Sometimes less is more, and when it comes to tapas in NYC, we’re talking all sorts of small plates that are sure to fill you up! Whether you’re with a group of friends or family looking for some sharable bites, or want to split a few choices on a date, Spanish tapas is always the right answer! We’re talking everything from fried squid to tortillas to chorizo. To get you started, we’ve put together our list of some places with unbeatable tapas in NYC:
1. Boqueria, Multiple Locations
You’ll be remiss to find a Boqueria near you in Manhattan, and having so many locations makes it perfect to grab some delicious tapas! Their tapas menu ranges in price from $5-$21 and is perfect for just about any ocassion. Some of the standouts include the Croquetas de Jamón (creamy jamón croquettas, quince purée) and the Pulpo a la Plancha (seared Octapus, Manzanilla olivada, olive oil crushed potatoes). They also have a great happy hour, host events, and sell at-home cooking kits you so can make the recipes yourself!
Where:
Flatiron – 53 W 19th St
SoHo – 171 Spring St
UES – 1460 2nd Ave
Midtown – 260 W 40th St
2. Alta, West Village
Alta resides in a charming 19th Century townhouse in the West Village with a soaring 27-foot ceiling, setting the vibe for their delicious tapas. Their calming atmosphere and lovely staff ensure you’re getting the best of the best Spanish treatment! As for their tapas menu, our favorites include the Marcona almonds and the smoked trout and black cod brandade fritters. For our vegetarian folks, they also have a bunch of yummy options, like the king trumpet mushroom and white asparagus tempura. Full menu here.
Where: 64 W 10th St
3. Despaña, Lower East Side
This build your own tapas spot serves as a cafe/grocery store mix, rather than a traditional restaurant! Packaged up neatly into sellable sections, you can grab just about every tapas item imaginable in order to build your own recipes at home. From chorizo (which is world-renowned) and meats to fresh seafood and cheese, this place truly has it all. Plus, you can even order their Despaña branded foods right through their website if you can’t make it into the store. If you do want to sit-in though, check out their paella cafe where they serve light tapas too. Shop here.
Where: 408 Broome St
4. Salinas, Chelsea
The Spanish cuisine at this hidden gem is delicious, and their tapas menu is even better. Complete with lovely outdoor seating, the enviroment beautifully compliments their menu highlights like the Pulpo con Cenizas (Canary Island octopus, calçot aioli, seaweed, caper berries, black beans, meyer lemon ) and the Iberico (Hand cut Cinco Jotas ibérico ham, Andalusian crackers, citrus and garbanzo salmorejo). Don’t sleep on their Pan Tumaca (Grilled country bread, shaved tomato, olive oil) either. Full menu here.
Where: 136 9th Ave
5. Nai, East Village
“Nai” means mother in Gallego, and the recipes you’ll find at this lovely tapas spot definitely have that maternal feel. Acquired from his mother, Chef Rodriguez serves a plethra of small plates across “Sea,” “Garden,” and “Land” that will suit anyone’s taste buds. Of course you can’t go wrong with their classic Croqueta (Serrano Ham, Bechamel) or the Katsu (p45 day aged prime ribeye, Estrella galicia batter, milk bread, aioli). Full menu here.
Where: 84 2nd Ave
6. Casa Mono, Gramercy
This Michelin-starred Spanish restaurant serves a variety of upscale tapas with an extensive wine list. Our recomendations here include the Burrata (black mission fig jam and castelfranco) to start alongside the Stuff Lamb Belly (cucumber yogurt and anchovy chimichurri) as a “main.” Full menu here.
Where: 52 Irving Pl
7. Addictive Wine & Tapas, Jackson Heights
Combining two of the best things, wine and tapas, you’ll be enjoying truly “addictive” food and drink at Addictive Wine & Tapas Bar! They offer both cold and hot tapas for you to pair with their seemingly infinite wine list. Menu hightlights include the Tabla de Carne y Queso (Manchego, brie, gouda, serrano ham, prosciutto di parma, dry chorizo, salchichon, bread sticks, membrillo, marcona almonds, olives, grapes, guindillas and banderillas) on the cold side and Pollo con Brie (Chicken, brie cheese, pear chutney and honey, garnished with sprouts) on the hot side. Full menu here.
Where: 87-01 Northern Blvd, Queens
8. Tía Pol, Chelsea
Tía Pol is your classic spot for tapas in NYC, offering all the essentials including Crema de Higado (chicken liver mousse with pedro ximenez), and the Pinchos Morunos (lamb skewers with moorish spices). Their sangria, croquetas de jamón y croqueta del día, and gambas al ajillo (shrimp in olive oil with garlic and chili). Full menu here.
Where: 205 10th Ave
9. La Vara, Cobble Hill
This slightly pricier yet equally declicous spot in Brooklyn mix and matches tapas to perfection. We recommend sipping on some flavorful vermut while enjoying the Cochinillo (slow roasted suckling pig, tximitxurri) or the Bakalao (house-cured salt cod, pisto, pil pil sauce). The Basque-style offerings will transport you back to Spain and wanting more and more. Full menu here.
Where: 268 Clinton St, Brooklyn
10. Yuca, East Village
With dishes influenced by Latin cuisine from over a dozen countries, Yuca’s tapas run the more savory and meaty variety, with pork, beef, and chicken dishes being the norm. We’re personally fans of the Quesadilla Camarones (shrimp, roasted corn, melted cheese topped w/ guacamole & crema) and the Churrasquinhos (Brazilian grilled steak skewers served w/rice & chimichurri), but everything is fantastic here! Browse their full menu here.
Where: 111 Avenue A
11. Debajo, NoMad
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle in the cellar of MADE Hotel is Debajo, a tapas joint with two separate menus (savory and sweet). Starting with savory, we personally enjoy treats like the Paleta Iberico (36 month aged ham, pickles), Chistos (crispy chistorra sausage roll, salsa rosa), and even rarer delicacies like Bavette Steak (mint verde, kale salad, mustard vinaigrette). If you’d prefer something off the Sweet set, try their signature Burnt Basque Cheesecake. Full menu here.
Where: 44 W 29th St
12. Olea, Fort Greene
If you’re looking for the perfect place to grab tapas with family and friends in Brooklyn, Olea is a great quiet spot. Sip on sangria and enjoy Mediterranean tapas like the Falafel-Crusted Artichoke Hearts (herbed tahini, sweet and sour eggplant), the Chicken Empanadillas (eggplant, manchego, dill yogurt) and the Spicy Cheese-Stuffed Peppers (hot cherry peppers, ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, scallions). Full menu here.
Where: 171 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn
13. Lamano, Chelsea & West Village
With two chic yet cozy locations in Chelsea, and the West Village, Lamano offers the intimacy of a tapas bar with the class of a wine bar. You’ll find classics from all regions of Spain alongside modern dishes, giving you plenty to choose from. With a celestial New Age vibe, the menu highlights heres are the signature Papas Bravas (crispy potatoes, brava sauce aioli) and Pan con Tomate (seasonal tomatoes, garlic olive oil) to pick at. They also have a great happy hour everyday from 4 pm – 6 pm. Full menu here.
Where:
Chelsea – 265 W 20th St
West Village – 39 Christopher St
14. Excuse My French, Lower East Side
Looking for some French tapas in NYC? Excuse My French may just live up to its name, thanks to their small-dish delicacies ranging from charcuterie to cheese. Plus, their additional tapas menu and sharable snacks section is sure to please any group of diners! Their apps are great, the mains are even better, and the drink selection is top-tier. If you’re looking for French staples (like Escargot Persillade and Cuisses de Grenouilles) check this spot out. Full menu here.
Where: 96 Orchard St