This place is amazing! Always a great vibe, fun atmosphere, amazing food. Make sure to get the patatas bravas and ask for Gio as your server when you’re here, his service is first class.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael Waks
This cozy neighborhood gem was outstanding on a cold Saturday night. The hospitable and warm wait staff made it feel like we were family. Small booths and tables. Intimate. Got very noisy as it filled up midway into our meal. Tuna tapas and scallop dish simply amazing. Spanish flan desert was firm with small strawberries a nice addition. Plus we got a 15 percent discount for coming out on a super cold evening.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Aaron Schuenemann
This is a hidden gem in Highwood. The papatas bravas are amazing.
Make sure to get the burger, calamari, and seafood paella as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Monica Ilang
We love Tapas! We really like the Patata’s Bravas and the Pollo Al Ajillo. We love all the staff but our favorite waiter is Gio! ❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pauline Grabitz
Gio is the best. 10000/10 service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Elizabeth Sazdanoff
I'd give it ten stars just based on the food alone, but I gotta say that the service is more than half the experience! Gio, who has served me on more than one occasion, clearly loves to see returning customers and enjoys what he does. I come from a food service background, and it's nice to see someone in that industry being so enthusiastic--it's not an easy job! Atmosphere is cozy and intimate.
I highly recommend the #13 as a cold tapas. Hot tapas, you HAVE TO try the #21, 28, and #31! The gazpacho is also divine, I just forget which number it is. Of course, I only got a little bit of it, as my friend loved it so much that slurped it down faster than I realized what was happening.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Christopher Regala
We celebrated a birthday dinner in Highwood at Tapas del Lago, and it was a truly memorable experience, despite the restaurant's cozy size. Stepping inside felt like being transported to the lively tapas bars of Madrid - the atmosphere was warm and infectious. Gio's service was outstanding; his passion for the menu shone through as he expertly guided us through ordering, sharing his personal favorites. The red sangria was a delightful start, refreshingly balanced and not overly sweet. Our Seafood Paella stole our hearts - generous with succulent seafood and a thoughtful ratio of rice, elevated perfectly by the rich aioli. Gambas al ajillo, dates with bacon, tender albondigas, and the octopus were absolute standouts among the tapas we shared. Though we couldn't fit in dessert, the selections looked irresistible. We'll be back soon to explore more of their delicious offerings. One gentle suggestion for an otherwise flawless experience: consider softening the ambient noise level, perhaps with curtains or acoustic panels - it would further elevate the intimate charm. Beyond that, Tapas del Lago is such a good place to visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Danica Odyssey
It was my birthday weekend, and I was willing to go out of my way to have tapas, which I haven't enjoyed since I lived in Florida. We were so lucky to discover Tapas Del Lago, not too far from home! The atmosphere was the perfect urban vibe - a classy meal outdoors, surrounded by the excitement of the city bustle. The wine was lovely, and the tapas were exquisite. I might have to admit that my favorite part was dessert, baked custard with the perfect balance - crisp and smooth, dark and sweet. The place was hopping, not an empty seat in sight, but the service throughout our meal was very attentive. Lucky for me, I chanced into an unexpected fireworks display in town just after we left, making this an epic birthday celebration to remember!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Erik Watson
Great menu, great kitchen and wait staff. This place is one of the wee gems of the North shore. Interesting dishes, and a wide variety. Drinks are limited to wine, beer, and vermouth drinks. (It's Spanish. Whaddaya want?) The dining room can get a little noisy, but I heard that they're working on some sound baffling. GREAT little restaurant, just be ready to pay for the experience.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dano Bartolai
First time and we’ll be back to try some other dishes Food was so good we even had desert Beet salad, shrimp dish was spicy but excellent Patatas were good not great Service was outstanding Ambience was good until it was full and we couldn’t hear each other.
Basic food overall. The papas bravas were unevenly cooked, and the calamares fritos were just okay. For American standards, it’s an acceptable place—but by Spanish standards, it falls short.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Michael Javier
Tapas del Lago is worth a visit in Highwood! This cozy, casual spot serves up delicious tapas perfect for sharing. The inviting facade, complete with a charming patio and rustic tables, sets the tone for a lovely evening. Our server, Gio, was outstanding - knowledgeable about the wines and tapas, and happy to guide us through the menu. We enjoyed his favorite picks, including octopus, gambas, and scallops, paired with a fantastic blend of Garnacha and Syrah. Even without dessert cravings, we ended up ordering another drink and that's how great the experience was! Perfect for date nights or family dinners, Tapas del Lago is a must-visit for sharing good food and making memories. Can't wait to go back and try more tapas!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joey Avraham
If you’re anywhere near Highwood and craving an unforgettable dining experience, Tapas Del Lago is a must! The atmosphere is warm, stylish, and inviting, making it perfect for both a casual night out or a special occasion.
The star of the night for me was the octopus. Perfectly tender with just the right char, it was hands down the best I’ve had—not chewy, not overdone, but beautifully balanced with smokiness and seasoning that let the freshness shine. Every bite was packed with flavor, and it paired perfectly with their wine list.
Beyond that, the menu is full of creative small plates that encourage sharing and conversation. The staff was welcoming, attentive without being overbearing, and clearly passionate about what they’re serving.
Tapas Del Lago is the kind of place that makes you want to come back the next day and order the exact same thing again. Don’t miss the octopus—you’ll thank me later!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
T L
Great food, great place, good service. You must try if you haven’t.
This place is amazing! Always a great vibe, fun atmosphere, amazing food. Make sure to get the patatas bravas and ask for Gio as your server when you’re here, his service is first class.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This cozy neighborhood gem was outstanding on a cold Saturday night. The hospitable and warm wait staff made it feel like we were family. Small booths and tables. Intimate. Got very noisy as it filled up midway into our meal. Tuna tapas and scallop dish simply amazing. Spanish flan desert was firm with small strawberries a nice addition. Plus we got a 15 percent discount for coming out on a super cold evening.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is a hidden gem in Highwood. The papatas bravas are amazing.
Make sure to get the burger, calamari, and seafood paella as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We love Tapas! We really like the Patata’s Bravas and the Pollo Al Ajillo. We love all the staff but our favorite waiter is Gio! ❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gio is the best. 10000/10 service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I'd give it ten stars just based on the food alone, but I gotta say that the service is more than half the experience! Gio, who has served me on more than one occasion, clearly loves to see returning customers and enjoys what he does. I come from a food service background, and it's nice to see someone in that industry being so enthusiastic--it's not an easy job! Atmosphere is cozy and intimate.
I highly recommend the #13 as a cold tapas. Hot tapas, you HAVE TO try the #21, 28, and #31! The gazpacho is also divine, I just forget which number it is. Of course, I only got a little bit of it, as my friend loved it so much that slurped it down faster than I realized what was happening.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We celebrated a birthday dinner in Highwood at Tapas del Lago, and it was a truly memorable experience, despite the restaurant's cozy size. Stepping inside felt like being transported to the lively tapas bars of Madrid - the atmosphere was warm and infectious. Gio's service was outstanding; his passion for the menu shone through as he expertly guided us through ordering, sharing his personal favorites. The red sangria was a delightful start, refreshingly balanced and not overly sweet. Our Seafood Paella stole our hearts - generous with succulent seafood and a thoughtful ratio of rice, elevated perfectly by the rich aioli. Gambas al ajillo, dates with bacon, tender albondigas, and the octopus were absolute standouts among the tapas we shared. Though we couldn't fit in dessert, the selections looked irresistible. We'll be back soon to explore more of their delicious offerings. One gentle suggestion for an otherwise flawless experience: consider softening the ambient noise level, perhaps with curtains or acoustic panels - it would further elevate the intimate charm. Beyond that, Tapas del Lago is such a good place to visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It was my birthday weekend, and I was willing to go out of my way to have tapas, which I haven't enjoyed since I lived in Florida. We were so lucky to discover Tapas Del Lago, not too far from home! The atmosphere was the perfect urban vibe - a classy meal outdoors, surrounded by the excitement of the city bustle. The wine was lovely, and the tapas were exquisite. I might have to admit that my favorite part was dessert, baked custard with the perfect balance - crisp and smooth, dark and sweet. The place was hopping, not an empty seat in sight, but the service throughout our meal was very attentive. Lucky for me, I chanced into an unexpected fireworks display in town just after we left, making this an epic birthday celebration to remember!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great menu, great kitchen and wait staff. This place is one of the wee gems of the North shore. Interesting dishes, and a wide variety. Drinks are limited to wine, beer, and vermouth drinks. (It's Spanish. Whaddaya want?)
The dining room can get a little noisy, but I heard that they're working on some sound baffling.
GREAT little restaurant, just be ready to pay for the experience.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
First time and we’ll be back to try some other dishes
Food was so good we even had desert
Beet salad,
shrimp dish was spicy but excellent
Patatas were good not great
Service was outstanding
Ambience was good until it was full and we couldn’t hear each other.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Basic food overall. The papas bravas were unevenly cooked, and the calamares fritos were just okay. For American standards, it’s an acceptable place—but by Spanish standards, it falls short.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Tapas del Lago is worth a visit in Highwood! This cozy, casual spot serves up delicious tapas perfect for sharing. The inviting facade, complete with a charming patio and rustic tables, sets the tone for a lovely evening. Our server, Gio, was outstanding - knowledgeable about the wines and tapas, and happy to guide us through the menu. We enjoyed his favorite picks, including octopus, gambas, and scallops, paired with a fantastic blend of Garnacha and Syrah. Even without dessert cravings, we ended up ordering another drink and that's how great the experience was! Perfect for date nights or family dinners, Tapas del Lago is a must-visit for sharing good food and making memories. Can't wait to go back and try more tapas!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If you’re anywhere near Highwood and craving an unforgettable dining experience, Tapas Del Lago is a must! The atmosphere is warm, stylish, and inviting, making it perfect for both a casual night out or a special occasion.
The star of the night for me was the octopus. Perfectly tender with just the right char, it was hands down the best I’ve had—not chewy, not overdone, but beautifully balanced with smokiness and seasoning that let the freshness shine. Every bite was packed with flavor, and it paired perfectly with their wine list.
Beyond that, the menu is full of creative small plates that encourage sharing and conversation. The staff was welcoming, attentive without being overbearing, and clearly passionate about what they’re serving.
Tapas Del Lago is the kind of place that makes you want to come back the next day and order the exact same thing again. Don’t miss the octopus—you’ll thank me later!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food, great place, good service. You must try if you haven’t.
Food and service are always amazing!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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