NYC | Casa Mono’s Black Squid Ink Rice Made This My Go-To Spot 🥘

I’ve always loved Casa Mono — their dishes are rich, flavorful, and perfect with a glass of wine. I’ve been many times and shared about it before, but since they open at noon, it's also a cozy spot for a satisfying lunch. (Though if you don’t drink and prefer lighter food, this might not be your first pick.) But it was the Arroz Negro — squid ink rice with halibut and charred pepper sauce — that truly won me over. The rice is perfectly textured, the sauce is deeply savory, and the charred pepper sauce adds a gentle tangy heat. The halibut is fresh and tender (though sometimes a bit firmer), and a squeeze of lemon brightens everything up. It’s the kind of dish I could happily eat every day 🍋. Today’s special was lamb chops with couscous — another standout! The lamb was fresh and springy, served with a vibrant parsley-garlic sauce. The couscous was wonderfully textured — larger grains, chewy and fragrant, mixed with smoked meat, dried fruit, and pistachios for a rich, layered bite 🐑. Other regular orders for me include: Fideos with clams, chorizo, and sherry aioli — rich and umami-packed 🍝 Grilled shishito peppers — a classic, easy-to-love wine companion 🌶️ Razor clams with garlic, parsley, and olive oil — simple but so flavorful Their cured ham — always delicate and delicious While their meat dishes are generally excellent (hearty and satisfying), some — like lamb belly, pork belly, or sweetbreads — can lean a bit heavy due to the frying. They’re best enjoyed in small portions, shared among friends. All in all, Casa Mono feels like a trusted neighborhood canteen — consistently delicious, deeply comforting, and never boring. #CasaMono #NYCEats #SpanishFood #SquidInkRice #ArrozNegro #NYCRestaurants #FoodieFavorite #WineBar #NYCDining #ComfortFood #GoToSpot #NYCFoodie #SharePlates #LunchInNYC