Manchego

Name: Manchego
Address: 2518 Main St, Santa Monica, CA, United States, 90405
Telephone: (310) 450-3900
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

918 Reviews

$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

Top Tags:

Manchego also offers walk-ins!

Manchego is a Spanish Tapas restaurant in Santa Monica that focuses on delicious small plates and a cozy atmosphere. We recently relocated a few doors down, to a larger space with a romantic patio in the back.

Manchego has always been one of the best kept secrets in Santa Monica, and now locals can enjoy our bigger, more accommodating space that offers outside dining on our beautiful patio. Always a great spot for romantic dates or meeting up with friends and family.

We also added a specially curated Spanish wine list that offers mainly small-production, unique wines. Our Spanish wine distributor spends his time traveling the Spanish countryside, sourcing hard to find wines from small, mom-and-pop wineries. The wine list also includes a few South American selections and a great local, organic wine.

Follow us on instagram at instagram.com/manchegorestaurant

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 3, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 43 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Tapas / Small Plates, Spanish
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–3:30 pm Dinner Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Happy Hour Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–6:30 pm
Phone number
(310) 450-3900
Website
http://manchegosm.com/
Payment options
Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual

Location
2518 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Neighborhood
Santa Monica
Cross street
Ocean Park Blvd
Parking details
None
Additional
Beer, Corkage Fee, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Featured in

Best Restaurants in Santa Monica

Popular dishes

Manchego
Sheep's milk from la mancha
Cabra Romero
Rosemary goat cheese
Queso Iberico
Cow's, sheep's and goat's milk cheese
Cabra Al Vino
Semi-soft goat cheese immersed in red wine
Idiazabal
Basque raw sheep's milk
Mahon
Merorca cow's milk
Picon
Asturian blue cheese, cow's milk
Jamon Serrano
Dry-cured spanish ham
Chorizo Pamplona
Cured sausage made with beef and pork and paprika
Chorizo Soria
Cured sausage, smoky and garlicky flavor
Salchichón
Cured sausage seasoned with whole black peppercorns
Lomo Embuchado
Dry-cured meat made from a pork tenderloin
Jamón Ibérico$23.00
Dry cured iberian pork

Tapas

Marinated Olives$6.00
Deviled Eggs$7.00
Tortilla Española (Spanish Omelet)$8.00
Goat Cheese and Fig Tostado$8.00
Spinach Croquetas$8.00
Mushroom Croquetas$8.00
Patatas Bravas, Garlic Aioli$8.00
Shishito Peppers, Maldon Salt$12.00
Manchego Mac and Cheese, Truffle Oil$12.00
Calamares En Su Tinta, Squid Stewed in Ink Sauce$13.00
Gambas Al Ajillo, Spicy Garlic Shrimp$14.00
Baked Pulpo, Baby Octopus Stewed in Garlic and Tomato$14.00
Grilled Octopus, Lemon, Caper, Olive$16.00
Jamón Wrapped Dates, Spanish Goat Cheese$9.00
Crispy Prosciutto Tostado, Burrata Cheese and Fig Jam$9.00
Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, Mushroom, Vinagre De Jerez$11.00
Braised Short Rib Empanadas$11.00
Membrillo Glazed Pork Belly, Marcona Almonds$12.00
Catalan Chicken, Chablis Soaked Raisins, Almonds$14.00
Albondigas, Wagyu Beef Meatballs, Fenugreek Crema$14.00
Hanger Steak, Mashed Potato, Horseradish Aioli$15.00
Braised Short Ribs, Crispy Polenta$17.00
Grilled Lamb Chops, Tzatziki, Crispy Capers$18.00

Ensaladas

Baby Kale Salad, Avocado, Pomegranate, Ibérico Cheese, Mint, Citrus$13.00
Romaine Salad, Cherry Tomatoes, Anchoa Olives, Young Manchego$13.00
Beet and Burrata Salad, Pistachio Dust, Fresh Herbs$13.00

Dulce

Churros De La Casa, Spanish Cola Cao$7.00
Flan De Yeye$7.00

Drinks

White Sangria$8.00
Legaris, Verdejo, Spain$11.00
Vina Clavidor, Verdejo, Spain$11.00
Licia, Albarino, Spain$13.00
Solo, Rose, Spain$12.00
Tres Sabores, Rose, Napa Valley$12.00
Hermanos, Torrontes, Argentina$13.00
Tres Sabores, Sauv Blanc, Napa Valley$13.00
Fillaboa, Albarino, Spain$13.00
Raimat, Rose, Spain$14.00
Anna, Brut Cava, Sparkling, Spain$12.00
Turonia, Albarino, Spain$15.00
Anna, Brut Rose, Sparkling, Spain
- Btl$35.00
Poema, Brut Rose, Sparkling Spain
- Btl$35.00
Poema, Brut Cava, Sparkling Spain
- Btl$35.00
Quinta De Couselo, Rosal, Spain
- Btl$37.00
Finca Vinoa, Ribeiro, Ribeiro, Spain
- Btl$52.00
Red Sangria$8.00
Croft, Port, Portugal
- Gl$11.00
Coto De Hayas, Crianza, Spain$11.00
Belezos, Rioja, Tinto Joven, Spain$12.00
Castillo De Monseran, Grenache, Spain$12.00
Algueira, Mencia Joven, Spain$13.00
Nexus, Cosecha, Spain$13.00
Pago De Los Capellanes, Joven Roble, Spain$15.00
Coto De Hayas, Garnacha Centenaria, Spain$15.00
Lo Duca, Lambrusco, Sparkling, Italy
- Btl$34.00
Crucillon, Tinto, Spain
- Btl$35.00
Joaquin Rebolledo, Mencia, Spain
- Btl$35.00
Por Que No? Zinfindel, Napa Valley, Ca
- Btl$37.00
Scala Dei, Garnatcha, Spain
- Btl$41.00
Belezos, Tinto, Organic, Spain
- Btl$41.00
Legaris, Crianza, Spain
- Btl$48.00
Vina Santurnia Reserva '08, Rioja, Spain
- Btl$49.00
Pago De Los Capellanes '10, Crianza, Spain
- Btl$72.00
Hefe/ Leffe / Stone IPA/ Stella Artois/ 805/ Hoegaarden
- Btl$7.00
Sparkling Water
- Sm$4.00
- Lg$6.00
Cola Cao$5.00
Espresso$4.00

Happy Hour

Romaine Salad, Avocado, Tomato, Anchoa Olives, Manchego$5.00
Goat Cheese and Figs Tostado, Honey and Truffle Oil$5.00
Croquetas$5.00
Calamares En Su Tinta, Squid Stewed in Ink Sauce$6.00
Albondigas, Beef Meatballs, Fenugreek Crema$7.00
Spanish Cheese and Cured Meat Board$7.00
White or Red Sangria / House Red or White Wine$7.00

Lunch & Brunch

Desayuno, 3 Eggs, Crispy Bacon, Patatas Bravas, Fig Jam & Toast$14.00
Market Omelet, Farmers Market Vegetables, Spanish Goat Cheese$14.00
Chorizo Omelet, Pique Peppers, Manchego Cheese$14.00
Torrijas, "The Spanish French Toast", Crispy Bacon$14.00
Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Mixed Spanish Cheeses$14.00
Jamón Sandwich, Serrano Ham, Chorizo, Lomo, Iberico Cheese, Fried Eggs$15.00
Bottomless Sangria /Bottomless Mimosa$15.00

What 918 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

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Filters

OT
OpenTable Diner
Edinburgh
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great meal. Get a table in the back with the waterfall. Bit noisy. David was great. Food was fantastic. We had the Happy Hour arrangement. Very nice.
F
Firsttimecustomer
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place - the tapas need more food. Service and atmosphere was outstanding!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 13, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience2
Overall the menu left a lot to be desired. When I think of Tapas I think of less is more. But this was not the case.
n
none
Los Angeles
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent. Interesting, delicious food. Great service
J
Janie
Austin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Bottomless mimosas for $22, sign me up. The food was also very great and flavorful.
V
Visiting
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 5, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
I'd go back just for two orders of the bacon wrapped, cheese stuffed dates! Delicious! Pulpo was also good but not like the stuffed dates! Also had the brussel sprouts, mac and cheese and rissoto but nothing worth recommending. They have happy hour until 6:30.
F
Fran
Greensboro
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent experience overall from the time we arrived to the time we left! Our server Jennifer was knowledgeable and courteous. Service was brisk and efficient. Ambience was great although we got splashed a little from the fountain behind us;) we will be back for the awesome food!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good food , good services & good vibes , Great neighborhood restaurant ,
EM
EliM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best restaurants in Southern California
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always the best evening!
LE
LikestoEat
Los Angeles
6 reviews
vip
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience3
except for the fact that they were out of the white anchovies it was a great dinner
M
Mimi
London
54 reviews
vip
5.0
54 reviews
Dined on October 23, 2022
overall5food4service4ambience4
Great experience! Food was delicious, service was great, and it was absolutely wonderful to sit in their outside patio. Nothing better than enjoying a meal outside.
AJ
AndreaJ
Seattle
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Manchego is a gem! We decided to eat here after reading reviews on Yelp and am so glad we did! Reservations are a must on weekends! We had reservations for 7:00 and witnessed couples without reservations being turned away. We arrived a few minutes prior to our reservation and were promptly seated in the back room which I would describe as intimate (perfect for our date night). Our waiter recommended a bottle of wine that was perfect with our meal. Food was amazing...and I can't say that I'd recommend any one tapas over another. We ended up ordering the charcuterie board, goat cheese & fig tostado, Manchego Mac and cheese truffle oil (this is a must if you are a mac and cheese lover), lamb chops with tzatziki (also amazing), and the membrillo glazed pork belly! Probably one too many dishes for 2 people, but we figured out a way to enjoy it all! I highly recommend this place!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
Manchego's tapas are better than the ones served in Spain. Absolutely amazing food!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 17, 2022
overall4food3service4ambience4
The menu online does not match the menu at the restaurant. Service was good, the patio was very nice.
s
stephanier
Los Angeles
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on October 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time here. Was a special occasion. Food was great and our server was very nice. Pretty restaurant. Would go there again for sure!
LR
LisaR
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really enjoyed our meal here! Lot's of great small plates to choose from. We'll be back!
TJ
TrevorJ
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service and amazing tapas. Will be visiting again.
RT
ReneeT
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It is always amazing great food and service, I would absolutely recommend!
RM
RobinM
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 14, 2022
overall5food4service4ambience5
Happy hour white wine blend didn’t taste good. All else fine.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on October 13, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience3
The waiter forgot he had already taken our order and asked if we were ready to order. (Only 4 other tables in his section at the time) Waiter brought 3 dishes to our table that we did not order, and had also brought the tables next to use the wrong dishes multiple times. A couple of things we ordered were brought over cold and were most likely the misfired dishes that they tried to bring to the table next to us. You could tell it had been sitting for awhile. The waiter continued to try and charge us for the 3 extra items mentioned above. Overall horrible experience and will not be back.
A
Alberto
Miami
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 5, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience5
Except for the unfriendly, (almost) rude check-in host, the evening was perfect!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our favorite spot. Never disappoints.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 1, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
We came after we ate.. so it was good that they served tapas style. This was 2nd meal after a happy hour meal just an hour ago. Get the goat cheese dried fig drizzled with honey and top with berries. It’s so decadent and sweet. It needed some wine to balance it out. Get the cabra romero cheese, rosemary goat cheese. Great taste and texture. Romantic ambiance. Friendly staff. I had originally booked this reservation for 3 people, but we should up with 4. So thankful they were able to accommodate the change. Metered street parking, free after 10pm.
SM
ShaiM
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on September 25, 2022
overall2food2service3ambience2
The food was a joke like my 12 years old boy made it tables were tiny menu was almost like gibberish the weather was nice but our reservation was late food was very expensive portion were extremely small
AK
AnnaKarenina
San Diego
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 25, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience4
The best thing to order are the goat cheese stuffed dates! 10/10
JM
JaredM
London
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Wife and I went for a date night with our dog. Great service. Excellent food. Will be back!
KC
KatrinaC
Los Angeles
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is my favorite tapas restaurant in all of LA. The staff is so nice, the food is incredible, the atmosphere is cozy. I recommend this place to everyone I know- perfect for a date or perfect for meeting friends. Everything on the menu is delicious.
k
kaycelldines
San Diego
29 reviews
vip
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Everything we tried was outstanding! Most notable for me was the risotto. I only wish I lived closer so I could go more often.
j
janie
Los Angeles
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
We enjoyed a fabulous dinner at Manchego’s. The food was delicious, the service was great and the ambiance was lovely. I especially enjoyed the white sangria. the beet salad and the flourless chocolate cake. Highly recommended
D
tonyD
Montreal
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 11, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Great experience overall
AG
AlexG
Los Angeles
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 11, 2022
overall3food2service4ambience4
Nice ambiance with just OK service and very very mediocre food.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love it! :)
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
This place is an absolute neighborhood gem. Really great quality food with reasonable prices. I'm always leaving here full and without the wallet shock from some of the newer trendier places. This is the kind of place I can see myself coming to over and over again for date night.
JL
JackL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service. Our server was really friendly although I never caught his name. He even chased us up the street to give me my wallet when I left it.
E
Eerymynd
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
We are visiting Santa Monica area from east coast and just saw it on yelp, booked it and tried it as we were very hungry. The food and service was very good! We were pleasantly surprised how good everything turned out to be here! Would come back again and recommend to others.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was phenomenal and our server was very attentive. We had the Mac and cheese with bacon, the tomato/avocado/cucumber salad and the shrimp. It was a delightful evening!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place has been wonderful both times I came. Food is on point, prices are reasonable, and staff was very friendly. Highly recommend!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Loved the tapas and the red wine sangria
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I wish they’d bring back the empanadas!

FAQs

Manchego is rated 4.6 stars by 918 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 3, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 43 times today

2518 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Additional information

Cross street
Ocean Park Blvd
Neighborhood
Santa Monica
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–3:30 pm Dinner Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Happy Hour Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–6:30 pm
Cuisines
Tapas / Small Plates, Spanish
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
None
Payment options
Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Additional
Beer, Corkage Fee, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Website
http://manchegosm.com/
Phone number
(310) 450-3900

Featured in

Best Restaurants in Santa Monica

Manchego

Make a reservation

Additional information

Best Restaurants in Santa Monica

Goat Cheese and Fig Tostado

Manchego Mac and Cheese Truffle Oil

Manchego

Charcuterie & Cheese

Manchego

Cabra Romero

Queso Iberico

Cabra Al Vino

Idiazabal

Mahon

Picon

Jamon Serrano

Chorizo Pamplona

Chorizo Soria

Salchichón

Lomo Embuchado

Jamón Ibérico$23.00

Tapas

Marinated Olives$6.00

Deviled Eggs$7.00

Tortilla Española (Spanish Omelet)$8.00

Goat Cheese and Fig Tostado$8.00

Spinach Croquetas$8.00

Mushroom Croquetas$8.00

Patatas Bravas, Garlic Aioli$8.00

Shishito Peppers, Maldon Salt$12.00

Manchego Mac and Cheese, Truffle Oil$12.00

Calamares En Su Tinta, Squid Stewed in Ink Sauce$13.00

Gambas Al Ajillo, Spicy Garlic Shrimp$14.00

Baked Pulpo, Baby Octopus Stewed in Garlic and Tomato$14.00

Grilled Octopus, Lemon, Caper, Olive$16.00

Jamón Wrapped Dates, Spanish Goat Cheese$9.00

Crispy Prosciutto Tostado, Burrata Cheese and Fig Jam$9.00

Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, Mushroom, Vinagre De Jerez$11.00

Braised Short Rib Empanadas$11.00

Membrillo Glazed Pork Belly, Marcona Almonds$12.00

Catalan Chicken, Chablis Soaked Raisins, Almonds$14.00

Albondigas, Wagyu Beef Meatballs, Fenugreek Crema$14.00

Hanger Steak, Mashed Potato, Horseradish Aioli$15.00

Braised Short Ribs, Crispy Polenta$17.00

Grilled Lamb Chops, Tzatziki, Crispy Capers$18.00

Ensaladas

Baby Kale Salad, Avocado, Pomegranate, Ibérico Cheese, Mint, Citrus$13.00

Romaine Salad, Cherry Tomatoes, Anchoa Olives, Young Manchego$13.00

Beet and Burrata Salad, Pistachio Dust, Fresh Herbs$13.00

Dulce

Churros De La Casa, Spanish Cola Cao$7.00

Flan De Yeye$7.00

Drinks

White Sangria$8.00

Legaris, Verdejo, Spain$11.00

Vina Clavidor, Verdejo, Spain$11.00

Licia, Albarino, Spain$13.00

Solo, Rose, Spain$12.00

Tres Sabores, Rose, Napa Valley$12.00

Hermanos, Torrontes, Argentina$13.00

Tres Sabores, Sauv Blanc, Napa Valley$13.00

Fillaboa, Albarino, Spain$13.00

Raimat, Rose, Spain$14.00

Anna, Brut Cava, Sparkling, Spain$12.00

Turonia, Albarino, Spain$15.00

Anna, Brut Rose, Sparkling, Spain

Poema, Brut Rose, Sparkling Spain

Poema, Brut Cava, Sparkling Spain

Quinta De Couselo, Rosal, Spain

Finca Vinoa, Ribeiro, Ribeiro, Spain

Red Sangria$8.00

Croft, Port, Portugal

Coto De Hayas, Crianza, Spain$11.00

Belezos, Rioja, Tinto Joven, Spain$12.00

Castillo De Monseran, Grenache, Spain$12.00

Algueira, Mencia Joven, Spain$13.00

Nexus, Cosecha, Spain$13.00

Pago De Los Capellanes, Joven Roble, Spain$15.00

Coto De Hayas, Garnacha Centenaria, Spain$15.00

Lo Duca, Lambrusco, Sparkling, Italy