Spanish in South Florida

2768 E. Oakland Park Blvd. Wilton Manors

954-565-1148

Spanish, Small Plates, Seafood, Best Of, Menu

Nearly a quarter-century old and showing no signs of retiring or resting on its leches, Café Seville is as full of surprises as ever, from a soothing potato-stuffed tortilla Española to a lineup of seafood preparations (trout, merluza, swordfish, salmon, snapper, dolphin, seafood paella, a maritime casserole) and rustic, Spanish-style legs of pork, rib of lamb, and even delicious rabbit cooked in spicy tomato sauce. The food is consistently wonderful and the prices reasonable, with enough variety to keep you busy trying new dishes for years. But it's the friendly, romantic atmosphere that will make this charming café your go-to spot whenever you most need sustenance and succor. A huge list of reasonably priced Spanish, American, and European wines, plus live classical guitar music on weekends, turns the place into a full-on party.

6 articles

Ideas Restaurant

2833 Bird Ave., Coconut Grove South Dade

305-567-9076

Spanish, Recommended

You can watch executive chef Jorge Sanchez and his kitchen crew at work in a gleaming stainless-steel kitchen; the rest of the tastefully appointed space is bathed in beige, gracefully draped, and soothingly illuminated. Don't miss the suckling baby pig, well-spiced and succulently confited in its fat until the crust absolutely crackles. Bouncy baby lamb chops will appeal to more conventional carnivores, as surely will the 35-ounce, $68 bone-in rib eye steak - which is for two people but an unusually large cut nonetheless. A dessert of scintillating lime sorbet? Hoo-boy. And hooray for the genteel service.

La Bamba Mexican & Spanish Restaurant

5452 W. Sample Rd. Margate

954-978-6377

Mexican, Spanish, Best Of, Menu, Readers' Choice

La Bamba offers typical Mexican fare of burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas, plus the occasional taco meal. However, it's not the individual plates but the combos that make La Bamba special. No way you'd be hungry after downing a chicken enchilada, chile relleno, and a beef taco served with yellow rice and refried beans. Located in a nondescript plaza in Margate, La Bamba offers a step up from chain dining for only a couple of bucks extra. Instead of the hectic atmosphere of the local Chipotle franchise, Spanish music plays while you enjoy your meal. The downside is the occasional slow service during peak hours, since this place is a local favorite.

4 articles

La Bamba Mexican & Spanish Restaurant

10169 W. Sunrise Blvd. Plantation

954-370-1978

Mexican, Spanish, Best Of, Readers' Choice

The crowd gathered outside, waiting to get in should be indication of this little mom-and-pop spot. Inside, it's like being in la plaza del pueblo: Cheers, laughter, food, and alcohol. And a genuine Mexi-Spanish feel. A full bar and Dos Equis on tap. That's right. Amber and beautiful going down your gullet. The a la carte menu's taquitos, nachos, and guacamole dip complement what should be a never-ending pour. Salud, compadre!

4 articles

La Cocina Puertorriquena

6742 Pembroke Rd. Miramar

954-962-0777

Basque, Puerto Rican, Spanish, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Menu, Slideshow

Get in touch with your inner Latino at this great hole in the wall. Although you live in South Florida, it is hard to find good quality Puerto Rican food. La Cocina's got all of your favorites covered, from mofongo to arroz con gandules and pasteles. Living in the States got you missing your abuelo? Ask for Tony the next time you go, and instantly get reconnected to the homeland. He's always up for new suggestions, tips, and friends. Plus, go on Friday nights for live music and karaoke. Your grandparents would approve. Read our full review.

3 articles

Mario's Catalina Restaurant

1611 N. Federal Highway Fort Lauderdale

954-563-4141

Cuban, Spanish, Best Of, Menu

You'll have the time of your life at Mario's busy, happy Cuban/Spanish restaurant, but don't fool around: Make a reservation. You don't want to have to wait a second longer than necessary for that steaming, ground-beef empanada, a hefty corn-scented tamal, or a feather-light ham croquette. The crowd here is lively; tropical flavors redolent of garlic, grilled onion, and pepper are designed to snap you out of any stupor. Red snapper rolled in ground plantain and topped with a handful of fresh shrimp; an Argentine-style skirt steak; and seafood-stuffed paella for one are all standouts -- but the menu doesn't put a foot wrong. And the staff at this Fort Lauderdale spot is as sweet as the grilled plantains, as the cuatro leches cake, as the tiny cup of Cuban coffee that ends every meal.

5 articles

Spice Resto-Lounge

1934 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood

954-923-3888

Spanish, Bars and Clubs, Music Venues, Best Of, Menu

There's a lot of pure, joyous animal charisma circulating at Spice Resto-Lounge. There are women in leopard-print cat suits and in spandex tank tops, in tiny, fringed minis that shimmy with every jut of the hip. There are lantern-jawed men with dark hair pulled into ponytails and pumped-up guys with shaved heads and designer eyewear. Flat-bellied, pierced, tattooed -- the staff here treats clothing like an optional accessory. Everything about Spice Resto-Lounge is cool without trying, from the easygoing supper-club menu of steaks, fresh fish, salads, and starters at reasonable prices to the Latin-themed cocktails to the nonstop entertainment that includes a lively house band, meringue dancers, and a bossa nova duo. You've tumbled down the rabbit hole and found yourself in Wonderland, only in this tall tale, Alice is wearing a G-string.

1 event 6 articles

Spanish in South Florida

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