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!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
POWERMANDIEGO
The food is good. Real spanish food. But for be new york city is really low. Can be good place for play poker lol
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.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 4
Tom L
This place offers old school Spanish tapas. Nothing flashy, nothing nouveau. Just comforting reliable small plates.
We enjoyed garlic shrimp, pan con tomat, serrano & manchego, tortilla along with stuufed mushrooms. They came out of the kitchen quite rapidly. All were flavourful & simply prepared.
The decor is likewise old school. But that just adds to the familiarity. Service throughout was low key but efficient.
Craving some dishes from the 70's ? Head over to Cafe Riazor. They will take care of you & send you off happy.
This family-owned Spanish restaurant is a must-try! Everything we had was delicious and authentic. The sardines were perfectly grilled, the patatas bravas were crispy and flavorful, and the chorizo was flavorful. Don't miss the ham croquettes and the baked clams - they were incredible. The sangria was the perfect complement to our meal. Excellent service and a lively atmosphere, too. Highly recommend!
I met my husband there on 1977. It’s an amazing place Felicidades en su aniversario
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
M M
Delicious, we ordered black seafood paella and another with yellow rice, it was too delicious and for dessert a delicious Santiago cake (almond), I recommend it, it is Spanish food, the service is top-notch and everything was impeccable
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Magali M
Delicious, we ordered black seafood paella and another with yellow rice, it was too delicious and for dessert a delicious Santiago cake (almond), I recommend it, it's Spanish food, the service is top-notch and everything was impeccable
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
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
This place offers old school Spanish tapas. Nothing flashy, nothing nouveau. Just comforting reliable small plates.
We enjoyed garlic shrimp, pan con tomat, serrano & manchego, tortilla along with stuufed mushrooms. They came out of the kitchen quite rapidly. All were flavourful & simply prepared.
The decor is likewise old school. But that just adds to the familiarity. Service throughout was low key but efficient.
Craving some dishes from the 70's ? Head over to Cafe Riazor. They will take care of you & send you off happy.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Stuffed Mushrooms
Restaurantji Recommends
This family-owned Spanish restaurant is a must-try! Everything we had was delicious and authentic. The sardines were perfectly grilled, the patatas bravas were crispy and flavorful, and the chorizo was flavorful. Don't miss the ham croquettes and the baked clams - they were incredible. The sangria was the perfect complement to our meal. Excellent service and a lively atmosphere, too. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Patatas Bravas, Grilled Sardines
The paella is the best love it
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seafood, Paella De La Casa
I met my husband there on 1977. It’s an amazing place
Felicidades en su aniversario
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious, we ordered black seafood paella and another with yellow rice, it was too delicious and for dessert a delicious Santiago cake (almond), I recommend it, it is Spanish food, the service is top-notch and everything was impeccable
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious, we ordered black seafood paella and another with yellow rice, it was too delicious and for dessert a delicious Santiago cake (almond), I recommend it, it's Spanish food, the service is top-notch and everything was impeccable
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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