15 Best Spanish Restaurants In Los Angeles
When it comes to Spanish cuisine, tapas and sangria always come to mind. From traditional paella to crispy croquetas, Los Angeles is home to several renowned restaurants that have brought a true taste of Spain to the States. It's no surprise that LA boasts some of the best Mexican food in the country and it has also become a haven for chefs and restaurateurs looking to set up shop with a Spanish concept. Whether you're seeking a romantic restaurant that pulls out all of the stops or a more low-key, casual eatery that specializes in authentic tapas and treats, LA has it all.
While some of these establishments have been a part of the Los Angeles restaurant scene for a while, the city has also welcomed some Spanish newbies that have already managed to make a name for themselves. Without further ado, here's our list of the 15 best Spanish restaurants in LA.
La Paella
As the name suggests, La Paella specializes in all things paella. For more than 26 years, La Paella has been a Los Angeles staple for diners seeking the most authentic and comforting paella in the city. Since there are seven different kinds of paella on the menu — there is something for everyone, including vegetarians. The paella de verduras can be cooked with water or chicken broth and is only topped with an assortment of veggies, making it friendly for plant-based diners.
However, if you're a true and tried carnivore, there are plenty of meat and seafood options. In addition to paella, the menu also boasts tons of tapas such as pan con tomate, manchego con membrillo, champiñones con chorizo, and gambas a la plancha. This cozy and homey restaurant prides itself on authenticity, and since it's family-owned and operated, dedicated service and consistency are always at the forefront of its priorities.
Manchego
Manchego is a locally-loved Spanish restaurant located in the Ocean Park neighborhood of Santa Monica. It has been a consistent go-to for Spanish cuisine since it first opened in 2007, yet it remains relatively low-key. The interior features cozy booths, bistro chairs, and tiled walls, but the back patio is by far the most romantic area of the restaurant. Manchego has a beyond impressive wine list, with nearly every bottle coming from Spain, as well as beer and sangria.
Start with a bottle of Cava before moving on to a smooth Tempranillo, or indulge in a glass of sangria. When it comes to tapas, you'll find all of the most traditional favorites like patatas bravas, gambas, and jamon Iberico. Though it is the priciest item on the menu, the $45 house paella is always worth checking out. If you've managed to save room, indulge in the flourless chocolate cake for dessert.
Xuntos
Looking for a brand-new spot for Spanish cuisine in Santa Monica? Look no further. Xuntos is a beautiful new restaurant and tapas bar that is sure to entice all of your senses. The space is absolutely breathtaking, featuring everything from a scallop shell wall to antique paintings and light fixtures. Whether you sit in the main dining room or up on the second floor, you'll be immersed in impeccable style and pink accents.
Kick things off with a refreshing and crisp glass of orange wine before browsing the premium selection of tapas. If you're a fan of seafood, you're in for a treat. The scallops on the half shell with saffron butter shouldn't be missed, and it's always worth it to ask about the seafood of the day. Other menu highlights include bikinis de jamón, croquetas, and chicken empanadas. Since everything is intended to be shared, consider ordering around three dishes per person at the table for a true taste of all that Xuntos has to offer.
Agua Viva
Located at the Conrad Los Angeles, Agua Viva is a rooftop Spanish restaurant by Michelin-starred chef, José Andrés. The open-air setting and beach club-inspired furniture set the scene for refreshing cocktails on a sunny day in LA, and though you can come for dinner, it is also one of the best restaurants for brunch in LA. Start with the shiso spicy margarita for a zesty and unique twist on the classic cocktail, or branch out with the Tornup Tiki Punch. There are also a handful of zero-proof libations to explore.
If you visit during brunch, the Peruvian scallops and eggs benedict with jamón ibérico are both must-orders, as is the cheese plate. At dinner, the grilled octopus is without a doubt the star of the show, and you'll definitely want some patatas bravas on the side. Though they're not Spanish, the build-your-own hand rolls are a fun and delicious dish as well.
Telefèric Barcelona
Telefèric Barcelona is a beautiful restaurant located in the heart of Brentwood on San Vicente Boulevard. Despite its contemporary setting, Telefèric Barcelona has been a favorite since its opening in 1992. The modern interior boasts neutral colors, wooden bar tops, and warm lighting. This is a beautiful date-night spot in Brentwood, but it is also popular for post-work drinks and bites. As the name suggests, guests can expect to enjoy some of the same dishes that they would in Barcelona such as crab croquettes, pan con tomate, and Galician octopus with truffle oil.
Start off with the Iberian oysters for a unique combo of seafood and ham before diving into the other tapas. If you're enticed by the main plates, the prime wellington is one of the best options, and is served alongside Spanish-style potatoes. For something lighter, opt for one of the fresh salads such as the tomato and burrata or the summer bowl salad.
Yahir
Yahir is a Culver City favorite that serves Latin-inspired cuisine and Spanish tapas. The wine list is amazing and you'll find everything from Italian, Slovenian, and local California wines. There are also beers on draft and canned beers available, but the vino will pair best with your meal. Order a glass of chilled red wine before diving into the food. Despite the fact that the menu is pretty small, there are still some delicious dishes to explore. The "con pan" section of the menu features everything from tomatoes and anchovies to venison tartare on bread.
The "sin pan" or "no bread" section boasts flavorful entrées like grilled Spanish octopus along with other shareable treats like the diver scallop crudo and burrata with stone fruit and duck prosciutto. Though you can expect the menu to change with the seasons, the dessert is always worth saving room for. The market peach cobbler is served with saffron and rose ice cream that you won't soon forget.
Flor Y Solera
Flor Y Solera is one of the hottest tapas bars in all of Los Angeles. Despite just opening in March of 2023, Flor Y Solera has already won the hearts of locals all over the city. It is located in Downtown LA in the vibrant Arts District, allowing Executive Chef Mònica Angelats to bring a taste of her home country to California. There is an entire menu dedicated to tapas that features more than 12 different dishes. Some favorites include fried swordfish, potato omelette, and chicken croquettes.
As everyone knows, tapas are meant for sharing, making Flor Y Solera a great place for large groups looking to enjoy a variety of Spanish bites. The dinner section of the menu is home to larger dishes and entrées like Iberico pork shoulder, rabbit, and rice-based recipes. If you love paella but want to switch things up, consider ordering the fideus rossejats amb cloïsses which is made of thin, short pasta noodles rather than rice.
Gasolina
Whether you're a valley local or simply in the mood for some solid Spanish cuisine, Gasolina Cafe is worth the drive to Woodland Hills. This cafe doubles as a market and wine bar, and you'll always find an upbeat crowd chowing down on some of the amazing tapas and paella. A majority of the ingredients used in each dish are sourced from local farmer's markets, ensuring that sustainability and supporting locals remain top priorities. Best of all, everything is made in-house, so you can expect the highest level of freshness across the board.
When it comes to tapas, don't miss out on the jamon-wrapped dates that are stuffed with goat cheese, and the deviled eggs. If you're a fan of tinned fish, the rotating conserva plate is always worth a shot — and of course, you can't go wrong with the paella de mariscos. Keep in mind that the paella takes 30 to 45 minutes to make, so be sure to order it right after sitting down.
Gabi James
Craving some great Spanish food in the South Bay? Gabi James is an elevated restaurant that blends Spanish fare with French influences, resulting in a dynamic menu that extends beyond the confines of tradition. The family-owned restaurant sits where Zazou once thrived, but once it was time for a change, the Gabriele family decided to redo the space and come up with an entirely new concept. Hence, Gabi James.
The Spanish side of the menu can be seen in dishes like the anchovy and olive lollipops, jamon-wrapped dates, and seafood paella. Carnivores will be drawn to the skirt steak and filet mignon, while seafood connoisseurs should opt for the grilled octopus or barramundi. The menu is split into small, medium, and large plates, allowing you to order according to your group size and preferences. Those that love a classic gin and tonic are in luck, as there are five different renditions of the cocktail that are sure to quench your thirst.
San Laurel
Also located at the Conrad Los Angeles, in DTLA, San Laurel by José Andrés is the more elevated counterpart to Agua Viva. While Agua Viva can work for both brunch and dinner, San Laurel offers a more elegant vibe that is best suited for the evenings. A majority of the produce is sourced from local farmers' markets and vendors, bringing sustainability to the forefront of the process. Though part of the restaurant sits outside on the open-air rooftop, the indoor dining room remains connected to the outside and lets in an ample amount of light during the day.
However, if you dine at night, the lights dim in the modern and slightly bohemian setting, allowing you to take in the surrounding city lights as you dine. Several of the plates are intended to be shared among the table, so it's best to start with appetizers like the hiramasa crudo, tableside Australian black winter truffles, and grilled snap peas. For a more traditional Spanish dinner, try the gambas al ajillo and lubina.
Vino Wine & Tapas Room
Located in Encino, Vino Wine & Tapas Room brings a taste of España to the valley. This dim-lit and cozy establishment is about as authentic as you can find in LA, and dinner here is great for a multitude of occasions. The elegant space is met with old-world decor and accents, and there is definitely a sense of romanticism throughout the space. Vino Wine & Tapas Room is also home to some top-notch event spaces, making it a great option for your next celebratory dinner or work event.
Since it has been open since 2007, this Encino staple has earned a space in the hearts of the hundreds of locals, but even if you don't live in the area, it's worth a drive across town. From chicken croquettes to marinated manchego cheese, there are several fun and flavorful creations to indulge in. However, no dinner at a restaurant with the name "Vino" in it would be complete with a hearty glass of red wine.
Otoño
Those seeking a sleek and modern ambiance paired with a Spanish flair need to book a reservation at Otoño ASAP. The rustic yet contemporary space sets the scene for an elevated meal in Highland Park, while the menu seeks to satisfy and surprise at every angle. Whether you're visiting for lunch or dinner, a glass of mulled wine sangria is a must. Best of all, if you're visiting with a group, the sangria can actually be ordered as a bottle.
There are also plenty of European wines to explore along with beers and craft cocktails. An order of tinned fish should be at the top of your list, mostly because it is served alongside the famous Bub & Grandma's baguette. The conserva options are also pretty unique, including yellowfin tuna belly, baby sardines, and mussels in escabeche. Share some tapas amongst the table or order a seafood paella to share, adding some extra scallops for good measure.
Bar Moruno
Bar Moruno sits in the heart of Sunset Boulevard and puts a unique twist on classic Spanish cuisine. When it comes to tinned fish, Bar Moruno has several solid picks such as squid preserved in ink, mackerel in olive oil, and even cockles in brine. All of the conservas are served with the very best fixings including bread, butter, and house-made pickles. Other menu highlights include candied olives and almonds, chorizo Scotch egg, and the radicchio salad. Larger plates like the whole grilled orata and beef marunos are larger and more filling, but everything from the tapas to the mains is perfect for sharing.
Though the food is wonderful, the wine list is also out of this world. Enjoy sipping on a variety of organic and biodynamic wines that will pair perfectly with your spread. While the majority of the wines come from Spain, you'll also find plenty of bottles from Italy, France, and California.
Casa Cordoba
Casa Cordoba opened in 2013 in the La Crescenta-Montrose area of Los Angeles. The space is beyond romantic and transportive, and the colorful courtyard will make you feel as though you're actually enjoying some al fresco dining in Spain. Though a trip to Casa Cordoba should be at the top of your list, you can also order family-style paella packages to-go if you're looking to cater a dinner party or special birthday at home. The packages feed up to four people, and there are four different varieties to choose from. Seafood lovers will be enticed by the arroz negro, while vegetarians are catered to with the de verduras.
However, dining in is the best way to have the ultimate experience at Casa Cordoba. Order a bottle of wine while sitting at one of the tiled bistro tables before indulging in several tasty tapas. The patatas bravas with red pepper aioli are perfectly crisp, and the garlic mushrooms are the ideal side veggie.
Dos Besos
Located in Pasadena, Dos Besos is the definition of charming. This Old Town restaurant has mastered the art of Valencia's coastal cuisine, and no surprise, paella is its specialty. Though it takes 30 minutes to prepare, it is well worth the wait and should be the main dish that you order during your visit. The stylish interior is met with tiled floors and an exposed brick wall, setting the scene for a romantic and cozy dinner in Pasadena.
The seafood paella is topped with whole prawns, scallops, mussels, and prawns, and it pairs perfectly with a cold glass of white wine. However, if the paella is not enough for your table, order the garlicky pan con tomate that is served alongside some thinly shaved Ibérico ham. Other delicious dishes include the creamy gazpacho, flavorful sauteed mushrooms, and classic patatas bravas. If you're visiting on a super hot day, beat the heat with some fruity sangria.