In search of a new favorite Spanish spot?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Spanish spots around Washington, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to meet your needs.
1. Barcelona Wine Bar
Topping the list is Barcelona Wine Bar. Located at 1622 14th St. NW in Logan Circle, it is the most popular Spanish restaurant in Washington, boasting four stars out of 1,353 reviews on Yelp.
The mostly-East Coast chain serves charcuterie, cheese and tapas in a high-ceilinged rustic-industrial setting. Select from many wines by the glass. In the warmer months, diners enjoy the large outdoor patio.
2. Estadio
Next up is Logan Circle's Estadio, situated at 1520 14th St. NW (between North Q and North P streets).
It has separate brunch, lunch and dinner menus featuring Spanish classics from tortilla española to tapas to a grilled octopus entree. Bartenders at the centrally-placed rectangular bar mix classic and signature cocktails. Among the desserts is a pistachio bread pudding with cocoa glaze and pistachio gelato.
With four stars out of 1,054 reviews on Yelp, it has proven to be a local favorite.
"I have yet to have a bad meal here and I've been coming here for years," said Yelper Alicia G.
3. Boqueria Restaurant - Washington D.C.
Dupont Circle's Boqueria Restaurant - Washington D.C., located at 1837 M St. NW (between North 19th and North 18th streets), is another top choice, with Yelpers giving it four stars out of 1,032 reviews.
This is one of two D.C. locations for the New York-based mini-chain. (The other is in Penn Quarter.) Inspired by the small restaurants surrounding Barcelona's famed El Mercado de la Boqueria, chefs in the open kitchen prepare classic Spanish tapas and small plates using seasonal ingredients.
4. Del Mar
Del Mar is another go-to, with four stars out of 296 Yelp reviews. A new addition to the Wharf development, it's part of Fabio Trabocchi's D.C. restaurant empire. (Fiola DC, Fiola Mare, Sfoglina.)
The opulent dining room boasts a mix of booths, tables and a huge bar. The seafood-heavy menu includes tapas, a raw bar, charcoal grilled fish, seafood stews and a variety of rice dishes, including paella. Head over to 791 Wharf St. SW to see for yourself.
5. Arroz
Finally, over in Mount Vernon Square, check out Arroz, which has earned four stars out of 252 reviews on Yelp.
On the menu, you'll find dishes from the intersection of Southern Spain and Morocco, like spiced lamb and beef meatballs, garlic shrimp and burnt eggplant with za’atar and pine nuts on flatbread. You can find it at 901 Massachusetts Ave. NW.
