Lil' Bit of This, Lil' Bit of That: 11 Best Tapas Restaurants in NYC

New Yorkers are the worst to go out to dinner with. Why? Because we're indecisive people who look at food as if we've gone weeks without a meal. 

In short, we want anything and everything, but don't want to deal with the diner's remorse, food envy, order regret (whatever they're calling it these days). 

So when someone recommends that we head to a tapas restaurant, we're all for it. 

Not only will we forgo the ever present anxiety that erupts at the necessity for making a decision regarding food, but we will also have the opportunity to try a little bit of everything ordered (or else, we can't be friends). 

Here are some of our favorite tapas bars in NYC. 


1. Alta (64 West 10th Street)

iflyfood about last night... #iflyfood #EEEEEATS


Whenever you're stuck with that annoying question of where to bring a friend/significant other/family member/co-worker/group/long lost relative for dinner, the answer will always be Alta. It's the perfect spot for any occasion. 

Alta is a beautiful restaurant that's dimly lit, but not overly pretentious. It has an open dining area that spans two floors, still manages to feel warm and welcoming. They even have a fireplace that will warm you up on these cold winter nights.

[anad]

Apart from the decor, the food is delicious and well priced (at least for Manhattan). Got a hungry group? Go for "The Whole Shebang," or every single item on the menu for $450. That's over 35 tapas, for only $450. 


2. The Saint Austere (613 Grand Street- Brooklyn)

the_saint_austere It's a beautiful Sunday and we open at 5pm today for #RedSauceSundays! Oh and of course the doo wop will be playing! || #sundayFunday #ChefSamanthaDiaz #theSaintAustere #SundaySupper || photo credit: @lizclayman #lizClaymanPhotography


Have a big group? The Saint Austere in Brooklyn is perfect if you're looking to share some tapas while others are looking to have their own entree. Their menu is separated between "small things
 and "big things" so there's something for every state of hunger. 

If you're going for the tapas, try the "patatas bravas," with spicy mayo, the "crispy farm egg," served with wild mushrooms, fingerlings, and prosciutto, and the "steak tartare" with beef tongue, pickled mushrooms, and dijon vinaigrette. 

For the "big things," try the housemade cavatelli with baby meatballs, pork sugo, and pecorino cheese. 


3. El Quinto Pino (401 West 24th Street)

myeattinerary tapas bonitas @elquintopinonyc 🍴🍤 #EATtinerary #myEATtinerary #eeeeeats #elquintopino #taps #xato #gambasalajillo #shrimp #papasfritas #spanish #españa #nyc #chelsea #delicious #summer #concierge #entrepreneur #startup #followme #food #foodporn #foodphotography #foodie #yum #treatyoself #fun #eater


This adorable little restaurant in Chelsea has food straight out of Spain. It's a wonderful spot for a lunch or dinner with friends. It's bright, comfortable, and relaxed. The menu tends to change seasonally, so you'll never get bored. 

We're really loving the croquetas, but there are only two croquetas per order ($5), so we'd recommend getting more than one order, especially if you have to share. 

We also love the "pinchos moruno," or Moorish spiced lamb skewers, and the "Caaballa en Conserva," or olive oil cured Mackerel with a salad of kombu (seaweed) and piquillo peppers. 


4. Barraca (81 Greenwich Avenue)

boobsfoodnyc Tapas make me happy 😊💯😋💃🏼 #boobsfoodnyc #barraca #barracanyc #nycfoodie #nyc #instafood #nyceats #nycfood #foodagram #foodsagram #limitlesseats #nyceeeeeats #foodie #foodies @barracany @barraca81


Barraca is a really excellent option for a brunch with friends, particularly due to their $15-bottomless 2-hour sangria option. However, we're digging their $5 Happy Hour, with $5 tapas, glasses of wine, sangrias, beer, and cocktails. 

We're loving the "almendras & aceitunas," or roasted Mediterranean Marcona almonds (fancy, delicious almonds), and homemade marinated Spanish olives to go along with a glass (or three) of Barcelona sangria. 


5. Tin Marin Restaurant (3708 Riverdale Avenue- Bronx)

tin.marin.nyc DÁTILES. Bacon-Wrapped Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates, Basil Mayo, Roasted Red Pepper Sauce. #Bacon #Tapas #TinMarin #Appetizers


Want an excellent local tapas bar with a warm, sexy dining area? Head to the Bronx... no seriously, this tapas bar is excellent if you're in the mood to drink or eat. 

Their daily drink specials are key, with $5 daily drinks. Mondays are mojito night, Tuesdays are margaritas, Wednesdays are caipirinhas, and Thursdays are sangria night. 

[anad2]

Regardless of what you're drinking, the food is spot on. We love their "pulpo a la gallega," or octopus with paprika, potatoes, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil. 

If you're not feeling octopus, try their "dátiles," or dates stuffed with blue cheese, wrapped in bacon, and topped with a basil aioli and a roasted red pepper sauce. 


6. Nai Tapas Bar (174 1st Avenue)

naakainy Avocado stuffed with crab meat and SPRINKLED WITH HAM. #eeeeeats #aguacate


If you're heading out to Nai, you should really make a reservation for a Thursday or a Saturday night. Why? Because what could be better than eating delicious tapas while flamenco dancers dance to a live band? Uh, nothing, because flamenco dancers are awesome. 

When you're there, you must try the "Aguacates Rellenos," or avocado stuffed with crab meat, and the "Pelotillas de Queso de Cabra," or fried goat cheese wrapped in serrano ham served over tomatoes and toast. 

,

7. Manolo Tapas (4165 Broadway)

frenchiiiii @manolotapas one of my favorite spot in the heights.


This little spot in Washington Heights is such a cute place for some tapas. However, be aware that it is a cash only spot, so leave the credit cards at home. 

Have a picky friend? Bring them to Manolo Tapas

[anad]

They have so many options to choose from that you'll all leave happy and full. We love the "Atún sobre Pisto Manchego" or seared yellowfin tuna over pisto manchego (a dish similar to ratatouille) on toast drizzled with wine.

If you can't decide on the tapas, try Manolo's paellas. We're partial to the paella a la Valenciana, with littleneck clams, mussels, scallops, shrimp, squid, chicken, and chorizo in saffron bomba rice. 


8. Buceo 95 (201 West 95th Street)

theforknewyork Tapas and sangria because hump day. || Patatas Bravas and bacon wrapped dates stuffed with chorizo goat cheese emulsion 😳


This spot in the Upper West Side is certainly a cool, cozy place to grab some tapas. It tends to get a bit loud and packed during peak hours, so make sure you avoid the rush. 

When you're there, try the "hongos," or pistachio crusted crimini mushrooms stuffed with goat cheese and sprouts or the "Pato a la Pancha," or duck breast, braised peaches, walnuts, and balsamic roasted red onions. 


9. El Born (651 Manhattan Avenue- Brooklyn)

mollytavoletti HVD to you and yours from me and mine.


This spot specializing in cuisine of the El Born district of Barcelona, is a must for tapas lovers in Brooklyn. Whether you're interested in brunch or dinner, you'll leave satisfied.

Try the "ventresca de tonyina" or tuna belly with tomato compote and green olive oil or the "Costelles de pore" or pork ribs marinated in agave and beer with vegetables. 


10. Toro (85 10th Avenue)

hungrygrls It's freezing out so we're gonna be fancy AF. #hungrygrls


There's no other way to say it, this lost style restaurant is simply cool. It's a great spot for groups to celebrate an event and nosh on incredible foods. 

Try the "payoyo," or aged sheep and goat's milk cheese with membrillo (or quince paste). 

[anad2]

We're also loving the "erizos con caviar," which includes caviar, sea urchin, and quail egg with iberico jamon... so essentially a delicious luxury you can afford at only $19. 

If that's not your thing, try the "coles," which are brussels sprouts with sesame, lemon, and garlic. 


11. Andanada (141 West 69th Street)

natka_mak Iberico Jamon, artichokes and Spanish olives


This list would be nothing without this Michelin-starred restaurant celebrating Spanish cuisine in New York City. The name, "Andanada," stands for the highest seating area in traditional bullfighting arenas, a celebrated tradition for Spaniards. 

While you can order a prix-fixe menu for $38 (not including tax or tip) on Sundays to Thursdays, we love their regular menu. 

We'd recommend starting with the "Jamón Ibérico Cinco Jotas," which consists of thin slices of Ibérico Jabugo ham. Yes, it does carry a hefty price tag, $30 for a 1.5 oz serving, but this is one of those splurges you need to experience. Heaven. on. earth. 

Then try the "alcachofas con queso manchego," or fried artichokes with 12-month manchego cheese. 

Check out 10 Most Delicious Latin Eateries in Queens

[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram] 

get spoiled in your inbox

recent