Jaleo - BethesdaAlways excellentJaileo is simply the best in Bethesda if you want great food.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMSolidI've loved dining at Jaleo since dining at it's first location near the Verizon Center (back when it was the ONLY restaurant down there...except for Cafe Atlantico). This location is great too. Good for groups. The food is tasty and the service was fantastic. We had a huge group and the servers were very attentive and had great suggestions. My only critique is of the noise level. It's loud and little bit dark.5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMGood food, good funThere's something about tapas restaurants that makes dining extra fun. The small plates concept lets you sample lots of different dishes, without overdoing it or spending too much $. Jaleo does a great job with this, each of our choices was delicious and the service was friendly and attentive. We were there for a late lunch, so the place was not crowded, so I'm sure about my noise level comment in the middle of a busy lunch or dinner. Highly recommend.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMNicely pacedWhat I like best about Jaleo is that you can order as you're ready. There's isn't an abundance of food brought to the table all at once, so you can enjoy both the meal and your dining partners. The staff is extremely accommodating with this type of service, and we appreciate that. A little slow in getting the bill, but we truly weren't in a rush.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMGood food in a loud environment.Met some friends here thatbinhavent seen in years. They're going to Spain and wanted to experience the food. Food met all our expectations but the noise level was so loud conversation was difficult. Good place for a party atmosphere but not for a reunion of old friends wanting to catch up.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMHallelujah, Jaleo!My mother, 23-year-old son and I had lunch there the other day. My son lives in Boston now, but Jaleo is his favorite restaurant so when he comes to town I always take him. He had learned about Jose's famous gin-and-tonic, so we all had one, and we were delighted with it. After writing down all of the tapas we wanted to have, our charming waiter conspired with the chef to encourage us to do The Jaleo Experience tasting menu. We received everything that we had wanted to order, plus wonderful surprises. A "bad" dish was simply very good; the best dishes were nothing short of sublime. Our dining experience could not have been better; our three generations of family will remember this occasion forever. Of course, we will be back!!4/30/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat mealLunch went as expected...very good food at a decent price. Service was excellent as glasses werer refilled and food brought out promptly. Sever checked routinely to make sure everything was okay.4/29/2013 12:00:00 AMintroduced newbies to Tapasdined with 3 out of town guests, one had been to Jaleo before, the others had never had tapas, they now feel like they can't ever have them again because this was such a superior experience it can't be bettered or even equalled. The menu has changed a bit since the last time we were there and the new items are fun and innovative. The gin and tonic dessert was phenomenal! loved the dates and bacon, the gambones con aljillo were awesome as always. the sea urchin was surprisingly good, we didn't know exactly what to expect but it was great. servers very attentive4/29/2013 12:00:00 AMGazpacho is #1My fiance and I are picky eaters. Jaleo is consistently top notch -- we've eaten here 4-5 times in the last twelve months. Their gazpacho is truly sensational. The scallops are always done just right. The gin and tonic sorbet sounds better than it is -- though, if you are an adventurous type, give it a whirl.
I would highly recommend Jaleo to any foodie.4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food but a bit noisy!This was probably our fifth or sixth dining experience at Jaleo. We took friends who had never been there and they loved it. The food was excellent (as always), and the server was attentive but not overbearing.The only negative is the noise level (which is considerable), although we were still able to converse, albeit it at higher than normal decibel level.That said, we will continue to return (we have spent birthdays & Mother's Day, as well as non-occasion visits) frequently!4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways the best. The friedAlways the best. The fried artichokes were a delight. The eggplant was a slight miss. Could have used a bit more honey or sauce. Management and staff were truly attentive and a great meal was had.4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMJaleo: Surprisingly Lousy for LunchGotta tell you all, I was aghast at how paltry the lunch bocadillo was. I'm not usually compelled to remark about a lunch in Bethesda, but this one is at JALEO for goodness sakes! Do not get lunch here:
1. Let me clarify: the service was outstanding. but
2. The food was so mediocre that it was not to be believed!
I ordered the "freshly carved chicken breast" and bacon sandwich/bocodillo thingy. It was beyond sub-par. The chicken tasted like it was straight from the Giant deli section, the bacon was fine. But it was completely flavorless, the aioli was anything but tasty, and the bread was no better than a loaf from Jimmy Johns. Yesterday I had the chance to go to Jimmy John's for their customer appreciation day, & was more satisfie4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was great! JaleoThe food was great! Jaleo was the only restaurant I visited for Bethesda Restaurant week and I'm so glad I did!4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMFood, ambiance, service wereFood, ambiance, service were topnotch. Exceeded my expectation4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had another great mealWe had another great meal here and reasonably price. The gigs wrapped in bacon were delicious.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMFun Fun Saturday NightOne of the best dinners i have ever experienced. My daughter and I were in town visiting some friends & wanted to treat them. We were 3 adults, 3 teens and 1 tween all with varied tastes. From the moment we arrived until we walked out the door a couple hours later we enjoyed impeccable service! Our server was fantastic treating our foodie teens with the upmost respect and she was very patient with our picky tween. The wine list is perfectly matched and every dish we ordered (there were many) arrived beautifully presented & delicious! It was great fun to pass small plates and bowls around the table for everyone to try. Our faves were the mussels, cauliflower, cheeses, slider, & shrimp. Desserts are well worth leaving stuffed!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMOur first visit to Jaleo inOur first visit to Jaleo in Bethesda and it was lovely. A very quiet week-day lunch which is a major change from any meal in the DC space which is always slammed. We were very impressed with the fennel, apple and manchego salad and hope to recreate something similar at home. Also loved the chicken fritters, onion and potato tortilla and one of the cheese options that contained just a touch of pimenton and was paired with some bitter orange marmalade - delicious! Our shared dessert of pan con chocolate was truly memorable!4/8/2013 12:00:00 AMJose's places are always excellent.Jose's places are always excellent. Tapas are delicious. Paella was not bad for not made in Spain.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMBetter than ever!Have dined at both Jaleos for many years and always found it consistently good. My last experience was exceptional. Jose has added some new dishes - or they were new to me. Everything our table of four had was superb.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMHave been to Jaleo in DC manyHave been to Jaleo in DC many times. First time in Bethesda. Every bit as good but easier to get a reservation. As always the food is top notch. Can't wait to go back.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AM2nd time at the restaurantNever had the Estrella Damm Lager on draft before. Very nice. Light and smooth. The Pan with anchovy was very good and the Short Rib special was excellent.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMThe meal was wonderful asThe meal was wonderful as always. It seemed that the dishes were a little bigger than last time I remember. The atmosphere is always great there and it was not too noisey.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMI love Jaleo! The food isI love Jaleo! The food is always perfectly prepared and delicious. The presentation is beautiful as well. This is a great place!3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMIf going with a large group,If going with a large group, give the tasting menu a try. The chef will hand select dishes to make based on your group. It was an excellent food experience!3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had over-the-top serviceWe had over-the-top service and food, -- a very memorable experience!3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMNew menu items are phenomenal!Jaleo never disappoints and has always wowed us every time. The new menu items echo the brilliance and creativity of Jose Andres and his culinary chefs Ramon and James. The white asparagus with citrus segments really bring you to the spring season with its wildflower look. These white asparagus spears are much raved and sought after by Spanish foodies. The fried baby artichoke with anchovy sauce will surprise anyone with the combination if flavors and textures. The new Sangria is even more splendid with the cinnamon after taste. Kudos as always! Thank you Diego and Carlos for a memorable evening of personalized service!3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMOnce again an excellent mealOnce again an excellent meal at the Bethesda Jaleos. The menu selection change from time to time, with creative items you wont find anywhere else. The service was top notch.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMVery Good food - the menuVery Good food - the menu is a bit daunting for guests new to the Tapas concept. Over 70 choices! Hard to narrow selections down to a rational set. The good news is that everything is great so you can't go wrong.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMJaleo, relative to many otherJaleo, relative to many other tapas experiences, shines for their food and service. Best dish was the Patatas Bravas--cooked to perfection and incredibly flavorful. They paired extremely well with the marinated Chicken and parsley puree (almost like a pesto). We also enjoyed the Red Sangria and manchego cheese with apricot. Plus, chocolate mousse with praline ice cream for dessert was the perfect finishing touch. Very happy for my first visit and looking forward to a return trip!3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was terrific, but stuckFood was terrific, but stuck next to a party of 14. Thus, service was not that good.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMWe were in town on a miniWe were in town on a mini vacation with our toddler. I was nervous to bring him, but the restaurant was loud and the staff was very child friendly! The food was amazing- def recommend the gazpacho, so delicious! Disappointed that the white sangria doesn't come in glasses, just carafes. The red sangria was different, had some spice in it like cinnamon or all spice. Wasn't a huge fan and a little disappointed by it, but the food made up for it!3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMQuiet for Sunday brunch, sameQuiet for Sunday brunch, same consistently delicious food as downtown location and great service3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMEach item was a taste treatEach item was a taste treat and the service by Laura was exceptional...3/19/2013 12:00:00 AMIt was good being able toIt was good being able to taste several dishes and the atmosphere was great with our small grandchildren. Overall, it worked out very well.3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMWe hadn't been to Jaleo forWe hadn't been to Jaleo for a while and were very pleased. Food and service were both excellent. Beautifully and quickly prepared food delivered expertly by a smart and perceptive waitress. She overheard us planning around one diner's gluten intolerance and immediately brought a gluten-free menu to us. Well done. Got a reservation on a busy night and were seated right away - another plus! We won't wait so long to go back.3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was our third or fourthThis was our third or fourth time at Jaleo (Bethesda) and we were not disappointed--again! We met to celebrate a birthday. The food was excellent as always. It's always a bit loud (but not too loud to be heard) This is one of my favorite places to eat and we will continue to return with friends & relatives with whom we'd like to share the experience.One idea: I'd like to see a broader "by the glass" wine list--especially whites. An unexpected surprise: a small plate of flan with a lit candle for us to share & birthday wishes. No one in our party had mentioned it, and the mystery still stands as to how our waitress knew. Go--you'll love it!3/13/2013 12:00:00 AM