SER Restaurant
Spanish restaurant · Bluemont ·
Authentic Spanish fare, tapas, global wines, and stellar service
Authentic Spanish fare, tapas, global wines, and stellar service
"A decade in, this Spanish destination in Arlington proves you don’t have to leave the suburbs for tradition, flair, and warm hospitality. Large-format dishes are theatrically presented, feed two to three, and are worth the splurge: servers even use plates to chop the $160 cochinillo asado tableside, with a new $20 small plate featuring the same meat for the budget-conscious. Paella ($60) shines in a seafood version dark with squid ink, while the meat rendition stuffed with chicken, duck, and rabbit is just as formidable. Vegetables arrive artfully in unusual combinations, like a seasonal salad that combined blackberries, blue cheese, watermelon radishes, fennel, and citrus. Classic tapas are textbook—creamy croquettes, robust tomato bread, and garlic shrimp bursting with umami—and for a simpler solo meal, the chilled half-lobster teeming with crab meat ($35) pairs nicely with a tapa or the creamy gazpacho. The vibe truly treats customers like family: guests who pass away are remembered with photos on the wall, owner Javier Candon greets regulars by name with a handshake or kisses, and general manager Dimitri Brinza might reference your last visit. For an insider touch, Candon infuses his own liqueurs—about half a dozen appear on the after-dinner menu (sample the cherry marcona almond one)—and some show up in cocktails like a gin and tonic heady with rosemary." - Missy Frederick
"Ten years in, Spanish stalwart Ser continues to shine in its evolving Ballston neighborhood. It’s hard to go wrong with any of the 12-plus tapas on the list, but the tomato bread, croquetas, and deep-fried eggplant are not to miss. Seafood, meat, or vegetable paella for two is another excellent choice, and for a dash of drama at the table, go big with a whole roast suckling pig. Other standouts include crab-topped lobster from the raw bar, gorgeous seasonal salads, and gazpacho when summer calls. Its Spanish co-owner Javier Candon infuses his own spirits, as seen in Ser’s superior gin and tonic. Joselito, its sister spot in Capitol Hill, recently closed — which means the team is all in on Ser now. Must-try dish: Gambas al ajillo" - Tierney Plumb
"Truly an Arlington gem, native Spaniard Javier Candon’s Ser is a great option for tapas, Spanish raw bar dishes, and even colorful salads. It also offers its share of theatrical dishes, from dramatically chopped suckling pig to large-format paellas. The restaurant exudes hospitality and has ambitious drinks as well. Ten years in, Ser has served 200,000 sangrias, shucked over 300,000 oysters, and hand-rolled more than 600,000 croquetas. A newly constructed covered patio for 100 debuts this spring. Ser’s Capitol Hill sibling Joselito recently closed, but the team hopes to open another Spanish spot in Arlington." - Tierney Plumb
"The program website describes this Ballston spot as a "family-owned, award-winning neighborhood restaurant" that serves "authentic comfort foods from Spain in a casual and friendly environment," and highlights a traditional, hearty tortilla de patatas — described as "filled with tender potatoes, poached onions, and fluffy eggs." - Stacey Leasca
"From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., the Ballston bar slings $8 Spanish tapas, wines, and cocktails. Available at the bar and patio only." - Missy Frederick
