Alcala Restaurant Reviews

We had eaten when we were last in New York, no one told us it had moved so we went to the old place which had a sign redirecting patrons to the new address which fortunately was only a few blocks away. The booking site still listed the old address! The food was excellent as we remembered it - Spanish with Basque influences. The staff have clearly been there a long time and know their job. They know their Spanish wines well and the advice they gave us was spot on. The place is a little noisy and the tables could be larger. We had a very enjoyable night, and some extra exercise that we weren't counting on.

Went early (7.30) on a Friday evening. Restaurant was relatively empty. By 9.00 it was about 3/4 full. Pleasant ambience, no loud music, quiet conversations at the tables. This is not 'new' Spanish cooking but traditional dishes. We had 6 different tapas, a bottle of moderately priced wine, dessert and coffee. Bill was about $100. Food was good, not great but similar to items we have had in Spain. It is not a place we would rush back to, but we would go again if we were in the area and wanted Spanish food.

I have been in Spain a few times, I can confidently states that the food of this restaurant is as authentic as it gets from Spain. The tapas, the main dishes, everything is truly great. The service is obey the wines are fantastic. If I live in the city I would go to this place every day.

On a weekend trip to New York, my companion and I discovered this restaurant on a computer search for Spanish restaurants near where we were staying. Around the corner from the UN, it is removed from the rows of restaurants in mid-town. What a great find! It is a small restaurant and was not crowded, even on a Saturday night. The service was thoughtful and efficient. A bowl of olives and hot rolls were quickly brought to the table. The manager helped explain the menu. We had the garlic shrimp appetizer and the "meat" paella. Both were excellent, as was the "sampler" of three different desserts. I particularly enjoyed the sangria (not on the wine list). It was not too sweet and "fruity" but just the right note for a Spanish meal. We look forward to returning on a future visit to New York.

Small and intimate Spanish restaurant, with excellent, authentic food. The owner is always on duty, which I think is a great sign...and a great help! Lunch of fresh trout was excellent, and the white Sangria complemented it well. Very cozy and unassuming. Alcala is the kind of place where you see a lot of "regulars" and not a single one of the "in-crowd" (thank God!). Just a nice quiet spot for lunch or a nice romantic dinner.

I had an all fruit smoothie for breakfast and a green salad for lunch, all so I could enjoy my dinner at Alcala. So not worth it. To start, my friend and I shared the lobster crepe. Just ... Yuck. We both agreed. The crepe was overdone and way too eggy and if the lobster was present, we didn't notice. My friend had the paella. It was flavorful -- just not good flavors. I thought it was really overdone. My friend said her first bite tasted of chocolate. Not really what she was looking for in paella. I had the sirloin with mixed veggies and crispy potatoes. Where my friend's meal was over spiced, my steak tasted like nothing. It was a good cut of beef, but lacking any flavor whatsoever. Totally uninspired. The veggies were very good though and it's hard to go wrong with anything having anything to do with a potato. We got the dessert sampler. We shouldn't have. The fried milk was icky (but maybe it's just not my thing??); the custard tasted like chocolate Jell-O and the cake tasted like overly sweet bread. On top of the mostly bad food, the service was terrible. We waited for menus, waited for bread and had to ask for refills of water. The people, when they came around, were very nice -- they just rarely came around. Overall, a VERY disappointing experience for $92 plus tip.

We had a wonderful dinner at Alcala last week, enjoying the monk fish and the cannelloni of spinach and shrimp. Alcala offers a fine selection of beer and wine from Spain as well. The service was outstanding, the bread delicious, and we enjoyed our meal tremendously. If you desire a taste of Spain in mid-town Manhattan, Alcala is an excellent choice.

Exactly what we had in mind! This tiny gem, located across the street from our hotel, was perfect for our Saturday evening. Wonderful Spanish food! We will put this on our list of great places in midtown Manhattan and look forward to our next visit

Best Spanish Food in NY City! The SERVICE is impeccable. Shout Out to CHARLENE and JESUS for always making a Dining Experience in NY City truly special and memorable. ❤️

Very authentic Spanish restaurant with a great atmosphere. We ordered a variety of tapas and a pitcher of sangria to share. First, they start you off with delicious rolls, butter, olive oil, and olives for the table. Next, they take note of spacing out the tapas as to not make you feel rushed or too full too quickly. The red sangria was absolutely delicious. Not too much ice and watch out for the fruit at the end, it really has a kick from soaking! My favorite tapa was the sirloin steak in the most delicious cream cheese-based gravy. The baby squid in ink was also good and the ink was not too salty. What I most appreciated about this restaurant was how I never felt rushed either during or after the meal. It felt very relaxed and not that we were just "another table".

Four of us had dinner on Thursday night after the Book Fair opening. This is one of my dad’s favs. It was spectacular! The well curated wine list focuses on wines from the Iberian peninsula as you would expect. We had two bottles of killer Albariño for dinner. I had crepes and then the carne paella which was an easy A. Everyone else enjoyed their food as well, others ordered paella, and the three course set meal. All food wonderful. Service was attentive as one would expect of a smaller, easygoing place to eat. No room for dessert!

We love to walk and like to stay in Midtown East near the UN because it is close enough to Grand Central and the theater district. That said we look for restaurants in the neighborhoods that are off the tourist beaten track. While Alcalá is listed as an Italian restaurant upon closer examination it is fine Spanish cuisine. I agree with some of the earlier reviews in which the staff knew their wine, the tapis selection was excellent, pricing was right and as opposed to some of the bloated restaurants in the area ... this was a hidden gem. My wife and I will be back and look forward to again dining at Alcalá.

This small hotel in NYC is one of the best keep secrets in the city, great food with so much choices and selection of Spanish wine, the quality if the food and the chef willingness to make change to please your wishes. The owner and staff are like a big family and the size of the restaurant make it very cozy for couples. I develop a friendship with them and visited them twice while in NYC.

At Alcala we had one of the best Tapas meals outside Spain and Barcelona. We had a fantastic good ted Sangria and the following dishes: Chistorra Catalana Gambas Al Ajillo Cazuela De Mariscos Albondigas And a very delicious Crepes De Setas Y Jamon We were so positively surprised. Go there and enjoy.

I enjoyed dining at Spanish restaurant, Alcala on the way back to my hotel one night. The sangria/cava from I had was a bit strong. The soup I had was loaded with vegetables. My filet mignon on garlic toast with peppers was very tender. Also, the service was very good and came running after me with my bag when I forgot it on the other seat.

This is a cracking little restaurant with authentic Spanish cuisine. Great choice of menu, great prices and a great location if you’re visiting the city. Really enjoyed eating here.

Lovely family-owned restaurant with authentic Spanish cuisine that transports you to the various regions of Spain! The restaurant has it's own charm, that is brought to life with Jesus' unique charm and hospitality, as well as the genuine care and attentiveness of the staff. Food was absolutely divine. Would highly recommend.

Went with a group of 3 couples and we had tapas starters - endive, Serrano ham, soft succulent asparagus spears and so other tasty stuff: all good. We had Thebseafood paella - smoky, tasty and really enjoyable but the Arroz Negro( rice in squid ink) was fantastic Service, attentive and accomodating but not intrusive. Nice Albinas white wine and a smooth Tempranillo Great evening - reasonable cost Will go again

Solid service in cozy and cheerful Spanish restaurant with Galician flavor. Service was attentive but not intrusive. Well prepared swordfish and Paella Marisco. Attractive but not fussy presentation of avocado salad and shrimp with green sauce first courses. Although the restaurant was full the sound level made conversation easy at 8PM on a weekday. Restaurant represents reasonable value in Midtown.. Dinner was roughly $75 per person with tip and tax included. We will return.

Located in midtown near the UN, this is a respectable Spanish restaurant with a good range of options for tapas and paella accompanied by a limited but well selected, fresh Spanish white and red wines. The service was a little lackluster but it was late in the evening. The food and the wine made up for the lack of exuberance of the staff.

We stumbled upon Alcala as we walked about the area. Lucky for us! We were immediately seated and the adventure began. The staff were knowledgeable and helpful. We selected a beautiful Rioja wine and enjoyed a large variety of tapas so that we could experience many different flavours. My favourite was the pepper stuffed with cod - amazing!! The setting is old style, adding to the authentic feel. We were in Spain a few months ago and this was a nice reminder.

Nearest restaurant to the Even Hotel so gave it a try. We were serenaded by excruciating versions of Christmas carols, which wasn’t a good start. Ordered six tapas dishes, some of which were OK, but the patatas bravas was not at all spicy and the meatballs and gravy were not tasty enough to finish. Presentation was unattractive. Very highly priced for the quantity and quality received.

We opted for tapas. The food came out very randomly, which resulted in the fact that one person had already finished, and the other had not yet had a dish after half an hour. Orders were forgotten and had to be asked for. The receipt had more on it than we had consumed and we deducted it from the tip. Poor English was spoken by our not so fresh looking waiter with 2 teeth. No, unfortunately this was not recommended for us.

In NYC for a post holiday extended weekend. Thought we’d try a place we wouldn’t typically get at home and picked a Spanish place near our hotel, Alcala. And we were fortunate to enjoy a wonderful, relaxed with a knowledgeable server who made wonderful recommendations. He also shared a bit of the story about the place and his family. We elected tapas for the evening, but they seem to have a good selection of Spanish entrees if you don’t want small portions. We had meat/cheese charcuterie with tomato rubbed bread, shrimp in sizzling garlic sauce, two types of croquetas, marinated anchovies (which were particularly awesome), meatballs in sherry gravy, a delicious Galician winter soup that was just made (but not on menu yet), and yummy dessert too, Tarte de Arresse and wine poached pear with house made rice pudding ice cream. Wonderful flavors, good variety, fresh, nicely paced/presented. And with a glass of sangria, this wonderful meal came with a check that was fairly priced (especially for being in the City). Our server’s confidence, attention and friendliness made it worth us planning another trip when we come back to the City again sometime soon. Thank you Alcala!

We took our friends out to dinner; letting them pick the restaurant - Alcala and were not disappointed. We ordered cocktails, then wine with dinner and had lots many tapas plus two entrees. Our favorites were the Pimientos, Bravas, Almejas, Gambas (shrimp), Sardines, and the Jamon Ibierco. The 2 entree were enough to fill us up, so we split them as well. The only issue we had was that when we ordered our drinks, they messed up one of them because they didn't pay attention to the order. I did feel that the wine list, as extensive as it was, gave us a large selection that could fit almost any budget. Don't skip the dessert: Trio de Chocolate!

I had the express lunch which today was cream of zucchini soup and a plate with three kinds of fish. All were delicious as was the bread. The express lunch came with dessert, but I skipped that for personal reasons.

A lovely meal of Spanish tapas and wine. This is a top notch restaurant, as it should be, since it’s celebrating its 30th year. Come and enjoy Fine Foods and crisp service.

Very disappointing! Food was very bland. I’ve been to Spain and know Spanish cuisine. The service was also not very good. Overall, over priced for quality and service.

I love eating at small places in NYC. this one is another fine example. My wife and I shared 7 or 8 tapas dishes. All excellent, well prepared and served with flare. I would highly recommend this place for lunch or dinner.

Bought a living social and took the trip out to this restauant . Many Spanish folks were in the place by the time we left, which kind of had me thinking they think it's authentic. We had the octopus app, lamb chops, meatball, and a cheese plate. The service was terrific, I just think they put too much salt on their food. Very nice pickings and. Ice wine, just a tad too much salt

We didn't have any place booked, so decided to walk the area around the Westin and the UN. We stumbled across this place and viewed the menu. It looked very interesting and authentic.. It was clear that many locals come here on a regular basis!! We ordered the calamari, which was done perfectly, as if you were on the Mediterranean!! The swordfish was great and the paella was the BEST ever!!! You can not eat better Spanish food in this country!! Also, a tip.. They have proper Spanish brandy, to complete the meal, which is not on the drink list!! The wine list is very, very wallet friendly!! The place is small and friendly.. Sort of like being in Spain!!

Small and cozy but most importantly authentic Spanish cuisine. Delicious tapas and sangrias. We will be back. Highly recommend!

Walked in to have a drink while waiting to go next door for dinner where I had already a reservation.I explained that to the owner and he was gracious enough to let me sit at the bar to wait . I had a drink and a wonderful chat with the owner about all kind of things . I looked at the menu and the listing seemed to be authentic Spanish . I would have cancelled the reservation next door if i had made it myself . Unfortunately it was closed for labor day and I was leaving the day after but I will go back for dinner sometimes soon .

We visited Alcals in December during a short work visit to the Big Apple. Tucked away near the UN Building we were just passing g by. A very cosy Spanish restaurant and served us excellent Paella and an Atun Encebollado. Service a little slow but happy (the older gentleman!). Nice house red wine. We will return!

This is not the flashiest tapas restaurant nor the most innovative but for good, solid traditional tapas that is authentic and fairly priced, this is a perfectly good choice. Service was very friendly and the size of drinks (particularly the digestifs) generous. Recommended.

We had a good dine. Overall, I was expecting a bit more. Tapas were good. The dish I was a bit disappointed was the paella. It had flavor, but nothing extraordinary. I’ve had paella in many other restaurants in NY as in the Madre Patria, Spain. Too many peppers for our taste. Again, we ate the whole thing, so it was good.

I went with friends for lunch and was really surprised. Food was very good and service excellent. I ordered the lunch menu that has a nice selection of desserts. I ordered a side order of vegetables. The glass of tempranillo was very nice. This is a small restaurant and in good Spanish style: lunch does not really start before 1:00pm (some concession is needed here).

My wife and I ate dinner at Alcala last night. We normally do not order paella since we are always disappointed by it. But we saw another diner eating it and we tried the paella confitada. It was probably the best paella we have ever had.

Great food, generous portions, Galician staff were attentive and charming. Cozy restaurant. A few blocks from the United Nations.

Had the Galician fish soup and I was impressed. Also fabulous is the red pepper filled with bacalhau (cod fish). This was a dish I had eaten there before, and I adored it! This remains a good dish but the portion got noticeably...smaller. Albondigas (meatballs) are also good, but could do with more "Spanish soul". Staff looked typically Spanish, but need to cheer up a bit. Worth visiting if you're looking for authentic Spanish food in midtown Manhattan.

I have been to Alcala restaurant a couple of times at lunch time. I really liked the lunch menu and is not very expensive. The food is very good and it really tastes like Spanish cuisine. The soups here are dairy free even though the name of the soup is "cream of x". In general, the food is very good and the waiters are very friendly and make your stay agreeable. The pears with red wine are a fabulous dessert.

Ate here at 7pm on a Saturday evening. Good buzz there. The Food is great, w/ lots of choices and it tastes pretty authentic. Service was sporadic though . We had to ask twice for one of our appetizer dishes..the Spanish charcuterie. Waiters were not apologetic or friendly in any way. This is clearly an area that needs attention.

Visited Alcala tonight and as very impressed, went as part of a group of ~15 and was seated in the back of the restaurant but well attended to and the staff were very helpful and courteous The tapas was very nice and each dish was brought out 1 at a time which gave enough time to enjoy each of the individual dishes without feeling like you had to eat everything quickly to get to the entrees The shrimp was probably the best of the dishes and the breaded/potato probably the least appetising but all were well received I had steak for main and this was served with potato and peppers, again very tasty and good quality, one comment though which is however you like your steak normally ask for one less ie if you want medium ask for medium rare as we found that their definition was a level above ours :) Overall a pleasant evening, good service, good food and atmosphere was also very good

We met our daughter and her friend here. The restaurant is small and casual. We ordered drinks, martinis and a manhattan, Our server went behind the bar and made the drinks, which were excellent. The gazpacho was outstanding, and we all had wonderful paella. If you want authentic Spanish, this is your place!

I selected this restaurant for "something different". Unfortunately it was an "average" dining experience. The food was good, the wine list adequate, the atmosphere was "a bit runned down". The service was not very helpful in the selection of entries or wine. Maybe if you speak Spanish communication could be easier. Dinner for 2, with wine, will "set you back" about $160 US. About average for New York for near formal dining experience. If the restaurant is near your hotel you might consider. But, do not waste the "cab fare" finding this place.

Outstanding fare, wine and service. Tapas or bigger entrees. Prices were reasonable. Highly recommend. A short walk from the Millennium Hilton by the United Nations.

If you want deliciaus classic spanish food in the heart of Midtown East do not forget to reserve a table at this place. The ambiance is exceelnt. Nice decor- we sat outside- very spacious. Service was prompt. We ordered Grilled Tuna which was cooked to perfection. Absolute delicious- whatever spices they put in were great. Added to the exquisite taste. The Garden Salad and the croquette were tasty as well.

Everything from the ambience (elegant but simple and quite), to the service (attentive without being overbearing), to the food (filling and delicious) was just perfect. We were able to have a nice business meeting without any loud noises or music or feeling like we were interrupting (or being interrupted) the other guests. While the prices are on the high side I think the high price designation is overstated. Most of the main entrees were between 20-30, with a few lower and higher options.

Loved this place......Spanish cooking done right. They've got an extensive tapas menu as well as wonderful main plates. Staff were attentive without being overbearing.

I was a bit surprised how Spanish this was. It is Spanish food served mostly by middle-aged Spanish guys, who although friendly and efficient make no attempt to be American by saying "all set" or plying you with limitless iced water etc. I really liked my trout and Serrano ham - a good Spanish staple done well. Dessert was excellent too.

I got the feeling this Spanish restaurant caters for business lunches in the UN area, and probably doesn't have an enormous amount of local competition. Absolutely nothing wrong with the service, food or atmosphere, but nothing great about it either. It reminded me of what you might find in a mid range Spanish hotel dining room.

I was craving some tapas and luckily this happened to be down the street from my hotel. I didn't see any cold tapas, but there were plenty of hot tapas. The croquetas were my favorite, probably the best I've had at a Spanish restaurant. The cheese plate was great too, I wish i knew what the cheeses were as I ate them though and who makes the blue cheese. The patatas bravas were nice and crispy, but I wish there was a bit more sauce on them. Canelones were good, I've not had this dish before and would definitely get it again. The chistorra Catalana were the only thing I wasn't a fan of. I was hoping for a bit more spice, where these were a bit more smoky. I'd definitely recommend.

The food was was very Spanish and by that I mean fresh, good, healthy, beautiful and plentiful. The service was professional yet friendly and the wine was excellent. Our timing wasn't so good and so the restaurant was almost empty and we were very tired so we couldn't check out the atmosphere or celebrate the food as was appropriate for it. Going back is a task I'm looking forward to...

Our dinner with friends was one of sharing many different tapas courses.The egg was ok but bland and the anchovies and salmon was interesting but bland. The white sangria was very good. The outstanding dish was shrimp ajillo, very garlicky and perfect spice. The service was lacksidasical and uncaring with we having to make many requests for many simple things which took some of the fun out of eating tapas in a group'

Went here with 5 others for a work function. We had several tapas. The squid with ink was the best. Several of us also had the paella. I had the meat paella and it was delicious. Others really enjoyed the sea food paella. I would definitely go back.

My Cuban friend and I went there for lunch yesterday,July 15, 2014.She is of Spanish descent and I have traveled through a number of cities including Barcelona. I love Spanish food and hospitality.How wonderful to find it here in New York. We shared a Navarra salad, croquettes of ham and cod, and shrimp grilled with garlic. For dessert, an apple tart and a chocolate mousse plate. Bread was piping hot and replaced immediately when needed. The wine by the glass was a bit high-$10.00, but the selection excellent as was the wine we ordered. The service was attentive and gracious without being obsequious. We were the last ones in the restaurant(this is de rigeur for us.See my Mr. K's review) and we felt completely at ease and welcome. Afterwards, we visited the Instituto Cervantes, 5 blocks away..A wonderful experience deepening our immersion in Spain. We will certainly return to this charming restaurant.

Great atmosphere and food. The paella is very good and made to order. The Albondigas soup is well prepared.

Cuban friends take us to this place and it's a hit-and-miss, but mostly miss. The Paella is too mushy and you need a magnifying glass to find the rice; the peppers filled with cod are too bland, the wine list very limited. The seafood salad and the choriso as tapas were pretty good but miniature sizes. Service was mostly missing. Bread was baked in house and excellent and the EVOO – of the highest quality! What I really disliked is that they added automatically the service: a practice I highly discourage: service has all but disappeared in Europe where they routinely add the service, whether you agree or not. Not going back.

Went there last weekend with the family. It's a small place, very intimate so good for small groups. Service was attentive and professional. Tapas were simply delicious. Great rosé!

I spent a year in Spain, and Alcala is the real deal. The dishes were perfectly cooked and brought me back to Spain. We ordered the paella, gazpacho, plato campero, and pollo. The atmosphere was very European too!

We were staying at the Hilton Millennium United Nations (entrance on E 44th). It was a cold night and we didn't want to walk too far. Luckily we came across Alcala - a restaurant specializing in Spanish cuisine. It's a small place but we didn't have to wait - we arrived at 8:30 pm. The menu is varied and very much tied to traditional Iberian cuisine. For an appetizer one party had the lentil soup special, the other had the shrimp in a garlic/butter sauce. Each was excellent! We had a bottle of wine, about $55 dollars. For entres one party had the paella (it could have sufficed for two). The other party had the baby lamb chops. We didn't have dessert. Each entre was very good. It was a great find. For those looking for a tapas place, the restaurant offers a variety of tapas. But we didn't try any of them. Maybe next time!

We arrived at 6.45pm on a Friday night just before the place started to fill up. We had the paella with meat, plus several tapas: mussels, clams, and calamari; cannelloni with spinach and shrimp; and peppers stuffed with cod. All were delicious – the seafood flavors were especially light and blended well with the other tastes. The house red wine – made from grapes grown by chef-owner Jesus Martinez – is not to be missed. Given that we stayed late, we were able to cajole Jesus to have a glass of wine with us. He regaled us with stories, including about the meals that he has catered for heads of state and top UN officials. We live in Manhattan, and already have a lot of favorite restaurants. We will definitely add Alcala to our list.

Discovered the place by chance as we were searching for a place to eat late evening near by our hotel. What a find! Jesus Martinez, the chef and owner was super gracious and told us his experience ans adventures in the country we calm home- Philippines! We ordered 2 kinds of paella - Negra and Mariscos! And a big plate of sirloin! It was authentic Spanish cuisine, unassuming, but absolutely delicious We liked it so much, we recommended the place our colleagues the next day. We couldn't have enough of Jesus' hospitality, we came back for a 3rd visit to have after dinner drinks. The ever gracious host, he kept his restaurant open until way past their closing hours . Muchas gracias Jesus and your team at ALCALA RESTAURANT (spanish cuisine)!

I've lived in Spain and my wife is from there - we live in Chicago now and are spoiled by solid Spanish restaurants....but this little gem is absolutely fantastic!! I stopped in for a beer and light lunch - and literally had to order more because it was all so good. The gazpacho is the best I have had outside of Spain (save for my wife's, of course. Sorry honey!). The place is so authentic!! It's truly a little treasure. Go. And go often!! ¡Qué viva Alcalá!

I went to this Spanish last week with my wife during short break in NYC, with very short booking notice i.e. 30mins, they went to the effort to fit us in, which was great. As the UN is only at the end of the road, there is great mix of nationalities frequenting the place, which is saying something for a New York restaurant. The food was quintessential Spanish fare across an array of tapas, meat and fish menu options. I had tapas and my wife fish, both were gorgeous. Prices were very reasonable for New York, that includes the wine. Toilets were clean but small single occupancy...nothing to worry about if you have been to Spain before.

We had dinner with friends and everyone loved it. The menu, preparation and service were all excellent. The tapas were wonderful. We have been to Spain and everything was authentic. Convenient to Grand Central.

Had dinner there with group of friends, six of us. Place was really almost empty for a Saturday night, about 3 other people aside form us. Ordered the black paella and some tapas. Nothing really stood out, it was a typical Spanish meal but what what made it less appealing was the service. The waiters seemed bored, tired and uncaring. There really was no ambiance to the place. So for food, service and ambiance, I would rate food 3, ambiance 3 and service 2.

Having lived in Spain I will not accept second rate Spanish food. This restaurant met my every expectation. The choice of tapas was extensive and the taste transported me back to when i lived in Marbella. The owners are very friendly and go out of their way to meet your requests. The service was excellent and only surpassed by the selection of great food and wines. The atmosphere is a subdued but is clearly you feel that for the moment you are in Spain

Excellent food and service. The restaurant has a family like feel and we weren't rushed as we ate and visited together. Good selection of tasty tapas too!

This is my first review on trip advisor but I felt compelled to review Alcala having just had a meal there. If you base your dining experience purely on the food then I can thoroughly recommend this restaurant. However, if like most of us you like a little bit of ambience and customer service then I would suggest that this is perhaps not the place to go.

Sunday night we were looking for a moderately-priced (by NYC standards) restaurant close to our E 45th street hotel. Alcala fit the bill perfectly. Small but not claustrophobic, Alcala specializes in Spanish dishes and has a nice selection of seafood. Service was good and the atmosphere invited conversation. The food was satisfying without being exceptional. Bill for two entrees, shared premium salad, dessert, bottle of wine and cappuccino incl tax $112.

We discovered pretty quickly on our trip to Barcelona a couple months ago that the best tapas were found at small restaurants off the beaten path—with hand-written signs on sidewalk sandwich boards. Alcala was no different. We enjoyed a wonderful bottle of garnacha (Navarra), and shared a couple of small plates that were delicious: Gambas al Ajillo, Espárragos Navarra, the Plato Campero, and the Plato de Quesos.

Although I have worked in the area for many years, this was my first visit to Alcala and it was a date with my husband. He ordered the luncheon prix fixe special, and I ordered gazpacho, tortilla espanola and a glass of red wine, a delicious tempranillo. We enjoyed every single dish, but the service was a bit curious. My husband's lunch came with soup, so he was served his soup first, while I received my tortilla. Then, his main course came and I received my gazpacho. A bit curious. We also had to ask for bread, we didn't get it right away. My gazpacho had a wonderful, intense tomato flavor and my husband's soup was a squash soup, also very tasty. His main course was a grilled salmon dish, served over sliced sauteed potatoes with salad greens. Nicely prepared and seasoned. For dessert, we shared an apple tart which was mostly apples and minimal crust. We enjoyed the meal very much, and I hope we can return to sample more Spanish treats. It reminded me very much of my semester abroad in Madrid decades ago, when I practically lived on tortilla espanolas and vino tinto (red wine.) Delicioso!

A very disappointing birthday celebration. First, the automatic 20% "service charge" for a party of three feels like a three card monte play especially when your bill also includes a line for a "Tip" under the sum of the food/drinks, tax, and service charge. If you don't pay attention, you will pay the service charge and perhaps another 18-20% tip. Be alert. Second, the food: fresh but just...ok. The fish soup and the asparagus soup were the most enjoyable part of the meal. For example, the trout was dry and difficult to cut with a knife. The three fish entree featured two-bite sizes of each fish. Both dishes were garnished with watered down, soft pico de gallo. Third, the decor is not "traditional" but old and in need of a good cleaning and paint job. The lighting was too dim to appreciate whatever visual appeal the food may have had. And get some cool, fresh air in there! We will not return unless prices are cut 50% to match the dining experience.

We were in a group of about 12 folks, but service was great, food came hot and fresh. The Paella was excellent, it really reminded me of the food in Madrid. Had a small salad too, that was also very good. I can't comment on the price, since our group's lunch was included in a conference price, but we for sure got a great meal. This restaurant is on my "must return" list! I'd love to come back to try dinner sometime.

I was there for a business lunch. The ambience was nice like many other upscale to midscale Manhattan restaurant; however, what distinguishes it from others is its food. Service was excellent as well. It is expensive no doubt; but the Spanish food was out of this world. My colleague had Gazpacho and Canelones. I had Aguacate and Espada (Swordfish). They were just amazing. We ended with a Trio de Chocolate and expresso. It was hard to walk out of there after such a wonderful meal! The total bill (including a beer) was around $50/person.

Alcala is our favorite restaurant in NYC. If I could give it 5 stars, I would. The wine, the sangria, the paella — you simply can't go wrong. We celebrated our anniversary here, and it was perfect! Jesus, the owner, has created the most authentic Spanish experience in the heart of the city. During COVID, he built a beautiful socially-distant outdoor space that feels like an oasis with amazing food. Alcala is the best kept-secret in New York. Highly recommend.

We passed this restaurant on our exploration of New York as it is close to our hotel. It looked interesting so we tried it in the evening. We were the first customers so the service was pretty good. I had soup and lamb ribs and my wife had salad and sardines. Altogether with a couple of beers the bill came to $135. The food was nice but I think that is expensive even for New York.

We dined early on a Sunday night after attending a matinee show. The service was superior -- gracious and attentive without being intrusive. The dining room is comfy and attractive. The food, however, was mostly average. The menu boasts a good representative variety of traditional tapas, such as garlic shrimp, albondigas (meatballs), several dishes featuring chorizo, and Spanish potatoes. However, they were presented in a haphazard, unadorned manner that showed little imagination. Dishes were brought out one at a time, with no overlap and occasional long stretchs between dishes, so the meal lacked the spontaneity and blending of flavors we've enjoyed at other tapas restaurants. The food tasted ok but lacked character, and many of the portions were tiny even by tapas standards. The spicy chorizo was a skimpy less-than-half-plate of tiny, rubbery slices of greasy sausage. The shrimp and spinach cannelloni with tomatoes and bechamel was quite good -- and beautifully presented -- and the Gambas al Ajillo (garlic shrimp) had a nice taste, but was just slapped into a small bowl. The bread, served individually by request, was excellent. Eating tapas should be more fun and seductive ... you should want to sop up the delicious, savory juices and oils from every plate. But this just felt like a procession of individual dishes of stuff they had hanging around in the fridge, cooked quickly and threw on a plate. With a little more attention to presentation and, perhaps, taking a few more chances with the menu this could be a wonderful place. We would be willing to go back, but with all the fine restaurants in NY, it would not be among our top choices.

We’re from Europe and at home (in the Netherlands) we can get quite good Spanish food. We’ve visited Spain a couple of times so we know what real Spanish food tastes like. Not like this! The food here is so bad.. this is the worst food we’ve ever eaten in a restaurant. The mushrooms tasted like shoe and the albondigas where just meatballs wih gravy.. The entirior is old and does simply look ugly. The waiters are just okay. They are not that nice, especially for in New York. Please skip this expensive, bad restaurant and spend your money elsewhere!

Ate here a few weeks ago. Food good, but disappointed in the prices of wine. Very expensive per glass. Ordered the $10 glass of sangria, and was charged $12. A bit annoyed. We only ordered a few tapas, and they brought us the wrong item. Could be a great place, they just need to pay attention to details.

Tender lamb ribs. So succulent Over veggies. Partner had monk fish. Tasty. Grilled sardines as appetizer. To die for! Must go. Fresh, perfectly spiced food. Decor is fair but food and service is excellent.

Grilled sardines, chorizo tapas and salads were very tasty. Had the lamp chops and tuna for entrees. Perfectly cooked and also very tasty. Portions were just right. Cocktails were well mixed. Wine list was a nice compliment to the menu without being overwhelming. Service was good. Price was very reasonable for the area. Definitely worth a visit but be sure to get a reservation. It’s not a very big place and it fills up quickly especially on weekends.

We decided to visit Alcala as its menu included a wonderful variety of tapas as well as main dishes. It reminded us of our travels to Barcelona. The food was delicious and very authentic. The patatas bravas, and croquets were mouth watering and the charcuterie platter was delicious and plentiful. The service is wonderful with kind and attentive service. We will be back!

Felt very lucky to find an authentic Spanish restaurant near our hotel. They have Jamon d'Iberica, hard to get in any restaurant in the US and other true tapas foods. Food was really great - mushrooms, shrimp with garlic, ham and then arres (custard pie) for dessert.) Couldn't ask for more from the food but the service was "on demand" and then very prompt. Not sure why that was. Owner is Spanish, really knows his stuff. Go for dinner and you won't be disappointment.

We felt this was some kind of mean prank. It looked like a Spanish restaurant. It had Spanish waiters and a Spanish chef. But if you have been to Spain, or eaten at a halfway decent Spanish restaurant anywhere, you will know better. This was barely OK and way too expensive. Try Solera instead (and, believe me, I don't work for them). The service was slow and careless. We glimpsed our waiter snacking in the kitchen. The chicken was very bland with a sauce that we could have made much better at home. I don't usually pan restaurants, but this one earned it.

I wanted to try Basque food and had a delightful lunch experience at Alcala. Since I wasn't very hungry, they suggested an absolutely delicious seafood dish with a marvelous glass of white wine. Wow, I'll be back! ( Will probably try the Iberico pig dish when I return.)

Lovely little Spanish restaurant in Midtown East. Good food and good service. We also really appreciated the tranquility of this restaurant. It is not easy in NYC to find a place where you can enjoy a good chat with a normal tone of voice, without having to scream to be heard. Absolutely recommended for both business lunches and romantic couple's dinner.

Very pleasant restaurant. Offers a good variety of tapas. Try the cheese platter: really delicious. Second time I had the sword fish for main couse, which was excellent. Good wines.

Great ambiance; has a front restaurant section and then an indoor, open garden section. Food is good, service great. Mobbed at lunchtime (UN people); busy in the evening. We go often as a neighborhood restaurant.

It’s been a while since my spouse & I had such a memorable lunch in the U.S. This veteran Spanish restaurant has a very welcoming atmosphere. Jesus & his attentive staff truly make you feel welcome. We have traveled several times to Spain, & the menu and food does not disappoint. One highlight was the trout, but everything from the warm rolls to the red wine and well-dressed & quietly chatting other patrons made quite a pleasant change from the often loud and rushed lunches elsewhere these days in big cities. The next time we are in NYC, away from our home in Boston, we will be back . . .

Wonderful food and warm atmosphere, great service. We order the garlic shrimp appetizer every time, because it is sooo good. Last night,s special avocado and shrimp appetizer was wonderful, as were the fish with salsa verde ( green sauce) and the " Rustic Plate" of the day, Cochinillo asado- fabulous very young pork with crispy skin. Couldn't resist the Trio de Chocolate dessert and it was great. Going back soon!

We were absolutely delighted with the food. Every single plate we ordered was superb and the service was excellent. A winner

Entered Alcala with a good impression expecting traditional tapas and Spanish dishes. The menu is extensive and the service is typical Spanish....slow, but a good sign for traditional. I was highly disappointed. I ordered the ossobuco which is supposed to be a great dish....it arrived tasteless and cold. The appetizer of muscles was OK but not worth the price. Got a complementary dessert not worth mentioning. Will not return .....

Delicious food! Attentive service. Very good Tempranillo wine. I cvisited the place two years ago and the quality is always the same, impeccable. To come back again.

Excellent & authentic cuisine from Spain, with a wide variety a tapas options in particular. Quiet, relaxed ambience with gracious, thoughtful service. Alcala has been a neighborhood fixture for quite some time with good reason!

I’ve never had great paella outside of Spain until now. Thank you alcala for delicious paella in NYC!

We wandered by this restaurant stopping to read the menu late one night. After awhile, the chef came out to greet us and share his interpretation of Spanish dishes with us. We went back the next night. Great food and service.

This tapas restaurant was quite good. The only real complaint is that the tables are small, and they brought out the food so fast that there was no place on the table to put then next platter. Tapas were quite good, especially the gambas, caneloni, ensalada de endivas. Sangria (30/pitcher) was average, nothing particularly special, which was a bit disappointing. Definitely will return.

At Alcala we had a good red Sangria with our meal with four different Tapas. This was a follow up visit. We visited Alcala 10 Oct and enjoyed the meal this time almost as much as last time. Please do not suggest the tip based upon price plus tax. We do not tip on tax. That is why this time you only get a three.

I really enjoyed my dinner at Alcala. We spilt a bottle of white wine which was dry and refreshing. We also decided to order tapas. I started with a caldo Gallego which was salty and warm. We had Albóndigas, Patatas bravas, Chorizo, and Solomillo. All were good. The service was great too. All of the waitstaff spoke Spanish. The only thing is you have to ask for water top offs and the check because, as in Spain, waitstaff leaves you alone to enjoy your meal and doesn’t check on you every 5 minutes. I will go back.

My husband and I decided to have a weekend in NYC and chose Alcala for dinner. It did not disappoint at all. The food was excellent and you could tell it was fine quality. They had a large selection of wines- the chef recommended one from his hometown in Spain. Was very impressed at how the chef (also the owner) was so directly involved with his restaurant- you could easily see how much he cared, and how cooking was his passion. He ensured every meal was delicious! He also came out and talked to each table, answered any questions you may have, and gave recommendations. A date night to remember :)

Traditional homie food with good services. Though the price is about 30%-50% too high for its worth.

Picked this restaurant from a review due to their having good tapas and drinks - was so much more pleasantly surprised. From the time we entered, their staff greeted us warmly and were so kind and set a tone that is unusual in good nyc restaurants. The wine glasses were filled to the brim with great spanish wine and the tapas were terrific. We will definitely return to enjoy it again.

The food here is a stand out and the whole staff is so pleasant and accommodating. I brought my brother here as he is a big fan of Spanish food and he really enjoyed it. I had the pork loin which was delicious and we started with the garlic shrimp - be sure not to eat your bread until this comes so you can stop up the sauce with it!

We went for Sunday dinner. Had thought we could enjoy outdoor dining after seeing their lovely garden - they just put us in the front dining room, which got a bit stuffy even with the windows opened (and it was a cool Sept evening). We had the grilled sardines and gazpacho soup to start, baby squid in a black ink sauce and pork tenderloin. The baby squid was especially tender. Service was ok, and food was really quite good...just not the price.

I came by and had really good spanish food served by extrrmly friendly people there. I felt very well taken care. Thank you

After having been to Barcelona and falling in love with tapas, we gave Alcala a try. The tapas dishes we ordered were mediocre and the service was passable. Not worth the visit.

The food is amazing and very representative of northern Spain.

Definitely order the grilled calamari and the lamb chops. I always eat here whenever I have the chance.

I used to go to the old Maitechu, then Alcala, at 46th Street ... and then it was no longer there. Just my good luck, I found the new location on 44th Street because I happenend to walk over there and saw it. Well, if the old restaurant was good, this is a real find, and I think I must have visited all the Spanish restaurants in Manhattan. Being originally from Spain, I decided to try Spanish dishes you find almost everywhere in NY, and they are consistently different from the originals, especially the ones from Galicia. Well, I tried two of the staples of Galician cuisine (Caldo gallego and pulpo a feira) and I could have been eating the same plates in Santiago de Compostela. Then I decided to try a staple from another Spanish area, chuletitas de cordero. This time, I could have been eating in a fine Madrileno restaurant. All of it absolutely delicious and authentic, same as deserts. Try leche frita! To top it all off, the owner, Chucho, couldn't be nicer, we became instant friends. All of the staff are very nice and helpful also, including Chucho's son, Sam. One piece of advice, if you are not sure what wine to choose, let Chucho do it for you. For NYC prices and the quality offered, you get good value both by the glass and by the bottle. I found another thing than only happens in Spain (to my knowledge). There was a table with two families from Spain and the US, but with obviously Spanish customs as far as their children are concerned. There were five of them ranging in age from 1 to maybe 5 years old, and they were let roam around the restaurant by their parents. This may be endearing to some people and very annoying to others. Otherwise, this restaurant is perfect !

Canelones were delicious, croquetas equally so. A little cazuela of seafood delightful, and a cheese plate to finish. Commendable sherry and nice house wine. What more could you want?

From the moment my friends and I walked in, we were greeted by the friendly staff. We suddenly were transported into Espana! The menu featured authentic Spanish dishes. Great Sangria too! Staff is very attentive and Jesus came over to our table to chat. He genuinely had lots to share and was a great listener too. The only sad part was having to eventually go home. Definitely will come back!!!

I know Spanish food and this was a disappointment. The salmon was tasty enough, but the salad that was part of the dish was too oily and not the best quality of olive oil at that. The potatoes were blah! I was surprised that the waiters were not that serviceable, since Spanish people normally are. We had to ask for water several times. And the desserts - (I ordered a variety of Basque desserts) were not very good. I've been to the Basque region, so this was really a disappointment. Won't be going back here.

Found this restaurant on trip advisor and chose it as it was near our hotel. The food was fantastic and the service impeccable. Lovely sangria too. Not cheap but nowhere in NYC is!

Surprise find. A friend to me here for lunch. It’s a small unassuming place and is family-run. The food is heart nice home cooked Spanish food. Highlight recommended. Price-wise in the mid-range but the quality of the food and service is outstanding and hence fully justify. High recommended. There are, but only a few vegetarian options. House wine by the glas (red) is great and second, third glas receive generous refills. You wont be disappointed in this little hidden gem of a restaurant.

One our favorite restaurants in NYC. We have gone there four times now and every meal was better than the last. The atmosphere is romantic, the owners were warm, friendly and accommodating. Julio Iglesias was playing in the background. They were sensitive to allergies. The food was creative and flavorful. I hope you enjoy as much as we have.

My grandparents are Spanish (from Asturias and Catalonia) and I have visited Spain every other year for the last 30 years( at least) ….there is no Spanish restaurant like Alcala in Manhattan….the Monk Fish, Paella, Swordfish and Chipirones (squid in black ink) are delicious and consistently excellent….I keep trying to taste their lamb or beef and I have not been able to resist ordering fish again….I highly recommend this restaurant….prices are very reasonable for the quality of the food and service is friendly and efficient ( family restaurant, three brothers and nephew) …..outdoor and indoor seating….relaxed atmosphere. Dr Carlos Mendez-Villamil

We pre-ordered the seafood paella to save waiting time during a fairly busy lunch period. I am not really used to saying thank you politely and getting an unmoved reaction from the serving staff, but having said that the quality was there and the glasses of wine priced at $10 each certainly inspired a wish to return. I did not pay the bill but was told the place was expensive situated in a very busy spot near the Indian mission on 44th street. Looking at the dishes on other white table cloth tables, nothing stood out which is rare for a good restaurant. The apple cake was light - mostly apples, the espresso insipid. Not sure I would come with family as the attitude of the staff, pricing and location all seem to spell United Nations staff who need somewhere to eat.

Amazing food, amazing service, we will come back every time we come to New York City. It is authentic Spanish food, I felt like I was back in Spain for a couple of hours, a great find! We can't wait to go back!

The restaurants looks a little bit outdated , i guess they still n the colonial era. the food was good i guess, nothing to write home about but here i am writing so, make your own conclusions! Get the fixed menu, it makes the most sense. I just wish the staff was a lil bit more professional, they are nice but too informal for a not so expensive restauran.

This is a real spanish food restaurant. It has typical dishes from different spanish regions and they are all delicious. We've been here a couple of times, with business partners, friends or family. The service is excellent, the fish and seafood unique, wines that fit and the ambience is also nice. Don't miss it!

Good fresh fish, rape. Pleasant efficient service. The paella was nothing out of the ordinary, as well as desserts. It is Spanish, although a little on the pricey side, and mostly traditional fare, not creative dishes. Mind the address change: 44th and 2nd.

Enjoyed the sardines and the paellla. The sausage and shrimp appetizers were small an average. Fairly good service nice surprise visit but would try something different next time.

We randomly chose this restaurant and was impressed with some of the tastes in the foods. The restaurant had a good buzz and it looked like everyone was enjoying the food. Well worth a visit.

We were reading the menu outside when a local urged us to try this restaurant and we were so glad we did! The food was truly excellent. Delicious gazpacho and the best garlic prawns/shrimps I have had in decades! Beautiful old fashioned decor and service to match. I still don't know how the waiters could be so unobtrusive and yet so attentive. The chef came out to se how our meals were and took genuine pleasure in our happiness as guests. Thoroughly recommend.

Both the paella and the various tapas were excellent. The ingredients were perfect, presentation was very nice. The atmosphere was very relaxing. Service was good, but I do have two caveats. First, the waiter was not well versed at matching wines with our meals. Second, when a regular came in near the end of our meal, the wait staff gathered around this one table and seemed to forget about us out-of-towners. Desert was nothing special

Great, relaxed service and quite European atmosphere; very romantic and great for conversation with friends. No rushing us out the door!

This establishment has the feel of old Madrid and many offerings that are uniquely Spanish. I had the peppers stuffed with salt cod and a starter of grilled sardines. Seemed like the north coast was just steps away! Service staff are from Spain and know the menu well. I recommend as a congenial place to talk with friends or colleagues and have some very nice food. Did not sample the wine list but it looked good.

Lovely small restaurant. Attentive staff and a decently priced interesting wine list. It would have been a great experience if the food was authentic or well prepared. It was neither. The Iberian ham was pale soft and machine sliced -- perhaps packaged. It was without character and was served with a placid version of tomato bread; sliced barely toasted commercial Italian loaf with a pale dusting of flavourless chopped can tomato spread, totally unlike anything you would find in Spain, even in an airport. the fresh anchovies were fresh from a jar and pickled. lams were served in clam broth, butter, garlic, parsley and a splash of white wine and was delicious bugt the clams were cooked to a hard rubbery state that sorely tested your dentistry.

Went there for a business lunch. Had the scallops (most expensive item on the lunch menu) and truly worth it. The Filloas Cangrejo is another good dish. End it with a quick dessert as Helado Fresco and Natillas. Was not very happy with the coffee... tasted like a stronger American diner version.

i paid $42 for a cheap bottle of rioca, when i got the asparagus tapas it was out of a tin! These guys need to pull thier socks up. Dont bother going here when theres much better on offer elsewhere.

I was there with a friend, with the intention of having dinner and catch up since we haven't seen each other in along time. The place didn't have a good ambiance, it was dark and with a sad low music playing, so we just order an appetizer and had dinner in a different place. We order the tortilla, and it was average... I had many tortillas (I'm from Spanish descent) and this one needed more onions for my taste. The service was good, although when they realize we were Spanish they started a conversation with us, and it seemed rude to cut them off so it was a quite wired situation as we wanted to chat but not with them!

Not very expensive is a relative term. Maybe for tourists and people who earn in Euros it may look cheap but for New Yorkers. Very Very Pricey. For me it was extra very pricey for very small portions. Serving was good however. I guess to make up for the fact that wallets were about to be dry cleaned. The atmosphere was vintage spanish.

We went to this restaurant on a recommendation from a friend and were not disappointed. We were greeted warmly when we arrived and were promptly seated. During our meal the waiter was very attentive going out of his way to make sure we were taken care of.. This is the best Spanish (Spain) food that I have experienced. Met the head chef who made recommendations and prepared a delicious meal. He then went out his way to come out during our meal to make sure we were completely satisfied. Additionally, their Sangria was out of this world. If you have room try one of their deserts, they are to die for. I have found out that many international dignitaries also dine there frequently, and I can see why. We look forward to our next trip to the area to dine there again.

While at a conference at the Grand Hyatt, we walked over to Alcala for dinner. My husband and I shared several tapas: Gambas al Ajillo (shrimp on sizzling garlic sauce) Canelones (spinach and shrimp cannelloni with tomato and Bechamel sauce) Albondigas (meatballs in sherry wine sauce)Chorizo al Vino (Chorizo in red wine and onions)Chuletitas de Cordero (Grilled lamb chops). Everything was good, but the table was so small that the waiter had trouble putting down all the plates. We also shared a very good Basque dessert sampler. The low point of the meal was the iced tea. I think it was brewed in a container that had also been used for coffee, giving it a slight coffee taste. The authentic Spanish decor was charming.

Found this restaurant while walking past. Tripadvisor gave good reasons to eat there. That certainly wasn't a disappointment! Wonderful Spanish atmosphere with delicious dishes, each tastier than the other. Excellent service!

Enjoyed a variety of tapas all cooked to perfection. The Galician offerings were superb! Our favorite were the anchovies. Best Sangria and red wine we have had. Chef and owner Jesus Domingo and his son and staff were all personable and made sure we had a wonderful time. We will certainly visit again! 5/5 stars!

We do not know how we first found Alcala, but we are grateful that we did. Now we come here every time we come to New York City. The food is outstanding, and the service at this family treasure is excellent. they also have excellent wines from Spain. The bartender, Samuel, is the owners son. He doubles as a bricklayer on the patio that they are building.

This was not the first time at Alcala. We were looking forward to the complimentary olives served while waiting for the first course. No olives! Two male waiters on duty. Not very shabby even his T-shirt showing. One eating his dinner at the bar. Then coming over to take our order. Servings were small and tasteless. Place was dirty. Bathrooms shabby. Food dropped on floor while clearing the table and just left there. Maybe a change of ownership? There was no pride in what was served or caring about the guests. Can’t go back. Don’t understand the high ratings still in place- had to warn others. Disappointed.

I am a regular in Alcala for lunch with colleagues and friends. The midtown location is convenient, and the food is tasty and beautifully presented. Service can be uneven, especially at rush hour- better to go early. The camarones in garlic and the fish platter of 3 types of grilled fish are both excellent.

Alcala has been a favorite with my cousin and me for years! First on E 46th Street and then in the new, smaller location on E 44th Street. We are always greeted like family - and graciously served. So when I needed to find a location for dinner for other relatives when I cousin died, I called Alcala - and they did NOT disappoint - Service was great - everyone got to sample some of Cousin's favorite dishes ( which they found nice and comforting) and I felt we did a great tribute to a cousin and a favorite dining spot. The black ink paella is always a favorite! The new small dishes/tappas are great- and really do offer a sampling of Spanish cuisine! The fried sardines are a popular dish! crispy! The stuffed belgian endive is crunchy, creamy and has a nice "tang" to it. WIne choices are excellent! The fish dishes are always good! Desserts are devine!! and lovely to share! This is a small, intimate neighborhood establishment - but visitors are warmly welcomed. Tables are close together but in a small place, they do the best to create "privacy and ambiance." I will always return to Alcala on the East Side!!

This is a small, neighborhood restaurant on 44th Street just a couple of blocks from the U.N., run by Spaniards and offering very tasty, authentic Spanish dishes. You can order tapas or entrees. We shared a variety of appetizers and tapas, and most everything was delicious. Only the chorizo was disappointing, as it tasted rather more like hot dog than a spiced sausage. Service by what appear to be the owners is friendly. The meal ran us about $88 for 3 people, all told, including two glasses of wine and a single shared dessert (also very good).

The restaurant is close to UN zone in NY. The waiters are friendly. I noticed that some of them do not stop drinking red wine. I can see their eyes and you know they are drunk. I ordered Paella Negra .... I guess black rice... made from the ink of the squid. It was delicious. The dish took more than 20 minutes to cook and it was indicated on the menu the waiting time. My wife also ordered Paella .... and it was not as good as the one I ordered. The price is very reasonable considering their proximity to UN zone .....

The restaurant understands allergy. They prepared the Tortilla Espanola especially for me with the right oil. They also prepared my chicken without any allergens. The service is fast, excellent and kind. They are always there to see how they can serve you better. Always return to this restaurant.

The food was great! But I choose to give a poor review. The service was the worst I have had in years. I booked this for our aviversary dinner. I wanted authentic Spanish food in New York. The food was great! But the service was sub standard. Empty water glasses, no bread, never talked to us after the food arrived. Could not even ask for a glass of wine. Had to ask for the check after plates were empty for a good while. They say a bad restaurant does not last in NY. Well expect this one to go soon.

We had our first dinner in NYC after we decide to move here 20 Years ago. As then, it delivers good food at a good value. Utter tapas are not exotic, but quite well done - esp., the gambas ajillo. Iusually gravitate to the rape in salsa verse, while my wife heads for the trucha or the lamb chops. The trio de chocolate desert is not to be missed. The wine list is solid and reasonably priced. Service is friendly.

The olives on the table were very good. The gazpacho was very good. For my entree I had the Paella De Carne. It was made fresh to order. I've had better. The beef was very fatty. Some pieces were just globs of fat. The chicken and chorizo sausage were OK. My friends said the sangria was good. We shared the desert sampler, which was good.

If you are in New York and want to change cuisine and you like the Spanish one this is your place. Here everything is original, the language with the waiters is Spanish and the cuisine I think also since you can enjoy a good Serrano jamòn, paella de mariscos vera, delicate gazpacho, all with a good sangrìa. Not bad.

AMAZING. The service is incredible in this quaint little slice of perfection. If you like authenticity and home cooking this is the spot for you. Every bite tasted like it was hand crafted. Delicious.

Came here with a group of friends and had a very nice meal. There was a reasonable selection of Tapas but we decided to go for an entrée, etc. I was impressed that they had multiple options for Paella and you could order just 1 serving. I have been to many Spanish places that insist on more than one person for Paella. They had a nice reasonable wine list. We got a table with no problem on a Sat in March. We were not rushed and were able to relax and enjoy our meal. With the varied menu you could make this as cheap or expensive as you like.

The welcome was warm and friendly, the setting has character, we enjoyed a good spanish wine and the gaspacho soup was delicious - but the main course less satisfactory. Not the most expensive restaurant in the area - but not budget, either!