Despaña Princeton

Name: Despaña Princeton
Address: 235A Nassau St., Princeton, NJ, United States, 08540
Telephone: (609) 921-2992
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.2

4.2

715 Reviews

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Top Tags:

Despaña is an all-authentic Spain restaurant and tapas cafe with full service lunch and dinner. Despaña, unique space features a beautiful industrial chic atmosphere with a second floor dinning room and outdoor terrace overlooking scenic Nassau Street. Despaña also offers guests take out from the spacious market featuring all imported goods from Spain and the ability to cater private events.We offer California Wine and also Despaña is BYOB restaurant (BEER- WINE ONLY) We can't wait to see you!

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Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(609) 921-2992

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Mediterranean, Tapas / Small Plates, Spanish
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(609) 921-2992
Website
http://www.despanaprinceton.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
Despaña Princeton uses high quality imported products, including our local Despaña Brand Foods products. As a team, we are committed to transmit an unforgettable experience through a Taste of Spain in the Heart of Princeton.
Private party facilities
Despaña Princeton Event and Full Service Catering Services
Private party contact
Martha A.: (609) 921-2992

Location
235A Nassau St., Princeton, NJ 08540
Neighborhood
Princeton
Cross street
Olden Ave.
Parking details
Despaña features free parking for diners in a well-lit lot. Additional parking can be found on the side streets and Nassau street. Two municipal lots are near by for convenience as well.
Public transit
NJ Transit bus and Princeton Train Station are accessible to the restaurant
Entertainment
Occasional live music and special events, like flamenco performances.
Additional
Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Counter Seating, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Wine

Aceitunas Marinadas$6.00
Mixed Mediterranean olives marinated at home
Pan con Tomate$8.00
Rustic bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil
Chorizo a la Parrilla$12.00
Grilled traditional Spanish chorizo
Datiles con Bacon$12.00
Fried dates wrapped with bacon
Patatas con Ali-Oli$12.00
Fried potatoes with aioli sauce
Patatas Bravas$12.00
Fried potatoes with spicy mayonnaise salsa
Tortilla de Patatas$12.00
Traditional Spanish potato, onion, egg omelet
Berenjenas al Estilo del Chef$12.00
Eggplant au gratin with Manchego cheese & tomato sauce
Gambas al Ajillo$12.00
Sautéed garlic shrimp with Guindilla peppers & olive oil
Croquetas de Jamon Iberico$15.00
Traditional Spanish Iberico ham croquettes
Calamares Fritos$15.00
Fried calamari served with aioli
Calamares a la Parrilla$15.00
Grilled calamari with olive oil, parsley & garlic
Parrillada de Verduras$15.00
Grilled vegetable platter
Albondigas$15.00
Iberico pork meatballs with homemade skinny fries – ¡¡Como las de casa!!
Alcachofas Fritas$15.00
Fried Artichokes, lemon caper sauce
Portobello con Jamon Iberico$15.00
Portobello Mushroom, garlic, parsley, ham bits cooked in white wine
Mejillones Picantes$15.00
Sautéed mussels in a spicy tomato sauce
Pulpo a la Parrilla$22.00
Grilled Galician octopus with olive oil & mashed potatoes
Pulpo a la Gallega$22.00
Boiled Galician style octopus with olive oil, paprika, coarse salt & sliced potatoes

Ensaladas - Salads

Paradiso$18.00
Mixed greens, tomato, mango, avocado & shrimp, drizzled Salsa Rosa
Despana$18.00
Mixed greens, avocado, ham, tomato, corn, red beets, boiled egg, onion, olives, EVOO balsamic vinegar
Colores$17.00
Yellow and purple beets, tomatoes, avocado, shrimp with sherry vinaigrette
Aguacate$12.00
Mixed greens, avocado, plum tomatoes, onion with sherry vinaigrette
Ensalada de Salmon$22.00
Grilled Salmon, bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, EVOO, balsamic vinegar

Sopas - Soups

Crema de Puerros y Patatas$12.00
Potato and leek cream
Caldo Gallego$12.00
Traditional soup from Galicia "Spain"
Mariscos$15.00
Seafood soup with shrimp, clams, mussels & calamari

Nuestros Pescados - Fish

Served with one of the following: Mashed Potatoes, French Fries, Vegetables, Rice or Chef's Salad; Menu item does not include sides

Lubina$30.00
Grilled Bronzino Fillet
Salmon a la Parrilla$28.00
Grilled Salmon Fillet
Sea Bass$38.00
Grilled Chilean Sea Bass Fillet drizzled with parsley-garlic sauce
Rodaballo$36.00
Grilled Turbot fish imported from Spain
Lenguado$36.00
Grilled whole Dover Sole fish topped with Meuniere sauce
Vieiras Despana*$28.00
Jumbo sea scallops over mashed potatoes and Iberico ham bits

Nuestras Carnes - Meats

Served with one of the following: Mashed Potatoes, French Fries, Vegetables, Rice or Chef's Salad

Pechuga de Pollo$20.00
Sliced Grilled chicken with Portobello sauce
Chuleton de Cerdo$28.00
Our signature bone-in Pork Chop
Rabo de Toro al Vino$28.00
Oxtail cooked in Rioja Red Wine! Como en Córdoba!
Osso Bucco$28.00
Veal Shank in a brown sauce
Chuletillas de Cordero$32.00
Grilled lamb chops (Imported from New Zealand)
Filet Mignon$38.00
8oz Grilled tenderloin steak! Cook to perfection!

Paellas - Rice Dishes

Add chorizo or chicken for $8; Every Paella Is Made from Scratch Using the Highest Quality Ingredients. Every Paella Is Cooked for the Perfect Soccarat

Paella Mixta$38.00
Chicken breast, shrimp, grouper, pork
Paella Caprichosa$38.00
Chicken, red pepper, green pepper, mushroom, fried eggs
Paella Picasso$38.00
Chicken, mussels, shrimp, piquillo peppers, black olives, green peas
Paella Negra$38.00
Calamari, grouper, shrimp & mussels, baby scallops in black squid ink rice
Paella de Verduras$38.00
Green pepper, red pepper, broccoli, yellow squash & zucchini
Paella Marinera$38.00
Calamari, clams, mussels, baby scallops, shrimp & grouper
Paella Mariscos$48.00
King crab legs, baby scallops, jumbo langoustines, calamari, clams

Jamones & Quesos - Ham and Cheese

Tabla de Quesos$17.00
Chef's selection of Spanish cheeses with nuts & honey
All Three Jamones$28.00
Sample of the three hams: Iberico De Bellota, Jamón Iberico & Jamón Serrano
Jamon Serrano$16.00
Dry cured ham from white pigs of Spain
Jamon Iberico$26.00
Cured ham from the famous black-footed Iberico pigs of Spain
Jamon Iberico de Bellota$33.00
Cured ham from the legendary 100% acorn fed black-footed pigs of Spain
Cheese and Meat Platter$25.00
Charcuterie meats, Serrano ham & a Chef's selection of cheeses
Jamon Iberico y Queso Manchego$30.00
Iberico ham from Salamanca Spain, Manchego cheese

Sangria

Large pitcher of house blended sodas, fruit juices & sliced fresh fruits. Dry mix also available to Go - Bring the DESPAÑA party home!

Dry Mix$14.00
non alcoholic sangria

What 715 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.2

4.2 based on all time ratings

4.3Food
4.2Service
4.1Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

b
bunnygirl
New York Area
53 reviews
vip
5.0
53 reviews
Dined on March 13, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
The dates and bacon were sooo good- desserts were great and the sangria that they made with our red wine was out of this world!!
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c
carlos
New York Area
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 13, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience3
The fried artichokes with aioli appetizer is very good!
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HI
HungryInPrinceton
New York Area
15 reviews
3.0
15 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2020
overall3food2service3ambience3
We’ve been to this restaurant many times. Used to be consistently excellent. Not anymore. Service has been disappointing the last few times and now the food is starting to go downhill. This visit, the salmon was overcooked and the paella was way too salty. Going from consistently good to sometimes good.
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SB
SureshB
New York Area
8 reviews
3.0
8 reviews
Dined on March 7, 2020
overall3food3service3ambience3
An above average Tapas place. Nothing bad to say, but certainly not a wow.
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E
Eduardo
New York Area
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 27, 2020
overall5food4service5ambience4
The Tortilla de Patatas is always a favorite and we tried for the first time and loved the desserts. Torta de la Abulea was outstanding.
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G
Gabri
New England
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 26, 2020
overall3food4service5ambience1
The restaurant was EMPTY other than us!! Nice food, great waiter, but the prices are high for what feels like a fancy fast food, and the ambiance was terrible.
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JP
JenP
Philadelphia
28 reviews
vip
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is always amazing as is the service. Never disappointed and we can’t wait to go back again.
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CE
CECE
New York Area
29 reviews
vip
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food from the beginning to the end was delicious Great service
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EH
EddieH
Philadelphia
1 review
vip
1.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall1food2service1ambience3
Service was not good. Waiter took our order and disappeared. When there was an issue with the food, it took a busboy and another person to get the waiter. Ordered a filet mignon medium and got a piece of uncooked meat. Sent it back and got rare. Waiter said the meat was medium rare which is fine except medium means a little pink, not dripping blood when you cut into it. 3rd time it came back the meat was too well done. No apologies at all. Bad experience!
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DG
DonG
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Very good tapas selections and the full sized entrees also looked great. Friendly staff, especially our waiter Brian, who was fun and gave excellent advice
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A
Ashley
New York Area
5 reviews
1.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall1food1service1ambience1
The food was horrible and serve was inattentive
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LB
LindaB
New York Area
44 reviews
vip
5.0
44 reviews
Dined on February 1, 2020
overall5food4service5ambience4
Dinner was delicious; always love the paella! Our waiter, Brian was friendly, polite, and engaging. We enjoyed hearing about his background in Peruvian food and culture.
1 person found this helpful
E
Elka67
New York Area
37 reviews
vip
4.0
37 reviews
Dined on January 31, 2020
overall4food5service3ambience4
The food was delicious, great menu with many choices. Very convenient to have a parking lot available. The service could have been better, the waiter never came by to see if we were happy after the food was served, we had a bit of a wait for the check and even though we said we had to skip dessert due to having to run to a show, he took so long to come back for our credit cards, I finally had to go take it to the cash register myself. We really enjoyed the food, so will be back, but make sure we have a lot of time to eat!
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PI
ProudImmigrant
New York Area
5 reviews
vip
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2020
overall3food4service2ambience3
Con: Service was extremely slow and not attentive at all on a Sunday evening. It wasn’t that busy but there was only one waiter and one busboy on the floor. Pro: We had black squid ink paella which was very well seasoned, flavorful and moist. I was very impressed with it! We also tried the pork chop with vegetable on the side . Pork chop could use more seasoning but was cooked to the right temperature as we requested. The vegetable was excellent!
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JA
JAG2020
New York Area
131 reviews
vip
4.0
131 reviews
Dined on January 19, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience4
Great meal! Our experience has always been positive. The salmon and the vegetable tapas was terrific.
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B
Bruno68
New York Area
33 reviews
vip
3.0
33 reviews
Dined on January 5, 2020
overall3food4service4ambience3
The food is good. Not many vegan options, but the waiter offered to customize some of the dishes to make them work. Good service. Very overpriced though. $14 for a glass of virgin sangria. $8 for bread with tomato. All other tapas were in the $15 range. And this was at lunch!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 18, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful birthday celebration — food and service were both terrific!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 14, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing first impression!
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SC
SallyC
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 10, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was excellent and fresh. I would suggest a dip or sauce of some kind be served with the ham croquettes. otherwise excellent. The service was terrific and even though we were there close to closing they did not rush us at all. Lovely restaurant.
1 person found this helpful
M
Miguel
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 8, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
A little pricy but the sea bass was cooked perfectly and the paella was outstanding!
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JP
JenP
Philadelphia
28 reviews
vip
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is always amazing here! We enjoyed multiple tapas/small plates. Datiles, croquettes, patatas, and the filet mignon special was out of this world. The staff is so courteous. Sangria is delicious too! Can’t wait until our next visit.
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TC
TimC
Richmond
17 reviews
3.0
17 reviews
Dined on December 1, 2019
overall3food5service3ambience5
We have enjoyed Despana several times in the past. However, this visit was a disappointment. One of the dishes was improperly submitted and as a result our dining companion was unable to eat it. The server put in a corrected order. I don't know what options the kitchen had available to them, but they were unable to speed up the process, swap out the next dish from the kitchen, or do anything else creative. The server and manager both apologized, but once the corrected order was submitted we didn't receive any attention for 30 minutes, at which time everyone else had finished dining so we cancelled the corrected order. Nevertheless, it came out 10 minutes later. No one in the front of the house appeared to be communicating with each other. Of course we didn't end up paying for the dish, but our dining companion was forced to cobble together a meal from portions of the rest of our plates. We enjoy the food and ambience, but this was a pretty serious service misstep, so I don't think we'll be back, at least for a while. I certainly won't be taking friends to dine there anytime soon.
1 person found this helpful
V
Valerie
Philadelphia
46 reviews
vip
4.0
46 reviews
Dined on November 29, 2019
overall4food3service4ambience4
We always enjoy Despana but really miss their old paella option called Paella Despana. It was very flavorful and did not contain seafood. While I LOVE seafood, it is nice to have a variety. They have added one with chicken and egg, but I we had them add chorizo, trying to recreate the old.
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JI
JodyIndy
Indiana
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is our “go to” place for dinner in Princeton. Easy parking, but walking distance to campus. We love the atmosphere and the small plates offerings. Sangria, paella, and more. Love, love, love it!!
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GC
GlennC
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on November 21, 2019
overall1food2service3ambience2
Pricey for the quality. Entree came with starch or salad or veggie, why? Menus did not have listing to order additional side. My filet came out 2/3 raw when asked for medium and I had to send back and then we had to wait to eat. Then dish got cold. No apologies for error...
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
6 reviews
2.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2019
overall2food1service3ambience3
This was our 3rd time at Despaña. The previous two were great but this time the food was v poor. Eggplant uncooked, langoustne over cooked & leathery. We took friends there & we were embarrassed .
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G
Gigi
New York Area
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
Always really enjoy the food, cozy atmosphere, attentive service. Looking forward to next time!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 9, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Truly enjoyed the restaurants food and service. Service was attentive, without being intrusive. The food brought me back to my visit to Spain last year, papas bravas, just the right amount of heat, shrimp in garlic (though would prefer larger shrimp), chorizo, meats and even a core basic, pan con tomate, were all wonderful. We had about 12 different tapas for 4 people and no one walked out hungry or unsatisfied!
1 person found this helpful
G
Ghiottone
New York Area
133 reviews
vip
2.0
133 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2019
overall2food3service1ambience2
The food is reasonably good, the tapas being on the whole better than the paella. The service was, at least on this occasion, rather inept.
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FY
FrankY
New York Area
45 reviews
vip
4.0
45 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience3
We were quite pleased with our experience at Despana. The food was good the service was good and the parking was easy. The only issue is the NOISE level.
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CS
CeeSee
New York Area
173 reviews
vip
4.0
173 reviews
Dined on November 1, 2019
overall4food5service4ambience4
The Paella Negra was perfect. Salad too!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 26, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always great! We have dined there several times since moving here to Princeton two years ago in December. We are never disappointed.
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R
Roberts
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 26, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went here to celebrate a birthday. Everything from start to finish was outstanding. Someone in our party had been to Spain in the past and commented that the food at Despana was as authentic as what she ate in Spain. We will definitely return.
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c
casualnommer
Chicago
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on October 24, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience3
Great food made with fresh ingredients - tasted just like I was back home in Barcelona
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KR
KeithR
Philadelphia
45 reviews
vip
5.0
45 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
It’s an impressive restaurant! Food was delicious yet most entrees range from $30-$38. There is a Spanish flair to the menu! Certainly a great place to check out! It’s a BYOB.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 13, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Simply excellent!
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LG
LeticiaG
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 29, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience5
I’m from Spain, and this is the most real spanish restaurant that I found in the US. Highly recommended!!
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DP
DebP
New York Area
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 28, 2019
overall4food4service3ambience4
The overall experience was good. The tapas plates were excellent but the meals fell short. I would go back for tapas and drinks only. The service was not very attentive. However, we would give it another chance. The outdoor seating looked quite nice as well.
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O
davidO
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 28, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great meal and even better ambiance. Sat out on balcony overlooking Nassau Street in Princeton. A unique experience when the weather is good. The scallops over black rice was outstanding, as were the meatball appetizer. All of the fish dishes also looked great. Great restaurant overall.
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EC
ErinC
New York Area
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 28, 2019
overall5food5service4ambience4
Always love coming here. Their bacon wrapped dates are the best I have ever had!
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FAQs

Despaña Princeton offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (609) 921-2992.

Despaña Princeton is rated 4.2 stars by 715 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(609) 921-2992

235A Nassau St., Princeton, NJ 08540

Additional information

Cross street
Olden Ave.
Neighborhood
Princeton
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Mediterranean, Tapas / Small Plates, Spanish
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Despaña features free parking for diners in a well-lit lot. Additional parking can be found on the side streets and Nassau street. Two municipal lots are near by for convenience as well.
Public transit
NJ Transit bus and Princeton Train Station are accessible to the restaurant
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Entertainment
Occasional live music and special events, like flamenco performances.
Additional
Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Counter Seating, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Wine

Website
http://www.despanaprinceton.com/
Phone number
(609) 921-2992
Catering
Despaña Princeton uses high quality imported products, including our local Despaña Brand Foods products. As a team, we are committed to transmit an unforgettable experience through a Taste of Spain in the Heart of Princeton.
Private party facilities
Despaña Princeton Event and Full Service Catering Services
Private party contact
Martha A.: (609) 921-2992

Despaña Princeton

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Tapas - Small Plates

Aceitunas Marinadas$6.00

Pan con Tomate$8.00

Chorizo a la Parrilla$12.00

Datiles con Bacon$12.00

Patatas con Ali-Oli$12.00

Patatas Bravas$12.00

Tortilla de Patatas$12.00

Berenjenas al Estilo del Chef$12.00

Gambas al Ajillo$12.00

Croquetas de Jamon Iberico$15.00

Calamares Fritos$15.00

Calamares a la Parrilla$15.00

Parrillada de Verduras$15.00

Albondigas$15.00

Alcachofas Fritas$15.00

Portobello con Jamon Iberico$15.00

Mejillones Picantes$15.00

Pulpo a la Parrilla$22.00

Pulpo a la Gallega$22.00

Ensaladas - Salads

Paradiso$18.00

Despana$18.00

Colores$17.00

Aguacate$12.00

Ensalada de Salmon$22.00

Sopas - Soups

Crema de Puerros y Patatas$12.00

Caldo Gallego$12.00

Mariscos$15.00

Nuestros Pescados - Fish

Lubina$30.00

Salmon a la Parrilla$28.00

Sea Bass$38.00

Rodaballo$36.00

Lenguado$36.00

Vieiras Despana*$28.00

Nuestras Carnes - Meats

Pechuga de Pollo$20.00

Chuleton de Cerdo$28.00

Rabo de Toro al Vino$28.00

Osso Bucco$28.00

Chuletillas de Cordero$32.00

Filet Mignon$38.00

Paellas - Rice Dishes

Paella Mixta$38.00

Paella Caprichosa$38.00

Paella Picasso$38.00

Paella Negra$38.00

Paella de Verduras$38.00

Paella Marinera$38.00

Paella Mariscos$48.00

Jamones & Quesos - Ham and Cheese

Tabla de Quesos$17.00

All Three Jamones$28.00

Jamon Serrano$16.00

Jamon Iberico$26.00

Jamon Iberico de Bellota$33.00

Cheese and Meat Platter$25.00

Jamon Iberico y Queso Manchego$30.00

Sangria

Dry Mix$14.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

FAQs

Does Despaña Princeton offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Despaña Princeton restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information