EMILIA by Nai

Name: EMILIA by Nai
Address: 174 1st Ave, New York, NY, United States, 10009-4506
Telephone: (212) 677-1030
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.3

4.3

46 Reviews

$30 and under

Farm-to-table

Top Tags:

Chef Ruben Rodriguez pays homage to his Grandmother Emilia, but most importantly, to his home roots.

It has a unique simplicity to its culture and the seasonality, and this is exuded through the cuisine at Emilia.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 23, 2023

10:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Experiences are available.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Farm-to-table, Tapas / Small Plates, Vegetarian
Hours of operation
Thu, Fri 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:30 am–10:00 pm
Phone number
(212) 677-1030
Website
http://www.nairestaurant.con/emilia
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
174 1st Ave, New York, NY 10009-4506
Neighborhood
East Village
Cross street
1st Ave between 10th St and 11th St
Parking details
None
Public transit
Nearest Subways:<br />–1st Avenue Station (L) <br />–8th Street Station (N,Q,R,W)<br />–Astor Place Station (4,6)
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Chef's Table, Counter Seating, Dancing, Entertainment, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, High Tea, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Weekend Brunch

Experiences

Weekly specials
Multiple dates available
New specials every week. Grandma Emilia's traditional dishes and chef Rubens take on seasonal ingredients to bring his home to N.Y. -Chorizo/shrimp Fideua Catalana -Bean, tomato confit, eggs sofrito -Ribeye 14 oz, arugula/manchego -Pastel de nata Will keep you coming back for more.
Nai Flamenco Show
Multiple dates available
NAI FLAMENCO SHOW Nai's Flamenco show is back! Dancers, guitar, cajon, castañets and a cantaor flamenco, ole! Available on Thursdays and Saturdays. Limited availability, seating arrangement is on a first come first serve. See you soon!

Maitake$20.00
Maitake-bomba rice, squid ink, saffron aioli
Onion$17.00
Onion puff pastry, shallot, greens, goat cheese
Carrot$16.00
Roasted carrot, red curry, quinoa, grapefruit
Squash$15.00
Honey comb squash brulee, citrus, winter green
Eggplant$16.00
Smoked eggplant agnolotti, pecorino, sage, brown butter
Shiitake$18.00
Shiitake katsu, brioche, garlic aioli, curried onion

Sea

Shrimp$13.00
Shrimp bechamel croquette, lemon mayo, nori
Sea Bass$21.00
Black sea bass, soy-garlic-evoo, spinach, daikon
Mussels$18.00
Mussel escabeche, cauliflower, burgundy truffle
Salmon$18.00
Salmon crudo, salmon roe, persimmon
Trout$16.00
Trout toast, garlic focaccia, roasted pepper, sherry vinegar, parsley

Land

Skirt Steak$28.00
Skirt steak sando, citrus gastrique, frisee
Pork Cheek$25.00
Braised iberico pork cheek, yam, fried kale

What 46 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3

4.3 based on recent ratings

4.3Food
4.6Service
4.4Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

New York / Tri-State Area
Farm-to-table

46 Reviews

J
Juan
New York Area
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Great food and service. We also saw a flamenco show. I'd definitely go back.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Came in for a Bachelorette party. Staff was super attentive (multiple people checked on our table and made sure our experience was top notch). The flamenco show was impressive and the paella and sangria were delicious!
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AL
AngelL
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Made a dinner reservation for two w/ the flamenco experience. The food was excellent, flavorful and the menu is very interesting. The atmosphere of the restaurant is extremely pleasant, low lighting and has a great aesthetic. Tried the Sangria, a little on the light side but decided to get a glass of Pinot and it was much better. The flamenco show was amazing, it transports you to another dimension. Our waiter was incredibly attentive and knowledgeable, gave us great recommendations. I will be coming back in the near future!
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JM
JasonM
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience4
The food was good. The service was great. The entertainment was intriguing. All in all had a nice time. Only wish the menu had more gluten free friendly options, and a couple more seafood options that didn't involve shellfish. Unfortunately, shellfish allergies extend to octopus, but not calamari. A nice calamari tapas would be good. GF batters taste better and hold up better in presentation anyway and for the prices charged, they'd still make money.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was absolutely superb and the tapas-sized portions allow you to order ALL the things. The flamenco (on Saturdays only) is such a special treat. Emilia is a must-try!
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MD
MartinaD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Staff was great. The spanish music was perfect and the food was amazing
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JC
JinnyC
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
We arrived early for a 6pm reservation. The restaurant was very quiet. We ordered wine and food. The manager offered us an upgrade on the wine at no extra cost because they ran out of the one we wanted. The calamar stew was delicious, served with fresh toasted bread and chick peas. However not stew-like, the sauce was tasty. Grilled octopus was crunchy on the outside, tender and savory when you bite into it, served over flavorful mash potatoes. If you want something a little more filling, the shitake with brioche is good. We stayed to watch the Flamenco dancers who were energetic and skillful. We enjoyed a leisurely meal at Emilia by Nai. At no time did we feel rushed even though we were there for a little over 2 hours.
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RS
RuthS
New York Area
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2023
overall2food2service3ambience3
Open Table’s website listed a totally different menu and had few items we could actually order. The food was disappointing. Will not be returning.
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JT
JudyT
New York Area
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I just returned from Basque area and this just brought me back. I don’t get why they are not more crowded. The food and service was excellent. Food was perfectly balanced and the space is super cute and has great light with an open kitchen area.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service was impeccable. Every bite of every order was filled with flavor. It’s clear that the chef/owner takes great care in maintaining a exceptionally high degree of quality in both the cuisine and the service. Absolutely no complaints. A perfect meal.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Houston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Obsessed! Will def come back for mussels and croquettes
Is this helpful?
JO
JONATHANH
Phoenix
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Ought to be harder to get a table but I’m glad it isn’t!
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BB
BarbaraB
New York Area
28 reviews
vip
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Every dish was great. Great for sharing. Wonderful variety of offerings.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The waiters were super friendly, knowledgeable and sweet! They also went out of their way to alter dishes to satisfy dietary restrictions. Highly recommend!
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PK
PatK
Kansas City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful food and service. Don’t skip the brulee semifredo for dessert.
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G
Ghamsusupdates
New York Area
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Amazing prawn croquettes! Great atmosphere and friendly service. I was so impressed by all the dishes but I’ll say it again…the prawn croquettes were AMAZING
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Such a lovely place. Everyone was genuinely so kind and the food was very unique and delicious. Everything was perfect. I would highly recommend this place.
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n
noms4jon
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 31, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
The food, service, and overall ambiance was pleasant. My biggest critique, however, were the cocktails. I think they were unique in the ingredients they used, but ultimately don't taste very good. Going back, I would stick to a wine.
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SR
SriR
New York Area
11 reviews
vip
3.0
11 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience4
overpriced Tapas restaurant. Not much for vegetarians. I saw their vegetarian menu which had about 5 plates and thought to try it. When we got there we were told some of the dishes were not available. So even though they recommended 5-6 plates between two people they didn’t even have that many options. The food is delicious and flavors are great and unique. But still overpriced for the portions. This is a new trend of nyc restaurants fleecing customers with full portion pricing for tapas sized dishes. We spent almost $175 in toto including wines. Too expensive to return even though food was good.
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M
Michael
Baltimore
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Really a gem. Tapas with an oriental touch. The shiitake "sandwiches" were among the best things I've eaten
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JK
JosephK
Chicago
37 reviews
vip
4.0
37 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
Nothing wonderful but safe and fine.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Emilia provides very comfortable seating for small groups, perfect for conversation. The service was excellent and the food was delicious.
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MP
MyPointBeing
New York Area
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on December 11, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience5
Beautiful room, delicious food, great music. Serene Scandinavian vibe that's a nice respite from noisy East Village. Attentive service, but maybe a bit pushy? It's a "small plates" menu, and small they are! If you are say, an adult male, you might want to snack at home beforehand.
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Z
Zzzz
New York Area
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very cute little place! Food is great! It’s by a busy street so it can be loud just because of outside noise.
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JS
JohnS
Toronto
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 15, 2022
overall5food1service4ambience3
Mediocre food
Is this helpful?
VD
VincentD
New York Area
6 reviews
vip
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 25, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
Excellent, creative dishes!
Is this helpful?
CW
CindyW
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We ordered 6 dishes, the fish liver mousse, red snapper crudo, shiitake mushroom katzu, Black rice, suckling pig and a semifreddo. Every dish was good. The crudo was cut into small pieces, with a nice flavored shaved ice on it, very refreshing. The mushroom dish was a sandwich, and the Katzu crunch and the union with it were great. The rice was perfectly made and the crispy skin on the suckling pig covered with some disced apple was tasty. We finished with a citrus semifreddo, with a burn brown sugar on top, so it's a cross between a creme brûlée and a semifreddo. The service was great; the price was reasonable, the food was inventive. A great addition to the East Village!
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Y
Yankster23
New York Area
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food Was great. The flavors in the food were outstanding. Really enjoyed and will definitely come back
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love all Nai restaurants. Emilia by Nai was amazing and we can’t wait to come back! The shiitake sandwich was out of this world. Very happy to live in EV to have cuisine like this around the corner. Try tapas by Nai and Amigo by Nai as well!
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C
Charlotte
New York Area
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was amazing. I loved the different blends of flavors and textures both within the dishes and throughout the meals. The red snapper and maitake were the highlights. The cocktail list is very intriguing and super original. Raul and his team were extremely welcoming, doing everything to accommodate our constraints and eager to provide recommendations. We will definitely go back!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love all the toasts, especially the egg salad and peach toast. Delicious and well presented! Thank you again to gave us a knife to cut the bread its more than thoughtful.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience2
Little expensive, small plate pop-up style in a coffee shop by day. Food was fantastic, unusual pairing of flavors. Highly recommend for adventurous eaters
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TF
TordeFam
Greater Boston
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing!!!! The Nai family are always so welcoming and I absolutely loved everything I had. Ham, Onion Puff Pastry, Red Snapper (a must) and cocktails - I can’t wait to go back and try more items!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Felt very at home fun place to start your night or end it. Good wine.good food
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic experience on many levels. The service was impeccable. The food was beyond delightful. The flavors and combinations were next level. If you are comfortable sharing small plates, take some friends and explore this new treasure. Be mindful, if you are famished, youre looking at three or four plates per person for dinner. These are european size portions (ie: not the “fat pants” experience) The bar is limited to wine sake and beer but ask for something creative (you wont be disappointed!!) As for dessert - if they have the semifredo dont pass on it… delicious!!!
1 person found this helpful
p
petera
New York Area
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had an amazing dinner. Food was unique and beyond tasty. Service was great and they even brought out some of their cocktails for us at no charge!
1 person found this helpful
EN
EdenN
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Staff were very kind and personable, clearly knew and cared a lot about the menu and offered us free tastings of wine. The food was also excellent, including the desserts which may change regularly as I could not find them listed on any menus. Would definitely go again.
1 person found this helpful
C
Cash
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
went for my girlfriend's birthday. was treated great by staff. food was incredible. absolutely will come back again.
1 person found this helpful
CL
CaroleL
New York Area
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another delicious restaurant by the Nai group. The food was very delicious and great and unique combination of fresh in-season ingredients. The staff was helpful and friendly and fun. I don't know which I like better - the original Nai or now a new favorite, Emilia.
1 person found this helpful
AA
AmyA
London
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a lovely dinner. Excellent service and welcoming vibe. Would recommend. Great addition to the neighborhood!
1 person found this helpful

FAQs

EMILIA by Nai is rated 4.3 stars by 46 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 23, 2023

10:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Experiences are available.

174 1st Ave, New York, NY 10009-4506

Additional information

Cross street
1st Ave between 10th St and 11th St
Neighborhood
East Village
Hours of operation
Thu, Fri 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:30 am–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Farm-to-table, Tapas / Small Plates, Vegetarian
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
None
Public transit
Nearest Subways:–1st Avenue Station (L) –8th Street Station (N,Q,R,W)–Astor Place Station (4,6)
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Chef's Table, Counter Seating, Dancing, Entertainment, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, High Tea, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Weekend Brunch

Website
http://www.nairestaurant.con/emilia
Phone number
(212) 677-1030

EMILIA by Nai

Make a reservation

Additional information

Experiences

Weekly specials

Nai Flamenco Show

Menu

To Start

Oysters$16.00

Iberico Ham$29.00

Cheese$21.00

Mousse$17.00

Garden

Maitake$20.00

Onion$17.00

Carrot$16.00

Squash$15.00

Eggplant$16.00

Shiitake$18.00

Sea

Shrimp$13.00

Sea Bass$21.00

Mussels$18.00

Salmon$18.00

Trout$16.00

Land

Skirt Steak$28.00

Pork Cheek$25.00

What 46 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

How is EMILIA by Nai restaurant rated?

Is EMILIA by Nai currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information