The Early Word on Joselito Casa de Comidas

Joselito Casa de Comidas opened on Pennsylvania Avenue last month, bringing a slice of Old World Spain to Capitol Hill.

The concept comes from native Spaniard Javier Candon; he also owns SER in Arlington. The intimate 70-seat eatery serves tapas to family-style portions, and pays homage to Candon’s late father, José, whose favorite bullfighter was named Joselito el Gallo.

Family pics dating back to the early 1900s adorn the walls. Marble tables and bistro chairs sourced from Spain round out the space.

Meat and fish dishes dominate the menu, with options including grilled Iberian pork shoulder, Wagyu steak, steamed Huelva shrimp, anchovies, and clams. Sherry, sangrias, and vermouths from Spain are all big here.

Read on to hear what customers are saying about the slice of Europe, just weeks into service.

The Spain-on-Pennsylvania Avenue News: Instagram user madalenemielke says the Joselito experience feels like “being back in Spain.” Yelper Austin G. says the “two larger rooms and a bar decorated in white, Spanish tile” is “simple, but makes you feel like you're dining in Madrid along socialites.” Facebook user Maria Alcazar is from Cadiz and “this is the first restaurant in D.C. that I have found to be truly authentic.” [Instagram, Yelp, Facebook]

The YUM News: Instagram user jennios8 tried the pate de higaditos de pollo y perlas de Jerez: “a smooth chicken liver terrine/pâté with sherry vinegar made into pearls—still don't know the diff between terrine and pâté. Regardless, YUM.” Yelper Austin G. thought the bread pudding “tasted like really good cold French Toast. We'd go back just for that!” [Instagram, Yelp]

The Decor News: Yelper Jenny T. says “this place looks too fancy when you first walk in, but the atmosphere is really chill with home-y decorations,” while Kimberly S. noted its “gorgeous but unstuffy decor, wonderful atmosphere and music.” [Yelp]

The Pretty Practical News: Instagram user wine30flight says the sangria is chilled via frozen fruit ice cubes that melt over time: “Not just #highclass, but practical.” Fellow IG user tammygordon has a “hard time saying no to dessert that is this pretty,” referring to the queso fresco with cardamom ice cream and berries. [Instagram]

The Highs and Lows News: Yelper Logan F. thought “the deep fried anchovies were the star of the night, simply amazing,” but “it took us flagging the server down several times to remind him to get the third dish, which was a too dry pork tenderloin.” Yelper Murali K. said it was “really good food, solid service, but a little pricey.” [Yelp]

The Greatest Hits News: Facebook user Marina M-Olaya would “especially recommend the consomé, a soup they infuse in a coffee maker just in front of you!! The pate and meat dishes we ordered were also delicious.” Yelper Erin P. said “excellent” picks include “the clams (swoon), the iberico ham (mmmm), and the fried boquerones.” [Facebook, Yelp]

The Floored News: IG user joeyluke was all about the black-and-white Spanish tiling: “new kid on the #capitolhill block is giving good floor.” [Instagram]