Don Quijote

For over 30 years we have driven the Route between Elkhart Indiana and the suburbs of Illinois to visit family. We have seen the Dan Quixote billboard for that long and always mentioned that we want to go. Well last night, on June 20th, summer solstice evening of 2025, we finally stopped! This place felt magical to us. It's so quaint and such an Amazing atmosphere. We dined outside on the most beautiful evening. Our server Thomas was so fun and very attentive. The appetizers, soup, entrées, dessert, and wine were all out of this world! Very authentic The proprietors, Carlos and Elena, treated everyone there like family. You just don't see that very much anymore. It's obvious they have poured their hearts and souls into this restaurant for the past 40 years. The experience there was just as magical as the food. We can't wait to go back! If you're driving through the area on the tollroad, Don Quixote is worth the time a little bit off of the highway in downtown Valpo. 👏🏼🍷

Everything about this place was an absolute treat. From the care that the servers took and making us feel welcomed and explaining all of the variety of options, to the owner actually coming out and greeting us making us feel very welcomed. I would recommend a reservation if you need one as it does get very busy, but we were able to go early and enjoy our meal. There was live music that was not too loud at all and he was very talented, it was very much a relaxed atmosphere. When it came to the tapas, we got the combo platter and it was an absolute treat. The variety was amazing and all of the things you could want were on there. I'm told some of their best stuff! We completely cleared our plate of appetizers, and couldn't imagine how good the main entrees would be. I got crab stuffed flounder, and it was cooked to perfection. Served with vegetables and the best Spanish rice I've had in my life. Hands down. No questions asked. We also sampled the house wine, and ended up leaving with three bottles because they had a buy two get one free. There was also another dish that was pork skewers served with vegetables and rice, and they were an absolute succulent bite each time. We were so impressed that there weren't much left on our plates by the time we were done. Still unable to stop, we ended up ordering two desserts! Everything they say about the desserts is true, they're the best ones I think I've ever had. And the flavor is incomparable. We got the wine stewed pear and the pound cake in a cream, jelled sauce. I'm so relieved that we decided to get two desserts because they were both beyond words. The sponge cake was refreshing and light and cool as well as very rich and creamy. What really impressed me was the wine stewed pear as the caramelization and sweetness of the wine went together heavenly. That served over ice cream which gave it a lovely vanilla creamy base. I think my favorite part was drinking the juices afterwards. This is truly a gem of Valpo, knowing it's been around for 40 years makes it all the more special in my opinion. As you can see, the food is plated beautifully the servers. Truly make you feel welcomed and are very informative. I went for an anniversary and it was beyond our expectations. The owners seem to know their regulars, the wife even took a photo of our table, which was very kind. I'm genuinely looking forward to the next time we can go again!

Such a wonderful experience food was exceptionally well appetizers, main dish and the homemade desserts DELICIOUS. The service was very welcoming and polite. I would recommend a thousand times over.

I was very excited to go hear after living in the area for a while and hearing so much about this place and seeing the ads. I can say I was not disappointed. I brought a colleague from work who was visiting from Spain and even she said she very pleased and happy with her experience here. The staff was great. Chef Carlos was amazing personable and so was his business partner also from Spain, but unfortunately I do not recall her name. I greatly recommend this place to anybody who wants to try authentic Spanish food in an authentic environment. I walked in and felt like I had teleported across the world.

The food was excellent The service was excellent everything about this place is great would definitely recommend if you're in the area to check them out Little pricey but great food

Decided to give this place a second try, it's been about 8 years or so since we had been to Don Quijotes. I really enjoyed the live music and the staff was entertaining. The owner came up to us several times and made sure everything was satisfactory. I really enjoyed the butter that came with the bread and the two plates that came out before our meal. Are entrees were okay, but I didn't think they were anything special. The atmosphere would be really cool with just a few little updating touches. I will admit that the reviews on here are some of the best that I've ever seen. As for me I had a good date with my wife and enjoyed our time, but unless you really like to drink, I won't go out of my way to come here for another 8 years.

This place is top notch 100% Go around the time it opens so you can get quick seating. They are very delicious and it can get full pretty quickly. We went in for a birthday and were treated the best. The food and the atmosphere are up there. We also ordered 1 of every dessert (so all of the desserts) to which they were very happy because it's handmade in the kitchen by the lady of the restaurant and it was worth every dollar. The grappas are delicious the white and the red sangrias are sooo good. The gazpacho was to fall in love and take some home. Planning on coming back for Mother’s Day.

Have seen their billboards for years and finally took a chance and went. Why did I wait soooo long! Ed, our server was SUPER! The atmosphere was super. The food, was fantastic! Such a great dinning experience! Fresh flavors and expertly prepared. The owner truly cares about his business and treats his guests like royalty. We will be back. Put it on your list.

Don Q We rolled into town, and what a pleasant surprise it was to find this place I think it should've had higher stars on the reviews. We ordered the paella, I thought it was pretty good, but always too much rice, lol. I absolutely love the peppers and onions that they gave us for an appetizer but my all-time favorite besides Alana's mothers recipe for a dessert, I loved the app with the chicken livers, one of the best chicken liver dishes I have ever eaten! You are so fat stuff, some of your indoor market, which was fabulous. Ed, George, Alanta, Logan, Roberto and Alyssa. Thank you for making our night so fun and the added entertainment, the music was great. I WOULD RECOMMEND

I moved away from valpo 12 years ago... 12 years is a long time to go without Don Quijote. We even managed to come in on an evening with live music. Both my heart and my soul were fed. I know it sounds funny but one of my favorite things is the garlic potatoes. I always get an extra order to take home with me. The Paella was amazing as always. The ingredients are always so fresh! Our server was very playful and fun with us during the evening. And very attentive. And if you go, always accept the port, it is amazing.

The food is always amazing! The lime pie is a family favorite. The owners and their staff make you feel like family. And they are so generous with their support of local charities and businesses. One of our families favorite nights, Tapas and Sangrias

This place is top notch 100% Go around the time it opens so you can get quick seating. They are very delicious and it can get full pretty quickly. We went in for a birthday and were treated the best. The food and the atmosphere are up there. We also ordered 1 of every dessert to which they were very happy because it's handmade in the kitchen by the lady of the restaurant.

Always a family favorite. Finish up with a glass of port. We almost always get the fish and chicken paella. Wait staff and owners very attentive. Live music is a great time. A Valpo staple!

Overall an ok experience. Food was ok, the crab cakes were on the special menu; very bready and deep fried, perfect round shape like something heavily processed not hand made. Paella was decent. Huge portion. The restaurant was hot! Sweated through the entire meal. Better options in Valpo.

I moved from a larger city to Valpo and everyone has told me about this place. I grew up on homemade food and I've been to fancy restaurants so i know good food! This place did not disappoint! I went during the week for an early dinner and i was greeted and seated right away by a very pleasant server. He took the time to explain the menu and proceeded with my drink order right away. After my order he brought the complementary bread with garlic aioli ( delicious), and 2 small dishes, one with some chickpeas and the other one with potatoes/tomatoes/green peppers, also complementary. Very tasty. I would have loved for the bread to be homemade as well. Looked like a bun from the grocery store. As the main courses I tried the white bean soup which tasted just like my mom's from Europe! It was absolutely delicious!!! And the sampler plater. Dessert was very good as well! Not too sweet which is what i like. Unfortunately I forgot the name of the dessert but you can see the pics attached. The only critique i have is about the bread. Should be homemade/more fresh!

Love this place! The food is amazing and the staff is always friendly. One of my favorite things is that the owner always comes out to greet his guests and makes everyone feel welcome. I highly recommend!

O matter what you order it will be different and delicious! The service is relaxing and pleasant. And if you are lucky enough to be there when they have a singer it is a place you could spend all evening!

Excellent food!!! The service and quality and superior. It takes you to Spain when eating there. The staff are great and very personal

Fun place and food. The owner is a character and fun to interact with Food was very good and dog friendly

They have very good food and a great atmosphere here in Valpo. The owners are tremendously nice people!

Tapas and entrees were all great. However the friendly service was top notch and something you can't get at a chain. I rarely order desert and on a whim got the blueberry bread pudding, my brother got the key lime pie. The deserts were AMAZING, I would 100% go back just for those.

We have talked about this place on our travels for years, but when we would come home from shows it always was on a Sunday and they are closed. So we had our chance to check it out . We noticed other reviews raved about this place. So we walked in, and I could smell sewer, which some restaurants can't help because of old pipes, we were greeted by one of the owners and taken to our seat. We had a lovely server named Lucia, we started with an appetizer squid in black ink, very good. We ordered our main courses cod and white sauce and sampler plater. It was presented nicely when I put the first bit in my mouth and chewed the fish tough and fishy. The sampler platter tasted like a bowl of salt. I explained to the server my disappointment. She then asked if we would like something else we replied no thanks. Then she sent the manager/owner and I told her about the food. Then she replied I must be full, we'll she doesn't know me if the food was good there would be nothing left. I advised I will pay for what I ate and drank. She came back with the check and explained she would normally trade food, not deduct from bill, but she did and then explained to us how we should tip based on the total of the original bill which we would have done anyway. Didn't need the lesson in dining etiquette. Thank you very much, will not not be back.

Phenomenal! Great service, DELICIOUS food, good portions and live music. What else would anyone need? We will definitely continue coming back.

Like you stepped back in old world. Even the owners came to your table to greet you. That's how you run a restaurant. Thank you. Delicious authentic cusine will be back.

Amazing paella. We were blown away with the quality and quantity of the food. The seafood was fresh and plentiful. A find.

This is a great restaurant with great service. The owner greeted us upon entering the restaurant. They typically have reservations, but fortunately for us it was a slow Saturday night. Our server was Tomas who was excellent on his service and presentation. The decorations of the restaurant made us feel like we were in Spain. Ordering 2 appetizers (calamari and mussels) help pass time because Tomas said the paellas take 25 minutes to cook. We did order half a pitcher of Delicious Sangrias between the two of us which we finished. I cannot remember the names of the desserts, but one of them is the pear with ice cream which was good, but heavy on the stomach. The other one was very light and semi-sweet (that was our favorite). We will definitely come back here!

I rarely put a 5, but this place deserves every bit of it. Was greeted and seated right away. Server was right there and made drink suggestions and we got them quickly. Ordered a featured appie, serrano ham and manchego cheese, and the chicken croquetas. Both were excellent! They also brought us a great bread and a cold potato small plate. We both ordered paella, a house specialty. While we were waiting, the server also brought us a small plate of roasted sweet peppers from the owner's garden. They were excellent! When the paella came, it was amazing! I had the Valencia and my companion had the chicken. The delicate hint of saffron was there, and the lemon wedge was heated by the dish. Both were exceptionally good. Outside of Spain, I only ever found one really good paella and it was in Sydney, AU, at a restaurant owned by Spanish immigrants. This one beat it! The socarrat at the bottom of the pan was a treat to be savored!! I asked the server what the chef's recommendation for a wine was, and I got a white that was pleasantly dry, not sweet at all, and went beautifully with the seafood in my dish. For dessert we had a house specialty made by one of the owners from an old family recipe and it was delightful! Very tasty but not heavy at all. They also make a port there, and the server comped us two of them after our meal. I've has some very expensive, very good port in my time and this was excellent. It was rustic, but had an elegance I've not often tasted, and for sure never as a comp! This place is old school fine dining. Both owners stopped by and asked about our meals. I would recommend this place to anyone, anytime.

This I the best restaurant in the world . I know that be extreme talk but trust me ITS AMAZING. The people are SOOOOOOOOO NICE I had the best time of my life. My kids even said they want to be proposed here. And don't get me started on the food, it's like heaven in your mouth!!!!!!! PLEASE GO THEIR IF YOU HAVE THE CHANCE!!!!!

Incredible food and even better service! Made our anniversary one to remember. They even threw in a bottle of wine to cap off the wonderful night.

Si,hablo espanol. Yet tonight I speak it in the enjoyment of the cuisine and culture of not the common numerous Mexican restaurants but of the origins from which Spanish was born. Tonight I join in the vermouth tradition of Barcelona. Though not in La Rioja, I drink Rioja red wine all awhile listening and enjoying the strumming on Spanish guitars. The combination lifts my spirit into sensing flight over the fields of Spain. Enough sangria and I swear I can see the orange orchards of Valencia, in the distance is the opera house of Seville. With my flying jacket still fused with remnants of the scent of Paco Rabanne, my Spanish fantasy continues as we make landing for tapas. Croquetas, empanadas, Spanish cured ham with cheese, assorted olives, and patitas bravis, all managed to get shared. We save ourselves for seafood paella. Whom would have thought rice could be so elevated with a dash of saffron. Taste it and one comes to understand how such a spice rivals the cost of gold. Don't know the values of others, but for me my money is better spent satisfying my taste buds over the adornment of my neck or finger. In the end, tonight was one to take in all the best of which Spain has, and to leave the rest behind. In the past we left the Conquistadors, the Inquistion, and the fascist rule of Franco. Tonight we raised a glass of port, listened to Flamenco music and experienced the delicious dishes and taste of Spain. To think my family collectively partook in this joyride without the need of passports or flight tickets. What's next? Perhaps a Bullfight. You owe it to yourself to go to Spain....at the very least to enter Don Quijote!

The seafood paella is absolutely delicious. We also love the sides - potatas bravas are insanely good. We come here every time we are in the area

This was amazing...the only thing missing was the Mediterranean Sea...you have got to go. The gaspatzio amazing..what a jewel in Valpo... I was in Spain and this better...I will be back Tapas Amazing...fresh fresh fresh...a taste explosion.

I like the broad scope of seasons and options for such a "small" restaurant. The Chef does indeed know his stuff. It's a pleasant place, considering that it's on the main drag with way too many bars around. But, speaking of drunks, they DO have a very nice wine list. haha. They are a great older school holdout of true taste, without the airs of snobbery.

I had the Paella Negra, and it was so-so. It takes half an hour for them to cook paellas so keep that in mind if you're in a hurry. The rice grains were slightly hard in the center and it tasted more like fish than other seafood because there are small chunks of fish mixed in with the rice. I personally didn't like the fact that the rice tasted so fishy, but I think that's personal preference. The shrimp was good, it was tender and tasted fresh. It came with a side salad with potato, tomato, green bell peppers and onions in a vinaigrette. I wouldn't pay $26 for this again, but I would come back to try a different dish or tapas because their food looks good. They also have a shop section with Spanish food available.

This place is delicious! I live in Los Angeles now, but every time I come back to see my family, I try and visit Don Quijote. It's a really wonderful dining experience...always warm bread and aioli, generous samples, tapas, and yummy sangria. And the paella is incredible. The owners are always in the dining room checking on their customers, and often there is live music. If you have a chance, stop by...authentic Spanish cuisine in a friendly environment.

Fantastic food. A Jewel in the Nile. If you like authentic Spanish food, look no further. This is as authentic as it gets. Highly recommended. Salut

My husband and I came for a late dinner with the in-laws on their suggestion. They managed to get us seated quickly despite being a walk in on a Saturday night, but I would recommend calling in advance because they were very busy! We were seated right by the little stage where two gentlemen were playing guitar. They were honestly the best part of the entire experience- the music was good, they were friendly and engaging, and I would come back just to watch them perform again. Also our waiter did a really good job- he was very friendly and quick with refills. His parents ordered a few starters, which took awhile. I ordered vegetable paella which was very good! It does take about 30 minutes to come out though so be prepared for a long wait. My husband ordered some kind of meat sampler and was very happy with it, though his came out a little cold (maybe because the kitchen needed extra time for the paella?) At the end of the meal we opted to try dessert and split some key lime and enjoyed it :) Overall I would recommend and would go back and order paella again.

This place was PERFECT for date night. The owners are so nice, the space is so romantic, and the food is true to Spanish food. Me and my boyfriend both lived in Spain for a while, and living in Indianapolis-where there seems to be no Spanish food- we craved it! We found Don Quijote and decided to make the 2.5 hour drive up for our Valentine's Day date. And we would do it again! It was so worth it. Authentic Spanish cuisine, right down to the tortilla española. We got the tapas platter (plus croquetas because we love those things), a pitcher of sangria, and the seafood paella. We also got dessert with the Valentine's Day menu, which we did flan and chocolate torte. To end it all off we got champagne and port- made specially by the owner himself. The wife came around and took a picture of us for Valentine's Day and the husband came around and offered us some more of his port. It was amazing! They definitely made out time here feel very special. I am so thankful that they have opened this place and that we can get authentic Spanish cuisine in Indiana.

Oh. My. Gosh!! This is, hands down, the best Spanish / tapas food we've ever had! We have driven past the Valpo area along I-94 for years and have always seen the billboards and kept passing by wishing we had budgeted time to stop here for a meal along the way. So when we needed to get some highway driving in we actually set Don Quijote's as our destination, and are REALLY kicking ourselves for not stopping here sooner!!! Everything was perfectly cooked - including the seafood. We had calamari in two different dishes - fried and also sautéed in a saffron sauce - and they were tender and delicious and not rubbery at all. Same for the mussels special in a wine and lemon sauce - they were tender and succulent. I could go on and on, everything was delicious. The three of us, me, my wife, and our daughter all laughed saying we sounded like a broken record as plate after plate of food came out and tasted absolutely amazing! The owners are amazing and stopped by our tables (which all were properly spaced for COVID concerns) to make sure everything was good - and we made sure to let them know that it was so much better than "good" we had a hard time coming up with enough exemplary words to describe it. If you have not been to Don Quijote's, I ask why, and also implore you to get there! Great food, great ambience, great staff!

Found this restaurant on OpenTable and knew I wanted to bring my wife here. She is a Spanish teacher and the smile and excitement she expressed alone was worth it. The atmosphere, decor, music, ensalada de la casa have been wonderful. Awaiting the paella for two. (Sadly we live over 3 hours away and are here simply for a concert at the fairgrounds and don't have a lot of reason to be back this way--though they boast a cultural music celebration that could give us the reason to return in the future.). The paella was wonderful--but allow 30-45 minutes because they prepare it to order and the rice takes time. Only regret--we couldn't stay for desert!! Will hope to have a reason to be back in the future!!

The service is very slow. We were seated outside without menus and sat for ten minutes before anyone gave us a menu. Half the beer on the menu was unavailable and none of the waiters seemed to know what was going on. Somehow they could never bring the right number of menus, plates, etc. Our waiter spent half the time apologizing for messing everything up (including our drink order). The sangria was very watery. The waiter used improper technique pouring water. He touched the pitcher to every person's glass in the restaurant which is pretty unsanitary. That said, the food was amazing. Ali-oli and bread was very good. I highly recommend the Gamba a la Riojana. It was some of the best shrimp I've ever had. The garlic sauce was absolutely perfect. The chorizo is okay. Artichoke hearts good. Tortilla a la Espanola and empanada were both fantastic. The texture of the tortilla omelet was spongy and savory. The Paella Valeneciana was also pretty good although the shellfish was mediocre.

Great food and service. Carlos makes everyone feel special. The food is prepared well and a nice change for the area.

Everything was so good! We did not want to stop eating! Honestly can not say anything was even mediocre!

I have been coming here for over 20 years! The menu doesn't change much but why change it if it's that good. I honestly make a meal out of the appetizers! They are so good. And the spiked lemon aid or white sangria is the best thing ever!!

Some of the best wine, food, service I've ever had. They definitely know what they are doing.

Really enjoyed Don Q.... Carlos was more than hospitable and Ronald our waiter did a great job

Don Quijote was an experience not just a restaurant. Our server was quite a character. Very enthusiastic about his job and the food. There was live music the night we went which was great. The owner personally checked on our table more than once. Loved the food and wine! Great restaurant.

First... Nick our waiter deserves more than 5 stars. We called ahead to ask if they are dog friendly and he even brought them water! The appetizers and complimentary bread with dip were great. The only restaurant I know of that has paella like that!! Very good flavor! My husband got a steak sandwhich which had a lot of flavor. However, he was expecting something different from the description. The meat was thin sliced and a little dry on the edges...that would be our only complaint. Otherwise everything was great! I would definitely go back when in Valpo!

Being the only Spanish restaurant in Indiana, this place has truly outdone itself. This is truly one of the best places to eat in all of Indiana. Having visited to Spain two years ago, my trip to this restaurant ignited many great memories of Spanish restaurants and their welcoming atmosphere. Our waitress was fun and humorous, as was the lady manager who always came to check on us. The owner and head chef too frequently paid visits to tables and entertained guests. We felt that the atmosphere was very warm and homely, and the owner and wait staff sincerely wanted us to feel like home, unlike many other restaurants which are highly commercial and you can feel the wait staff are just treating you well for your tip. The food itself was amazing, from appetizers to the desserts. We ordered the Gambas al ajillo, Croquettas, Pulpo a la Gallega and Jamon Serrano. They tasted fresh and whet our appetites for more. Next were the main courses, the Paella Marinera and Paella Negra. The Paella Negra tasted a bit bland because we had tasted the Marinera first and found it superb. A generous helping of seafood and the wonderful flavors of the ocean are well combined and the Paella rice soaks up most of this goodness. We were somewhat full and decided to hit up some of the desserts. We ordered the hazelnut cake, milk dessert and caramel flan. Based on appearance, we thought that they would be pretty normal desserts but boy were we wrong. To put the cherry on top of our experience, we were totally blown away by what we were offered. All desserts were not over rich but tasted pleasant and was perfect to end a meal. What really did it for me was the flan, which was so good, it was better than any flan I had in Spain. We had their Sangria which was definitely worth a mention because it was better than any other Sangria I tried here in the States. The owner was generous enough to give us a second pitcher on the house. My experience at this restaurant is perfect. I would definitely be back again!

Went here Friday night and food is good. Waiter is really helpful describing the food. Elena, the owner is friendly and takes time to talk to customers and check if everything is good. The business also do a a lot to support the community by donating to various organizations. We are from Columbus Ohio and wish we live closer so we can come back often to enjoy good Spanish food.

A really nice place to eat, the owners are great, they worry about every client on the restaurant, the service is amazing, the food is Amazing, but you can't never leave the place without try the flan, OMG it's just perfect! I love this place!

Amazing food and service was worth the money! Crab was amazing. The seafood way amazing! I highly recommend this restaurant.

Disappointing and over priced. Bland food, hard bread and the server was very odd and not knowledgeable. The best thing was the free little appetizer served with the bread, but it was nowhere near enough for 4 people. I get there's not good quality or authentic type of food in Valparaiso, or NWI for that matter, so people are easily deceived into thinking food is really good when it's below average, at best.

Great food, great service,the atmosphere was amazing, playing live music. I was looking to explore new horizons, we found this amazing tapas place, in Valparaiso, cozy town, friendly people,not to find. Good Spanish wine, but if you order wine makes sure you order a bottle not by the glass.!

Went here on Friday Dec. 6th. After a 5 min. Wait were seated at a table for 2, in the front window. Nice. Well after seeing a waiter help the table next to us for 20 minutes. We still were not even presented with a menu. No water, no greeting what so ever. We came in because they were enticing us with the squash soup outside, delicious by the way. Not enough to, totally ignore us. If I could give no stars, I would! We walked out. Will never return.

Phenomenal dinner from start to finish. Great atmosphere, very friendly employees, and the owners visited with each table to make sure everyone was enjoying their dinner. I would recommend reservations as it gets quite busy. We split the paella for two, a pitcher of sangria, and flan. Everything was incredible!

We thoroughly enjoyed our experience at Don Quijote. Our server is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to serve us. We will be back to try more of their amazing menu and desserts.

This is an amazing venue. The food was superb, the service was pretty good, but the warmth and atmosphere was memorable. There was a wedding party which occupied a lot of space and attention, but that didn't stop the owner from visiting our table twice. We watched hugs, kisses, open arms and warm smiles as we listened to Spanish music. There was great food but a lot of love, too. Wow!