Best Spanish Restaurants in McLean

14 restaurants available nearby

1. SER

4.7

Exceptional(2318)

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.

A photo of The Bazaar by José Andrés - DC restaurant

2. The Bazaar by José Andrés - DC

4.7

Exceptional(1018)

Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • Penn Quarter

Booked 119 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.

3. Jaleo - DC

4.7

Exceptional(10970)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Penn Quarter

Booked 149 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 Spanish Diner - Bethesda restaurant

4. Spanish Diner - Bethesda

4.2

Awesome(3883)

Price: Moderate

• Spanish • Bethesda

Booked 25 times today

At Spanish Diner in Bethesda, the essence of Southern Spain is brought to life through the authentic, home-style dishes crafted by the acclaimed chef José Andrés. Patrons rave about the "real homemade Spanish food," with highlights like the "best flan ever" and "delicious" huevos rotos. This culinary gem stands out for serving "simple plates, just real, tasty, and incredible," that evoke the warmth of a Spanish home kitchen. With an atmosphere that makes you feel "like we were back in our trip to Spain," and attentive staff praised by customers, Spanish Diner offers a genuine slice of Southern Spain right in the heart of Bethesda.

A photo of Xiquet by Danny Lledó restaurant

5. Xiquet by Danny Lledó

4.6

Exceptional(45)

Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • Georgetown

Booked 8 times 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.

A photo of Taberna del Alabardero restaurant

6. Taberna del Alabardero

4.7

Exceptional(3862)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Downtown

Booked 31 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 Bodega Spanish Tapas & Lounge restaurant

7. Bodega Spanish Tapas & Lounge

4.6

Exceptional(1614)

Price: Moderate

• Spanish • Georgetown

Booked 40 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.

8. Cordelia Fishbar

4.8

Exceptional(39)

Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • Washington

Booked 39 times today

Just opened in Union Market! 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. Happy Hour Monday thru Friday from 4-6 pm and late-night.Chef Rene CaceresGeneral Manager Sonya Znati

9. Cubanos

4.7

Exceptional(21)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Bethesda

Booked 7 times today

Welcome to Cubanos, a gem in Bethesda renowned for its exceptional Venezuelan cuisine, where every dish tells a story of tradition and passion. Awarded the Best of DC 2022, Cubanos is a culinary retreat that mirrors the vibrant streets of Havana. Guests rave about the authenticity and quality, with one patron noting, "The best Cuban food I’ve had in a while." The restaurant's atmosphere is described as having a "great vibe" and being "very homey," making it a perfect spot for any occasion. From the savory Picadera Cubana to the celebrated mojitos, Cubanos promises a genuine taste of Venezuela, right in the heart of Bethesda.

10. Boqueria - Dupont

4.6

Exceptional(2305)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Dupont Circle

Booked 17 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.

‘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

M
Michelle
Philadelphia County •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We got the Jaleo experience tasting menu. It was excellent, and more food than we were expecting. Definitely worth the price! It was somewhat loud and we had trouble hearing the wait staff at times, but otherwise we would definitely do this again!
More info
Jaleo - DCPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Penn Quarter
•
4.7
C
Cristie
Baltimore / Maryland •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Ser is so comfortable and inviting. The sangria is the best I have ever had. The appetizers are excellent. We had squid calamari. Bread was excellent as well. We had paella for two and it was flavored spectacularly. We had Flan and Churros for dessert. Both were excellent. The service (our server was Walter) was top notch. Highly recommend this restaurant.
More info
SERPrice: Moderate• Traditional Spanish• Arlington
•
4.7
J
Jonathan
Phoenix / Arizona •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Amazing experience! Made a reservation for Christmas Eve before going to the Blues Alley for a show! Great service, great food! Will be returning!
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Bodega Spanish Tapas & LoungePrice: Moderate• Spanish• Georgetown
•
4.6
A
AntonetteVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •18 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
This is definitely a special occasion restaurant, and I really wanted to impress my favorite niece after our Christmas concert - TSO! Kitty was awesome!! He's been there for a few years he knew just how much to bother us, and how to help us navigate the menu. We did the classic tasting menu and it didn't disappoint! Everything about our visit set our Christmas off to a great start! And the host, Alexis, was amazing!!!
More info
The Bazaar by José Andrés - DCPrice: Very Expensive• Spanish• Penn Quarter
•
4.7
D
David
Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 21 Dec 2024
The Clementine salad we shared as an entree was refreshing and tasty. We both had the chicken stew “pollo guisado con arroz” from the “abuelo” (Jose’s grandparents recipes) and enjoyed it immensely the service was prompt.
More info
Spanish Diner - BethesdaPrice: Moderate• Spanish• Bethesda
•
4.2

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Best Spanish Restaurants in McLean

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14 restaurants available nearby

1. SER

2. The Bazaar by José Andrés - DC

3. Jaleo - DC

4. Spanish Diner - Bethesda

5. Xiquet by Danny Lledó

6. Taberna del Alabardero

7. Bodega Spanish Tapas & Lounge

8. Cordelia Fishbar

9. Cubanos

10. Boqueria - Dupont

See what locals rave about

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