Best Red Sangria
Overall: B-
$$
Service: 4.5/5 Dali’s helpful and friendly staff leads to a happy customer. You should expect quicker service sitting at the bar as opposed to sitting in the back corner, but the staff is both delightful and accommodating regardless of where you sit.
Food: 3.5/5 This establishment offers a full bar and late night menu as well as meat friendly, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menu options. Although the ingredients could be fresher, and more savory, the flavors are more than palatable when you share a large pitcher (2 liters, 7-8 glasses) of Sangria, or order the Absinthe with melted sugar and ice water. If you’re new to Spanish red wines (the menu only offers Spanish wines), try the gentle and fruity Vina Alberdi Reserva (2003) from Rioja, or get a bottle of the smooth and well-balanaced Tres Picos (2008) from Borija. If there is a group of white wine drinkers, order Cava in a Porron. Hard-core winos? Splurge on a bottle of the powerful and vibrant Torre Muga Reserve (2003) from Rioja. And beer drinkers, try Alhambra, a classic Andalusian beer from Spain that has a full and clean taste with some bitterness and malt. Or go with a trusty Belgian lager, like Stella Artois. Cocktail enthusiasts may like the Cha Cha Cha!, which is made of Bacardi Rum, fresh mint, lemon, lime, mango, pineapple juice, and soda water. This is a great place to go with a group of friends, to throw a surprise birthday party, or to go on a fun date. Ask what the specials are before ordering because the seasonal items tend to be the freshest here. You can also check their “Tapas Nuevas” online to view monthly regional tapas.
Atmosphere: 5/5 Grab the iron lion-shaped knockers on the heavy wooden double doors to reveal a diamond in the rough. Enter: Dali. Picture loud Latin dance music, eclectic knick knacks, and festive decor that includes red walls, tiled tables, gilded ceilings, and Spanish paintings on every wall. This place is full of energy on the weekends (especially Fridays around 7:00 p.m.), so call ahead to make a reservation, or be prepared to wait for seat at the bar. There is a nook, bar seat, or table for everyone. The authentic Spanish vibe, lively staff, and upbeat music stimulate good conversation and fun!
Price: 3.5/5 The prices are high for such small portions. A group of two or three could end up spending close to $90.00 for several tapas plates, drinks, and dessert. A few items on the late night menu (served 11:00 p.m.-12:30 p.m.) are decently priced for their size, including the $6.00 Tortilla Espanola with egg, potato, and onion; the $13.00 Trio of Tapas Sampler; and the $8.00 Conejo Escabechado, a braised rabbit with red wine, juniper, and garlic. Dessert prices are standard (less than $10.00), but unimpressive in taste and presentation. Drink prices are also average ($7.00-$10.00 for a glass of wine, $10.00 for a cocktail, $25.00-$45.00 for a bottle of wine, $5.00 for a beer), but the funky mixed drink options and Spanish-influenced beer and wine list make Dali’s selection unique.
Accessibility: 4/5 Metered parking is available along Washington and Beacon Street. Be careful because certain areas are labeled “parking by permit” only. It’s easy to catch a cab near Cambridge Street, which is about three blocks from Dali. Bus stops are located on Washington Street and Beacon Street. Porter Square transit station is one mile (about 20 minutes walking distance) from the restaurant.
Recommendations:
-Dali’s Signature Pescado a la Sal {whole fish baked table-side in coarse salt}
-Filloa de Berenjenas {savory crepe with eggplant ragú, carrot-sherry sauce}
-Queso de Cabra Montañes {baked goat cheese with tomato and basil}
-Vieiras al Azafran {broiled scallops in saffron cream}
-Alcachofas Rellena {mushroom-filled artichokes}
-Albóndigas de Cordero {lamb meatballs with tomato-mint sauce}
-Double-Liter Pitcher of Sangria {2 liters, 7-8 glasses}
-Cava in a Porron {white wine in a communal drinking device}
415 Washington Street
Somerville, MA 02143
617.661.3254
www.dalirestaurant.com