Xuntos

Step inside Xuntos and you’ll quickly understand why time seems to slip away here. This two-story Santa Monica spot from the Gasolina Cafe team brings authentic Spanish tapas culture to the Westside, complete with a cozy, antique-shop aesthetic that feels worlds away from the nearby Third Street Promenade. The mismatched decor and warm lighting create an atmosphere where lingering over drinks and small plates isn’t just accepted—it’s encouraged.

The kitchen delivers some of the most compelling Spanish food in Los Angeles, going well beyond the expected croquettes and patatas bravas. While those classics are certainly available, the real treasures lie in the regional specialties that rarely make appearances on local menus. The pincho de chipirones—baby squid stuffed with shallots and scallops—emerges from the grill with incredible smokiness and will have you flagging down your server for another round. The vieiras arrive swimming in pools of saffron-infused butter, each scallop a golden, indulgent morsel. And the berenjena frita transforms humble eggplant into something magical with its sweet quince glaze.

What sets Xuntos apart is how seamlessly it captures the spirit of Spanish dining. This isn’t a place for rushed meals—it’s designed for evenings that unfold naturally, where ordering another bottle of albariño or a round of calimotxo feels like the most obvious decision in the world. The menu’s pricing makes exploration easy, with smaller dishes under ten dollars and most shareable plates in the fifteen to twenty dollar range, encouraging groups to try a bit of everything.

Whether you’re planning a date night or gathering friends for an evening of good food and conversation, Xuntos delivers an experience that feels genuinely transporting. It’s proof that Spanish cuisine in LA has evolved far beyond sangria pitchers and paella pans, and that sometimes the best nights out are the ones you didn’t plan for.