This vibrant Spanish tapas spot blends flavorful dishes and a lively atmosphere, featuring enticing performances and a menu that delights both vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
"Duende, a modern Spanish restaurant from chef Paul Canales, has closed after 11 years. The restaurant served regional Spanish cuisine with local ingredients, including paella and tapas, and often hosted events with flamenco dancers. It faced challenges post-pandemic with shifts in customer behavior towards delivery or to-go orders, which did not fit its style. Despite its closure, Duende was a beloved neighborhood spot, known for its art-filled space and special dinners." - Dianne de Guzman
"Chef-owner Paul Canales draws upon Basque and Catalan cuisines to transport diners with wood-fire cooking, communal seating, a plethora of Spanish wines, and more than 15 sherries by the glass. Come with a group and share a paella or go the pintxos/tapas route and sample dishes from fried fava beans to the classic patatas bravas." - Ellen Fort, Eater Staff
"Duende, the spirit concerned with the balance of light & dark, the evoking of soul and catering to a heavy heart, is the concept of Spanish folklore that inspired this progressive restaurant. With interesting combinations of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine from tapas dishes to large paellas, the exuberant Paul Canales continues to exceed expectation. The scene is energetic, with dynamic lighting emanating from custom metal light fixtures and curated art as inspired by the folklore concept. The bodega side is a retail treat, full of eclectic wines, perfect for at home food pairing." - Arcsine
"Duende, Uptown by Arcsine. Duende, the spirit concerned with the balance of light & dark, the evoking of soul and catering to a heavy heart, is the concept of Spanish folklore that inspired this progressive restaurant. With interesting combinations of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine from tapas dishes to large paellas, the exuberant Paul Canales continues to exceed expectation. The scene is energetic, with dynamic lighting emanating from custom metal light fixtures and curated art as inspired by the folklore concept. The bodega side is a retail treat, full of eclectic wines, perfect for at home food pairing."
"Duende tapas bar plans to reopen in Uptown in June, after a closure of 10 months, Berkeleyside reports." - Becky Duffett
