Tapas Restaurants near Tenafly, NJ

“The attention was wonderful. The white sangria was very good. The food was absolutely delicious. Paella marinara, Chilean sea bass and the mariscada were all yummy. Best part. … the flamenco show.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“Every bite was outstanding! Tapas dishes were flavorful and varied.“

“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.“

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

“The menu features food that seems simple but tastes wonderfully complex. The Lexington Social delivers excellence in every aspect. The staff has a level of beauty that's noticeable. The food here deserves high praise. This spot offers apparent skill.“

“💥💥💥💥💥 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!“

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

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“

“This is my favorite place in the entire neighborhood! The service is wonderful, it’s small and intimate, feels like a real gem. It’s got a relaxed non-pretentious atmosphere. I come here on a whim OFTEN. Their signature drink Canelazo is the BEST cocktail i think i’ve ever tasted from anywhere, I crave it frequently, there’s just nothing like it. It’s unique and sexy, ugh, this place is a HIT HIT HIT.“

“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).“

“First review of 2024, and we could not think of a better restaurant to review! @buleriataberna has officially become one of our favorites. Every single bite bursts with flavor! • 🥝 Kiwi Mojito 🍲 Calldo Gallego 🐑 Lamb Skewers 🦞 Tres Colas 🦐 Empanadas 🥩 Angus Beef Croquettes 🥩 Churrasco Bravo • I wish we had room for more because every single item was great and the deserts looked amazing, we just physically could not eat anymore! 😂 The vibes were great. Service spectacular! Food amazing. We can’t wait to go back for happy hour and the night life, will do another review of course 😉 - We did get a small dessert which was the Sherry Port. Think Sherry from Spain meets Port from Portugal! Do I need to say more?! 🤤“

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

“Reminds me of my grandmother’s cooking“

“Wife and I flew into JFK late one Friday. We were famished , it was 1030 by the time we got to Arthur Ave.. We parked and walked , came upon people eating alfresco. We asked if any place was still serving. The "MAN" Vic asked what we would like, from one of the tables. In no time we had a bottle of Vino Tinto in front of us and people were making us try food they were dining on. I felt like I was at my friends ,' THE PIAZZAS " house. The food was excellent and the people better. Can not wait to go 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!!“

“We LOVO Boro6! It is out Friday night spot (but make sure you grab a reservation!). The staff are super friendly and always attentive. The food is always great — and the bread — I would just eat the bread and be happy! We need more places like this around Westchester! I hope they expand soon.“

“Excelente. Comida rica y bebidas 🍷 buenas.“

“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“

“We had a great time here, everyone enjoyed their food. They backyard decor was so eclectic and fun. I had a vegetarian dish that was soo good, cheese and zucchini I dont remember the name. Everyone enjoyed their cocktail and their meal. We also got a dessert which was tasty too.“

“Beautiful cocktails and small bites. Super lovely and cocktail-knowledgeable staff.“

“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!“

“I'm always on the hunt for tasty gluten-free pancakes...and Columns Wine Bar serves it for brekkie! I had the Buckwheat Griddle Cake with apples / honey caramel-like butter. The pancake was light and fluffy sweetened by the apple topping. I still poured syrup all over lol! Others in my party had the Bruleed French Toast which looked amazing, and the toast & scramble. We all fought over the very tasty Patatas Bravas. Needless to say, we were quite happily stuffed. Who knew a wine bar can deliver delicious breakfast!“

“We had been searching for a go-to Vietnamese place ahead of winter pho season and boy did we not have to look very far! Plum went above and beyond on all accounts. The plum platter appetizer was a must, especially if you’re bringing littles. The spring rolls were so incredibly fresh both inside and out, and the curry dumplings had perfect flaky dough that still held everything together.

Both the chicken and duck curry were hits. The perfect amount of spice for me (I enjoy mild to medium levels of spice but don’t seek out extra). The chicken was tender but could probably have been more so, but I’m just searching so something for them to improve at this point. It was all really well done.

Our wait staff was exceptional; they were cognizant of timing for our mains relative to when we finished our apps, and didn’t over-stay. They even provided an entire kid’s place setting for our two year old. A clean space, homey atmosphere, pleasant music, and DELICIOUS food. Coming again soon!“

“Very comfy atmosphere and friendly hosting.“

“This past August, I had my daughter’s bridal shower at Sidebar. I made all my arrangements with Danny. It was a pleasure to work with him. Everything turned out great. The food was delicious, the drinks were great, the waiters and waitresses were very accommodating. Everyone had a great time. Don’t hesitate to have an event here!“

“Awesome atmosphere and music ….and the food is a “10” out of “10”!!! Delicious !!!!! The octopus is a definite must have!!!!!“

“Great place to eat Turkish food. Service is excellent & atmosphere is very nice: casual & friendly. Lots of tapas to choose from. Lamb dish is tender & baklava is superb. There’s live entertainment on the weekends. Sometimes one of the guests will be playing a clarinet or a guitar while eating. Lol. Lots of local Turkish people eat in this place. They started as a tiny restaurant & they have expanded to the one next door.“

“I recently ate here and the experience was nothing short of delightful. The warm ambiance and rustic decor created a welcoming atmosphere. The staff was friendly and attentive, providing excellent service throughout the meal.Now, let’s talk about the star of the show—the Spanish chicken. The menu boasted a variety of flavorful dishes, each showcasing the chef’s expertise in combining traditional Spanish flavors with a modern twist. The chicken was perfectly cooked, tender on the inside with a crispy, golden exterior that left my taste buds dancing.The appetizers were equally impressive, with options ranging from patatas bravas to chorizo croquettes. Each bite was a burst of Spanish authenticity. The chef’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients was evident, enhancing the overall dining experience.The drink menu featured a well-curated selection of Spanish wines and cocktails that complemented the meal superbly. The sangria, in particular, was a refreshing choice that added to the festive atmosphere of the restaurant.What truly stood out was the attention to detail in presentation. Each dish was a work of art on the plate, showcasing the chef’s dedication to not only taste but also aesthetics.As for the dessert, the churros were a delightful way to end the meal. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and accompanied by rich chocolate dipping sauce—a sweet ending to a savory journey.In summary, this Spanish chicken restaurant exceeded my expectations. From the inviting ambiance to the delectable dishes, every aspect of the dining experience was carefully crafted. I highly recommend this establishment to anyone seeking an authentic taste of Spain with a modern flair. ¡Delicioso! Highly recommend“

“We love staying here! It’s close to our daughters dorms. Very clean rooms and building. There is enough space and nice bathroom for a reasonable price in lovely Harlem!“

“excellent service very good place to share“

“Food was amazing and service was on point !! Delicious 🤤“

“First time in Row House, NYC Sunday Jazz Brunch and YOU have to go! It’s a great experience. The ambiance is very welcoming and charming. The lobster empanadas, Asian Wings and short rib sandwich are to die for. The service we received was so amazing and we will definitely be back again. Staff made us feel welcomed, extremely knowledgeable and make great recommendations.“

“Absolutely amazing place to eat food and have some drinks and vibe out. The owner wauscar is so loving and welcoming. Anything you order is made with love and freshly made, all is made to order. Absolutely love this place and recommend everyone to come and enjoy this great atmosphere!!! Come try it out at least once you will not regret it!!!“

“We recently held a family reunion at El Mesón Español, and it was a wonderful experience from start to finish. The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, taking the time to explain the menu and answer all of our questions. The food was outstanding—every dish was cooked to perfection. We especially enjoyed the paella, oxtail, veal, and ribs—each one full of rich, authentic. Highly recommended!“

“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!!“

“Parking is horrible in this area so be prepared to spend some time looking for parking. It took us 30-45 mins to get parking.
Even the parking lot across the street was full.
Parking enforcement is constantly patrolling the area and in the parking lot.
Although the music was very loud, I loved the music they were playing. Old school salsa, cumbia and merengue.
There was a live DJ playing in the back.
In the front by the entrance where we were was the bar.
We were on a hightop table which personally, I do not like since I’m short.
The waitress did not stop to check on us and had to flag her so we could pay the bill and leave.“

“The food & drinks were delicious!!!! The service was great!!!! The atmosphere was nice & cozy!!!! I had the jumbo shrimp w/black beans & rice. My husband had the sirloin steak w/potatoes & spinach. We both had Long Island Ice Teas!!!! OMG everything was GREAT!!!! We will definitely go back!!!!🙂“

“muy buena comida y un buen mangu“

“Un lugar único con un ambiente elegante y relajado para la gente bien. Muy buena comida y buenas atenciones. Su decoración de flores es única!!“

“My husband raved about this restaurant. He hadn't been in 15 years, so when we came back to visit family in New Jersey, we had to stop. We live in Ohio and rarely get to eat authentic El Salvadoran cuisine. This was my first time having it and it was by far the very BEST meal I've ever had. We ordered the churrassco steak, plantains, maduros (sweet plaintains), rice & beans, guacamole, yuca and the famous pupusas. The service was Impeccable and the food was delicious!! Everything was so fresh & flavorful. Horchata, chan & limonada drinks. We skipped photos, but presentation was excellent. We dug right in. I highly encourage everyone to put this local gem on your list of places to try“

“We were willing for mediocre food just to be on The Hudson River banks. They surprised us with very good food, excellent service, moderate prices - go!“