If you’re looking for delicious small plates and big flavors, the tapas scene in New York City won’t disappoint.
From traditional Spanish dishes to modern interpretations, the city offers a diverse range of tapas restaurants to suit every taste and budget.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at 13 top tapas restaurants in NYC, where you can savor the tastes of Spain and indulge in the best small bites the city has to offer.
Whether you’re a seasoned tapas lover or new to the cuisine, these restaurants are sure to leave you satisfied and craving more.
1. Boqueria
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Boqueria is a group of Spanish restaurants in New York City that offer a lively Barcelona-inspired tapas bar experience.
With four locations across the city’s most iconic neighborhoods, including Flatiron, Upper East Side, Soho, and Times Square, Boqueria has become a popular destination for friends, families, and co-workers to gather over the sharing spirit of tapas.
Each Boqueria location has a menu of seasonal dishes and classic tapas, as well as NYC Happy Hour and weekend Brunch with unlimited drinks.
Whether you’re in the mood for crispy patatas bravas, succulent chorizo al vino, or a classic paella, Boqueria has a variety of dishes to satisfy your cravings for Spanish cuisine.
Boqueria’s NYC restaurants are a great place to enjoy a taste of Spain right in the heart of New York City with delicious tapas, great service, and a welcoming atmosphere.
2. Tomiño Taberna Gallega
- Website
- Address: 192 Grand St, New York, NY 10013
- Phone : (212) 933-4763
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Tomiño Taberna Gallega is a restaurant in New York City that celebrates Galician cuisine, a type of cuisine from the Galicia region in northwest Spain.
The owners, three brothers named Marco, Victor, and Phil, were inspired by their father’s love of cooking, which he developed while running Trattoria Trecolori, a well-known Italian restaurant in midtown Manhattan.
Tomiño’s menu features traditional Galician dishes such as pulpo á feira (Galician-style octopus), almejas a la marinera (clams á la marinière), tortilla de Betanzos (Spanish omelet), and pimientos de Padrón (Padrón peppers).
This tapas restaurant is highly recommended by customers for its delicious food and great service.
The grilled mushrooms, tortilla, and croquettes are especially delicious, with the croquettes being soft and pillowy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Except for reasonably priced tapas, I also recommend its seafood dishes.
The restaurant is easily accessible by the metro.
The atmosphere is lively and fun, although it can sometimes get noisy due to the crowds.
3. Excuse My French
- Website
- Address: 96 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
- Phone : (212) 780-9600
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While the restaurant is primarily known for its French cuisine, it also offers a few vegan and vegetarian options.
The restaurant also has an extensive cocktail menu and a cozy atmosphere.
The kitchen is integrated into the restaurant, which gives it a more transparent and intimate feel.
I would like to recommend the cheeseboard and tapas, with the duck confit, sautéed Brussels sprouts, steak tartare, and crepe.
However, due to the small size of the restaurant, reservations are highly recommended.
4. Yuca
- Website
- Address: 111 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
- Phone : (212) 982-9533
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Yuca Bar & Restaurant is a popular Latin fusion restaurant located in the East Village of New York City.
The restaurant serves a variety of dishes inspired by the cuisines of over a dozen Latin American and Spanish countries, ranging from traditional classics to modern dishes.
The restaurant has both open window seating and sidewalk seating, providing customers with a unique Latin atmosphere and the opportunity to people-watch while enjoying their meal or drinks.
Their tapas plates are a great way to sample a variety of dishes.
Except for the tapas, I would also recommend the churasco, grilled chicken skewer, calamari, and octopus.
5. Alta
- Website
- Address: 64 W 10th St, New York, NY 10011
- Phone : (212) 505-7777
Alta is a cozy and inviting restaurant located in a charming 19th-century townhouse in the heart of West Village.
The main dining area boasts a soaring 27-foot ceiling and has a warm and welcoming ambiance from the moment you step through the doors.
During the colder months, you can cozy up by one of two wood-burning fireplaces, while in the summer, the open doors provide a refreshing Mediterranean atmosphere.
As a small plate restaurant, Alta’s cuisine draws inspiration from the diverse culinary traditions surrounding the Mediterranean Sea.
This restaurant is highly recommended if you enjoy tapas-style food. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and authentic, with excellent recommendations for wine selection.
It’s also a great spot for a romantic date.
6. Local 92
- Website
- Address: 92 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
- Phone : (212) 432-2232
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Local 92 is a Middle Eastern restaurant that prides itself on using fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers’ markets.
Their chef, who has over 20 years of experience, presents a vision that creates a fantastic dining experience for all guests.
Vegetarian and vegan options are numerous, and there are good menu options for those with dietary restrictions.
The interior of Local 92 is charming, with a nice bar on the side, while the outdoor seating is spacious and comfortable.
Except for tapas, the frozen passion fruit daiquiri is a must-try.
The exposed brick, vibe-y lights, and fun art around the restaurant make it perfect for taking photos.
Local 92 is also a great space for hosting events. It is kid-friendly and has lots of street parking around the area.
7. Olea
- Website
- Address: 171 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
- Phone : (718) 643-7003
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Nestled on the corner of Adelphi and Lafayette Avenue, Olea Mediterranean Taverna has been part of the fabric of Fort Greene, Brooklyn since 2005.
The bar at Olea is a gathering place for friends to sip sangria, and share tapas.
I would recommend the delicious food, including bacon-wrapped dates, corn salad, tuna-stuffed peppers, and braised chicken.
Don’t forget to try the great coffee and desserts, including Basque Burnt Cheesecake with Raspberry compote.
Olea is a must-visit for those exploring Brooklyn and looking for a local spot to eat.
8. La Ñapa
- Website
- Address: 656 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11216
- Phone : (347) 435-0920
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La Ñapa is a tapas bar in Crown Heights run by Venezuelan Chef Francisco Antón.
Except for tapas, I would highly recommend the duck pastor taco, cheese and pulled pork arepas, and mushroom croquettes.
It has a cozy and romantic atmosphere and also offers an excellent wine and beer selection.
9. Buceo 95
- Website
- Address: 201 W 95th St, New York, NY 10025
- Phone : (212) 662-7010
Located on a side street in the Upper West Side, Buceo 95 is a top-rated Spanish tapas restaurant known for its excellent atmosphere and service.
I would recommend trying their paellas, churrasco tapas, and desserts.
They also have a nice wine selection that pairs well with the variety of food offered.
10. Pil Pil
- Website
- Address: 265 E 78th St, New York, NY 10075
- Phone : (917) 540-8737
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Pil Pil is a great spot for tapas with a nice vibe and good sangrias.
The unlimited brunch deal for $20 with sangrias, Bellinis, and mimosas was a great deal with delicious and varied food options, including fun tapas.
I would also recommend their mini-chorizo bites, chicken in spicy sauce, and eggplant asparagus empanadas.
The atmosphere and vibes were unique.
11. La Nacional
- Website
- Address: 239 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011
- Phone : (917) 388-2888
Founded in 1868, it is the oldest Spanish cultural institution in the United States and is committed to promoting fraternity and solidarity among Spanish and Hispanic-American residents.
The restaurant offers quality food, reasonable prices, and a neighborhood atmosphere for all to enjoy.
The outdoor dining area had nice umbrellas but tables were a bit close.
Tapas are a good option for sharing and the cava sangria is recommended.
12. Huertas
- Website
- Address: 107 1st Ave., New York, NY 10003
- Phone : (212) 228-4490
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Huertas is a Spanish restaurant in NYC that blends the lively eating and drinking culture of Spain with the creativity of NYC’s dining scene.
If you’re in the mood for Spanish-style tapas, look no further than this restaurant.
Their cocktails were top-notch. The interior is well-designed and perfect for both casual and formal dining.
13. Mercado Little Spain
- Website
- Address: 10 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
- Phone : (646) 495-1242
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Mercado Little Spain is a culinary destination in New York City’s Hudson Yards, created by Chef José Andrés and his team as a tribute to Spain’s historic mercados.
It is a fantastic dining destination for those who love Spanish cuisine.
The Empanada Gallega and red wine Sangria are particularly noteworthy.
The staff is courteous and knowledgeable, making it the perfect place to eat for a dinner out in NYC.
Except for Tapas, I would also recommend dishes including Patatas Bravas, Seafood, Croquetas De Pollo Bread, and Olive Oil.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a casual night out with friends or a fancy dinner for a special occasion, the tapas scene in NYC won’t disappoint.
Some of the top tapas restaurants in the city not only serve up delicious small plates, but also offer a welcoming atmosphere and exceptional cocktails.
So why not embark on a tapas adventure and discover the best spots in the city?
Your taste buds will thank you!
