A new Spanish tapas restaurant, La Mesa Pequeña, opened last week in East Harlem at 210 East 116th Street. The restaurant offers a range of small plates such as patatas bravas, jamón ibérico, and gambas al ajillo.
La Mesa Pequeña is part of a broader trend of diverse dining options emerging in East Harlem, which has traditionally been known for Latin American and Caribbean cuisine. Owner Javier Morales aims to blend traditional Spanish flavors with local ingredients.
The restaurant is housed in a renovated storefront and features a modest bar area. Local residents expressed interest in the new option, noting the changing culinary landscape of the neighborhood.