Iberia Restaurant

I’ve heard and read about people slamming the service and prices here, but when my girlfriend and I went for my birthday lunch there recently, I’ve got to tell you that we were really impressed. First of all, the lay out and decor is really cool. It’s a spacious restaurant with a welcoming, Old World sort of main dining room with ceramic pitchers on the tables and blue and yellow accents. It has two wooden bars with fun high backed booth seats, an indoor fireplace, private lounge with leather chairs and pretty tapestries, a small private courtyard and a large, open patio with heat lamps. There are so many seating configurations to choose from. It’s a very inviting place with a bed and breakfast type of feel.

I was a little concerned to find that it is located across the street from the Cal Train station in Menlo Park – the potential noise factor – but we had a relaxed, enjoyable meal and didn’t notice the trains going by.

We arrived at noon and were the only people there, so we had the entire place to ourselves. As a result, service was dedicated and attentive. My girlfriend and I sat in the main dining room and she sipped on sangria (I took a taste – it was delicious and strong! – and I had a lovely glass of wine while we waited for our food.

Our waitress mentioned that they do a lot of special events. In fact, that weekend, they were closing for a private party of about 125 people. I imagine that this would be the perfect setting for wedding parties and festive business events.

We enjoyed our food, as you’ll see below. I can’t wait to go back and hang out with friends on their patio when the weather gets warmer. I think the ambiance and food are worth the price. The only thing to be forewarned about is that they automatically include 19% gratuity, even for a party of 2 – that was surprising, and I would prefer to have the opportunity to leave a generous tip at my own discretion.

The food’s good, but it’s a very cute atmosphere, and that’s what I like most about Iberia. Fireplaces and small tables and big couches. They have some individual rooms and a separate dining room for full meals.

I have always had very good service here. The waiters are very friendly and make solid recommendations. I want to try the paella next.

I love sitting at the old school bar and munching on tapas and sipping sangria. See the list below for some great tapas choices. Funny thing: This place was formerly a British place a while ago and you might find some thing on the tapas menu that reflect that. Be warned that this restaurant adds a 19% service charge to ALL checks not just large parties.

Great setting. The patio is large and they have a great selection on their menu. Spanish tapas are delicious and the paella is great too. They have a good selection of desserts and the sangria is not to be missed!