Spanish Restaurant Tapas - Alcala Introduce
For New Yorkers seeking an authentic and elegant culinary journey to the Iberian Peninsula, **Spanish Restaurant Tapas - Alcala** is a highly recommended destination. Nestled in the heart of Midtown East, Alcala distinguishes itself as a premier **Spanish restaurant**, specializing in **Tapas bar** and **Basque restaurant** traditions, while embracing the healthy, rich flavors of **Mediterranean restaurant** cuisine. The restaurant is celebrated for capturing the essence of Spain in every bite and sip, offering a refined yet cozy dining experience.
Alcala's reputation, built over nearly three decades, rests on its commitment to traditional Spanish flavors presented with modern sophistication. The menu, overseen by Executive Chef and Owner Jesús Martínez, draws inspiration from the distinctive culinary regions across Spain, including Galicia, Madrid, Catalonia, and the Basque Country. This dedication to quality and authenticity is what makes Alcala a cornerstone of the New York dining scene.
The core of the Alcala experience lies in its exceptional tapas. Standouts frequently praised by local customers include the perfectly garlicky **Gambas Al Ajillo** (Shrimp in a sizzling garlic sauce), the hearty **Tortilla De Patatas** (Spanish omelet with potatoes and onions), and the delightful savory experience of **Croquetas**. Patrons emphasize that the restaurant does not "save costs on the ingredients," ensuring the quality of every dish, from small plates to the main courses.
Beyond tapas, the menu boasts authentic paellas like the classic **Paella De Mariscos** (Seafood Paella) and robust main courses such as **Solomillo De Buey** (Grilled filet mignon) and various seafood preparations like **Rape En Salsa Verde** (Sautéed monkfish in a parsley and garlic sauce). The full experience is complemented by a beverage selection that is equally impressive, featuring signature cocktails and a genuinely **Great wine list**, including an exclusive **Limited Edition Alcala Red Wine**.
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Alcala Restaurant is ideally situated in a central, highly-trafficked location for New York City professionals and residents at **246 E 44th St, New York, NY 10017, USA**. Its Midtown East address places it conveniently near major landmarks and business centers, making it a perfect spot for both a business lunch and an evening dinner.
Located between Second and Third Avenues, the restaurant is centrally located and well-connected within Manhattan's transportation network. Public transport access is excellent, being close to the **42nd St–Grand Central** subway station, which serves the S, 4, 5, 6, and 7 lines. This ease of access by subway is a significant advantage for New Yorkers across the boroughs.
While street parking in Midtown East is typically limited, Alcala's location is near several **Paid street parking** options and garages. The restaurant also ensures essential comfort and accessibility for all patrons:
- **Wheelchair accessible entrance** is provided, ensuring that the warm hospitality of Alcala can be enjoyed by everyone.
For those who wish to enjoy the Midtown atmosphere, the restaurant offers **Outdoor seating** options, which are particularly popular for evening dining or enjoying **Tapas** and a glass of wine in a comfortable, casual setting.
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Alcala provides a range of services designed to offer a complete and flexible dining experience that meets the high standards expected by New York City patrons:
- **Dine-in and Seating:** Offers full **Table service** for both **Lunch** and **Dinner**, with comfortable **Seating** in a cozy atmosphere. The option for **Outdoor seating** is also available.
- **Reservations:** **Dinner reservations are recommended**, and the restaurant **Accepts reservations** to ensure guests, particularly **Groups**, can secure a table at their preferred time.
- **Off-Premise Dining:** For those in a rush or preferring to dine at home, Alcala offers convenient **Delivery** and **Takeout** services, ensuring their authentic cuisine can be enjoyed anywhere in the city.
- **Full Bar Service:** Features a dedicated **Bar onsite** with a spectacular beverage program, including **Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and Wine**. Their **Red Sangria** and exclusive **Limited Edition Alcala Red Wine** are particular highlights.
- **Dining Times:** Open for both **Lunch** and **Dinner**, accommodating the schedules of New York's business community and local residents. **Dessert** options are also available, with the **Flan** and **Tres Leches** receiving high praise.
- **Payment Convenience:** Accepts all major payment methods, including **Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments**.
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Alcala's exceptional reputation in New York is built upon several key features that set it apart in the Midtown East dining landscape:
- **Authentic Regional Spanish Cuisine:** Specializes in authentic Spanish and **Basque restaurant** cuisine, offering deep, traditional flavors. The menu is a journey through Spain, featuring everything from classic Andalusian **Gazpacho** to Northern Spanish **Porrusalda** and various Paellas.
- **Exceptional Tapas Selection:** The restaurant excels as a **Tapas bar**, offering over twenty small plates. Standouts include the acclaimed **Gambas Al Ajillo**, **Patatas Bravas**, and an incredible selection of Spanish charcuterie and cheeses, perfect for **Small plates** dining.
- **Exclusive Wine Selection:** A major highlight is the **Limited Edition Alcala Red Wine** (Cabernet Sauvignon) and White Wine (Chardonnay), exclusively sourced from the chef's vineyard in Spain, offering a truly unique and bold-flavored pairing that is often cited as the best.
- **Great Beverage Program:** Beyond the exclusive wines, Alcala is known for **Great cocktails** and a strong overall **Great wine list**, appealing to sophisticated palates. They also serve **Great coffee**.
- **High-Quality Ingredients:** The commitment to using top-quality, fresh ingredients is evident in the flavors, particularly in seafood dishes like **Cazuela De Mariscos** and **Salpicon De Mariscos**, often noted as being "simply the best."
- **Cozy and Welcoming Atmosphere:** Despite its Midtown location, the ambiance is described as **Casual** and **Cozy**, providing an elegant, intimate setting that is ideal for both **Groups** and **Solo dining**.
- **Focus on Health and Quality:** The menu incorporates **Healthy options** and is grounded in the wholesome, fresh profiles of the **Mediterranean restaurant** diet.
- **Fast and Knowledgeable Service:** Patrons consistently note the **Fast service** and the staff's **warm, knowledgeable** approach, making the entire dining experience feel effortless and welcoming.
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To experience the highly-rated Spanish and Basque cuisine at Alcala Restaurant in New York City, please use the following contact information:
- **Address:** 246 E 44th St, New York, NY 10017, USA
- **Phone:** (212) 370-1866
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For New York diners, choosing Alcala Restaurant Tapas is choosing an unparalleled authentic Spanish culinary experience in a prime Manhattan location. It is worth choosing Alcala because it offers a rare combination of culinary excellence, unique offerings, and exceptional hospitality, making it a true **gem of a Spanish restaurant**.
The main reason to visit is to savor the **exceptional tapas**—dishes like **Gambas Al Ajillo** and **Patatas Bravas** are crafted with such care and authenticity that they transport you directly to Spain. Furthermore, the opportunity to try the **Limited Edition Alcala Red Wine**, an exclusive product from the chef's own vineyard, provides a unique pairing experience that cannot be found elsewhere in the city.
Whether you are seeking a lively dinner with **Groups**, a high-quality business lunch, or a relaxing meal on the **Outdoor seating**, Alcala accommodates with its cozy, refined atmosphere and professional, **Fast service**. Given the popularity and the excellent reviews, securing a **Dinner reservation** is highly recommended to ensure you do not miss out on this elegant, flavorful, and deeply rooted Spanish tradition right here in Midtown East, New York.
Spanish Restaurant Tapas - Alcala Food & drink
Tapas
- Tortilla De Patatas $14.00
Spanish omelet with potatoes and onions.
- Llescas Catalanas $16.00
Tomato rubbed bread topped with anchovies and marinated salmon.
- Croquetas $14.00
Serrano ham and codfish croquettes.
- Jamon Serrano $18.00
Imported Serrano ham.
- Gambas Al Ajillo $16.00
Shrimp in a sizzling garlic sauce.
- Salpicon De Mariscos $16.00
Seafood salad.
- Ensalada De Atun Fresco $18.00
Fresh tuna salad with Piquillo peppers.
- Patatas Bravas $15.00
Fried potato cubes served with a spicy sauce.
- Cazuela De Mariscos $18.00
Clams, shrimp, scallops and mussels in garlic sauce.
- Pimientos Con Bacalao $16.00
Red Piquillo peppers stuffed with codfish on Salsa Vizcaina.
- Canelones $16.00
Spinach and shrimp cannelloni.
- Crepes De Setas Y Jamon $16.00
Mushrooms and Iberico ham crepes.
- Chipirones En Su Tinta $16.00
Baby squid in a black ink sauce.
- Albondigas $14.00
Meatballs in a sherry wine sauce.
- Chuletón Cabrales $20.00
Steak tapa in Cabrales cheese sauce.
- Chorizo En Cazuelita $16.00
Spanish chorizo sausage.
- Chorizo Al Vino $17.00
Chorizo in red wine and onions.
- Montadito De Lomo $16.00
Pork tenderloin on rustic bread.
- Chuletitas De Cordero $21.00
Grilled lamb chops.
- Pepito De Solomillo $20.00
Grilled filet mignon on rustic bread.
- Boquerones En Vinagre $16.00
Anchovies in sherry vinegar.
- Plato Campero $20.00
Assortment of Spanish charcuterie: Serrano ham, cured chorizo, Salchichón and Lomo with tomato rubbed bread.
- Plato De Quesos $20.00
Assortment of cheeses from Spain: Manchego, Idiazabal, Iberico, Mahon, Roncal, Tetilla, Valdeon and Zamorano.
Appetizers
- Gazpacho $13.00
Cold Andalusian Soup.
- Porrusalda $13.00
Clear soup of leek, carrots and potatoes.
- Sopa De Pescado Larruskain $16.00
Clear soup of fish and shellfish with white Rioja wine Basque-style.
- Setas Al Horno $15.00
Oven roasted caps of Shiitake mushrooms with parsley and garlic.
- Ensalada Verde $12.00
Mesclun salad with extra virgin olive oil and sherry vinegar dressing.
- Gambas En Salsa Verde $16.00
Shrimp in a sizzling parsley sauce.
- Ensalada De Salmon Marinado $18.00
Thin slices of dill marinated salmon over mesclun salad.
- Ensalada De Navarra $18.00
White asparagus, Piquillo peppers, endives, cherry tomatoes, Idiazabal cheese and scallion vinaigrette over mesclun.
- Mejillones A La Gallega $18.00
Steamed mussels with olive oil, garlic, onions and lobster sauce
Main Courses
- Plato Vegetariano $29.00
Assorted sautéed vegetables, broiled mushrooms, asparagus and artichokes.
- Rape En Salsa Verde $34.00
Sautéed monkfish in a parsley and garlic sauce with clams and shrimp.
- Atun Encebollado $36.00
Grilled tuna on scalloped potatoes surrounded by caramelized Spanish onions.
- Chipirones En Su Tinta $34.00
Baby squid in a black ink sauce with white rice.
- Pimientos De Piquillo Con Bacalao $31.00
Red Piquillo peppers stuffed with codfish.
- Canelones De Espinacas Y Gambas $32.00
Cannelloni of spinach and shrimp with tomato and Béchamel sauce.
- Pechugas De Pollo Al Jerez $31.00
Filet of chicken in a light sherry sauce with artichoke hearts, Serrano ham, mushrooms and potato puree.
- Solomillo De Cerdo Adobado $34.00
Marinated pork tenderloin with roasted red peppers and potato puree.
- Chuletitas De Cordero A La Parrilla $36.00
Grilled lamb chops with potatoes and vegetables.
- Solomillo De Buey $40.00
Grilled filet mignon with roasted red peppers and crispy fried potatoes.
- Chuleton De Buey A La Parilla $40.00
Dry aged grilled Sirloin steak with sauteed vegetables and crispy fried potatoes
- Trucha Guernika $34.00
Grilled filet of trout with a spicy garlic vinaigrette and scalloped potatoes
- Codillo De Cerdo $36.00
Roasted pork shank with Basque fried potatoes and vegetables
- Codillo De Cordero $36.00
Roasted lamb shank with Basque fried potatoes and vegetables
Paellas
- Paella De Mariscos $32.00
Paella with squid, shrimp, prawn, clams, monkfish and mussels.
- Paella De Carne $32.00
Paella with chicken, beef and chorizo sausage.
- Arroz Confitado $32.00
Confit of rice with chorizo sausage, chicken, shrimp, squid, mushrooms and caramelized sofrito.
- Arroz Negro $32.00
Black rice with squid paella-style served with aioli.
Desserts
- Flan $10.00
Caramel custard
- Tres Leches $10.00
Sponge cake with three kinds of milk
- Leche Frita $10.00
Little Basque delicacies with caramel sauce
- Arroz Con Leche $10.00
Creamy rice pudding with cinnamon
Alcoholic Beverages (Must be 21 to Purchase)
- Red Sangria $16.00
Spanish red wine and brandy with fruits. Must be 21 to purchase.
- White Sangria $16.00
Spanish white wine and brandy with fruits. Must be 21 to purchase.
- Limited Edition Alcala Red Wine $50.00
A bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon from the chef's vineyard in Spain. Must be 21 to purchase.
- Limited Edition White Wine $50.00
A bottle of Chardonnay from the chef's vineyard in Spain. Must be 21 to purchase.
- Mimosa $16.00
Cava with orange juice. Must be 21 to purchase.
Spanish Restaurant Tapas - Alcala Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Parking
- Paid street parking
Spanish Restaurant Tapas - Alcala Photos










Spanish Restaurant Tapas - Alcala Location
Spanish Restaurant Tapas - Alcala
246 E 44th St, New York, NY 10017, USA
Spanish Restaurant Tapas - Alcala Reviews
sangriachefeveninggambas al ajillojesusappetizermeatballspatatas bravasclamslamb
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I rarely make a review for Spanish restaurants but this Spanish Restaurant is worth a stop. Their limited edition wine (mind you, it’s so limited you can only get them here) is the best. If you’re looking for a sweet tasting wine with bold flavours, this is the wine you should try.And the gambas — I’ve got no words. Try it for yourself and you’ll definitely love it. They did not save costs on the ingredients, it’s simply the best. Excuse the photo - we almost finished before making this review.
August 10 · Danica IcaranomAlcala is a gem of a Spanish restaurant that captures the heart of Spain in every bite and sip. The tapas were exceptional—standouts included the perfectly crisp patatas bravas, garlicky gambas al ajillo, and melt-in-your-mouth jamón ibérico. Each dish was crafted with care and authenticity, showcasing bold flavors and impeccable textures. The wine selection was outstanding, especially the chef’s limited edition Cabernet Sauvignon that paired beautifully with the tapas. Service was warm, knowledgeable, and made the entire evening feel effortless and welcoming. Alcala delivers a truly memorable dining experience—elegant, flavorful, and deeply rooted in Spanish tradition.
June 02 · Char GayosoI am glad this place was still open late on a weekday evening - which is great for people arriving late night and checking into nearby hotels and want something hearty and filling to eat.While the squid ink paella was just ok (great portion of seafood, but can be more flavorful!), I enjoyed the bread (they toast it before serving too), quality of the olive oil and wines.
June 20 · Pauline AGreat evening celebrating our anniversary. My Basque husband thought the food was authentic and we agreed everything was so delicious. Lovely service with the owner Jesus charming as the server Charlene was lovely, too.. Wonderful from the tapas through the main until the delicate desserts.
November 17 · Katherine KellyThis is the spot in town for an authentic Spanish tapas meal. Great atmosphere and attentive servers. The dinner menu has something for everyone.Such a perfect hidden gem for a date night it’s a neighborhood institution, family owned with dishes created from their family recipes.With over 20 tapas to choose from and an assortment of entrees and desserts, this is a fun menu to explore — perfect for a birthday dinner, a date or after work apps and drinks.
June 24 · Adam Giladi
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