Txikito

- 240 9th Ave, New York, NY 10001

For discerning New Yorkers looking to immerse themselves in a unique corner of Spanish culture without leaving the city, Txikito in Chelsea offers a genuine taste of the Basque Country. This establishment is not simply a typical Spanish restaurant; it is a dedicated Basque restaurant, focusing on the distinct, vibrant culinary traditions of Northern Spain. The Basque region, known as *Euskal Herria*, is a world-renowned gastronomic capital, and Txikito (pronounced 'Chee-kee-toe,' meaning 'little one' in Euskera, the Basque language) faithfully transports this experience to the streets of New York City.

The atmosphere at Txikito is intentionally Casual, Cozy, and Trendy, creating a welcoming and intimate space where dining feels like a shared experience. The decor, including a cute interior wall mural, uses a combination of wood and bright elements, giving it a homey yet distinctly stylish New York edge. This setting makes it a perfect destination for both Dinner and Solo dining, and it’s a favorite among local Groups looking for an authentic and high-quality meal.

The cuisine centers around *pintxos*—the Basque answer to tapas—which are small, exquisitely prepared bites traditionally enjoyed while hopping between bars (*txikiteo*). The menu, while offering smaller portions common to the tapas style, is built on pristine, seasonal ingredients. While some newcomers might initially find the portions "tiny" for the price, regulars understand this is the authentic format for enjoying the bold, distinct flavors of dishes like the creamy and perfectly flavored risotto (known as *Arroz Meloso*, often featuring bomba rice, seafood, and uni) and the highly praised oyster mushrooms (*Láminas de Setas*). The focus here is on quality, technique, and authenticity over quantity, often placing it on lists of the best restaurants in New York City, a true testament to its culinary excellence.

The bar program is a highlight, ensuring that the experience is authentically Basque. The beverage list features a fantastic selection of regional specialties, most notably Sidras (traditional Basque ciders) and refreshing, slightly sparkling Txakoli wines. The selection is vast, catering to every palate:

• Draft Beer: Featuring Basque classics in small 6 Oz ("Zurrito," $4.00) and 12 Oz ("Caña," $8.00) pours.
• Txakoli: Including renowned names like 2017 Txomin Etxaniz, 2017 Uriondo, and 2018 Gañeta.
• Wines: An extensive Great wine list, offering everything from crisp 2017 Sierra De Toloño ($48.00) to the prestigious 2012 Remelluri Blanco ($185.00).
• Cocktails: Known for their Great cocktails, expertly crafted to complement the Spanish flavors.

This careful curation of food and drink creates a dining atmosphere so superb that, as one customer noted, they "actually forgot to take a photo of most of our dishes because it was so good."

Txikito is conveniently located in the heart of Chelsea, New York City, making it easily accessible for locals across Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs: 240 9th Ave, New York, NY 10001, USA.

The restaurant offers several parking options, which is a major advantage in this bustling part of the city:

• Free parking lot: Providing a rare and convenient option for guests.
• Free street parking: Available in the immediate area.
• Paid street parking: Additional options nearby for peak hours.

The restaurant is committed to ensuring comfort for all guests with its accessibility features:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance: Allowing for easy entry and exit.
• Wheelchair accessible seating: Designated areas for comfortable dining.

Txikito provides a full range of dining and service options to accommodate the urban lifestyle:

• Dine-in: The primary experience, offering seating in a cozy, intimate environment with professional Table service.
• Outdoor seating: A perfect way to enjoy the vibrant Chelsea neighborhood during the warmer months.
• Takeout: Allowing guests to enjoy the unique Basque cuisine at home.
• Reservations: The restaurant Accepts reservations, and Dinner reservations recommended due to its popularity, especially given the small size of the dining rooms.
• Beverage Offerings: A full bar serving Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Coffee, Hard liquor, and a wide selection of Wine.
• Payment Options: Accepting modern forms of payment, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
• Dining Availability: Open for both Dinner service and Dessert.

Txikito stands out in New York’s competitive dining scene due to several unique and highly valued features:

• Authentic Basque Focus: As a dedicated Basque restaurant, it offers a distinct regional cuisine, unlike most traditional Spanish tapas bars, featuring *pintxos* and specialty dishes.
• Exceptional Wine Program: Boasting a Great wine list and specializing in regional Basque drinks like Txakoli and Sidras, enhancing the authenticity of the experience.
• Critically Acclaimed: Recognized for its quality, appearing on lists like the *NYT list of best restaurants*, indicating its high standing in the city's culinary community.
• Superior Efficiency: Praised for its Fast service, ensuring a smooth and attentive dining experience even during peak hours.
• Atmosphere: The ambiance is carefully crafted to be both Casual and Trendy while maintaining a Cozy, intimate feel, perfect for a special night out.
• Cocktails: A reputation for Great cocktails ensures the bar is as much of a draw as the kitchen.
• Menu Structure: The tapas-style Small plates are served in a perfect size to share, encouraging guests to sample a variety of the chef’s best work.

Choosing Txikito is an easy decision for the New York diner who values culinary exploration, quality over sheer quantity, and a truly authentic dining atmosphere. What makes this establishment a must-visit in Chelsea is its singular focus on *Cocina Vasca* (Basque Cuisine)—a rare and highly celebrated regional specialty that offers flavors you simply won't find at a typical Spanish spot.

The experience is fundamentally different. Instead of standardized tapas, you are treated to sophisticated, bite-sized *pintxos* designed to be enjoyed alongside Basque ciders and wines. Customers rave about the culinary high points, such as the impeccable texture and flavor of the risotto (*Arroz Meloso*) and the superb quality of their vegetable dishes like the oyster mushrooms (*Láminas de Setas*). While some might perceive the portions as small, this is the very nature of authentic Basque dining—allowing you to sample a rich array of complex flavors. The quality is consistently "superb," as noted by delighted patrons.

Furthermore, Txikito excels as a complete package for a special evening. The atmosphere is ideal—Cozy and Trendy—making it an excellent choice for an intimate date night or a fun evening out with Groups of friends. This is perfectly complemented by the professional and highly attentive service, which is consistently praised for being both professional and knowledgeable, and the remarkable efficiency provided by the Fast service highlight.

Finally, the selection of beverages, especially the regional Txakoli and Sidras, combined with the Great cocktails and comprehensive Great wine list, truly completes the Spanish Basque transportive experience. For New Yorkers eager to step out of their culinary comfort zone and experience one of the world's great food regions as recognized by a place on the NYT's list of best restaurants, Txikito offers an essential and highly recommended gastronomic adventure right here on 9th Avenue.

Txikito

240 9th Ave, New York, NY 10001, USA