Best Spanish Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn (11201)
4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
La Vara
Michelin-recognized Spanish tapas spotlighting the Moorish and Jewish influences in Spain.
Notable Picks
#1
La Vara
8.9
La Vara is a Cobble Hill Spanish restaurant from chefs Alex Raij and Eder Montero, serving tapas that weave together Moorish, Jewish, and regional Spanish flavors. Since 2012 it has drawn citywide attention, including Michelin Guide recognition, for thoughtful small plates and a cozy, brick-lined dining room that works especially well for date nights. Plates are polished and memorable, with a wine list that rewards lingering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garbanzos fritos, Salpicon Pontevedra shrimp salad, Torrijas Spanish-style French toast
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized Spanish tapas spotlighting the Moorish and Jewish influences in Spain.
8.1
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
El Nuevo Cibao on Smith Street serves hearty Dominican and Spanish plates in a narrow, always-in-motion dining room. Regulars rely on it for mofongo, stewed meats, and seafood dishes that arrive in generous portions at fair prices. It feels more like a neighborhood canteen than a formal restaurant, but the food keeps locals returning for weeknight dinners and casual celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mofongo with pork, Camarones al ajillo, Mangu con los tres golpes
What makes it special: Dominican-Spanish comfort dishes and mofongo served in big, satisfying portions.
8.0
Portal Latino is a compact Smith Street spot known for roast pork, Cuban sandwiches, and a long menu of Dominican and Spanish-leaning comfort food. Counter-style energy, a small bar, and steady takeout traffic make it more of an everyday stop than a linger-all-night destination. It’s a strong value play when you want savory plates, rice, and plantains without spending much.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cuban sandwich, Roast pork (pernil) platter, Bistec encebollado
What makes it special: Everyday Dominican and Spanish plates, sandwiches, and empanadas at wallet-friendly prices.
Worthy Picks
#4
Tio Pio
7.6
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Tio Pio is a Downtown Brooklyn steam-table and grill blending Spanish, Latin, and American diner staples for fast, build-your-own plates. The space is strictly functional, but the appeal is hot trays of roast meats, rice, beans, and vegetables that move quickly at lunch. It’s more about speed, portion size, and options than about destination atmospherics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Build Your Meal platter with roast meats, Oxtail stew, Spanish omelette sandwich
What makes it special: High-volume steam-table operation where you can customize big Latin plates fast.