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Dali Restaurant and Tapas Bar

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415 Washington St (at Beacon Street)
Somerville, MA 02143

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(617) 661-3254
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Dali Restaurant and Tapas Bar - Somerville, MA
Dali Restaurant and Tapas Bar - Somerville, MA
Dali Restaurant and Tapas Bar - Somerville, MA
Dali Restaurant and Tapas Bar - Somerville, MA
Dali Restaurant and Tapas Bar - Somerville, MA
Dali Restaurant and Tapas Bar - Somerville, MA
Dali Restaurant and Tapas Bar - Somerville, MA
Dali Restaurant and Tapas Bar - Somerville, MA
Dali Restaurant and Tapas Bar - Somerville, MA
Dali Restaurant and Tapas Bar - Somerville, MA
Dali Restaurant and Tapas Bar - Somerville, MA
Dali Restaurant and Tapas Bar - Somerville, MA
Dali Restaurant and Tapas Bar - Somerville, MA
Dali Restaurant and Tapas Bar - Somerville, MA
Dali Restaurant and Tapas Bar - Somerville, MA
Dali Restaurant and Tapas Bar - Somerville, MA
Dali Restaurant and Tapas Bar - Somerville, MA
Dali Restaurant and Tapas Bar - Somerville, MA
Dali Restaurant and Tapas Bar - Somerville, MA
Dali Restaurant and Tapas Bar - Somerville, MA
Dali Restaurant and Tapas Bar - Somerville, MA
Dali Restaurant and Tapas Bar - Somerville, MA
Reviews
( 26 )
( 18 )
( 6 )
( 3 )
( 3 )

Best

food was delicious and prices were fair. i would definitely recommend Dali to anyone looking for great tapas!

Worst

highly overpriced. What you get is not worth what you pay! For large groups, make sure you meet elsewhere in advance. They will not seat you even if one is missing from 20. prefer...

Great food, spotty service 10/19/2010

This is a great restaurant to dine at - but only when Mario, the proprietor is there. He makes the experience exquisite and special. I made the mistake of dining there last night (my 5th visit in 2 months) , when he was absent . We had the most unbelievably rude welcome from the one of the hostesses at the door. I was extremely embarrassed, as I had talked up Dali to everyone I was bringing and they were shocked. So before you go, make sure Mario is there!! more

BEST TAPAS IN BOSTON 10/6/2010

food was delicious and prices were fair. i would definitely recommend Dali to anyone looking for great tapas! more

Not The Place for True Tapas Lovers 3/13/2010

Total Tapas lovers we were very excited to try Dali again. However , once we tasted the food we remembered why we stopped coming. First I have to say we dine out often and don't mind large price tags ....if the food is fantastic... the food at Dalis is not . Dali is more like a Spanish TGI Fridays from the 90's then the atmosphere they are trying to create. It is LOUD LOUD LOUD(to the point of it being deafening) with loads of screaming children surrouding you. Have never been to a restaurant of its supposed caliber and had this complaint ...ever. The food well... over salted, underflavored, overpriced. Paella was very poor- the fish too fishy with spongey textures, oversalted - had two bites and left it. The short ribs and pork with manchego were very good. The other dishes we tried 10 of them unsatisfying. We have had tapas world wide and I have to sadly say this is my least favorite place. Don't bother ... not worth the long wait(they take reservations but expect a long wait still) or the atmosphere. If anyone can recommend great tapas Im listening!!! Pros: Bartenders & Waitstaff Cons: Food, Sound Level , Price more

too over priced 2/15/2010

i am a chef and the food was ok the drinks are over priced and watered downd the tapas are so small you better eat before you go there and drop over a hundred Pros: nice bar Cons: go to anothoner place more

Great Tapas 2/8/2010

Had a great time at Dali, really enjoyed the experience! Pros: Great atmosphere, great food! Cons: Kind of expensive! more

Roll Deep 1/5/2010

As an omnivore, I jump on any opportunity to eat rabbit, duck, lamb, pheasant, venison, lobster, and fried cheese all in the same meal. Especially when it's all delicious, and making a parade of flesh and bone and sauce and grease around a table with ten happy friends. Now, it can be hard to get ten of my friends to all go out at once. And I have seen plenty of couples sharing at Dali at tables for two. So it can be done. But personally I would be afraid - this menu does strange things to me. With only two people to order, would I spend the meal dreaming of that one dish that didn't quite make the cut, while shaking my head at my date's clearly inferior choice? "No!! Don't order THAT! What about the quail?!" No, I think it's best to roll deep to Dali, cover the table with tapas and pitchers of sangria, and summon the metal frog and bubbles to celebrate a birthday. Beside the food good enough to turn you bad, there's the wildly relaxing decor and the welcoming staff. Last time I went, on our way out we were chatted up by an older gentleman I believe was the owner. He knew a few of our party, and melted one girl's heart by telling her, "I don't remember you... but I remember your eyes." One fashion tip though: don't wear a tie. The owner told me he'd burn it off if I ever wore one there again. more

Octopus incident!! 3/15/2009

I was not quite sure if I should write this review since I see EVERYONE in City Search loves this restaurant. But, I decided to let people know about my recent dinner experience in Dali. My fiance and I went there last month. We ordered Octopus Vinagrette, and several other dishes. When I put a octopus piece in my month, I knew immediately that it was from a can or a jar. They were extremely spongy soft chunks and had a texture of Styrofoam. Since I grew up in a small fishing village in Japan, I know how fresh octopus tastes like. I know the difference between fresh and can octopus. For the first time in my life, I asked the waiter to send the dish back to the kitchen. The waiter got very agitated and argued that fresh octopus was supposed to be soft when it was cooked well. I know, from bottom of my heart, octopus never gets SPONGY it if it were fresh. He reluctantly took the dish away, but we felt really bad. Later the restaurant manager came to our table and explained the octopus was frozen. I am doubtful about his explanation because, again, I know the difference between frozen and octopus from a can. The manager took the dish out of our bill, so we were thankful. Other dishes we ordered were OK. Stuffed squid (yes. it was fresh!) was acceptable, though it was extremely salty. The dinning room was very pretty and romantic. For this point, I gave one star. Once again, please do not order Octopus Vinagrette unless you like octopus from a can (or.. a jar.. I am not still sure as of today.) Pros: Romantic atmosphere Cons: Octopus Vinagrette more

Don't Miss Out on the Experience! 1/16/2009

Whether eating at the bar or one of the dining rooms, Dali is always a wonderful experience. From the moment you walk in the door the authentic Spanish music and decor will captivate your eyes, while the succulent aroma tantalizes your senses. Highly recommended: the stuffed squid in its own ink, Lobster/Crab ravioli, broiled herb and garlic quail, and of course.... the Sangria! Plan to wait for a table on a Friday or Saturday night but be assured the wait is worth it! The atmosphere is very comfortable and the staff is always friendly and comedic. So don't be shy, go alone and start up a conversation with the staff or enjoy the eclectic experience with a group of friends! more

Authentic Tapas 12/9/2008

If you want to experience authentic Spanish cuisine in a quaint, unpretenscious setting, Dali is the setting for you. The trick is you need a reservation. We showed up when they opened, reservation in hand, and there was a line already forming 20 deep. Some of my favorites include: - Queso de Cabra Montañes | Baked Goat Cheese w/Tomato & Basil - Lomito al Cabrales | Pork Tenderloin w/Blue Goat Cheese & Mushrooms - Costillas de Vaca | Beef Short Ribs in Rioja Wine Sauce The paella is fantastic and they offer an all seafood version, as well as traditional. The best thing about Dali is that you can't wait to go back. And, if I had to pick a drawback, I would say that the food came out a little too fast. Afterall, tapas are built around conversation and I would have liked a few more pauses in between the delicious meal to have a longer one. Pros: Great service. Wide variety of hot and cold tapas. Cons: Reservations are a must. more

Awesome Atmosphere, but too loud to enjoy dinner and $$$$ 5/12/2008

I really enjoyed the romantic atmosphere, it is def. a place to go to if you are looking for a different place than the same old restaurants you always find yourself going to. My only problem with it was that we were put in the back room, which wasn't as romantic and it was where they put all the large parties...........even though we were only two people. It was loud, too loud to hold a conversation. So if you have a large party maybe you would like it. However I'm sure you could request a different table. As for the food, it was good, not great. For the money I would have hoped that it would have been a little better. The drinks were not my style, and the selection was a bit limited. With all that being said, I would possibly go again to get something small and a beer.........but not dinner. And on a last note, the service was exceptional, it was one of the best parts of the experience. Pros: Ambience, Romantic, Different Cons: Limited Menu, Watch out for large parties more

excellent all around 4/15/2008

the most accommodating hostess and bar staff. so good you don't even need to move to a table for your meal. have it right up there at the bar. highly recommend not missing this place. more

My Favorite! 2/18/2008

This is hands down my favorite restaurant in the Boston area. The food and drink and wonderful, the atmosphere is festive, and the servers always put a smile on my face. If you have never been to Dali, you must go now! My favorite dishes are the saffron battered shrimp and the pork tenderloin under the hot tapas section. Yummy!!!! Pros: Everything here is a pro. Cons: The wait for a table on a Friday or Saturday night can be long, as they don't take reservations for seatings after 6pm. more

Great place with a character! 2/5/2008

This place is very romantic, but in a loud and upbeat kind of way! It?s a great spot for Valentine?s Day (but I don?t think they take reservations, so get there early) It?s got a great atmosphere with super friendly people, delicious food and sangria that goes right to your head. It?s the place to go when you can?t decide what exactly what you?re craving; just order a bunch of tapas to share with your friends. Very beautiful decorations and cozy tables in the corners. Pros: Great food and atmosphere! Cons: none! more

Better that going to dine in Spain!!! 8/16/2007

I have been there a million times and the food, service and ambiance is always been excellent!!! I highly reccommend Dali restaurant specially if you are celebrating a B-day. Pros: Excellent food and Service Cons: A bit of waiting time more

The food here is pretty decent, but certainly not great. ... 8/11/2007

by xiao at Menuism Provided by Menuism
The food here is pretty decent, but certainly not great. The tapas at Taberna de Haro in Brookline are more... more

Consistently excellent. I've been coming here for more t... 8/4/2007

Consistently excellent. I've been coming here for more than a decade and have never been disappointed... more

I thought the tapas were ok, overall good but not excelle... 7/21/2007

I thought the tapas were ok, overall good but not excellent. But the environment is great, excellent for... more

Loved it 3/30/2007

Dali was so much fun, with its great food, and energetic atmosphere. The staff were great too, not just our server. It is a romantic place, however, go here with friends and groups too, they will get eveyone seated! more

VERY ROMANTIC and AMAZING FOOD 11/28/2006

my boyfriend and i went here on our anniversary. the food was VERY good and the wait staff was very knowledgable and new what i was going to ask almost before i asked it. The decor is very romantic. we got a little table nestled into a corner that was very nice. The bathrooms were unisex andi couldnt help but take out my camera and snap pictures of the beautiful and amazingly colorful wallpaper. Sanngria is yummy and food once and is delicious. There were some crazy things on the menu buit also a good variety for a picky pallette. Go here with a boy/girl friend or first date. lots to talke about. and they DO take reservations. make them the second they open. it wont be busy then but it will get busy by the time your ready to leave. I dont know how the atmosphere changes on the weekend but i suggest going on a weeknight. Pros: food,drink,decor, waitstaff, reservations Cons: get there early around 530 when they open. it will get crowded by 630 more

Romantic atmosphere 11/15/2006

Dali is one of the most romantic restaurants I've been to. Granted, it can get loud in there when it's crowded, but you can get over that once you start enjoying the amazing food. There's no particular dish that I recommend, since everything I had was scrumptious. Perfect if you want to impress your date, but not too sure about large parties, since it's not terribly big in there. Pros: Food, atmosphere, sangria Cons: Not a lot of parking more
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Menu for Dali Restaurant and Tapas Bar


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Come to Dali Restaurant & Tapas Bar for Regional Classic Recipes from All Parts of Spain - Serving Cambridge, Somerville & Boston Metro!

Owner Message
  • Dali Restaurant and Tapas Bar is Boston's vanguard for innovative Spanish dining. The news of this "new way of eating" and Dali spread quickly. Our convivial staff shares our enthusiasm for the food and spirit of Spain and they form "La Familia del Dali". Leave your watch at home, come to Dali Restaurant & Tapas Bar for dinner (when life begins) and experience an evening like no other. To find us, follow your nose, follow your taste. Come to Boston! Come to Spain! Come to both at Dali! We offer an extensive wine list. Dali Restaurant & Tapas Bar serves regional classic recipes from all parts of Spain in addition to vegetarian, gluten-free & vegan dishes. If you have a private party or event, ask for Mary Anne or Cesar to book your event. We are located on 415 Washington St on Somerville in MA. Dali also serves Boston Metro & Cambridge.

Editorial
  • Few eateries are as romantic as Dali, with its copper ceilings, candles, fresh flowers and warm lighting to lead some patrons to refer to the restaurant as an aphrodisiac. Waiters ferry sherry, sangria and Spanish wines from the eclectic bar, where a diverse crowd passes the time. The kitchen churns out dependable interpretations of regional Spanish tapas such as garlic shrimp, chilled vinegary octopus, sauteed mushrooms and baked goat cheese from the menu of 40-plus tapas. Fish baked in salt and paella (prepared Valenciana or del Oceano) are customer-favorite entrees. Desserts range from classic flan to an ending of quince paste and Manchego cheese.

    Photo: Courtesy of Dali Restaurant

  • 9/7/2004 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Mon-Sat 5:30pm-12:30am; Sun Noon-12:30am
  • Payments: Diner's Club, American Express, Master Card, Visa
  • Neighborhoods: Ward Two
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