Jaleo By José Andrés

Very solid restaurant ??? my favorite stop in DC so far Great job to the teams behind the scenes

Food was great. Servers were great. Don't come hungry. Very small portions

Jaleo is my favorite restaurant in the DC area. Yes, it is not cheap, but where else can I find delicious croquetas when I'm not home, in Spain? Also, this is my modest way of supporting Chef José Andrés for his humanitarian labor. I always order croquetas and sangria. I try different salads and veggie dishes every time I visit Jaleo. I'm vegetarian, so no meat for me. Desserts are delicious. I only hope for them to add crema Catalana.

Walking into Jaleo is like stepping into a vibrant fiesta! The colorful and fun dining room immediately sets the tone for a tapas adventure. The host staff couldn't have been friendlier, offering us a choice between inside or outside seating. We chose inside and were led to a charming table by the window—perfect for people-watching! Our server, Felix, was a superstar. Attentive without hovering, he made the dining experience delightful. Given my recent oral surgery, my menu choices were a bit limited, but boy, did I make some stellar picks! I started with the Tuna and Avocado Cone. Let me tell you, it was a tiny, tasty miracle in a bite. Next up was the gazpacho. It was so perfect that I ordered another bowl right then and there, plus two to take home. Yes, it was *that* good! For the main event, I savored a dish of sautéed wild mushrooms, a heavenly potato purée, and a poached egg on top. It was pure, unadulterated bliss! My dining partner had a tapas feast of Iberian Fritters, grilled asparagus, an Iberian slider, and his ultimate favorite—the calamari with squid ink and rice. Each dish was a hit, but the calamari? A standing ovation! To wash it all down, he enjoyed a refreshing sangria while I sipped on a lovely Rosé. Overall, Jaleo delivered a wonderful experience that we can’t wait to repeat. If you’re in the mood for delicious tapas and an unforgettable dining experience, Jaleo is your spot!

Lovely atmosphere inside and out. Great service and delicious food.