Boqueria's Lunch Service | Washington D.C.

Take a lunch break at Boqueria

Not everyone is lucky enough to have a Spanish-style siesta after lunch.

But Dupont's new Manhattan tapas transplant, Boqueria, could change that for D.C. diners.

The month-old restaurant launched lunch service last week, with a menu of sandwiches, salads and tapas that practically demands a post-meal nap.

Start with the light gambas, hinojo y cítrico salad ($13), which tops shaved fennel with segments of orange and grapefruit, avocado, grilled shrimp, pine nuts and generous sprigs of dill. The fresh, summer-ready ingredients are a palate primer for the cheeses and meats to come.

The Serrano sandwich ($9), an upgraded ham-and-cheese, layers translucent shavings of salty Jamón with nutty Manchego on crusty, tomato-rubbed bread. The restaurant also serves a juicy burger ($13), which stacks medium-rare beef, lettuce, tomato, pickles and buttery Tetilla cheese on a brioche bun.

In lieu of fries, each sandwich comes with a tiny salad and a dish of spicy, paprika-coated fried potatoes that are topped with roasted garlic allioli.

Now that warm weather has arrived, the restaurant's giant front terrace is ready to open. So even if there's no after-lunch siesta, you can sneak in some time in the sunshine.

Boqueria, 1837 M St. NW (at 19th St.); 202-558-9545 or boqueriadc.com