Foodie friends raved about Tertulia, the casual Spanish gastropub in the West Village and its wood-burning oven. brusslesThe day I met a friend there for lunch it was raining and they restaurant was not even half full. Seems we missed the crowds and celebs that Sam Sifton described in his New York Times review.

We sampled some small plates including Coles De Bruselas, pan-roasted Brussels sprouts with small chunks of spicy chorizo, splashed with vinegar and garnished with fresh Brussels spout leaves ($8);  Nuestras Patatas crispy codfishfried potatoes, sprinkled with smoked paprika (pimentón de la vera) and drizzled with a rich garlic aioli ($9.00) and Croquetas de Jamon, crunchy golf-ball sized croquettes filled with nuggets of smoky Iberico ham ($11).

We had to order something that came from the touted wood-burning oven, so we split the Bocata Cordero a smoked lamb breast sandwich topped with sheep’s milk cheese and pickled cauliflower ($14), which sadly was a potatoesdisappointment as it was too fatty, and not  flavorful. Our server did take it off the bill.

As we nibbled our Surtido De Quesos Artesanales – a selection of a few artisanal cheeses ($15), we commented on how the food was decent but not remarkable.  I do plan to return for dinner time with some friends and sample lots more.

– bonnie

Tertulia
359 6th Ave
New York, NY 10014
(646) 559-9909
tertulianyc.com

Tertulia on Urbanspoon