Forget siestas, America is wide awake and craving Spanish cuisine! From sizzling paella to tantalizing tapas, we’ve scoured the country to bring you a list of restaurants so good, they’ll make you question your loyalty to hot dogs and burgers.
Prepare your tastebuds for a fiesta – Olé! to America’s most mouth-watering Spanish restaurants!
1. Jaleo: José Andrés’ Tapas Wonderland
Celebrity chef José Andrés brings Madrid street energy to Washington D.C. with vibrant small plates that pack massive flavor. The patatas bravas arrive crispy-edged with smoky paprika aioli that’ll make you swoon.
Red-tiled floors and hanging hams create an atmosphere that’s both festive and authentic. Locals know to order the legendary sangria pitchers!
2. Cúrate: Asheville’s Spanish Treasure
Tucked away in Asheville’s bustling downtown, Cúrate transforms Appalachian evenings into Barcelona nights. Chef Katie Button, who trained under Ferran Adrià, crafts impossibly delicate seafood conservas and melt-in-your-mouth jamón ibérico.
The former 1927 bus depot now buzzes with energy around the open kitchen bar.
3. Toro: Boston’s Sizzling Tapas Heaven
Grilled corn slathered with aioli, lime, and aged cheese flies out of Toro’s kitchen faster than they can make it. This South End hotspot channels Barcelona’s rowdy energy with communal tables and sherry flowing freely.
Chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette nail authentic flavors while adding creative New England twists to traditional Spanish classics.
4. Barcelona Wine Bar: Nationwide Spanish Sensation
Wine flows as freely as conversation at this growing chain that somehow maintains its neighborhood charm. Rustic wooden tables fill with friends sharing garlicky gambas al ajillo and crusty pan con tomate.
The genius lies in their wine program – each location features different Spanish regions, introducing Americans to obscure grape varieties they can’t pronounce but quickly learn to love.
5. La Vara: Brooklyn’s Sephardic-Inspired Gem
Husband-wife team Alex Raij and Eder Montero explore Spain’s Jewish and Moorish influences at this Cobble Hill jewel. Forgotten flavors come alive through dishes like crispy fried artichokes with anchovy aioli and cumin-scented lamb meatballs.
The narrow, intimate space feels like discovering a secret culinary history lesson no textbook could deliver.
6. Telefèric Barcelona: California’s Catalan Outpost
Paella pans larger than car tires emerge from Telefèric’s kitchen, loaded with saffron-scented rice and seafood treasures. Family recipes transported directly from Barcelona give California diners the real deal.
Weekend brunches turn rowdy with unlimited sangria and patatas bravas, while evenings feature tableside jamón carving that’s practically performance art.
7. Bulla Gastrobar: Florida’s Spanish Party Central
Miami’s sweltering heat meets its match in Bulla’s refreshing gazpacho and ice-cold vermouth cocktails. The name means “noise” in Spanish – fitting for this perpetually packed hotspot where patrons toast with cava until midnight.
Their huevos Bulla – a decadent mess of eggs, potato foam, truffle oil and crispy potato – has developed its own Instagram fan club.
8. The Iberian Pig: Atlanta’s Modern Spanish Marvel
Southern hospitality meets Spanish flair at this Decatur institution. Pork-centric plates celebrate Spain’s legendary black-footed pigs with creative interpretations like bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with Manchego.
Georgia peaches make surprise appearances in seasonal sangria, while the whiskey-focused bar program adds distinctly American touches to this Spanish-Southern fusion powerhouse.
9. Casa Mono: NYC’s Michelin-Starred Spanish Jewel
Mario Batali and Andy Nusser’s tiny Gramercy Park gem packs more flavor into its postage-stamp sized kitchen than restaurants triple its size. The open kitchen bar seats let you watch chefs expertly sear foie gras with pear and sherry vinegar.
Scoring a reservation requires planning weeks ahead, but spontaneous diners can sometimes snag counter seats midweek.
10. Canela Bistro: San Francisco’s Spanish Soul
Fog-draped San Francisco evenings feel distinctly Mediterranean at this Castro district hideaway. Husband-chef duo Mat Schuster and Francisco Cifuentes pour their hearts into regional specialties like fideua – paella’s noodle-based cousin.
Their monthly Spanish wine dinners pair limited-production bottles with hyper-seasonal Northern California ingredients for a Spain-meets-SF experience you won’t find anywhere else.
11. Tapeo Restaurant And Tapas Bar – Chicago, IL
Tapeo is a charming, authentic Spanish eatery tucked away in Chicago’s North Side. Known for its traditional tapas like patatas bravas, chorizo al vino, and classic sangria, it offers a laid-back, romantic vibe.
The staff is welcoming, and the portions are perfect for sharing. It’s a neighborhood favorite that delivers true Spanish comfort.
12. Tinto – Philadelphia, PA
Created by Iron Chef Jose Garces, Tinto is inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Spain’s Basque region. The menu features inventive tapas, pintxos, and an impressive selection of Spanish wines.
With its rustic-chic decor and warm lighting, the atmosphere is both intimate and modern. It’s a standout in Philly’s competitive dining scene.
13. El Mesón – Houston, TX
Family-owned for over 40 years, El Mesón blends Spanish and Cuban flavors in an elegant yet welcoming setting. Their Spanish tapas and wine program are highlights, especially the jamón ibérico and gambas al ajillo.
Guests rave about the warm hospitality and romantic ambiance. It’s a hidden gem in Houston’s dining scene for lovers of Iberian cuisine.
14. Socarrat Paella Bar – New York City
Named after the crispy layer at the bottom of perfect paella, Socarrat lives up to its name. This cozy tapas bar offers a wide variety of paellas, traditional tapas, and a vibrant wine list. It’s a go-to spot in NYC for communal dining and bold Spanish flavors.
With locations in Nolita, Chelsea, and Midtown East, it brings a slice of Spain to the city.
15. Columbia Restaurant – Tampa, FL
Founded in 1905, Columbia is the oldest Spanish restaurant in the U.S. and a Florida institution. Known for its ornate, historic interior and tableside flamenco shows, it serves authentic Spanish and Cuban cuisine. Signature dishes include paella a la Valenciana, ropa vieja, and their famous 1905 Salad.
It’s not just a meal—it’s a cultural experience steeped in tradition.