This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This was perhaps my last birthday celebration in New York City, therefore it was celebrated at Salinas NYC with delicious sangria, delectable food and the one I love.
Located in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, Chef Luis Bollo’s Salinas showcases Spanish Mediterranean cuisine in a romantic, garden setting that will transport you to Spain.
As you walk in there is an intimate lounge and bar to you left. Ahead is the main dining room and a garden retractable glass roof towards the end.
It’s not often that I find delicious Spanish cuisine in New York City, but the food & wine at Salinas is especially delicious.
Beautiful fresh flowers arrive weekly from Ecuador that adorn this stunning restaurant. Salinas is easily one of the most romantic Spanish restaurants I have been to, and one that is now close to my heart.
Sangria
Tinto Seco: Prepared with Spanish red wine, brandy, pomegranate, ginger, orange and lemon. This sangria was lightly sweetened with a hint of orange. Absolutely delicious and the best sangria I’ve had to date. A favorite.
Tinto Seco: Prepared with Spanish red wine, brandy, pomegranate, ginger, orange and lemon. This sangria was lightly sweetened with a hint of orange. Absolutely delicious and the best sangria I’ve had to date. A favorite.
Small Plates/Para Picar
Coliflor Con Remolacha: Flash fried multicolored cauliflower, baby beets citrus yogurt, and pimenton de la vera. The cauliflower was smoky and had a subtle bacon flavor. The citrus yogurt at the bottom was unique. Well made.
Coliflor Con Remolacha: Flash fried multicolored cauliflower, baby beets citrus yogurt, and pimenton de la vera. The cauliflower was smoky and had a subtle bacon flavor. The citrus yogurt at the bottom was unique. Well made.
Croquetas Del Dia: The fried croquettes were outstanding and melt in your mouth delicious. Soft, creamy interior that paired beautifully with a cumin aioli sauce. A favorite. 
Spanish Rice/Arroces
Seco Paella: Spanish rice prepared with chicken, scallops, peas, octopus, prawns, monkfish, shitake and chorizo. Perfectly cooked rice with tender fish and so flavorsome. I ended up having leftovers and the paella tasted even better the next day. A favorite.
Seco Paella: Spanish rice prepared with chicken, scallops, peas, octopus, prawns, monkfish, shitake and chorizo. Perfectly cooked rice with tender fish and so flavorsome. I ended up having leftovers and the paella tasted even better the next day. A favorite.
Mains/Platos
Fish of the Day: The branzino was cooked to perfection and flavored with lots of olive oil. The white flaky fish was deboned and flaked off with the touch of a fork. The potato that accompanied the fish was so delicious. Although I really enjoyed the branzino, I wasn’t wowed by it. Beautiful presentation though!
Dessert/Postres
Migas Sevillanas: Seville style honey and olive oil cookie crumbs, crispy cocoa meringue, truffle, marcona praline topped with chocolate gelato and sea salt. The cookie crumbs had a bold flavor of olive oil. A good dessert to have if you are looking for something traditional or gelato.
Migas Sevillanas: Seville style honey and olive oil cookie crumbs, crispy cocoa meringue, truffle, marcona praline topped with chocolate gelato and sea salt. The cookie crumbs had a bold flavor of olive oil. A good dessert to have if you are looking for something traditional or gelato.
RESTAURANT REVIEW: Salinas
COST: $$$
CUISINE: Spanish/Mediterranean
FAVORITES: Red Wine Sangria | Croquetas Del Dia | Seco Paella
VERDICT: 4.25 / 5
It’s not often that I dine at Spanish restaurants, and when I have in the past, often times I have been disappointed. Salinas NYC is one of the best and most romantic restaurants I have been to, and definitely a good first date spot. I was seated in the garden room which is absolutely beautiful and feels like a dream, additionally it is the perfect spot to people watch. The service here is great, and I believe most servers were of Spanish origin. You can’t leave Salinas without ordering sangria, it is incredible. Furthermore, the croquettes are a must! Given the portion sizes, Salinas is rather pricey, but then for intimate ambiance like that, you will quickly look past it. Highly recommended.
Food: Excellent | Drinks: Excellent | Décor: Romantic/Intimate | Service: Professional/Friendly Value: Pricey
COST: $$$
CUISINE: Spanish/Mediterranean
FAVORITES: Red Wine Sangria | Croquetas Del Dia | Seco Paella
VERDICT: 4.25 / 5
It’s not often that I dine at Spanish restaurants, and when I have in the past, often times I have been disappointed. Salinas NYC is one of the best and most romantic restaurants I have been to, and definitely a good first date spot. I was seated in the garden room which is absolutely beautiful and feels like a dream, additionally it is the perfect spot to people watch. The service here is great, and I believe most servers were of Spanish origin. You can’t leave Salinas without ordering sangria, it is incredible. Furthermore, the croquettes are a must! Given the portion sizes, Salinas is rather pricey, but then for intimate ambiance like that, you will quickly look past it. Highly recommended.
Food: Excellent | Drinks: Excellent | Décor: Romantic/Intimate | Service: Professional/Friendly Value: Pricey
LOCATION
136 9th Ave.
(chelsea)
136 9th Ave.
(chelsea)
What’s your favorite Spanish restaurant in NYC? What’s your favorite Spanish dish?
Glad you had a great (and delicious) birthday !
Thanks Salma. I did! 🙂
Happy Birthday beautiful! This looks like such an amazing celebration. Know this will be an amazing year for you. So excited to celebrate all your success <3
Thanks Kamana! So appreciate it. Salinas was awesome.. loved the food and ambiance. I hope you’re right! 🙂
Such a great venue and you looked STUNNING!
❥ tanvii.com
Thanks Tanvi. Greatly appreciate it. xoxo!
Gorgeous restaurant and gorgeous you. Love NYC. I’ll be moving there soon. Love these tips and your blog.
Thanks Jen. Oh, I’ll have lots of tips on NYC in the coming months. Trust me, this city has so much to offer, especially amazing food! 🙂
Nisha – you look absolutely stunning! And this restaurant is so romantic. Glad you had a great birthday and I’m sure you’ll be back for more birthdays in NYC. 🙂
Kate
Thanks Kate. Appreciate it. One can only hope, but I think I will. Thanks again! 🙂