When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Casa Mono
Why Casa Mono is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Casa Mono is a renowned Michelin-starred tapas bar and restaurant located in Manhattan's Gramercy Park on Irving Place. Since its opening in 2003, it has become an exceptional culinary destination inspired by the vibrant flavors of Spain’s Costa Brava. Executive Chef Andy Nusser, who grew up in the fishing village of Cadaqués, brings a distinctive, adventurous approach to traditional Spanish cuisine by reimagining classic tapas dishes with unique proteins such as sweetbreads, cockscombs, and pig’s feet. The intimate dining space accommodates just 13 tables and 15 bar seats, creating a warm, convivial atmosphere perfect for meeting up with friends, sharing small plates, and enjoying authentic “à la plancha” grilled preparations right at the bar. The interior features mosaic tile floors and walls lined with sherries and wines, with floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto Irving Place, offering a charming urban dining experience. Casa Mono is also committed to sustainability through thoughtful choices in ingredient sourcing, waste reduction, and operational efficiency. Its combination of excellent food, cozy ambiance, and responsible business practices make it a standout gathering spot in New York City for groups seeking an elegant yet relaxed night out.
Here's what people think of Casa Mono
As of recent, Casa Mono holds a 4.3-star rating based on 1751 reviews.
Reviews from diners consistently praise Casa Mono for its exceptional and authentic Spanish tapas that deliver both tradition and creativity. Positive feedback highlights the outstanding quality of dishes such as Bone Marrow with Tomato Jam, Razor Clams a la Plancha, and the Carabinero Prawn with White Asparagus and Cinco Jotas Ham, which have developed a cult following. Guests appreciate the intimate, inviting atmosphere and attentive service, noting the unique open kitchen grill experience at the bar where they can watch their food prepared with skillful technique. Many reviewers mention Casa Mono as a perfect spot for socializing with friends due to its shareable plates and cozy layout. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention the cramped seating and occasionally the higher price point relative to portion sizes. A few guests also report waits or limited availability due to the restaurant’s small size and popularity. Despite these minor concerns, the overall consensus reflects that Casa Mono delivers a memorable dining experience with Michelin-star quality. The balance of innovative flavors, classic Spanish influences, and a welcoming ambiance continues to attract a devoted and diverse clientele, making Casa Mono a highly recommended destination for food lovers and groups looking for a special night out in New York City.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
S P
I finally got to try Casa Mono in East Village, and I totally get why it’s so popular. It’s a super charming, dainty little Spanish spot with a cozy vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a hidden gem in Barcelona. The space is definitely tight—tables are packed pretty close together—but honestly, it adds to the lively, bustling energy of the place. Just don’t expect tons of elbow room! The service was warm and attentive. Our server was really kind and made great recommendations without being pushy. One thing to note: this is more of a tapas-style restaurant, so portions are on the smaller side and the prices are definitely on the higher end—but the quality and flavors make it worth the splurge, in my opinion. As for the food, everything we tried was beautifully prepared and full of flavor. The clams were a standout—fresh, briny, and cooked to perfection. I also loved the pork meatballs, which were juicy and packed with savory depth. You’re greeted with a little dish of olives and bread when you sit down, and even that simple starter was delicious—such a nice welcome touch. We also ordered the flounder, which was good, but probably the least memorable dish we had—I’d say it’s okay to skip if you’re choosing between plates. We tried one of the daily specials as well, which was solid, though the clams and meatballs were the clear stars. Overall, I’d recommend going with a group so you can order a bunch of different dishes to share and get the most out of the experience. The whole place has such a lovely vibe—cute, intimate, and full of character. Whether you live in NYC or are just visiting, Casa Mono is definitely worth checking out for a special night out.
Randy L
This place was amazing! The food was great and the service was even better. It's not very big so I'd make reservation for sure. We booked ours over a month in advance. We will definitely be back next time we visit NY. And for a michelin star restaurant the prices are very reasonable. We ordered five items and were plenty full. It was the best shirt steak we've ever had and i think the goat might have been better.
Jenn Jiang
We love Spanish food and heard about this one is good and recommended by locals. A little too high expectations maybe. The place is very casual and crowded. A lot of service people standing around making the space even more crowded. The food is good but not really to rave about. We like the fish over black rice. That is the best. The skirt beef steak is also delicious. The widely praised razor clams are little over cooked. And the pork belly is also very tough. We had better Spanish food at other places.
Maydonshoots
This Michelin-starred Spanish spot was our choice for a special anniversary dinner. The setting was lively and the service friendly. We ordered a selection of small plates: • Grilled Octopus – fresh and well-prepared, though not particularly memorable. • Crispy Pig Ear Salad – the surprise of the night! I’ve never had pig ear like this—crispy, savory, balanced by pickled peppers and cherry tomatoes. • Braised Goat Confit – beautifully plated and quite flavorful. • Roasted Bone Marrow with Toast – super rich and aromatic, though the toast was a bit too oily for my taste. • Seared Scallops – nicely cooked with a golden crust, but unfortunately one side was heavily salted, which threw off the balance. Overall, it’s a solid choice for a date night or special occasion. Some dishes wowed, others could use refinement.
Mark Soto
Casa mono is an awesome. The food is really great. I had a salad and my coworker had the truffles and asparagus. When you’re in the mood for anything from Spain, this is the place to go to. The people there are awesome each of them very kind and nice. The atmosphere is wonderful and the food is just really good. So I’ll give more of a review later, but what more can I say
How to reach Casa Mono
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Why Casa Mono may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Casa Mono with your friends?
Choosing Casa Mono as the gathering spot with your friends guarantees a memorable experience filled with vibrant flavors and a warm, intimate atmosphere that invites conversation and shared enjoyment. Nestled in the Gramercy neighborhood of New York City, Casa Mono offers a uniquely welcoming ambiance perfect for groups who appreciate the convivial spirit of Spanish dining culture. Its small but cozy dining space fosters a sense of closeness, making it ideal for friends to connect over shared plates of exquisitely crafted tapas. The restaurant’s menu creatively draws inspiration from the Mediterranean coast, particularly the Costa Brava, and presents it through refined dishes that blend tradition with innovation. This encourages a communal dining experience where everyone can taste multiple items and discover new favorites together. Additionally, Casa Mono’s well-curated Spanish wine selection enhances the social aspect, offering beverages that complement the food and ignite lively conversations. The attentive but unobtrusive service helps ensure that your group feels well cared for, making the evening smooth and enjoyable. The combination of excellent food, drink, and atmosphere makes Casa Mono a perfect rally point for friends seeking to enjoy both company and culinary adventure in a stylish yet relaxed setting.
What activities can you enjoy at Casa Mono that make it perfect for a group meetup?
Casa Mono is designed to offer more than just a meal—it provides a social dining experience centered around sharing, discovery, and conversation. The primary activity here is indulging in tapas, small plates that are perfect for groups to order a variety of dishes and taste across the menu. This style of dining encourages interaction as everyone passes plates around the table, discussing flavors and sharing preferences. It’s ideal for groups looking to foster connection and hospitality. Besides eating, sampling Spanish wines and rare beverages is a key part of the experience. Casa Mono boasts an impressive wine list, featuring many Spanish varietals that are hard to find elsewhere, so groups can enjoy learning about and tasting wines together, almost like an informal tasting event. The intimate setting with its warm décor and low lighting creates an ambiance that naturally supports relaxed, long conversations and celebration. The restaurant is also a great venue for special occasions or casual gatherings because its focused menu and thoughtful service take the stress out of ordering for a crowd. Guests can count on timing that respects the pace of a group meal without the rush, making it easy to linger over drinks and multiple courses. Combining great food, unique wines, and an intimate atmosphere, Casa Mono makes socializing effortless and enjoyable for any group meetup.
Why is Casa Mono a good choice for friends who want to try authentic yet contemporary Spanish food?
Casa Mono stands out because it skillfully bridges the gap between authentic Spanish culinary traditions and contemporary dining expectations. The cuisine is deeply influenced by Spain’s Costa Brava region, yet the dishes are thoughtfully adapted to highlight refined techniques and modern challenges. For example, their tapas are not the typical tiny bites but are crafted to be substantial and satisfying, perfect for sharing among friends who want to engage in genuine Spanish flavors without feeling shortchanged. Signature dishes like soft-scrambled eggs with uni and confit goat showcase both classic tastes and creative twists, giving diners exciting new takes on familiar ingredients. The restaurant’s kitchen takes care to ensure each dish arrives thoughtfully, maintaining balance and pacing to keep the group delighted throughout the meal. This blend of tradition and innovation appeals to groups looking for authenticity in their dining experience but also want surprises and freshness in flavors. Casa Mono’s commitment to quality ingredients and skilled preparation means friends can explore Spanish cuisine beyond paella and sangria, diving into textures and tastes that reflect a sophisticated yet approachable menu.
What makes the atmosphere and service at Casa Mono ideal for group dining?
Casa Mono’s atmosphere is designed to foster intimacy and warmth, making it an excellent choice for groups seeking a comfortable yet stylish environment to socialize. The space is relatively small, which creates a cozy, neighborhood vibe that helps put guests at ease and encourages mellow conversation. Despite its size, the layout offers enough privacy at tables to keep group discussions lively without feeling cramped or overheard. The Caribbean-inspired décor and subtle lighting contribute to a relaxed mood perfect for unwinding with friends. In terms of service, the restaurant is known for attentive and friendly staff who balance professionalism with warmth, tailoring their approach to the group’s pace and preferences. They are knowledgeable about the menu and wine pairings, often offering helpful recommendations that enhance the dining experience. For groups, this means a seamless experience where ordering multiple shared plates and drinks is handled smoothly, leaving diners free to focus on each other instead of logistics. The staff’s mindfulness toward timing dishes appropriately ensures that the meal feels unhurried but steady, which is crucial for group events that can span hours. Casa Mono’s welcoming atmosphere combined with thoughtful service ensures every group member feels valued and comfortable, elevating the overall meetup.
How does Casa Mono’s location enhance its appeal for group meetups?
Located in New York City’s vibrant Gramercy neighborhood, Casa Mono benefits greatly from its central, accessible position, making it convenient for friends spread across the city to gather without hassle. Gramercy is renowned for its charming streets, peaceful parks, and a rich dining culture that invites exploration, so Casa Mono acts as a culinary anchor in an area that encourages social outings. Given the neighborhood’s reputation for boutique shops and cozy bars, a meetup at Casa Mono can easily be part of a larger plan involving after-dinner drinks or a stroll. The proximity to various transit options also helps groups coordinate arrivals and departures efficiently. Furthermore, Gramercy’s relaxed but sophisticated vibe matches the restaurant’s mood perfectly, attracting guests who appreciate quality without overwhelming formality. This makes Casa Mono both approachable and special for groups looking to celebrate milestones or simply enjoy a night out. Being in a lively yet not overly touristy area also means the group can enjoy a more authentic New York dining experience. The neighborhood’s ambiance, combined with Casa Mono’s hospitality, helps turn a simple dinner into an event to remember.
What should groups expect from Casa Mono’s menu selection for a shared dining experience?
Customers at Casa Mono can expect a menu thoughtfully curated to maximize sharing and collective enjoyment, which is central to the traditional Spanish dining style. The emphasis is on tapas—small to medium-sized plates meant to be shared among friends, allowing the group to sample a wide variety of flavors across the meal. The dishes range from seafood delicacies like razor clams to uniquely prepared meats such as confit goat, reflecting a luxurious yet accessible approach. Signature dishes like the creamy scrambled eggs with uni and the griddled avocado with pistachio add an element of sophisticated creativity to the lineup. The menu is designed to be ordered progressively, with plates arriving in a sequence that ensures a balanced experience rather than an overwhelming cascade of food. This lets groups savor each dish’s nuances while discussing what to try next or pairing meals with wines from the extensive Spanish wine list. While some plates have received mixed reviews regarding portion size or flavor impact, the overall menu’s quality and intriguing selections make it an exciting culinary journey ideal for groups eager to taste and share. Everyone at the table can find something to enjoy, which enhances the communal dining joy.
Why is Casa Mono a recommendable venue despite some mixed reviews about pricing and dish consistency?
While Casa Mono is highly praised for its outstanding Spanish wines, the creative take on traditional dishes, and its welcoming atmosphere, some diners note that portions can be modest and prices on the higher side. For groups prioritizing a unique, intimate dining experience with excellent beverage pairings, these elements are often seen as worthwhile investments; after all, the quality of ingredients and the mastery behind preparation justify the cost for many. The restaurant’s status as a Michelin Guide recommended place further affirms its culinary standing and signals a consistency of excellence that can reassure groups booking for special occasions. Although some dishes might occasionally miss the mark according to certain reviews, many others have found their signature items truly memorable and worth returning for, especially the goat confit and the more delicate seafood offerings. The attentive, friendly service also helps mitigate any concerns about value by creating a personalized dining experience that feels exclusive and cared for. For groups goaled to not just eat but celebrate friendship and shared tastes, Casa Mono’s occasional imperfections are overshadowed by its overall charm, diversity of flavors, and the pleasure of Spanish wine culture.
How does the unique wine selection at Casa Mono complement the group dining experience?
Casa Mono’s wine program is one of the highlights that sets it apart from other tapas restaurants, offering an extensive and well-curated selection of Spanish wines rarely found elsewhere in New York City. This carefully chosen wine list allows groups to engage in a more adventurous and educational drinking experience, sampling varietals from different regions of Spain alongside their meal. The staff’s deep knowledge of the wine portfolio means guests receive thoughtful pairing recommendations that bring out the best in each tapas dish. Sharing bottles of reds, whites, or sparkling wines typical of Spain enhances the convivial atmosphere by inspiring group discussion and tasting dynamics beyond the food. This emphasis on Spanish wine also elevates the cultural immersion of the meal, allowing friends to feel truly transported to the Iberian Peninsula through the senses. For groups that appreciate pairing fine wine with food or want to impress guests with both a unique culinary and oenological experience, Casa Mono delivers an exceptional balance of both. Whether one is a seasoned wine lover or just looking to try something new together, the wine list at Casa Mono greatly enriches the social and sensory pleasures of dining with friends.
What is the best time and group size to enjoy Casa Mono for a meetup?
Given the restaurant’s intimate size, Casa Mono is best suited for smaller groups, ideal for gatherings of around four to six people. This group size allows everyone to comfortably share plates without overcrowding the table or overwhelming the kitchen’s pace, which prefers sending out dishes in a steady, considered flow. Smaller groups also benefit more from the restaurant’s cozy, neighborhood ambiance where conversation can flow easily and no one feels lost in a larger crowd. For special occasions or casual meetups alike, arriving during early dinner hours or making a reservation beforehand helps avoid the peak crowd times, ensuring the group has ample space and quiet to enjoy the evening. The restaurant tends to fill rapidly, which reflects its popularity, so planning ahead is advisable to secure a good spot near the window or in a favored corner. Lunchtimes and early weeknights might be less crowded options, but Casa Mono’s rich Spanish wine and evening-committed vibe make dinner the most rewarding choice for groups looking to linger and toast. Ultimately, Casa Mono shines when the group is intimate enough to engage closely but ready to immerse themselves fully in the tapas and wine experience.
How does the design and layout of Casa Mono facilitate a lively and friendly group dining experience?
Casa Mono’s interior design and layout contribute significantly to its success as a friendly gathering place for groups. The restaurant is relatively small and designed with close, intimate tables that promote warmth and sociability. This setup encourages diners to engage more deeply with each other, sharing plates and passing dishes around, which is central to the tapas dining experience. The cozy seating arrangements allow groups to feel connected, even in a setting that is bustling with energy. The lighting and décor give off a welcoming glow that helps everyone feel relaxed and welcome, while the open feel of the space prevents it from feeling claustrophobic. The close proximity to the kitchen, where skilled chefs are visibly preparing dishes, adds to the communal vibe, making diners feel part of the entire dining ritual. The design strikes a balance between casual and refined, ensuring that groups can celebrate special moments without feeling out of place. This intentional layout supports the rhythms of lively conversation, laughter, and the clinking of glasses, making Casa Mono a natural venue for joyful social interactions among friends.
What makes Casa Mono stand out in New York City’s competitive tapas restaurant scene?
Casa Mono occupies a distinctive niche in New York City’s vibrant tapas scene through its dedication to authentic Spanish flavors elevated by modern culinary precision and a focused wine program. Unlike many establishments that serve tapas as trendy small plates without deep regional roots, Casa Mono authentically celebrates the Costa Brava and its culinary traditions, showcasing dishes rarely found elsewhere in the city. Its Michelin Guide affiliation further positions it as a destination for diners seeking a high-quality, genuine Spanish experience. The balance of traditional tapas with inventive dishes like scrambled eggs with uni or confit goat distinguishes it by offering both comfort and excitement in one meal. The restaurant also emphasizes the whole-dining experience, from careful pacing of plates to attentive service, ensuring that groups enjoy a seamless and immersive meal. In an expansive market full of diverse dining options, Casa Mono’s ability to deliver a refined yet approachable Spanish gathering experience with a stellar wine list makes it a top choice for groups wanting something beyond ordinary. This combination of authenticity, quality, and atmosphere helps Casa Mono maintain its stellar reputation and attract repeat visitors among friends and families alike.