About
Located in the vibrant 10 Hudson Yards, Lena - New York offers an immersive culinary escape to the heart of Spain right in the bustling streets of New York City. This cozy and stylish restaurant is a part of Mercado Little Spain, where the rich flavors of Spanish cuisine come alive with a contemporary twist. Renowned for its warm Spanish hospitality, Lena beckons food enthusiasts with a menu that spotlights the essence of traditional dishes fused with innovative flair.
One of the standout highlights is the TxuleBurger, a tribute to what if Spaniards had invented the beloved burger. Made from a 60-day aged ribeye, grilled over charcoal and encased in a soft brioche bun, it epitomizes quality and flavor that any burger aficionado would appreciate. Complementing this, the Chuletillas De Cordero, featuring grilled New Zealand lamb chops served with alioli, delivers a delectable taste, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to sourcing only the best ingredients.
Another delightful offering is the Butifarra A La Brasa, a Catalan-style Iberico pork sausage served alongside sautéed white navy beans and alioli. It's a dish that evokes traditional Spanish yet remains uniquely exploratory. Customers rave about the textures and flavors, with many highlighting the incredible tenderness of the meats and the refreshing side options.
Diners are also captivated by the creative selection of starters like the Bacalao Ahumado Carpier, a dish noted for its remarkable preparation, alongside perfectly crispy croquetas that are creamy on the inside. The experience of sharing plates in a cozy environment adds to the charm, and many guests have praised the friendly staff, particularly the knowledgeable servers who enhance the dining experience with their guidance on food and wine pairings.
To conclude a meal, the Basque cheesecake stands out as the crown jewel. Its silky texture and exquisite flavor have left diners breathless, with guests often remarking that it’s the best they’ve ever had. The theatrical presentation adds an exquisite touch, ensuring that the dessert remains a highlight long after the meal is finished.
At Lena - New York, every dish tells a story, echoing the vibrant culture and outstanding culinary traditions of Spain. Whether you’re a seasoned tapas lover or new to Spanish cuisine, this restaurant guarantees a memorable dining experience filled with delightful flavors, excellent service, and a warm atmosphere that invites you to return for more.
“ Having lived in Madrid, I can say this was a top-tier Spanish culinary experience! I had the pork ribs (costillas de cerdo), which were delicious, but the Basque cheesecake (tarta de queso) was the best I’ve ever had by a mile! David provided excellent service, preparing the cheesecake and recommending a very refreshing drink. 5 stars/cinco estrellas! ”
“ Lena is a cozy, stylish spot that feels like a slice of Spain in NYC. The Bacalao Ahumado Carpier was spectacular, txistorra very original and tasty, the croquetas were perfectly crisp and creamy (one of the best ones I had), andddd the Txule Burger which was the main reason I came to Lena this time was insanely GOOD. The quality of the meat was TOP. And I’m a burger person and I tried many burger joints in the city. Although it doesn’t include fries, and they don’t use ketchup at all. To end, the basque cheesecake was fabulous and the cocktails were creative and full of personality . Special thanks to Gabriela, our amazing server—so kind and helpful . Great food, great vibes, and even better service. We’ll definitely be back for a third round ! ”
“ We were in this weekend from Alabama and had an opportunity to dine at Lena. It was very helpful to our party that we had someone from Spain who was very knowledgeable about all the dishes and wines served. We had several appetizers, a few entrees that we split and wine. It was all delicious. I would have not known what to order had we not had someone native to all the food and culture and he did not steer us wrong. It was wonderful. ”
“ Amazing romantic dinner at Lena at Mercado Little Spain. The restaurant is small & cozy, with impressive wine list , selection of sparkling & mineral waters from Spain & charming Spanish hospitality. Arroz de bogavante Spanish style Lobster is delicious, the rice is paella type but more submerged in the creamy sauce with a slight tomato flavor. It’s a shearable size portion, the menu lists as for 2-3, could even be for 4 persons, in that case I would add more selections from their Veggies section- we didn’t try but they have quite a selection. Grilled octopus is delicious & portion that could be split for 2-3. Octopus comes with interesting creamy olive oil & smoked pimenton. We are glad we tried their pan de Cristal oon tomate , Spanish crispy bread oven toasted & slightly brushed with olive oil & tomato. Great as an appetizer. Make sure to leave room for their deserts, they are out of this world delicious. Tarta de Queso has its own cart, and mini-show when the final touches are done table-side. Freshly baked “burnt “ Basque style cheesecake that literally melts in your mouth that is slightly drizzled with honey & freshly grated cheese. You get to select the cheese & went with truffle type, of course. Then they also have a hazelnut tart & selection of Spanish custard & churros with hot chocolate. Churros must be super popular because they ran out of them by the time we were ready for dessert. They do have an amazing meat section, couldn’t partake due to fasting. Just something to look forward to for the next time! ”
“ The attention here is outstanding, even when they changed shifts the server lets you know that someone new is going to be aware of you so you don’t have to look out for him. Server also recommends you what it is best to order so everything can come in time! ”
“ Went for dinner and had a very pleasant dining experience. We ordered the iberico ham croquettes which were delicious! For our mains we had the steak, pork ribs, fries with Padron peppers and the artichokes with romesco sauce. For dessert we had the basque cheesecake infused with strawberry and rose water. It was all delicious! We washed our food down with a complimentary glass of cava and some salt air margaritas which are always a hit. Recommend . ”
“ From the moment we walked into Little Spain, we were transported into an atmosphere full of vibrant energy and authentic charm. The lighting struck the perfect balance—warm, inviting, and cozy without being too dim. The music curated the vibe beautifully, adding a lively yet relaxed backdrop to our evening. But the real star of the night? Jorge—our phenomenal server. He didn’t just take our order; he guided us through the menu like a true culinary storyteller. Every dish was described with passion and precision, giving us a deeper appreciation for what we were about to enjoy. He made each recommendation feel like a personalized experience. On top of that, he was incredibly attentive—keeping us perfectly hydrated throughout the evening (which we all know is an art in itself). Now, let’s talk food—absolutely delicious. Every bite was packed with flavor, crafted with care, and beautifully plated. From the first appetizer to the last savory bite, it was clear that quality and authenticity are at the heart of Little Spain's kitchen. This wasn’t just dinner—it was an experience. And yes, we’re already planning to come back. Huge kudos to Jorge and the entire team for making our night so memorable. Little Spain, you’ve earned two very happy, very loyal new fans! ”
“ Great service. Good authentic Spanish food. Beautiful interior. Nice wine selections. More upscale compared to the others places in the market. I recommend try the shrimp carpaccio. On Wednesday every bottle of wine is 50% off. Great deal on for sure on a great wine. ”