Best of 19 Spanish restaurants in Chicago
Spanish restaurants in Chicago offer a taste of Spain right in the heart of the city. These establishments bring authentic Spanish cuisine, from tapas to paella, to life. Whether you're in search of a cozy tapas bar or a fine dining experience, Spanish restaurants in Chicago cater to a range of tastes and preferences. Come and savor the flavors of Spain, without leaving Chicago.
- 1. Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
- 2. Tapas Valencia
- 3. Boqueria Fulton Market
- 4. Bocadillo Market
- 5. Little Madrid Tapas-Café
- 6. Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba!
- 7. Jaleo by José Andrés
- 8. Bulerias Tapas Humboldt Park WOW District
- 9. Mercat a la Planxa
- 10. Cafe Marbella Tapas
- 11. Mama Delia
- 12. Bulerias Catering and Banquets
- 13. mfk. Restaurant
- 14. Asador Bastian
- 15. Punta Cana Restaurant
- 16. Azucar Tapas & Cocktails
- 17. Havana Grill
- 18. Habitant
- 19. La Celia Latin Kitchen
1. Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
Offers a lively and energetic atmosphere with outdoor seating in the summer.

The food at this establishment is known for its aromatic, diverse, and flavorful qualities. It is well-seasoned with a good balance of spices, ensuring a satisfying meal for patrons. The prices are reasonable considering the high quality of the food.
Among the recommended dishes are the salad options, which feature the Shaved Brussel Sprouts Salad and a curried chicken salad with grapes. These salads have received positive feedback from customers for their taste and freshness.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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2. Tapas Valencia
Live Spanish music on weekends, Friendly staff from Spain

Tapas Valencia offers a wide selection of delicious food with generous portions, ensuring a satisfying dining experience. Popular menu items include the bacon-wrapped dates, tilapia, mahi-mahi, toast points with Alaskan king crab, and skirt steak, all of which have received praise for their excellent taste and reasonable prices.
Tapas Valencia specializes in authentic Spanish cuisine, known for its flavorful dishes such as paella, black bean soup, and gazpacho. The restaurant provides a casual and enjoyable atmosphere, making it a great destination for food lovers seeking a taste of Spain. During happy hour, customers can enjoy $3 tapas at the bar, adding to the overall value of the dining experience.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Holiday Celebrations
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
3. Boqueria Fulton Market
Featuring a raw bar and wood-fired grill

The tapas served at this restaurant are delicious and of high quality, with a taste that surpasses other establishments in the area. However, the prices are higher than average. Many customers agree that the cost is worth it for the exceptional experience.
The seafood paella is a popular dish, made with mussels and scallops served on a bed of flavorful rice. While some reviewers found the seafood to be fresh, others felt that it was lacking in flavor. Despite this, the paella remains a highly rated dish at the restaurant.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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4. Bocadillo Market
Family-owned business with a passion for Spanish culture and food

The food at this establishment is highly regarded, with specific praise for the tuna crudo starter and Iberico pork main course. The restaurant offers a wide-ranging and delicious menu, with dishes that are both visually appealing and bursting with flavor.
The service at this local and comfortable spot is exceptional, with servers going above and beyond to accommodate a group of seven. The restaurant provides a genuine taste of Spain, with dishes that are carefully prepared and presented in an unique and aesthetic way.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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5. Little Madrid Tapas-Café
Family-owned café with live Spanish music on weekends

Friendly and welcoming service is a highlight at Little Madrid Tapas Cafe. The staff are attentive, contributing to a fun and relaxed atmosphere. In my search for a good Spanish restaurant in the Chicago area, I have tried other well-known places, but Little Madrid Tapas Cafe stood out as the best.
The food at Little Madrid Tapas Cafe is exceptional in quality. The menu features traditional Spanish dishes, and each dish is carefully prepared and presented. From the tapas to the paella, every dish is bursting with flavor. The restaurant's commitment to using high-quality ingredients and authentic cooking techniques makes for a truly exceptional dining experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Happy Hours
6. Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba!
Live Spanish music on weekends

Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba! is a Spanish restaurant located in the River North area, known for its delicious tapas. They offer a variety of dishes that are perfect for sharing, allowing guests to sample a range of flavors. In addition to their regular menu, they have happy hour specials and a bottomless brunch option that is very popular.
The service at Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba! is consistently praised by customers. The staff are friendly, prompt, and attentive, ensuring that every guest feels welcome and well taken care of. They pay close attention to detail, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes dining at the restaurant a real pleasure. The staff's commitment to providing excellent service is just one more reason to visit Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba! for a taste of authentic Spanish cuisine.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
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7. Jaleo by José Andrés
Celebrity chef José Andrés' restaurant, Outdoor seating available

Some guests have described the service at a certain establishment as slow and prone to errors, while others have praised it for its attentiveness and smoothness. During a visit to this establishment, a group of three people tried the Tomatina Festival menu, which consisted of approximately eight tomato-based dishes from appetizers to desserts.
Each dish on the Tomatina Festival menu was remarkable and wonderful, surprising the group with its quality. Despite ordering the entire menu, the group found that the portion sizes were manageable and allowed them to fully enjoy each dish. The variety and creativity of the dishes showcased the restaurant's expertise in using tomatoes as the main ingredient.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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8. Bulerias Tapas Humboldt Park WOW District
Offers vegetarian and gluten-free options, live Spanish music performances

Bulerias Tapas is a popular bar that attracts many visitors who come to savor the delightfully cooked flank steaks, Spanish tapas, and paella. The star dish of this bar is its delectable flans. Apart from the food, the bar also offers refreshing white sangria and rich red sangria for visitors to enjoy.
Bulerias Tapas is dedicated to providing every customer with an enjoyable and memorable experience. They achieve this by creating a lively, energetic, and passionate atmosphere. The staff members are friendly and welcoming, making visitors feel at ease. Moreover, the food served is a reflection of the passion and dedication that the team puts into their work. Visitors are encouraged to soak up the ambiance, feel the energy of the staff, and taste the passion in every dish.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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9. Mercat a la Planxa
Located in Chicago's historic House of Blues hotel

The service at Mercat is generally described as attentive, friendly, efficient, and accommodating. Some reviewers even mention that the service was impeccable, contributing to an enjoyable dining experience. However, there are a few exceptions where reviewers mention poor or rude service, which may affect the overall experience for some customers.
Mercat specializes in Catalan tapas and is highly praised for its delicious offerings. The decor is described as cool and fitting for the festive atmosphere, creating a lively and enjoyable ambiance. The music is a bit loud, but still bearable for most patrons. Overall, Mercat is known for its fantastic tapas and a great atmosphere, with minor issues with service reported by a small number of reviewers.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Corporate Events
10. Cafe Marbella Tapas
Live Spanish guitar music on weekends

The food offered at this establishment is truly exceptional. With a diverse range of options, there is something for everyone. Standout dishes include Spanish meatballs, a refreshing avocado salad, flavorful Paella Marinera, a comforting garlic soup, tender pork scallopini, and a delicious shrimp flatbread.
In addition to the excellent food, the delivery service is also noteworthy. Customers have reported swift delivery times, ensuring that the food arrives fresh and ready to enjoy. The satisfaction with the delivery service is high, adding to the overall positive experience of this establishment's offerings.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Fusion Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
11. Mama Delia
Family-owned and operated, Passion for traditional recipes

Mama Delia's is a Spanish restaurant located in Wicker Park that opened last year, known for its beautiful ambiance and decor, although the high prices do not necessarily reflect the food's exceptional taste or quality. The food selections are decent with a nice presentation, but do not particularly stand out when compared to other Spanish restaurants. The restaurant's atmosphere is similar to that of Beatnik, boasting loud music and ornate furniture, including their covered sidewalk patio.
In summary, Mama Delia's is a beautiful restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere, but the food offerings do not quite live up to the hype or high prices. The restaurant is part of the same team that owns Beatnik and has a similar atmosphere with loud music and fancy furniture, both inside and on their covered sidewalk patio.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Italian Cuisine
- Celebrations
- Downtown Spots
12. Bulerias Catering and Banquets
Offers catering and banquet services with customizable menus

Bulerias Catering and Banquets is a warm and inviting venue, well-known for its fantastic Spanish cuisine. The menu offers a variety of dishes, with popular choices being gambas al ajillo and paella, serving 2-3 people perfectly. For those looking to explore Spanish cuisine, Bulerias is the place to be, where they can savor nicely cooked flank steaks, Spanish tapas, and paella.
Bulerias' reputation for delicious food is further solidified by its tasty flans. The bar also offers excellent white sangria and delicious red sangria, adding to the Spanish culinary experience. In summary, Bulerias Catering and Banquets is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy quality Spanish food and drinks.
TOPICS
- Corporate Events
- Fusion Cuisine
- High-End
- Hidden Gems
13. mfk. Restaurant
Live Spanish music on weekends

MFK. is a renowned dining establishment that has won multiple awards, including the Michelin Bib Gourmand Award every year since its opening in 2014. This intimate restaurant specializes in seaside-focused cuisine that showcases simple preparations of high-quality ingredients, reminiscent of Spain's Catalan and Basque coastal regions.
The menu at MFK. highlights the flavors of the Catalan and Basque regions, offering a unique twist from other Spanish restaurants. The focus is on seafood-forward dishes, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients that deliver a distinctive taste and enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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14. Asador Bastian
Live Flamenco dancing on weekends

Doug Psaltis and Hsing Chen have introduced a Spanish grill house experience in their latest project. The restaurant specializes in Spanish cuisine, specifically modeled after the asadores, or grill houses, of San Sebastián in Spain. The chef's expertise is evident in the dishes, particularly in the specialty steak which is incredibly flavorful.
The dining experience is further enhanced by the excellent wine pairing, with Spanish wines chosen specifically to complement the dishes. The light touch of the chef in preparing the Spanish food has resulted in a memorable and enjoyable meal. The restaurant's focus on Spanish food and drink transports diners to the Bay of Biscay, creating a unique and satisfying dining experience.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
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15. Punta Cana Restaurant
Live Spanish music on weekends

The jibarito sandwich and Spanish rice are a standout combination at this establishment. The authentic flavors and generous portion sizes make this a must-try dish. The Spanish rice, specifically, is a highlight, as it strongly evokes a homemade taste that is both comforting and delicious.
In addition to the rice, the steak sandwiches are another exceptional offering. The quality of the steak and the preparation of the sandwich come together to create a memorable meal that is well worth trying. Whether you are a fan of traditional Puerto Rican cuisine or simply looking to try something new, this jibarito sandwich and Spanish rice combo is sure to satisfy.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Dinner
16. Azucar Tapas & Cocktails
Live Spanish guitar music on weekends

The overall experience at the establishment was enjoyable, offering a selection of five tapas and a dessert. The highlight of the meal was the octopus, which was expertly prepared and had a delightful flavor. The dates and empanadas were also delicious and satisfying. The bar offered a variety of Spanish options, contributing to the positive experience.
Azucar, a new tapas restaurant located just north of the monument on Kedzie, has impressed diners with its diverse and surprising menu. The chef has skillfully crafted a range of flavors and choices, resulting in a memorable dining experience. Despite being a small establishment, Azucar has made a big impact with its culinary offerings.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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17. Havana Grill
Live Spanish guitar music on weekends

The food at the establishment features delicious fusion flavors that were enjoyed by the diners. However, there were some issues with the service as the servers were not very attentive, causing a delay in placing the order after the appetizer. The ambiance, while featuring nicer seats and decor, lacked a relaxing atmosphere due to a college basketball game being played in the background instead of soothing dinner music.
The service received mixed reviews, with some users praising the friendly, quick, and welcoming staff. Conversely, other users experienced slow service during their visit. Although some patrons reported excellent customer service, others found it to be average. Overall, while the food was enjoyed, the service and ambiance could use improvement to enhance the dining experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
18. Habitant
Live Spanish guitar music on weekends

The bar provides an excellent variety of drinks and cocktails, creating a cool and enjoyable atmosphere for its patrons. Unfortunately, there are complaints about excessive wait times for drinks, which can be frustrating for customers who want to enjoy their beverages promptly.
The service at the bar is generally described as mixed, with some reviewers praising the friendly and attentive staff. However, there are also complaints about poor customer service from a male bartender, which has negatively impacted the overall experience for some patrons.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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19. La Celia Latin Kitchen
Live Latin music on weekends

The queso fundido con camaron and Cuban quesadilla are highly recommended dishes at this restaurant. The staff is exceptional, known for their kindness and attentiveness. This establishment is a hidden gem that offers an enjoyable dining experience. If only I had the skill to dance salsa, it would be perfect to do it in this very place.
I am thoroughly impressed with the food at this restaurant. The chilaquiles are delicious, and the mango tamales are a unique and tasty addition to their menu. I have tried several dishes, and I am always pleased with the combination of flavors they offer. This place is a must-visit for anyone who loves delicious food.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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