9 Top Spanish Restaurants Worth Trying Across Illinois
Illinois is home to a vibrant and diverse selection of Spanish restaurants, where the rich flavors and inviting atmosphere of Spain come alive in unexpected places. Here, you can savor the same tantalizing tastes found in Barcelona’s bustling markets or Madrid’s intimate eateries, all without ever leaving the Midwest.
The state has embraced Spanish culinary traditions with enthusiasm, offering everything from traditional tapas brimming with garlic and spice to indulgent paellas filled with saffron-infused rice and fresh seafood.
Each restaurant brings something unique to the table, whether it’s the smoky char of grilled meats or the creamy decadence of a perfectly made flan.
With every bite, diners are transported to the heart of Spain, enjoying not only exquisite food but also the warmth and hospitality that define Spanish culture.
1. Mesón Sabika – Naperville
Picture a stunning 1847 mansion transformed into a Spanish culinary paradise, and you’ve got Mesón Sabika in all its glory. Located at 1025 Aurora Ave in Naperville, this restaurant occupies a breathtaking historic estate complete with sprawling gardens that make summer dining feel like a European vacation.
The building itself tells stories through every brick and beam, creating an atmosphere that’s both romantic and welcoming for families seeking something special.
Spanish cuisine comes alive here through an extensive tapas menu that reads like a love letter to Iberian cooking traditions. Patatas bravas arrive at your table with perfectly crispy exteriors and fluffy centers, draped in spicy tomato sauce that packs just the right punch.
The tortilla española showcases eggs and potatoes in harmonious layers that melt on your tongue, while garlic shrimp sizzle in clay dishes that fill the air with mouthwatering aromas.
Paella takes center stage on the menu, with saffron-infused rice cradling tender chicken, chorizo, and seafood in a symphony of flavors. Vegetarian options abound too, proving Spanish cooking extends far beyond meat-centric dishes.
The restaurant’s commitment to authentic preparation methods means every bite transports you closer to Spain’s sunny coastlines.
Service strikes the perfect balance between attentive and relaxed, allowing conversations to flow naturally between courses. Whether celebrating anniversaries or introducing kids to international flavors, Mesón Sabika delivers experiences that create lasting food memories worth sharing.
2. Emilio’s Tapas – Hillside
Family recipes passed down through generations form the beating heart of Emilio’s Tapas at 4100 Roosevelt Rd in Hillside. This neighborhood gem proves that authentic Spanish cooking doesn’t require fancy settings—just passionate chefs who understand how simple ingredients become extraordinary when treated with respect.
The casual atmosphere invites guests to relax completely, leaving pretension at the door alongside worries about the outside world.
Tapas plates here showcase Spain’s regional diversity beautifully, from Galician-style octopus that practically melts against your fork to Andalusian fried fish so light and crispy you’ll wonder how they achieved such perfection. Croquetas burst with creamy béchamel filling, their golden exteriors providing satisfying crunch that contrasts wonderfully with soft interiors.
Each small plate encourages sharing and sampling, turning meals into social adventures rather than solitary eating experiences.
Emilio’s doesn’t shy away from bold flavors—their garlic-forward dishes will have you reaching for bread to soak up every last drop of savory sauce. Chorizo arrives sizzling and spicy, while albondigas (Spanish meatballs) swim in rich tomato sauce that tastes like sunshine bottled up.
Grilled vegetables get equal attention, proving Spanish cooking celebrates produce with the same enthusiasm as proteins.
Prices remain remarkably reasonable considering the quality and portion sizes, making return visits easy on both conscience and wallet. The staff treats regulars like extended family while welcoming newcomers with genuine warmth that reflects Spanish hospitality traditions beautifully.
3. La Vieja Castilla – Blue Island
Blue Island’s best-kept secret sits at 13023 Western Ave, where La Vieja Castilla serves up Spanish comfort food that feels like abuela’s cooking. The restaurant’s name translates to “Old Castile,” referencing the historic Spanish region famous for hearty, soul-satisfying dishes that stick to your ribs in the best possible way.
Walking through the doors means stepping into a space where tradition trumps trends every single time.
Paella here deserves its own fan club—the rice achieves that coveted socarrat (crispy bottom layer) that separates good paella from unforgettable paella. Seafood versions overflow with mussels, shrimp, and calamari, while mixed paella combines land and sea proteins in perfect harmony.
Each pan serves multiple people, encouraging communal dining that brings friends and family together around shared culinary experiences.
Beyond paella, the menu explores Spanish classics with admirable depth. Hearty Spanish comfort dishes warm bodies and spirits with slow-simmered meats, vegetables, and rich broths that highlight traditional home-style cooking.
Grilled meats arrive seasoned simply, allowing the ingredients’ natural flavors to shine without unnecessary embellishment. Even the bread basket impresses, with crusty loaves perfect for mopping up sauces.
Portions lean generous here, so arriving hungry makes strategic sense. The restaurant attracts a loyal local following who appreciate consistent quality and flavors that never cut corners.
Servers know the menu inside out, offering helpful suggestions that steer diners toward dishes matching their preferences perfectly.
4. Altiro Latin Fusion – Aurora
Innovation meets tradition at Altiro Latin Fusion, located at 1 S Stolp Ave in Aurora’s revitalized downtown district. This restaurant takes Spanish foundations and adds creative Latin American influences, resulting in dishes that surprise and delight adventurous eaters.
The modern space feels energetic without being overwhelming, with design elements nodding to both Spanish and broader Latin cultures in thoughtful ways.
Menu items here play with expectations beautifully—empanadas might feature unexpected fillings that blend Spanish and South American ingredients, while ceviche gets Spanish twists through ingredient combinations rarely seen elsewhere. Tapas receive contemporary updates too, with presentations that photograph beautifully while still delivering authentic flavors at their core.
Creativity never overshadows taste, keeping dishes grounded in solid culinary principles.
Fusion cooking sometimes means confusion, but Altiro’s chefs clearly understand which flavors complement each other and which combinations should remain unexplored. Their grilled meats showcase expert seasoning and perfect cooking temperatures, while seafood preparations highlight freshness above all else.
Vegetable dishes receive equal creativity, proving fusion approaches work across all ingredient categories.
The restaurant’s downtown location makes it perfect for date nights or celebrations, with nearby entertainment options extending evenings beyond dinner. Servers explain dishes enthusiastically, helping guests navigate the menu’s more adventurous offerings without judgment.
Prices reflect the upscale-casual positioning, offering good value for the quality and creativity involved. Altiro proves Spanish cuisine can evolve while respecting its roots, creating exciting new possibilities for adventurous palates seeking something different.
5. El Tapeo Modern Spanish Kitchen – Oak Brook
Sophistication defines every aspect of El Tapeo Modern Spanish Kitchen at 2100 Spring Rd in Oak Brook, where Spanish cuisine gets the upscale treatment it richly deserves. The restaurant’s contemporary design incorporates Spanish elements subtly, creating spaces that feel both current and timeless.
Large windows flood dining areas with natural light during daytime visits, while evening ambiance shifts to intimate and romantic through carefully planned lighting.
“Modern” in the restaurant’s name signals a commitment to evolving Spanish cooking while maintaining respect for traditional techniques. Tapas presentations here look like edible art, with chefs clearly understanding that people eat with their eyes first.
Jamón ibérico gets sliced paper-thin, allowing the cured ham’s complex flavors to unfold gradually across your palate. Seafood arrives impeccably fresh, prepared with restraint that lets natural flavors speak for themselves.
The paella selection impresses both in variety and execution, with options ranging from classic Valenciana to creative seasonal variations. Rice texture hits that perfect spot between creamy and separate grains, while proteins cook precisely without becoming tough or dry.
Dessert offerings extend beyond typical flan, including modern interpretations of Spanish sweets that provide satisfying endings to memorable meals.
Service here operates at a higher level, with staff demonstrating genuine knowledge about Spanish cuisine and regional differences. The Oak Brook location attracts business diners and special occasion celebrants, creating an atmosphere that encourages dressing up slightly.
Prices reflect the upscale positioning, but portions and quality justify the investment for those seeking refined Spanish dining experiences.
6. Cafe Ba‑Ba‑Reeba! – Chicago
Energy practically bounces off the walls at Cafe Ba‑Ba‑Reeba!, a Lincoln Park institution at 2024 N Halsted St that’s been serving Spanish tapas since the 1980s. The restaurant helped introduce Chicago diners to tapas culture long before small plates became trendy citywide.
Bright colors, Spanish artwork, and a perpetually buzzing atmosphere create spaces where conversations compete with clinking glasses and happy chatter from neighboring tables.
Sangria flows freely here, complementing an enormous tapas selection that could keep you eating for hours without repeating a single dish. Classic preparations stand alongside creative interpretations, giving both traditionalists and adventurers plenty to explore.
Patatas bravas arrive properly spicy, while grilled octopus achieves that perfect char-to-tenderness ratio that separates amateur attempts from professional mastery. The menu’s sheer size might overwhelm first-timers, but servers guide selections expertly.
Paella remains a signature offering, with several varieties available in portions suitable for groups. Weekend brunch adds Spanish breakfast items to the mix, proving Spanish cuisine works beautifully at any time of day.
The restaurant’s longevity speaks volumes about consistent quality and an ability to remain relevant despite changing dining trends.
Outdoor seating during warmer months transforms the experience, with sidewalk tables providing prime people-watching opportunities in one of Chicago’s liveliest neighborhoods. Reservations make sense for prime dining times, though the bar area accepts walk-ins for those willing to eat standing or perched on stools.
Cafe Ba‑Ba‑Reeba! delivers reliable Spanish flavors in an atmosphere that encourages lingering and enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
7. Tapas Barcelona – Evanston
Evanston’s culinary scene shines brighter thanks to Tapas Barcelona at 1615 Chicago Ave, where Catalan-inspired cooking takes center stage. The restaurant’s focus on Barcelona’s regional specialties sets it apart from more general Spanish restaurants, offering diners a culinary passport to Spain’s vibrant northeastern coast.
Intimate dining spaces encourage conversation while maintaining enough buzz to feel lively rather than library-quiet.
Barcelona’s famous markets clearly inspire the menu here, with seasonal ingredients driving dish availability. Pan con tomate achieves perfection through quality bread, ripe tomatoes, and excellent olive oil—simple ingredients elevated through proper technique.
Seafood preparations reflect Barcelona’s coastal location, with grilled fish and shellfish preparations that honor the Mediterranean’s bounty. Even vegetables get star treatment, roasted or grilled to bring out natural sweetness.
The restaurant takes its name seriously, incorporating Catalan culinary traditions that sometimes differ from broader Spanish cooking. Catalan-inspired dishes and coastal Spanish flavors represent regional specialties rarely found elsewhere in Illinois.
These authentic touches transport knowledgeable diners straight to Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, while newcomers discover flavors they never knew existed.
Evanston’s diverse, educated population appreciates Tapas Barcelona’s authenticity and attention to detail. The restaurant attracts Northwestern University faculty, students, and locals who value quality over quantity.
Portions follow traditional tapas sizing, encouraging ordering multiple dishes to share family-style. Prices remain reasonable for the location and quality, making regular visits feasible rather than special-occasion-only.
Servers demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for the food, sharing recommendations that consistently hit the mark.
8. Tapas del Lago – Highwood
Highwood’s restaurant row boasts numerous dining options, but Tapas del Lago at 329 Waukegan Ave stands out for its commitment to elevated Spanish cuisine. The name references nearby Lake Michigan, though the restaurant’s heart belongs firmly to Spain’s culinary traditions.
Sophisticated without being stuffy, the dining room attracts North Shore residents seeking quality Spanish food without trekking into Chicago.
Executive chef-driven menus here change seasonally, incorporating local Midwest ingredients into Spanish preparations that respect both traditions. This farm-to-tapas approach means summer menus burst with fresh vegetables while autumn offerings embrace heartier preparations suited to cooling weather.
The kitchen’s technical skills shine through in dishes requiring precise timing and temperature control—think perfectly seared scallops or delicate fish preparations.
Tapas selections range from traditional favorites to chef-inspired creations that push boundaries thoughtfully. Croquetas might feature unexpected fillings that work surprisingly well, while grilled meats showcase dry-aging and proper seasoning.
Paella remains available but doesn’t dominate the menu, allowing other Spanish regional specialties to shine equally bright. Desserts deserve attention too, with house-made offerings that provide sweet conclusions without overwhelming.
The restaurant’s Highwood location means slightly higher prices than suburban alternatives, but quality justifies the premium. Wine selections emphasize Spanish regions, with knowledgeable staff helping pair bottles with food choices.
The space works equally well for romantic dinners and small group celebrations. Reservations prove essential for weekend evenings, when the dining room fills with regulars who’ve made Tapas del Lago their go-to Spanish destination along the North Shore.
9. Bocadillo Market – Chicago
Chicago’s West Town neighborhood hides a Spanish gem at 1117 W Grand Ave Ste1, where Bocadillo Market serves authentic Spanish sandwiches and small plates in a casual market setting. The concept blends Spanish bodega vibes with contemporary cafe culture, creating a relaxed space perfect for quick lunches or leisurely afternoon snacks.
Shelves stocked with imported Spanish products tempt shoppers to take home ingredients for recreating dishes at home.
Bocadillos (Spanish sandwiches) form the menu’s backbone, with crusty bread cradling various fillings that showcase Spanish charcuterie and cheeses. Jamón serrano gets layered with manchego and tomato in classic combinations, while creative options add unexpected ingredients that complement rather than compete.
Each sandwich gets constructed with care, ensuring proper bread-to-filling ratios that prevent sogginess or overwhelming dryness.
Beyond sandwiches, the market offers prepared tapas, salads, and daily specials that change based on ingredient availability. Tortilla española can be purchased by the slice, making perfect grab-and-go options for busy professionals.
The casual daytime counter-service format keeps prices accessible, while reservation-only dinner experiences offer a more intimate way to explore the kitchen’s Spanish cooking. Spanish pantry items lining the walls include olive oils, vinegars, canned seafood, and specialty products difficult to find elsewhere in Chicago.
Seating remains limited, encouraging takeout for many customers, though a few tables accommodate those dining in. The neighborhood location attracts locals who’ve discovered this authentic alternative to chain sandwich shops.
Bocadillo Market proves Spanish cuisine doesn’t always require tablecloths and formal service—sometimes the best flavors come wrapped in paper and enjoyed on the go, just like in Spain’s bustling cities.