Boston's best Spanish restaurant Dali

🍷 Dali: Somerville’s Spanish Gem—Where Flavors Dance (and So Will You) Somerville’s always hiding gems—Gustazo’s Cuban fare, Tsurumen Davis’ ramen, Himalayan Kitchen’s Nepali dishes—but this tiny Spanish spot? It just shot to the top of my list. I left so happy, I practically danced down the street. 🍹 First, the Drinks Ei Passion: A sweet, tropical cocktail that’s fruity without cloying—think summer in a glass. Si Papi: My favorite. Gin mixed with watermelon tonic, elevated by a hint of cilantro that adds an unexpected, bright complexity. It’s better than most drinks at Boston’s “speakeasy” spots—bold, balanced, and dangerously sippable. 🌟 The Must-Orders (Drop Everything for These) Chuletillas de Cordero: 🐑 Lamb chops with yellow peach. Tender, juicy meat paired with ripe, fragrant peach—sweet, savory, and slightly floral. It’s like a “summer romance” on a plate (yes, that good). Pato Braseado: 🦆 Plum-glazed duck legs. Crispy, crackling skin gives way to meat that literally bursts with juice. The tart-sweet berry sauce cuts through the richness, leaving a lingering, “I need another bite” flavor. Mejillones en Crema de Camarones: 🦪 Mussels in shrimp cream broth. The mussels are fresh, but the broth? Legendary. Rich, briny, and so flavorful, my friend and I fought over the last spoonful (we’d have licked the bowl if we weren’t in public). Jamón Ibérico de Bellota: 🐖 Even if you’re not a ham fan, try this. It’s the “king of hams”—thinly sliced, with fat that melts on your tongue, releasing nutty, salty-sweet notes that linger. I finally get why Europeans obsess over it—pure, unadulterated luxury. 😊 Solid, but Not Show-Stopping Tortilla Española: 🥚 A classic thick Spanish omelet—eggy, potato-rich, and comforting, but not memorable. Gambas al Ajillo: 🦐 Garlicky shrimp (so garlicky, it’s almost a feature). The shrimp are tender, and the garlic oil is great for dipping bread, but it’s on the salty side. Costillas de Vaca: 🥩 Red wine-braised beef—tender, but the sauce lacks depth (compared to the other dishes). ✨ Why It’s a Winner Heart: This isn’t “fancy for the sake of fancy”—it’s food that feels lovingly made, like a Spanish abuela cooked it. Comparison: Blows spots like Toro out of the water. It’s authentic, creative, and genuinely joyful. Budget Score: 4/5. Splurge-worthy for the standout dishes (you won’t regret it). Dali is more than a restaurant—it’s a mood. Whether you’re here for the drinks, the duck, or that life-changing ham, it delivers happiness in every bite. 📍 Dali 415 Washington St, Somerville, MA 02143 #SomervilleEats #SpanishCuisine #DateNightFaves