring Peas, Spicy mussels escabeche, Crispy Shrimp Heads, Louisiana White Prawns a la Plancha, and Arugula with Walnuts and Vidiago Cheese.
Summary
If you’re reading this now, you are done checking out our list of the top 17 best Spanish restaurants in New York. Whether it’s for date night or an intimate family gathering, we’re pretty sure that you would be able to choose a few options from our list.
Daniela Hall lives in Berkley, California. She’s a graduate of Fine Arts. At Birch Restaurant, she layout each page and provides excellent graphic visuals to make our food blog appealing to everyone. Daniela spends most of her free time getting the most out of every food experience.
