I absolutely enjoyed my birthday celebration here. The combination of various dishes was incredibly tasty! The ingredients were top-notch made by Predrag and the way they home-cooked and prepared the food was exceptional. As a European, I’m quite selective about food, especially in the USA, but this place truly stands out. I would highly recommend it as one of the top restaurants I’ve tried!

Stopped in for brunch and had a lovely time! The atmosphere is amazing and the service is well coordinated. I had the anadeluica region brunch tapas, my particular favorite was the dátiles con coco.

+6

We enjoyed this authentic Spanish tapas very much,so tasty and fresh ! The staff very welcoming, helpful, and professional. We will definitely come back soon.

Seated quickly on a Thursday evening! Food is always incredible here - recommend splitting a bunch of dishes if you are dining in a group. Only complaint is that it’s pretty loud indoors, had to basically yell in conversation to hear each other.

The servers balance efficiency with personal attention. Workers here upheld the restaurant's service reputation. Tasteful seasoning. Fair costs and welcoming service. Good feeling inside with nice servers and clean decor. The taste experience is consistently excellent.

It's arguably the most popular and crowded bar around the area--even when it's barely 6pm on weekdays. If you are there, you'll know why. The tapas are purely amazing as they deliver Iberian classics with subtle touch of New York. Beautiful decoration and exceptional staffs with stylish but unpretentious service.

+1

Cozy, great staff and the drinks are awesome!! I had the Paloma!

Fantastic place for brunch, both food and drink wise. Unlimited brunch was such a deal, $20 for as many sangrias, Bellinis and mimisas you can drink in 90 minutes and they keep them generous and free flowing. Food was also very delicious and varied. Fun tapas options. Would highly recommend the Basque region with chimichuri steak over fries, eggs Benedict variation and a potato pie. Atmosphere and vibes were also quite amazing and unique. It truly felt we were transported somewhere else. Highly recommend this place and would love to come back whenever I'm around the UES again.

+6

I want to add 1 more star ⭐️ for this restaurant! My friend suggested this place and don’t know how I was missing it until now. Amazing tapas style, can’t express enough how creative and fresh was everything I tasted. Ordered Spinach Crochets( pls don’t skip this, finished ordering 1 more! 😋), Shrimp with garlic, blue cheese aragula salad, potato’s and the most soft octopus 🐙 ever in my life! All plates perfectly balanced. We had a chance to meet chef 👨‍🍳 Nenad in person and he explained unique process behind his cousin and all fresh ingredients from Spain 🇪🇸. Place is not to big but packed. Great vibe, European-American 🥰 You are definitely going to see me again Pil Pil. Nice Happy Hour Cabernet! 🍷

Best lunch time happy hour on the UES by far! Tapas are legit and plentiful and the wine list is well selected. Decor, service and music is pure and authentic quality.

I recently went back to Pil Pil for dinner, and the experience was incredible! From the moment we walked in, the staff made us feel truly welcome. Several team members helped us throughout the evening, from the busser to the greeter, and two different waiters—every single one providing exceptional service. The staff was impressive; my friend and I could sense a family-like dynamic that added to the warm and inviting atmosphere. Our waiters were attentive and friendly, ensuring our dining experience was perfect from start to finish. They took our orders promptly, checked in regularly, and made sure everything was to our liking. The food was exquisite. I had the Mac & Cheese Croquetas, Ensalada de Queso, and Carne Adobada. My friend had the Gambas al Ajillo, Chorizo Meatballs and Croquetas De Espinaca. For dessert, I enjoyed their Homemade Tres Leches while she savored the Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse. We also tried the house wine, which was on point. Even though I don’t usually like mushrooms, they were so delicious! If I could rate this a 10/5, I definitely would. What truly stood out was the active presence of the owner, Nikola. He isn’t just a boss; he is a leader who engages with guests and ensures everything runs smoothly. His dedication to excellence sets a high standard for the entire team. The atmosphere was cozy and elegant. It’s clear that the staff truly care about their customers & strive to provide an exceptional dining experience. My friend and I will definitely be back. I highly recommend Pi Pil for anyone looking for a fantastic meal and top-notch service. I’m already looking forward to my next visit!

I'm sorry I didn't take photos because this place is super cute. Seating is tight but you still have room. The staff was really friendly and accommodating. The food was reasonable and delicious but I took 1 star off due to the small issues (ex.. Pan Con Tomate - taste was good but bread not toasted so it was soggy)

Very, very nice and pleasent place to drink a good spanish wine and have some of the tapases that are in the menu. Bottles are half a regular price on the Sundays and Mondays after 6 p.m. Maybe this is what makes this place very vivid compering to all the others in the neighborhood. All the compliments to the stuff, both in and out of the kitchen. We came back, hope you will too :-)

Great spot for Tapas! Love the vibe here. The sangrias were pretty good. We enjoyed everything. Great selection and save room for their dessert as well! Service was nice too!

+1

Pil Pil gives the complete dining experience! Tapas style allows you to explore a bunch of different dishes and flavors, and they know how to combine flavors! SUCH a cozy atmosphere too, feels like you’re dining in a vineyard. The service is warm and welcoming. The Pan con Tomate was a great starter — perfectly toasted with fresh tomatoes on top. These guys do chorizo right 👌🏼 Empanadillas de Puerco y Chorizo and the Spanish chorizo were some of my favorite dishes. Highly recommend trying the chorizo! Mac & Cheese croquetas were bomb! Worth getting for the table. Carne Adobada and fries were delightful — tender, savory skirt steak and I LOVED the seasoned fries and sauce duo. If you’re into coffee, end the meal with the espresso ice cream. It’s the right amount of bitter and creamy. Highly recommend this place for quality food, new flavors, calming atmosphere, and friendly service.

+6

The food was really good, just a bit pricey but somehow worth the cost. Staff was a bit pushy about getting drinks and sangria. But overall the service was good. Great atmosphere as well as cozy setup. Very cool digital menu. I recommend checking it out.

+6

Cozy atmosphere. Shared seating. Interesting decor. Service was very attentive. The food was very good. It was recommended two tapas for each person to share. That was perfect. We got there early in the evening, but as the night went on, it got busier and the tables filled up.

+5

Outstanding flavors, atmosphere and service. If I lived closed by I would eat there often. This is a must place to try if you around the area. 10/10

If you need a cozy and warm, but beautiful spot for outdoor dine in these weird pandemic (still going) times. This is it ! 78st & 2Ave One of nicer outdoor patios in the Manhattan. Oh yes food is good too.. Just kidding, actually excellent tapas and price is hard to beat in UES area. Will come again 🥘 You 👈🏻.. should too

+2

My aunt, cousin, and I stopped by on Sunday night for some quick shareables and we were pleasantly surprised by how delicious everything was. We shared the carne abodaba, ensalada de queso, esparragos Romeo, chorizo imperial, and tosta de cebolla. Everything was delicious and we easily finished everything we ordered between 3 people. The atmosphere was great! We’ll definitely be going back!

Pil Pil – A Hidden Gem on the Upper East Side Don’t be fooled by the modest exterior—inside, Pil Pil delivers a rich, authentic Spanish experience. The tapas are flavorful and generous, made with fresh, vibrant ingredients. Every dish feels crafted with care. The cozy ambiance, excellent wine selection, and warm service make it a standout. A true neighborhood treasure.

Original Spanish cuisine with a slight American touch, to give credit to the sensitive locals’ taste buds. Perfect spot for both a weekday portion control and a weekend treat-yo-self kind a afternoon. Enjoy your spiced-up Sangria and croquetas con spinach and truffle :) plus believe it or not- it all comes at highest quality from Spain directly! And it’s all with decent prices and much bigger than expected - tapas portions Such a fancy vibe, with an intimate atmosphere where even the chef comes to greet you himself 🙌🏻 Love these kind of places

+1

This place was outstanding and pretty much by far the best food I've eaten on the upper eastside. My first time trying mulled wine was awesome. After if you have a birthday coming up GOOD! Tell them and you'll get the delicious tres leches cake with a candle ♡

+4

The food was so good, I talked about it as my win for the week during a team meeting. And the service was outstanding. I like that the outdoor seating area is covered but is actually open-air and not the fiberglass huts with doors. Great drink list, creative variety of tapas. Went twice in one week!

The restaurant handles both food and service with real skill. The kitchen creates unusually delicious dishes. The personnel displayed natural friendliness also. I found the setting both special and fun. THE MEAL WAS EXTRAORDINARY and a memorable time.

If you are searching for an atmospheric and truly exceptional tapas experience in Manhattan, Pil Pil on the Upper East Side remains a top-tier destination for 2026. This cozy gem, located at 265 E 78th St, is widely celebrated for its romantic, rustic charm and a menu that brings the vibrant flavors of Spain to New York.

I went there for brunch on a Saturday. I called for a reservation but they told me it was first-come first-served basis; although we didn’t have to wait for long (15min) The food was really good, I suggest you select the Basque Region; that skirt steak is worth it. We arrived a little late to consider buying the unlimited sangria promo, but one was good enough to taste and eat, it was delicious. Tables are on the sidewalk but it’s fine because there aren’t many people walking around. I’d go back for sure

Very nice restaurant with very interesting and unique brunch options. The one with skirt steak was the best all three items are really tasty. The one with the chicken in tomato sauce was ok but the toast with strawberry honey sauce was a bit strange tasted more like an English muffin than a toast. In general highly recommended place!

We had lovely evening at pil pil. The place has dim lighting and moderately loud music, the tables and seating is packed tight with almost no space between. The environment and vibe of the place is young and pub like. The food was exceptional. We ordered the mac and cheese croquette, bacon wrapped dates, Spanish meat balls, abd the steak and fries. I would recommend the first two dishes, they were delicious. I would recommend to have a reservation on weekends and fridays nights. Although we did not have a reservation, they were kind enough to accommodate the two of us within a few minutes of waiting. Otherwise the place was packed. Come here to enjoy a joyful evening with a group of friends and enjoy their small plates and drinks.

Omg, this has become my fav Spanish tapas restaurant! We ordered: Octopus: soft and tender. Well seasoned and malt in your mouth! 10/10 The spinach croquettes: really good! Cheesy but not too much, soft and scrumptious. 10/10 The grilled eggplant: pretty good can’t complain ! 7/10 The mushroom flatbread: must have! I am usually not a flat bread person. But the mushroom and truffle oil combination is the best in the world. 10/10

I stopped in for a drink and tapas while waiting for my wife to pass by during the NYC marathon. What a great decision! I was thrilled that Pil Pil had Mahou (Spanish beer) - which I haven't previously been able to find in the US. I enjoyed the pan con tomate as an appetizer which was wonderful and took me right back to Barcelona. The bartender was friendly and knowledgeable and the service was excellent. We will be sure to visit Pil Pil the next time we're in the city!

Updated on 8/1: I updated my rating after having lunch here. I really enjoyed their lunch special which is Tapas(5 for $40) with sangria. Jamon is good! Perfect portion and good quality of food. I found a new spot where my husband and I can enjoy Spanish food(including Jamon) and sangria. We tried the sparkling white sangria which was good(contains half of cava). I liked the vibe. I will try their spanish wines next time.

Truly fun and delicious! We came here to host a small/casual baby shower and not only was the food amazing - as it consistently is- but they let us pick our playlist, made special mocktails for the mom to be, and overall just made us feel welcome. The staff was very interactive and sweet with everybody there. Highly recommend throwing an event here or just coming for dinner- never disappoints!

Came here because life just put us in front of this cozy little spot returning some e-bikes, Absolutely lovely vibe and walked in to take a peak, fantastic ambience. One look at the menu and can’t wait to try 5 tapas during happy hour. Everything was delicious and the staff was extremely friendly and the place is as comfortable as can be. Highly recommended this little Gem of a place!!!

Outside dining review : waited a good 30 min to be seated but the atmosphere was kinda pleasant. Food was pretty good and pretty authentic. The steak & fries was the most authentic. Tasted like Spain. Decent wine list. Also had some grilled octopus. Gotta say, the only thing that had room for improvement was the Pan con Tomato. Was tasty. Just wasn’t authentic as the rest of the menu. Staff was great. 6 stars to the staff. Go here.

Great place for tapas (especially for brunch) with tasty flavorful food, large selection, nice presentation, ample indoor and outdoor seating and decent prices. The Spanish omelettes were incredible. We got the region based tapas during brunch ($22 for 3 decent tapas servings from the region) with mimosa and sangria ($8 each). Of the items we had, the omelettes were the best, followed by the hangar steak with fries and Spanish croquettes. They also have a great dessert collection including a few vegan options.

+6

On 11/11/23, we had our wedding reception here. We had about 60 people. My experience with Pil Pil from beginning to end was simply perfect. Pamela, the general manager, helped me plan our entire wedding through email and phone, and so flawlessly. She was so detail oriented in all of her suggestions! They welcomed us a few months before the wedding to come try a complimentary selection of their food- and from then on I was blown away by the hospitality and service. We felt like special guests and the chef Pedja who is just SO nice- actually came out and served us all of our food and explained each dish to us! The ambience in the restaurant was just adorable and so much more beautiful than I expected. We are both nature people- so we adored the tree branch ceilings, the beautiful art, and the bar lighting using glass bottles was such a creative touch! The food ended up being just amazing! We actually ended up having a brunch wedding so they served us breakfast for dinner when we went to try everything and we LOVED it. My favorite were the ham croquettes, the spanish french toast, steak and fries and the coconut dates- mmmm but there was so much more than that! And Pam actually assisted me with every detail of the wedding planning, florals, scenery, the most delicious bride and groom drinks, sangrias- it was all so amazing. She put together really adorable signs with our drink and menu choices, a Mr and Mrs sign, and even had a faux cake designed (in the photos) with the MOST adorable surprise cake topper designed after our engagement photos!!! This was so unexpected and I have the cake topper framed in my living room still today! We had the most amazing tres leches cake as our “real” cake, and they put a piece into our faux cake so that we had a piece to cut. Pam even set up a memorial seat for my recently deceased father and allowed me to put up a photo and displayed my sign reserving a seat for him. It was just so thoughtful and beautiful. We ended up having a last minute rehearsal dinner, scheduled only a few weeks prior- and they were SOMEHOW able to accommodate us in the next door party room, and it was so beautiful!! We had our own personalized champagne glasses (which I regretfully forgot at the restaurant after the wedding) and a nice long table set up for all our family with a bride and groom table for us. Service was impeccable and everyone had a great night. Now- the wedding itself! A day to remember! Pam and her staff truly went above and beyond to make our guests feel welcome and comfortable while everyone waited for us to arrive (we were running a bit late after wedding photos!) but Pam made sure everything ran so smoothly! We had our own playlist connected to the speakers, champagne served at the door, food was held until we arrived, and everything was just so delicious!!! Our guests were blown away with how we were able to fit 60 people comfortably in the restaurant and still had room to dance! Our family loved the big table at the back of the restaurant and absolutely everyone came out to dance and have fun with us. Our guests thought this was such a cool and fun experience and a great place to have a small wedding. Everyone loved the food, service and atmosphere, and some begged to stay longer haha! Hopefully we weren’t a crazy bunch to host, but Pil Pil was definitely the perfect spot to have our party. We are coming back for our anniversary dinner in November- and will likely return for years to come. Thank you for making our special day so memorable 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷 We will remember this day for the rest of our lives! Our guests are still talking about how awesome it was!! We love you Pil Pil!!! And THANK YOU PAM you’re the best!!!

+6

Loved it here! I had such an amazing experience here. Great ambience & atmosphere. Beautiful decor both inside and outside. Attentive and courteous staff. I asked if I can sit in a more intimate and romantic place and they give me that seat in the back room without hesitation. The food was phenomenal. Everything there was delicious. There was a man from Spain there & he was loving it as well and recommended the calamari to us and bought a bottle of wine there. I've been to Spain a few times already and let me tell you, this place definitely makes you feel like you're in Spain. Tapas & wine is the best. I loved my red sangria and loved the lamb sliders. The music in the background is amazing. Highly recommend.

+6

Had the pleasure of dinning at Pil Pil last night. Such authentic Spanish cuisine. Delicious tapas, friendly staff and overall great ambiance. Probably one of the best culinary experiences I’ve had all year! 2025 is off to a great start when it comes to breaking bread with friends and family.

Overall, Pil Pil is a must try - we absolutely loved this place for happy hour! We booked a reservation for a Friday night and were seated immediately despite getting there a little earlier. The food, the music, the drinks - everything was on point. When we first arrived, they had a good mix of RnB going and eventually switched it up to some progressive house music. I’d highly recommend going with a group to try a little bit of everything. We tried: - Albondigas (meatballs in a savory tomato sauce with mashed potatoes and bread, this was the table favorite) - Spinach Croquettes (super creamy, has mushrooms in them but you don’t taste them at all if you dislike them) - Dates Rellenos (dates stuffed with ricotta wrapped in smoked bacon with a bit of honey mustard, ordered more than once it was great) - Carne Adobada (skirt steak with fries, comes cooked medium unless you tell them otherwise) - Fried Calamari (classic fried squid, very crispy and light) - Brochetas de Carne (ribeye and asparagus) We did try both sangrias, the red is sweeter than the white. The rosé is dry but still has that hint of sweetness. They also have non-alcoholic rosé amongst juices and sodas if you’re looking to be alcohol free. For dessert we got the tres leches with coconut ice cream and raspberry sorbet. The tres leches is not very sweet even with the addition of whipped cream, and is a very nice end to the meal.

I brought a group of high school students to experience authentic Spanish cuisine after a day at the Met. The owner was beyond accommodating: super easy to work with, very responsive, and open to work with a very limited budget. Planning the event was a breeze. When we arrived…Wow! The atmosphere was perfect, food was AMAZING, and I could not believe how much food was provided. The staff was very friendly and professional, we got to meet the chef, and the owner actually thanked US for coming! This experience far surpassed my expectations—We will definitely be returning! Hoping to make this an annual event! Thank YOU, Pil Pil!!

Incredible and inviting. Our service was exceptional and thanks to Cymera J we had the best experience. So we started with cava and beer for an introduction to the menu with the calamari and jamon empanadas both were fantastic. Next a little wine discussion that lead to a great Spanish Finca and our next round of tapas the traditional meatballs with potatoes and the braised cauliflower in sauce. Our leisurely dining experience finally lead to the marinated chicken with Manchago risotto delicious. We had dessert to go after two hours of delightful dinner. Can you have a neighborhood bar 1700 miles from home is so this is ours.

Food was great! Their staff were so nice. Not sure from what time happy hour was, but it was until 7pm which made us so happy indeed!

Fantastic tapas spot with bold, well-balanced flavors and beautifully executed small plates. The atmosphere is warm and lively, service is attentive, and every dish feels thoughtfully made for sharing. Highly recommend to anyone looking to have a great meal in great ambiance

We hosted a birthday celebration at Pil Pil for about 30 guests, and it was an amazing experience. The private space was perfect for our group, and the food was outstanding-everything was flavorful and beautifully prepared. The service was attentive and seamless throughout the night. The team made hosting incredibly easy, and the evening felt special from start to finish. Pil Pil is a fantastic spot for both dining and private events-highly recommend!

Have walked past here for years and am kicking my self for not coming sooner. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. The food was fantastic and delicious, we ordered 7 things to share and did not leave a single bite on any plates. Steven our waiter and the rest of the staff were attentive, kind and great at their jobs!

Cory Levine

Stunning experience. Party of 16 in their separate room for my wife’s birthday party.. Food, service and price point were great. They were professional and relaxed. Great place to have a party

Vic Alam

Love this place. Pil Pil is hands down one of my favorite spots in NYC. Super cozy, great vibe, and the food always hits. Perfect for sharing plates, having a few drinks, and just hanging out with friends. Always a good time here !

Daniel Ingham Jr.

The food at Pil Pil is phenomenal. I had great service. The owner personally came over and took care of my whole party and made sure everything was perfect. This is a great date spot if you want a quaint atmosphere can’t say enough great things about this place one of my favorite spots in NYC.

Juhyun Lee

Great Spanish food with a warm, lively atmosphere. The tapas were flavorful, the gambas al ajillo was perfectly balanced, and the steak was cooked just right. Friendly service and a great spot for a relaxed dinner.

George Taitano

Excellent! Never, and I have been many places, have we been seated and received heartfelt service so quickly and warmly. Our waters were present and filled within the 1st 15 seconds. Will, was a great bartender, fielding our queries and offering knowledge answers. Great vibe! So impressive. We will be back! So close to MET and East side. Hardest decision was Cerveza or Sangria… Enthusiastic 5-stars! One year later. Same 5 stars, same warm welcome, fast service and delicious tapas. Added 5 stars for food. Will and Maria took good care of us! Enjoy! Okay, five months later… in total reviewed three times in 18 months. Once again - perfect for us! The back room with great music, volume level and voice (genre of music)... cozy and intimate. Of course, this depends on how busy. Tapas wonderful (see photos) and consistent quality. Calamari, Carne Adobada and Ensalada Queso - our favorites. Service great, water again @ table within seconds and a warm greeting by Cymera! Only praise to Will and crew for creating an ambience so warm and inviting! Thank you, again!

+4

Franchesca Brianna De Guzman

We had such a wonderful time here with our friends. All of the food was ordered by our friend, and honestly, everything was great—we loved every dish we tried. What really stood out for us as Asians was the paella; we enjoyed it very much. The location is quite convenient to get to. We booked an Uber and had no trouble arriving. The ambience is cozy and on the darker side, and even though the place was pretty jam-packed at the time, it still had just the right amount of fun and lively energy. Will definitely go back again soon!

+2

Max R

I held my private event at PilPil NYC recently, and I cannot recommend them enough! From the very beginning, Cymera and the events team were incredibly organized, attentive to every detail, and so easy to work with. We went with a family-style tapas menu—the Jamon y Queso, Gambas al Ajillo, and Arroz Meloso were absolute standouts, and the kitchen was extremely generous with the portions. The atmosphere was perfect; they helped us customize everything from the dimmed lighting to our own music playlist, making the private room feel both exclusive and cozy. Having the sangria and beer stations (with those great pitchers and fruit-filled glasses) made the service seamless so I could actually enjoy time with my guests. If you’re looking for a venue that truly cares about making your night perfect, this is it!

alanna padilla

Such a cute brunch spot! I went today with my boyfriend and we both loved it. Everything—from the food to the service to the cozy ambiance—was amazing. The food came out super fast, and we didn’t even have to wait to be seated. It’s small, but that just makes it feel even more warm and intimate. I would definitely be back

+1

Willow

Highly recommend this place for brunch. They have brunch dishes which have several components so you can sample multiple things. Everything is so tasty!

Jon Cass #11

The lovely restaurant below our apartment. The chief was our life saver when we arrived late and couldn't get into our apartment, he lent us his phone to call the owner to let us in as our UK phone had problem calling. The restaurant had a lovely busy feeling to it good food and drinks, which we did iced Pop back down and sample. It's in a lovely area and nice and clean inside and out.

+1

Irina Bykova

First time visiting Pil Pil - the perfect spot for date night or a cozy dinner with friends. Carne Adobada: Beef steak marinated in smoked paprika, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and pan-seared to perfection. It’s juicy, aromatic, and deeply flavorful served with crispy fries. Coca De Chorizo: Spanish flatbread topped with spicy chorizo, melted cheese, and roasted peppers. Homemade Tres Leches: A moist sponge cake soaked in three types of milk, offering a rich and creamy texture. Everything was beautifully presented and bursted with flavor. The space itself is warm and intimate, with tree branches trailing across the ceiling and a mural that brings a rustic charm to the room. Romantic and relaxing vibe.

+2

Dumitrita Paladi Contes

I loved this place! Such a cute little gem. We went there for brunch and had a great experience. The setting was very comfy despite the limited space, the food was delicious, and the service was on top! They timely refilled the mimosas, and the brunch platter was so good I want to go back to try all the other dishes on the menu. I won’t recommend for big groups, but it’s the perfect setting for a date night or if you want to catch up with a friend.

Ravi Jumani

A great find. Good Tapas. The Lamb Chops, Spinach Mushroom Croquettes and Paella were awesome. The paella was the closest to how they make it in Spain. We also had a Toasted Mushroom Sandwich, which is to die for. The Ceviche and the Sangria did not live up to the other things we enjoyed.

+1

Had a lovely dinner with 6 of us tonight. Sangria was great. Food was tasty. Had an Issue with the bill that realized AFTER THE FACT and the owner, wrote me after and corrected it. (Thank you). Definitely recommend: great ambiance and tapas.

Tapas bar with great happy hour and lunch deals. The sangria is good, but I prefer it to be more fruity. Good selection of tapas.

+6

Spanish wine bar with spanish food. Great selection of spanish wines, Food is okay nothing to rave about. Nice cozy place with good atmosphere. It is an expensive place with fine dine prices which this place is not. Overall fun place to be.

This is a solid tapas and sangria spot. Menu highlight was the cod croquettes and the red wine sangria. A little pricier than what I was expecting but I enjoyed dinner here with a few friends, nice ambiance inside.

Good bottomless brunch. Food is yummy and perfect for brunch their drinks are delicious. Their sangria is a must. It tastes just like what I had in Spain! The staff is friendly and nice. It’s a small space but the decor is very cute

As a Spanish person myself I always go to spanish restaurants with a bit of fear... In regards to food, Pil Pil had a good variety of tapas, not just the main classic ones (a lot of regional ones that ai was surprised to find). We had the Pulpo and it was pretty good. We mainly went there to enjoy the happy hour drinks, and the sangria was good, just didn't taste like sangria fully. But still, it is worth it for the happy hour prices. We also had the sparkling white sangria for a change and really liked. Overall a good choice for a Spanish experience in NYC.

Don't understand the hype. Food was very salty, place was small. Service was ok drink order was mixed up but the server was very kind about it and didn't charge us for the wrong drinks. The staff was welcoming and friendly which made up for everything else. Will not be going back for a meal.

This is an upper east side tapas bar. Get your choice of drink and then experiment by ordering a selection from the wide variety of small food items. Sharing is also a great option. Vegetarians will find here a very reasonable selection of tapas to enjoy. Notice they have two spots one next to the other. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. Service was helpful, fast and efficient. Prices are as expected in this neighborhood.

+6

Delicious food and good wine paring. I only with they don’t have so many plastic plants. Because it’s pretty romantic as it.

+2

The main draw for Pil Pil is its vibe, with the dim, cozy interior lit mostly by the cool bar. The food is a mixed bag. I enjoyed the grilled smoky char of the shishito peppers (Pimientos del Padron, $18 plus tax). The sauce of the Pollo Catalán ($23) was quite sweet from the raisins. The Manchego cheese risotto, which accompanied both the chicken and the Calamares Pequeños, needed to be seasoned better. The skin of the eggplant was, in parts, tough.

+3

Food 9/10 Such solid tapas but also might be biased because I had a great time. Objectively, I do think it’s one of the best tapa spots in NYC. The shrimp was a little oily but the oil sauce with the bread goes crazy. The paella had a very generous amount of seafood, the octopus was very tender and flavored, and so was the manchego cheese. The wines they recommended were also quite interesting and fun. Atmosphere 7/10 We were seated at some communal table, with parties of two sitting across from each other both sides. Could tell they were both first or early dates, so it was kind of funny listening in on their conversations. It felt a bit tight and cramped, not sure who thought of this setup but I guess its fine. Cool decor inside, hopefully I can come back during the day to full appreciate the interior. Service 6/10 Solid service, friendly dude. The only thing is I don’t like the iPad menus. They were quite janky and just not great for the dining experience.

+2

A great tapas place in upper east side in NYC! Perfect place with amazing ambiance for early evening drinks and bites with friends. Usually it’s a wait to get seated but the turnaround time is quick. We tried their Prosecco sangria which set the evening rolling for us. The lobster, recommended by our server, was a dud - not much taste to the meat and lacked flavor to it. The mushroom and cheese flatbread was great - I recommend that. And lamb chops were simply amazing - succulent, rich and flavorful.

+3

The only reason I gave this restaurant 4* is because the restaurant was pretty empty and the host was insisting on sitting parties on top of each other, even though there were completely empty tables around. Other than that the food was great I recommend getting the bacon wrapped dates and the Lamb toast! Also, our waitress was amazing and so helpful!

+1

Shaijan Arguello

We ordered four tapas and they were all delicious. But honestly, I was really disappointed with the dessert. I’m a big fan of Basque cheesecake, and since this is a Spanish restaurant, my expectations were high. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a typical New York–style cheesecake. It was frustrating because I wasted one of my limited dinner opportunities on this dessert. But aside from that, the food itself was tasty and full of good flavor.

Fit Gear Hunter

Solid place all around for a quick bite or more casual meal. We got there for happy hour priced items and they were actually pretty fantastic, especially for the cost. We got the meatballs and the dates wrapped in bacon and the coquettes. The coquettes were absolutely unreal

+1

Anthony

Pil Pil – A Cozy Spanish Tapas Bar with a Few Hits and Misses Nestled in the Upper East Side, Pil Pil offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that transports diners straight to Spain. With its rustic decor and ambient lighting, it’s an ideal spot for both intimate dinners and group gatherings. 🍽️ Food Pil Pil’s menu showcases a variety of traditional Spanish tapas. The mini chorizos stand out as a must-try, delivering a burst of flavor that’s both spicy and savory. While the patatas bravas and mushroom flatbread have garnered praise from patrons , the tres leches dessert was a letdown, lacking the moist richness typically associated with this classic treat. 🍷 Drinks The beverage selection complements the tapas menu well. Signature sangrias and a curated list of Spanish wines enhance the dining experience, offering authentic flavors that pair seamlessly with the dishes. 👨‍🍳 Service Service at Pil Pil is generally attentive and friendly. Staff members are knowledgeable about the menu and eager to provide recommendations, contributing to a pleasant dining atmosphere. Ambiance The ambiance is one of Pil Pil’s strong suits. With its cozy interior, adorned with tree roots on the ceiling and a captivating mural on the back wall , the restaurant exudes a charm that’s both rustic and chic. It’s a space that invites relaxation and conversation, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Overall Pil Pil delivers a commendable Spanish tapas experience in the heart of New York City. While there are standout dishes that impress, some items fall short of expectations. Nevertheless, the inviting ambiance and quality service make it a worthwhile destination for those seeking a taste of Spain.

+4

I came in a group of 6 on a Friday night. We had a reservation but were seated at an awkward table by the window. It was not very comfortable for those sitting on the bench by the window. The food was ok, overall we found that it generally needed just a little more flavor. I got the asparagus and the shrimp. The shrimp were very good, but really oily, which came in handy for adding some extra flavor to the asparagus. Atmosphere was cute, but quite loud.

Atmosphere of the restaurant is a bit darker. iPad menu hard to navigate . Foods are ok, service wasn’t perfect.I think it could be a good brunch spot tho.

This restaurant has a lot of potential to be great specially in this area the UES. A few things that in my opinion need attention immediately the furniture, tables, chairs, are unstable and loose. The restaurant needs cleaning, very dusty everywhere.

Beautifully decorated restaurant serving fresh and relatively flavorful Spanish food. I found the spicy ketchup drizzled on the fries and potato bravas to be too sour and sweet. The portion sizes of the entrees were quite small. Service was ok.

Whenever I see restaurants with thousands of Google reviews, five stars, and no comments, I genuinely think those reviews are fake. After seeing the high ratings, I decided to give this restaurant a chance, but honestly, the risotto was disastrous, and the chicken was dry. I also found the portions relatively small. Overall, I’m not pleased with my visit, so I’m giving three stars.

Service was good but the food was ok. I think the chef liked powdered Paprika a lot. All our food tasted similar because it was everywhere. Grilled octopus came in luke warm. The seafood rice was better but the mussels on it was not fresh. Croquettas de Jamon tasted like it was cooked hours ago and reheated. Overall it was ok.

The carne adobada was really good, but the mac and cheese and sangria were just okay. Vibes were good too! But my biggest issue with this place is that they added a 3% credit card fee without disclosing it to us beforehand. They added it as a separate line item at checkout, which isn’t allowed under NYS GBS 518. Really disappointing since this place seemed really cool otherwise, I’m not sure why restaurants lately have been resorting to hidden fees to make a few extra dollars :/

Overpriced food that is not good. Given the price, I expected better food. Everything tasted like it was frozen and heated up with an oven. Nothing was fresh and some items were salty. Either there has been a change in management, chef, or the reviews are fake. I would not come back for the food. But if you are here just for wine, it may be bearable. The restaurant was also tight and cramped. There are better options around the neighborhood. I will not be back.

+3

The food and sangria were so good. I wish I could say the same about the service. We felt very overlooked - they seemed to be checking in on all the other tables pretty consistently. We barely got 2 drinks out of the unlimited brunch and were not told when it ended as a courtesy. We were just told it was over and the guy walked away immediately instead of giving us a chance to order something else or close out - getting the check also took a while. Too bad - would have liked to try some of their other stuff.

Yiannis Psaroudis

We ordered from Pil Pil to try them out bc we were considering having them cater an event & we’re so glad we did…so we could find another Spanish restaurant. The “tortilla” was a soggy, oniony mess that, had I not placed the order, I would not have been able to identify as tortilla española & the patatas bravas were nothing more than fried potatoes with a side of attitudinal ketchup. The croquettes were okay, but nothing to write home about. Oh, & one of the pieces of bread we received had mold on it. I say all this as someone who spent three summers living in Madrid & Denia.

TERRIBLE restaurant. Customer service was nonexistent. The hostess was incredibly rude and completely unbothered, forcing us to wait outside in 20° weather despite having a reservation that was supposed to be ready at our arrival time. She also refused to let us wait at the bar for a drink without explanation or any courtesy... again it was 20° out. When the full party finally tried to get seated, the restaurant had completely messed up the reservation and couldn’t accommodate the number of guests it was booked for. MULTIPLE people were blatantly turned away with zero apologies, accountability, or compensation for the restaurant’s failure. The lack of hospitality was honestly shocking. Will absolutely NEVER return.

Taste was as if food was made 5 days ago and reheated for the 5th time in the meantime. I cannot believe a place like this can possibly exist and call itself a restaurant. Cheap tasting, but also pricey drinks too. 1 star is a treat for this place. GO ANYWHERE ELSE OR STAY FOREVER HUNGRY

Angelina Acosta

If I could give negative stars I would. Snow storm last night. Arrived 10 minutes early for the reservation. They said the table was not ready. We asked if we could wait by the bar and order a drink to which the hostess said no since all seats at the bar were occupied and made us wait outside in 20 degree weather. Are people not allowed to stand by a bar to order a drink? This isn’t covid times lol. When our whole party arrived they didn’t have a table big enough to accommodate all of us, so half of our party ended up just leaving and going somewhere else. Very rude. Couldn’t take accountability for overbooking. Never will go here again.

Abby

The food really was terrible. It could’ve been good, but it was cold! Even the steak in the “Basque” tapas option was cold, and the restaurant was not busy at all. The tortilla was tasteless as another reviewer stated. I thought her review was a “one off” case, but turns out it wasn’t. Take my advice and don’t waste your money here. The space is cozy and pretty though

Andrea Garcia

I’ll be totally honest, the food is not good. We went here excited to eat some real Spanish tapas and were very disappointed. We started with patatas bravas that have nothing of bravas, it seems it’s ketchup with mayo. We also had the tortilla española and was really dry and felt as if it was old and reheated. The pan con tomate was more garlic than tomato, I couldn’t eat it. We also ordered calamares which were the highlight of the night because they were ok. The seafood rice had a mayo ketchup sauce that overpowered any other taste. So the place is pretty nice and the atmosphere is very cool, they have spanish beer which is very nice, service was great and super friendly but the food was not the same level. I’m sorry, I know there’s a lot of effort behind a restaurant but I need to be honest, if you come here for drinks it’s really good but for us, it wasn’t a good experience with the food.

+2