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La Nacional

Tapas Restaurant and Spanish Restaurant$$$$

Chelsea, New York

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La Nacional

7.3^/10

123

ratings

Ranked #5 for sangria in Chelsea
"Try the Pulpos (Octopus), Steak, and Paella Verduras"(10 Tips)
"Spaniards in NY"(2 Tips)
"cheap cold beer and sangria."(6 Tips)
"Calimocho, mahou from the tap and tinto de verano."(2 Tips)

39 Tips and reviews

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tapas
sangria
spaniard
good for groups
casual
pulpo
brunch food
bravas
rice
gambas al ajillo
gazpacho
city
dinner
basement
well
town
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EaterJuly 28, 2011
Atmospheric little basement restaurant with excellent tapas, paellas, and seafood dishes, served alongside cheap cold beer and sangria. [Eater 38 Member] Read more
Upvoted Feb 24
Kevin CabralAugust 10, 2014
Visiting La Nacional is like paying respect to Spanish food from the era before pulpo and sangria became cliché. Nacional isn't nearly the best these days, but it is still the heart of Spain in NYC.
Upvoted 2 weeks ago
IrmaZandl ZandlSlantJanuary 25, 2016
Tapas restaurant downstairs is supposedly v popular but we had an event upstairs in the private club space. Very casual and comfy. If it were given a bit of an update would be great!!
jon ferrerAugust 23, 2014
Been here 10+ times
I've drank many an Estrella here while watching La Liga / Spanish national team matches and all the Spaniards say this is the most authentic Spanish food in the city. The paella is a must!
AJ GetterJune 19, 2021
Nacional is a favorite Spanish tapas spot. All dishes are great and inexpensive. Try the Pulpos (Octopus), Steak, and Paella Verduras
Kara LeahAugust 31, 2013
The tapas and Sangria are delicious and the atmosphere is very nice as well. A yummy restaurant that is very well hidden.
Paola VenturiniSeptember 30, 2021
Paella negra, croquetas, manchego mac and cheese and cava sangria!
Jeffrey RDecember 17, 2011
Not sure what I ordered but it was awesome. The sauce was fantastic, Try dipping any sauce with the bread. Great food, great location, great wine list.
Citybeams.comJuly 13, 2012
Old school and traditional is La Nacional. Food is immense best tapas in new york and all the Spaniards in NY go there, which says it all
Noah XifrFebruary 26, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Best paella en Nueva York. Wonderful sangria. Try the mushroom in wine tapas. Homey romantic vibe. Done.
The FeastJune 1, 2011
Underneath the Spanish Benevolent society find the paella served at Socorrat but in a less hip space. Even better: The black rice. Read more
Vivi NguyenMay 18, 2013
Best arroz negro in town and súper authentic. Calimocho, mahou from the tap and tinto de verano.
TAMMY GIAJanuary 2, 2015
Great tapas and delicious gazpacho!
Kimmie OhhDecember 5, 2019
Order the sardinas, pulpo, gambas & meaty paella.
Pablo DouzoglouFebruary 10, 2012
Been here 5+ times
Paella seems like the obvious choice on a first visit, but make sure you come back for the fish stew.
Jason WFebruary 14, 2010
Patatas bravas are killer here. My Spanish friends say it is some of the best they've had. Always a good spot for a big Spanish soccer match.
Mel QDecember 28, 2021
Pastas Bravas is excellent!
Davi BarbosaJune 27, 2015
Gambas al Ajillo are very good!
Giulio del BufaloMay 26, 2014
Honest, good tasting Tapas. Nothing too fancy but always good.
nicole freireJuly 13, 2014
Best tapas in the city! Hands. Down.
Claire MaugerJune 21, 2011
The best place to go on a Thursday night if you want to try/dance Tango.
Rachel CohenFebruary 20, 2014
Good tapas. Don't get the steak!
LisaDecember 13, 2011
You might walk right past this place. But don't. And order the pulpo.
Find. Eat. Drink.August 14, 2010
The boquerones are so sweet. Also get the creamy and crispy-fried croquetas. Read more
Kunal BhallaFebruary 15, 2013
Octopus and Bread pudding not so good....flan was good. Other stuff was decent
Albert ChenOctober 20, 2018
Great paella
Jenna Odett LaskinMarch 8, 2015
Very mediocre tapas, skip it. I'd 100% avoid the cod and octopus.
Julie TangSeptember 25, 2009
located within spanish benevolent society headquarters, totally authentic - have tapas and paella!
Amanda TheilerFebruary 26, 2015
$8-10 tapas
Ana LedfordFebruary 16, 2020
Food was exceptional, but the service wasn’t up to par , very slow
lynda bauerOctober 7, 2012
Curro Cuetro singing tonite
Brian BallanAugust 5, 2011
Most people don't get the anchovies. Most people have no taste
Katie MorseJanuary 11, 2011
Try the calimocho!
Sarah CooleyJanuary 17, 2010
Try the Sangria!
Noah XifrJune 29, 2010
Been here 5+ times
Goooooooooooal
Rafael CoresSeptember 21, 2010
Todo rico, aunque las raciones podian ser un poco mas grandes para el precio.
Manuel Garrido PeñaJanuary 7, 2012
Lo mas parecido a comida española qe se puede encontrar en nyc.
tharso vieiraJanuary 14, 2012
Comi o arroz negro. Tava bonzaço.
Jeremy ClevelandOctober 1, 2011
Been here 5+ times
Arroz Negro y calamari!

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La Nacional

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