OUR STORY

A Love Letter to Spain

Fine Spanish cuisine since 2008 — at Socarrat, we bring the soul of Spain to New York City, where tradition, flavor, and community simmer together in every dish, especially our signature paellas.

Our Story

LOLO’S VISION

One Man’s Dream

Jesús «Lolo» Manso, president and owner of Socarrat Restaurants, set out to share something truly special with New Yorkers: the rich, communal dining culture of Spain. Inspired by the joy of long, leisurely meals back home, he envisioned a place where food wasn’t just nourishment — it was an experience of togetherness.

Our Story

"Paella Brings the World Together"

Driven by passion and culinary heritage, Lolo Manso chose to spotlight two of Spain’s most beloved traditions: paellas and tapas. His goal was clear — to create not just a restaurant, but a destination where people could gather, linger, and connect over timeless dishes.

In 2008, that vision took shape with the opening of Socarrat Paella Bar in Chelsea — a rustic yet vibrant space that immediately captured hearts. With communal tables that brought strangers together and a menu rich in authentic flavors, Socarrat quickly became a celebration of Spain in the heart of New York City. 

THE JOURNEY OF SOCARRAT

Bringing a Taste of Spain to NYC

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2008
The Beginning in Chelsea

Socarrat opens its doors in the vibrant Chelsea neighborhood, becoming New York City’s go-to destination for authentic Spanish cuisine. With its cozy atmosphere and signature paellas, it quickly gains recognition as a neighborhood favorite.

socarrat-la-churreria-nyc
2011
Bringing the Spirit of Spain to NYC—
One Milestone at a Time

Rooted in the heart of Nolita, La Churrería opened its doors as an ode to Madrid’s classic churrerías—introducing New Yorkers to a modern take on a timeless tradition, where every churro tells a story.

timeline-2012-socarrat
2012
Expanding in Midtown East

Building on its Chelsea success, Socarrat establishes a second location in Midtown East. This space combines the charm of the original with a sleek, modern flair, catering to both busy professionals and paella enthusiasts.

timeline-2017-socarrat
2017
Bringing Flamenco to Nolita

Our Nolita location brought a new chapter to the Socarrat journey with the introduction of Flamenco Tuesdays—an immersive experience where live Spanish music and traditional cuisine come together.

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2023
Celebrating 15 Years of Socarrat

Marking 15 years of serving authentic Spanish flavors, Socarrat celebrates its milestone with special events, seasonal menus, and collaborations that honor its journey and look toward the future.

"The living history of

Spanish gastronomy


in Manhattan.”

Our Story

The soul of Spanish paella

What is Socarrat?

Socarrat is named after the prized layer of caramelized rice that forms at the bottom of a perfect paella—where every bite delivers deep, rich flavor and satisfying texture.

Our menu honors this culinary tradition, offering a vibrant selection of tapas, paellas, and fideuás (toasted noodle paellas), inviting you to experience the true essence of Spanish dining.

Socarrat

Our Ingredients

Exceptional dishes begin with exceptional ingredients. From the golden saffron of La Mancha to the rich olive oil of Andalucía, we source only the finest products to ensure every bite captures the true essence of Spain.

OUR LOCATIONS

Spanish Spirit in Every Corner of NYC

Socarrat welcomes you across three vibrant NYC neighborhoods, each offering a unique window into the rich tapestry of Spanish culture and cuisine.

Socarrat Chelsea

The first Socarrat sets the standard for authentic Spanish dining, blending cozy vibes, classic Spanish art, and rich wine traditions.

Socarrat Midtown East

We blend Midtown’s energy with the warmth of Spanish cuisine, offering fresh takes on brunch, dinner, and creative cocktails with every visit.

Socarrat Nolita

An intimate space where Flamenco Tuesdays ignite the night, surrounded by décor honoring Spain’s bullfighting and the artful language of the fan.

Our Story

A SWEET SPIN ON TRADITION

Savor the Flavors of
La Churrería

Just around the corner from Socarrat Nolita, La Churrería brings the beloved Spanish tradition of churros and chocolate to New York City. Whether you’re starting your day with a café con leche or ending the night on a sweet note, this cozy spot offers handcrafted churros, rich dipping chocolate, and other Spanish pastries that transport you straight to Madrid.

Savor Every Bite of Tradition

Experience the Magic of Socarrat Paella Bar

Step into Socarrat Paella Bar and discover a true celebration of Spanish cuisine in the heart of New York City. Across our locations, we bring people together over shared paellas, vibrant tapas, and the soulful traditions of Spain. From intimate dinners to lively gatherings, each visit is a chance to savor authentic flavors, warm hospitality, and the festive spirit that makes every meal memorable.