Alcala

342 E 46th St, between 1st and 2nd Aves, New York, NY 10017 212-370-1866

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. Conveniently located near the UN, this Spanish restaurant serves up a variety of seafood dishes, including squid, shrimp and clams. The interior recalls the leisure of a holiday in Spain, and the setting is ideal for a quick business lunch or a more leisurely dinner. Outdoor garden dining available. Prix fixe; $40. TRAIN: 4 to 42nd St-Grand Central; 6 to 51st St; F to Lexington
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Boqueria

53 W 19th St, between 5th & 6th Ave, New York, NY 10011 212-255-4160

Description: FLATIRON DISTRICT. Tapas and fine wine steal headlines from the handsome, Iberian-inspired decor at this Flatiron charmer. TRAIN: F, V at 23rd St
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Convivium Osteria

68 5th Ave, Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY 11217 718-857-1833

Description: BROOKLYN. The block between Bergen and St. Marks hides one of the best reasons to venture across the bridge to Park Slope, for it's there that you'll find one of the borough's more rewarding culinary surprises ­ Convivium Osteria. A fun, open place to gather and savor fine wine and good times, this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant also gets the nod for its superb Italian, Spanish and Portuguese dishes. The large wooden tables and brilliant appetizers are just the right ingredients for sharing dishes with good friends. TRAIN: 2, 3 to Bergen St
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Degustation

239 E 5th St, between 2nd & 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003 212-979-1012

Description: EAST VILLAGE. Another of innovative restaurateur Jack Lamb's creations, Degustation is a marked departure from nearby sushi stalwart, Jewel Bako. Here, Lamb opts for a European feel and a tapas-centered menu. The snug place has generated a great deal of buzz in foodie circles, and for good reason. Quite simply, patrons adore sitting at the bar, sipping wine and looking on as the kitchen offers wonderful small-plate treatments of quail eggs, stuffed squid, rabbit and mackerel. Seating is limited, so reservations are a must. TRAIN: 6 to Astor Pl
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El Cid

322 W 15th St, between 8th & 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011 212-929-9332

Description: CHELSEA. If you're in the Chelsea area and find yourself craving for the likes of canguillas, alamares, paella or sardinas, then this is one place you shouldn't skip. El Cid does not impress on the outside, a fact that, fortunately, keeps a good many toursists at bay. Inside, though, the restaurant offers a warm, almost homey dining area of golds and blues ­ it's the type of place where you can spend several hours if you're not paying attention. Reservations are suggested. TRAIN: A, C, E to 14th St
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El Quijote

226 W 23rd St, between 7th and 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011 212-929-1855

Description: CHELSEA. Nestled between Seventh and Eighth Avenue, this cozy little neighborhood eatery enjoys a fine reputation among the local hipsters, who love stopping in and enjoying tapas and what is perhaps the best sangria in town. Traditional menu favorites include mejillones, paella, chulleta and gambas. Add to the mix the restaurant's authentic Spanish décor, Cervantes mural and well-dressed waitstaff, and it's easy to see why this is one of Chelsea's most carefully guarded secrets. Dinner reservations suggested, especially on the weekends. TRAIN: C, E, 1, 9 to 23rd St
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Il Buco

47 Bond St, between Lafayette & Bowery St, New York, NY 10012 212-533-1932

Description: NOHO. Designed to recall the farmhouses typical of the Umbria region, the building that houses this NoHo charmer couldn't enjoy a better history ­ long ago, back when it was an antique store, hordes of distinguished artists and writers (even Poe) gathered here for afternoon socializing. Today, 47 Bond caters to discerning palates and enthralls them with such offerings as grilled veal chop with pomegranate glaze, seam bream in Trapanese salad, and braised farro with butternut squash and pancetta. TRAIN: 6 to Bleecker St; N, R to 8th St or Prince St; B,D,F,Q to Broadway/Lafayette
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Stanton Social

99 Stanton St, New York, NY 10002 212-995-0099

Description: LOWER EAST SIDE. A myriad of global influences find their way into the cuisine at this attractive bistro. Spanning three levels, the restaurant resonates a certain timeless quality, from the fringe covered walls and leather banquettes to the 30-foot illuminated "wine wall" and floating stairway. TRAIN: F, V to Second Ave
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Sushi Hana

1501 2nd Ave, at 78th St, New York, NY 10021 212-327-0582

Description: UPPER EAST SIDE. This popular little sushi joint tends to get packed for lunch and dinner, so it's best to get here early if you don't feel like standing. "Sushi Hana offers New York's Upper East Side both traditional and contemporary Japanese cuisine. Sake Hana is the first sushi/sake lounge on the upper eastside of it's kind". Here, sushi is the stuff of dreams, but their Yaki soba and Okinawa Udon are worth sampling as well. Those not in the mood for raw fish will want to check out the Teriyaki or Tempura menus ­ rumor has it that the Seared Tuna Shichimi with vegetables is as good as it sounds. TRAIN: 6 to 77th St
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Tía Pol

205 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011 212-675-8805

Description: CHELSEA. This Chelsea "bar de tapas" offers one of the city's truest glimpses at a great Spanish tradition: sharing the dining experience. TRAIN: C, E to 23rd St
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