Also called small plates, tapas are appetizer-size samples of food. This style of dining originated in Spain, where tapas are usually eaten with a glass of wine. In other culinary traditions they may be called canapés, snacks or hors d'oeuvres. Tapas bars are scattered across Manhattan and the outer boroughs. Some of these casual restaurants exclusively serve small plates, while others have full menus.
La Nacional is the oldest Spanish restaurant in New York City. It opened in 1868 as a social club and was part of what was once known as Little Spain. The casual restaurant has an extensive tapas menu and also offers paellas and a full dinner menu. Both hot and cold tapas are offered and include vegetarian selections, seafood and meat. Daily lunch specials feature an entrée and soup or salad. Wine is available by the glass or the bottle. The short beer list includes both imported and American beers. La Nacional is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.
La Nacional
239 W. 14th St.
New York, NY 10011
(212) 243-9308
lanacionaltapas.com
This upscale casual restaurant on New York's Upper West Side is open daily for dinner. The lengthy tapas menu includes vegetable dishes, seafood and meat. Diners can assemble their own plate of cheeses for a fixed price. Wine can be ordered by the quartino (250ml) or the bottle, and the wine list leans toward Spanish selections. The restaurant does not offer a full menu, focusing instead on small plates and wine. Reservations are not taken. Casual attire is acceptable.
Buceo 95
201 W. 95th St.
New York, NY 10025
(212) 662-7010
buceo95.com
Pasita is named after a fortified banana wine that's produced in Venezuela. Pizza, tapas and salads are the only menu items at this West Side eatery. Paspalos (traditional Venezuelan tapas), include yucca fries, fried plantains and cheeses from Spain and Portugal. Pizza is thin-crust and baked in a brick oven. Toppings are organic and locally sourced. The wine list exclusively features wines from Spain, Portugal, Uruguay, Argentina and Venezuela. Wine is available by the glass or the bottle. Beer is available by the bottle. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner and is closed on Mondays. Casual dress is appropriate.
Pasita
47 Eighth Ave.
New York, NY 10014
(212) 255-3900
pasitanyc.com
Solera, located in mid-town Manhattan, serves regional Spanish cuisine. The wine list is devoted exclusively to Spanish wines. Tapas selections range from vegetable choices to seafood. Two tasting platters offer a sampling of cold tapas or cheeses. The restaurant has a full menu in addition to the tapas menu. Entrees include organic duck, tenderloin and grilled salmon. Solera is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, serves only dinner on Saturday, and is closed on Sunday. Reservations are not taken for the tapas bar. You can reserve a table in the dining room by telephone or at the restaurant's website. Dressy casual attire is appropriate.
Solera
216 E. 53rd St.
New York, NY 10022
(212) 644-1166
solerany.com
