Best Upscale Spanish Restaurants in NoLita | Upscale Spanish Food

28 restaurants in Best Upscale Spanish Restaurants in NoLita | Upscale Spanish Food

• Boqueria Soho — Spanish · rated 4.6/5: Stepping into this vibrant corner of Soho feels like being transported to a bustling Barcelona market, where the air hums with the energy of shared conversations and the rhythmic clatter of small plates. Golden light spills over marble counters as the kitchen turns out a parade of smoky pimentón-dusted tapas and bubbling pans of paella, inviting guests to lose themselves in a communal celebration of bold Spanish flavors and flowing cava.
• Quique Crudo — Spanish · rated 4.6/5: Quique Crudo captures the spirited essence of a modern Spanish marisquería, where the air is thick with the scent of sea salt and the rhythmic clinking of chilled Albariño glasses. Pristine cuts of raw seafood are transformed into vibrant works of art, drizzled with liquid gold olive oils and brightened by sharp citrus to create a sensory journey that celebrates the pure, unadulterated flavors of the Mediterranean.
• Tomiño Taberna Gallega — Spanish · rated 4.6/5: Nestled in the vibrant 192 Grand St, New York, Tomiño Taberna Gallega brings authentic Galician fare to the heart of the city. This Spanish restaurant and tapas bar boasts a 4.6-star rating from 1,879 reviews, serving everything from delectable tapas to exquisite desserts. Perfect for a casual dine-in or a lively night out with friends, Tomiño also offers outdoor seating, takeout, delivery, and a solid selection of wines and cocktails. Happy Hour runs Monday to Friday from 4:00-6:00 PM. Whether for lunch, brunch, or dinner, Tomiño Taberna Gallega promises a delightful dining experience. Reserve your table today at +1 212-933-4763.
• Nai — Spanish · rated 4.5/5: Nestled in the vibrant East Village, Nai is a trendy Spanish restaurant celebrated for its innovative tapas and handcrafted wine-based cocktails. The cozy, romantic atmosphere features a bar and occasional flamenco dancers, enhancing your dining experience. Offering brunch, lunch, dinner, and late-night bites, Nai's menu delights with small plates like grilled octopus, paella, and prime ribeye. With a 4.5-star rating from 757 reviews, reservations are recommended. Visit Nai at 84 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, or call +1 212-677-1030.
• Empanada Mama LES — Spanish · rated 4.3/5: Nestled in the vibrant Lower East Side, Empanada Mama is a laid-back Colombian eatery with a cozy ambiance. Renowned for its diverse selection of empanadas, the menu also features breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night options. With friendly staff, fast service, and a child-friendly atmosphere, it's ideal for family gatherings. Enjoy a satisfying meal for $10-$20, complete with delightful happy hour specials and a welcoming bar.
• Habana To Go — Spanish · rated 4.3/5: Nestled in the trendy Nolita neighborhood, Habana To Go offers a delightful Cuban dining experience. This easygoing eatery serves up comfort food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring popular items like the Cuban sandwich, grilled corn, and blackened chicken Diablo sandwich. With a 4.3-star rating from 134 reviews, Habana To Go is a cherished spot for locals and visitors alike. Enjoy moderately priced meals in a vibrant atmosphere. Address: 229 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012. Phone: +1 212-625-2002.
• Pique y Pase Pepin — Spanish · rated 4.3/5: Located at 95-40 Roosevelt Ave in Elmhurst, Pique y Pase Pepin is a charming spot known for its delicious cuisine and welcoming atmosphere. With a solid 4.3 rating from over 110 reviews, this restaurant has delighted patrons for years. Open daily, with 24-hour service on weekends, it's perfect for both family outings and group gatherings. Highlight dishes like the Fritada with Rice receive high praise, reflecting the quality and flavor that keeps customers coming back.
• El Castillo De Jagua Restaurant — Spanish · rated 4.3/5: Nestled in the heart of the Lower East Side, El Castillo De Jagua Restaurant is a long-standing gem offering a delightful mix of Spanish and Caribbean cuisine. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the menu's highlights include Cuban sandwiches, mofongo, and pernil, with ample vegetarian options. Popular for its satisfying portions and casual atmosphere, this spot promises fast service and friendly staff. Call +1 212-982-6412 for reservations.
• The Spaniard — Spanish · rated 4.2/5: Stepping into The Spaniard feels like a vibrant escape to a bustling Seville plaza, where the warm glow of amber lights and the rhythmic sizzle of the open kitchen create an atmosphere of effortless Mediterranean charm. The air is thick with the fragrance of garlic-infused olive oil and toasted saffron, setting the stage for a feast of salt-kissed seafood and rich, smoky charcuterie that dances across the palate. It is a place where time slows down over shared carafes of deep red wine, inviting guests to linger long into the evening amidst the soulful spirit of authentic Spanish hospitality.
• Tio Pepe — Spanish · rated 4.2/5: Nestled in the heart of Greenwich Village, Tio Pepe offers a delightful blend of traditional and fusion Spanish tapas. With a laid-back, romantic ambiance, it's perfect for brunch, lunch, dinner, and late-night bites. Enjoy crowd favorites like paella, tacos, and margaritas. Featuring happy hour specials, live music, and outdoor seating, Tio Pepe ensures a memorable dining experience for all.
• Local 92 — Middle Eastern · rated 4.1/5: Nestled in trendy Nolita, Local 92 offers a Mediterranean and Israeli culinary experience complemented by a full bar. Highlights include shakshuka, paella, and a tasting menu, plus happy hour specials from 11 AM to 5 PM. With cozy decor and a welcoming vibe, it's perfect for brunch or dinner with children. Enjoy diverse seating, great staff, and dishes for $20-30 at 244 Mulberry St, New York.
• Popular — Spanish · rated 4.1/5: Located in the trendy Bowery, this chic hotel restaurant serves authentic, globally inspired Peruvian cuisine from breakfast through dinner. Guests rave about the ceviche, lomo saltado, and pisco drinks. The cozy, casual atmosphere features counter and table service, with attentive waitstaff ensuring a delightful dining experience. Perfect for groups and families, yet also ideal for a quiet weekday getaway.
• Clandestino — Spanish · rated 4/5: Tucked away like a well-kept secret, Clandestino envelops guests in a moody, candlelit sanctuary where velvet accents and low-slung shadows invite intimate conversation. The kitchen crafts a tapestry of bold, imaginative flavors that dance across the palate, paired with artisanal cocktails to create a dining experience that feels both illicit and utterly refined.
• Tomiño — Spanish · rated 4/5: Tomiño transports diners to the rugged coast of Galicia with its sun-drenched, rustic-chic dining room where the clinking of wine glasses and the hum of a lively crowd fill the air. The open kitchen sends out plates of tender octopus dusted with smoky paprika and golden, flaky empanadas that pair perfectly with a chilled glass of crisp Albariño. It is a vibrant celebration of Northern Spanish tradition, where every bite captures the essence of the Atlantic breeze and the warmth of a communal feast.
• Dominican Cravings — Spanish · rated 4/5: Nestled in the bustling Essex Market, Dominican Cravings brings the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean to New York City. With a 4-star rating from 44 reviews, this gem serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a variety of traditional Dominican dishes, including their famous empanadas. The restaurant boasts outdoor seating and a welcoming ambiance, perfect for families. With convenient service options like dine-in, takeout, and delivery, and accepting credit, debit, and NFC payments, Dominican Cravings promises a delightful culinary experience. Whether you're a local or a visitor, come savor the taste of the Caribbean at 76 Essex Street.
• La Paella — Spanish · rated 3.5/5: Nestled in the heart of Manhattan's East Village at 214 E 9th St, New York, La Paella offers a delightful taste of Spain. This cozy restaurant serves up an array of flavorful tapas and refreshing sangrias, perfect for a romantic evening or a special occasion. The charming decor, featuring dimly lit candles and unique touches, creates a warm atmosphere where you can savor their renowned paella and delectable appetizers. Join them for an unforgettable dining experience in a quaint, inviting setting.
• Despaña — Spanish · rated 3/5: This vibrant Spanish enclave pulses with the savory aroma of aged Ibérico ham and piquant chorizo, drawing guests into a space that feels like a bustling Madrid market. Artisanal bocadillos take center stage, featuring crusty bread piled high with everything from golden wedges of traditional tortilla to delicate bonito and honey-drizzled Mallorquín specialties. Each bite offers a transportive journey through Spain’s rich culinary landscape, blending rustic tradition with a lively, contemporary energy.
• Boqueria Soho — Spanish: Boqueria Soho captures the electric energy of a Barcelona market, where the clinking of sangria glasses and the sizzle of the open kitchen create a lively, communal pulse. Guests gather around marble counters to share plates of crispy patatas bravas and acorn-fed jamón while the aroma of saffron-scented paella wafts through the sun-drenched, modern space. This spirited destination transforms an evening out into a festive celebration of bold Spanish flavors and urban sophistication.
• Nudibranch — Korean: Bathed in a moody, industrial glow, this East Village standout hums with a restless energy that mirrors its daring approach to globally-inspired fare. The kitchen weaves together Korean soul and Spanish flair to create punchy, avant-garde plates where fermented funk meets refined technique, all served in a space that feels like a high-fashion underground party. Every visit is a sensory exploration, pairing boundary-pushing cocktails with a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates the art of the unexpected.
• Tio Pepe — Spanish: Tio Pepe pulses with a convivial energy, inviting guests to linger over a vibrant tapestry of small plates that celebrate bold, sun-drenched flavors. The air carries the enticing aroma of sizzling chorizo and golden, crisp empanadas, while every table becomes a communal feast of creamy guacamole, savory stuffed dates, and tender meatballs in rich broth. It is a spirited retreat where the joy of sharing transforms a simple meal into a lingering celebration of Mediterranean and Latin-inspired soul.
• Dominican Cravings — Spanish: Sun-drenched flavors and the rhythmic energy of the Caribbean come alive in this vibrant space, where the savory scent of slow-roasted pernil and garlic-infused plantains fills the air. Each plate is a soulful celebration of Dominican heritage, offering comforting textures of golden-fried tostones and rich, simmered stews that transport diners to the heart of a bustling Santo Domingo kitchen.
• Empanadas Soho — Spanish: Tucked into the vibrant pulse of the neighborhood, this stylish eatery transforms the humble empanada into a gourmet art form with golden, hand-crimped crusts that shatter to reveal steaming, aromatic fillings. The intimate space hums with urban energy, inviting guests to linger over artisanal bites where traditional Latin flavors meet the chic, modern spirit of Soho.
• Tio Pio — Spanish: The air at Tio Pio is thick with the savory perfume of slow-roasted rotisserie chicken, drawing guests into a bright, bustling space that hums with the energy of a neighborhood favorite. Golden-skinned poultry takes center stage, served alongside heaps of fluffy yellow rice and seasoned beans that capture the soulful essence of traditional Latin comfort cooking. It is a vibrant urban retreat where the warmth of the hospitality matches the hearty, sun-drenched flavors on every plate, offering a true taste of home-style craftsmanship.
• Favela Cubana — Spanish: Stepping into this vibrant sanctuary feels like a spirited escape to the heart of Havana, where the air pulses with rhythmic beats and the intoxicating aroma of garlic-rubbed roast pork. Sun-drenched flavors shine through every plate of traditional Caribbean soul food, perfectly complemented by hand-shaken mojitos and a rustic, colorful atmosphere that captures the soulful warmth of a tropical celebration.
• Charrua Uruguayan Restaurant — Spanish: The scent of wood-smoke and sizzling meats fills the air at Charrua, where the flickering glow of the parrilla creates a rustic, soulful sanctuary rooted in South American tradition. Prime cuts of beef are kissed by open flames and served alongside vibrant, herb-flecked chimichurri, while comforting classics like the towering chivito sandwich showcase the bold, heart-warming flavors of the Rio de la Plata. It is a place where time slows down over glasses of robust Tannat, inviting guests to linger in the warm, convivial embrace of authentic Uruguayan hospitality.
• Empanada Mama — Spanish: This vibrant, high-energy haunt pulses with a festive spirit, drawing guests in with the irresistible aroma of golden, deep-fried pastry and zesty Latin spices. Hand-pressed empanadas arrive piping hot and shatteringly crisp, revealing a world of savory fillings that range from classic comfort to bold, global inspirations in every steaming bite.
• Tina's Cuban Cuisine — Spanish: The air at Tina’s Cuban Cuisine is thick with the intoxicating scent of garlic butter and slow-roasted pernil, drawing guests into a vibrant space where soulful Caribbean flavors take center stage. Crispy, golden chicken empanadas and tender, wine-braised oxtail offer a comforting taste of tradition, perfectly complemented by the savory richness of classic ropa vieja and zesty, spice-kissed vegetables. This bustling culinary escape captures the heart of Havana, serving up hearty, aromatic plates that feel like a warm and welcoming home-cooked embrace.
• Boni & Mott — Italian: Boni & Mott captures the essence of a sun-drenched coastal escape, where the vibrant, salt-kissed flavors of the Mediterranean are elevated by refined culinary artistry. Glistening plates of hamachi crudo and tender, charred octopus give way to the comforting warmth of fragrant seafood paella and citrus-glazed lamb, creating a sensory journey that feels both sophisticated and soulfully relaxed.