I have paella on the brain, and I can't get it off.

May 2, 2007 5:52 PM

Where can I find the best paella in Washington, D.C.?

I have paella on the brain, and I can't get it off. Where can I satisfy my insatiable cravings in the DC area? Bonus points for the Maryland suburbs, but I'm willing to travel for quality.

posted by grateful to food & drink (10 comments total)

If you're not familiar with it, I would recommend Tyler Cowen's blog. I have highlighted the search, but explore away.

If you are familiar with it, well, the value of this recommendation is slightly diminished.
posted by Clyde Mnestra at 6:38 PM on May 2, 2007

Jaleo. You can only order it after 5PM, because that's when the chef gets there.
posted by brownpau at 6:46 PM on May 2, 2007

There's a place called Mar de Plata on 14th street between Rhode Island and P, that people seem to like.
posted by echo0720 at 7:29 PM on May 2, 2007

Seconding Jaleo... go to the "real" one downtown, not the sister restaurant in Bethesda.
posted by nkknkk at 7:35 PM on May 2, 2007

Forget all of those - Jaleo is good, but La Taverna del Alabardero on 18th and Eye streets has the best paella I've eaten. (Their website leaves a lot to be desired, though.)
posted by aberrant at 8:03 PM on May 2, 2007

Ditto, Aberrant. I was gonna suggest La Taberna, too.
posted by Dave Faris at 11:13 PM on May 2, 2007

FWIW, Tyler's vote is for La Taberna too. The other restaurant that gets recommended is Santa Rosa Seafood, but paella is mentioned more incidentally.
posted by Clyde Mnestra at 6:16 AM on May 3, 2007

Thanks to all! I've gotta get downtown soon!
posted by grateful at 6:59 AM on May 3, 2007

Thirding La Taberna del Alabardero. I've had dinner there twice and lunch once. While I enjoyed the paella, I don't really know what great paella is supposed to taste like. But I will say that it's the second-best higher-end restaurant in D.C. at which I've dined (behind Gerard's Place). Just don't go during restaurant week--they really phone it in.
posted by J-Train at 7:31 AM on May 3, 2007

DCFoodies.com is a good place to start your research. Also, Chowhound.com
posted by phearlez at 9:08 AM on May 3, 2007