Best Spanish Restaurants in North Center

13 restaurants available nearby

1. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

4.8

Exceptional(9258)

Price: Moderate

• Spanish • Lincoln Park

Booked 127 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, Café Ba-Ba-Reeba shines as a beacon of Spanish culinary excellence. Celebrating decades of service, this gem offers an authentic taste of Spain with its delightful tapas and famously delicious paella. Patrons consistently praise the atmosphere and dishes, with one guest exclaiming, "Best tapas in town!" and another affirming, "Absolutely delicious seafood paella! Definitely worth the visit!" The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident, ensuring that "the food never ever disappoints." From the flavorful sangria to the engaging flamenco shows, Café Ba-Ba-Reeba promises a truly Spanish experience, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.

2. Asador Bastian

4.7

Exceptional(171)

Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • River North (Chicago)

Booked 13 times today

At Asador Bastian in River North, Chicago, steak enthusiasts are treated to an unparalleled dining experience that reflects the rich Basque culinary traditions. Chef Doug Psaltis brings the essence of San Sebastián's famed asadors, focusing on the "world’s best boutique beef" without compromise. This historic Chicago chophouse, housed in the iconic "Flair House," serves dishes that have captured the hearts of diners, with one patron exclaiming it's the "best steak we’ve ever had. Hands down." The restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity shines through its meticulous ingredient sourcing and a menu that offers not just exceptional steaks but also Basque-influenced delicacies. The ambiance, combined with knowledgeable and hospitable service, makes Asador Bastian a must-visit destination for both steak aficionados and those looking to indulge in a unique, high-end culinary experience.

A photo of Little Madrid Tapas Cafe restaurant

3. Little Madrid Tapas Cafe

4.5

Awesome(237)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Andersonville

Booked 5 times today

Nestled in Chicago’s charming Andersonville neighborhood, Little Madrid Tapas Café stands out as a beacon of authentic European cuisine, specifically offering an exquisite Spanish dining experience. Since its opening in January 2020, it has captivated locals and visitors alike with its vibrant and cozy ambiance reminiscent of Old Madrid. Patrons rave about the "over-the-top good" food and the tapas that are "executed perfectly," highlighting dishes like the succulent octopus and the flavorful paella. The café’s commitment to authenticity is so profound that even visitors from Spain find the quality on par with, if not better than, local eateries in Madrid. With glowing reviews praising its "wonderful, flavorful food" and "very friendly, helpful, and fun" service, Little Madrid is a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of Spain in the heart of Chicago.

4. Mama Delia

4.0

Excellent(18)

Price: Moderate

• Spanish • Bucktown / Wicker Park

Booked 4 times today

Nestled in Chicago's vibrant Ukrainian Village, Mama Delia offers an unparalleled experience of modern, traditional Spanish cuisine. Celebrated for its authenticity and innovation, the restaurant under Chef Marcos Campos, brings the heart of Spain to Chicago with its meticulously curated dishes. As one delighted diner shared, "Absolutely perfect! Ordered half the menu to share tapas and it was just an explosion of flavor! Definitely recommend!" The restaurant's commitment to authenticity is highlighted by its frequent sourcing trips to Spain, ensuring that every ingredient speaks of its Spanish roots. From the Basque cheesecake that has been described as "life-changing" to the diverse sherry selections, every aspect of Mama Delia celebrates the rich, culinary traditions of Spain. Whether you're there for a romantic evening or a festive gathering with friends, Mama Delia promises a memorable dining experience that keeps patrons returning for more.

A photo of Boqueria - Chicago restaurant

5. Boqueria - Chicago

4.5

Awesome(312)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • West Loop

Booked 14 times today

Boqueria in Chicago's vibrant West Loop offers an authentic slice of Spain with its dynamic array of traditional tapas and a pulsating Barcelona-style ambiance. Guests rave about the "fabulous tapas" and the "excellent Sangria," capturing the true spirit and flavor of Spanish dining. The restaurant's dedication to authenticity shines through dishes like the "delicious" paella and "mouthwatering" brunch feast, making every meal a celebration of Spanish culinary excellence. Reviewers consistently laud Boqueria for its "great food and service," with special mentions of the "crispy potatoes" and "amazing bottomless mimosa deal," which add to the lively, enjoyable experience. Whether it's for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Boqueria's contemporary space and lively patio provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience, echoing the vibrant streets of Barcelona right in the heart of Chicago.

6. Bar Mar

4.6

Exceptional(927)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • River North (Chicago)

Booked 79 times today

At Bar Mar, located in the vibrant River North neighborhood of Chicago, Chef José Andrés elevates the tapas dining experience with creations that are as inventive as they are delectable. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of the small plates, with dishes like the "Pulpa alla Gallega" and the lobster croquetas receiving high praise for their perfect preparation and outstanding flavors. Reviews consistently highlight the restaurant's ability to blend traditional Spanish tapas with unique twists, ensuring every bite is a delight. "Every dish we tried was the best," one reviewer exclaimed, celebrating the variety and the high culinary standards set by the renowned chef. Whether you're enjoying a lively group dinner or a more intimate dining experience, Bar Mar's tapas are a must-try in Chicago.

7. Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba!

4.8

Exceptional(377)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • River North (Chicago)

Booked 39 times today

Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba! in River North, Chicago, truly captures the essence of Spanish cuisine with its delightful array of authentic small plates and vibrant sangrias. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality, with dishes like the "delicious and perfectly cooked" Beef Tenderloin Toro Skewer and the classic Patatas Bravas receiving high praise. A diner highlighted, "So many dishes whooshed me right back to Spain! Exactly what I needed :)", emphasizing the genuine Spanish experience. The restaurant's atmosphere and service match the excellence of its menu, making every visit memorable. Whether it's the bustling vibe, the attentive staff, or the "best sangrias" that draw you in, Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba! ensures a Spanish dining experience that is both authentic and enchanting.

A photo of Bazaar Meat Chicago restaurant

8. Bazaar Meat Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(471)

Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • River North (Chicago)

Booked 20 times today

Bazaar Meat Chicago redefines the Steakhouse experience, blending traditional and avant-garde Spanish influences under the glow of crimson chandeliers. Praised as "the best steak restaurant in Chicago," Bazaar Meat offers a dynamic tasting menu featuring the prized vaca vieja, or ribeye aged to perfection. Guests consistently celebrate the "exceptional" food and service, highlighting dishes like the Washugyu ribeye that "melted in our mouths" and the innovative jamón preparations. Located in Chicago’s vibrant River North neighborhood, Bazaar Meat provides a "one-of-a-kind meal" in a "bold, playful atmosphere," making every visit uniquely memorable. Whether for a special celebration or a delightful night out, Bazaar Meat promises an unparalleled dining adventure.

9. Rustico

4.7

Exceptional(1000)

Price: Moderate

• Spanish • Oak Park

Booked 15 times today

Rustico in Oak Park, Illinois, stands out as a beacon of authentic Italian cuisine, offering a menu that speaks directly to the heart of Italy. Diners rave about the "consistently delicious" dishes, with favorites like the spicy shrimp linguine and the gnocchi earning high praise for their genuine flavors. A guest highlighted the "bistec rústico," a ribeye in a truffle demi glaze as a must-try, encapsulating the restaurant's commitment to Italian excellence. The warm, inviting atmosphere coupled with "outstanding service" ensures every meal is a delightful experience. Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, Rustico promises an Italian culinary journey that's both authentic and unforgettable.

10. Jaleo - Chicago

4.5

Awesome(1026)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • River North (Chicago)

Booked 9 times today

Jaleo in Chicago's River North is a beacon for wine enthusiasts, offering a truly authentic Spanish Wine Bar experience. As praised by patrons, the wine pairing with the tasting menu is "phenomenal," highlighting the careful selection that complements the vibrant Spanish dishes perfectly. Jaleo's wine list is thoughtfully curated, featuring a remarkable range of Spanish wines and sherries that are rare finds in the city. As one diner noted, the white wines are "completely delicious," and the knowledgeable staff, including the commendable bartenders, enhance the experience by guiding guests through the diverse selections. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or new to Spanish varietals, Jaleo’s Wine Bar offers an unparalleled journey through Spain's rich viticultural heritage.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Claire
Kansas City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Fantastic as ever in every way. Delicious gluten free and vegetarian options and they ask if you need “no contact” with anything with gluten in preparing the gluten free food. I’ve loved this place for decades and it is still popping!
More info
Café Ba-Ba-ReebaPrice: Moderate• Tapas / Small Plates• Lincoln Park
•
4.8
J
Jessie
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The food is great, we were at an awkward time where our server took our order then clocked out. The next server never really took care of us our food was cold but it was not very busy. Never checked on us. The busboys were more attentive.
More info
Mama DeliaPrice: Moderate• Spanish• Bucktown / Wicker Park
•
4
E
Erika
Nebraska •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Everything about Little Madrid Tapas Cafe was perfect. Having spent many years in Spain, this place is the real deal. They have a fabulous selection of wine and a wide array of traditional tapas and pintxos from anchovies and croquetas to morcilla and queso de cabra. The service was perhaps my favorite part. Our waiter went above and beyond for us and our requests and was very attentive to our needs and experience while also giving us plenty of space to catch up without too many interruptions. This is a gem of a cafe that can serve as both a great date night spot or a place for a casual happy hour with friends or colleagues.
More info
Little Madrid Tapas CafePrice: Expensive• Tapas / Small Plates• Andersonville
•
4.5
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 18 Nov 2024
What a gem! Asador Bastian totally knocked it out of the park. Our server, Yousef ( potentially spelling his name wrong), was fantastic - super friendly and really knew his stuff. His recommendations were perfect for our dinner. We started with their Tortilla Española, which was a great way to kick things off - light but packed with flavor. The arroz cremoso that came next was incredible - the flavors were spot on. But the real showstopper was the Akaushi beef, cooked exactly how we wanted it, paired with these amazing bone marrow potato purée that I'm still thinking about. We wrapped up with a delicious cheesecake that hit all the right notes. The whole experience, from walking in to walking out, was just perfect. Can't wait to come back and try more dishes! If you're thinking about going - just do it. You won't regret it!
More info
Asador BastianPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7
D
david
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined on 1 Nov 2024
Everyone was great!! From the host to waitress, manager! Amazing experience. They really made it special
More info
Boqueria - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Tapas / Small Plates• West Loop
•
4.5

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Best Spanish Restaurants in North Center

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13 restaurants available nearby

1. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

2. Asador Bastian

3. Little Madrid Tapas Cafe

4. Mama Delia

5. Boqueria - Chicago

6. Bar Mar

7. Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba!

8. Bazaar Meat Chicago

9. Rustico

10. Jaleo - Chicago

See what locals rave about

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