NYC Tapas

The “small plates” trend is probably my favorite way to eat at a restaurant. Appetizer size dishes of main dish quality for smaller prices is right up my alley, I would try EVERYTHING if I could, but this is as close as I’ll ever get. Tapas is the Spanish version of the small plates concept, and I love it. Without a doubt you can get some of the best tapas right here in New York, and I’ve been to quite a few of them. Below you will find an account of my visits to a few of my favorite tapas restaurants. Hope you enjoy!

Casa Mono

Can you say Michelin Star? Well, they can. Casa Mono dons one Michelin Star, and there’s no question why! Everything in this tiny little place is unbelievably delicious. My curiosity for new restaurants (or old ones I haven’t been to) has me never going to a restaurant twice, I’m always on the hunt for the next one. Every once in a while I have to go back to a certain few ones though, just because I loved it that much. Casa Mono is one of them. I went back recently and was promptly reassured that I’d probably go back a third time. My love affair with Pan con Tomate began here, and I had to go back to the scene of the love crime, it’s so delicious. My next dish was Scallops with Serrano Pepper Green Curry and Minted Cashews. The sear on the scallops was pure perfection, the curry spot on. After that I chose the Pork Belly with Pan con Tomate Aioli, Tomato Petals and Watercress, and it was amazing. I was thinking it was perfectly cooked, because that was exactly how I like it. The waitress recommended the Confit Goat with Avocado Queso, Scallion Ash and Pistachios, the Avocado queso being pureed with goat cheese. May I say thank you? It was unbelievably delicious. Yes, I’ll be back.

For more info on Casa Mono click here

El Quinto Pino

If you ask any self respecting foodie which is the best restaurant for Tapas in New York City, El Quinto Pino is constantly mentioned. You already know that I had to find out for myself, and I can now officially second that emotion. This place is located in Chelsea, it’s cute and pretty, and the staff is so super nice. My dishes were: Huevos Rellenos (deviled eggs with green tahini), Croquetas (creamy Serrano ham croquettes), Gambas al Ajillo (garlic shrimp in ginger and jalapeño broth), and El Doble (a double beef patty burger with Idiazabal, sweet pickled onions, cornichons and “salsa especial”). My only regret was that I didn’t bring anyone to dine with, so I could steal off their plate! I loved it all, and I might just come back here too.

For more info on El Quinto Pino click here

Boqueria

Boqueria has several locations in New York, and I visited the Midtown location on 40th Street with my good friend and fellow foodie Marcus. Oftentimes, once a restaurant opens several locations, the quality of the food dwindles with each opening, but with Boqueria that is not the case. Beautiful surroundings with an upscale vibe have you feeling comfy while ordering your tapas one by one. Be sure to have reservations at this lively location. Our choices off the menu were: Pan con Tomate, Coca de Setas (a flatbread with porcini puree, Idiazábal cheese, caramelized onions and mushrooms), Croquetas Cremosas (3 with mushrooms, and 3 with Serrano Ham), and Gambas al Ajillo (here with brandy and Guindilla pepper). Nope, zero loss on quality or taste here, we loved it!