La Barra

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La Barra at Mercado Little Spain – Spanish Tapas in New York City

La Barra: A Deep Dive into Spanish Tapas at Mercado Little Spain

To truly understand Spanish cuisine, you need to explore the world of tapas. At La Barra, located within Chef José Andrés’ Mercado Little Spain in Hudson Yards, that exploration is the entire point. The restaurant offers a chance to taste the many beloved dishes found in tapas bars across Spain, from timeless classics to regional specialties.

The menu reads like a tour of the country. You’ll find the traditional croquetas de pollo, Andalusia’s tiny fried puntillitas (squid rings), and a Gilda pintxo—a skewer of olives, anchovies, and piparras peppers named for the witty, spicy Rita Hayworth character. A wide selection of Spanish wines complements the food, a focus that earned La Barra a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2021.

La Barra is part of a larger vision. Mercado Little Spain itself is a love letter to Spain from Chef José Andrés, created with friends and fellow chefs Albert and Ferran Adrià—the trio first worked together at the legendary elBulli. The market is an all-day destination, and La Barra is its dedicated tapas bar, offering a lively setting for a quick bite or a deep, multi-course meal.

The kitchen draws from every corner of Spain. Highlights include the Pulpo a la Gallega (boiled octopus with pimentón), Gambas al Ajillo (shrimp confit in garlic and olive oil), and a Pincho de Tortilla de Patatas that captures the essence of the one and only Spanish omelet. For those with a larger appetite, the Nuestros Guisos section offers hearty stews like Callos a la Madrileña and Carrilleras de Cerdo—pork cheeks with olive oil potato purée. La Barra is a place to gather, share, and experience the richness of Spanish cooking, one plate at a time.