When Michael Jannetta returned to New York after a study abroad program in Segovia, he was shocked to find that there were no authentic Spanish restaurants in Manhattan. Craving the pure flavors and fresh ingredients he had enjoyed in Spain, Michael decided to open his own tapas restaurant, Sala, in 1999. The business was so successful that in 2004, he expanded to 19th Street with Sala One Nine.
According to the manager, David, Sala One Nine was the first Spanish restaurant on 19th Street, and its authentic cuisine attracts both Americans and a steady crowd of native Spaniards. “The ham croquettes are some of our best sellers,” David told me. “Some of our customers say they’re even better here than in Spain.” Sala One Nine is also known for its paella and gazpacho, and David highly recommended the scallops. “Like most of our food, it’s made very simply, with olive oil, salt, and pepper,” he said. “We keep the sauce on the side so you can taste the pure flavor of the scallops.”
Sala One Nine makes a point of using fresh, high-quality ingredients, many of which are sourced from local New York farms. “Our menu changes seasonally,” David explained, “and we use a lot of fresh produce, especially in the summer. One of my personal favorites is the heirloom tomato salad.”
Sangria is a must at Sala One Nine, and anyone feeling nostalgic for Spain will enjoy the restaurant’s selection of Spanish beers, including Estrella Damm and Mahou. Virgin drinks are also available at the restaurant, and many of the menu items are vegetarian. “We want everyone to feel comfortable here,” David told me. “It’s an informal place, and everybody is welcome.”
Sitting at the bar in the late afternoon, I certainly got the feeling that Sala One Nine attracts an eclectic mix of customers. A few young people sat nearby, sipping on after-work drinks, and regulars greeted the bartenders as though they had known each other for years. On each table, the waiter placed a tiny vase filled with colorful flowers, and I imagined that at night, this dimly lit restaurant would be intimate and romantic.
I was sorry to hear that the original Sala restaurant had closed because of rising rents, but David told me that Sala One Nine is still going strong. “We hope to open more locations in the city soon,” he said with a smile. “We’re really passionate about bringing the flavors of Spain to New York City.”