Spanish Restaurant Tapas - Alcala

We had a wonderful dining experience at Alcala Restaurant! The food was absolutely delicious — every dish was flavorful, well-prepared, and beautifully presented. You can really taste the quality and authenticity in every bite.

The ambiance is just as impressive — warm, inviting, and perfect for both intimate dinners and special occasions. The atmosphere makes you feel relaxed and welcome from the moment you walk in.

Highly recommend Alcala Restaurant if you’re looking for great food and a lovely dining experience. We’ll definitely be coming back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The ambience of the place does not evoke any reference to Spain except for the red mantle and colored tile ornaments in the wall. The service was ok but the food was not as great. Only the shrimp on oil was ok even then it was small. The paella negro did not have the crust at the bottom we were expecting and the pork marinate was very salty.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 4

Alcala is a little gem of a place; family-run, authentic, personal and satisfying. It's a slice of a classic neighborhood side of Manhattan - nothing slick or "cookie cutter" about it. Although it's conveniently a few blocks from Grand Central, Alcala has a homey feel. You don't go for the scene, stylish interior or the bar. They have a healthy following of regulars, they welcome everyone to feel like family and it's all about the food. Highly recommend any of their soups, have enjoyed most if not all of the seafood tapas on the menu. Canelones with shrimp and spinach in beschamel - a specialty of the chef/ owner - not to be missed! Everything they serve is made there, with pride. They take reservations. Check it out.

Delightful full course meal! Delish from beginning to end! Lovely ambiance! Great service from Benito and Jesus! Red wine was smooth and tasty! We highly highly recommend this dining experience to everyone! We rate it a 6 out of 5!!

alcala_nyc delivers a true taste of Spain with soulful tapas, comforting plates, and a wine list that feels deeply personal (yes, the chef even makes his own wine 🍷).

Every dish reflects Chef Jesús’ Galician heritage — thoughtful, heartfelt, and full of flavor. The space feels warm and inviting, like being welcomed into a family meal rather than just another dinner reservation. From the bold garlic shrimp and perfectly cooked paella to tender grilled tuna and baby squid, every bite is worth savoring.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Incredible homemade food that takes you back to Spain, you can tell right away that all their products are fresh. We had gambas, squid (black ink sauce) and steak. Everything was perfect! Also the atmosphere was so relaxing with well attended staff. Will be back again to try other tapas !

We came here for a team building event! Very cozy atmosphere with great tapas food.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Cozy place. Staff does their job but lacks warmth. Food was good. The filet mignon tapas did not seem like filet mignon (not what i was expecting. Fully cooked). It came with two pieces on large garlic bread. Lamb chops were tender but still not what I was expecting. Both very garlicky. Squid with black ink was ok. Was hoping for octopus but not on menu. The paella was excellent. Shrimp was cooked perfectly. Rice was moist. Everything was flavorful. Nice portion.

This place stands far above average. The place is small but well-designed for comfort, with nice enough workers. Everything was cooked just right. Worker attention was particularly superior. This restaurant exceeded expectations. I plan to try everything they offer.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Our waitress was incredibly sweet and accommodating especially in making our two kids feel welcome and comfortable. We ordered tapas, as I expected it would be the forte of a Spanish restaurant offering such large variety of small dishes. We were truly disappointed: every dish was mediocre at best, no flavor. I’ll try somewhere else next time.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 4

Service was nice. Food did not taste fresh. Decor needs refreshing in restaurant. Would not recommend visiting again.

A wonderful spot in Manhattan for authentic Spanish cuisine. Owner Jesús Martínez brings the true spirit of Spain to the city, with delicious traditional dishes and a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel at home. The wine list is exceptional, featuring selections from Bodega Pradorey, one of Ribera del Duero’s finest estates. A must-visit for anyone who loves genuine Spanish food and great wine.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food, wine and priced

Alcala is a go to when my friends visit NYC. The food is always on point. The service is amazing. The Albariño and paella are a must try in NYC.

A bit awkward when you arrive to order a drink or wine. After a while things got better. Food was good and we had a good time