Le Diplomate
French · Washington · $$$
Spanish · Washington, DC · $$$
This piece of Spain, just steps from The White House, will transport you to an elegant and royal atmosphere surrounded by friendly faces, an engaging menu and world-renowned wines. Taberna Del Alabardero opened its doors in 1989, becoming the first Spanish restaurant in DC. Spanish Chef Joaquín Ruiz brings back the authentic Spanish Cuisine and introduces new dishes with traditional ingredients. Taberna’s seasonal menu features classic tapas, luscious paellas, refreshing sangria, and delicious desserts, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options. Dress code: Business casual
“We came to DC for a long weekend and because I didn't know how the flught would go I didnt make any reservations uoon arrival and decided to wing it. We passed Taberna Del Alabardero on the walk from the subway to the hotel. It looked festuve, pretty and there was outside seating. We glanced at the menu and decided to go back. The staff were friendly, attentive and provided great service. The first place I've been where they poured Gray Goose in my glass in front of me. Fantastic! The decor inside was beautiful and my favorite color, green. The pictures on the wall and the colorful drapes with wood accents made it very spanish and kund of historical lookimg. The food was amazing! We ordered the octopus off the main menu and 2 items off a June experice menu. The octopus tasted smoked to me. I ordered because based on what I read about the restaurant I felt they would do it well.. and they did! The potatoes needed a touch of salt for us, but we are salt people. The Croquetas were so creamy and delicious with the garlic shrimp. The cream cheese on the toast set off the flavors of the carleized onions and whisky reduction pork. The coup de grâce was the Cheesecake desset. It was warm and a combo of airy and dense. The granny smith apples on the side were tart and pallet clensing. So good! We also received shirtbread cookies and a chocolate cookie thing that were delicious! The prices are on the expensive side, but definitely worth it. Great place for sharung and date night.”
“I went here with my fiancé for his birthday and to celebrate our engagement and we had an absolutely wonderful time. The food was excellent, the service was excellent, and the atmosphere was excellent. We loved the historic decorations and the overall vibe of the place. We also went for the live music and flamenco show which was so fun! Highly recommend coming here, especially to celebrate a special occasion. ¡VIVA ESPAÑA! 🇪🇸”
“My partner and I visited Taberna del Alabardero for our 10 year anniversary. The staff was amazing. They made sure every detail was perfect. They made our night so memorable. The was better than expected and I wouldn’t have changed a thing. The live flamenco music and dancing was a pleasant surprise. As a Puerto Rican who is used to Puerto Rican sangria the Spanish style sangria was to die for. Would definitely visit again and would recommend to anyone in the area.”
“Hands down, one of the most unforgettable dining experiences I’ve ever had! From the moment we stepped into Taberna del Alabardero, we were transported to the heart of Spain — the ambiance, the service, the food, EVERYTHING was simply extraordinary. The bar area is elegant yet inviting, and we chose to sit right at the bar where the energy and buzz of the restaurant truly come alive.  The highlight of our evening was our bartender, Jorge — an absolute rockstar! His mixology skills are out of this world, and every drink he crafted was nothing short of perfection. He made us feel like VIPs the entire night, always with a smile and an impeccable attention to detail. His recommendations were spot-on and elevated our meal beyond expectations. The Spanish cuisine was rich, flavorful, and beautifully presented — every bite felt like a celebration of authentic, time-honored flavors. The wine list was phenomenal, the sangria was delightful, and the tapas were some of the best I’ve ever tasted. Every dish showcased the passion and craftsmanship this restaurant is known for.  If you’re looking for a five-star experience with world-class drinks, incredible hospitality (shout-out again to Jorge!), and mouthwatering food in a stunning setting, this place is an absolute MUST. I can’t wait to return — already planning my next visit!”
“Everything at La Taberna del Alabardero was absolutely delicious! We started with the patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo and eggplant, both packed with flavor and perfectly prepared. Then came the stars of the night, the mar y tierra paella and the black rice… ufff ufff ufff! Truly incredible dishes, rich, hearty, and unforgettable. If you’re craving authentic Spanish cuisine done right, this place is a must-visit!”
1776 I Street, NW(Entrance on 18th St.) Entrance on 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20006, United States
Open in MapsWebsite
alabardero.comNever miss a table
Watch Taberna del Alabarderoand we'll alert you.
More like Taberna del Alabardero