Sometimes, New York is just too effortlessly cool. This applies to the area that was once a no man’s land between Chinatown and the LES but has now been christened Dimes Square. At the epicenter is Cervo’s, a Portuguese and Spanish-inspired seafood bar. Add this one to the list for your foodie friends.

Cervo’s is one of the reasons to take a field trip for dinner on the Lowest East Side.  Cervo’s is so authentic, however, that you could feel like you were somewhere in Lisbon or Mallorca when you dine at this Portuguese and Spanish-influenced seafood restaurant. At Cervo’s, they’ve perfected the unassuming restaurant that casually rocks it out on the food and scene. This is the review of Cervo’s NYC.

Atmosphere

Cervo’s is part Spanish vermuteria and part Portuguese seafood masqueria, which is immediately reflected in the atmosphere. Its lively dining room takes a less-is-more approach, with simple wood-paneled walls and a bar that screams Mallorca or Lisbon. In fact, it reminded me of a charming restaurant in Mallorca, La Rosa Vermuteria & Colmado. The scene is also authentic New York, where it’s the Downtown crowd that is effortlessly cool and confidently dressed down. If you ever want to remind yourself why New York is the best city in the world, restaurants like Cervo’s NYC are on that list of reasons.

Food + Drink

Cervo’s NYC is the type of restaurant you treat as your neighborhood joint, whether or not you live in the hood. The food is simple and consistent, yet interesting enough to make it a destination for authentic Portuguese seafood. I didn’t go for it as I’m not a shrimp head person, but almost everyone around me had the friend shrimp heads to start. It’s kind of like the equivalent of a potato chip, but still, the head part is something I couldn’t overcome. Also popular were the spicy mussels, served over ice, and the clams in green herb wine sauce. I tried to avoid ordering bread, but it was a necessity for the wine sauce and the sauce in the Louisiana white prawns a la plancha.

Like authentic Spanish and Portuguese food in Europe, certain dishes at Cervo’s NYC were too heavy on the garlic. They also have a garlic aioli that comes on the plate with several meals, including the razor clams and rice that I ordered. Thank goodness it wasn’t date night but I was definitely concerned I would smell like garlic the next day. I wouldn’t say it was Michelin-level dining but it is a place that is filled with foodies. The food is uncomplicated but interesting and elevated at the same time.

The wines, by the glass and in general, were a snooze. I think that the sherry and vermouth lists were much more compelling as well as comprehensive by the glass. But as they say, when in Spain, Portugal, or, as in this case, an authentic Spanish/Portuguese restaurant in NYC.

Service

Service was attentive and cool, if there is such a category. I was never without food, drink, or a friendly recommendation. Of course like the crowd, the servers are Downtown cool and treat everyone as equals. This is not a place with a pretentious velvet rope or preferential treatment for those on the scene. Essentially service at Cervo’s NYC matches the vibe of a neighborhood restaurant.

Overall: 7.5/10

Other Articles You’ll Like

Menorca – The Spanish Island You Need to Know 
Spanish Pintxos vs Tapas 
Where to Eat in Madrid 

FAQs

Q: Where is Cerv0’s NYC located?

A: Cervo’s NYC is located at 43 Canal St, New York, NY 10002.

Q: What are Cervo’s NYC hours of operation?

A: Cervo’s NYC hours of operation are as follows:

Q: Do you need reservations for Cervo’s NYC?

A: Reservations are available for Cervo’s NYC on Resy and are highly recommended. However, you can always try to walk in early or late. They also have outdoor seating and its section of street is currently a pedestrian zone.