La Cuchara

Basque restaurant · Baltimore

La Cuchara

Basque restaurant · Baltimore

3

3600 Clipper Mill Rd, Baltimore, MD 21211

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Highlights

Basque-inspired tapas, intimate atmosphere, kitchen views, seasonal menu  

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3600 Clipper Mill Rd, Baltimore, MD 21211 Get directions

lacucharabaltimore.com
@lacucharabaltimore

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

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3600 Clipper Mill Rd, Baltimore, MD 21211 Get directions

+1 443 708 3838
lacucharabaltimore.com
@lacucharabaltimore

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 19, 2025

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The 38 Best Restaurants in Baltimore | Eater DC

"Located in Baltimore’s historic Meadow Mill, La Cuchara brings vibrance to a space that was formerly home to the London Fog raincoat company. The center dining room and ample bar offer views into the kitchen, where chef Ben Lefenfeld prepares Basque dishes like pan con tomate, strip steak with black garlic butter, and chilled seafood. The seasonal menu changes daily." - Jess Mayhugh

https://dc.eater.com/maps/best-bars-restaurants-bakeries-baltimore-dining-guide-38
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Basque-inspired cooking in Meadow Mill: wood fire, pintxos, and nightly changing menus. Lauded by Baltimore Magazine and wine publications for both kitchen and cellar, it’s a convivial anchor for Woodberry dining.

https://www.lacucharabaltimore.com/menu
Best Restaurants in Baltimore (2025)
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GONCA YILMAZ

Google
Even though the restaurant leans toward the fine dining/luxury side in pricing, the experience felt more like fast food. The waiters rush you to eat and leave, which completely takes away from any chance to enjoy the meal. It’s also too noisy to have a comfortable dinner. On top of that, a 22% tip was automatically added—not required, but definitely made to feel obligatory.

Daniel H

Google
Outstanding Meal! La Cuchara delivers top-notch Basque flavors. The mussels was perfectly cooked, and the sauce was absolutely fantastic — rich, flavorful, and balanced. Duck Magret was tender and juicy, with sides that elevated the whole dish. The lamb shoulder was smoky, juicy, and paired beautifully with the accompanying vegetables. Service was attentive without being overbearing, and the wine list was well-curated.

Shlomo Jacobs-Velde

Google
The food was great, and the service was amazingly fast. They also were very kind and split plates up for us without us even needing to ask!

Jenny Delacruz

Google
I went to La Cuchara to celebrate my partner's birthday! The restaurant location is great, from being right next to the lightrail and also having parking. I think the ambiance is great and the paintings on display by Julia Gould are really nice. We had the marinated manchego (very unique, and we especially liked the pear sauce!). The croquettes are really good, but the jamon croquettes definitely do not need that sauce. The sauce is too bitter, but the croquettes are great. The spinach and gruyere was everything to write home about and really surprised me by being that delicious. The servers were SUPER attentive. The bread for the table was nice, I just wish it was toasted or semi-warm. Having cold bread does not allow for the butter to melt and that is not ideal for me. However, moving on to the tapas, the trout was excellent (I admired the roasted tomatoes), and the patatas bravas were as my friend put it a "bumper," but not a "banger." The seasoning was good, but it also had that bitter red sauce that the jamo croquettes had to. In the future, I would opt out of that sauce or ask for an alternate. The servers were also kind to point out anything we might not have known especially for our friend who was allergic to shellfish (please be aware that they fry seafood in the same oil, so that is a risk for anyone who is allergic) but they were phenomenal about communicating that with us and letting us know alternates that we could order or parts to remove. Overall, I really liked the lamb shoulder (so decadent!!! And yummy!!!) The mushrooms/morels were great too! I also really admired the earl grey tea pudding (?) That was so nice and really a unique type of sweetness. I got great vibes from the restaurant and would love to go again for another special occasion.

Shawn

Google
One of my favorites spots I try to go every week before I head home. The ambience is amazing. The food is extraordinary. The staff go above and beyond at all times highly recommended.

Kate M

Google
Celebrated a birthday here, and the whole experience was immaculate. Service was prompt, the atmosphere intimate and beautiful, presentation top-notch, and food delicious. We tried a whole bunch of different dishes (even more that pictured here), and everything was wonderful. Their menu rotates pretty regularly, and I found the small plates to be a perfect share-able size for two people. If visiting on a weekend, I would recommend making a reservation.

Cyndi Grace

Google
When I am paid for my reviews, I will enter fancy restaurants and take lots of pictures but on this day, I didn’t want to be that person. So I simply enjoyed. And ENJOY I DID!!! This was one of the best experiences we’ve had in a very long time. First, making the reservation was quick and easy online and once we arrived, we were seated immediately. Each server that paused at our table was friendly, attentive, professional, amazing, and warm! Our server, Robert K, was beyond amazing. Beyond! He took complete care of us. We ordered many different items to share and he plated our table upon demand. He gave us ample time to enjoy what was in front of us and there was not one moment of rushing us onto the next phase. I’m sure everyone is fantastic but when we return, it will be to sit in his section. As for our food: We shared: Beef empanadas Wood grilled pan con tomate Marinated Manchego Papatas bravas Shrimp a la Plantxa I think I’m forgetting something but that’s all I can remember at the moment. Every single bite was moan worthy!! It was incredibly delicious and it tasted even better with the impeccable service! 🤌 We were too stuffed to try dessert and I really wanted to try a few. We will save room next time or go just for desserts! I cannot wait to return!

Kristina C.

Google
This place is delicious. I'm so sad that this was the first time I've been to La Cuchara and I've lived here for 2 years. The prices are very good, the food was so good, and the service is amazing! I will definitely be coming back especially during happy hour.
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Sandra K.

Yelp
Great ambiance and decor, great service, and quite good food! Overall I liked this better than Tapas Teatros. We got the smoked tinned sardines (9/10), jamon croquettes (8/10, creamy texture!), patatas bravas (6/10, but may just be I don't like the method of cooking normally used for this dish and I enjoy crispier potatoes instead), cassoulet (8/10, best I've had in Baltimore, fall off the bone), and special wahoo fish (8/10, well cooked). Enjoyed our drinks as well - velvet underground and final word - latter had a fun chemical reaction that made the drink clear Definitely would come back!
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Annie G.

Yelp
We had a great great birthday dinner. The food was all tasty. I especially love the Chanterelle mushroom--- it was lemony, with cheese aroma, and mixed with kale's crunchy. Very special. The wine and cocktails were also outstanding. Five of us all ordered different drinks. I love the one with gin. Mine was sparkling rose, which was also tasty and complex flavored. It was leveled up restaurant. Great for date night and dinner with friends. Lots of two-person tables. Definitely not noisy compared to some other Spanish tapas place I have been (thanks to its large inner space!) I think I would definitely back for other important occasions.
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Sabrina S.

Yelp
We visited on an incredibly busy night. Even though we had reservations there was a short wait to get seated and it did take a while for our waiter to appear. On the bright side, the food came out quickly and they gave us a complimentary glass of sparkling wine to celebrate the occasion. Drinks 7/10 - I only tried the Aim to Spark. It was cute. House Bread - Skippable. It was cold and the only thing special about the butter was that it was salted. Tinned Mackerel 10/10 - My favorite dish of the night. I don't even like olives but I tried it with this dish and it was delicious. Wood Grill Pan Con Tomate 7/10 - The tomato was colder than I expected but the bread was toasted fine. I ended up dressing up the slices with the mackerel and its aioli. This made it a 1000/10! Gotta get both. Mesclun Salad 1000/10 - Best meatless salad I've had from a restaurant! Flavors and proportions were perfect. Shrimp a la Planxta - My partner had this. She said it was a 10/10 and cleaned her plate lol. If you have dietary restrictions, please read the menu over first and be sure to tell your waiter so they can inform you where cross contamination is likely.
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Tiffany D.

Yelp
I only dropped in for appetizers, as this was Stop #1 on my WoodBerry Food Tour. The service was excellent--- which is great because gratuity is automatically included. The restaurant is also very nice, but casual enough that you can just swing by for happy hour. The complimentary bread plate is unmatched. The breads were very delicious. They have wine flight options that were great for trying out several kinds of wines. Notable appetizers were the shrimp dish and the oysters. I would come back again to try out the full experience.
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Ana B.

Yelp
This was only the second time I had been to La Cuchara - a staple in Baltimore now having been open for 10 years. I went for the first time during the pandemic and sat outside and there was nothing wrong, it wasn't a memorial experience. This time around, I had the best dining experience. We went at 5 pm, right at opening, and I love the energy when the restaurant is kind of empty. The location is out of everyday view as it's the light rail/ train tracks but the parking lot is huge and the venue is big. The service here was unparalleled, Benedict our waiter was so adorable and so friendly. We told him we needed to leave by 6:30 to get to our show and he did a constant time check with us. We also chatted with the som, who they call Red and he was super fun to chat with. La Cuchara - a Spanish tapas restaurant carries as the name implies a lot of Spanish wines and French. The tapas here are large portions and the staff did a great job explaining the menu. The menu also change here frequently. The bread service here is excellent and you can buy their loaves to go. We got half pours of the wines - yes they do that here - and got a bottle of a fun orange from Alicante (which we realized we had had previously). The spinach and gruyere croquettes were so good, they're a soft texture and light despite being fried. The beef empanadas were cute but nothing super special for me (but I'm super picky about empanadas). The tapas: red snapper (with a poblano chimi) and squash (with labneh and pistachios) were exquisite. The red snapper was fried but it was still so good. My favorite was the squid ink fideuà - a delightful vermicelli paella, I loved how light it ate even though it was filled with butter, chorizo and all the seafood. I will definitely be adding this to my Baltimore rotation, I can't believe I haven't been here since 2020!
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Annie L.

Yelp
Truly one of the best of Baltimore, La Cuchara should be on every foodie's list. Approaching the somewhat hidden, unpretentious exterior, you would not know that you're about to be transported. The spacious yet intimate interior is dimly lit, revolving around a beautiful, central bar. The staff is welcoming, approachable and attentive from top to bottom. Their knowledge of the menu is undeniable and exceptionally helpful when you're looking for recommendations. The menu caters to a family style, multi-course meal--ideal for those wanting to try different plates. As a vegetarian, I've always appreciated the menu's range in offering ample veggie friendly options. Including photos of the dishes that we ordered during this occasion, but you truly cannot go wrong. One of the best parts of the menu is how seasonal and ever-fluctuating it is. La Cuchara makes it easy to come back and never have the same thing twice! The plates themselves are artistry, while each bite is an explosion of flavor and complex, intertwined textures. The ingredients exude local, highlighting the best of the region's offerings. Run don't walk to your next meal here!
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Kari H.

Yelp
La Cuchara is located in the Meadow Mill Complex in Woodberry, Baltimore, a setting that complements its industrial-chic vibe. There is ample free parking in the parking lot directly outside the restaurant. We went here to celebrate my boyfriend's 30th birthday, and this hidden gem felt like a special find, tucked in an unassuming area. The food was absolutely delicious, with a variety of shareable Basque-inspired tapas and hearty plates. I especially loved the flavorful, garlicky shrimp, tender steak, and savory yet sweet beef empanadas with their perfectly flaky crust. The mesclun salad, with its delightful mix of pears, blue cheese, and a honey banyuls vinaigrette was a real standout for me. I just loved it. My boyfriend practically inhaled the steak. It was juicy and very flavorful. The service was thoughtful and attentive, and our server even included a candle on his birthday dessert (I requested this in the reservation). La cuchara was a fantastic spot for a celebratory evening with great food and ambiance. I'll definitely be back. -I recommend booking a reservation well in advance, as the popular 6 to 7 p.m. dinner slots were already sold out when I booked a week ahead.
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Kim B.

Yelp
Amazing. From the service (Jake is the best) to each very distinct flavor of each dish - impeccable! We were lucky enough to walk in and get a table on a Saturday night. From the moment we walked in, the service was amazing. We didn't come super hungry but definitely left super satisfied! We will most definitely be back!!
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Sebastian P.

Yelp
As always, can't go wrong with La Cuchara. Atmosphere is always amazing. A nice background hum of chatter and movement. The rib eye steak was cooked perfectly. Service at the bar was knowledgeable and personable. 10 out of 10!
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Anna S.

Yelp
This past Sunday, a group of friends and I had some dinner reservations that ended up falling through. Cut to: nine people, all hungry, with nowhere to go on a Sunday night... during restaurant week. We called around to La Cuchara at 8pm and asked if they could potentially accommodate our party of nine. I know I probably sounded insane to the hostess, Olivia. However, after a brief hold she assured me she could accommodate us and said come on in. When we arrived only 5-10 minutes later, our table of nine was already set for us. The sommelier recommended some fabulous bottles of wine for us, including a magnum, and let us know that any bottle over $100 was half off. A sweet deal and perfect for our big group. Our server, Dana, was great. She tolerated our countless orders of tapas and maintained a friendly demeanor throughout. We had some dietary restrictions in our party, a vegetarian and gluten free, but she went the extra mile to personally mark up menus for us with the things we could each enjoy. I really appreciated that. Everything came as expected, with a small wait between a couple dishes and one missing plate of lamb. In the end though, it didn't matter because we were stuffed! My favorites included the crispy artichokes served with broccoli and squash. Each veggie was expertly coated in rice flour and perfectly salted and dressed with a lovely aioli. The shrimp were also very tasty and flavorful. The patatas bravas were a generous portion size and exactly what you think of when you picture patatas bravas in your head. The drunken manchego cheese came in a small mason jar and was definitely drowning in olive oil, a combination I've never tried before but would certainly reach for again. I would totally return for another meal. I even hear they have all day happy hour on Sundays at the bar. What really stuck with me though was the level of service and commitment to hospitality. They welcomed all nine of us in within the last hour of service and still went above and beyond to make our experience great. Thank you!
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Rob M.

Yelp
Friends of ours who truly appreciate food and the dining experience highly recommended La Cuchara to my wife and I for a special dinner. It was amazing and is now our go to special occasion place. The first time you go, you will want to try everything. It is ok to indulge as the staff will box up anything you want to take home, The food is amazing, from start to finish. The sea scallops and tiny tomatoes were exquisite. The flavors and presentation were incredible. With all that, you would think La Cuchara would be stuffy and pretentious and it was anything but. The hostess and server were extremely kind and attentive without being overbearing. We absolutely loved it. We will be more judicious with our choices as we know we will be back.
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Brenda S.

Yelp
Been meaning to try this for sooooo long and finally has a chance for a friend's birthday!! What a beautiful space, I was immediately sold when I walked in. The service was wonderful, our waitress was so knowledgeable and funny and helpful for my vegetarian needs. The drinks were fabulous, the food was so perfect and uniquely Basque. The croquettes and florets were SO filling and yummy. The meringue dessert was so good- I forgot to take a picture!! Overall, I cannot wait to come back. Top 3 restaurant in Baltimore.
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Gillian H.

Yelp
Sat at the bar. Great wine selection. Extremely friendly staff. Innovative meals and healthy sized portions. Will be back for sure.
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Joshua K.

Yelp
La Cuchara is an outstanding restaurant! I recently went here with three friends for a weekend dinner and immensely enjoyed the experience. While La Cuchara is hard to find (on a side road next to the freeway, behind a large warehouse-looking building), once you arrive inside the experience is everything you would expect from a high-end restaurant. We received incredible service, including our server marking up the menu pointing out which dishes wouldn't work for someone in our group with dietary restrictions. Unlike many Spanish restaurants, there are several vegetarian-friendly dish options. La Cuchara seated us immediately upon our arrival at our reservation time, and we got two rounds of free, delicious bread (three different kinds) and butter, all of which tasted like it was made in-house and was delicious. La Cuchara serves everything tapas-style, so my friends and I shared the following dishes: Spinach y Gruyere Cheese Croquets-basically a fancy Spanish mozzarella stick, these were gooey, rich, and flavorful. Boquerones- well-marinated in olive oil, with great flavor and not too salty. Marinated Manchego-the most disappointing dish of the evening. The manchego did not taste like much and the olive oil did not help. Cana de Cabra-a delicious goat cheese, paired perfectly with bread and a jam (although a fig jam or honey would have been better). Patatas Bravas-A well-executed Spanish classic, La Cuchara took this dish to the next level with an amazing sauce. Shrimp a la Plantxa-The shrimp were crispy with good char and good heat from the peppers. Yellowfin Tuna-extremely fresh tuna, although it could have used more flavor. The accompanying veggies worked well with the dish. For dessert, we got cinnamon churros and banana creme beignets. The cinnamon churros were fine, made better by the chocolate dipping sauce. The beignets were disappointing and the wrong culinary fit for La Cuchara. Even including tip, we each paid less than $50 per person for an outstanding meal. I would highly recommend La Cuchara for your next fancy outing!
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Jack C.

Yelp
It's pricey but the food was definitely very delicious. The service was fast, and the server was nice. The quesadillas are awesome, and the fideo soup really hit the spot. The sauces on the enchiladas were also on point. The decor is a mix of traditional accents and hip vibe. Valet parking only unless you want to park on the street.
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Malikah M.

Yelp
This is the second time I've had a chance to eat at this restaurant and it did not disappoint. The food gets better and better each time I grow and they do a really great job with seasonal options. The waiter was very knowledgeable about the menu and provided a lot of great suggestions. Everything we ordered was fresh and delicious. Make sure you save room for dessert because they will blow you away just the right amount of sweet and they have a grave variety of dessert drinks. They do fill up fast and I highly suggest reservations. The restaurant offers a beautiful charm in the atmosphere is inviting. Can't wait to go back.
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Monica B.

Yelp
Returned recently and loved it just as much. I enjoy how consistent they are. I tried the octopus and it was delicious.
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Charles L.

Yelp
Our family had another wonderful dinner at La Cuchara last night. We shared appetizers (spinach croquettes, beef empanada, pan con tomato, manchego cheese), then on to larger appetizers (boquerones, patatas bravos, and crispy oysters), then tackled main courses (including mesclun salad, Bronzino, and shrimp). We shared a delicious dark gingerbread cake with creamy vanilla ice cream and apple compote. The dinner ws very good. The only problem was the salad leaves were wilted. The dessert was excellent!.
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Jessi S.

Yelp
I had not been here in years, but was disappointed to have an entirely different experience than previously. The happy hour and menu is not as extensive as I could remember. Though the $23 bottles of wine was a great deal, I was more looking forward to the food (no longer on happy hour). The menu seemed smaller with less appealing selections. The only thing I absolutely enjoyed were the empanadas- small but packing plenty of flavor with a tasty dipping sauce. The fried mackerel was disappointing- a bit bland and simple for $16. The mushroom broth dish was recommended by our waiter, But a complete flop for the rest of our table- the crispy eggplant now soggy sitting in soup, and definitely a tasteless dish. The bread was still good, I filled up on that....
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Rebecca C.

Yelp
Directions to the restaurant are a little wanky, either you are directed from the front or back of the building. Called ahead to inform them we would be running late but still fulfilling the reservation. Outdoor seating was filled with parties. Inside was quite busy too. Our server seemed to be in a rush when taking our order. Long Time lapsed in between our small plates. Food was ok, nothing to rave about. After reading some reviews- looks like quality declined.
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Jay D.

Yelp
I just wanted to add that I came here with my bf for my birthday dinner (back in May lol) and we loved it!! The food really is amazing, the staff were really friendly, someone came over (I'm assuming the sommelier but it could have been someone else) and helped us pick out a wine. Everything was delicious and perfect!
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Zhicao F.

Yelp
Had an event happy hour and dinner here with a local hobby club. The place had ample lighting, casual urban vibe, and a large bar area. Service was friendly and patient. Kitchen has a fire stove where they cook the majority of entrees. We ordered quite a few plates to share for a whole long table and I could not remember each dish I tasted, so I would only mention dishes that left me impression. Starter bread: yeasty, slightly on the sour side. Jamon croquettes: steaming hot, juicy inside, seasoned nicely delicious. A bit salty. Cantabarian Anchovies: VERY salty. Only took one bite. 12-month Jamon Serrano with pickles: Tasted delicate, briney with subtle sweetness. I wish melon would be provided instead of or alongside the pickles to highlight the flavor of the serrano. Tapas sausage: another very salty dish, even the apple slices dipped in sauces tasted a mouthfeel of brininess, and saltiness overwhelmed the more complex spices in the sausage (which was nicely made despite the saltiness). Crispy potato slices were OK. Tapas shrimp: shrimp tasted fresh, doneness was great, still bouncy in the mouth. Seasoning was nice, balanced, complex, lifting the freshness of the shrimps. Overall: 3.5-4 stars. Had quite some bright spots, but saltiness is a big issue for me. On the other hand, I was driving so I could not order any alcoholic beverage; I imagine some of the salty dishes would actually go well with a glass of wine.
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Shenice H.

Yelp
Omg I ended up taking my daughter here on her birthday and we absolutely loved everything! My only small complaint was our food was our food was our entrees were luke warm but we were way too hungry to return it. The flavor's definitely made up for it but overall our experience was very good. We would definitely return to try additional items.
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Toni R.

Yelp
Quite nostalgic coming back to La Cuchara again -- one of my fave restaurants from when I lived in Baltimore. It's been at least two years since the last time I was here and I'm pleased to say, the quality of the food is still the same. The portions were a decent size and all were nicely balanced flavor-wise and cooked to perfection! The ingredients are always fresh (they change up their menu everyday to cater to what's available and fresh, although they do have staples that are always there). We got the tinned seafood which is new since I had come here last. Love this for appetizer. Also got the skate wing and the seafood paella. We didn't even finish the paella cause it was a nice sized portion. Couldn't skip dessert so we still got the apricot sorbet and the butternut sorbet. A little too sweet for the apricot but the butternut....mmmm! Perfect! One other nice thing -- we packed our left over paella which was still about half the serving but then we left it at the table! We realized it within a few minutes of driving away so we called the restaurant to let them know we left it and we're coming back. Unfortunately, they were quick to clean and they had already thrown it out but when we arrived, we were told they had the kitchen make another half size portion to replace it! WOW. That is customer service at its fiiiiinest. Thank you so much! Now I know for sure La Cuchara will always be one of my favorite restaurants!
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Nicolas P.

Yelp
We came here before a concert and it was an excellent choice because service was quick and efficient. To start our waitress recommended some good wine and have a run down of the menu which was very helpful. We ordered a few dishes and they came out in order of size it seemed like, with enough time between courses to finish the previous course. We ordered the beef empanadas, the jamon croquettes, pan con tomate, fried green tomatoes, and patatas bravas. The empanadas and fried green tomatoes were both excellent, definitely our favorites. The tomatoes had a smoked tomato sauce that tasted amazing. The patatas bravas were very good but could've used a little more crisp to them. The croquettes and pan con tomate were also both good but both were incredibly salty. The pan con tomate also mostly tasted like charred bread and olive oil, which was good, but you couldn't really taste the tomato at all. Overall we had a good time and would come back! Our only complaints would be how salty stuff was, and the fact that they automatically add a 22% service charge to your bill. I mean come on, kinda getting ridiculous.
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Eli H.

Yelp
Everything was over priced. It was loud and the hype was bigger than the actual experience. Not bad for a one time experience but that's probably it.
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Jennie A.

Yelp
Food: 9.6/10 Service: 9/10 Value: 9/10 Vibe: 9/10 I wish DC had more places like this! Incredible food and service for a fair price. They also have an impressive wine list so make sure you order a glass when you visit. Highlights were definitely the shrimp dish and the desserts (ice cream). But literally everything they serve is delectable. Def recommend!
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JSun B.

Yelp
Delicious food, incredibly courteous staff, and I'm inclined to go back again to further explore the menu.
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Christina W.

Yelp
One of my favorite restaurants in Baltimore! The staff is wonderful! The menu is roasting with fun, playful and fresh ingredients! Awesome cocktails and very large wine list! My favorite items to order are Gildas, Croquettes, Boquerones, Pate, Calamari, Soft Shell Crabs, Razor Clams...
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Tessa T.

Yelp
Had a wonderful Valentine's dinner at La Cuchara. Even though the restaurant was busy, the service was very attentive, with a personable waiter who always made sure our drinks were filled and our plates cleared, and the food came out promptly. It was a delicious 4 courses; their crispy oysters and peppers are amazing, and I loved the lamb with root vegetable puree that I had for dinner.
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Savannah D.

Yelp
Each dish, from the savory beef empanadas to the tender bronzino, highlighted the essence of Spanish tapas--small plates bursting with flavor meant for enjoying with friends. The true star if the night were the Crispy Oysters--simply outstanding! La Cuchara deserves a solid four-star rating for its impeccable execution and convivial atmosphere.
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Rick R.

Yelp
The food is great. Hands down, the best tapas in town. Our server Benedict really ruined the experience. He forgot some of our order, and when I reminded him he was condescending in his energy attitude and response. We asked for extra bread so that we could use it with the delicious sauces as we didn't want to waste a drop. He grabbed our plates and never brought the bread. He then asked if there as a problem and I reminded him of the bread and he stated the kitchen informed him there was none. I asked the person who came to ask if we wanted dessert and he said there was still bread. Benedict waited until the last moment to tell us the kitchen would be closing. Benedict is a bad server who relies on the 22%percent included gratuity. We spent $400 and collectively agreed that the service was not worth an extra tip.
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Basma A.

Yelp
Definitely one of my favourite restaurants in Baltimore. The chef changes the menu daily and the ingredients are all seasonal, so you'll always get to try something new on every visit. The best part is the food is consistently amaaazing --and this is coming from someone who doesn't usually like Spanish food! Service is also great, the staff know the menu well and are very helpful. The restaurant is a bit lonely with nothing else around it, but the interior is cozy and surprisingly big. I've been here a few times before writing this review and I'd definitely keep coming back. Their seafood is especially good and their veggie options make me want to become vegetarian. 100% recommend.

M D.

Yelp
We held a wedding rehearsal dinner and welcome party at La Cuchara and it was a big hit! Everything was amazing! From our first contact with the chef and owner months ago, through the planning stage and during our event, everyone made us feel welcome and worked to seamlessly provide a wonderful celebration. The food was delicious, the cocktails were great, and the service was impeccable! Every entree selected for the event menu was exceptional, Yellowfin Tuna, Grilled Strip Steak, and Duck Confit. We also loved the tapas (especially the shrimp) and pintxos and couldn't get enough of the churros! It was such a pleasure to receive positive feedback from our guests all evening and beyond!
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Emily H.

Yelp
Beautiful restaurant in interior design. Great place for tapas. Best suited for larger groups as you can share the dishes which are certainly style. Great quality ingredients.
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Victoria C.

Yelp
I've been meaning to come here for a while! And after a couple of months, we finally got to try it. I made reservations the week of and didn't have any issues getting the time slot we wanted (mainly because we're old and eat super early) We did have some confusion finding the restaurant. It's at the very end of the parking lot circle. We had parked in the front not realizing how far back the restaurant was. But it's there! You can't miss it (once you drive all the way around) They seated us right away, although the chair itself was not super comfy and a little low for the table. A waiter came around immediately to ask for our choice in water and brought over bread. Our waiter was friendly and gave us a quick run down of the menu. I really appreciate when the waiter reads your vibes correctly and knows if you're here for a good but somewhat quick dinner or a slow romantic dinner. We were the former after not eating anything since 9 am. We ordered drinks (husband got a bourbon drink, I got a cherry champagne cocktail drink). We ordered the beef empanadas, a cheese with roasted peppers, the mushrooms, crispy oysters, the shrimp, and the duck confit. Our waiter broke everything into courses for us and each dish came out super fast and piping hot. The beef empanadas, cheese, and mushrooms came out first. The beef empanadas were my favorite. They were juicy and super flavorful. I loved that they weren't that fried crispy empanada. It had a good dough/crust to it too. The mushrooms and cheese were delicious as well, my husband loved them. The moment we were finished, someone came by to whisk our plates away. The crispy oysters and shrimp were next. My husband really enjoyed the crispy oysters. It came with fried peppers as well and were just fantastic. I liked the shrimp although it was on the verge of being too lemony for me. Everything came out super quickly again but was burning lava hot. Our waiter came by to give us new plates to share our duck confit appetizer. The duck confit was the highlight of the meal. My God was that duck good. The skin was crispy and delicious while the duck meat was tender and was easily broken apart with a fork. The potatoes gratin it came with were cheesy and melty on the inside. The green beans were perfectly cooked. Not too soggy but not the raw crispness either. I wish we had saved more room for that, because it was fantastic. At the end of the meal, we decided to go all out and get dessert,because why not? We decided on the churros, the cream catalana ice cream, and the strawberry pavlova. The churros were good, your standard churros with a dark chocolate dipping sauce. My husband ate them plain though. They were that good. I was immediately drawn to the pavlova. We love strawberry flavor things, and the amount of fresh fruit was just refreshing. It also had a citrus curd that paired so well with the strawberry and the cream on top. Just overall my favorite. The ice cream was interesting at first bite. But then it grew on me and I could really taste the custard-y flavor. And 2 bites in, I was hooked. Obviously, don't get 3 desserts after scarfing down a huge meal, but also do because it's worth it. I really enjoyed the food here. We will def be coming back, and this time I'm getting the duck confit by myself/eating it in its entirety. Service was amazing as well! Super friendly and very fast. My water glass never went empty!

Leah N.

Yelp
Incredible in every way - from the atmosphere, our server, the food and overall vibe! We are from out of town and just in Baltimore for a concert. My husband and I decided we are coming back to Baltimore just to have dinner at La Cuchara again! It was really that good!!!
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Rama S.

Yelp
Absolutely stunning restaurant. This place was a little tricky to find as to get to the parking lot you have to take a single road path by the train but once you find it this massive industrial sized building is hard to miss. The inside is beautifully decorated with dim lighting and comfortable seating. They serve tapas with various small bites that really fill you up. We ordered cheeses, meats, empanadas, bruschetta, and croquets and received complimentary bread and butter. The service was phenomenal and the waitress recommended a smooth wine. Prices are very reasonable and the vibes were really nice. A great place for date night or with friends and family. I look forward to returning!
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CC E.

Yelp
Everything from start to finish about this restaurant was amazing. Especially the customer service.... and it was the small little details. (Making sure my water was full, follow ups after food was dropped off,...etc.) Jake, one of the owners could not have been more attentive and friendlier. Plus, he wasn't even our waiter. The recommendations were spot on for what we were looking for. The ambience and overall aesthetic of the restaurant were beautiful. I love that we could actually look in the kitchen and see the chefs at work. Adds a level of authenticity and cleanliness. 10/10

Mortan S.

Yelp
It's great. Huuuge fancy restaurant basque/spanish/catalan styles. Naturally, mostly about the small plates. Expensive!
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Deven G.

Yelp
Great time! Looking forward to visiting again soon. Happy hour deals are wonderful and service is fast. Convenient and safe free parking.
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Lorin S.

Yelp
Came here for our 2 year anniversary. My wife and I loved our overall experience. We wanted to try everything on the menu as it sounded and looked unique (we were sitting next to food bloggers who ordered one of everything). Our appetizer and entree were fantastic. The drinks were delicious as well. The ambiance and service were 10/10, super chill and romantic. Getting down to the entrance from main road is wonky, but plenty of parking. Looking forward to returning for another special occasion!
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Lindsey R.

Yelp
Woooooow, where to start! This may have taken the lead for my favorite restaurant in Baltimore! It is tucked away in an unsuspecting location, a little hard to find, but totally worth the drive! When you walk inside you're blown away by a slightly farmhouse, slightly modern, beautiful setting. Everyone was super friendly and did their part to make sure we had a great time. The food was amazing! We were here as part of a package deal that included a helicopter tour of Baltimore and then a 6 course dinner, booked through a third party by my now fiancé for our engagement! I am not sure if you can book the dining experience through the restaurant, but if you can I highly recommend. We didn't pick anything, the menu was prepared by chef based off our answers to a few questions and every dish was served with a wine pairing. The dinner menu had a lot of amazing dishes, I can't wait to return. Our server was very charming and definitely make this a special night. One thing in particular that stood out to me was the bread-- curried pumpkin, smoked rye?! Very unique and delicious.
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Drew S.

Yelp
Yelp Fam! This review is for an amazing Tapas spot I had no idea exhausted until my amazing fiancée showed me what I was missing. La Cuchara is located off the beaten path a bit but I assure you the food & service are worth it! When we arrived we admired the large outdoor area and spacious inside. Our waiter was amazing and truly made our first time dining special. We started with some drinks I got the Velvet Underground!!!! This drink was amazing & the presentation is worth ordering it alone. My fiancée had false idols- tasty as well Tapas Beef empanadas- I loved these so much, I wanted to get some to go! Beef tartare- first time trying it, very good Octopus- delicious and tender Potatoes - seasoned and tasty Churros& Honey ice cream (I believe) -very good Overall this spot was a pleasant surprise that offered some great small plates. I would advise picking a few dishes to share . That way you can explore the menu!
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Judy K.

Yelp
Love the space, ambiance and craft cocktails. And bonus points for parking. A definite staple in our rotation.

Sarah A.

Yelp
Always an outstanding experience! From the service to the food, La Cuchara just raises the bar.
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Ky T.

Yelp
Heard great things about La Cuchara, but our experience was just ok. We actually didn't bother to stay for dinner and dessert because we were underwhelmed by the overall service, cocktails, and appetizers experience. I tried a red wine that was ok & HubBae found his Velvet Underground & False Idol drinks to be better sounding than they ended up tasting. We also ordered shrimp with burnt garlic, crispy oysters, patatas bravas, and seared tuna from the tapas menu. The shrimp and crispy oysters weren't memorable. The tuna was very fresh but there was nothing else note worthy about the dish. When fried potatoes are the star plate of a show let's me know, I'm likely not inclined to be mind blown with what else is to come. While La Cucharra had a beautiful and romantic aesthetic, we were met with a very cold host on a Friday evening that didn't greet us beyond to inquire if we had reservations. When we said no, but we wouldn't mind a wait since the weather was nice and we looked forward to taking an evening stroll, said host nodded his head towards the bar and stated they were completely booked for the evening but we could try to find seats at the bar and then looked passed us. With so many dining options I've enjoyed in the past in this area, I don't imagine I'd hurry back to La cuchara.
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Brandy S.

Yelp
Popped up at La Cuchara for date night, and y'all, I felt myself being transported to Spain! The food is so flavorful and light; a must-visit spot if you like to try multiple mini plates. Let's break it down. The shrimp with garlic and preserved lemon really was the highlight of the night. Talk about FLAVOR! We also always LOVE the empanadas here too! (I'm trying to figure out how they make that sauce that comes with them. Lol) This was my first time experiencing the Red wine flight, and it was delicious! Shoutout to the team of staff who were very welcoming and kind throughout the entire night. I love visiting spots that have great energy, so add this one to your list, stat!

Jessica J.

Yelp
Amazing food was delicious, every single thing. Service too we had a great time. I will definitely be coming back my new favorite place