Mario Batali is turning Spanish on us. After mastering the art of simple Italian fare at Babbo, Lupa, Otto (see all three), and Esca, he is taking on the Iberian Peninsula with Bar Jamon, an all-tapas restaurant located just above Union Square in the East Village and adjacent to Casa Mono (see). A menu of Catalan small plates is served up at this ham and wine bar in a convivial setting straight out of Barcelona. A miniature spot with dark wood accents and a marble bar, this crowded watering hole features all sorts of Spanish jamon (pronounced haah-mon), cheeses (manchego, queso de tetilla, valdeon, calabres), and olives. More exciting plates include smoked trout salad with olives and cava-soaked grapes and classics like tortilla d’Espana—all perfectly suited to Spanish wine and sherry.

Bar Jamon Information:

• Spanish menu. Lunch, dinner, late-night. Casual attire. Reservations recommended.