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Casa Mono
Categories: Restaurants Spanish Restaurants Tapas Bars Restaurants Basque Spanish, Tapas Bars, Basque [Edit]
52 Irving Pl(between 17th St & 18th St)
New York, NY 10003
Neighborhoods: Union Square, Gramercy, Flatiron
(212) 253-2773
- Nearest Transit:
-
14 St - Union Sq (4, 5, 6, 6X)
14 St - Union Sq (N, Q, R)
Union Sq - 14 St (L)
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
473 reviews for Casa Mono
Review Highlights
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"1, Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Croquetas." In 40 reviews -
"I had razor clams for the first time and loved them." In 70 reviews -
"the duck egg and pork belly dishes are to die for." In 51 reviews
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473 reviews in English
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Review from Emily R.
5/16/2012
To start, Irving Street is my favorite street in all of NYC. It's beautiful, hidden, and exclusive - perpendicular to Gramercy Park, and straddled by the mess of the East Village and Union Square, but completely quiet and collegiate. Tiny restaurants dot the sidewalk, Casa Mono being the most prominent.
Casa Mono serves fantastic, traditional, Spanish tapas. Tapas have been so Americanized that they're translated to mean anything served on a saucer these days - far from the actual Spanish dishes they were derived from. Additionally, it's not a genre of food comprised of the most elegant of ingredients - octopus, potato, fried balls of rice and ham...but Casa Mono makes Tapas as traditional and elegant as you can get in NYC.
The Pan Con Tomate is simple perfection. Grilled baguette, sliced down the middle, rubbed down with garlic cloves, olive oil and a roasted tomato, with tomato seeds and pulp garnishing the crispy bread. Patatas Bravas are a little different than I remember - they're more baked than fried, but still very tasty. The skirt steak with romesco can't be missed - while the romesco is less garlicky and more pesto-y than what I'd had in spain, it's still got that red kick to it, and the steak is actually quite a generous portion for a tapas-style plate, sliced and artfully stacked. Mussels with Chorizo and champagne are salty and indulgent, but don't fill you up too much. A good wine list, and a free glass of cava with a 4sq check-in! I totally approve of the food.
Why not 5 stars? It's pitch-black in there, and you're practically on top of your fellow diners - but not in authentic, old school way - just an overstuffed with small tables way. It's awkward to walk around the restaurant. But besides these occupational hazards, you're good to go on a beautiful block for some traditional Spanish dishes. -
Review from Natasha C.
OZONE PARK, NY
5/15/2012
This place really only gets 4 stars because of the food. Went here for lunch with a girlfriend and did not have reservations - which apparently was a problem...?
The place was not packed but we were given slack for not having reservations and then felt rushed all throughout lunch. Definitely ruined the experience.
Tapas we tried:
Pan con Tomate - Very simple toasted bread with tomatoes on top...absolutely delicious!!
Ensalada Mono with Manchego - The dressing and was light and refreshing; very good and would order again.
Fried Oysters with Piquillo Sofrito and Black Pepper Crema- crunchy and very flavorful;; exactly how fried oysters are supposed to be.
Softshell Crab with Ramps and Espelette - the softshell crab was cooked to perfection and the ramps were delicious. There was also some sort of puree at the bottom which was very nice.
Overall the food was amazing! Definitely in my opinion a little expensive...
Service needs an attitude adjustment for sure.
Would return though. -
Review from Trevor P.
Manhattan, NY
5/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
Very good food. Incredible service.
Beet/bacon/blue cheese salad is a must. The bacon is crispy and melty and everything you want from bacon. The sage/pumpkin fritters were pretty good, but I expected a little more. The fois gras... oh the fois gras. Best I've had, ever. Period. I couldn't get enough. I'd order three of these. Seriously. The razor clams were cooked perfectly. Delicious dish. The cod cheeks just weren't up my alley. Too fishy for my personal taste, but I realize that's their intended flavor. Just wasn't my thing. I ate it all... but I wouldn't get it again. For desserts, we got the bread pudding which was sweet and savory and citrusy and amazing. We also got the olive oil ice cream which was tasty and interesting, but it was more for the experience and I probably wouldn't get it again.
The wine list is pretty intense, and I didn't really know my way around it as they were all Spanish wines. But the waiter was very helpful in that regard.
I'd highly recommend this place. If I went back, I'd probably explore the menu a bit more. But after my last trip, it would be tough for me to sway from anything but fois gras and bread pudding all night. SO GOOD. -
Review from Hulya K.
Chesterfield, MO
5/23/2012
Delicious food! Scallops and Rainbow Carrots were amazing!! The only downside to this place is that it is a little expensive, but definitely yummy food.
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Review from Olivia S.
Manhattan, NY
5/4/2012
Cliff Notes:
- Food is amazing
- Wine is outstanding
- The staff (our experience wasn't great), wasn't charming but the food helps you over look that. However, waiter did know his wine!
- Atmosphere...it's TINY. If you like intimate...this is your spot. Be smarter than I was and make a reservation.
Longer version:
Granted we did not have reservations, and this place is VERY small but the hostess sat us at two stools at the bar. She wasn't very pleasant....and then we met out waiter who was also not very pleasant. Both almost seemed annoyed that we were there.
We asked for some food recommendations and the waiter's response was "everything is good".
We ended picking out 6 dishes and asked the waiter to help us pair the meal with wine.
As the evening carried on the waiter warmed up to us and gave us great background information on all of the wines we were trying.
Every dish that came out was mouth watering good and the wine pairs were spot on.
Our seats were horrible, guests and waiters were bumping into us all night.
Don't sit at the bar!!!
Despite the negative experiences I would return to this place, I have to try all the other plates I was unable to order.
Must order: The fluke and the duck!!! -
Review from Kate N.
I love this very quaint tapas bar. The most memorable dish for us was the Razor Clams. Next time we're back in NYC we'll have to order 2 orders!!
Other dishes:
1.) Fois Gras: very rich in texture and flavor; it was delicious
2.) Oxtail Stuffed Piquillo Peppers: my husband really enjoyed this dish. It's pulled oxtail stuffed into these green peppers.
3.) Baby Squids with Grits and Eggs: my mom and I loved this dish; the baby squids were nice and tender; the grits very hearty; and everything is great with Sunny side eggs!!
Great place for a light lunch; Tight sitting area; Will definitely visit again -
Review from Amber S.
New York, NY
5/21/2012
Again a great meal.. again a great gourmet experience. let my start from the end, every time I leave I think when i should come back. i think this is one of the most successful Batali's restaurant, the food taste always amazing, specials are great, ingredients are at their best and cooked with love and experience, great food , great customer experience, moderate price. Finally a restaurant working as a restaurant. my favorite? Skirt stake.. what I drink? Malbec? What a show, what a culinary experience and what amazing simple desserts.. This place is a clock and it's food is time, wise and wonderful time..
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Review from Valery C.
4/25/2012
Having tapas at Casa Mono on a Saturday afternoon, the sunlight streaming into the small, wood-paneled dining room, the sounds of food prep, quiet conversation, and music co-mingling pleasantly, I decide I could like doing this more often.
The tables are appealingly and asymmetrically laid out, tucked in a nook here and there, bookmarked by shelves of bottled wines. Some bar seats look in on the kitchen action. Tight quarters means you and everyone else will be squeezing in and out to go anywhere.
Service was overall fine, if a bit confused on check-in. Or rather, there is no clear place to check-in, since you essentially walk right into the dining room. But the busy wait staff steered us to our window seats quickly.
As expected, the Spanish-leaning wine list is extensive and the garnacha offered by glass was a delicious accompaniment to the tapas, served with extra in its own flask. Starting with some crusty (but not warm) bread and a small bowl of olives, we perused the small menu.
Casa Mono's tapas largely eschews basic classics for more inventive fare. I regret that I could not try their take of the classic tortilla espanola, but just fleetingly, there being so many other intriguing tapas to distract.
As interesting as the menu read, execution varied. There was a lackluster plate of mussels, its broth bland, unexpected given the relative simplicity of such a dish. And the appealing-looking, savory casserole of two pimientos stuffed with tender oxtail was undone by excess salt.
Gladly, the better dishes well out-numbered the forgettable. At their finest, fresh ingredients and intense, layered flavors marry beautifully, like the perfect razor clams, flaky rockfish lightly crisped in a bright tomato sauce, and a rustic breakfast dish of exquisite fried baby squid on pimiento flavored grits, topped with a poached farmer's egg. The charcuterie platter was well-made, with diverse textures but surprisingly mild and subtle flavors, along with cheese chased with honey.
The finest tapas I've had in NYC, albeit with premium prices, cramped dining quarters, and pre-planning required for reservations or flexibility if not. Portions are small for the price, most small plates are best for sharing between two; I've yet to try their larger plates. For such interesting tapas, its worth the drawbacks.Listed in: Sifty Fifty (2011), Food Style: Tapas
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Review from Cynthia M.
Long Island City, NY
4/14/2012
I love tapas. Why have a huge plate of something when you can have a lot of small plates of something? All I need is a few bites to savor the flavors and then I am happy to move on to the next dish. Casa Mono is perfect for that. Each plate has a few bites worth especially if you are sharing with someone else. Oh and did I mention, those bites are amazing!
We ordered the cod cheeks, pork belly, bone marrow and duck. All ranging from rich to very rich. No diet food for us!
The Pork Belly Canary Islands with Maple Bananas and Lime came out first. Such a creative and unexpected combination. You would think with pork belly you need a lighter fruit like pineapple, not something heavy and creamy like banana, but this did delight! The pork belly was cooked perfectly...slightly chewy fat with a crispy top. The bananas had that slight maple flavor and then a punch of lime. And if all that wasn't enough, there was an absolutely delicious sauce and bits of some type of jerky as well. It was all a party in my mouth and this dish did no wrong.
Next came the Bone Marrow with Ramp Pesto and Radishes. I love bone marrow, but unfortunately this dish didn't work out for me as well as other bone marrow dishes I have had in the past. The ramp pesto was a bit too garlicky and overpowered the marrow. I like when they balance the fat in the marrow with something sweeter like a marmalade. The radishes and the salad that came along side it was great though! Perfectly dressed and who knew I liked radishes?! I was never a huge fan of them, but they are definitely growing on me. I know...who is this woman who compliments the rabbit food and is disappointed in the fat? Hey, if you can get a carnivore like me to appreciate vegetables, you did good, Chef!
Next was the Duck Confit with Mole and Pickled Celery and the Cod Cheeks Pil Pil with Pickled Chillies. After a bit of disappointment with the marrow, they pulled through with these two dishes. The cod cheeks were cooked in a rich olive oil which almost was reminiscent of Chinese flavors for me. It is funny because when you first see this dish, you think light and cold preparation. Then one bite fills your mouth with such a richness that was unexpected but oh so welcome. Don't think you are getting a light fish dish with this option. It is just as rich as the rest of the items that we ordered and I am not mad at that.
Finally, the duck. THE DUCK! I have never had such perfectly cooked duck confit ever. You must order this just for the duck alone. The mole was nice and the pickled celery was there along with some apples that I don't know how they ended up in this dish, but all of that was honestly just a distraction from the duck. This was pure respect for the duck. This dish honored the duck. Duck you will always be remembered.
Casa Mono is great not even just for the food, but for the wine, the ambiance, the open kitchen, the big windows. It is great when a restaurant just gets it all right. This is one of those places.Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from Nick B.
San Francisco, CA
3/26/2012
Came here after dinner for dessert. Restaurant was mostly empty, but the host went through this whole thing about how typically they wouldn't seat us, but tonight it was ok since they weren't that busy.
Then we sat down only to be reseated because our table didn't have any silverware on it.
Overall dude was enough of a dick to ruin the night, but fortunately was in a good mood and stuck around for a nice wine (La Universal), good coffee, and a serviceable dessert (crema catalan). Our waiter was great.
Pro tip to hosts: don't act like you're doing me a big favor letting me pay to eat your food. And if my table doesn't have silverware, don't reseat me. Put some silverware on the table. -
Review from Lauren L.
5/10/2012
Came here a while ago. The wine was excellent. The food was even better. The place is small but has a great vibe. It is a bit pricey but definitely worth it.
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Review from Katie W.
5/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
WOW! I have been wanting to try this tapas place since I moved to ny since it's so well rated/reviewed but just haven't made it happen. Without a reservation, my boyfriend and I walked past it on our way home from a kentucky derby party in the neighborhood and they had a spot for two available at the chef's table! This is a really great seat that I highly recommend if you come with a party of two. You are right in the action as they prepare each dish one by one! Our server was really sweet and totally patient with us. Here's what we got - every dish came out looking and tasting like a masterpiece:
-Softshell Crab with Ramps and Espelette
-Beets with Blue Cheese and House-Made Bacon (my favorite)
-Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Croquetas (probably the only thing I wasn't head over heels about - interesting flavors but too dry)
-Sweetbreads with Fennel al Mono
-Duck Egg with Mojama (lots of truffle oil)
-Rabbit with Anticuchos and Habanero Cuajada
-Chocolate, Olive Oil, Sal de Mar (DELICIOUS!) -
Review from A H.
Queens, NY
4/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
Outstanding food, so flavorful. Razor clams , fried crab, fois gras were outstanding. My least favorite was pumpkin croquets, it's just way overrated, but than again I myself i am not crazy about pumpkins. Also stuffed oxtail pepers were not all that, it's just basic flavor of stuffed peppers , which I do make myself. The only thing that dish is missing is something i can't imagine eating stuffed peppers without and that is dollop of sour cream. Great wine, good desert, good service. Looking forward to go back .
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Review from Gina X.
New York, NY
3/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Come here for THREE things, ok, technically four things:
1) RAZOR CLAMS - once I ordered 3 of these... the waitress gave me a funny look, but I DON'T CARE
2) FOIE GRAS - my favorite foie in the city. Nuff said.
3) Counter action - love the intimacy of counter seating. Dislike sitting at the tables b/c they're arranged too close to each other
4) Lovely selection of spanish wines by the glassListed in: My happy places
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Review from Melissa B.
Manhattan, NY
4/2/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Casa Mono is small, sexy, the wine is killer, and the food is extremely flavorful.
We enjoyed lunch here on a rainy Saturday afternoon, and our table was positioned by a window which was perfect for watching the rain fall, drinking wine, and exchanging stories.
Our server was very smart when it came to the wine list. Being a Spanish restaurant, we needed a bit of help when ordering, but our server had no problem seeking a very nice glass for us based on our preferences.
The food was full of flavor, and there were many options that intrigued us. We ended up enjoying soft-shell crab (it's in peak season right now), brussel sprouts, and fresh bread which we dipped in olive oil which had fresh olives and fennel seeds in it.
I can't wait to go back! -
Review from Sylvia S.
Manhattan, NY
5/7/2012 Seated via OpenTable 1 Check-in Here
Ambience was great and it's a very classy yet a hip place. Small tables and may not be too ideal for kids to be at due to the overall small space. Food and wine were absolutely fantastic and definitely will go back soon for a meal. Reservation is referred and highly recommend for friends. :)
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Review from Chau H.
Manhattan, NY
3/13/2012
So I finally had the time to stop by after teaching at nearby Washington Irving high school on my way back to my office by Bryant Park. I had high hopes for this restaurant as I've heard good things about them. I had tapas at many places around the city including Tertulia, Alta, Pipa, Boqueria, Scuba and I'm sure I forgot names of a few others.
My MD and I ordered the roast pork dish, razor clams and squid ink rice. The roast pork dish was ok. It came with 3 tiny pieces of pork and what looked like 1 artichoke. It was good but for $15+ dish, I expected a bit more. We had the razor clams that were grilled with lemon. I thought it was good, nothing to blow me away.
The disappointment came with the squid ink rice with the scallops. I really love squid ink and I had it in many variations. It was SALTY! I had about 2 bites of it and proceed to down 2 glasses of water. I mentioned this to the manager and waitress and they said it may be salty due to the scallops being cooked with it. That's crap. I had seafood squid ink paella and squid ink pasta with scallops and clams before and it was nowhere near as salty. After discussing this with both the waitress and manager, they proceed to charge us for $16 plate of salty rice that we didn't eat.
I've been to many restaurants and have only return food when it wasn't really edible. Management have usually been very accommodating and taken the plate off the bill. Usually this makes the diners happy and likely to come back and try other dishes or to give it another chance. Not at Casa Mono. Even after we brought up the issue that the dish was not really edible beside the 3 scallops that came with it!
What could have been an average lunch turn out to be a negative experience. It's not like you're eating at a diner so you don't expect service. But at around $70 lunch, you would expect them to treat you better. -
Review from Ricky C.
3/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
3.5 Stars and for a michelin star restaurant, a mere disappointment again. Maybe I'm judging too harshly on these restaurants but when given the status/accolade they supposedly deserve, I expect greater things. Not realizing how tiny this venue was, I'm glad they had bar jamon next door as my friend and I arrived an hour early and were kindly asked to go next door to have a drink or two. No problem w. that and the host was kind from the minute we entered to the minute he sat us down. There's a great selection of wines but pretty expensive. Not sure if I saw 1 bottle of red/white under $65. We went w. the Alta Rioja Tempranillo and to my liking, it was very dry. As for food, we ordered the below:
1. House-Made Pork Charcuterie, Spanish Cheese, Seasonal Pickles
2. Fideos with Chorizo and Clams
3. Spanish Mackerel with Oysters Escabeche and Horseradish
4. Duck Egg with Mojama and black truffles
5. Foie Gras with Cinco Cebollas
6. Oxtail Stuffed Piquillo Peppers
7. Bone Marrow with Watercress and Radishes
8. Crispy Belly with Sunchoke Puree and Confit Artichokes
8 apps for 4 people was a nice light dinner. There were elements of each dish that were good but not one dish came together to my liking. I will start w. my favorites of the night because there wasn't that much to choose from. Interesting pork charcuterie, perfectly cooked clams, crisp sear on the mackerel, velvety foie gras, and crispy pork belly were the highlights of the night. Everything else was so so. I wish I had a better understanding of #1 as there were strange elements to that platter. Chorizo was not prevalent in #2. There was some acidic element w. #4 that overpowered the already lack in flavor of truffle. #6 was just plain and simple, nothing special. I was probably the most disappointed in #7 as the bone marrow was too gelatinous and def didn't melt in my mouth. Overall, the food was ok at best for a regular restaurant, nonetheless a Michelin Star one.
As for service, our waiter/waitstaff was good but again, def not michelin caliber. He had a sourpuss face but thank god it didn't translate in the tone he was speaking w. Never asking me if the meal was ok nor any of the floor mgrs/maitre'd was also surprising. Instead, they were more in a rush to get us out to cater for the 10pm table coming in.
Like I said, everything was just a-ok but nothing blew me away...... -
Review from Helen D.
3/18/2012
Wonderful flavors! Great spot for lunch - would love to try for dinner as well. Rounding up from 3.5.
My friend and I shared 5 dishes for lunch, but I think we would've been satisfied on just 3 (definitely 4).
5 Stars:
- Shrimp al Ajillo: the sauce was so buttery and fantastic! We soaked up all the extra sauce with bread.
4 Stars:
- Bacalao Croquetas w/ Orange Aoili: the cod was wonderfully tender - the plate comes with 4 croquetas, and 2 each was the perfect satiating amount!!
3 Stars:
- Patatas Bravas: while the spice on the potatoes is nice, this is a dish I would skip. It was filler food for me.
- Skirt Steak with Onion Mermelada: tasty, but not exceptional.
- Dorada with oven roasted tomatoes and fennel: again - good, but not something to write home about.
Would definitely return. -
Review from Ed T.
New York, NY
3/31/2012 3 photos
I believe this was the first time a restaurant actually dictated the amount of plates I had to order. I've heard of the two drink minimum but for the place I never expected them to have a 4 plate minimum.
Aside from that though I would definitely highly recommend the Razor Clams and the Pan con Tomate. Although the brussel sprouts were a bit under cooked they did pack a lot of flavor.
Will be trying the Spanish mackerel and the Cod cheeks on my next try there.
Tip: Do make a reservation it gets packed quickly. For some performance art sit at the kitchen bar space. -
Review from Christine P.
New York, NY
4/28/2012
Small. Cute. Great. This is my boyfriend's favorite restaurant in NYC. He had been trying to get me to come here for a couple years now and for some strange reason I was never excited about the idea. At fist glance the menu looked packed full of meat and onions, two things I don't like. He finally convinced me to go, and I'm so happy I did. I have been back another time since. We went to the little wine back next door and sat and enjoyed a glass of wine while we waited for our table. They give you a generous pour and the wine is excellent. Once our table was ready they took our unfinished wine next door where we had asked for a bar seat overlooking the kitchen area. It was fun to eat while watching the chefs prepare your food. The razor clams and duck egg were my favorites. If you haven't been here, it is definitely worth a visit!
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Review from Clifford R.
Manhattan, NY
3/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Casa Mono is Mario Batali's Tapas restaurant in Gramercy. It is a tiny restaurant, and I do mean TINY. I think there are maybe 12 2-person tables, plus whatever you can fit at the bar (maybe another 8 people). My sister, brother-in-law, and I were sat at a table meant for 2, and we're all tall (6ft-ish). I don't really mind being squished at a table, but it is kinda annoying to be bumped into constantly. Interestingly enough, and I did not know this at the time I was dining, Casa Mono has a single Michelin star. I say interesting, because I feel Babbo is superior, and does not have any Michelin rating. It was not difficult to get a reservation, once I gave up the thought of eating at a normal time. Tried for months to get an 8 o'clock resi on a Friday or Saturday, with no luck. But on the Friday before, we were able to get a 5:30 resi on a Saturday no problem!
Our waitress suggested 2 - 3 plates per person, which is pretty standard for tapas, and that's what we went with. We ordered:
House-Made Pork Charcuterie, Spanish Cheese, Seasonal Pickles
Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Croquetas
Razor Clams a la Plancha
Squid Ink Bomba Rice with Taylor Bay Scallops
Fideos with Chorizo and Clams
Quail with Tomato Raisens and Baby Romaine
Pulpo with Fennel and Grapefruit
Confit Goat with Creamed Kale and Pepitas
Crema Catalana con Buñuelos
If you're not familiar, Fideos are about 1" sections of angel hair pasta, toasted and cooked. Along with the chorizo and clams, I think it was my favorite dish of the night. The Squid ink Bomba rice and Razor clams close out the top three. Careful, the Razor clams are heavy on garlic. The Pulpo and Quail (2 of our main proteins of the meal) we're good, but not as great as some of the smaller / earlier courses. The fried bay leaves that came with the Crema Catalana were my favorite part of dessert!
The wine selection is pretty nice, and as Thom H points out, it is a bit on the expensive side - but not prohibitively so. I started with a glass of Agusti Torello Mata Cava, which was delicious, and then we shared a bottle of Catalunya wine picked at random that was pretty good, a bit on the lighter and sweeter than I would have thought, but again - it was picked at random. My Spanish pronunciation is better than Italian and French, but my wine knowledge is far from par.
The service was decent, a bit lacking in my opinion for a 1 Michelin star restaurant. But the waitress and the entire staff were friendly, and obviously well versed in working in such a tiny environment. Logistically, thinks ran very smoothly.
Price - most plates are in the 15 - 20 range, which is slightly on the expensive side of the norm, but well worth it in my opinion.
To be honest, I think the comfort level is a reason I won't rush back. The food was amazing, but it's the type of food you want to go and eat with a big group of friends, order more as you go, have another bottle of wine towards the end of the meal - and that type of experience really isn't possible at Casa Mono. Once done, they will bring you next door to Bar Jamon if you would like more to drink, which will be even louder and more crowded than Casa Mono. I associate a more relaxed and European experience with tapas restaurants, and you won't get that at Casa Mono. But, the food does speak volumes, and it's worth going at least once. -
Review from Christian R.
Woodside, Queens, NY
3/1/2012
I typically reserve restaurants of this caliber for special occasions though I can't believe I've walked by here hardly ever noticing this place. Casa Mono, the Spanish/Tapas achievement of the Bastianich & Batali team, is a darling of a place located off Irving Place, east of the Union Square hustle and bustle. My girlfriend and I showed up without a reservation on a Tuesday night for dinner and, for the most part, our experience was worthwhile. She had been here a few times before and raves about the individual (though small and expensive,) courses. The menu is extensive and while I don't drink much these days, the wine selection looked massive- it has to be- Joe obviously knows his wines.
What we had (each of these courses are small portions and run about $15-$25):
1.) Razor Clams a la Plancha- succulent, juicy and with a lemon twist. Not too oily and nice to finish off with some bread.
2.) Pulpo with Fennel and Grapefruit (Baby Octopus)- fried and crunchy over a of tasty fennel, the citrus flavor underneath. Absolutely delicious.
3.) Ensalada Mono with Manchego- arugula flanked by thin wedges of Manchego cheese and sprinkled with bacon bits. I could have done without the bacon but this salad has a nice citrus-y honey finish that kept me digging in.
4.) Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Croquettes- I was expecting a little more spark from these. The Pumpkin filling seems to over power the goat cheese, which I hoped would stand out more. Tasty but a little too dry.
5.) Crispy Belly with Sunchoke Puree and Confit Artichokes- This dish was small and lacked balance. I've never been a fan of pork belly- though this was crispy on the outside, the center was textured and little runny, but I endured the fat. The artichokes did nothing to enhance or diminish the flavor.
6.) Foie Gras with Cinco Cebollas- again my liver experience is limited but the addition of sauteed onions blended nicely.
The service is sharp and on the mark however, I must add, a bit cold. While the atmosphere is pleasant, the hostess up front was a little arrogant, which is expected from a Bastianich establishment. Just watch "Master Chef" and you'll understand. Food should be fun- but there's a wave of entitlement that runs amongst the staff here and our waiter was almost rushing with our order. It's also challenging to negotiate any seat room, as you are jammed up against your neighboring diners. -
Review from Angry A.
Chicago, IL
4/29/2012
Quite possibly one of the best meals I have had in the past year or so (Mexique, Gary Danko, Girl and The Goat all up there as well. Every dish was just perfectly executed, the flavor profiles just spot on. Its just so hard to get in to this place! Here is just a sample of the more outstanding dishes:
Started with fried oysters - fresh, juicy, sweet west coast oysters, perfectly seasoned, crunchy batter with a touch of black pepper crema and piquillio sofrito (similar to braising).
Goat confit with spring vegetables and mushroom paste. Firstly, the goat confit was amazingly well prepared, devoid of any gaminess that usually comes with goat, particularly with fattier cuts (don't get me wrong, I love fatty meats!), but still with the goat flavor, the vegetables gave some texture to the dish and the mushroom paste was a great complement to the goat.
As I've said over and over, I love fioe gras and thankfully I've had very few bad foie gras dishes. This was quite outstanding - perfectly cooked, on top of thick crostini, cinco cebollas (five onions) and balsamic vinegar. -
Review from Wilbur B.
Manhattan, NY
2/23/2012
Was planning on going to Pierre Loti, but they were closed on a Sunday afternoon at 4pm. Maybe someone forgot they owned a restaurant?
Casa Mono was good. Our pretty waitress could have done something to make some sort of connection. And considering the size of this place being in the weeds would mean you sucked at your job. Our bottle of wine was almost hot.
Those are my complaints, and that's it for them. The food here is incredibly good.
Nice open kitchen, small intimate space. A unique selection of very well prepared small plates that come from the open kitchen. I had my back to them, but they were cranking out these dishes and know what the hell they're doing.
First up was the lobster dish. Small and expensive, but shut up, it was really good.
Has some sort of creeper spice that hits you just when you thought it was safe. It doesn't punish you, and it's delicious. Used up all the bread on that one.
Shrimp and grits and egg and freakin awesome seriously this dish is a keeper.
Round two was oxtail and sweatbreads... both very very fresh and good and better than most spots that serve these two starting to become trite dishes. Sweetbreads right up there with the Breslin, and all they serve are the nasty bits. Proper use of fennel makes this dish which is very easy to screw up. They nailed it.
If I wasn't instructed in the beginning that I needed to order the whole shebang to input my order, I probably would have done more plates. But my inclination was to leave and try this spot again another time. I'm the client, let me order what I want when I want, and maybe check in with me to make sure everything is ok? Just a thought, what do I know? 5Stars for the food, I'm no hater. -
Review from John D.
1/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
Believe the hype. Casa Mono does tapas as well as any other restaurant in the city and they do it with style and class.
I'll start off by saying that service typically doesn't rank high on my list when judging a restaurant. Food is always what matters above all else and if I'm happy with what I'm eating than I will overlook the other things. That said, I never like being hurried through my meal or feel that I'm being forced to leave. Now I can't fault a waitress for checking to see if the clientele is ready to order but if people are talking to each other and they have the menu open in front of them, than you don't need to ask three times if they are ready. Also, bus the table after people leave. Don't lean over and under them to wipe up and don't bring the check until everyone has finished everything at the table. If I purchase a bottle of wine than I'm obviously not going to chug it, especially when I'm paying restaurant mark up prices.
Ok, that's it for my rant. Now onto what's really important. FOOD!
We ordered 5 different tapas for the two of us which was plenty. I always tend to over order small plates because I want to try so many things but my gf always reminds me that we'll be back again to try different things. Here's what we got:
Pumpkin & Goat Cheese Croquettes - I'm not a big fan of potato croquettes but I always love goat cheese croquettes and these were no exception. Much different from a standard fried goat cheese ball, the pumpkin was powerful and filled your mouth with spice. The goat cheese was the subtle ingredient here but it added a nice peppery flavor to round out the dish.
Fideos with Chorizo and Clams - WOW. Very different from anything I've had before, we found ourself scraping the bottom of the skillet for every last bit. The steamed clams were covered in an al dente but sometimes crisp (in a good way) angel hair pasta which was cut into inch size pieces and topped with what tasted like a buttery hollandaise. We mixed it up a bit so that we could bite the clams and get a little bit of the pasta and cream with every bite. The chorizo was lacking and could have been spicier but that didn't take away from the dish too much. It was excellent and I highly recommend trying it.
Foie Gras with 5 Onions - DOUBLE WOW. I'm a foie gras fanatic and this might have been the best I 've ever had. It was perfectly seared on the outside so that the inside was just room temperature (some places serve it cool inside) and it literally melted on your tongue. They placed the liver on top of a piece of bread which sat on a bed of onions and then drizzled with a sweet sauce that almost reminded me of teryaki but not quite. There were sesame seeds so it could have been a variation but it was much sweeter and thicker than your typical teryaki. This dish was a flavor explosion of rich, creamy, sweet, saltiness that made me wish I ordered two.
Pork Stuffed Calamari - Meh. Not so much. Pretty hard to follow that Foie Gras with anything but this dish didn't do anything for me. It had too much of a fishy taste and the pork inside was nothing special. The wild mushrooms were nice but when the garnish is the highlight of the dish, something is awry. My gf thought it was good but I wouldn't order it again.
Duck Breast with Butternut Squash & Maple Syrup - The server brought out three things at once so by the time we got to the duck it was almost room temperature. The duck was cooked a beautiful medium rare and the thin layer of fat added excellent flavor. The butternut squash was hardly squash and more of a puree but it added a subtle sweetness to the unadulterated meat. This was a memorable dish but I would probably try something else next time.
Dessert - Chocolate Ganache with Olive Oil ice cream and Strawberries. OUTSTANDING end to a great meal. The Chocolate Ganache was thick and rich and paired perfectly with the salty ice cream. Every bite was it's own little party in your mouth. This was a perfect dish for two.
The menu at Casa Mono is vast and varied. They experiment in ways that you don't normally see from the standard tapas bars in the city and I appreciate that. I will definitely be back to sample more of the selection but that Foie Gras is going to be a staple every time I come. -
Review from Yan T.
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Several years have gone by since I first heard of this place, and as a casual but passionate fan of tapas I figured it was time. We showed up here around 8 pm on a Saturday night and were given a table that was reserved for 9:30. The wine list is one of the most extensive I've seen in New York and definitely offers the most Spanish options you're likely to see anywhere. A really unique bottle of Spanish Primitivo (oxidized) did the trick though you're probably better off with one of their many tintos from Rioja.
As for the food, this is definitely a 5-star gourmet tapas kitchen. The goat cheese and pumpkin croquettes were perfect. Baby octopus with grapefruit and [I think] cabbage was shaved into delicate slices and a nice segue into the foie gras. I'm no foie gras expert, but it was fatty, oily, and decadent. Served with a small slice of toast, you'll want to savor this one in small bites. The fideos with chorizo and clams (angel hair pasta on a bed of the latter) is a great choice for sharing--a generous helping of pasta in a creamy sauce and one of their most popular dishes.
CM loses one star on this go-round for omitting one of our orders...and not just any order, but the pork belly...that's right...the dish generating most excitement in our gullets. To their credit, they tried to make up for it by giving us a silver tray accompanied walk to Bar Jamon, where they offered us comp churros with warm chocolate dip, but it was no substitute. Alas, a minor blemish when considering the overall quality coming out of the kitchen. -
Review from Jackie C.
Belleville, NJ
4/1/2012
I must say, I did enjoy Casa Mono. We decided to go on a late Sunday afternoon after reading about the size of this place. We definitely made a good choice because 4:00 on a Sunday was perfect. We got a nice little table by the window away from the hustle and bustle of the main dining area and had a great server. He recommended a nice tasty bottle of wine which only cost about $60 and was worth every penny.
We had seven tapas plates that each had an ample amount for two people to share. The clams with chorizo were good, my only complaint was more chorizo!!! We also had the shrimp in a tamarind sauce, Ensalada mono, skirt steak, leg of lamb, and oxtail stuffed peppers, and pork belly. Everything was well cooked and tasty. My personal favorite was the pork belly and clams and chorizo. The pork belly was crispy and delicious and came with plantains and a nice maple sauce that highlighted all the flavors nicely. We splurged and had dessert too of course I went with the chocolate and olive oil ice-cream and it was very rich and decadent. My boyfriend had the mono sundae and it also was very rich and packed a nice spicy flavor. All in all Casa Mono did not disappoint!
If I could make one suggestion, Sangria...I don't know if Sangria is too beneath Mario Batali's extensive wine list but in my eyes tapas are so much better with a pitcher of fruit filled wine. -
Review from Sara S.
1/6/2012
I have walked past this restaurant numerous times and thought, "Hmm, why haven't I been here? Must come back."
I am pleased to say that I have now been and absolutely loved it. From the glass of cava, all the way to the Manchego cheese for dessert, it was delicious.
A friend and I split the duck breast, Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Croquetas, Oysters of the day and an Oxtail dish. They were perfect compliments of each other and a great way to have a meal that was mostly talking and drinking.
Service was excellent. The restaurant was full when we got there around 8, but dinner was in full swing. Either way, the wait was worth it and the ambiance was perfect, especially for a cold NYC night just before the New Year.
I can't wait to go back! Oh and fellas, if you're dating a non-picky other, take him/her here. It's the perfect, cute date spot! -
Review from Jerry B.
Brooklyn, NY
2/16/2012
I've been lucky enough to enjoy many meals here - some with friends and sometimes alone. Everytime the experience has been stellar -the food, wine, service, you name it.
Tonight, however, (and this is why they lost a star and probably should have lost 2) the server was such a downer and made our experience less than stellar. We sat at the back bar and he kept cleaning the silverware and chucking them in a drawer. It was loud, steamy and unpleasant.
I would only come back if i sat at the bar where they're cooking. Otherwise, the chefs were amazing! Thx! -
Review from Kelly S.
1/20/2012
Have I not reviewed Casa Mono, the first and last place where I will ever try a fried sardine? Ugh, I just gagged a little thinking about it. If you think you ever want to try fried sardines, either do it here or on the Portuguese coast. It's a bit cheaper to do it here, once you factor in airfare. Well, let me tell you, these aren't just any sardines. They are MASSIVE sardines. Big, fat sardines that taste like fish. I know, what the hell was I expecting? I took a bite and spit it out. Into my napkin. On a date. Yup. That's the kind of girl I am.
Moving on. Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Croquetas. Yeah, you've just got to get them, especially in the fall. I love pumpkin. A hit. Rabbit three ways (at waiter's recommendation), awesome. Crispy pork belly, ohhhhh melty porky salty goodness (and the sunchokes nom nom nom). Steak with some onion marmalade business.
It's teensy-tiny, and there's normally a wait, but hotel concierge was able to secure us a very, very tight spot. I don't understand the table--it was low enough (b/c it has a shelf on which you may store your purse)--to hit my knees. My 6 foot tall date looked like he was sitting at a kindergarten table. Amazing wine list, dark woody atmosphere, lively kitchen and staff.
A must-try, but I don't know if I'll be back. It wasn't overwhelmingly amazing, even though my mouth is watering a wee bit. -
Review from Len W.
12/31/2011 1 photo
I dined here for an early dinner (6:30pm, which might as well be brunch or lunch in NYC) with my college buddy, the Debonair Dermatologist from Downtown (well. lower west side, anyway).
This is one of the Mario Battali / Joe Bastianich the Restaurateur partnerships, and has earned a listing on the Michelin Red Guide.
Its pretty hard to get into this place at prime time, so our early arrive helped us "borrow" a deuce (small table for two) wedged along the picture window on the side, as long as we agreed to release the table by 7:30 for the folks who had made their reservation.
They specialize in Western European Tapas. The waitress suggested 2-3 per person. Dishes ranged form $9 - $26. Come with and adventurous and open mind! A couple sat down next to us, and after reviewing the menu, politely retreated. Your boldness will be rewarded.
Each dish was an choreographed explosion of rich, warm flavors that delighted and playfully explored new combinations of color and texture. I've never had a bad meal at a Mario restaurant. Casa Mono did not disappoint!
Oxtail Stuffed Piquillo Peppers - rich, flavorful with tender moist meat.
Clams with Chorizo over Angel Hair - Clams in the shell in a moist, oily sauce. Chorizo was small cubes that added color and a hint of salty flavor. I wish there was a little more. The Angel Hair was perfectly cooked, firm and cut to 2.5" lengths in a golden rich sauce.
Baby Squid with Quail Egg (new dish added this week) - awesome combination of flavors, texture and presentation.
Pork Stuffed Calamares with Wild Mushrooms - wow, this was an incredible dish. It had a poached egg on top that was perfect. The pudgy calamari's had rich ground pork with a collection of textures and flavors.
Razor Clams a lo Plancha - this was our favorite dish of the night. The clams were perfectly cooked, nicely seasoned with garlic, and in a wonderful presentation.
We had a effervescent white wine, served in a quarto (smallish flask). It was light and refreshing.
The setting is warm and cozy, and slightly cramped. Dark woods, European decor and slightly dimmer lighting. The wait staff are attentive, and on their game, considering they have to dart around in the tight quarters. The small table was like a school desk, with the water glasses coyly stored in the lower level.
I would definitely go back. -
Review from Laurent D.
Washington, DC
1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
We had a slow-paced lunch (a nice break from walking NYC) and overall a very enjoyable meal. Definitely a foodie destination.
We ordered 6 items, the top 3 were: the steak; next the pate, lastly the goat cheese croquettes. We ordered a bit too much fatty dishes, which all tasted great at the time, but gave us indigestion later. The quail was good (but tiny), the pork belly was nice to try once, and the beet salad was good but nothing special. Still, the flavors in everything were great, definitely earned their high ratings. -
Review from Jano L.
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY
3/10/2012
Note : 6/10
Food : Good
Wine: Ok
Ambiance : Interesting!
Service : Good
Went there this afternoon and didn't have a reservation we've been lucky to get a table though.
Ordered scallops, mussels with chorizo and croquetas with goat cheese it was good but I don't recommend the mussels which were good but not worth the price.
The lamb was good but a little overcooked.
We tried three different wines but didn't find any decent wine to please the food.
The dessert were good except that the creme brulee which arrived cold at the table, that's a big mistake considering the ambition of the restaurant.
Oh also concerning the ambiance I was really surprised that they only played music from the very early 90s, I still wonder why.
The service was better than most of the restaurant I have been to In town, but just good, not great.
An other time after I go in a restaurant in NYC I feel like the bill concerns more the walls than the dinner itself. For only 200$ and less in Paris you would have an outstanding and memorable dinner (two people), I don't think you can find the equivalence in NYC and everything I tried at this price remains very average. -
Review from Priti p.
Brooklyn, NY
12/26/2011
Its hard to get spanish food right in this city. Mostly what you find are tapas bars that serve some bad sausage and a mediocre tortilla. Or on the other spectrum-- you have your classic Spanish places like Sevilla that are more about seeing the same wait staff that's been there for 40 years and getting a good Paella-- but its not an exciting dining experience ya know? it's good but I'm not going out of my way for it...
Casa Mono is a destination. I rarely go out in Manhattan these days because I find the quality to price ratio is off. But Casa Mono consistently delivers. The staff actually know what the heck they are talking about and did I mention its a one star Michelin restaurant? Right so the food is amazing. A mix of classic and modern takes on dishes. Do try the octopus, lobster and the variety of jamon y queso.
Also-- Casa Mono boasts the longest Spanish wine list in the city. Around 300 bottles. So step out of your comfort zone of Italian, French and Californian wines-- and try out the Spanish variety. The sommelier there is extremely well versed in the wines from his country and can help you find the perfect one and even give you a bit of a history lesson on the region. Oh, and he's pretty easy on the eyes too. Ladies-- book your next night out here. You're welcome.
They are small, so make a reservation and well, you'll be quick to lose it if you're late... they are in high demand. So arrive early-- go to the sister bar next door (Bar Jamon) and the wonderful staff there can get you started on some Cava or anything else while you wait for your table. Go hungry and adventurous... and get as close to Spain as you can from the East Village. -
Review from Michael T.
Fairfield, CT
1/15/2012
Casa Mono/Bar Jamon
http://casamononyc.com
http://barjamonnyc.com
125 E 17th St # 1
New York, NY 10003-3447
Phone: (212) 253-2773
**************************************
Overall Impression:
Casa Mono remains one of my top three favorite restaurants in NYC. Both Casa Mono and Bar Jamon belong to the evergrowing Mario Batali empire, yet retain that wonderful and welcoming neighborhood joint feeling. Flavors at the Casa Mono are assertive and bold, but very well balanced. Bar Jamon is worth a visit by itself, but even more so if you decide to have a glass of wine and may be a small bite, while waiting for a table next door.
I recommend Casa Mono very highly - absolutely a must-see place for anyone who enjoys food.
Please take a look at the Casa Mono pictures here:
http://www.flickr.com/... -
Review from Pam Z.
12/15/2011
I'm in between 3 and 4 stars but I'm studying for finals and in a bad mood so 3 it is!
The pros:
- Lots of interesting ingredients
- Large, eclectic menu
- Good ambiance
The cons:
- Service was mediocre at best
- We asked the server how many small plates he'd recommend for our group of 3 - one man, and two small women... he suggested 2-3 main dishes per person which was easily twice as much as was actually needed... not sure if he was trying to up-sell or he just had no idea what was reasonable (we ended up ordering 4 main dishes, the tomato bread and a side of patatas bravas which was more than enough)
- The table is incredibly uncomfortable - there is a cubbie type space under the table where they keep the water glasses, but I am not sure what the purpose of it is except to prevent people from being able to cross their legs under the table
- Not a huge fan of the mussels and bone marrow (particularly the bone marrow, which was overpowered by a disgusting-looking and quite tasteless green sauce). -
Review from Ashley D.
11/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Batali's Spanish tapas style restaurant never ceases to amaze us with the impeccable service, delicious dishes, and reasonable prices.
We quickly ordered a glass of crisp white Spanish wine and placed our order as we were both starving. Unfortunately, you can't just order as you go at Casa Mono. You must place your entire order at once which is a bit annoying since it is a tapas restaurant. The complimentary olives and fresh bread were just the thing we needed to put our hunger at bay as we chatted and people watched.
We ordered five small plates including new to us items and a few of our favorites.
Scallops with Concord Grapes and Brussels: The scallops were cooked perfectly but neither of us thought this dish was worthy of ordering again. The grape flavor didn't match very well and we were unfortunately very disappointed by this first dish.
Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Croquetas: We ordered these little bites after reading on both Zagat and Yelp that these were many people's favorite small plate. We could have easily enjoyed two orders of these croquets as they were absolutely divine. The mild goat cheese paired perfectly with the crisp pumpkin.
Duck Breast with Butternut Squash and Maple Syrup This decadent and savory dish was my favorite of the night. The sweet maple syrup paired perfectly with the crisp savory duck breast and butternut squash is a side I never would have fathomed would pair so perfectly with the duck.
Skirt Steak with Onion Mermelada We have ordered this dish each of our four visits to Casa Mono. Tender to the bite, this skirt steak is a leaner meat dish than most of their dishes, but perfectly tender and crisp. The onion mermelada is unexpectedly sweet with a hint of relish spice.
Setas with Garlic: These wild mushrooms were tender and bursting with rich garlic flavor.
We often forget to recommend Casa Mono to friends visiting New York City but after Friday night, it has quickly become forefront in our mind. If you're looking for a perfect spot for an intimate dinner than Casa Mono is perfect. -
Review from D L.
New York, NY
1/15/2012
It was a little bit of heaven. The food was amazing. Excellent octopus! Bone Marrow was also absolutely decadent.
Can't say enough good things about the food.
The seating is definitely an issue - not the best place for a romantic evening of private conversation - but worth a visit!!! -
Review from Kane K.
Jersey City, NJ
5/1/2012
My fiance and I decided to take advantage of the nice weather in the city and our plans later on so we chose Casa Mono to have a late lunch. I went years ago but he has never been. Way back when during my visit, I believe I had the razor clams and peppers but I wasn't impressed to say that I HAD to go back.
This time, I was well informed of the dish to get there-the fideos and I previewed the menu to make sure I knew what I wanted.
We both ordered white wine by the glass-in hindsight, we should have gotten a bottle. We ordered the clam and chorizo fideos, the duck egg with fingerling potatoes and truffles, fried baby squid on grits, and the bone marrow.
The duck egg dish was unassuming and I didn't think much of it when it came out but once it hit my lips, I was sold. The yolk of the egg was lucious and with the potato, the ham, and the truffles, it became uncuous. The fideos was brilliant. I loved the crunch as it gave our meal some texture. The squid was delicious and I hate grits, but these, I could get used to. The lackluster for me was the bone marrow. I was intent on eating some delicious-what I call, meaty butter but I think it got overwhelmed with the delicious pesto. I'm a bit of a plain jane when it comes to bone marrow. Bone marrow and salt and some nice bread is really all I need. The bread for the bone marrow was heavily buttered and the pesto contributed to adding flavor in what I think doesn't need any flavor. But make no mistake, I'd eat the pesto alone on some bread either way.
The service is indifferent. I don't think our waitor really stood out as someone who provided great service and our little nook was tight so I had to see the faces of people trying to get through while holding in their stomachs. Next time I will sit at the bar. We are already planning on coming back-we still have a lot more to tackle from the menu and this time, we are getting a bottle.
