Traditional Spanish Cuisine is Alive and Well in NYC

If we’re talking Spanish food, we have to be talking seafood. A vital part of any Spanish menu, the seafood selection has to be pristine. Fresh filets are the building block of a traditional Spanish meal. This is why New York City has become a haven for high-quality Spanish cuisine. Its seafood markets have been thriving for years, earning NYC reputation as a seafood capital of the world.

It’s never just the ingredients that make a great meal. it’s about the chef, the process, and, of course, the restaurant’s atmosphere. Check out these four(from my favorites) uniquely Spanish takes on New York City restaurants from family style sit-down restaurants to tapas bars.

Alcala

Jesus Martinez - Chef & Owner of Alcala (Spanish Restaurant in New York)

With daily lunch specials, seasonal menus, and generous tapas, Alcala’s Spanish menu finds the perfect balance between tradition and variety. Known the world over because of their international clientele (located a short walk from the U.N.) Alcala has spent the last five years reinvigorating Midtown, New York City, and turning it into one of the fastest growing culinary neighborhoods. With a focus on a friendly and family atmosphere, Jesus Martinez, owner and chef, has turned Alcala into a true dining destination fit for anyone. Alcala’s large menu and even more impressive wine list makes it easy to enjoy a meal you won’t soon forget.


Tía Pol

With a Madrid style tapas bar, small plates and daily changing special that represents the different regions of Spain, Tía Pol invites guest to experience Spain in the heart of West Chelsea, New York. Moderately sized and easy on the pockets, Tía Pol boast of a great Spanish wine list that represents the rich & diverse heritage of Spain. This Chelsea Tapas bar is probably the best traditional Spanish restaurant in the city that serves the best skewers of lamb, variety of shark and cod dishes, gazpacho, patatas bravas, chorizo con chocolate and crunchy croquettes.


Huertas

Huertas is famous for interpreting the cuisine and culture of the northern area of Spain, which is commonly known as the Basque cuisine. If you are looking for a lively place to dine in, look no further. This tiny wood- clad room with its vibrant ambience is perfect for you to visit with friends and enjoy great conversations over great food. Huertas also features a bright bar, which is perfect for their Basque-inspired Tapas called Pintxos. Jonah Miller, Huertas’ chef, has created a concise menu of Basque-inspired tapas (pintxos) or small bites that are best enjoyed with their long list of Spanish wines, cider, sherry, classic Spanish beverages or their house-made vermouth. One shouldn’t leave without having the dessert here.

Casa Mono

Located just east of Union Square, Casa Mono is a Tapas bar-restaurant that is inspired by the Costa Brava region of Spain. Costa Brava, which is situated in Northern Spain, is the coastal region of Catalonia. This warm intimate space comfortably holds around 13 tables apart from its bar area. The menu here boasts of classic dishes with a modern twist, thanks to their executive Chef Andy Nusser who grew up in the northern part of Spain. If you happen to sit at the bar you will experience the grill and the plates cooked in all its smoky glory, ‘à la plancha’. A point to be noted about Casa Mono is that it is a Michelin Star restaurant and also has a sister restaurant called Bar Jamón which is located just next to Casa Mono. Dishes that are a must have here are the eggplant escabeche, Octopus with fennel and grapefruit and bacalao croquetas.

Our favorite Spanish restaurants in New York have a causal, family feel that is sure to take you through a gastronomical journey across various regions in Spain.  Buen Provecho!