Offal-loving partner Mario Batali and protégée Andy Nusser (Babbo, Po) broke new ground by serving dishes that less adventurous tapas restaurants seem to shy away from: cock’s combs with cèpes, excellent fried sweetbreads in an almond-flour batter. Non-organ lovers should try the juicy skirt steak atop romesco sauce or the iconic fried duck egg on mound of sautéed fingerling potatoes, all topped with shaved salt-cured tuna. Dishes come straight from the open kitchen into the dining room, which is adorned with mosaic tile floors and lined with wine bottles.

Most of the delectable items on the menu at this Iberian, small-plates, corner restaurant are made for sharing, but of particular note are all things seared à la plancha (on a metal plate), including blistered peppers and garlic-kissed mushrooms. The atmosphere is always bustling but the best seats are those at the Casa Mono counter overlooking the chef's open kitchen. The perennially cramped and crowded space sends patrons to Bar Jamón, the wine-and-ham-bar annex next door, where you can pick at plates of jamón serrano while awaiting the main feature.

Gramercy Tapas bars are a way of life in Spain, where locals linger with wine and little bites without servers over-explaining how many dishes should be ordered per person. Sample real tapas done right at this Gramercy spot, part of the Batali and Bastianich empire. The seafood-heavy menu features dishes like razor clams a la plancha, harissa marinated Spanish mackerel, and creamy eggs with sea urchin, along with plenty of chorizo-infused plates and a section dedicated to whole organic animals.

According to the second law of thermodynamics, exciting young restaurants are doomed to become less exciting with age. At 20 years old, Casa Mono and its wine-bar annex next door, Bar Jamón, gracefully defy that law every day. Andy Nusser hasn’t lost his appreciation for the strong, elemental flavors of Spanish cuisine: smoky eggplant purée beneath fried baby squid; the paprika blast of the raw, spreadable pork sausage sobrasada, to be smeared on golden toast with waxy chunks of honeycomb.

You can make a reservation to sit outdoors at Casa Mono, but don’t do that. Instead, walk in, put your name down and go drink some vermouth with a twist at neighboring Bar Jamón while you wait for a table. Half the fun of eating at this spot, open since 2003, is watching the chefs work the plancha in the open kitchen, while getting a lecture on Spanish wine from the servers and bartenders.

It’s a tiny spot not far from Gramercy Park, but the Spanish tapas deliver on big flavor. Go ahead and over-order, just so you can try it all.

Having been awarded three stars from The New York Times in 2015 as well as earning a Michelin star every year since 2009, Casa Mono is a definite must-try when exploring Spanish cuisine. Nicknamed the mecca of Spanish cooking, the restaurant pays homage to the flavors of Costa Brava, a coastal region in Spain where Casa Mono’s executive chef Andy Nusser grew up in. His personal and intimate experience with the region further inspired him to bring the classic flavorful dishes to Casa Mono in Manhattan, New York City.

The popular restaurant located just one block east of historic Union Square Park has been awarded a Michelin Star multiple times. Each of their creations are of high quality, there is no doubt that this restaurant is a benchmark of Spanish gastronomy in New York City. In their menu there is no place for a half dish, the quality is the printing press, their diners highlight the cod croquettes that are served on an orange aioli and the fennel gizzards with almond vinaigrette.

Despite having a Michelin star, this Gramercy Park Spanish restaurant somewhat lives in the Iberian shadow of New York restaurants by Spanish chefs Jose Andres and Dani Garcia. That shouldn’t be the case, as Casa Mono is arguably the best Spanish restaurant in New York City. Chef Andy Nusser, who grew up in a fishing village on the Costa Brava, cooks up dishes inspired by his childhood but blends a legion of creativity and worldly flair into the mix.

Mario Batali and Andy Nusser’s tiny tapas spot opened over a decade ago, but the vibe and food is still just as great—particularly on those days when you’re really missing Spain. The menu leans pretty heavily on proteins, but the more veggie-driven dishes (asparagus with octopus, spring leeks vinaigrette) hold their own, too. Meanwhile, Mono’s sister property next door, Bar Jamon, is great for a post-dinner nightcap.

Sitting adjacent to one another on Irving Place, Casa Mono and its sister restaurant Bar Jamón are nestled in the Gramercy Park and Union Square neighborhoods. Bar Jamón is the more casual and boisterous sibling; Casa Mono is the Michelin-starred destination dining spot. Both restaurants share a chef in Andy Nusser, as well as an exhaustive wine list.

Tapas might be the best way to experience a Michelin-starred meal, as the small-plate format allows you to sample a variety of dishes. However, be mindful not to overorder, as the cost can quickly add up. Casa Mono serves some of the most refined tapas in New York, with many dishes inspired by Chef Andy Nusser’s childhood in Costa Brava.

Casa Mono founded by legends Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich is another excellent tapas bar and their razor clams and foie gras are to die for. But you really can’t go wrong with any of their tapas as we love every dish we tried here. Also check out their sister restaurant Bar Jamón (125 E 17th St).

For a more prestigious outing, you may be looking at some Michelin-star Spanish restaurants in NYC. Look no further because one of those highly-rated experiences can be found in Casa Mono. With cuisine reminiscent of Spain’s Costa Brava, you can taste the restaurant’s bone marrow with tomato jam.

Casa Mono's paella is a must-try for any seafood lover in New York City. The dish boasts an impressive balance of flavors, with each ingredient contributing to a robust and satisfying taste. The seafood is fresh and cooked to perfection, adding a delightful sweetness to the dish.

Of the lot, Hunter recommends Junoon, Carbone, Casa Mono (pictured above), Uncle Boons, Le Bernardin—”No one prepares fish like chef Ripert and his team!. —Casa Enrique, Sushi Noz and Bar Uchū to any out-of-towners visiting the five boroughs. And her favorite meal?.

For couples who want to spice things up, Casa Mono offers an intimate setting with a vibrant Spanish twist. This Michelin-starred spot is ideal for adventurous foodies. Why it’s romantic: The cozy, dimly lit space is perfect for sharing plates and romantic glances.

Located on east river 14th street, restaurant Casa Mono features traditional Spanish cuisine with a modern flair. The menu here is seasonal and changes daily. The chef offers a few suggestions for each dish, but you are free to choose your meal.

Casa Mono offers a simple yet tasteful experience where customers can enjoy high-quality Spanish cuisine and fine wine. Whether you’re in the mood for pan con tomate or pork sobrasada, Casa Mono will easily satisfy your tapas cravings.

When it comes to Casa Mono and its next-door vinoteca, Bar Jamón, less is more. Although barely bigger than a shoebox, this Michelin-starred, tile-adorned spot in Gramercy Park offers the largest all-Spanish wine list in the U.S.

Casa Mono & Bar Jamon is a restaurant that is inspired by the famous cuisine of Costa Brava, Spain. Since 2009, this establishment has received a Michelin star each year and continues to grow steadily in the following years.

Casa Mono: This West Village staple consistently receives accolades for its authentic Spanish cuisine and sophisticated atmosphere. Their expertly crafted dishes showcase the freshest ingredients and traditional techniques.

52 Irving Place, New York, NY Telephone (212) 253-2773 Websitecasamononyc.com Best of Award of Excellence. Open windows add to the casual, Catalan-influenced allure of this wine-and-dining spot. (Courtesy of Casa Mono)