Washington DC - Awash With Spanish Flavor!

Washington DC is awash with Spanish flavor, boasting a long list of tapas bars, restaurants and diners that have earned their fame around the country. This is the DC Gastroguide!

Aside from being a top destination city, Washington DC also boasts a surprisingly long list of Spanish restaurants, tapas bars and diners that have gained fame across the country. This is due in part to the influence of Spanish chef megastar, José Andres. So, without further ado, let’s eat, DC!

Boqueria Restaurant

Boqueria Restaurant is, by now, a household name on the East Coast. In DC, check out two of their quality franchises that are revered by Spanish foodies. Over in the Penn Quarter or Dupont neighborhoods, a fixed lunch menu from either covers your tapas base. Oh, and don’t forget the sangria.

Must-try: The Boqueria Experience Menu

Estadio DC

Northern Spanish cuisine - plus a jaw-dropping wine selection - is what’s on offer at Chef Dimas Mendoza’s Estadio DC. It offers a warm, rustic vibe and the best of the Basque country-to-Barcelona in sharing plates with a twist. This is a great choice for brunch or dinner with friends.

Must-try: Bacalao crudo

Spanish Diner by José Andrés

Following its overnight success at Little Spain NYC, it was only natural that another Spanish Diner should spring up in DC, offering more of the best of Spain’s comfort food by the Iberian dream team. Eggs are definitely part of the signature style here, along with street food favorites.

Must-try: Huevos fritos con pisto manchego

Jaleo by José Andrés

As the name would suggest, this is what all the fuss is about when it comes to the Spanish cuisine of José Andrés. Established in 1993, Jaleo has been shaping food trends - and even the neighborhood - over in Penn Quarter. Could this be the Spanish meal of your life? Maybe in DC!

Must-try: Paella Valenciana and the Ibérico de bellota mini hamburguesas

Taberna del Alabardero

With an ambiance fit for royalty - indeed, the original Taberna del Alabardero faces the palace in Madrid - this is a homage to authentic old-world Spain. In the kitchen, Chef Carlos Gómez Segovia impresses with inspired flavor combinations, as well as traditional platillos.

Must-try: Ajoblanco malagueño and the fideuà negra

Del Mar by Fabio Trabocchi

What could be more fitting than Spanish seafood on the Wharf waterfront? With stunning views inside and out - Condé Nast named it one of the top restaurants in Washington DC - you know you’re in for a treat at Del Mar. There’s more to the menu than your average tapas fare - the dishes are innovative (cherry gazpacho, anyone?) and cocktails are colorful creations.

Must-try: Ibiza Seafood Tower