El Librero Tapas y Queso: A Culinary Gem Amidst the Bustle. This place proved to be a culinary oasis amidst the whirlwind of sightseeing during my recent trip. Nestled away from the bustling streets, this charming establishment beckoned us with promises of exquisite flavors and warm hospitality. Upon stepping inside, we were greeted with genuine warmth and attentiveness from the staff, setting the tone for a memorable dining experience. As we settled in, the aroma of Spanish spices and aged cheeses tantalized our senses, foreshadowing the culinary delights to come.
The tapas, a hallmark of Spanish cuisine, were nothing short of exceptional. Each tapas was a masterpiece, meticulously crafted with a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Complementing the delectable tapas was an impressive selection of wines, carefully curated to enhance the dining experience. The knowledgeable staff were more than happy to offer recommendations, further elevating our enjoyment. However, what truly sets El Librero apart is its impeccable service. The staff exuded professionalism and passion, ensuring that every aspect of our dining experience was nothing short of perfection. Their genuine enthusiasm for their craft was palpable, making us feel not just like patrons, but cherished guests.
To anyone seeking an authentic taste of Spain paired with unparalleled hospitality, I wholeheartedly recommend this hidden gem. And to the dedicated owners and staff of El Librero, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for sharing your passion with the world. Treasure your dream team, for they are the heart and soul of this extraordinary...
Read moreI don't always post reviews, but when I do it's because I want to remember it. Decided to eat here because it was in my way, it's a pleasant street away from the hustle and bustle, and the pretty good reviews, but it was none of the places my friend chef from back home recommended. On my own so couldn't order too many things so I went for the gazpacho, the roman artichokes, and then asked my waiter about a meat option, he recommended the albóndigas (meatballs) to which I almost said no as I'd had some pretty meh ones the day before, but it was the way he said it that I acceded. When it arrived I first tried the artichokes and thought "this will probably be the best of all three", but then I tried the gazpacho which blew me away, even though being in Spain it was pretty much a given that it would be amazing. Last I tried the meatballs not expecting that much, and let me tell you, if you've watched Ratatouille and remember the scene when Anton Ego tries Remy's ratatouille and gets taken back to a warm homely feeling, well, it was pretty much that. Maybe it wasn't a Michelin deserving dish, but it was one that you could keep coming back to when you need to find an anchor. And I'm not exaggerating, I cut the remaining two into the snakes pieces I could to spread it out. When I told my waiter he smugly said "I know, it's my abuela's recipe". For dessert he gave me the list but I let him choose: the fig mousse. Once again a hit. I didn't dare lick the plate in public, but I did swipe it with my finger. And I would...
Read moreThe paella was good, but perhaps not as good as what one might expect after reading some breathless reviews here. We had the black rice (squid ink paella) and the pork cheek paella. They were delicious and done just right...but not the best we've tasted.
Service was quick. We got to the door, put our name in the queue, and got our table within 30 minutes despite the long queues.
Most of the wait staff were pleasant and helpful. But we have to point out one particular staff who was loud and impolite. Two incidents stood out. The table next to ours were celebrating a birthday. They ordered quite a lot of food and a few drinks. But when they took out their own birthday pastry (not even a cake, just a biscuit), this staff told them off loudly. Even if he wanted to be thoroughly strict about policy, he could have whispered to them discreetly instead of barking at them such that the entire section of the restaurant heard them.
The second incident was when we paid and then walked out the restaurant. He ran after us on the street and shouted that we hadn't paid and couldn't leave. After another staff clarified, he merely then said "OK now you may go" without any apology. Again, even if there was a misunderstanding there was no need to be rude about it, and some measure of discretion would have made everyone comfortable - including other guests who may be watching and wondering if they...
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