Jaleo
Restaurant · Downtown ·
Spanish tapas, paella, sangria in a vibrant, artsy space
Spanish tapas, paella, sangria in a vibrant, artsy space
"Included among the half dozen José Andrés restaurants we recognize in The MICHELIN Guide." - The MICHELIN Guide
"I've long associated José Andrés' signature flavors with his acclaimed Washington, D.C. restaurant Jaleo, and the article points out that those flavors were intentionally translated for Delta One and First Class cabins — a process that required close collaboration with Delta's chefs and caterers to rethink portioning, plating, and how dishes perform at altitude. The resulting in-flight offerings inspired by Andrés' homeland include Braised Beef Short Rib in Mojo Rojo BBQ Sauce; piquillo peppers stuffed with mushroom and goat cheese; Spanish‑Style Chicken with sherry and dried fruit sauce; and a Spanish Tortilla with Pisto Manchego, with ingredient choices (like chipotle) used to offset reduced taste perception at 30,000 feet." - Regan Stephens
"This was Andrés’s first-ever restaurant in Penn Quarter and is the place where he and Martha Stewart met years ago over a meal — a meeting that later led to their on-camera pairing for the NBC series Yes, Chef." - Tierney Plumb
"José Andrés lays claim to multiple Penn Quarter restaurants worthy of a visit (China Chilcano, Oyamel, Zaytinya, Minibar), all walkable to the arena, but this casual and festive Spanish tapas stalwart remains among the most popular for tourists, arena-goers, and office workers. Don’t miss bacon-wrapped dates, paella, croquettes, and more." - Missy Frederick
"Jaleo is celebrity chef Jose Andrés’s standout spot for fun and playful takes on traditional Spanish fare. No visit is complete without an order of jamón sliders, made from acorn-fed, black-footed Ibérico pigs. The bacon-wrapped dates, croquetas, spinach, and gazpacho soup are also all good calls here. Flying through DCA? Andrés’ glossy new airport lounge showcases some of the same tapas and sangrias Jaleo is known for." - Tierney Plumb