Tapas Restaurants near Englewood, NJ

“First rate service! Very nice wine selection! The food...! I ordered the filet mignon and I could cut it with the wrong side of the knife! Cooked to perfection! Creme Brulee was very good! The atmosphere was cozy! Five out of Five!!“

“Here's the review Spencer wrote for you: My family and I just visited to celebrate my grandsons birthday- we like to get a bunch of plates and share family style and this menu was perfect for that. You have to get mezze and extra bread (must try the kubane). We also ended up getting three orders of the shishbarak for the six of us, it is way too good! I got the salmon for my entree which was cooked to perfection and beautifully seasoned. Spencer our server recommended the silan and the cheesecake for dessert so we shared those and boy were they something special- I can’t pick a favorite! He brought us a candle and we got some great pictures. I can’t recommend this restaurant enough.“

“I’m visiting my mom from Los Angeles, and as we planned a night out together, I wanted to support a local spot. There’s always something new whenever I return home, and this time it was Chez Messy, just around the corner from the 157th Street train station. Perched up upon a small staircase, this two-floor restaurant is intimate, cozy, and deeply sultry.

Nestled in the heart of Uptown New York City, a neighborhood known for its Dominican roots and growing diversity, Chez Messy shines as a Spanish Caribbean infused gem that took my breath away. The space feels both refined and familiar, elegant yet soulful. As I sat waiting for my mother, I opened the menu, and immediately everything called my name.

Our server Joshua was an absolute delight, attentive, kind, and confident in every recommendation. Antonio, the owner and floor manager, greeted us with charm and poise. Dressed in a sharp suit, he exuded pride and grace, the embodiment of someone who deeply loves what he has created. What touched me most was realizing that this Spanish Caribbean dream of a restaurant is owned and operated by Dominicans. As someone who has traveled the world and eaten in countless hidden gems tucked along cobblestone streets, I can say this place holds its own among the best.

We started with a crisp glass of Albariño and dove into the pulpo and mofonguitos filled with ropa vieja. Let me start by saying I’m not typically a red meat superfan, but that evening I was completely transformed. The ropa vieja was tender, savory, juicy, and full of flavor. The plantain cups that held it were subtly sweet, creating a beautiful harmony between bold and delicate notes.

The pulpo was perfection, tender octopus paired with a light touch of vinegar and oil, thinly sliced onions, capers, and cherry tomatoes that burst like little jewels of freshness. It was bright, balanced, and refreshing, a perfect prelude to what would become an unforgettable meal.

Then came a surprise from Antonio, the avocado salad and batatas bravas, further inviting us into the full Chez Messy experience. I’ve had batatas bravas in Spain and beyond, but these were divine. Perfectly crisp on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, with seasoning that danced on the palate. The avocado salad was heaven itself, silky avocado paired with slivers of almonds and a hint of citrus, perhaps grapefruit, creating a beautifully layered bite that was both rich and refreshing.

By the time our entrée arrived, filet mignon and shrimp in cream sauce, medium rare, we were already swept away. The filet was tender and bursting with flavor, the shrimp perfectly cooked, and the cream sauce was so delicious that I found myself tempted to lick the plate.

Everything about our experience at Chez Messy was divine, from the impeccable service to the romantic, dark, and dreamy ambiance, the vibrant music that moved through the air, and the drinks that sparkled as much as the conversation.

Chez Messy is where you go when you want great food in a wonderful location, when you want to feel inspired, seen, and transported. It is a love letter to Spanish Caribbean flavor and Dominican pride, wrapped in elegance and joy.

This place deserves to be full every night, though a part of me secretly wants to keep it all to myself.“

“This is a wonderful tapas bar! Easy to get to. We stopped at Bonsaii for lunch. The menu is delightful, our server, Laura, was very attentive and knowledgeable. We ordered items based on her recommendations, I'm glad we did! Delicious choices!! Beef empanadas, a flatbread, and a shrimp dish with toast points. We will definitely return! Quaint spot.“

“If you appreciate fusion sushi, I highly recommend giving this establishment a try. Their all-you-can-eat sushi on Mondays is an excellent option for a refined dining experience. The ambiance was truly wonderful. I visited on a Monday evening with my family, including children, and everything was impeccable. Our server, Patria, provided exceptional service. I requested the Knicks game to be displayed on the television, and she promptly accommodated my request. My personal favorites among the sushi selections were the Volcano roll and the Mar Y Tierra.“

“We held our 63rd reunion here and it was perfect. Food and service perfect. Those who live in the area will be back. Grazie Frank!!!“

“delicious food and drinks menu. service was attentive too.“

“Superb experience , great food, prompt service, moderate prices...very enjoyable and well worth the money“

“The food is delicious and the service remarkably and memorably friendly and attentive without being overbearing. We started with the brussels, which have a sweet vinaigrette dressing and are cooked perfectly. The ribs were meaty, not fatty, with flavorful spicing. The corn and cheese is a surprise --- on the cob, but with chili powder. But the highlight was the kimchi fried rice, a uniquely delicious and satisfying dish topped by a perfectly poached egg. We closed the main courses with seafood kalguksu, a slightly spicy noodle soup with all kinds of seafood. Best seafood broth ever. Period Every other table had the black sesame bread pudding, so we decided to try it. They were right. Don't think about the huge volume of butter involved. All in all, small plates with huge flavors served by a wonderful wait team. Thanks Gurumé.“

“We dined in. Three people. Ordered two main items, soda, and a cocktail. $100+tip. Food took one hour to arrive.Food was OK. There was only one server, very friendly but it was very hard to get their attention before or after food arrived.
I love neighborhood places and would support them fully but I am not sure how pricey they should be and how much service should I expect, with or without this pricetag.“

“Delicious! Friendly service.“

“Quaint, charming cafe on the top floor of the Nordstrom NYC flagship store. Across the street from Carnegie Hall it's perfect for a before concert dinner ; not fussy or pretentious just good food presented by a caring, professional staff.“

“We couldn’t visit NYC without stopping by to see our favorite bartender, Karen (not Karen) at the Shoe Bar in Nordstrom. She’s an absolute gem—lovely, friendly, and a true ambassador for Nordstrom. And on top of all that, she mixes a hell of a drink! It's been such a pleasure knowing her for over 4 years.“

“You get what you pay for in the best possible way. The meal quality was high and priced fairly for the serving size. Their cooking reflected true expertise. The meal and staff exceeded expectations. We plan to come back at our first opportunity!“

“Excellent Thanksgiving Dinner! Excellent Serice by Issac. Terrific Food. Highly Recommend“

“Spanish Harlem is what it is but this place wants to upscale what is in the area rather than replacing. There are locals there AND the beauty of a restaurant trying to stand out.

I hope this will become a destination while hiring staff locally.

Hiccups? Sure.“

“Great service and a wonderful frose“

“El restaurante es hermoso, excelente atencion, comida deliciosa y buena musica. El lugar es muy armonioso“

“Excelente local admiración por la rica comida y la dedicación de los meseros la chica es excepcional me quedo con este local para cuando vuelva a nyc“

“We walked in, there were no tables in the restaurant but we were given a table in the bar area (which was completely fine and we appreciated it!).

It was very busy but the staff were amazing. They gave us recommendations on meals and also made drinks that weren’t on the menu.

We had the burger which was very nice and the fries were amazing.

The crispy potatoes and shishitos and also crispy prawns. Everything was amazing.

Would definitely recommend“

“Great location; close to Metro North. Quality Food, Service and Friendly Staff😀“

“Great food, well priced happy hour and great service!“

“I have been to Bistro Taino several times including for a special birthday dinner and it never disappoints. Tonight I went with some coworkers and as always everything was so good. We shared the crabmeat empanadas and each had the bifongo as entrees with chicken, steak, and seafood. We also shared the coconut tembleque for dessert. Special shout out to our server, Arianni, she was amazing! Friendly, attentive, and personable. Great service, food and ambiance, can’t ask for more. Thank you Bistro Taino for always making it a great experience.“

“Love their food. Everything I've had there is so tasty. I'm disappointed that they changed their fried potatoes. They are more like a bag of chips now, otherwise no complaints.“

“Friendly, efficient, professional service from (Marlon) and owner (Alex). Delicious tapas included Albondigas, Camarones en Salsa De Mango, and Tortilla Española (that potato/cheese/onion treat ) Oh - and the ginormous Land and Sea Paella was superb. Add a coupla glasses of their Lovely Logos Cab, and — just WOW!“

“😊La Giaconda is a friendly restaurant with authentic Italian cuisine. We had a small family Christmas Dinner there and were treated like family. They have an extensive wine list and delicious food.“

“Loved the food and cocktail menu. You can tell that the establishment knows their food, wine, etc and it comes off in the drinks and food!“

“The decor at Victors Cafe was absolutely stunning! I was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful and classy it felt, with a wonderful tropical vibe. Our waiter was truly phenomenal, constantly checking in on us and being incredibly attentive. And the food and desserts were simply amazing. I highly recommend paying a visit to Victors Cafe for an all-around fantastic experience!“

“Went there for dinner with friends. The place is cozy and homey. The foods were delish. I really like spicy cucumber. It’s tasty and refreshing. Service was awesome. The servers are very attentive. I definitely come back to try others menu.“

“The food is good and service is excellent. We had the price fixe“

“Wow place was amazing, food was delicious , service was excellent. Place is a must come back to for all occasions. music and dancing is also an extra.“

“The BEST place - I always order the 4 options of amazing tapas dips/ spreads with pita. Perfect when having people over, and always a hit at a potluck party. (And surprisingly affordable!!!) The atmosphere is romantic/ fun and yet still easy and casual.“

“This place is authentic Brazilian rodizio with great meat selection insane salad bar with seafood and salad and Fejoada .we loved it excellent staff and the owners are hands on we dined on Friday and it was very busy but drinks came right away tasty caipirinia .We loved espresso martinis and my friend ordered chocolate martini yummm .Highly recommending .we took our time and we werent chased away from table .Very accommodating staff .Thank You and good luck“

“Consistently excellent food - the quality of the ingredients used is unfailing and far higher than what I’ve come to expect from a sandwich shop. My favorite place to get sandwiches/wraps in the neighborhood.

I have been meaning to stop in for a drink and try their korean food in the speakeasy (so I can’t review to that portion of the menu but would expect greatness).“

“💥💥💥💥💥 Just discovered a gem! Can’t wait to return. Tucked in on Columbus Av. betw 106/107. Best Mexican food I’ve yet to find in the city. I had the fish tacos! Excellente! Also the best sangria. Our server, Carol, was wonderful. And she gave me a delicious flan desert and everyone sang happy birthday. Thank you Carol and everyone! See you soon!“

“Amazing food and very friendly! Our waiter was a hoot and made the atmosphere even more entertaining and inviting. Thanks for showing this Tennessee gal- your Mediterranean ways 🤤😄“

“Reserved a table for two earlier in the day for a bite to eat before a show. Was told on arrival if we wanted seats with backs we would have to sit IN the bar area. I opted to not sit in the bar (as it was very crowded and loud) and was given a table without seat backs (as I expected) , but, 4 tables around me were empty the whole time we were there that had the seats with backs. Was just as noisy where I was seated and it was hard eating with a coat and pocketbook balanced on my lap. Food was decent, but the steak sandwich was way toochewy“

“Porta 23 is a small, nice place in Astoria. Its dishes are so good. My wife and I shared calamari, poke ahi tuna crisps, and some signature drinks. I didn't know that the Brazilian and Indian combo of sweet and spicy deliciousness was possible! I don't even like too much spice in my food, usually, but this was too good to miss. Good prices and service too.“

“Authentic, good food . This was our first visit and won’t be the last!“

“One of the of absolute best places we visit in Manhattan, super cute and charming. Incredibly friendly staff and very delicious drinks. The decor is super cute and my whole experience there was great 💜💜💜💜“

“Wow!! Best spicy tuna roll I’ve ever had, such natural and balanced spice, the tuna was so fresh and delicious. My husband got a poke bowl and raved about it, he can be pretty picky and he was filled up and we both felt great all afternoon thanks to our meals. We were in a rush so we took our food to go, it was ready right on time and the staff was attentive as soon as we stepped in the door, so kind, and had our order right there ready. I wish we had time to sit, and I’ll definitely be taking the time to really dig into the menu next time I’m in town. What a gem! :)“

“Excelente. Comida rica y bebidas 🍷 buenas.“

“Second time within a week returning this evening for a birthday celebration. Not disappointed and highly recommend. First time our server Sydney was stellar.“

“This is my favorite restaurant on the UES! They always have the best food and I love bringing new friends to try it and fall in love like I have. I also always appreciate how warm the manager, Shawn is. He event sent me home with a few treats for my sick dog. Best food, best atmosphere and best management!“

“Went on a Saturday night and they had a guitarist which created such a great vibe. The drinks were amazing as well as the food. Had the ceviche and steak nachos which was perfect for two people. The staff and bartender were attentive and friendly. Will definitely come back.“

“This place is absolutely one of my favorites. Food is yummy no matter what you order, I recommend the corn soup 😋, tacos, the Sangria is delicious. Friendly staff and the place is very clean and affordable. 5 🌟 from me. Great place for friends, business or family!“

“Completely surprised and intrigued with the menu. This is NOT a Mexican food restaurant as the name might fool you. The shrimp taco wrapped in seaweed paper was so fresh tasting,crunchy and absolutely delish. Fried rice served in your own skillet and you mix the egg in was the best! The smores waffle with homemade custard ice-cream was to die for. Bartender Robbie is a pro mixologist with really new style drinks. This place was a treat and I cant wait to go back. Also the service was perfect!“

“We came in for the bottomless brunch deal using a pulsd voucher and we were wowed! The tacos were all fresh and delicious!! Very unique and generous portions!! The margaritas were outstanding!! Our service was the best part, honestly…our server, Carol, was the sweetest and so attentive!! She made sure our drinks were full, that our tacos kept coming and we had everything we needed! It’s a fun place, super clean, and cozy. We can’t wait to come back!!“

“We ABSOLUTELY loved it. The food was fantastic so delicious especially mama’s bread!! The wines were divine 🍷 🍷 😋 The owner was gracious and the service was awesome- we will be back!!“