Restaurant Review - Pipa

Pipa

With so many places to pick from its hard picking a favorite. I can't help it I LOVE TAPAS. I just like having a little sample of everything, and if you are looking for true spanish influenced tapas in great atmosphere Pipa in Union Square is the ultimate choice. I'm so happy that Jef, the wonderful restaurant finder he is, took me here.

From the second you walk in you know this is going to be interesting. There are almost 100 chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, their crystals sparkling in the dim light. Each chandelier is for purchase and you can see that some have already been sold.

To start off you have to get a pitcher of Sangria, no one does it better than the Spaniards and Pipa does it the best. Strong but not over-powering, just the way I like it :)

While everything is good, here are some things that I've ordered and never been disappointed in. I recommend 3-4 dishes per 2 people, its ok to order some and if you are still hungry order some more.

• Crispy Calamari - thinly sliced, lightly breaded and served with a smoked paprika aioli (My personal favorite -- best calamari EVER)
• Mushroom Coca - wild mushrooms, caramelized onions, and figs, topped with serrano ham and toasted almonds and then drizzled with truffle oil - YUM
• Tuna Pequena - pan seared tuna slices with sauteed spinach and wasabi ginger aioli
• Spanish Potatoes - sliced potatoes with a spicy cheese sauce, order two, they are so good
• Blue Cheese plate - sample of different types of blue cheese, served with bread and crackers

I've been back to Pipa many times and never been disappointed!

Pipa
38 E 19th St
New York, NY 10003
(212) 677-2233
http://www.menupages.com/restaurantdetails.asp?neighborhoodid=0&restaurantid=2978