Enjoy Small Plates at el Mercat Bar de Tapas

El Mercat Bar de Tapas is one of Arlington’s most exciting restaurant arrivals in recent years, bringing the spirit and flavors of regional Spanish cooking to the Westpost development at 1301 S. Joyce St. in National Landing. Opened in fall 2024 by Executive Chef George Rodrigues and his wife/co-owner Wanessa Alves — who named the restaurant after El Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria in Barcelona, where Rodrigues proposed to her in 2015 — this is the couple’s second location after their Rockville original. Rodrigues brings serious culinary credentials: he trained under Jose Garces and Michael Schlow and served as chef of the D.C. Boqueria tapas bar.

The 4,057-square-foot dining room seats 120 guests, including a 24-seat bar, and offers 32 tapas ($8–$18), five paellas (up to $46), and a handful of entrees and desserts. Arlington Magazine called the saffron-scented seafood paella a standout, and highlights include gambas al ajillo, a Spanish tortilla with saffron mayo, cod fritters, lamb meatballs with Manchego, and a tableside jamón ibérico cart slicing premium Spanish cured ham. The house-made sangria ($10/glass, $40/pitcher) is easy drinking. A patio is planned. Hours are Monday–Wednesday 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Thursday–Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Free parking behind Harris Teeter and behind Walgreens/Planet Fitness in the complex. Visit elmercatbardetapas.com or call (703) 567-4369.

NOTE: Photo is a generic photo of tapas but may not be representative of what is served at El Mercat Bar de Tapas. I will replace with new photos once i have had a chance to dine there.