El Meson

When “El Meson” opened up its doors in the Danish capital in 1976, it was the first of its kind. More than 30 years and many tapas later, it is still there. Still popular, still so busy in the weekends that you need to reserve a table in advance to be able to dine in Francisco’s own bit of Spain in Hauser Plads 12.

You enter the restaurant and the atmosphere is welcoming and warm, the ambience makes you feel that you could be in Madrid or Valencia, with its floor tiles, dark wooden furniture, beams in the ceiling and the walls painted in a yellow-beige color - it is all so very genuinely Spanish.

“El Meson” serves traditional tapas like albondigas (Spanish meatballs), strong Spanish cheese, spicy potatoes, garlic shrimps, chorizo and calamari. You can order them separately or ask for one of the three tapas menus (235-285 DKK) if you are at least 2 people.

There are two different kinds of paella on the main course menu; with fish and shellfish, or chicken and shellfish. You need to be two people to order paella and be prepared to wait at least 30 minutes. Good food takes time to cook!

Should you go there for a romantic dinner in the winter time, ask for a table next to the open fire place. It is a perfect location for a cava with a special person.