Boqueria Fulton Market — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Boqueria: A Flavorful Journey Worth Savoring

We stumbled upon Boqueria during Restaurant Week, and oh, what a happy accident that turned out to be! From the moment we walked in, the vibe was warm, inviting, and effortlessly chic—a rare balance of lively yet not overwhelmingly loud, unlike many tapas spots that lean into chaotic energy.

Now, let's talk food. We started off ambitiously, each of us opting for two appetizers: The Ensalada César was decent but unremarkable (6.5/10)—crispy, well-dressed, but not quite a showstopper. The Bacon-Wrapped Dates? Let’s just say they didn’t hit the right notes for my palate (2/10), though I can see how someone with a penchant for bold sweet-savory contrasts might appreciate them. 3.The Mushroom Croquettes (8.5/10), on the other hand, were a revelation—crispy, creamy, and kissed with just the right amount of truffle. And, of course, Patatas Bravas (7/10)—a respectable rendition of a classic, delivering the expected crunch and spice but lacking that extra something to make them unforgettable.

For mains, we ventured into seafood and meats, and this is where Boqueria truly flexed its culinary muscle. The Garlic Shrimp (9.5/10), swimming in a rich brandy-lobster reduction, packed a serious punch—tangy, garlicky, and deeply flavorful. A touch on the overcooked side, but forgivable given the sheer deliciousness of the sauce. The Picanha Steak (9/10) was another hit—juicy, beautifully charred, and elevated by its bright, herbaceous mojo verde. But the crown jewel? The Catalan-Style Roasted Chicken (10/10)—hands down one of the best roasted chickens I’ve had in years. Juicy, fragrant, and perfectly crisped skin—if you eat nothing else here, eat this.

We wrapped things up with Churros con Chocolate, which tested our patience with its agonizingly long wait but ultimately delivered—the churros were fresh, hot, and golden, making up for the timing misstep. Coffee was long gone by the time they arrived, but hey, some things are worth waiting for.

As for drinks, I tried the Shishito Margarita, which was… fine. Nothing offensive, nothing memorable. Probably wouldn’t order it again.

Service was leisurely—not inattentive, but certainly not in a rush. That said, the overall experience was still stellar, and I’d gladly return. Boqueria doesn’t just serve food; it delivers an experience—a slow, indulgent journey through the vibrant flavors of Spain, one plate at a time. Highly...

I had the opportunity to dine here a few weeks ago, thus, this review is a tad late. However, I cannot help but keep thinking about my meal here, and need to say this: Boqueria is a tremendously fun time with a group of friends!

My positive experience started before setting foot in the restaurant. I needed to make headcount changes to my party late the week of the reservation, and the person I spoke with was friendly and accommodating. The day of, we were all seated at a huge table that could accommodate about 12 people without getting uncomfortable. Our extremely friendly waitress explained the menu to us, including their two tasting menu options. The difference between both was one included a round of jamón ibérico for an additional price per person, and the other did not. We opted for the cheaper of the two. One of our friends has a shellfish allergy, which the waitress took note of, and made adjustments to substitute certain shellfish plates out without any issues. Thus, above being friendly, she was also professional. On top of this, we also order a few pitchers of sangria for all of us. Once we put the order in, the fun began!

Plates came out almost as quickly as we ordered, and we found the table covered in yummy traditional tapas in no time. A charcuterie with an assortment of cheeses, pan con tomate, patatas bravas, pintxos, pulpo, and paella were some of the dishes brought out. My favorites were the patatas bravas, the pintxos, and the chuleton con valdeon (the last cooked to a tender and juicy medium). There were a few misses for me, like the pulpo, but the beauty in having this assortment is my least favorite dishes were someone else's favorite and vice-versa. Everyone got a chance to indulge their favorite bites a little more. As for the sangria pitchers, I enjoyed the white sangria the best, though they were all good. By the end the meal, our group was stuffed, and there was still food left to take home.

Overall, if you come in expecting to be completely blown away by the food, you may or may not leave satisfied, as the food is quite good, but not mind-blowing. But, if you come in with some friends, pay for the tasting menu, sit back, enjoy the vivacious vibe, and let the amazing staff take care of you, you and your group will enjoy the...

If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Fulton Market, look no further than Boqueria. I recently had the pleasure of trying their Chef’s Tasting Menu, and from start to finish, it was nothing short of phenomenal.

From the moment we walked in when it was pouring outside, we were greeted warmly by Giovanni, who set the tone for the evening with his welcoming energy and expert knowledge of the menu. His passion for hospitality was evident—he guided us through each course with thoughtful descriptions, perfect drink pairings, and just the right amount of charm.

Now, onto the food: the Chef’s Tasting Menu is an absolute must. Every dish told a story, balancing bold Spanish flavors with inventive modern twists. The selection of tapas was perfectly curated—think melt-in-your-mouth jamón ibérico, blistered shishito peppers, and a standout pulpo a la plancha (grilled octopus) that was tender and rich with smoky depth.

The star of the evening had to be the paella, brought out with dramatic flair. The saffron aroma hit first, followed by layers of perfectly cooked bomba rice, fresh shellfish, and that magical socarrat at the bottom of the pan that every paella lover dreams of.

Dessert was equally impressive—an airy churro with dark chocolate dipping sauce that ended the night on a high note.

What made the experience exceptional, beyond the food, was Giovanni’s attention to detail. He anticipated our needs, explained each dish with genuine excitement, and made us feel like VIPs throughout the night.

Whether you’re celebrating something special or just in the mood for a memorable meal, Boqueria Fulton Market delivers. Ask for Giovanni and go for the Chef’s Tasting Menu—you...