Basque Spanish cuisine w/ vibrant pinchos & duck. Cool vibe, great wine list.
Ernesto's is a lively and stylish Basque Spanish restaurant that offers a vibrant atmosphere and a menu designed for sharing. Known for its creative take on traditional dishes, the restaurant features standout pinchos, including Iberico hams and shrimp toast, alongside expertly prepared duck. The mid-century modern design adds to its cool vibe, and an excellent selection of organic and biodynamic Spanish wines complements the food perfectly.
Ernesto's specializes in Basque and Spanish cuisine, with a strong emphasis on shareable plates and pinchos. Highly recommended items include the Iberico hams, shrimp toast, and duck dishes. One user noted a craving for fried calamari, and while the restaurant was listed as a recommendation for it, its Italian cuisine tag suggests it may not be a primary focus.
"The pinchos, particularly the Iberico hams and shrimp toast, are highly recommended, as is the duck. The restaurant is also noted for its fried calamari."
Customers generally have a positive view of Ernesto's, frequently recommending it for its Basque Spanish cuisine and lively atmosphere. It's often cited as a great option for sharing plates and enjoying a unique dining experience.
Important Note
One user noted that steak was not listed on the menu, although they hoped it might be added.
"Ernesto's is donating."
Positive"The commenter expresses support for restaurants participating in the day's events and states they will patronize these establishments when possible."
Positive"Ernesto's is recommended."
Positive"User recommended Ernesto's as a dinner option."
Neutral"Ernesto’s is mentioned as a place for Basque cuisine."
Neutral"This restaurant is listed as a recommendation."
Neutral"This user mentioned Ernesto's as a personal favorite in the East Village area."
Positive"The user checked Ernesto's menu and did not find steak listed, but hopes they will add it since they recently opened."
Neutral"This restaurant may be able to source comparable American aged dairy cow meat, which is the best option found in NYC kitchens currently for a similar beef experience."
Positive"The user plans to try Ernesto's based on a recommendation."
Neutral"Ernesto's is suggested as a better alternative to Txikito for Basque cuisine."
Positive"Ernesto was simply listed as a recommendation for fried calamari."
Neutral"Ernesto was included in a comprehensive list of restaurants that did not make it onto the 2025 NY Times list."
Neutral"Ernestos is recommended as a higher-end dining option (no Michelin stars mentioned)."
Neutral"The author inquired if anyone had experience with Ernesto's, a Basque Spanish restaurant, mentioning it was on their radar for Spanish cuisine in NYC."
Neutral"Recommended as a Basque Spanish restaurant by a commenter when the original poster was looking for regional Spanish cuisine in NYC."
Positive"User suggests Ernesto's as a dining option."
Neutral
