10/10 spot. Great food, great service, great drinks. Feels like a little bit of Spain on 16th Street haha.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Francisco Figueroa
The BEST Spanish restaurant serving traditional Tapas, and 🥘 Paella in NYC. I was transported back to my town in Spain where I lived Alcala de Henares. Riazors decor is emblematic of a typical Meson. Miriam our Host, andServer made us a Red Sangria which was authentic. All Tapas were exceptional especially the Spanish omelet, and Tripe with Chick peas. The Paella was a masterpiece of authentic flavor. If You want to experience Spanish cuisine without having to fly to Spain dine here. Francisco
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Edgardo Rivera
Would have like to give a 5 star. Food was good and fresh. A little pricy, but I understand its NYC pricing. 4 stars was because it took some time to get the check. We spent an additional 20 minutes longer than we would like to. We weren't going to get up and leave the restaurant without paying. I know you have a table of 10, but the check with not have talken to much time to get setup. That was the only concern. Keep serving good food.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Artur Pilatovs
Food was not worth the price, sangria was good, espresso martini was below average
Francine Laura
Late afternoon lunch at Cafe Riazor in Chelsea, serving Spanish food since 1974.
This family-owned restaurant is old-school New York and has a great retro feel to it!
We started with some grilled chorizo and had shrimp in garlic sauce for our mains, along with their delicious homemade sangria.
It was the perfect time of day for a long, leisurely lunch.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Luis Gustavo Lascarez Vargas
Yesterday I revisited Cafe Riazor as I have done many times in the last 50 years!! I met Don David in 1975 & I immediately fell in love with this fabulous location. After Don David passed away his Son David took over with the help of Miss Miriam, The Hostess. They all know me very well. I might even be a rare pioneer. The ambiance is cozy & welcoming. The place is clean. The music is very nice. The food is spectacular. These facts explain why I tell David & Miriam that Riazor is my second home. Yesterday I visited with my younger sister Maribel & her husband Juan. Like myself, they were left speechless after eating these entries: House Paella & Octopus Salad (my 2 favorites), clams & shrimp, Mar & Tierra, house salads, Estrella 0.0 Beer from Spain & natural juices. I lived in NYC 30 years, in South Florida 16 years & presently I reside in Costa Rica. Anytime I get a chance I turn to NYC & the delicious aromas of Cafe Riazor & the smiles of David & Miriam keep calling me here….!! & I am humbly ready to comply!! If you have never experienced heaven at this place hurry up….!! As you are very welcome..!! 🙏🌎💐🍾🍺🎹🪘🎷🎺🎼🎉🪅
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lydia Cortes
Amazing dinner experience. It feels like traveling to Spain. Highly recommend the paella engraved, cooked with squid ink
Sophia Gasparro
I absolutely love this place. I’ve lived in the neighborhood for a little while now and finally went to Café Riazor for the first time tonight.
The tapas were delicious and homey, I especially loved the chorizo and mushroom dishes our server recommended, and my boyfriend loved the tripe and chickpea stew. We had the Mariscos Riazor platter for our main and it got us both out of our late winter blues.
My boyfriend and I agreed this is our new date spot. I will be coming back regularly with friends and family.
Café Riazor is the kind of place that really makes you love New York City.
I really enjoyed the tapas, the service, and the ambiance in this quiet, family owned restaurant. Very authentic dishes from Galicia. Simply a great place to have a quiet meal with family or friends.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mike Pepi
Incredible and authentic spanish tapas. Usually very quiet - a hidden gem!
This place sucked! The food was obviously frozen and not enjoyable to eat at all! The meat in my beef stew was hard and dry and even though I ordered a stew I received a few chunks of meat with a little mud puddle and some rice added on to the side. Was even more enraged at the mandatory 20% service fee. Ridiculous
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Chris L.
Café Riazor is a true Chelsea treasure that’s been serving authentic Spanish flavors for 50 years, and I only wish I had discovered it sooner! After reading the Eater article, “A Chelsea Hidden Gem Has Been Serving Tapas Greatest Hits for 50 Years,” I knew I had to try it—and let me tell you, I have no regrets.
The Camarones al Ajillo (shrimp in garlic sauce) is a must-order—juicy, perfectly cooked, and bursting with garlicky goodness. Pair it with their housemade sangria, and you’ve got yourself a winning combination. The flavors are bold, fresh, and completely unforgettable.
And did you know? Even Sarah Jessica Parker, from Sex and the City and And Just Like That, was a regular here. Café Riazor has all the charm of a hidden gem with the reputation of a true New York institution.
Whether you’re here for a cozy date night, a relaxed dinner with friends, or just to satisfy a craving for incredible Spanish cuisine, Café Riazor never disappoints. The warm ambiance, friendly staff, and standout dishes make every visit a memorable one.
I can’t wait to go back for more Camarones al Ajillo! If you haven’t been to Café Riazor yet, take it from me—and Eater—this Chelsea classic is absolutely worth a visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seafood, Frijoles Gratinados, Paella De La Casa
Chris Vuitton
Café Riazor is an absolute gem in the heart of Chelsea, and it’s no wonder they’ve been a neighborhood favorite since 1974. This family-owned and operated Spanish restaurant combines decades of tradition with an inviting atmosphere, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic flavors and warm hospitality.
From its beginnings as a cozy 9-table eatery, Café Riazor has grown while staying true to its roots. The Chef/Owner’s dedication shines through in every dish, with a menu that beautifully highlights the bold, rich flavors of Spain. Whether you’re enjoying their signature Camarones al Ajillo, savoring a plate of paella, or sipping on their incredible sangria, every bite is a journey to Spain.
And here’s a fun fact: even Sarah Jessica Parker from the iconic TV shows Sex and the City and And Just Like That frequented this spot. It’s a true testament to how beloved Café Riazor is in New York’s dining scene!
The service is top-notch, the ambiance is warm and inviting, and the food is nothing short of spectacular. Café Riazor has been a Chelsea staple for 50 years, and it’s clear why—they’ve mastered the art of creating unforgettable dining experiences.
I can’t wait to return again for their delicious Camarones al Ajillo & Chorizo. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates authentic Spanish cuisine and a piece of NYC history.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sandra Paci
Maybe I ordered the wrong thing (shrimp in green sauce) but I found the food very mediocre and bland. Decor looks like it’s been the same for many decades. Salad that started the meal was decent. Service was fine. Would not return.
10/10 spot. Great food, great service, great drinks. Feels like a little bit of Spain on 16th Street haha.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The BEST Spanish restaurant serving traditional Tapas, and 🥘 Paella in NYC. I was transported back to my town in Spain where I lived Alcala de Henares. Riazors decor is emblematic of a typical Meson. Miriam our Host, andServer made us a Red Sangria which was authentic. All Tapas were exceptional especially the Spanish omelet, and Tripe with Chick peas. The Paella was a masterpiece of authentic flavor. If You want to experience Spanish cuisine without having to fly to Spain dine here. Francisco
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Would have like to give a 5 star. Food was good and fresh. A little pricy, but I understand its NYC pricing. 4 stars was because it took some time to get the check. We spent an additional 20 minutes longer than we would like to. We weren't going to get up and leave the restaurant without paying. I know you have a table of 10, but the check with not have talken to much time to get setup. That was the only concern. Keep serving good food.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was not worth the price, sangria was good, espresso martini was below average
Late afternoon lunch at Cafe Riazor in Chelsea, serving Spanish food since 1974.
This family-owned restaurant is old-school New York and has a great retro feel to it!
We started with some grilled chorizo and had shrimp in garlic sauce for our mains, along with their delicious homemade sangria.
It was the perfect time of day for a long, leisurely lunch.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Yesterday I revisited Cafe Riazor as I have done many times in the last 50 years!! I met Don David in 1975 & I immediately fell in love with this fabulous location. After Don David passed away his Son David took over with the help of Miss Miriam, The Hostess. They all know me very well. I might even be a rare pioneer. The ambiance is cozy & welcoming. The place is clean. The music is very nice. The food is spectacular. These facts explain why I tell David & Miriam that Riazor is my second home. Yesterday I visited with my younger sister Maribel & her husband Juan. Like myself, they were left speechless after eating these entries: House Paella & Octopus Salad (my 2 favorites), clams & shrimp, Mar & Tierra, house salads, Estrella 0.0 Beer from Spain & natural juices. I lived in NYC 30 years, in South Florida 16 years & presently I reside in Costa Rica. Anytime I get a chance I turn to NYC & the delicious aromas of Cafe Riazor & the smiles of David & Miriam keep calling me here….!! & I am humbly ready to comply!! If you have never experienced heaven at this place hurry up….!! As you are very welcome..!! 🙏🌎💐🍾🍺🎹🪘🎷🎺🎼🎉🪅
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing dinner experience. It feels like traveling to Spain. Highly recommend the paella engraved, cooked with squid ink
I absolutely love this place. I’ve lived in the neighborhood for a little while now and finally went to Café Riazor for the first time tonight.
The tapas were delicious and homey, I especially loved the chorizo and mushroom dishes our server recommended, and my boyfriend loved the tripe and chickpea stew. We had the Mariscos Riazor platter for our main and it got us both out of our late winter blues.
My boyfriend and I agreed this is our new date spot. I will be coming back regularly with friends and family.
Café Riazor is the kind of place that really makes you love New York City.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Patatas Bravas, Sauce, Lobster
I really enjoyed the tapas, the service, and the ambiance in this quiet, family owned restaurant. Very authentic dishes from Galicia. Simply a great place to have a quiet meal with family or friends.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Incredible and authentic spanish tapas. Usually very quiet - a hidden gem!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
The food is good. Real spanish food. But for be new york city is really low. Can be good place for play poker lol
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Patatas Bravas, Tortilla Espanola
This place sucked!
The food was obviously frozen and not enjoyable to eat at all! The meat in my beef stew was hard and dry and even though I ordered a stew I received a few chunks of meat with a little mud puddle and some rice added on to the side. Was even more enraged at the mandatory 20% service fee. Ridiculous
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Café Riazor is a true Chelsea treasure that’s been serving authentic Spanish flavors for 50 years, and I only wish I had discovered it sooner! After reading the Eater article, “A Chelsea Hidden Gem Has Been Serving Tapas Greatest Hits for 50 Years,” I knew I had to try it—and let me tell you, I have no regrets.
The Camarones al Ajillo (shrimp in garlic sauce) is a must-order—juicy, perfectly cooked, and bursting with garlicky goodness. Pair it with their housemade sangria, and you’ve got yourself a winning combination. The flavors are bold, fresh, and completely unforgettable.
And did you know? Even Sarah Jessica Parker, from Sex and the City and And Just Like That, was a regular here. Café Riazor has all the charm of a hidden gem with the reputation of a true New York institution.
Whether you’re here for a cozy date night, a relaxed dinner with friends, or just to satisfy a craving for incredible Spanish cuisine, Café Riazor never disappoints. The warm ambiance, friendly staff, and standout dishes make every visit a memorable one.
I can’t wait to go back for more Camarones al Ajillo! If you haven’t been to Café Riazor yet, take it from me—and Eater—this Chelsea classic is absolutely worth a visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seafood, Frijoles Gratinados, Paella De La Casa
Café Riazor is an absolute gem in the heart of Chelsea, and it’s no wonder they’ve been a neighborhood favorite since 1974. This family-owned and operated Spanish restaurant combines decades of tradition with an inviting atmosphere, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic flavors and warm hospitality.
From its beginnings as a cozy 9-table eatery, Café Riazor has grown while staying true to its roots. The Chef/Owner’s dedication shines through in every dish, with a menu that beautifully highlights the bold, rich flavors of Spain. Whether you’re enjoying their signature Camarones al Ajillo, savoring a plate of paella, or sipping on their incredible sangria, every bite is a journey to Spain.
And here’s a fun fact: even Sarah Jessica Parker from the iconic TV shows Sex and the City and And Just Like That frequented this spot. It’s a true testament to how beloved Café Riazor is in New York’s dining scene!
The service is top-notch, the ambiance is warm and inviting, and the food is nothing short of spectacular. Café Riazor has been a Chelsea staple for 50 years, and it’s clear why—they’ve mastered the art of creating unforgettable dining experiences.
I can’t wait to return again for their delicious Camarones al Ajillo & Chorizo. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates authentic Spanish cuisine and a piece of NYC history.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Maybe I ordered the wrong thing (shrimp in green sauce) but I found the food very mediocre and bland. Decor looks like it’s been the same for many decades. Salad that started the meal was decent. Service was fine. Would not return.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 4
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