Exploring the Best Spanish Restaurants in New York

Delicious Spanish Dishes in the Heart of New York

Recently, I had the opportunity to return to Spain, where I once studied, and indulge in delightful tapas and regional specialties. Immersed in the art and architecture of Madrid and Barcelona, I realized that Spanish cuisine is simple yet incredibly flavorful. Fresh ingredients come together to create vibrant dishes that beautifully reflect the rich culinary culture of the country.

Upon returning to New York, I found the winter chill still lingering. In search of a taste of sunny Spain, I sought out Spanish eateries to warm my spirits. Luckily, the city boasts many restaurants serving famous tapas, Andalusian seafood, and scrumptious small plates. If you're on the hunt for a European dining experience, check out the restaurants listed below.

1. La Vara - A Mediterranean Flavor Haven

Address: 268 Clinton St., Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, NY
La Vara, run by chefs Alex Raij and Eder Montero, is celebrated for its unique blend of Jewish and Moorish cuisine. Don’t miss the crispy fried garbanzos and roasted peppers. Their octopus carpaccio is also a favorite, offering a refreshing twist to the usual steamed or grilled preparations. Of course, the slow-roasted pork with chimichurri sauce is a must-try.

2. Casa Mono - Spanish Flavors with Michelin Flair

Address: 52 Irving Pl., Gramercy Park, New York, NY
Casa Mono is one of New York's most renowned restaurants, serving up the finest tapas since 2003. The menu is diverse, but you can't leave without trying the sobrassada sausage and the beef tongue with caviar and horseradish cream.

3. El Born - The Perfect After-Work Retreat

Address: 651 Manhattan Ave., Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY
El Born is a fantastic spot for a post-work date, with drinks starting at just $6 and tapas from $5 during happy hour. Plus, on Tuesdays, you can enjoy unlimited tapas for only $19 within two hours.

4. Ernesto's - Exploring Basque Cuisine

Address: 259 E Broadway, Lower East Side, New York, NY
Ernesto’s offers Basque cuisine without tapas, but features enticing dishes like Iberico ham and the Hemingway bikini – a cheese sandwich with shrimp and chistorra. Be sure to try Ernesto's Basque cheesecake; it's a standout!

5. Tia Pol - A Charming Little Tapas Bar

Address: 205 10th Ave., Chelsea, New York, NY
Tia Pol is a cozy tapas bar in Chelsea, famous for its dishes from various regions of Spain. Here, you can enjoy treats like marcona almonds, sardine skewers, and traditional Spanish sandwiches.

6. Tomino Taberna Gallega - Fresh Seafood from Galicia

Address: 192 Grand St., Little Italy, New York, NY
Tomino is the ideal destination for seafood lovers, featuring the specialty pulpo a feira - boiled octopus drizzled with olive oil and spices. The mixed seafood platter is also a great choice to sample grilled delicacies.

7. La Nacional - A Culinary Heritage of Spain in NYC

Address: 239 W 14th St., West Village, New York, NY
With over 150 years of history, La Nacional is not just a restaurant but also the oldest Spanish cultural institution in the U.S. The restaurant serves classic tapas like croquettes with jamón Serrano, offering a traditional Spanish dining experience.

Helpful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

If you're planning to visit New York and savor Spanish cuisine, here are a few things to keep in mind. Vietnamese travelers need to apply for a tourist visa to enter the U.S. The visa fee can range from 2-3 million VND, and processing takes about 7-10 days.

Additionally, flight tickets from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to New York typically range from 15-25 million VND, depending on the booking time. Don’t forget to exchange your money for USD before your trip, with the current exchange rate around 23,000 VND to 1 USD. Summer is the perfect time to explore New York's restaurants with warm weather.

I hope you have a rich culinary experience as you explore the Spanish restaurants in New York!

Article adapted and edited from: Condé Nast Traveler