Cafe Marbella Tapas

I should have done a review for this awesome tapas spot in Chicago a long time ago. I believe it is the only one on the northwest side of the Chi. Came here...

I love this place. The food and service are great, and likely better than any other Tapas restaurant in Chicago. For instance, my wife and I went to the latest Tapas restaurant in Fulton Market - it was terrible. All the food was way over salted, and the very expensive drinks were weak. After that, her and I believe Cafe Marbella is the best Tapas in the city. It's a true Northwest side gem. We live in Portage Park, and we started coming here when they opened back up after initial Covid lock down. Back then, we were the only people there besides the delivery drivers coming and going, and the food along with service was perfect. I will go there as often as I can as long as it continues to be great food and service.

I went here for the first time last night and was blown away by the food. Every single dish we had was amazing. The avocado salad and potatoes bravos were...

There are a number of appreciable things about this quaint little place. They have an ever-changing variety of creations on their daily specials menu along with their standard options. Family run with excellent, friendly and attentive service and willing flexibility.

Last night, visited this place for the first time; with a 6 o'clock reservation. When we arrived, it was nearly empty and no one was available to greet us and provide a table. We walked towards the bar and a man came from the kitchen. I believe he was our waiter. He was not friendly and told us to sit anywhere. My first impression was; okay, no problem it’s my Anniversary and I’m here to have a wonderful experience; but an unwelcomed greeting feels like a bad starter for the night. Fast forward, we sat down and I said “hello,” and asked him “how are you?” He looked at me with a blank response and said, “I’m okay.” He placed our menus on the table and walked away. At this point, I'm not sure about this place… I understand people can have a bad day; hence, “it’s okay not to be okay.” But, please know, we also were not okay meanwhile, also mourning my husband’s mother’s passing. Therefore, you never know what people are going through; please be kind. Ultimately, we decided not to have dinner at this restaurant. After searching for another place to go; we went to a small Mexican restaurant. A place we had gone to previously; although wasn't the food I originally anticipated.

They know how to serve awesome tapas dishes! Scallops melt in your mouth. Soups, shrimp, flatbreads & desserts are a flavor town explosion also! Stop in if...

Our forever favorite! Sensational tapas, weekly specials to-die-for, & ohhhh the heavenly desserts—fruit tarts with chantilly cream, flans, cheesecakes … Chef Vergil’s creativity is as boundless as the service is deft & good humored. Only at a foodie paradise do strangers at separate tables offer menu recos & end the evening by toasting & exchanging phone numbers!

Love the food there but this time I try the paella and I didn't like it, the rice was flavorless it didn't have that seafood flavor the real paella has but besides that, everything was perfect.

Extremely good Spanish food! Now I know why they were Michelin mention, Zagat top rated several times & many other notable mentions! HIGHLY RECOMMEND Cafe Marbella!

The food is well made and extremely flavorful! They have a cute patio for outdoor dining which is pet friendly. The staff is very attentive and has some great recommendations. Make the trip if you are interested in authentic tapas and some great sangria.