Iberia - Menlo Park

I have heard and read people who pamper the service and prices here, but when my friend and I went to lunch for my birthday recently, I have to tell you that we were really impressed. Above all, the layout and decor is really cool. It is a spacious restaurant with a welcoming old world type of main dining room with ceramic pitches on tables and blue and yellow accents. It has two wooden bars with entertaining stand seats, an indoor fireplace, a private lounge with leather chairs and pretty tapisseries, a small private courtyard and a large open terrace with heat lamps. There are so many seat configurations to choose from. It is a very welcoming place with a bed and breakfast type of feeling. I was a little concerned to find that it is located above the road from Cal Station in Menlo Park – the potential noise factor – but we had a relaxed, pleasant meal and did not notice the trains. We arrived at noon and were the only people there, so we had all the place for us. The service was thereby engaged and attentive. My friend and I were sitting in the main kitchen room and siping on Sangria (I took a taste – it was delicious and strong! – and I had a nice glass of wine while waiting for our food. Our waitress said they were doing many special events. In fact, this weekend, it closed for a private party of about 125 people. I imagine that this would be the perfect place for wedding parties and festive business events. We enjoyed our food as you will see below. I can't expect to go back and hang with friends on their terrace when the weather gets warmer. I think the ambience and the food are worth the price. The only thing that is supposed to be taken is that they automatically include 19% non-remuneration, even for a party of 2 – that was surprising, and I would prefer to leave a generous tip at its own discretion.

The food is good, but it's a very nice atmosphere, and that's what I like most about Iberia. Fireplaces and small tables and large couches. They have some single rooms and a separate dining room for full meal. I always had very good service here. The waiters are very friendly and make solid recommendations. I want to try the Paella.

I love sitting in the old school bar and munching on tapas and immersing Sangria. See the list below for some great tapas options. Funny thing: This place used to be a British place a while ago and you could find something on the tapas menu that reflects it. Be warned that this restaurant has a 19% service fee to ALL controls not only large parties.

Great attitude. The terrace is large and they have a large selection on their menu. Spanish tapas are delicious and the paella is also great. You have a good selection of desserts and the Sangria is not to miss!

Tapas are tiny, even for Tapas standards. Ham was stale. Prices were outrageous…..$56 for Paella??? tip mandatory at 19%, but they can’t even pour the wine….stay away and do yourselves a favor