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Ernesto's
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Ernesto's
8.8
Ernesto's is a Michelin-recognized Basque restaurant at the foot of the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, pairing refined small plates with a deep Spanish wine list. The room leans energetic and design-forward, making it a strong choice for couples or small groups looking for serious Spanish cooking in a lively setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gilda skewers with tuna and guindilla peppers, House-made potato chips with jamón Ibérico, Basque cheesecake
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Basque small plates and serious Spanish wines in a buzzy room.
Who should go: Couples and groups chasing upscale Spanish Basque cooking.
When to visit: Prime evenings for full energy; early for calmer pacing.
What to order: Gilda skewers, jamón Ibérico chips, Basque cheesecake.
Insider tip: Start at the bar for snacks and wine before a longer meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Two Bridges, especially near the bridge entrances; expect competitive metered spots and rely on rideshare or nearby paid garages on Market or Pike Street.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished; dark denim is fine, but most guests opt for elevated tops, dresses, or jackets.
Noise level: Lively, especially during peak hours; conversations are doable but expect a high-energy dining room rather than a quiet one.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, though bar spots sometimes open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable as Ernesto’s focuses primarily on dinner service; early-evening walk-ins tend to be smoother.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate selection; several vegetable-forward Basque small plates and cheeses work well.
Vegan options: Limited; a couple of vegetable dishes may apply, but the menu leans heavily on seafood and dairy.
Gluten-free options: Good options for gluten-sensitive diners, especially among seafood and pintxos; the team is familiar with GF needs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want high energy and refined food. The room’s buzz adds excitement, though it’s not ideal if you prefer quiet, intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly early in the evening or late at night; the bar is your best bet for walk-ins. Peak times require reservations.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults; no dedicated kids’ menu, tight seating, and a louder evening crowd make it less suited for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Elevated Basque cooking, Spanish wines, and a design-forward room that feels celebratory.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, broad vegan options, or a budget-friendly tapas night.
Ernesto's
8.2
Ernesto's brings a Basque-inspired menu and serious wine program to a calmer stretch of East Broadway, with a dining room that feels more like a European cafe than a typical downtown spot. Guests build meals from pintxos-style small plates and larger seafood and meat dishes, often pairing them with sherry and Spanish bottles.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tortilla española, Boquerones and gildas, Whole grilled fish
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Basque cooking and sherry-friendly plates in a room that feels equal parts neighborhood and destination.
Who should go: Wine-minded diners who enjoy lingering over shared plates.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours or later seatings for a slower, more grown-up pace.
What to order: Tortilla española, gildas and boquerones, a whole grilled fish to share.
Insider tip: Ask the staff to build a sherry or Spanish wine progression around what you order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on East Broadway; meter spots open up after 7pm but can be competitive. No valet or garage directly attached, but there are paid lots along Madison and Pike within a 5–7 minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual with a slight lean polished; elevated jeans and a button-down or a simple dress fit the room’s European café vibe.
Noise level: Moderate—lively during peak hours but still comfortable for full-table conversation, especially at later seatings.
Weekend wait: 20–45 minutes without a reservation; bar seats may open faster.
Weekday lunch: Service is dinner-only, so no lunch hours to consider.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward Basque dishes and pintxos are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—most plates rely on seafood, eggs, or dairy, so expect 1–2 vegan-friendly options.
Gluten-free options: Moderately friendly—many seafood and meat dishes are gluten-free by nature; staff can advise on safe substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, polished service, and shareable Basque plates create an intimate but not overly formal setting. The wine program adds a natural conversation anchor.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays and later seatings. On weekends, walk-ins should expect a wait unless arriving early; bar dining is the best bet for quick seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—the space skews adult, with later hours, a strong wine focus, and tight table spacing. Older teens might enjoy the food, but it’s not ideal for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Wine-driven dinners, sherry pairings, and refined Basque plates in a calmer downtown location compared to louder LES hot spots.
Skip if: You want a large menu with many dietary accommodations, or you prefer louder, more social energy typical of other trendy LES restaurants.