A gem for Basque tapas and Spanish cuisine, with standout octopus and rice dishes.
Txikito is a highly recommended Basque restaurant known for its exceptional tapas and authentic Spanish flavors. Diners rave about dishes like the octopus carpaccio and Arroz Meloso, often calling them some of the best in the city. While the majority of experiences are overwhelmingly positive, occasional critiques point to a few less stellar dishes, though the overall consensus is that it's a consistently great spot.
Txikito is celebrated for its Basque Spanish cuisine, with many customers highlighting its tapas as a must-try. Standout dishes include the octopus carpaccio, Arroz Meloso, and various mushroom preparations. While most feedback is positive, a few reviews mention that some dishes, like the hake, can be bland, and red meat options might be less impressive compared to other offerings.
"Customers highly recommend the octopus carpaccio and Arroz Meloso. Other frequently praised dishes include various mushroom preparations (like King Oyster mushrooms), pulpo, and cod croquettes. White asparagus is also suggested if available."
Overall, customers have a very positive view of Txikito, frequently recommending it for its authentic Basque cuisine and excellent tapas. Some specific dishes like the octopus carpaccio and Arroz Meloso receive high praise, though a few diners have noted occasional inconsistencies or less impressive red meat options.
Important Note
Some reviewers have noted that red meat dishes like lamb or beef can be mediocre, and certain dishes like the hake might be bland. One diner found the floral gels with the foie gras to be overpowering.
"Txikito is described as a charming Basque restaurant and wine bar that might offer sardines on a skewer. The commenter is unsure if they were grilled."
Neutral"This is one of three excellent Spanish restaurants in the area."
Positive"This restaurant was recommended as an option for a group visiting the Chelsea area, potentially fitting a steakhouse preference or being open to other authentic food choices."
Neutral"Txikito is mentioned as a favorite, suggesting a highly positive dining experience."
Positive"The commenter lists several recommended dishes: Pulpo (octopus), arroz (rice), pimientos (peppers), morros (pork jowl), and setas (mushrooms)."
Positive"The pulpo/octopus and Arroz Meloso are recommended. The Laminas de Setas (King oyster mushroom) and Cochinillo (suckling pig) were also noted as tasty and good, respectively."
Positive"The Arroz Meloso was the best dish a friend convinced the commenter to order. White asparagus is also recommended if it's on the menu."
Positive"The cheesecake is mentioned."
Neutral"The pulpo (octopus) was good. However, the red meat dishes, like lamb or beef, were considered mediocre."
Neutral"The octopus carpaccio is a standout signature dish, despite a general aversion to ordering octopus. It's praised for its simple yet punchy olive oil flavor and overall deliciousness."
Positive"A comment suggests that bringing Europeans to a NYC tapas restaurant like Txikito might be overwhelming due to its perceived intensity."
Neutral"The user recalls squid ribbons at Txikito being incredible, though they haven't eaten there recently."
Positive"The user inquired about cod croquettes at Txikito, as they only encountered blue cheese ones during their visit."
Neutral"Specific dishes like octopus, oyster mushrooms, and cod croquettes at Txikito are highlighted as stellar, while other items might not be as consistently good."
Positive"The user found Txikito to be a hit-or-miss experience, praising the octopus carpaccio and braised beef cheek but finding the hake bland. They also noted the foie gras was good, but the accompanying floral gels were overpowering."
Neutral"The user did not like Txikito and suggested Ernesto's as a better option for Basque cuisine, or possibly Eel Bar."
Negative"Txikito is recommended as having the best tapas in NYC."
Positive"Txikito is recommended as a dining option, along with Barbuto, Frenchette at the Whitney, Shukette, Orchard Townhouse, Cookshop, and Empire Diner."
Neutral"Txikito in Chelsea is listed as a favorite spot for dining alone at the bar."
Positive"The original poster is considering Txikito for their birthday dinner."
Neutral
