More food is now flowing through Mercado Little Spain, the Spanish market that had a limited debut to extremely long lines inside Hudson Yards on March 15.
Backed by superstar chef trio José Andrés and brothers Ferran and Albert Adrià, the food hall and market’s three bars are now open: vermouth-focused BarCelona is pouring cocktails alongside a limited bar snack menu, and La Barra and Vinos, two full-service wine bars with a full tapas menu, are also up and running. Additional stalls like a flatbread station, a pastry shop, and a charcuterie counter are also open.
A new paella counter has also been added over at Leña, which will be a full-service paella restaurant when fully opened. Diners can now order the Spanish rice dish — cooked over a giant fire pit — by the plate.
A spokesperson for the market says staff is still in training mode and could not share a definite timeline for the rest of the market. On opening day, diners got a preview of the churros and fried potatoes stands, plus samples at the cured meats and cheese stall. BarCelona, the vermouth bar, was also serving drinks, though food service was limited and sluggish.
Mercado Little Spain aims to showcase all that Spain’s culinary scene has to offer, from wood-fired paella to coffee and pastries. The highly anticipated market has been opening on a rolling basis.
All in all, the 35,000-square-foot food hall will have three full-service restaurants; tapas, wine, and cocktail bars; a coffee shop; nearly a dozen food stalls; and three shops selling flowers, dry goods, and souvenirs. It’s a significant gain for Spanish cuisine in New York City from a well-renowned team.
See the full update below.
Newly open:
Cocas: Flatbreads cooked on the spot topped with Ibérico hams and vegetables.
Pasteles: Dessert shop selling pastries like xuixo, a deep-fried, sugar-coated pastry filled with crema catalana; a sponge cake filled with vanilla cream and burnt egg custard; and a San Sebastian-style goat cheesecake. Ice cream will arrive later.
Paella al Plato: A counter by the Leña paella pit where people can now order paella.
Jamon & Queso: Ham, cured meats, and cheese.
La Barra/Vinos: Two tapas and wine bars with the same menu, serving icons like patatas bravas and empanadas.
Previously open:
BarCelona: A cocktail bar with a focus on vermouth and a bar snack food menu.
Bravas: Specializes in a traditional tapas dish of fried potatoes and sauce, called patatas bravas.
Churros: Churros and hot chocolate for dipping.
Colmado: Small grocery stand selling dry goods like olive oil and everything one would need to make paella at home.
Still arriving later:
Leña: This full-service restaurant will primarily cook using wood or charcoal, with special attention to grilled meats, paella, and other family-style, rice-based Spanish fare.
Mar: Another full-service spot, where seafood will be the focus. Expect stews as well as fried fish. A small stand in front of the restaurant will also sell fresh fish.
Spanish Diner: This all-day restaurant will be the biggest and most casual of the three, serving homestyle Spanish cooking centered on eggs and combination plates like a deep-fried breaded beef paired with roasted peppers, fried eggs, potatoes, and salad.
Granja: A coffee shop serving drinks and pastries.
Bocatas & Empanadas: Bread shop selling sandwiches and empanadas.
Huevos, Frituras & Pulpos: Eggs and fried seafood.
Frutas & Verduras: Fruits and vegetable stand that also makes soups, salads, juices, and gazpacho on the spot.