Situated in Noho within a century-old building, the visual story of Gato is a rustic industrial one captured through original red brick detailing, metal piping, grand columns and glass lanterns that lend an early 20th century NYC feel. A wrap-around bar is at counter-level making it more ideal for dinner seating, should you not be able to get one of the tables with their communal banquette and bentwood bistro chairs.
The Food
We are always weary of star chefs venturing into new food geography, although Bobby Flay is no newbie of Spanish cuisine with Bolo that was around for more than a decade. But Gato feels far more Barcelona-meets-Casablanca with its shareable spreads offered with buckwheat, oven roasted shrimp and roasted octopus with bacon vinaigrette. Pizzas with goat cheese and lamb sausage take you in a different direction if you want, as well as the porterhouse chop with polenta that’s contrasts more tapas-minded entrees from charred beef with faro to mushroom paella and rabbit with carrot salsa.
Last Word
Bobby Flay sets-up stylish small-plate tapas eatery in Noho that’s a nod to Catalan dining.
