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Toledo Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Toledo Restaurant
7.8
Toledo is a classic Spanish restaurant near Murray Hill that leans into white tablecloths, wood accents, and big-format paellas rather than hyper-modern design. It’s the move when you want gambas al ajillo, sangria, and a sharing-style seafood spread in a room that feels frozen in an earlier era of Midtown fine dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood paella a la marinera, Mariscada in green sauce, Gambas al ajillo
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Old-school Spanish dining room built around paella and mariscada platters.
Who should go: Groups sharing classic Spanish seafood and sangria.
When to visit: Weekend dinners for lively room; weekdays for quieter meals.
What to order: Seafood paella, mariscada, gambas al ajillo.
Insider tip: Order paella early; it takes time and is best for the table to share.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option in the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are fine, but polished looks match the room best.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak hours but still easy to hold a full conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a very short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several tapas, vegetable paellas, and eggplant-based dishes.
Vegan options: Limited — some vegetable tapas and modified paella options.
Gluten-free options: Certain seafood, grilled meats, and rice dishes are naturally gluten-free; confirm with the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you prefer classic romance over trendy flash — the shared plates and warm lighting make it easy to linger and talk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays and early evenings, but reservations are strongly recommended for weekend dinners and groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy seafood and rice dishes, though the vibe skews adult and evening-focused.
Best For
Better for: Big-format paella feasts, classic Spanish flavors, and an old-school Midtown fine-dining atmosphere.
Skip if: If you want modern tapas bar energy, avant-garde Spanish cooking, or a nightlife-driven scene.
Toledo Restaurant
8.2
Toledo is a long-running Spanish and Basque restaurant in Murray Hill, known for multi-room interiors and several traditional private dining spaces used for banquets and family celebrations. The cooking leans old-school—think paellas, shellfish, and classic roasts—served with a generous, slightly nostalgic hospitality style.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood paella, Gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), Roast lamb or suckling pig special
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Old-school Spanish banquet rooms with big, shareable plates and flexible menus.
Who should go: Groups wanting classic paella and pitchers at long tables
When to visit: Weekend evenings when celebrations fill the back rooms
What to order: Seafood paella, garlic shrimp, roast lamb
Insider tip: Ask about set-price banquet menus to simplify ordering for large parties.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Murray Hill; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option after 5pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans are fine, but groups often dress slightly nicer for celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — front rooms are conversational, back banquet rooms get louder during parties.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer for large groups
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable tapas, tortilla española, salads, and rice-based dishes can work well.
Vegan options: Limited — some vegetable tapas and roasted vegetable sides, but few fully vegan mains.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many seafood, grilled meats, and rice dishes are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide safely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual chemistry than romance — the room leans lively and traditional rather than intimate or trendy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays or early evenings, but reservations are strongly recommended for weekends and groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-style menus, familiar flavors, and flexible service make it comfortable for kids 6 and up.
Best For
Better for: Large group celebrations, classic Spanish comfort food, and true old-school private dining rooms.
Skip if: You want a modern tapas bar, a quiet romantic date spot, or cutting-edge Spanish cuisine.
Toledo Restaurant
8.4
A Murray Hill institution since 1975, Toledo delivers old-world Spanish elegance with white-tablecloth service and classic preparations. The dining room adorned with Spanish artifacts from Toledo, Sevilla, and Galicia transports guests to continental Spain, while the kitchen produces paella Valenciana, claypot red snapper, and garlic lobster with commendable consistency.
Must-Try Dishes:
Paella Valenciana, Red Snapper in Clay Pot, Garlic Lobster
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Nearly 50 years of serving authentic Spanish cuisine with staff who have been there for decades
Who should go: Traditionalists seeking old-school Spanish fine dining
When to visit: Weekday dinner for quiet ambiance and attentive service
What to order: Paella Valenciana, red snapper in clay pot, chorizo
Insider tip: Request the bartender Fernando for classic sangria preparation
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on E 36th between 5th and Madison; nearby garages on 37th St average $25-35 for 2 hours. No valet service.
Dress code: Business casual to dressy. Jackets appreciated but not required; this is old-school white-tablecloth dining where guests tend to dress up.
Noise level: Quiet - easily hold conversation. Often described as 'serene' with soft music; ideal for intimate discussion.
Weekend wait: Reservations recommended but rarely a long wait; restaurant often has availability same-day
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; popular for quiet business lunches near Morgan Library
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - gazpacho, Spanish tortilla, vegetable sides; not a strength of the traditional menu
Vegan options: Very limited - salads and vegetable preparations available upon request; call ahead
Gluten-free options: Accommodating - seafood and meat dishes naturally GF; staff knowledgeable about modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice. The quiet, elegant atmosphere allows real conversation, and the formal service creates occasion without pressure. White tablecloths and Spanish artifacts set a romantic tone without being stuffy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially weeknights. The restaurant rarely fills completely despite its quality - it's genuinely a hidden gem. Call ahead for Saturday dinner to be safe.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. No children's menu, formal atmosphere, and dishes designed for adult palates. Better suited for teens who appreciate fine dining. Consider for special family celebrations with older children.
How does it compare to other Spanish restaurants in Manhattan? Toledo offers a more traditional, continental Spanish experience versus trendy tapas spots. Expect tableside service and full entrees rather than small plates. It's closer to dining in Madrid circa 1985 than modern Barcelona.
Is it worth the price? For the quality of ingredients and attentive service, yes - though portions are traditional rather than generous. The experience and ambiance justify the spend for special occasions. Lunch offers better value than dinner.
Best For
Better for: Celebrating milestones with someone who appreciates classic Spanish cuisine, quiet business dinners near Grand Central, or impressing guests who value old-world service over trendy scenes
Skip if: You want lively tapas energy, Instagram-worthy plating, or adventurous modern Spanish cuisine - head to Socarrat or Boqueria instead