This review is a little delayed as we ate their last summer but we had such a great meal that I when I came across their website while seeking dinner options I had to take pause and drop this 5 star review. Excellent meal and we enjoyed eating in the outdoor seating area!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jor R.
Had an early Winter Prix Fixe last Friday night before a show . A cozy spot in a good location. Every dish was curated in a way that got the most flavor out of the most modest ingredients. That plates were indeed small but the flavors were large and elegantly presented.The wine list is also well curated and fairly priced. The service was outstanding. The server introduced herself and took out coats. She returned with the wine list, offered samples and made recommendations based on our stated preferences. (The cocktails included some nice rum brands which I hope catch on in other places). She was well versed on the preparation and flavor profiles of all the offerings. Little things like keeping the water glasses topped, changing plates and silverware after each course and generous attention were much appreciated. She simply was the best part of an excellent evening.
Reserved upstairs bar seats at 5PM for two where all the lively action was. Despite seats being available, my wife and I were exiled to the empty downstairs bar. We felt like this was due to our being senior citizens Wait staff service was fine despite the constant shuffling from upstairs to downstairs.Hit or miss with the food. Potato and Leek soup was tasty but portion size was at best one cup. Char- Grilled Baby Octopus was overcooked and dry. Parisian Gnocchi was a hit. Very light and flavorful. Huge miss with the Cava so called "Paella". Traditional paella is cooked and served in the pan with the rice al dente. Ours was a gummy mess. Seafood of some sort is traditional as well. There was none to be found. Portion size was lacking. Clearly the Almond Pound Cake was days old and had been refrigerated. Sad.All in all a mediocre dining experience.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 3
Rick Phillips
I had dined here years ago and was put off by the prices. You know, tapas priced like full-sized entrees. So I was a little put off when they told me they now had a prix fixe menu and you'd be charged 50% of your meal if you cancelled. But it was my son's birthday and he wanted to go. We sat at the bar and the service there was superb. Quick, friendly and attentive. Well made drinks. The prix fixe menu had some good choices with something for everyone. We all ordered different items and shared and everything was hot, tasty and fresh. Good portions (not too big, not too small) for a fixed menu. Even the desserts were good. They overheard that it my son's birthday and put a little candle in his dessert. Nice touch. A really nice experience
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
MaryAlice LaPoint
Love this place! Sometimes I forget it's there, but every time I go I'm happy I did. Great food, really nice service. Adorable atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cava's Paella
Paul Brewer
Experienced the 4 course fixed menu 12/5/2023 and it was fantastic. You are given 3 choices from each serving which our party all did something different. We all enjoyed our choices!! Service was attentive but not rushed. Wine selections were broad. At 65$ per head I felt it was very fairly priced for the quality of the evening. We will return!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Carrie Waller
Went for restaurant week, and it was amazing as always! My martini was incredible.
Cava was lovely. The food was great, and the wait staff was attentive.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tim Chace
We arrived prior to posted opening time during Restaurant Week, spur of the moment, no reservation. We were greeted by the Owner, who lead us downstairs to an intimate little room. Although we were in first, the room quickly filled up( always a good sign!). Service was excellent, prompt, and professional. Since it was Restaurant Week, the menu featured varied selections, each one magnificent! We were impressed by the chef and team effort! We will be sure to return!Thanks for getting us in!!Parking: Typical PortsmouthKid-friendliness: Not much for kids, Adult fine diningWheelchair accessibility: Roll right in
Incredibly below average tapas place. Not authentic Spanish cuisine. Music ranged from Heart Barracuda to Alicia keys. Cheesecake much closer to NY style than Basque. Paella dish was not cooked in the paella that it was served in. Would not recommend.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 3
andrew thompson
Everything from the food and atmosphere was absolutely amazing! We sat at the cozy downstairs bar and Bridget the bartender was very accommodating and sweet. Danny was a pleasure we didn’t see him for long but I could barely pay attention because the food was so good. The squash marshmallow cacao soup was literally so surprisingly mouth watering. I’m typing this review as I enjoy my cocktails but this place is 10/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Emily Hruby Halpern
The food was good (like 8 out of 10), service was just ok for a prix-fixe 4-course menu. It was a little odd that most of the upstairs bar was being used for company use (notes, service items) rather than paying customers. We would have loved to be seated at the upstairs bar but were instead downstairs away from the fun of the restaurant. All the servers were nice, just not very engaging, especially given the type of meal we were having and would have expected. We expected a bit more overall although we had a lovely experience. Wine was good (Spanish blend $42 for a bottle) and the food was good (soup, bravas, cod, chocolate cake) but not amazing for the price and expectation that sets.
This review is a little delayed as we ate their last summer but we had such a great meal that I when I came across their website while seeking dinner options I had to take pause and drop this 5 star review. Excellent meal and we enjoyed eating in the outdoor seating area!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had an early Winter Prix Fixe last Friday night before a show . A cozy spot in a good location. Every dish was curated in a way that got the most flavor out of the most modest ingredients. That plates were indeed small but the flavors were large and elegantly presented.The wine list is also well curated and fairly priced. The service was outstanding. The server introduced herself and took out coats. She returned with the wine list, offered samples and made recommendations based on our stated preferences. (The cocktails included some nice rum brands which I hope catch on in other places). She was well versed on the preparation and flavor profiles of all the offerings. Little things like keeping the water glasses topped, changing plates and silverware after each course and generous attention were much appreciated. She simply was the best part of an excellent evening.
Cozy space & filled with excellence!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Potato, Brussels Sprouts, Almond Torta, Cava's Paella
Reserved upstairs bar seats at 5PM for two where all the lively action was. Despite seats being available, my wife and I were exiled to the empty downstairs bar. We felt like this was due to our being senior citizens Wait staff service was fine despite the constant shuffling from upstairs to downstairs.Hit or miss with the food. Potato and Leek soup was tasty but portion size was at best one cup. Char- Grilled Baby Octopus was overcooked and dry. Parisian Gnocchi was a hit. Very light and flavorful. Huge miss with the Cava so called "Paella". Traditional paella is cooked and served in the pan with the rice al dente. Ours was a gummy mess. Seafood of some sort is traditional as well. There was none to be found. Portion size was lacking. Clearly the Almond Pound Cake was days old and had been refrigerated. Sad.All in all a mediocre dining experience.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 3
I had dined here years ago and was put off by the prices. You know, tapas priced like full-sized entrees. So I was a little put off when they told me they now had a prix fixe menu and you'd be charged 50% of your meal if you cancelled. But it was my son's birthday and he wanted to go. We sat at the bar and the service there was superb. Quick, friendly and attentive. Well made drinks. The prix fixe menu had some good choices with something for everyone. We all ordered different items and shared and everything was hot, tasty and fresh. Good portions (not too big, not too small) for a fixed menu. Even the desserts were good. They overheard that it my son's birthday and put a little candle in his dessert. Nice touch. A really nice experience
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love this place! Sometimes I forget it's there, but every time I go I'm happy I did. Great food, really nice service. Adorable atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cava's Paella
Experienced the 4 course fixed menu 12/5/2023 and it was fantastic. You are given 3 choices from each serving which our party all did something different. We all enjoyed our choices!! Service was attentive but not rushed. Wine selections were broad. At 65$ per head I felt it was very fairly priced for the quality of the evening. We will return!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went for restaurant week, and it was amazing as always! My martini was incredible.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Churros&Chocolate Dipping Sauce, Cava's Paella
Cava was lovely. The food was great, and the wait staff was attentive.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
We arrived prior to posted opening time during Restaurant Week, spur of the moment, no reservation. We were greeted by the Owner, who lead us downstairs to an intimate little room. Although we were in first, the room quickly filled up( always a good sign!). Service was excellent, prompt, and professional. Since it was Restaurant Week, the menu featured varied selections, each one magnificent! We were impressed by the chef and team effort! We will be sure to return!Thanks for getting us in!!Parking: Typical PortsmouthKid-friendliness: Not much for kids, Adult fine diningWheelchair accessibility: Roll right in
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I love this place! Food was sooooo good!!! Drinks were perfectly crafted and the vibe was intimate. Will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pan Roasted Cod & Pork Belly Mojo Picon Shishito Peppers, Beef Short Ribs, Chickpeas Fries, Churros&Chocolate Dipping Sauce, Serrano Ham, Grilled Octopus, Flank Steak Perfectly Spiced and Grilled, Tuna Cruda, Stuffed Piquillo Peppers, Piquillo Pepper, Almond Torta, Skirt Steak, Gazpacho, Desert, Tiramisu, Scallop Cruda, Chocolate Torte, Cava's Paella, Empanadas, Day Boat Scallops
It’s not very often I experience the service at a restaurant as amazing as the food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chickpeas Fries, Churros&Chocolate Dipping Sauce, Flank Steak Perfectly Spiced and Grilled, Gazpacho
Incredibly below average tapas place. Not authentic Spanish cuisine. Music ranged from Heart Barracuda to Alicia keys. Cheesecake much closer to NY style than Basque. Paella dish was not cooked in the paella that it was served in. Would not recommend.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 3
Everything from the food and atmosphere was absolutely amazing! We sat at the cozy downstairs bar and Bridget the bartender was very accommodating and sweet. Danny was a pleasure we didn’t see him for long but I could barely pay attention because the food was so good. The squash marshmallow cacao soup was literally so surprisingly mouth watering. I’m typing this review as I enjoy my cocktails but this place is 10/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was good (like 8 out of 10), service was just ok for a prix-fixe 4-course menu. It was a little odd that most of the upstairs bar was being used for company use (notes, service items) rather than paying customers. We would have loved to be seated at the upstairs bar but were instead downstairs away from the fun of the restaurant. All the servers were nice, just not very engaging, especially given the type of meal we were having and would have expected. We expected a bit more overall although we had a lovely experience. Wine was good (Spanish blend $42 for a bottle) and the food was good (soup, bravas, cod, chocolate cake) but not amazing for the price and expectation that sets.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3