Spanish Tavern of Mountainside

They went above and beyond to serve!

We hosted our courthouse wedding reception at Spanish Tavern on August 15, and it couldn’t have been a better experience. From start to finish, the staff went above and beyond to make the evening special. Both Isaiah and Monica were incredibly communicative throughout the planning process, always ready to answer questions and provide guidance.

On the day of our reception, the entire team was attentive, respectful, and so careful with handling food, the cake, and our guests’ needs. As a restaurant, Spanish Tavern is already outstanding — but as a reception venue, they were truly amazing. They even allowed us to come in at noon (though our event didn’t start until 7 PM) so we could set up early. They kindly let us leave some of our items there, kept everything safe, and made sure it was ready for us when the party started. That level of trust and accommodation really stood out to us.

The portions were generous (there was so much food!), and many of our guests commented on how they loved not only the flavors but also the spirit of abundance that Spanish Tavern is known for.

A special thank-you to Monica, who was exceptionally supportive. She handled table placements with honesty and care, and when my photographer tried to leave earlier than planned, she actually spoke up for me, ensuring the event was respected. That kind of personal investment is rare and meant a lot.

Spanish Tavern is also very reasonable in pricing for the level of service and quality they deliver. We’re so grateful to have celebrated here, and we look forward to both dining and booking with them again in the future. Highly recommended!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Seafood Paella Marinera, Garlic Chicken, Fried Calamari, Lobster, Tres Leches Milk Cake, Seared Sea Scallops, Complimentary Soup, Grilled Salmon, The Fillet

Appetizers were good, Paella rice was way too salty. They charge extra if you share a plate (portions are pretty large). Service was decent. On the pricey side.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 4

Enjoyed a midweek birthday dinner with a friend. Large selection of seafood, meats and vegetables. Food is delicious. Portions are huge. And, Of course SANGRIA!!! I'm stuffed! Have enjoyed coming here for years.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

the food and service was excellent and they made really good espresso martinis

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Wasn’t impressed

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 3

I love this place including the amazing staff. The bartender Victor is a joy and knowledgeable about their menu and drinks. The food never disappoints and Monica is always so warm and inviting. Highly recommend for any occasion!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Grilled Octopus, Complimentary Soup, Grilled Salmon

Im 37 and have been going there with my parents and family and family friends since I was 3. Most amazing food and great staff

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Not like it used to be

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 3

Omg
The food Dangerously Delicious 😋

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We were there for a party, but food and service were excellent.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We had dinner here a few nights ago. We hadn't been here in at least 20 years and decided to go because Spain Inn in Dunellen is under reconstruction.

We ordered the filet mignon with grilled shrimp. If definitely was not filet mignon. It was sirloin. When my husband called the manager over to express his disappointment and dislike of the dish, the manager offered to replace it with something else. After the bread, soup, and appetizer, he didn't want anything else so he asked her to take the meal off the bill. She said they don't do that they only replace the meal. After a heated argument, we paid for a meal that clearly wasnt what it should have been.

With that being said, the staff was great and very attentive. No complaints about that at all.

If you are looking for better restaurants than this, try Spain Inn in Piscataway or Paulo's in South Plainfield. Their food is the best around hands down. Won't waste my time or money at Spanish Tavern ever again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 5

I was at a function downstairs. The restaurant smelled like urine when we came in, but smelled better by the time we left. The fans in the women’s bathroom were full of dust. The service was ok, but the rolls were served after the soup. The food was extremely salty.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

The waiters were okay but the food was horrendous. We had the Valencia Paella, fillet M. And the garlic chicken and they all were very disappointing. I had 3 people in my party, who ate different things and we all agreed that the food was not to the level we thought it would be. The Paella was tasteless, Fillet M. Was not tender and was tasteless and the garlic chicken tasted mostly like soy sauce and barely any garlic taste. I was hoping this would be one of my new family and party meeting points but unfortunately, it will NOT be. I paid my bill and tipped well and left with no complaints because you mentioned it and automatically they think you don’t want to pay your bill. Hope this helps you make a smart decision so you don’t have an horrific lunch.
One more thing the dessert, i ordered a flan to eat at home and the presentation and flavor were not good. It was packed in one of those plastic containers the Chinese takeout restaurant give their food in and it tasted burnt. Please keep in my mind that they charge Premium price for their food.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 3

Tell me if you can find a better restaurant dining experience 10 mi from Manhattan for the value.

The menu is fantastic, offers a real dining experience yet is not stuffy. This is a hidden gem.