5 sensational Spanish restaurants
Ready to sate that tapas craving? Here are five fantastic restaurants where the sangria and small plates are as fabulous as the ambiance, from San Francisco’s dazzling Bellota to Berkeley’s paella paradise, La Marcha.
1. Bellota, San Francisco
This sizzling spot in the city’s SoMa neighborhood presents classic Spanish cuisine as a feast for the senses. Grab a cozy booth, order sangria and a charcuterie platter that includes Spain’s famous acorn-fed jamon Iberico, and don’t miss the puffy Spanish omelet-like tortilla topped with chorizo aioli. Open Monday-Saturday at 888 Brannan St., San Francisco; www.bellotasf.com.
2. La Marcha, Berkeley
Reservations are a must at this two-year-old, highenergy rustic Spanish restaurant, where cod croquetas, wild-boar albondigas and sherry spiked sangria compete for attention with sensational paellas. Open daily at 2026 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley; www.lamarchaberkeley.com.
3. Shakewell, Oakland
Crunchy croquetas, impeccable flavors and stellar craft cocktails combine to make Shakewell — as in cocktail shaker, get it? — one of our favorite spots to dine. This is “Top Chef” alum Jen Biesty’s ode to the tapas and small plates of Spain and its Mediterranean neighbors, and it’s delish. Open Tuesday-Sunday at 3407 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland; www.shakewelloakland.com.
4. Juerga Tapas and Wine, San Jose
No need to make tough decisions at this charming, year-old tapas bar. A beautiful and bountiful tapas sampler includes everything from olives, chorizo and manchego to olive oil-cured boquerones, rich pate, a tortilla Espanola and marinated carrots so delicious, you’ll want to get a full order. Open daily at 3250 Zanker Road, San Jose; juergarestaurant.com.
5. Teleferic Barcelona, Walnut Creek
Owned by Barcelona’s Padrosa family, this colorful restaurant in downtown Walnut Creek fairly buzzes with energy. Don’t miss the gambas al ajillo — the piping hot, garlicky prawns are irresistible — Catalanstyle gin and tonics and tasty sangrias. Open daily at 1500 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Walnut Creek; telefericbarcelona.com.