From show-stopping tapas to seafood-studded paella, the best Spanish restaurants in NYC pair bold Spanish flavors with lively settings that are ideal for casual lunches, pre-show meals, or celebratory dinners.
Try gazpacho in an industrial chic spot in Hudson Yards. Celebrate a special occasion with daring tapas inspired by Spain’s Costa Brava in an elegant space in Union Square. Enjoy a daily-changing menu of Basque dishes in a sleek hotspot on the Lower East Side. These restaurants bring the spirit of Spain to the New York City dining scene.
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For Basque-inspired tapas in a chic atmosphere — reserve a table at Ernesto’s (Lower East Side)
Ernesto’s is where you head for bold, Basque-inspired tapas in a sleek, mid-century-inspired space. Chef Ryan Bartlow draws on his time spent in San Sebastián with a daily-changing menu featuring hits like fried squid, oxtail stuffed piquillo peppers, and roasted suckling pig with potatoes. Check out the expertly curated wine list focused on small Spanish producers. Finish off your meal with the namesake crème caramel flan.
For one of the best Spanish tapas restaurants in NYC — check out La Barra at Mercado Little Spain (Hudson Yards)
Visit La Barra at Mercado Little Spain for show-stopping Spanish tapas and pitchers of fruity red sangría on tap. Enjoy the industrial-chic interior and lively atmosphere as you dig into a menu that spans beloved classics like gazpacho, deep-fried patatas bravas, and an Andalusian chicken skewer sandwich with spicy mayo and mint. Designed with sharing in mind, it’s ideal for groups or a festive meal before a show.
For an elegant MICHELIN-Starred Spanish restaurant — book a table at Casa Mono (Union Square)
Swing by MICHELIN-Starred Casa Mono to dine on the bold flavors of Spain’s Costa Brava in an elegant setting. Acclaimed chef Andy Nusser grew up in the seaside town of Cadaqués and gives traditional tapas a modern twist—think razor clams a la plancha, bone marrow with trout roe, and duck egg with salt-cured tuna and truffle potatoes. The intimate space is lined with Spanish wines and sherries, and floor-to-ceiling windows open onto Irving Place, providing a charming indoor-outdoor feel.
For casual dining at one of the best Spanish restaurants in NYC — grab a table at Pil Pil (Upper East Side)
Pil Pil is a tapas and wine bar that blends rustic and refined elements, with exposed brick walls and a striking Spanish mural. Expect an elegant selection of Spanish small plates such as flatbread with chistorra sausage and Manchego cheese, as well as signature seafood dishes like grilled Galician octopus. Pair your meal with a glass of red wine or the sparkling sangria with cava. Don’t skip the Basque cheesecake for dessert.
For top-notch paella in a contemporary setting — make a reservation at Socarrat Paella Bar (Midtown East)
One of the best authentic Spanish restaurants in NYC, Socarrat Paella Bar brings the spirit of Spain’s communal dining culture to a sleek, modern setting. Chef Lolo Manso founded this inviting outpost to recreate the leisurely, celebratory meals of his native Spain. The menu spotlights traditional tapas, fideuà, and signature paellas that caramelize to crispy perfection. Stop by for the two-course lunch special.
For Spanish classics and modern originals in a neighborhood atmosphere — ensure your table awaits at La Nacional (West Village)
Nestled inside a historic brownstone in what was once Manhattan’s Little Spain, La Nacional is where you go for a top-notch Spanish menu with bold ideas by top chefs. Expect thoughtful, accessibly priced dishes like tapas with a twist and the standout chorizo burger, made with a juicy blend of chorizo and beef, topped with Manchego on a brioche bun. It’s an unpretentious, communal spot where the past and present of Spanish cuisine meet.
For Spanish comfort food and easy-going vibes — visit EZ Paella & Tapas (Hell’s Kitchen)
Check out EZ Paella & Tapas for Spanish comfort food in a colorful setting in the heart of the city. Known for its approachable menu, this laid-back spot is ideal for a relaxed night out with friends or a casual date. Shareable Spanish tapas, such as the ham and cheese boards, croquetas de jamón serrano, and sweet pepper burrata, set the tone for a satisfying meal. Pair it all with a refreshing glass of the house-made peach sangria for a simple Spanish escape.
For standout Spanish and Latin-Caribbean cuisine in a swanky setting — head to Tasca (Upper West Side)
Tasca is a sophisticated spot with a menu that blends Spanish and Latin-Caribbean cuisines. Draws include small plates such as steamed mussels and grilled calamari, while slow-roasted asados and large-format Valenciana paella take center stage for mains. Don’t miss the chocolate mousse cake. Bonus points for outdoor dining and the subterranean lounge, complete with a wine cellar and fireplace.
For Spanish favorites at a neighborhood gem — snag a table at Tio Pepe (West Village)
Tucked into a charming space with exposed brick walls and hardwood floors, Tio Pepe NYC serves up classic Spanish dishes in a cozy, welcoming setting. The tapas lineup includes favorites like seared baby squid, Spanish omelet, and garlicky asparagus, made for sharing before diving into one of four styles of paella—or a seafood fideuà for a twist. Stop by on Sunday evenings for live jazz.
For must-try tapas at one of the best Spanish restaurants in NYC — lock your spot at Alcala (Midtown East)
Head to Alcala for a refined take on traditional Spanish cuisine in a warm, inviting space. Executive chef and owner Jesús Martínez draws inspiration from Spain’s most culinary-rich regions with a menu that highlights everything from sizzling garlic shrimp and savory spinach cannelloni to tender meatballs in sherry sauce. Grilled lamb ribs make for a standout main, while the tres leches sponge cake provides a sweet finish.
With warm hospitality, shareable tapas and paella, and lively atmospheres, the best Spanish restaurants in NYC are where you go for quick lunches, date nights, group dinners, or anytime you’re after a taste of Spain in the heart of the city.
