Best Spanish Restaurants in Washington

15 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Bazaar by José Andrés - DC restaurant

1. The Bazaar by José Andrés - DC

4.7

Exceptional(943)

Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • Penn Quarter

Booked 103 times today

At The Bazaar by José Andrés in the Penn Quarter of Washington DC, the tapas and small plates are not just meals; they're culinary adventures. Housed in the historic and luxurious Waldorf Astoria, this restaurant offers an unparalleled dining experience. Guests rave about the "outstanding" and "inventive" dishes, where each bite is a burst of creativity and flavor. The tapas, including favorites like the Philly cheesesteak and dragonfruit ceviche, receive high praise for their "exceptional presentation and service." With its vibrant ambiance and Chef José Andrés’ genius at the helm, The Bazaar provides a tapas experience that is both "memorable" and "absolutely excellent," making it a must-visit destination for food lovers and casual diners alike.

2. Jaleo - DC

4.7

Exceptional(10914)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Penn Quarter

Booked 146 times today

Jaleo in DC's vibrant Penn Quarter is a celebration of Spanish cuisine, offering an authentic tapas experience reminiscent of a lively Madrid tapas bar. Under the guidance of the esteemed Chef José Andrés, Jaleo boasts a menu that brilliantly captures the essence of Spanish flavors through both classical and contemporary dishes. Patrons rave about the "perfectly aged Manchego cheese" and "impeccably crisp croquetas," highlighting the meticulous care in each dish's preparation. The tapas are described as "a festive celebration of Spanish culture," with offerings so delightful that even a native of Spain praised their authenticity. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned tapas enthusiast, Jaleo promises a culinary journey through Spain that's both genuine and innovative, making every dining experience memorable.

A photo of Taberna del Alabardero restaurant

3. Taberna del Alabardero

4.7

Exceptional(3836)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Downtown

Booked 33 times today

Nestled steps away from The White House, Taberna del Alabardero offers an exquisite slice of Spain in Downtown Washington, D.C. Celebrating its 30th anniversary with a 2019 Honorary RAMMY award, this restaurant is lauded as a beacon of Spanish authenticity. Patrons rave about its "terrific dining experience" and "excellent food" that transport them straight to Spain. From the "wonderful seafood paella" to the "amazing grilled octopus," each dish crafted by Spanish Chef Oscar Ordonez is a testament to traditional Spanish flavors. The ambiance is equally praised, with live flamenco music and dancing enhancing the vibrant, royal Spanish atmosphere. Whether it's for the classic tapas or the luscious paellas, Taberna del Alabardero is a must-visit for an authentic Spanish culinary journey.

A photo of Boqueria - Penn Quarter restaurant

4. Boqueria - Penn Quarter

4.6

Exceptional(538)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Penn Quarter

Booked 17 times today

Boqueria - Penn Quarter in Washington is a vibrant hub for authentic Spanish tapas that brings a slice of Barcelona right to the heart of DC. Guests rave about the "terrific food" and "stellar service," making it a standout for tapas enthusiasts. The restaurant offers an array of meticulously crafted small plates, such as the celebrated "patatas bravas" and "croquetas de jamón," which are consistently highlighted as favorites. The atmosphere is described as "elegant" and perfectly suited for everything from lively gatherings to intimate date nights. Reviewers frequently mention the "authentic Spanish cuisine with a modern twist" and praise the knowledgeable staff for enhancing their dining experience. Whether it's the "delicious sangria" or the "amazing paella," Boqueria - Penn Quarter ensures a memorable culinary journey with every visit.

5. Boqueria - Dupont

4.6

Exceptional(2302)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Dupont Circle

Booked 18 times today

Nestled just blocks from Dupont Circle, Boqueria - Dupont offers an authentic slice of Barcelona right in the heart of Washington. This vibrant tapas bar delights with its "energetic yet intimate" ambiance, perfect for enjoying Spanish culinary traditions. From the "delicious and relaxing" lunches to the "super cute brunch spots," Boqueria consistently impresses with its array of Spanish favorites like patatas bravas, gambas, and a seafood paella that's a "blend of flavors and perfect size." Guests rave about the "fabulous food and setting," with special mentions of the "fantastic sangria" and the "amazing service" that make every visit memorable. Whether it’s the bustling patio or the contemporary indoor space, Boqueria - Dupont is a celebrated destination for those seeking a genuine taste of Spain in DC.

6. Cranes

4.8

Exceptional(300)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Penn Quarter

Booked 3 times today

At Cranes in Penn Quarter, Washington, DC, Chef Pepe Moncayo crafts a sublime fusion of Spanish and Japanese cuisines, celebrated with a Michelin star for its excellence. Diners rave about the "imaginative fusion" and the meticulously crafted Spanish Kaiseki that highlights the harmonious blend of these two culinary traditions. The restaurant's ambiance, described as "sleek, modern, yet approachable," complements the innovative dishes, such as the praised Octopus and Unagi Paella. Testimonials like "every single detail was on point" and "the flavors were all incredible" echo through reviews, underscoring Cranes' commitment to quality and creativity. This spot is a must-visit for an "amazing dining experience" that brilliantly encapsulates the essence of high-quality Spanish fare with a unique twist.

A photo of Bodega Spanish Tapas & Lounge restaurant

7. Bodega Spanish Tapas & Lounge

4.5

Awesome(1608)

Price: Moderate

• Spanish • Georgetown

Booked 12 times today

Bodega Spanish Tapas & Lounge, nestled in the vibrant heart of Georgetown, Washington, DC, is a gem for aficionados of authentic Spanish tapas. This restaurant delights with its dramatic, culturally rich decor and an ambiance that transports you straight to the Costa del Sol. Guests rave about the diverse selection of tapas, highlighting favorites like the lamb chops, salmon, and arroz with mushrooms as "all excellent." The commitment to authenticity shines through dishes such as the "best paella in DC" and the warmly recommended gambas al ajillo. Perfect for any occasion, from romantic dinners to lively gatherings, Bodega offers a slice of Spain with "impeccable service" in a charming setting. Whether it’s the vibrant Matador Lounge or the serene fountain patio, Bodega promises an unforgettable dining experience that keeps patrons returning. "Highly recommend!" as many have exclaimed, making it a must-visit for tapas lovers in the city.

A photo of Xiquet by Danny Lledó restaurant

8. Xiquet by Danny Lledó

4.4

Awesome(42)

Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • Georgetown

Booked 1 time today

Xiquet by Danny Lledó in Georgetown, Washington DC, is a beacon of Modern European cuisine, particularly celebrated for its modern Spanish flavors. Awarded a Michelin Star since 2021 and recognized as AAA's only Five Diamond restaurant in the city, Xiquet excels in delivering an exceptional dining experience. Patrons rave about the "exquisite" food and the "impeccable" service, highlighting dishes like the "chef's kiss" squab and the uniquely sourced prawn of Denia. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident, as one diner noted, "The presentation and story behind each dish is very creative," making Xiquet a must-visit for an unforgettable culinary journey through Europe’s finest flavors right in the heart of DC.

9. Cordelia Fishbar

4.8

Exceptional(12)

Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • Washington

Booked 26 times today

Cordelia, a name whose origin in some Celtic cultures means “daughter or heart of the sea”, draws on regional culinary influences from Spain, Portugal, Asia, and the Americas – focusing on areas that use high heat charcoal to coax the best out of fish, alongside a diverse offering of conserva, crudo and cured seafood. Opening Wednesday, November 20, 2024.Chef Rene CaceresGeneral Manager Sonya Znati

10. SER

4.7

Exceptional(2305)

Price: Moderate

• Spanish • Arlington

Booked 23 times today

SER in Arlington is a prime destination for those seeking an authentic Tapas and Small Plates experience. This restaurant is not only a feast for the palate but also a cultural journey across Spain. Patrons rave about the quality and creativity of the dishes; one diner exclaimed, “The paella is better here than any place I’ve tried in Spain,” highlighting the authenticity and skill in every dish. Whether it's the praised seafood paella or the tapas, each plate is crafted with care, promising a delightful bite every time. The ambiance, coupled with "great service and wonderful food" as noted by another guest, makes SER a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in top-notch Spanish cuisine right in the heart of Arlington.

‘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

Z
Ziya
Washington, D.C. Area •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great food. Friendly staff. Will go back again.
More info
Boqueria - Penn QuarterPrice: Expensive• Tapas / Small Plates• Penn Quarter
•
4.6
G
Gwenvip
Los Angeles •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Absolutely Best meal we’ve ever had, every course was a flavor explosion that we could not believe tasted better than it looked although it looked perfect, hard to explain. Thank you, Jose Andres, for dreaming of these amazing meals for us to enjoy. , the cones, the carpaccio, the pears, the duck… The steak… The vegetables… Were amazing and……best yet…The servers were plentiful and so knowledgeable and they were having fun serving us and describing the items being served.
More info
The Bazaar by José Andrés - DCPrice: Very Expensive• Spanish• Penn Quarter
•
4.7
C
Carlos
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The food here is absolutely amazing. We had to wait a while to be seated, but we were served a appetizer that was on the house. The service that we were given here was also amazing. They checked in on us until we got the table, and they were very kind. It wasn’t too loud, it was like any regular noise level in a restaurant. Overall, it was amazing there. 100% recommend.
More info
Jaleo - DCPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Penn Quarter
•
4.7
E
Elizabeth
San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
We booked a table for two for date night the Tuesday before thanksgiving. I was surprised by how empty the place was. This is an authentic Spanish restaurant. We ordered tapas though they do have main courses and paella. Everything we had was delicious. I was in Spain not long ago and this put me right back. Service was spectacular. They have a lovely private dining space for a large party. Coat check took. 10/10. I highly recommend.
More info
Taberna del AlabarderoPrice: Expensive• Traditional Spanish• Downtown
•
4.7
K
Keithvip
Columbus •26 reviews
5.0
Dined on 15 Nov 2024
We like exploring tapas restaurants since we don’t have one near us at home. My only concern was not seeing any listing under the “chef’s selection “ pre fixe menu. We still ordered it and enjoyed most of it, but we didn’t know everything we were served and had no idea what was coming next.
More info
Boqueria - DupontPrice: Expensive• Tapas / Small Plates• Dupont Circle
•
4.6

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15 restaurants available nearby

1. The Bazaar by José Andrés - DC

2. Jaleo - DC

3. Taberna del Alabardero

4. Boqueria - Penn Quarter

5. Boqueria - Dupont

6. Cranes

7. Bodega Spanish Tapas & Lounge

8. Xiquet by Danny Lledó

9. Cordelia Fishbar

10. SER

See what locals rave about

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