Don Quijote — Restaurant in Valparaiso

Everything about this place was an absolute treat. From the care that the servers took and making us feel welcomed and explaining all of the variety of options, to the owner actually coming out and greeting us making us feel very welcomed. I would recommend a reservation if you need one as it does get very busy, but we were able to go early and enjoy our meal. There was live music that was not too loud at all and he was very talented, it was very much a relaxed atmosphere. When it came to the tapas, we got the combo platter and it was an absolute treat. The variety was amazing and all of the things you could want were on there. I'm told some of their best stuff! We completely cleared our plate of appetizers, and couldn't imagine how good the main entrees would be. I got crab stuffed flounder, and it was cooked to perfection. Served with vegetables and the best Spanish rice I've had in my life. Hands down. No questions asked. We also sampled the house wine, and ended up leaving with three bottles because they had a buy two get one free. There was also another dish that was pork skewers served with vegetables and rice, and they were an absolute succulent bite each time. We were so impressed that there weren't much left on our plates by the time we were done. Still unable to stop, we ended up ordering two desserts! Everything they say about the desserts is true, they're the best ones I think I've ever had. And the flavor is incomparable. We got the wine stewed pear and the pound cake in a cream, jelled sauce. I'm so relieved that we decided to get two desserts because they were both beyond words. The sponge cake was refreshing and light and cool as well as very rich and creamy. What really impressed me was the wine stewed pear as the caramelization and sweetness of the wine went together heavenly. That served over ice cream which gave it a lovely vanilla creamy base. I think my favorite part was drinking the juices afterwards. This is truly a gem of Valpo, knowing it's been around for 40 years makes it all the more special in my opinion. As you can see, the food is plated beautifully the servers. Truly make you feel welcomed and are very informative. I went for an anniversary and it was beyond our expectations. The owners seem to know their regulars, the wife even took a photo of our table, which was very kind. I'm genuinely looking forward to the next time we...

My daughter discovered this restaurant during a trip last year. She saw a billboard along the highway and immediately thought of me, since I am originally from Spain. After doing some research, she couldn’t stop talking about how much she wanted our family of four to experience authentic Spanish food there. Recently, while traveling nearby, we finally had the chance to make her wish come true.

Making a reservation was simple and seamless. I booked online, then called to adjust the time. The staff handled the change politely, without any issues, and quickly sent a confirmation email.

From the moment we arrived, we knew the evening was going to be special. We were warmly greeted and seated near the stage, where a talented guitarist set the perfect mood by blending jazz, classical, American, and Spanish music.

Our waitress was attentive, patient, and kind—especially as we took our time deciding among so many tempting dishes. We began with the tapas sampler and croquetas, a delicious start featuring tortilla de patatas, chorizo, meatballs, and more. Every bite melted in our mouths.

For our main courses, we enjoyed Filet Mignon, Chicken Paella, and Bacalao a la Vasca. As someone from the Basque Country, I was deeply impressed by the cod—prepared with flavors that instantly transported me back to the cuisine of my childhood in Spain. Alongside the meal, we shared a wonderfully flavorful sangria.

Of course, we couldn’t skip dessert. We tried the chocolate hazelnut cheesecake, arroz con leche, and their famous tarta de cuajada. This last dessert holds special meaning for my daughter—she’s loved it since she was a toddler—and tasting its authenticity brought tears to her eyes. To make the moment even more memorable, both Chef Carlos and Elena (the mastermind behind the desserts) came by to chat with us. Their warmth and passion were evident, as they visited with guests while running the restaurant smoothly.

In every way—food, atmosphere, service, and hospitality—this restaurant exceeded our expectations. Although we live nearly three hours away, we would gladly make the drive again to relive such an extraordinary experience. Carlos and Elena, thank you to you and your entire team for creating such a magical evening and sharing the true...

This is a reply to the harsh comment from Michael “Spanaussie” De Angel

I’m a 100% real Spanish man living in the US since 1994 and I know you are not nor feel a truly Spanish citizen. Having a Spanish passport doesn’t make you a Spaniard. In Spanish culture, interactions are typically marked by politeness and respect, especially in service settings. Direct or harsh criticisms are often considered impolite and may be seen as a breach of social etiquette. Therefore, someone who uses rash or overly critical comments toward a restaurant owner may not be adhering to traditional Spanish norms of courteous communication. This behavior could suggest that the individual is either unfamiliar with, or not practicing, customary Spanish manners.

After reading your review, I had to double-check if we were even talking about the same restaurant! I’ve dined here multiple times, and each experience has been nothing short of fantastic. The food is always fresh, flavorful, and authentically Spanish—one of the best spots in the Midwest for true Spanish cuisine. I’m honestly surprised by the complaints about the paella. Every time I’ve had it, it’s been beautifully cooked, rich in flavor, and served just as I’ve enjoyed in Spain. And the flan? Absolutely homemade and absolutely delicious! It’s one thing to have a personal preference, but calling the owner rude because she didn’t agree with your harsh criticism seems unfair. She and her staff are always welcoming, professional, and passionate about what they do. Maybe this place just wasn’t to your taste, but for those of us who appreciate great food and a warm, authentic atmosphere, it’s a gem. I’ll happily keep coming back!

This place is a Hidden Gem with a...