VIBE

Relief from the teeming metropolis can be found at this attractive, country tapas eatery—perfect for good wine and friend-gathering fun. The walls are painted in rich dandelion gold, and the rustic two-tiered dining area, exposed brick, glowing candlelight, and wooden chandelier give diners a warm place in which to feast. The menu offers many small plates specializing in Spanish flavors, but the execution leans more towards refined dining than rowdy tapas bar. The entrance boasts a long bar where patrons can sip and snack at leisure, while further back the high-ceilinged main dining room exudes a romantic air. For more private dining, seats can also be found in a smaller upstairs recess or a larger balcony-framed one further back.

CROWD

Tapas enthusiasts, wine lovers, romantic daters, and chatty friends.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

A fun blouse with designer jeans or black pants with heels would fit with the upscale casual vibe.

GO HERE WITH

Significant other; a date; friends

WHY WE LIKE IT

The second floor offers natural sunlight and privacy fit for an intimate date, plus a great people-watching perch with a view of the first floor. Even when the place gets packed, the romance factor never falters.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The service is off and on, which could turn a nice evening a bit sour.

GOOD TO KNOW

Be sure to bring either an American Express card or cash, which are the only forms of payment accepted. Also, the plates are on the smaller side, so you’ll want to order a fair number of dishes to be fully satisfied. If you’re in a group, try ordering a few dishes at a time in order to cut the wait time between servings.

CLOSEST COMPS

Casa Mono (New York); Mercat (New York)

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