Best Spanish Restaurants in East Village (10003)
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Casa Mono
Michelin-star Spanish raciones with serious technique.
Notable Picks
#1
Casa Mono
8.8
The neighborhood’s Michelin-star tapas benchmark, drawing on Costa Brava traditions with a New York sense of energy and precision. Dishes feel both rustic and exacting—seafood, offal, and vegetables treated with confidence—served in a tight, buzzy room that rewards repeat visits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Uni with lobster sofrito, Pig ear salad, Seasonal fideuà or paella-style rice
What makes it special: Michelin-star Spanish raciones with serious technique.
#2
Nudibranch
8.1
A Michelin-recognized East Village spot where chefs Matthew Lee and Jeff Kim fold subtle Spanish technique into a Korean-leaning seasonal menu. Expect meticulous small plates with bright acids, smoke, and spice, plus a thoughtful wine pairing program in a cozy, understated room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mushroom course with egg yolk, Raw scallops with seaweed crackers, Frog legs in ginger-lemongrass batter
What makes it special: Korean-Spanish crosscurrent cooking with Michelin-level finesse.
#3
Bar Jamón
8.0
A lively by-the-glass and jamón-focused tapas bar that works as its own destination, not just a Casa Mono overflow. The menu hits classic comforts—salt-cured meats, garlicky seafood, crisp potatoes—ideal for graze-and-sip evenings near Union Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jamón ibérico tasting, Pan con tomate, Octopus a la plancha
What makes it special: A jamón-and-sherry-forward hangout with real Spanish soul.