Francisco's Centro Vasco

It doesn't look like much from outside. The atmosphere inside is pleasant if somewhat old-style. The service is efficient but casual. Overall the emphasis seems to be that this is a place where you come to eat: where the focus is on the food. And if you like that kind of restaurant, you've made the right choice. We ordered shrimp cocktail as an appetizer, which was very good. Then they brought a table salad, which had a delicious light dressing. The bread and butter were quite good too. But the main reason for coming to this restaurant is, of course, the lobster. I ordered a three-pounder (which was about $50) and my companion had the lobster tail. Both were superb. The side dishes we had -- garlic green beans, rice pilaf, and crisp fried potatoes -- were all delicious. We definitely will go back when in the mood for GREAT food.

My family tried out this place because I live across the street... it's delicious. The paella was a generous portion and had lots of flavor. We enjoyed it so much, we're going back tonight. Highly recommended - affordable for NYC and delicious.

...my only criticism is in charging $6 for a bottle of O'Douls. Nonetheless, the food was fantastic and filled your plate and tummy.

I have been eating at FCV for over 20 years and last month i took a few of customers for their first time . We had 3 1/2 pounders which were as good as ever and 2 of the customers have already gone back with friends and family. i travel around the country and eat at the finest restaurants but i will always consider FCV one of the best.

I have read the other reviews and fell compelled to write. Francisco's has been a family staple for 20years and never once were we disappointed, and this comes from a family of chefs when I say this. We always, but always, order the following: lobster bisque soup (an ohmygod moment, just lovely), the 2.5 lb (per person) whole lobster, broiled with their lovely breadcrumbs atop, white sangria (large, but of course), and top the experience off with Francisco's Cappuccino and flan. Service is excellent, attentive and has never let us down. We are going there this Thursday to celebrate our son's college graduation. We know the majority of places in NYC, have eaten at dozens and dozens of lovely establishments and had great experiences at most of them. But, with the crowd we are bringing, Centro Vasco is the place we will celebrate this most important occasion. If anyone has had a bad experience, it could have easily been handled by the staff to set things aright. My only problem was ten years ago when the Spanish potato chips weren't as hot as I like them. Know what I did? Told the waiter and he brought me another plate of those little wonders. Go. Go hungry. Go with two people. Go with a crowd...but...Just Go!

I've been to Centro Vasco many times now...the majority of the visits have been delicious and the lobsters are always big and cooked well. On occasion, however, I have gotten a "mushy" lobster, and I'm still not sure if that's the way it's cooked or the quality of the lobster itself. All in all, good lobsters, big salad for the table, delicious sangria in an authentic feeling Spanish taverna. We did order the shrimp in garlic sauce and found it really unappealing...if you're used to the regular shrimp in garlic sauce in a more oil/garlic base, this dish is not for you. It came in a creamy yellow sauce that tasted as bad as it looked! If you have a yen for lobster, though, this is the place!

If you are fortunate enough to eat at Francisco's Centro Vasco, you MUST order their whole lobster. It is prepared by cutting the entire lobster in half and seasoning it with the most delicious bread crumbs and seasoning with butter. It's very hard to describe how mouth watering delicious this lobster is. Unless they've changed their menu, you won't even find the whole lobster on the menu, so ask. Get a 3 or 4 pound lobster and you will be in heaven. Oh yeah, the other stuff on their menu is probably great also - but I have never ordered anything but the whole lobster because it is just that good. Unfortunately I don't get into NYC as often as I'd like to, but whenever I make it back there again I definitely hope I can eat at Francisco's Centro Vasco. Besides, my Aunt Bindy, a long time NYC resident recommends it over anywhere else in NYC. You can't beat that recommendation anywhere!