Solea Restaurant and Tapas Bar

Started off with messy and oily dishes and unfortunately things didn't improve from there. We tried giving it a fair chance, but the food was well below the average compared to other tapas bars. There was only one server, which is understandable for a Sunday noon, but overall service felt stretched. The seating couches have clearly seen better days. Overall, it's a place with potential, but given the competition on this street, there are definitely better options for food and atmosphere.

The only good thing was the cocktail.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 2

Most of the food was great (smokey roasted vegetables, grilled octopus, crispy cauliflower), some was just so so (chicken empanada). Service was very friendly and attentive.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Delicious!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Twenty years ago, when I lived in the area, Solea was my favorite restaurant. Now, it's a huge disappointment. Though it still has some favorite dishes, they have suffered a major decline in quality. The gambas ajillo, for example, arrived way overcooked and it contained very few shrimp. The flan was the worst I have ever had.

The manager Petronila M. was working as the waitress because she had a two person call out. She was the only one there working the tables, and the bar. She was hustling, and she did a great job. On top of that stress she was still very personable, and was calm and focused. Great asset to the establishment.

The food is authentic. I liked the Brussels sprouts and the ceviche.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Solea was ok. The dishes were really hit or miss. The tenderloin, broccoli fritters, roasted vegetables, and shrimp were all good. The paella was ok - seafood was tender but I feel this dish didn't have a lot of flavor. The jamon iberico was bad. Super chewy. The service was ok, nothing standout.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

Fruit fly problem. Food was good but the fly problem was scary which makes the entire experience feel icky. There were about 15 fruit flies in my wine glass and when I sent it back they only took off that one round from the bill. I am horrified, it’s too cold for fruit flies this time of year. DISGUSTING!!!!!!!!

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

The food was great here, and reasonably priced for the portion sizes. There are a ton of great vegetarian options. We really enjoyed the cheese platter and the spicy cauliflower

Server was great, provided advice and great options. Food was good but not the most true to original. Example, tortilla de papas came with a mayonnaise/golf sauce instead of garnished. All in all a great experience and customer service.

Service, ambience and value were great. However, not one of the seven tapas dishes we ordered tasted like the Spanish dish it was supposed to be. Pulpo was dry and tough. Albondigas (in cream sauce?) also dried out. Gambas al ajillo were tiny and pallid, like they'd been blanched in light olive oil. I never leave bad reviews but if you're expecting the tastes of Spain, go elsewhere.

Everything was delicious! We went with the classic red sangria (refreshing), lamb meatballs, the duck leg, patatas bravas, and the baked goat cheese (the table favorite) as well as Valenciana Paella (pictured). All great!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Small plates for perfection. We got a variety of tapas. Lamb chops was vert tender, well seasoned, had apricot sause complimented the meat well.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Delicious authentic and reasonable prices

Our tapas meal at Silea was a nice experience. We were there early in the evening and it was very quiet. We chose four dishes for the two of us to share: artichoke and mushroom crostini, cauliflower and broccoli fritters, octopus, and beef tenderloin. All were well prepared, although the octopus had more potatoes and less octopus than we would have liked. Food was solidly good, but nothing amazing. Service was very good and attentive.