NS
Nyla Sostre
Aug 10, 2026
I got the Boqueria chef special which was $65 per person and we ordered pan con tomate and w mini espresso martinis and 2 forget me not. They at first were very welcoming but as soon as I ordered I felt like they started tending to everyone else before us. The portions of the chef special were unreasonably small for the price. I was asked if I wanted anything in particular and I said the fennel salad and it was made to seem like that was substitute for a portion of the meal maybe. Either way we got a half of an inch of rice int he pan for the paella as a serving for 2 people and I just think how small the serving would be if I ordered by myself. I won't be returning but it was a nice flavor to most of the meats. They pay special presence to Latinos and its very clear. Even though I Puerto Rican I guess I just look black to them. Who knows who cares. Just a heads up for the experience you might have.
DA
Diana Astacio
Aug 9, 2026
Disappointing Service Experience at Boqueria SoHo
I recently visited Boqueria SoHo with my daughter, and while the food was good, the service left a lot to be desired.
We were seated at a community table directly under a broken AC unit, resulting in water dripping on my daughter throughout our meal. When I approached the manager to address the issue, I was told that since we did not have a reservation and were walk-ins, that was the only table available. I was informed that if we wanted a different table, we would have to wait.
What struck me as particularly frustrating was the fact that there were several two-top tables open at the time. It seemed unreasonable that, regardless of reservation status, anyone seated at that table would experience the same issue with the leaking AC. Additionally, I was told we had to vacate the table by 7:15 PM, which added unnecessary pressure to our dining experience.
I expected better customer service, especially given the circumstances. It would have been appropriate for the staff to offer us one of the available tables instead of leaving us in an uncomfortable situation.
Overall, I was disappointed and won’t be returning.
I was very disappointed with my experience at Boqueria SoHo.
First, the service was poor from the moment we arrived. The staff came across as inattentive and, at times, rude. We did not feel welcomed, and the overall attitude significantly detracted from what was supposed to be a special dining experience.
The biggest disappointment, however, was the food. We ordered the so-called “Chef’s Menu” for $52 per person, expecting a thoughtfully curated meal. Instead, the dishes felt generic and underwhelming.
What was especially strange was the way the $52-per-person Chef’s Menu was presented. We were told very little about what we would actually be receiving. Instead, it was described in vague terms as some sort of “experience,” without a clear explanation of the dishes, portions, or what the menu was supposed to include.
The paella, in particular, bore little resemblance to authentic Spanish paella. It tasted as though it had been sitting for a long time before being served, lacked freshness, and was poorly prepared.
For a prix-fixe menu at this price point, I expected freshly prepared dishes and portions designed to provide a satisfying experience for the table. Instead, the meal felt uninspired, with nothing that stood out as special or justified the price.
The paella was particularly disappointing—the rice was undercooked, and the dish did not resemble the quality or authenticity we expected.
Additionally, the Chef’s Menu was nothing like what we expected based on how it was presented.
Overall, this was one of the most disappointing dining experiences I’ve had in New York.
NR
Nick Ramphir
Aug 5, 2026
We recently dined at Boqueria in SoHo and overall had a very enjoyable experience enjoying Spanish tapas in a lively atmosphere. The ambient setting, welcoming service, and prompt kitchen timing set a fantastic tone for our meal right from the start.
Food-wise, the highlights definitely stood out. The tuna tartare was exceptionally fresh, beautifully seasoned, and served at the perfect temperature with crisp accents that made each bite delicious and refreshing. It was easily one of the best dishes of the night and something I would order again without hesitation.
On the other hand, a few side items had minor execution issues. The potatoes were unfortunately a bit undercooked in the center, lacking that tender texture you typically expect from classic patatas bravas. However, the rich seasoning and accompanying sauces on top still carried great flavor, so it did not ruin the dish entirely.
Overall, despite the slight stumble on the potato texture, the excellent quality of the tuna tartare, fantastic drinks, and upbeat SoHo vibe made for a memorable night out. Service remained friendly and attentive throughout, ensuring we felt well taken care of. I would certainly recommend stopping by Boqueria for fresh tapas and great energy when exploring the neighborhood!
MH
Mark Hillman
Aug 2, 2026
Boqueria SoHo is a fantastic spot for tapas and a fun night out. We shared several dishes, including the patatas bravas, jamón ibérico, and the grilled octopus, and everything was full of authentic Spanish flavors. The sangria was refreshing, the service was attentive, and the lively atmosphere made the meal even better. Perfect place to enjoy small plates with friends and try a little bit of everything.