Going to Cervo’s used to be a bit of a gamble. Not in the sense that the food at this Spanish spot on the LES has ever been anything less than fantastic, but because getting a table in a timely manner was far from a certainty. That’s no longer an issue for a couple reasons. First, they now take online reservations, and second, Parcelle opened a wine bar across the street where you can hang out if there’s a wait.
Once you are seated at Cervo’s - either inside the narrow, dimly-lit space, or outside on a closed-off section of Canal Street - you’ll be able to enjoy some of the best seafood-focused small plates in the city. While snacking on crispy shrimp heads (a must-order) and clams swimming in garlicky wine sauce (another must-order), you’re probably going to want some wine. They have a cool list entirely made up of Spanish and Portuguese bottles. Here are a few of our favorites.
Here are our favorite bottles on the Cervo's wine list.
Sparkling
Los Bermejos, Espumoso
What dish to order: Crispy Shrimp Heads
White
Adega de Vimbio, Albariño Rías Baixas 2020
What dish to order: Manila Clams
Red
Envínate, Garnacha Tintorera 'Albahra' 2021
Envínate, Canary Islands 'Benje Tinto' 2021
What dish to order: Lamb Burger with Anchovies
