Manchego

- 2518 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Manchego is a highly acclaimed Spanish restaurant and authentic tapas bar nestled on Main Street in Santa Monica, California. Known to locals as a true neighborhood gem, this European-style eatery specializes in offering an irresistible array of seasonal small plates and boasts a carefully curated wine program that truly sets it apart. The concept is built on the convivial tradition of Spanish tapas, where every plate is meant to be shared, fostering a lively and intimate dining experience perfect for friends, family, and romantic dates alike. Manchego seamlessly blends the rustic charm of Spanish cuisine with the fresh, seasonal focus of California dining, creating a unique and memorable flavor profile.

The menu at Manchego is extensive, celebrating both Spanish staples and innovative culinary interpretations. Patrons are invited to embark on a culinary journey through a wide selection of Tapas designed to tantalize the taste buds. Highlights include the savory jamón wrapped dates with Spanish goat cheese, the delightful crunch of fried patatas, served with garlic aioli and a spicy roasted red pepper and feta sauce (often praised as one of the best Patatas Bravas in the region), and the comforting mac and manchego cheese with truffle oil. For those looking for heartier fare, the menu offers larger plates such as the succulent short ribs with crispy polenta, tender lamb meatballs with tzatziki and pomodoro, and the expertly prepared Pulpo Gallego (grilled Galician octopus). A significant and highly-rated specialty is the premium cured meats, including the highly sought-after jamon iberico de bellota (pata negra acorn fed ham). The kitchen also excels at preparing fresh seafood, with the gambas (spicy garlic shrimp) frequently cited as a must-try staple and the pan seared branzino with roasted garlic and fresh herbs earning high praise for its quality and value.

Beyond dinner, Manchego is also a premier destination for weekend late brunch, served every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The brunch menu offers Spanish twists on breakfast favorites, such as the chorizo omelet with pique peppers and Manchego cheese, the decadent torrijas, also known as “the Spanish French toast,” served with crispy bacon, and a satisfying jamón sandwich. The brunch experience is made even more celebratory with the option for bottomless, freshly made sangria or mimosas for a fixed price, a popular choice for local weekend gatherings. For a sweet conclusion to any meal, the Dulce menu features traditional desserts like churros with cola cao and a creamy flan de yeye.

The atmosphere is a key feature that makes Manchego one of Santa Monica's best-kept secrets. It manages to be at once casual, cozy, romantic, trendy, and upscale. The interior is often described as a quaint, dim-lit setting perfect for an intimate date night. The recently relocated space now includes an even larger, more romantic back garden patio with outdoor seating, allowing California diners to enjoy their tapas al fresco on a lovely breezy LA night. The service is consistently noted as being fast, friendly, and attentive—a professional team that contributes significantly to the overall delightful experience.

Location and Accessibility:

Manchego is perfectly situated in the desirable Ocean Park area of Santa Monica, on the bustling and easily accessible Main Street. The location is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, serving the community with a unique Spanish/Mediterranean flavor.

Contact Information:

• Address: 2518 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA
• Phone: (310) 450-3900

For planning your visit, it is important to note the parking situation. Both paid parking lots and paid street parking are available nearby. Given the restaurant's popularity, reservations are highly recommended for both dinner and especially for the weekend brunch to ensure seating and avoid a potential wait, though walk-ins are also accommodated. Manchego is committed to making the dining experience comfortable for everyone, offering:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating

Services Offered:

• Dine-in and Takeout services available for full meals or quick bites
• Full-service Bar offering Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, and Hard liquor
• Happy Hour available daily, typically from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, featuring reduced prices on drinks and select food items
• Weekend Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with the popular bottomless sangria and mimosa option
• Dedicated Catering program to bring Manchego's delicious tapas to your home or event in the greater Los Angeles area
• Accepts reservations to ensure a table, which is highly recommended due to the restaurant's popular status
• Accepts various payment methods including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments
• Offers Late-night food service for those looking for a flavorful final stop

Features and Highlights:

• Extraordinary Great wine list, specializing in small-production, unique Spanish wines sourced from family-run wineries
• Known for Fast service, even during busy periods, ensuring a prompt and efficient dining experience
• Romantic back garden patio and cozy indoor seating, offering one of the best al fresco dining options on Main Street
• Exceptional variety of Small plates and tapas, including many unique vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, like the highly-praised beet salad
• Popular for various dining occasions, including Lunch, Dinner, and is highly recommended for Solo dining
• Specializes in traditional Spanish drinks, including red and white sangria, which are a strong crowd favorite

What is worth choosing Manchego:

Manchego is worth choosing for California diners who value a dining experience that is a perfect balance of exceptional food, unique atmosphere, and outstanding service. It's more than just a Spanish restaurant; it is a cozy, elegant, and authentic tapas bar that feels like a hidden retreat. You should choose Manchego for its genuinely flavorful and diverse menu, which successfully navigates traditional Spanish cuisine while appealing to a modern palate—even customers who typically avoid Spanish food due to dietary preferences have found the beef short ribs, beet salad, and Patatas Bravas to be "absolutely beyond delicious." The curated, small-production Spanish wine list offers a genuine taste of Spain that is difficult to find elsewhere in Los Angeles, making it a must-visit for wine enthusiasts. Furthermore, the daily Happy Hour and the highly popular Bottomless Brunch options provide excellent value and a festive atmosphere, establishing Manchego as a top-tier choice for any social gathering. The combination of a romantic, well-designed space (both indoors and on the patio), attentive service from "EVERYONE who works there," and a food program that continues to earn accolades ensures that a visit to Manchego is a memorable and highly recommended culinary experience on the West Side.

Manchego

2518 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA