Andersonville diners can be difficult to win over, but first-time restaurant owner (and native Spaniard) Francisco Bolanos has steadily accumulated a following in the area. Cozy and casual, this storefront spot puts out hits like patatas bravas, huevos rotos (manchego, jamón serrano or Spanish chorizo), and marisco paella (mussels, clams, calamari, shrimp, green peas).

Longtime local favorite Bulerias, named for a fast flamenco rhythm, remains a destination for Spanish dishes like chuletitas de cordero, pulpo a la plancha, and paella negra. It all pairs perfectly with a pitcher of sangria or bottle of cava.

Inspired by the coastal regions of the Catalonian and Basque countries of Spain, this tiny subterranean restaurant focuses on simply-prepared food, easy-drinking beverages, and a relaxed, intimate ambiance that draws neighborhood denizens and visitors alike. Don’t miss favorites like suzuki crudo (guacamole, squid ink tostada, honey-citrus sambal), Clams ‘n Ham (Manila clams, smoked pork, pastis, tomato, ciabatta), and the Trinidad Sour cocktail (angostura, rye, lemon). The restaurant is currently closed but hopes to reopen in mid-August.

Mama Delia is one of two restaurants on this list from Bonhomme Hospitality (the other being Porto). In 2020, the company remodeled this space, which was formerly known as Black Bull, and added a gourmet market and larger outdoor patio to help adapt to the pandemic. They’ve upped the sherry selection and added more conservas mixed in with seasonal plates like a lobster gazpacho and a chorizo and oyster shooter with truffle egg yolk. 

One of the most exciting openings in recent memory, Porto is a beautiful space, a former bank, taken over by the owners of neighboring Beatnik. Porto captures much of the energy of its older sibling, but channels it by focusing on Spanish seafood. Grab a seat at the chef’s counter and watch staff create magic with conservas (tinned seafood) and smell the smoke from imported fish prepared on a wood-burning oven in the back. This restaurant earned a Michelin star in 2021 and provides locals with a unique experience that’s not to be missed.

This lavish New York import swept into Fulton Market with much fanfare and quickly became known as a loud, lively spot for groups to dine on Spanish classics like gambas al ajillo and albondigas while drinking lots of sangria.

This Michigan Avenue fixture, known for a focus Catalan culture and cuisine, has long drawn local diners for favorites like the arroz de carnes (chorizo, iberico secreto, chicken, Catalan sausage) and bacon-wrapped dates (stuffed with Marcona almonds and topped with bleu cheese fondue). Try the restaurant’s grilled items, which range to include hearty portions of ribeye, hanger steak, and rack of lamb.

Chef Emilio Gervilla cut his teeth working at tapas bars and restaurants throughout Spain before opening up his namesake suburban restaurant in 1988. Ever since, he’s been serving diners a range of small plates with big flavor, including paella Valencia, patatas con aioli, and paprika-seasoned octopus. The downtown location shuttered in early 2018, but check out the calendar on the regular for events like cooking classes, wine dinners, and family paella nights in the suburbs.

The ambiance rivals the dishes at this suburban restaurant — a sister spot to Tapas Valencia — housed inside a 1847 mansion on a four-acre estate. In an environment like that, it’s easy to feel transported — and the food only helps, thanks to authentic flavors found in plates like ham croquetas, grilled chorizo sausages, and grilled chicken skewers.