Visit Alta to experience authentic Spanish delicacies in a romantic atmosphere. Peppers stuffed with creamy rice, and warm goat cheese fritters, served with some exclusive Mediterranean wine, are local favorites. The Spanish hacienda style decor adds to the restaurant's exotic environs. No wonder, the place is hugely frequented by large groups. Weekends have special menus for the late revelers.
Allow the flamenco dancers to transport you to Spain with soulful dancing, music and revelry at Nai Tapas, a tapas restaurant. Serving bite-size entrees in tapas portions, Nai Tapas is a good place for an offbeat style of fun. Try the mejillones vinagreta, or mussels in vinegar, that are tantalizingly tasty, or the classic patatas bravas. Come in a group, order two or three dishes and give way to sharing as each one picks a bite from the plates. This is a friendly venue with a good crowd.
Feasting on small plates is always a delight at Casa Mono in Gramercy. The place is small and has closely placed tables, but that doesn't deter loyal diners from squeezing in. Tapas of wild boar, tuna, assorted veggies, eggs, and more arrive fresh and in generous portions. And don't forget the drinks; a bottle of Perlat or Torra Reserva is recommended.
Boqueria provides a twist on tapas-scene dining, provided by a chef who recently spent two years checking out the local restaurant scene in Spain. Small, attractive plates of regional cheeses and cured ham replicate those of everyday Spanish eating, while flat breads, salads and sandwiches also feature heavily on the menu. For a stronger appetite, there's excellent entrees like gallina en pepitoria (braised cornish hen) and arroz cremoso (bomba rice with salt cod). Try the helado borracho for dessert to taste the superb Pedro Ximenez, a varietal sherry from Andalusia. No reservations accepted.
This small restaurant, which has a wine cellar-like ambiance, is renowned for its rendition of the signature Spanish rice dish, paella. The menu at Socarrat offers an assortment of rich paellas like Paella Socarrat and the arroz negro (black squid ink paella), which are meant to be shared between two diners. Along with these authentic paellas, Socarrat also offers a variety of hot and cold Spanish tapas like croquetas del dia, jamon serrano and tortilla (Spanish omelets made with potatoes and eggs) as well as a fine selection of Spanish wines. The restaurant does not accept reservations, however, and diners often have to wait for a while before they are permitted to partake of Socarrat's delectable fare.
For those who think that Spain is only associated with sangria and tapas, Salinas uncovers the other delectable but lesser known gems of Spanish cuisine. One can choose from dishes like paella, patatas brava and porcella, apart from the usual tapas to enrich the plate. Each morsel has that inimitable Spanish magic to delight your taste buds. Complement your meal with cocktails and wine, and you're ready for a truly Spanish sojourn. There is a courtyard with dim lights that add to the enchanting air of the place. Sit next to the fireplace for an added effect on your visit.
Tia Pol is a Madrid-inspired tapas restaurant and bar in Chelsea and has been delighting diners since 2004. Explore the culinary delights of Spain in small plates that you can share with your friends along with some Spanish wines. Check out the daily specials which are just as tempting. Finish off your meal with one of their decadent desserts. Don't miss this spot if you love tapas as this is one of the best places to relish this cuisine.
Though the decor at Txikito is rather low-key and simple, the delicious tapas and small plates served up at the restaurant certainly are not. The menu focuses primarily on Basque specialties, in an interesting variety of seemingly unpronounceable names. Perfect to share, these lovely little creations feature authentic ingredients, technical superiority and lots of flavor. Accompanied by a glass of Basque wine, it makes for a pleasant meal out, Spanish-style. Dishes to try include the foie micuit, atuna, morcilla and txipiron. For dessert enjoy a slice of muscatel cake. Reservations are a good idea on weekends.
El Born in Brooklyn is a wonderful Spanish restaurant located on Manhattan Avenue. Offering a range of vibrant Basque and Spanish specialties, the menu here is dominated by tasty tapas and small plates that are meant to be shared with your loved ones such as Galtes De Vedella, Tomàquets Verds Fregits and more. The decor of this charming joint is somewhat of a cross between a modern bar and a chic bistro, resulting in a dim-lit, cute dining area which is ideal for dates.
Alcala features the distinctive cuisines of the various regions of Spain, each brought to life with fresh, seasonal ingredients, traditional flavors and contemporary techniques. The ambiance is casual, yet refined, and the staff amicable. The menu includes dishes like gambas al ajillo and rape en salsa, alongside grilled lamb chops and filet Mignon. The menu changes with the seasons and offers only the best of fresh Spanish cuisine. Paired with Spanish wines, well-crafted cocktails and cavas, Alcala offers diners a complete dining experience.