Casa Mono

Gramercy’s Michelin-Starred Benchmark for Plancha Tapas

Casa Mono has long stood as an iconic Gramercy destination for authentic Spanish tapas and fiery griddle cooking. Spearheaded by classic Iberian culinary traditions, this snug neighborhood enclave delivers intense, bold flavors centered around high-heat plancha searing, nose-to-tail offal delicacies, and fresh coastal seafood.

Intimate Kitchen-Counter Energy on Irving Place

The dining room is compact, vibrant, and unapologetically cozy. Guests sit elbow-to-elbow along marble countertops directly overlooking the bustling open kitchen, where cooks command sizzle and smoke behind the plancha griddle. Large windows framed by rustic brick walls flood the space with natural light, while outdoor sidewalk tables offer a relaxed setting for watching the Gramercy neighborhood drift by.

Plancha Specialties & Searing Small Plates

• Razor Clams a la Plancha: Flashed on the hot griddle with garlic, fresh herbs, and olive oil, delivering a tender texture packed with briny, garlicky umami intensity.
• Bone Marrow with Trout Roe: Decadently rich roasted marrow bones crowned with salty trout roe, creating a silky, savory contrast served alongside warm crusty bread.
• Crema Catalana con Buñuelos: A silky burnt vanilla custard topped with a fragile caramelized sugar crust, accompanied by warm, crispy deep-fried bay leaf fritters ($10.00).
• Tabla de Quesos: A refined tasting board of three cured Spanish artisanal cheeses complemented by seasonal fruit jams and local wildflower honey ($12.00).

Vino de Cuarto Pours & Value Realities

While portion sizes reflect classic Spanish tapas meant for sharing, ordering 4 to 6 plates per couple quickly builds a substantial check. The stellar wine program elevates the experience, featuring "Vino de Cuarto" carafes and glass pours ranging from crisp NV Cava Mono ($9.00) to mineral-rich 2017 Albariño ($17.00) and nuanced 2010 Rioja Reserva ($29.00). Guided by an insightful sommelier team, the deep Spanish cellar makes pairing seamless regardless of budget.

Navigating Reservations & Dietary Preferences

Because indoor space is remarkably tight, advance reservations are strongly recommended, though walk-in diners can occasionally snag a spot at the kitchen bar counter. Vegetarian guests can easily navigate the menu with cured cheese boards and cocoa-tahini desserts, while gluten-free diners will find naturally grain-free plancha seafood and an extensive list of Spanish sparkling wines ready to pair.