VIBE

Mercat gets the tapas-appropriate details just right: an exposed kitchen, a chef’s counter (for learning and tasting), a cheese and jamón station, and a wine loft. The spirited crowd congregates either in the hidden basement lounge or in the exposed-brick-and-white-tile dining room. Small plates like the patatas bravas and chocolate-dipped crispy churros (or xurros in Catalan) are irresistible to the point of being hard to share.

CROWD

Friends out for a fun dinner, date-night couples, and true tapas fans.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Go casual with a hint of sophistication; try a smart black long-sleeve top and skirt with nice heels and some colorful bangles.

GO HERE WITH

A small group of friends (who share your taste in food and don’t mind eating family style); significant other; a Spanish tapas enthusiast

WHY WE LIKE IT

We appreciate the spaciousness and the clean, modern feel (as opposed to the cluttered “Old Spain” look of so many other tapas restaurants). It’s one of the few spots in Manhattan for delicious Catalonian tapas.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Twice when we’ve come on the late side, key menu items have been sold out.

GOOD TO KNOW

Mercat means “market” in Catalan; the cuisine is inspired by the markets of Barcelona (Catalonia’s capital city and owner Jaime Reixach's hometown). You will probably have the best experience here if you eat family style (if you’re on a date, the shared plates make for a great conversation starter).

CLOSEST COMPS

Boqueria (New York); Tía Pol (New York)