01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Set directly beneath the JR Kanda rail tracks, Boqueria pairs a breezy roadside terrace with a compact interior where after-work crowds gather over Spanish fare. Taking a seat here usually begins with choosing small bites over a draft glass of Spanish Mahou beer, draft hard cider, or a fresh mint mojito.
The menu is packed with wine-friendly tapas, led by platters of Jamón Serrano and Ibérico chorizo salami. Marinated sardines dressed lightly with sherry vinegar sit alongside bubbling pots of ajillo, where garlic and sweet shrimp infuse the olive oil—best mopped up with crusty slices of baguette. The kitchen also turns out unique creations like white sea urchin ajillo, blending the briny richness of uni into the warm cooking oil.
Freshly Cooked Paella for Small Groups
The centerpiece paellas stand out for coming in accessible small sizes portioned for 1 to 2 diners. While paella often demands a large table, here smaller parties can easily share the signature seafood version, its rice infused with shrimp and whitefish broth, or a deep-flavored squid ink pan.
Short-pasta fideuà and late-night pasta specials rolling out after midnight provide variety for diners staying late toward the 2:00 closing time. With an extensive range of Spanish wines and regional sherries by the glass, it remains an easygoing railway-arch stop for unhurried evenings with good company.
