186 Avenue B (between 11th and 12th Sts.)
646-707-0746
Spanish/Italian. Are you into 80s music? If the answer is yes, you will never want to leave Jose Luis Mediterranean. During the two plus hours I spent savoring each bite, not once did they play a song newer than 1987. If, by some chance, that is not your favorite decade, no worries. The food is so good, it won’t make a difference.
Their menu is an intriguing combination of Italian and Spanish, with an entire section dedicated to paella. If you’re wondering if it’s possible to honor both cuisines, the answer is SI in both languages. Not only that, their riff on a staple like bruschette is utter mastery. They concoct a trio. So in addition to the classic tomato caponata, their ciabatta comes bearing sausage. And last (but there is no least), mushroom with taleggio cheese. It’s virtually impossible to choose a favorite, they are all that spectacular.
Also wondrous, their polpo alla griglia (grilled octopus, cherry tomatoes, capers, taggiasca olives, potatoes, lemon citronette). The fish so fresh and blindingly white it gleams, the combination of ingredients so ideal, they dance off the fork into your mouth.
It should come as no surprise that the entrées represent. The pollo parmigiana (chicken milanese, parmesan provola cheese, penne in tomato sauce) as satisfying as it is generous. Clearly it would be criminal not to sample the paella. In their infinite wisdom, they offer single as well as double portions. I pledged myself to the marisco (saffron rice, paprika, calamari, mussels, shrimp, clams). It was seafood paradise, but no doubt each offering (including a meat and fish combo) will leave you scraping every last bit off the skillet.
If you have it in you, there’s a choice three desserts. I tried the tiramisu and chocolate bomba. Both were sweetness personified and an ideal ending to a truly memorable experience.
It would be wrong not to mention the unfailingly attentive staff. Clearing and pouring and doing everything possible to make you happy you showed.
Just bop your way over to Jose Luis Mediterranean. Unlike mullets and shoulder pads, there’s nothing to regret.