best tapas in nyc

The Best Tapas Restaurants in New York City

04 December 2019

Mackenzie Cummings-Grady

Are you and a group of friends looking for something special? Look no further.

Tapas is the perfect way to eat. This is not up for debate.

Small dishes designed to be shared make for a unique and fun dining experience with friends. You get a little bit of everything and rarely leave the experience having overeaten or feeling bloated. No city understands the delicacy of tapas better than New York, and as a result, there are thousands of amazing tapas joints to sift through. But you're not here for just any tapas, you want the cream of the crop. At Journiest, we care about quality, so if you find yourself roaming NYC with a group of hungry friends, here are the best tapas restaurants in New York City.

Located in the lavish Upper West Side, Buceo 95 has one of the best wine collections in the city. The small plates include garlic shrimp, bacalao croquettes, and bacon-wrapped dates. Whether you're stopping in for a quick bite before a show at Symphony Space, or staying in for a night of tasty wine and complementary dishes, Buceo 95 is the one-stop shop for a lovely fanciful evening.
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There are four of these in NYC; that's how good it is. Since 2006, Boqueria has been serving authentic Barcelona-style small plates with amazing results. From a six spit rotisserie chicken to a whole suckling pig, make sure you go with a big group to get the full experience. Boqueria's most recent location in Hell's Kitchen also serves breakfast starting at 6:30 AM on weekdays.
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The restaurant's Gothic architecture adds a theatrical flair to Sala One Nine in Flatiron, and the food is just as grand. Artisanal serrano ham croquettes, pan roasted sea scallops and beef, veal and pork meatballs are just a few of the small plates awaiting those who can snag a reservation. Not to mention, they also do brunch and have a fabulous wine list.
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If you can swing La Vara's moderately high price tag, you will be treated to one of the best tapas experiences in New York. Located in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, La Vara's endearing and cozy decor will draw you in almost immediately, before it slams you with some of the most delicious tapas in the city. Fried artichoke, Persian cucumber and local grain salad with tahini yogurt and crispy eggplant await vegetarians. Meanwhile, stuffed rabbit loin, Spanish red shrimp, and octopus await carnivores with a curious palette.
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For those willing to venture to Bushwick, Maite infuses European flavors with Latin American classics. The menu is small and ever-changing, but recent highlights include duck egg arepa, squid ink burrata, and white truffle Gnocchi. The space is also warm, massive, and welcoming.
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For those who worship brunch, Pil Pil has one of the best small plate brunch menus around. On Saturdays and Sundays choose three dishes between a handful of different menus (including one vegetarian), and it comes with unlimited sangria, mimosas, and bellinis for just $18.95.
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Breathtaking architecture aside, Toro's eclectic mix of flavors make for a unique tapas experience. Fusing Moroccan and Italian dishes with a variety of flavors, Toro's highlights include an egg, potato, and onion omelette with Tuscan kale, spicy shishito peppers with sea salt, and cured duck breast.
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This small hole in the wall in Greenwich Village is easy to miss, as it's located in a 19th century townhouse amid other gorgeous townhouses. But once inside, this multilevel restaurant is packed with unique takes on Spanish tapas, like fried goat cheese with lavender honey and octopus. There are also two wood-burning fireplaces, making for an intimate and cozy evening.
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Located in Greenpoint, El Born offers bottomless brunch for $27, as well as an unlimited taco day for $12. Loaded with deals, El Born is worth the trek to Greenpoint if you're looking for affordable yet divine Barcelona-styled tapas.
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This Little Italy hideaway prides itself on fresh seafood. With offerings like fresh cod with potatoes and cauliflower and crispy baby squid, Gallega is the pride of Little Italy and offers a vast menu of both small plates and larger options for those craving some fresh fish.
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