Taberna del Alabardero

Huge paellas meant for sharing, excellent seafood dishes and heralded tapas make Taberna del Alabadero a delight for diners sick of typical American cuisine. A Spanish priest in Madrid started the original restaurant, and they offer fresh, simple dishes such as the jamon Serrano y queso Manchengo, cheese with ham, cut from the bone in front of you, shrimp croquettes and fresh, delicious sardines. The décor is dramatic and romantic with baroque-style curtains revealing plush red chairs and red walls. Unless, you've been to Spain, you may never have seen anything like it.

See more: Downtown restaurants, Foggy Bottom/ GWU / West End restaurants, Downtown bars, Foggy Bottom/ GWU / West End bars, Seafood restaurants, Spanish restaurants, Tapas restaurants