Award-winning

Jaleo DC

Name: Jaleo DC
Address: 480 7th St. NW, Washington, DC, United States, 20004
Telephone: (202) 628-7949
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

9951 Reviews

$31 to $50

Spanish

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Jaleo brings alive the spirit and flavors of Spain with a menu reflecting the rich regional diversity of classical and contemporary Spanish cuisine, under the direction of renowned chef José Andrés. Jaleo offers an impressive assortment of tapas, the traditional small dishes of Spain, as well as savory paellas, superb sangrias and a fine selection of Spanish wines and Sherries in a festive, casual atmosphere.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 28, 2023

9:30 PM

Booked 24 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Spanish, Tapas / Small Plates
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–11:00 pm
Phone number
(202) 628-7949
Website
https://www.jaleo.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
José Andres; Head Chef Robbie Meltzer
Catering
Catering on a whole new level; José Andrés Catering elevates catering and event planning to new heights in the Washington, DC area and beyond. Now you can experience the inspired creations of celebrated chef José Andrés at your own party or venue. Visit us for more information at www.joseandrescatering.com, or call us at (202) 628-7949.
Private party facilities
Jaleo brings alive the spirit and flavors of Spain with a menu reflecting the rich regional diversity of classical and contemporary Spanish cuisine, under the direction of renowned chef José Andrés We offer a variety of spaces for your special event.
Private party contact
Janice Conner: (844) 843-6573

Location
480 7th St. NW, Washington, DC 20004
Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2022
Neighborhood
Penn Quarter
Cross street
E St.
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
We are located 1 block south of the Gallery Place/Chinatown metro station on the yellow, green and red lines. Take the 7th and Arena exit, walk one block south. The restaurant is located on the right hand corner of 7th and E St.<br /><br />We are also 1 block North of Arhives/Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter station on the green and yellow lines.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Popular dishes

What 9,951 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

9,951 Reviews

MP
MsPerky
Washington DC
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was my response to an email from the manager… We loved it, as usual. It is very difficult for a restaurant to maintain the high level of cooking and service that Jaleo has delivered consistently for 30 (!) years. I have been dining there for almost that long. It has been and will be a pleasure to continue the tradition. Thanks.
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BL
BenLap
Fort Lauderdale
179 reviews
vip
5.0
179 reviews
Dined on September 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Finally, a restaurant that uses textiles to actually keep the sound down in a thoughtful way. The decor is beautiful and functional. At Jaleo Jose Andres delivers delicious food at very popular prices. My friends and I had the fork horse tasting menu at lunch for $26. Everything was great. The spatula was good. The chicken thighs were very good. The croquette us and bacon wrapped dates were good. The cherry sorbet in particular was intensely flavored and very good. For six dollars. You can add excellent sangria. All in all a delicious bargain.
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DO
DinnerOnTheTown
Dallas
44 reviews
vip
5.0
44 reviews
Dined on September 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
i make sure to get to Jaleo every time I'm in DC. Discovered many years ago in Bethesda and have been a fan ever since. Always impressed with the service and love the food. Try to have at least one new dish each visit. It is a lively hall and a bit loud, but not bad enough to dampen my enthusiasm.
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o
osvaldos
Phoenix
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Jaleo is one of my favorite DC restaurants. The food is outstanding, great quality and variety. The service is so friendly that each time that I had dinner there, I feel at home.
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PW
PeggysWorld
Washington DC
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
I was not impressed several years ago when I visited Jaleo, this time I was very pleased by the food and service and I enjoyed that I could book a table at 10 pm! Thank you for having restaurants opened on weekends! Washington DC, needed good places to go after 10 pm!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Great tapas Paella was good not great Cocktails great especially variety of gin and tonics. Cheesecake was superb Very busy on a Saturday night
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SG
SandG
Washington DC
28 reviews
vip
3.0
28 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience4
Food was very good for the most part. Our table all ordered the experience and ate the chef’s selection rather than ordering individual tapas. We sat outside where it was more quiet, a perfect choice in hindsight since indoor was quite loud. Service was terrible. We had to remind the server about the drinks we’d ordered that, even after the food was delivered, we’re still missing. Empty plates were never cleared before next item delivered, and food placed roughly on table without care. At one point, we had to put empty plates on the ground to make room but at same time counted three staff members wandering around with empty trays! Server couldn’t always tell us what we were served, irritated if we asked. Had to wave and call out every time we needed something even though staff walked by our table with every trip in/out the door. Won’t return for service like that. Expected much better.
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C
Caralien
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall2food2service5ambience5
Per the server, 95% of the food has butter This is supposed to be Spanish food, which is made with olive oil. I perused Jose Andres’ tapas cookbook, found 1 recipe with butter The dates wrapped in bacon are battered first???? Scallops too salty Pulpo too salty, but bland potatoes Chorizo to thick Berenejas were cooked in butter before drizzling with honey The flan tasted like South American flan, not light Spanish flan If you want Spanish food modified with butter, eat here. I won’t return
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g
gail
Washington DC
78 reviews
vip
4.0
78 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
I like Jaleo a lot. The food is delicious. But I spent $40 without ordering alcohol and went away hungry.
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SC
SarahC
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Jaleo never disappoints!! Food is always amazing and there is a great vibe in the place!!
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KI
KIRKR
Richmond
51 reviews
vip
5.0
51 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service. Wait staff was knowledgeable and helpful with menu choices.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our waiter was super attentive and made our evening special. Food was delicious. Restaurant was a bit cramped for seating but our waiter took such good care of us, we didn't mind - he actually moved us out of a high traffic area to a little bit of a better space.
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SX
ScipioX
Greater Boston
45 reviews
vip
5.0
45 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Jaleo DC features a wide range of tapas and a splendid wine and cocktail list. It's convenient to the Penn Quarter theatre and entertainment district.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
7 reviews
1.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
We asked for a private table a en we’re given a banquette squeezed two orbe couples barely a foot away. When we refused we were offered a ta le outside in full sun when there were plenty under umbrellas available. We left when the waitress took over twenty minutes to come with water. It was an awful experience and we’ll never be back.
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GH
GrillHeaven
Washington DC
219 reviews
vip
5.0
219 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A wonderful experience. Friendly and efficient service, fantastic tapas, gin & tonic flights . . . . Great!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience4
It was fine - nothing more really. Not dying to go back
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JS
JeniferS
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food and service and super location. Our waiter Roberto was both fun and professional.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great choices during Restaurant week. Loved the service and ambiance!
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DG
DrGrapes
Philadelphia
28 reviews
vip
4.0
28 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience3
Jaleo has a well-deserved reputation as an outstanding dining location for authentic Spanish tapas. Jose has set up a very good operation here. Tables are a bit crowded and it is a high-energy restaurant so not exactly a romantic dinner spot. All the food we shared had terrific flavors. I wish some of the olives had been pitted as it makes it tough to 'politely' pick them up and then dispose of the pits. The tables are also a bit too small for a gathering of small plates - which makes the environment feel even more crowded. Excellent flavors though more than make up for any of the above complaints. Definitely worth experiencing.
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P
Pooh
Washington DC
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Wonderful staff and tapas dishes which are wonderful.
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GS
GeneS
Washington DC
13 reviews
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on August 30, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Enjoyed the restaurant week meals, but the food was pretty rich! One thing I really did not like: $5.00 for the tiniest little bottle of Diet Coke. Most places serve fountain Cole, which I prefer, and give refills.
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BM
BeaMarie
Washington DC
89 reviews
vip
3.0
89 reviews
Dined on August 28, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
tapas did not meet my expectations. I enjoyed the onions with pine nuts and was disappointed with the chicken fritters; should be renamed cheese fritters. Ambiance extremely energetic. Could not hear conversation with my family.
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m
misskate314
Philadelphia
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience2
The air conditioning was out so unfortunately it was pretty hot and hard to enjoy the experience fully
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D
Diner
Baltimore
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fun hangout place. Convenient locale. Adventurous eats
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JG
JuanG
Washington DC
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is outstanding, and the service is excellent. The noise level is a little high when the place is full (which is often)
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Z
Zosia
Baltimore
7 reviews
2.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall2food5service4ambience1
We arrived a little early. The hostess said I booked an outside table even though my OT confirmation said standard table. It was 89 degrees outside and we were a party of 4 seniors. She would not budge even though there were at least five 4-tops in site. Then, even though she insisted we had outside reservations, she took us past 3 very nice 4-tops outside to a table at the end of the restaurant behind a server station playing loud music. We insisted that the music be turned down. About 15 minutes later a manager came out and asked us how everything was. We told him our story and he immediately moved us inside to one of the still empty 4-tops ( thank you!). Then there was a discrepancy with the Restaurant Week Tasting Menu (RWTM). We were told if one of us wanted to order it, we all had to order it. Two women were later seated at the table next to us. We heard them order one RWTM and the other women ordered a la carte. Go figure. However, the food was really good - interesting pairings and delicious. The table service was also very nice. But, we will not be back - the hostess's alarming campaign to get us to go someplace else ruined our birthday celebration even though the manager finally intervened. Sorry Mr. Andres.
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MH
MHonz
Richmond
23 reviews
vip
4.0
23 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
A great place for tapas and sangria, not far from the Portrait Gallery and National Archives. The service is quite good, food is fantastic. Only downside to Jaleo is the outdoor seating is not very comfortable and your ears are assaulted by the crazy drivers who feel the need to test every ounce of horsepower they have. Reservations inside are recommended to enjoy the full ambiance and decor.
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SD
ScottD
New York Area
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Vincent, our waiter, was excellent—both knowledgeable and helpful. We did a Jose’s Way tasting menu and loved the variety of food — some of the tastes were so surprising and we were very full when we left (which doesn’t always happen with tasting menus). We definitely will return.
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T
Taffy
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went there for Happy Hour. Food and drinks were fantastic.
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BC
BethC
New York Area
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on August 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Every single bite is delicious-my only regret is that my daughter and I always order the same things and always want to branch out but when it comes down to it, the perfect meal for us is what we always order: the salad with fennel, etc; gazpacho, shrimp in garlic sauce, the fried chorizo and the chocolate dessert. 2 gazpachos and 2 gambas -must double order both.
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JA
JAIMEM
New York Area
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
This is a great restaurant. The food is amazing and the service is great. Listen to your waiters. They know what's good. Wine selection is one of the best ones I have seen.
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DL
DeeLisch
New York Area
36 reviews
vip
3.0
36 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience4
Very noisy! Food was good but not outstanding as has been our experience at several restaurants owned by Jose Andres. We thoroughly support all his relief efforts across the globe. That said, when we go out to his restaurant we hope to enjoy distinctly flavorful dishes. The salads were bland and the seafood cones meager. The octopus was wonderful but the skirt steak was too tough. Mr. Andres, please pay more attention to individual restaurants you have. We love and support you and we will continue to support your efforts. Not sure we’ll continue to go to your restaurants
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Second time visiting Jaleo DC, great service and amazing food the paella was delicious!
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DV
DavidV
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
great food. great service. Favorite DC restaurant.
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e
econguy
Baltimore
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Jaleo never disappoints. We have dined there many times because it is one of our favorite restaurants. The food is always flavorful and prepared properly. The service is always attentive and polite.
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SH
SarahH
Vancouver
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on August 9, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
We were disappointed to learn upon arrival that the sangria hour was only available at the bar, as we were with our 2 kids. Nonetheless, we had a great pitcher of the cava sangria. We shared the classic paella Valencia which was very good, but a bit too salty with little meat. The menu recommends the paella for 4-6 people, but it’s probably best for 3-4 unless you have several side dishes. Overall, the service was excellent and the atmosphere was buzzing and the place full.
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SN
SandraN
New York Area
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Authentic spanish food! Great ambience and service. Would definitely go back
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DC
DCLimaNYC
Washington DC
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Friendly service; flavorful dishes; sangria had too much ice. I’ve been coming to Jaleo for the past 25 years, at least once a year, to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, promotions. I bring a new-to-Jaleo guest with me anytime I visit so they can experience and enjoy Jaleo. Looking forward to my next visit!
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JD
JDT82
Washington DC
29 reviews
vip
4.0
29 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
Good as usual... Was in town for the Beyonce concert Saturday night and after spending the morning touring around parts of DC, we decided to have a light lunch at Jaleo.
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H
Happydinning
Cincinnati
41 reviews
vip
5.0
41 reviews
Dined on July 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Different tastes in every bite. Interesting combination of food. Wonderful service. Lovely experience.
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Safety precautions

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking

FAQs

Jaleo DC does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Jaleo DC also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 628-7949.

Jaleo DC is rated 4.7 stars by 9951 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

Sep 28, 2023

9:30 PM

Booked 24 times today

Order delivery or takeout

480 7th St. NW, Washington, DC 20004

Additional information

Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2022
Cross street
E St.
Neighborhood
Penn Quarter
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–11:00 pm
Cuisines
Spanish, Tapas / Small Plates
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
We are located 1 block south of the Gallery Place/Chinatown metro station on the yellow, green and red lines. Take the 7th and Arena exit, walk one block south. The restaurant is located on the right hand corner of 7th and E St.We are also 1 block North of Arhives/Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter station on the green and yellow lines.
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
José Andres; Head Chef Robbie Meltzer
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.jaleo.com/
Phone number
(202) 628-7949
Catering
Catering on a whole new level; José Andrés Catering elevates catering and event planning to new heights in the Washington, DC area and beyond. Now you can experience the inspired creations of celebrated chef José Andrés at your own party or venue. Visit us for more information at www.joseandrescatering.com, or call us at (202) 628-7949.
Private party facilities
Jaleo brings alive the spirit and flavors of Spain with a menu reflecting the rich regional diversity of classical and contemporary Spanish cuisine, under the direction of renowned chef José Andrés We offer a variety of spaces for your special event.
Private party contact
Janice Conner: (844) 843-6573

Jaleo DC

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Additional information

Featured in

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Washington DC's Most Iconic Restaurants

Popular dishes

Paella Feast

BQT Paella Valenciana

SH Gambas al Ajillo

Menu

What 9,951 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Safety precautions

Protective equipment

FAQs

Does Jaleo DC offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Jaleo DC restaurant rated?

Is Jaleo DC currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

100 Washington, D.C. Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Washington DC's Most Iconic Restaurants