Alhambra, California, holds tight to its deep Spanish roots, and it shows in the area’s abundant restaurants. Celebrate the diverse flavors of Spain at one of our authentic local eateries. To help you take your taste buds on a savory journey of the region, we’ve put together this list of the three best traditional Spanish restaurants around Alhambra.
Spain Restaurant
Stop by Spain Restaurant and discover a trip to Espana without ever leaving the neighborhood. It’s a simple spot for genuine Spanish fare, where you can enjoy the best Catalan dishes served in a casual family-friendly setting. Try their highly acclaimed seafood paella that’s cooked to perfection or the empanadas, packed full of quintessential bold tastes of the country.
Discover their marketplace, where you can browse one-of-a-kind imported products that come all the way from the mountainous Iberian Peninsula. Crafted by a true Spanish chef, these ingredients are used daily in Spain Restaurant’s kitchen, and delivered hot and fresh to your table by attentive waitstaff.
Bar Celona Tapas Bar
Spanish ingredients like signature salsa verde and Jamon iberico, a classic cured ham, are frequently featured in this traditional tapas bar’s menu. If you’re hungry for a bit more than a small plate, Bar Celona offers a full lunch menu with salads, sandwiches, and entree selections.
Order a variety of paella or sample the popular Spanish brochettes. They’re a succulent, charbroiled meat skewer paired with a selection of bona fide Spanish dipping sauces. Want to turn up the heat on this cultural excursion? Then order the Blistered Padron Pepper or a taste from the Mediterranean Sea with the Salmon Conserva Crostini.
True to the tapas concept, Bar Celona offers an extensive wine list to go with these traditional dishes. Stick around for live music Wednesday nights, and karaoke on Sundays and Tuesdays.
Baco Mercat
Baco Mercat is your classic, friendly neighborhood joint that offers an extensive Spanish menu, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Found in the trendy historic Old Bank district in Los Angeles, Baco Mercat is home to the signature flatbread sandwich dubbed Baco. Developed by owner and Chef Centeno, he finds his inspiration in flavors of the Mediterranean.
Sample an original Baco made with beef carnitas and crispy pork belly, topped with a peppery caraway sauce, and a delicious Catalan tomato-based dressing called salbitxada. Order from the fresh tapas-style menu featuring the chef’s unique seasonal take on these traditional small Spanish plates.
Sample a drink from Baco Mercat’s focused spirits menu, showcasing hand-picked beers and wines from Spain and around the world. Finish off your palate’s European excursion with a dessert. The ricotta fritters are creamy and honeyed with a spicy kick, or tackle the hazelnut chocolate cream dessert. It’s the perfect finished to a genuine Catalan meal.
Alhambra is famous for its classic Spanish gastronomy, from paella and sangria to tapas. Our local cuisine is bursting with rich flavors from the region, so explore one of our three favorite authentic local restaurants today.
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