Tapa Rio — Restaurant in Fredericksburg

I visited here on a Thursday night during restaurant week. I was actually a little shocked at how empty it was, especially given that it was restaurant week and the positive reviews.

The food was overall very good. We ended up trying a bunch of small items instead of going for the restaurant week special.

The Cavolfiore hot plate (cauliflower with whipped goat cheese) was to die for and easily the best thing we are. It was really unique and had such a cool blend of smoky, sweet, tangy, nutty and salty going on. Definitely get it.

The seafood paella was nicely done and flavorful, and I would come again for that too. I do wish that it had come out a bit later so it was warmer by the time we got to it, but this is my fault. You can easily share this and a salad with one other person and both go home quite sated.

We also really enjoyed the Albondigas (meatballs), although I found the sauce to be a little too acidic. The Spiedini bites were pretty tasty too. I wouldn't get the Montedito de Jamon again though...Based on what is in it, I knew it was going to be salty, but salt was the only flavor.

There was a pretty interesting-looking wine list that I would love to try more of. I envision returning someday when I can sit out on the patio with a larger group of friends and sample other things! I wish I had the opportunity to try some of the pizza options. The table next to ours had one, and it looked pretty darn good.

The restaurant is clean, modern and minimalist, and service was very good. Our waitress was quite helpful but didn't hover needlessly. She made some great reconditions. The atmosphere was cozy, although I do wish we had been offered a seat away from the live performer. He was talented but loud and that made it challenging to have a conversation on...

My dining partner loved everything, me less so. I recommend you give it a try for yourself. It’s certainly the only Spanish or tapas restaurant within a 1 hour drive in any direction. It’s a nice place and I can tell they know how to cook. But the dishes just didn’t work for me.

The portion sizes are a bit larger than most other small plate restaurants, enough for at least 2 or 3 people to all taste each. Tapas is always a bit more expensive than a burger place, but the total check won’t be as high as you think for a fine restaurant.

My companion said the pizza was the best she’s had in her 20+ years in Fredericksburg. It’s also one of the better bang for your buck on the menu, if you’re hungry.

I liked the 4 choices of $5 sherry, port and Madeira - generous sizes. We had a lavender cocktail that was great and not overpriced.

If you go when it’s nice and sunny out, the dining room has a beautiful view of the river. The patio does too, if the weather permits.

The chef’s favorite sauce seems to be their smoky tomato sauce, which is tasty, but is repeated on a lot of dishes. Don’t worry, I couldn’t really taste the smoke.

I didn’t like the chorizo sausage. I found it gamy in flavor and dry, lacking a sauce.

The Brussels sprouts and the cauliflower were not terrible but I thought a little plain and dry. The smoked honey on the cauliflower was really interesting, and might have perked up the flavor, though I couldn’t have it due to my diet.

The ribeye steak tasted good, though it looked cooked at medium heat rather than seared at high heat like the menu seemed to suggest. Our cut happens to be “marbled” with more...

Being huge fans of Tapas, we decided to try Tapa Rio on a whim.

The inside of the restaurant was bright, and well laid out. We were greeted and promptly seated. The set up of the menu was explained to us as we perused.

Started with the Speidini (lamb/pork skewers) w/a yogurt sauce and the Pan con Tomate (Bruschetta by any other name) and the Insalata Cetriolo. The salad came out first and was a fantastic mix of vegetable with a light citrus dressing. The skewers and bruschetta followed. Tasty and perfect for one person. This was followed by the Queso de Cabra (Goat cheese simmered in a smokey tomato sauce) and Cavolfiore (Cauliflower). The queso was creamy and the sauce had just the right hint of smokiness to it. The hazelnuts complimented the charred cauliflower. Perfect for sharing between the two of us.

We finished with the Paella de Verduas, a vegetable paella. A very nice combination, cooked to perfection and the rice with just a bit of bite to the grains, not overcooked mush.

It was a clear day, so we looked out over the River as we ate. Just a touch to chilly for the wife, to want to sit outside.

This building has housed a number of other restaurants over the years, all of them mediocre and unimpressive. Tapa Rio is a different eating/dining experience. It wasn't particularly busy, and for being open only a short while, the staff appears to be on their game.

Looking forward to a return visit and trying many of the other items...