Best Spanish restaurant
The two winners in this category go way back - to the delivery room. Dalí, the gem of Somerville, spawned
Newbury's Tapéo, and not just figuratively; Tapéo was actually opened by the son of Dalí's owner. Not
surprisingly, there is some overlap in menu and sensibility, but each place exudes its own charm, while
demonstrating complete mastery of tapas. An Andalusian tradition, tapas often involve lamb, goat, prawns,
and eel, with garlic infusing not only the food but the entire atmosphere.
Both locations are likely to require a wait. At Dalí, crowd around the bar (under wine glasses and shanks
of meat), where the celebratory noise level is high; at Tapéo, check out the street scene, as the
fashionistas stride by. Once you get in, order favorites like stuffed squid or pork sausage with figs,
being sure to sop up the sauces with your bread. A little sherry after dinner will round out the night,
and perhaps inspire a toast to the Dalí/Tapéo family for making such pleasure possible.
Dalí, 415 Washington Street, Somerville, (617) 661-3254; Tapéo, 266 Newbury Street, Boston, (617) 267-4799.
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