Oh. My. Gosh!! This is, hands down, the best Spanish / tapas food we've ever had! We have driven past the Valpo area along I-94 for years and have always seen the billboards and kept passing by wishing we had budgeted time to stop here for a meal along the way. So when we needed to get some highway driving in we actually set Don Quijote's as our destination, and are REALLY kicking ourselves for not stopping here sooner!!! Everything was perfectly cooked - including the seafood. We had calamari in two different dishes - fried and also sautéed in a saffron sauce - and they were tender and delicious and not rubbery at all. Same for the mussels special in a wine and lemon sauce - they were tender and succulent. I could go on and on, everything was delicious. The three of us, me, my wife, and our daughter all laughed saying we sounded like a broken record as plate after plate of food came out and tasted absolutely amazing! The owners are amazing and stopped by our tables (which all were properly spaced for COVID concerns) to make sure everything was good - and we made sure to let them know that it was so much better than "good" we had a hard time coming up with enough exemplary words to describe it. If you have not been to Don Quijote's, I ask why, and also implore you to get there! Great food, great ambience, great staff! read more

Like you stepped back in old world. Even the owners came to your table to greet you. That's how you run a restaurant. Thank you. Delicious authentic cusine will be back. read more

Tapas and entrees were all great. However the friendly service was top notch and something you can't get at a chain. I rarely order desert and on a whim got the blueberry bread pudding, my brother got the key lime pie. The deserts were AMAZING, I would 100% go back just for those. read more

I must say, I was impressed with this dining occasion in downtown Valpo! Live music on a Friday night and everything. :o] Top dishes we tried: - grilled fresh mushrooms with garlic and olive oil - the moorish style pork skewers; they were so tender and juicy! Honorable mention dishes: - garlic shrimp - meatballs - Patatas Ali-oli - jamon and manchego special Noticed on the way out that some of the crackers and cookies sold at the front of the restaurant were expired. :o\ read more

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Incredible food and even better service! Made our anniversary one to remember. They even threw in a bottle of wine to cap off the wonderful night. read more

First... Nick our waiter deserves more than 5 stars. We called ahead to ask if they are dog friendly and he even brought them water! The appetizers and complimentary bread with dip were great. The only restaurant I know of that has paella like that!! Very good flavor! My husband got a steak sandwhich which had a lot of flavor. However, he was expecting something different from the description. The meat was thin sliced and a little dry on the edges...that would be our only complaint. Otherwise everything was great! I would definitely go back when in Valpo! read more

Amazing paella. We were blown away with the quality and quantity of the food. The seafood was fresh and plentiful. A find.

Some of the best wine, food, service I've ever had. They definitely know what they are doing. read more

Don Quijote - Flounder stuffed with crab! - Spanish Near Me - Valparaiso, Indiana

Fantastic food. A Jewel in the Nile. If you like authentic Spanish food, look no further. This is as authentic as it gets. Highly recommended. Salut read more

Phenomenal! Great service, DELICIOUS food, good portions and live music. What else would anyone need? We will definitely continue coming back. read more

Being the only Spanish restaurant in Indiana, this place has truly outdone itself. This is truly one of the best places to eat in all of Indiana. Having visited to Spain two years ago, my trip to this restaurant ignited many great memories of Spanish restaurants and their welcoming atmosphere. Our waitress was fun and humorous, as was the lady manager who always came to check on us. The owner and head chef too frequently paid visits to tables and entertained guests. We felt that the atmosphere was very warm and homely, and the owner and wait staff sincerely wanted us to feel like home, unlike many other restaurants which are highly commercial and you can feel the wait staff are just treating you well for your tip. The food itself was amazing, from appetizers to the desserts. We ordered the Gambas al ajillo, Croquettas, Pulpo a la Gallega and Jamon Serrano. They tasted fresh and whet our appetites for more. Next were the main courses, the Paella Marinera and Paella Negra. The Paella Negra tasted a bit bland because we had tasted the Marinera first and found it superb. A generous helping of seafood and the wonderful flavors of the ocean are well combined and the Paella rice soaks up most of this goodness. We were somewhat full and decided to hit up some of the desserts. We ordered the hazelnut cake, milk dessert and caramel flan. Based on appearance, we thought that they would be pretty normal desserts but boy were we wrong. To put the cherry on top of our experience, we were totally blown away by what we were offered. All desserts were not over rich but tasted pleasant and was perfect to end a meal. What really did it for me was the flan, which was so good, it was better than any flan I had in Spain. We had their Sangria which was definitely worth a mention because it was better than any other Sangria I tried here in the States. The owner was generous enough to give us a second pitcher on the house. My experience at this restaurant is perfect. I would definitely be back again! read more

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Really enjoyed Don Q.... Carlos was more than hospitable and Ronald our waiter did a great job read more

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Great food, great service,the atmosphere was amazing, playing live music. I was looking to explore new horizons, we found this amazing tapas place, in Valparaiso, cozy town, friendly people,not to find. Good Spanish wine, but if you order wine makes sure you order a bottle not by the glass.! read more

I rarely put a 5, but this place deserves every bit of it. Was greeted and seated right away. Server was right there and made drink suggestions and we got them quickly. Ordered a featured appie, serrano ham and manchego cheese, and the chicken croquetas. Both were excellent! They also brought us a great bread and a cold potato small plate. We both ordered paella, a house specialty. While we were waiting, the server also brought us a small plate of roasted sweet peppers from the owner's garden. They were excellent! When the paella came, it was amazing! I had the Valencia and my companion had the chicken. The delicate hint of saffron was there, and the lemon wedge was heated by the dish. Both were exceptionally good. Outside of Spain, I only ever found one really good paella and it was in Sydney, AU, at a restaurant owned by Spanish immigrants. This one beat it! The socarrat at the bottom of the pan was a treat to be savored!! I asked the server what the chef's recommendation for a wine was, and I got a white that was pleasantly dry, not sweet at all, and went beautifully with the seafood in my dish. For dessert we had a house specialty made by one of the owners from an old family recipe and it was delightful! Very tasty but not heavy at all. They also make a port there, and the server comped us two of them after our meal. I've has some very expensive, very good port in my time and this was excellent. It was rustic, but had an elegance I've not often tasted, and for sure never as a comp! This place is old school fine dining. Both owners stopped by and asked about our meals. I would recommend this place to anyone, anytime. read more

We thoroughly enjoyed our experience at Don Quijote. Our server is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to serve us. We will be back to try more of their amazing menu and desserts. read more

Went here on Friday Dec. 6th. After a 5 min. Wait were seated at a table for 2, in the front window. Nice. Well after seeing a waiter help the table next to us for 20 minutes. We still were not even presented with a menu. No water, no greeting what so ever. We came in because they were enticing us with the squash soup outside, delicious by the way. Not enough to, totally ignore us. If I could give no stars, I would! We walked out. Will never return. read more

Don Quijote - Don Quixoti - Spanish Near Me - Valparaiso, Indiana

Found this restaurant on OpenTable and knew I wanted to bring my wife here. She is a Spanish teacher and the smile and excitement she expressed alone was worth it. The atmosphere, decor, music, ensalada de la casa have been wonderful. Awaiting the paella for two. (Sadly we live over 3 hours away and are here simply for a concert at the fairgrounds and don't have a lot of reason to be back this way--though they boast a cultural music celebration that could give us the reason to return in the future.). The paella was wonderful--but allow 30-45 minutes because they prepare it to order and the rice takes time. Only regret--we couldn't stay for desert!! Will hope to have a reason to be back in the future!! read more

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Everything was so good! We did not want to stop eating! Honestly can not say anything was even mediocre!

This is an amazing venue. The food was superb, the service was pretty good, but the warmth and atmosphere was memorable. There was a wedding party which occupied a lot of space and attention, but that didn't stop the owner from visiting our table twice. We watched hugs, kisses, open arms and warm smiles as we listened to Spanish music. There was great food but a lot of love, too. Wow! read more

Authentic Spanish cuisine. It's an absolute must every time I am in the area. Food is delicious and expertly prepared, from Calamaris en su tinta to Patatas Bravas, Paella and many more favorites. The ambience and occasional entertainment match the restaurant's theme well and make the dining there enjoyable. As always, the service not only rounds out, but greatly determines your overall experience. At this particular visit, our waitress put a damper on what is usually a fantastic visit (not knowing what's in advertised cocktails, having to repeat everything multiple times when ordering, forgetting items and being absent for long periods of times), but I know how good it can be and will be back many more times. read more

This place was a great experience. We came in from out of town and had nothing but a lovely time from the second we walked in. Everyone was very welcoming and kind and the food was also very good. That bread and aioli is the real mvp though. I wanted to take more home! I recommend this place for a fun time and good food. read more

Don Quijote - This garlic aioli is to die for. - Spanish Near Me - Valparaiso, Indiana

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I have been coming here for over 20 years! The menu doesn't change much but why change it if it's that good. I honestly make a meal out of the appetizers! They are so good. And the spiked lemon aid or white sangria is the best thing ever!! read more

We've been enjoying the excellent quality of their food and wine for several years. We highly recommend Don Quijote Restaurant.

I think Don Quijote is overrated and overpriced. I would only dine at this restaurant if Valpo was having the Downtown Connection promotion in which some entrees can be discounted at 50%. The environment and ambiance is very cozy and romantic. It is an optimal choice for couples or group gatherings but I'm not sure if the original price range is affordable by college students. Although I must point out a pro is that they offer bottomless small bites to snack on prior to beginning the main course. I've been to Don Quijote twice. I ordered the Lomo de Cerdo con Pimientos on my first visit. It's supposed to be marinated grilled pork loin with roasted red peppers, served with boiled potatoes and vegetables. The meat was tough to carve into and the first bite was disappointing as was the following bites as I tried to finish my entree and not waste food. At the end of the meal, I really wanted to question how they had marinated it or did they? My second visit to Don Quijote was with a group of eight and I shared a paella marinera for two for approximately $45. It's a culinary classic but not quite at Don Quijote's. I wasn't impressed and the portion didn't seem to be enough for two people to share. I thought it was bland and I've definitely had better in Chicago. read more

Outstanding food, service, hospitality and the extra precautions they take for Covid are amazing. You can feel completely safe eating at Don Quijote! read more

Back in 2007 my friend and I were on a Bicycle tour from Philadelphia across the country. When riding through Indiana we saw sign after sign about the "Only Spanish restaurant in the State." Due to an injury we only made it as far as Chicago. An amazing friend of our in Michigan came down to pick us up, and offered to take us anywhere we wanted to go to eat. So naturally we chose Don Quijote. It has been almost 3 years since we've eaten there, and I still have dreams about it. The food was fantastic, the atmosphere was terrific (I love the giant Don Quijote silhouette mural on the wall) and the staff was very nice. I have made it my goal to make it out that way again, just for the food. read more

I like the broad scope of seasons and options for such a "small" restaurant. The Chef does indeed know his stuff. It's a pleasant place, considering that it's on the main drag with way too many bars around. But, speaking of drunks, they DO have a very nice wine list. haha. They are a great older school holdout of true taste, without the airs of snobbery. read more

If you're driving along the 94 looking for dinner options, look elsewhere - it's a long way to Valpo. If you're going there anyway, though, and you're in the mood for a leisurely dinner, this is worth a look. Spanish food doesn't give vegetarians a lot of options; you're basically looking at the Portuguese salad, one of the tapas, or the vegetarian paella (not on the menu but they'll mention it if you ask). The tapas combination plate is set, so you can't get that unless you want to be facing down the meatballs. I chose the paella (which takes 30 min to prepare), the limonada (iced white wine with apples and cinnamon; think a white sangria), and the tarta de cuajada. The paella was good but not particularly memorable; it's about 4 cups of seasoned rice, generously garnished with artichoke bits and vegetables. They seemed overdone but I'm not a paella expert; perhaps they're supposed to be. The garlic olive oil butter for the bread was amazing; the limonada nice but I probably wouldn't get it again. (The "one glass" size is easily two glasses; it comes in a little pitcher.) The tarta de cuajada is a stiffish vanilla custard with a piece of pound cake embedded in it; it's good. Meal comes with a little salad with oil (lots) and vinegar dressing and a glass of homemade port with your bill. Prices are a bit high (the paella is $22) but this isn't a Subway. The service was very attentive and I appreciated the waitress solving my "vegetarian in a Spanish restaurant" problem. The coffee is excellent and the port very good if you like it sweet (I do). If they sold this I'd buy a bottle. The front of the restaurant has various food and Spanish-themed items for sale, including little cookbooks, tinned octopus, and some interesting-looking cheeses. Overall, good food and a nice change of pace. You might wish to wear a sweater, though; the place was freezing and I finished dinner wearing my coat. read more

Where does one stop between O'Hare and Warsaw, IN? DQ of course! Follow up visit to Carlos' place. This time with a work colleague. Started with 3 Tapas - Jamon, Patatas Bravas y Gambas en ajillo. My friend has never been to Spain and I warned him that Jamon addiction can result. It was great. The shrimp was perfectly cooked and with enough garlic to compliment. The problem I had was with the Patatas Bravas. They were similar to buffalo potatoes (if such thing exists). In Spain, these are typically a crispy fried potato with a savory (but not spicy) sauce. I We followed with a paella con mariscos for 2. My reference is two of the finest Arroz Valenciano restaurants (Pepica y Coso) in Valencia (home of the dish - yes, I use way too many of these ()). I felt it fell short in flavor. I wasn't getting the hit of saffron that I would have expected and it left the rice a bit under flavored. So, I'm probably a tough critic on this food. If you haven't experienced authentic spanish cuisine, this is your place. Our server was attentive and Carlos is an outstanding host. read more

Well prepared classic Spanish dishes. This place has been spot on for over thirty-five years and is perhaps overlooked by those looking for the latest that Valparaiso has to offer. read more

Sangria was great, food was delicious. Service was terrible. When you have to keep asking for a drink or a plate or whatever it maybe. Then your server comes back to the table and you ask again, he's says oh sorry thought I brought it. Well NO! You forgot again. Over two hours for dinner for 4, you sure aren't going to get much of a turn around in the restaurant business. read more

I'll keep this Yelp simple.... The food was delicious and very authentic Spanish. From the appetizer, to the main course and even the dessert, my mouth was in constant awe. If you aren't familiar with Spanish food, do your homework before you go here so you know what you want, otherwise may take you a while to choose or ask your server for help on deciding. The atmosphere of this restaurant is very personal, perfect for dates. The owner is lively and will strike up a conversation with all the guest and assures perfect service! NOTE: Spanish food is pricey, but this place is worth every penny!!! read more

The staff was all exceedingly polite and attentive, including the Head Chef who made a point to introduce himself and even brought around a personal favorite dessert of his own that isn't on the menu. I had Pinchos Morunos, which is skewered pork served with saffron rice and vegetables. I also ordered the flan. I wouldn't hesitate to eat here again, but I would probably order something else. Everything was delicious, but the pork was a little under seasoned for my taste. Also, I don't drink, but they really seem to know their wines here. read more

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Great food and service. Carlos makes everyone feel special. The food is prepared well and a nice change for the area.

Phenomenal dinner from start to finish. Great atmosphere, very friendly employees, and the owners visited with each table to make sure everyone was enjoying their dinner. I would recommend reservations as it gets quite busy. We split the paella for two, a pitcher of sangria, and flan. Everything was incredible! read more

Excellent service and atmosphere. My in laws rave about this place and we finally got the chance to try. The paella was fresh, a large serving, and had plenty of sea food in it. I loved the squid especially. The BEST paella I have had. Can't wait to visit again read more

Don Quijote - Paella Marinera - Spanish Near Me - Valparaiso, Indiana

I have to update my review as we visited for their annual "wild hunt n' game" event. My family as well as I were relatively unimpressed. Service lacked quality, food was nothing short of bland. And to top it off we were not at all pleased to be treated like kindergarteners. As we were only allowed a tiny portion of each dish. This visit left a sour spot on memory of this restaurant. Which makes me less than excited to ever return. read more

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Excellent staff, food and atmosphere. Ordered three tapas and everything was on point. The meals were fantastic and the sangria was delicious. The owner came out to all of the guests and welcomed everyone and made sure we were satisfied. Great authentic restaurant, a must try. read more

My husband and I decided to try this place for a date night. We were looking for someplace nice and unique. We were sat at a table that looked like it was for a single person, between the table decoration, candle, bread basket and two appetizers, we were holding our drinks. We ordered the meat and cheese plate and the grilled octopus with the balsamic reduction, neither one to rave about. I've had better meat and cheese plates from a winery. After the apps, I ordered the squash soup (which was good) and my husband ordered a shrimp dish (can't remember) but he was disappointed in the shrimp and the weird unknown sauce it came in. Now for the meal, I ordered the palla Valencia (both chicken and seafood) absolutely awful. Only one piece of chicken and it was dry, unknown seafood other than the shrimp and mussels (which were overly dry). Very fishy. The rice was about the only thing that was edible. My husband got the crab meat stuffed flounder. It looked like it was raw. He said it was rubbery and the crab meat tasted funny. We did have a very nice waitress, attentive and answered all of our questions. The best thing about this place was the beer, wine and company. No plans on returning. read more

A really nice place to eat, the owners are great, they worry about every client on the restaurant, the service is amazing, the food is Amazing, but you can't never leave the place without try the flan, OMG it's just perfect! I love this place! read more