Tapas Picasso Spanish Restaurante

07/15/2007 Posted by helogirl77

I have been here several times and have always been pleased. I always manage to just miss happy hour (generally I get there around 8pm on weekdays), so there are no crowds and the owner has always been my server. I have been with just one person and with a group and the service and quality of the food never varies. I have tried most things on the menu and all have been VERY good. Definitely try the roasted garlic... if it's not too busy he will squeeze all of the garlic out for you so you don't miss a morsel! The paella is awesome and the little chorizos are very yummy. It's a great way to try a bunch of spanish food without feeling like you are committed to an entire meal if you don't care for something. The owner loves to chat about Spain and his wife and her AMAZING cooking. I would try very hard to go on an off-peak time or get to happy hour right at 5 to ensure the best service. The culture of Spain (and most countries in Europe) view eating as an event... not to be rushed. So if you don't expect lighting service and want to enjoy a pitcher of sangria and conversation with those around you, this is a great place to go!

Pros: great way to taste a lot of foods from Spain, food is presented well and tastes great

Cons: parking... luckily my friend lives within walking distance and I park at her place.

04/02/2007 Posted by dravia

After a beautiful Sunday at Balboa Park my fianceé took me to Tapas Picasso on 4th just South of Washington. The ambience was perfect for us with deep colored paintings on the walls, Spanish guitar music playing in the back ground and a soft golden light that filled the room. Our waiter was Julio and he was very attentive and polite. There was only one other couple there and another followed us in soon after. Julio brought out some bread, four slices had been dipped with tomato and olive oil and the other four sices were bare. These were accompanied by a creamy garlic infused spread/dip that was, for us divinely complemented by the lamb in a spicy sauce that was brought out first. This was served with saffron rice and it all just seemed to melt in our mouths. We also ordered the Palea a la Valencia which included saffron rice with peas, shrimp, mussels and chicken (along with several herbs) and we ordered the Chicken in Plum sauce. Both dishes were divine - the flavors blended all so well. The Palea was flavorful with out being fishy and the Plum sauce was sublte and rich - just enough flavor to complement everything else we had tasted. We also had a lovely Sangria to wash away all those rich flavors. We sat there afterwards just letting the food settle and chatting and unfortunatley had to decline the coffee and dessert from being stuffed. We will definitley visit again to savor the rest of their dishes and have at this point even contemplated using them for our wedding.

Cons: Parking is hard to find and can be pricy.

03/29/2007 Posted by recoveringtechie

One of my favorite places in town. This place has a great un-corporate vibe and very authentic spanish tapas. Whether you are looking for a romantic spot, or a place to bring a group of friends you will certainly not be dissapointed. Often times you become transported into a small cafe somewhere in europe where family and friends are often more important than conformity. Weekends can be a little busy and the staff can be stretched too thin. I suggest when they are busy to relax with some wine or sangria and order a few tapas straight away and you'll find that the food and fun will flow just fine.

Pros: Great food, Great Vibe

Cons: Service can be slow if busy

11/05/2006 Posted by scrumptiouscrumbs

Great place to dine with friends Plan on a long meal where you share conversation, tapas, and Sangria