TLDR
Vibrant Basque-style tapas and small plates designed for grazing, served in a lively, intimate Chelsea setting. A local favorite for its authentic cuisine and charming sidewalk seating.
Instagram Posts References
Txikito NYC, run by the same Basque team as La Vara, specializes in small plates perfect for grazing, inspired by the dining style of Bilbao.
Details
Located in Chelsea, this Basque-focused gem captures the diverse culinary traditions of the region through contemporary, small-plate dining [1]. It is frequently praised for its intimate, buzzy atmosphere, making it a standout choice for both team dinners and date nights [2], [3]. Recognized by critics as one of the best in the city, the menu features a rotating selection of high-quality ingredients and seasonal specials [1], [4].
Food Overview
The menu specializes in Basque-influenced small plates and tapas that emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients [1]. Highly recommended dishes include the pulpo, morros, arroz, and various seafood options like boquerones or tiny fried quisquillos [1], [2], [7]. While generally celebrated, some guests suggest focusing on the pintxos and noting that traditional paella is unlikely to be found on the menu [8].
Highlights / Recommended
"Key recommendations include the Pulpo, Morros, Arroz, and seasonal specials like gooseneck barnacles [1], [7]. For a lighter snack, the tiny fried quisquillos are frequently highlighted as a flavorful, crunchy choice [10]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •pulpo(5)
- •octopus carpaccio(2)
- •arroz meloso(2)
- •arroz(2)
- •morros(2)
Customer Sentiment
Patrons consistently rave about this establishment, frequently citing it as one of their favorite Spanish dining options in Manhattan for its excellent, colorful food and cozy atmosphere [3], [5]. It is widely regarded as a reliable and high-quality destination for a variety of occasions, from casual bar-side meals to special celebrations [2], [6].
Caveats
Seating at the bar may be limited, and those seeking traditional paella should look elsewhere, as the menu is curated specifically toward Basque pintxos and tapas [8], [9].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About TXIKITO
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Need Dinner Rec Similar To Lei Wine Bar The Four
"Suggested as an addition to the list of recommended spots."
PositiveFrom post: Dinner Near Penn Station Looking For More High
"Txikito is mentioned as a tapas restaurant that the user also really likes."
PositiveFrom post: Dinner Near Penn Station Looking For More High
"Txula is mentioned as a solid restaurant option near Penn Station, comparable to top restaurants in other cities."
PositiveFrom post: Quiet Cozy Postengagement Celebration Dinner With
"This user, reminiscing about living near Red Hen and Bloomingdale, suggested Txikito as a potential dining spot."
PositiveFrom post: Easiest Upper Level Nyc Restaurants To Walk In As
"Txikito was suggested as a restaurant located outside of midtown."
NeutralFrom post: Tapas Barsharable Bite Restaurant Reccomendations
"Txikito was recommended."
PositiveFrom post: What Are The Best Cheap Vegetarianpescatarian
"Txikito is a Mediterranean restaurant that offers tapas-style dining, leaning more towards pescatarian options."
PositiveFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"This is one of many restaurants listed by the commenter from the NYTimes list."
NeutralFrom post: Spots Where Bar Seated Meal Is Great
"Txikito is recommended for bar side dining."
PositiveFrom post: Where To Go With Parents That Isnt Fussy Hyped
"Txikito was included in a list of diverse restaurant suggestions."
PositiveFrom post: Planning A Fullday Europeanstyle Dining Itinerary
"Txikito is recommended for dinner, offering Basque food."
PositiveFrom post: A Couple Recommendations Please
"Txikito was listed as one of the worthwhile Spanish restaurants in Manhattan."
PositiveFrom post: Opinion On My 2day Solo Eating Plan In Nyc 3
"Txikito is suggested as an alternative dinner option, with the user noting that sitting at the bar is easy and enjoyable."
PositiveFrom post: Upscale Spanish Restaurant
"This commenter mentioned Txikito as a preferred Spanish restaurant among their friends in New York."
NeutralFrom post: Upscale Spanish Restaurant
"This commenter mentioned Txikito as a preferred Spanish restaurant among their friends in New York."
NeutralFrom post: Upscale Spanish Restaurant
"This commenter stated that Txikito is solid."
PositiveFrom post: Upscale Spanish Restaurant
"This commenter stated that Txikito is solid."
PositiveFrom post: Upscale Spanish Restaurant
"This commenter suggested Tixikito for Basque food, advising to enjoy their pintxos as is and noting it's unlikely to have paella."
NeutralFrom post: Upscale Spanish Restaurant
"This commenter recommended Txikito in Chelsea for Basque cuisine and also mentioned their good restaurants in Brooklyn."
PositiveFrom post: Upscale Spanish Restaurant
"This commenter recommended Txikito in Chelsea for Basque cuisine and also mentioned their good restaurants in Brooklyn."
Positive