grubalicioussf
grab tapas and sangria with friends here
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.
Dishes Tried:
Aguate relleno de gambitas
They describe it as avocado half filled with dressed Canadian bay shrimp and is on their small plate section of the menu but we were pleasantly surprised to receive a large, yummy shrimp salad with avocado. It was loaded with shrimp in a creamy dressing.
pimiento del piquillo relleno de txangurro
A single, tender Rioja pepper stuffed with crab from the tapas menu- two savory bitefuls, one for me, one for my friend. It was really tasty, we wished there was at least one more. There are tons of other tapas dishes that I can’t wait to try.
pollo con higos
This dish came from the main dishes section of the menu and consisted of super tender pieces of chicken fillet sauteed with bacon and Madeira marinated figs. Love the combination of salty bacon and sweet figs, great flavors. It came with white rice and asparagus.
bananagranola
delicious tapas, lovely decor and service
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.
Dishes Tried:
"deviled dates" filled w/ chorizo and bacon-wrapped
Dates sound kind of strange, I personally don’t like them, but everyone else seems to.
Pimiento del Piquillo
Delicious stuffed Rioja peppers. Not spicy, but very well spiced.
Champinones al Ajillo
Guiltless grilled mushrooms: it’s in olive oil.
Pa Amb Tomaquet i Pernil
Bread and ham, both very high quality and rubbed with tomato. Bread crusty, ham sliced very thin.
Cantimpalitos
Very salty and oily, but tasty in small amounts.
PlaidGirl
great tapas and sangria
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.
Dishes Tried:
"deviled dates" filled w/ chorizo and bacon-wrapped
excellent bite of heaven
warm cheddar cheese scones
you can’t eat enough of these tiny scones that are a throw-back to the time this place was a british pub-style restaurant
Aeisner007
Best Dishes at Iberia Restaurant
View all dishesThese dishes from the Iberia Restaurant menu are contributed by Menuism users directly, as part of a restaurant review, or as part of a photo upload.
-
Champinones al Ajillo (
) -
"deviled dates" filled w/ chorizo and bacon-wrapped (
) -
warm cheddar cheese scones (
)