If you want to taste some of the best Spanish cuisine in New York, there are several restaurants that you can try. Here are just a few of them.
Can Front
Located on Portland’s east side, Can Front is a relatively new addition to the aforementioned Pearl District. This modern Spanish restaurant is the best place to grab a drink after work. Known for their craft cocktails and a good ol’ fashioned no nonsense approach to service, the staff is well versed in ensuring that you and your shindigs are well taken care of. The menu is a veritable treat aficionado’s delight.
Txikito
Txikito is a Basque-inspired tapas restaurant in Chelsea. Owners Eder Montero and Alex Raij opened the restaurant in 2008. They originally opened the establishment in 2008, but after a two-and-a-half year hiatus, they returned in September.
The menu is a smorgasbord of Basque delicacies. From the humblest of ingredients to the most sophisticated, it’s a wonder there’s room in this cozy, candle-lit space.
There are many options to choose from, from brisket stuffed green peppers to pan amb tomaca, a dish akin to Cuban-style shredded steak. You can also opt for a light seafood menu, or go for a double patty burger.
Mercado Little Spain
If you’re a foodie, you will love Mercado Little Spain. This concept space has everything from a supermarket to a churro stand to a bakery. It also has coffee shops, cocktail bars, and vendors of dried goods.
There are also three full service restaurants inside Mercado Little Spain. These include Bar Celona, Mar, and Spanish Diner. At each of these restaurants, you can find a range of authentic Spanish dishes.
Xiringuito Escriba
Xiringuito Escriba is a Spanish restaurant that serves a variety of traditional and contemporary tapas. It is located on the third floor of the newly constructed Shibuya Stream complex. The restaurant features a panoramic view of Bogatell beach.
Xiringuito is best known for its paella. Paella is a Spanish dish that usually includes beans, seafood, or meat. There are a few types of paella including Valencia, squid ink, and vegetarian.
Centro Espanol de Queens
Centro Espanol de Queens is a Spanish restaurant that has been a staple in New York for decades. Since its opening, it has provided a place where Spanish-speaking New Yorkers could come together. It is open both weekends and weekdays, and is also home to a variety of events.
The history of the Spanish Benevolent Society dates back to 1868, when it was created to help Spaniards in New York. It offered medical care, lodging, and food. This institution helped Spaniards find jobs and housing, as well as a refuge from the Civil War. Some of the famous people who passed through this institution included Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso.
Duende
Located on 19th Street in the Uptown Oakland district, this restaurant is an alluring amalgam of old and new world cuisine. The kitchen is a hive of activity, making it an ideal spot for a lunch date or a dinner with the family. As a bonus, they have a cool cocktail program to boot. One of the most enjoyable aspects of dining at Duende is the unmatched service and hospitality of the staff.
Emilia by Nai
Emilia by Nai is a Spanish restaurant based in the East Village that is set to open on June 8. This Galicia inspired seafood eatery will serve up a variety of small plates and desserts. It will also feature an outdoor dining section.
Emilia by Nai will open at 174 First Avenue, between 10th and 11th Streets. The space was previously home to a custom stereo shop.
El Pinguino
The El Pinguino is a small and cosy seafood establishment in Greenpoint. It is a collaboration between the Alameda and Troost teams. As the name suggests, the menu is heavy on the seafood. But the restaurant also offers a nice raw bar selection, including boquerones and aguachile. This is a good place to go if you’re in the mood for a quick dinner or a post-work aperitif.
Circulo Espanol
Circulo Espanol is a semi-private Spanish social club in Astoria, Queens. They offer full plates of Spanish food and a few interesting spinoffs. The main dining room has been around for ages and serves as an event space and dance hall.
The Circulo espanol has a lot to offer a devoted crowd. For starters, they boast of a small but impressive selection of cocktails. Aside from that, they boast a few tasty dishes including the aforementioned tortilla omelet and a surprisingly good Madrid stew made from pork and chickpeas.
El Quijote at Hotel Chelsea
The Chelsea Hotel is a famous New York City landmark. It has been immortalized in movies, books, and songs. In fact, it has been visited by countless celebrities. This year, the hotel reopened with upgraded rooms and a new Lobby Bar. El Quijote at Hotel Chelsea serves Spanish fare.
The original Hotel Chelsea Restaurant featured paintings of bullfighters and Miguel de Cervantes’ fictional hero tilting at windmills. Mark Twain was a regular. Even Andy Warhol and Bob Dylan ate there.