There are many places in NY area serving South American cuisine but Tabare offers not only excellent Uruguayan flavors but also atmosphere that is one of a kind. This cash only restaurant is located in South Williamsburg and it can sit around 30 people. The décor and candle light ambience make the place very romantic and cozy, you feel invited the minute you enter.

It reminds me of old school, homey venue with old pictures, shelves and plant pots all over the restaurant. Tiny tables although small they add to the overall charm. This place makes you feel good, as simple as that. The menu is not extended but has enough options for everyone and they are specials every night you can choose from. We were served tiny loaf of bread to start the dinner which was fresh, warm and cute.We ordered the following dishes

Croston con morcilla – bloddy sausage spread on a toast with poached egg and arugula salad. If you are a fan of blood sausage you will be satisfied with the richness of it. If you have not tried blood sausage, this is a place to try it for the first time. This appetizer was rich, warm with very distinctive flavors.

Ensalada de remolachas – this was a beet salad with roasted pistachios and ricotta. Although it sounds like a popular appetizer, this came as a surprise. Completely different look than what we expected. Big pieces of yellow and red beets covered with cheese and pistachios. Unfortunately the flavors were too bland for me, but this dish definitely had local look and flavor.

Churrasco – skirt steak with duck fat potatoes, house salad and Chimichurri sauce. Surprisingly this skirt steak was very soft, potatoes were a little heavy but that is what they were supposed to be. Overall it was solid dish, no exceptional flavors, but very good execution.

Mejillones a la provencal – mussels, shallots, parsley, white wine broth. I am a big fan of mussels and this is popular combination. However, the mussles were huge and the broth was so yummy that we were joking we could drink it out of a bottle. The dish came with two pieces of toasted bread covered in butter and herbs. Very comforting, yet sophisticated dish in a way.

Alfajor Cookie – cream and chocolate/carmel layers between two cookies sprinkled with powder sugar. Again, freshly made south American flavors, it will definitely satisfy your sweet thooth. There was nothing about this dessert that could put you on your knees, but that is the case in most restaurant. For some reason the desserts never get as much attention from the chefs as other dishes.

The winner dish of this week is Mejillones a la provencal, the mussles are a must if you visit this place.

Tabare delivered more than I expected, the flavors are simple and remind me of home cooking, the service was great but what really grabbed me was the ambience. This is excellent place for a casual and romantic dinner date. What the owners created is exceptional as there are many places that serve great food, but the venues have no souls. Tabare is full of soul with tasty food. We will be back.

Cuisine: Uruguayan/South American

Avg price per person: $30-$50

Attire: Casual

Overall Rating: 4 plates