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Name: Solea Restaurant & Tapas Bar
Address: 388 Moody St, Waltham, MA, 02453
Telephone: (781) 894-1805
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.70

Solea Restaurant & Tapas Bar

388 Moody St, Waltham, MA, 02453

(781) 894-1805
Store is closed

Solea Restaurant & Tapas Bar Menu

Especialidades y Charcuteria

Ceviche

Croqueta del Dia

Endalada del Dia

Tapa del Dia

Sopa

Entremes

Plato De Embutidos

Plato Mixto

Plato de Queso

Jamon Serrano
Tapas - Vegetarian Tapas

Ensalada Mixta

Patatas Bravas

Patatas Fritas

Bunuelos

Alcachofas Salteadas

Setas Al Ajillo

Grelos Gallegos

Poblano Relleno

Arroz y Habas

Queso De Cabra Montanes

Aceitunas Alinadas

Tostadas de Alcachofas

Tortilla Espanol

Pao de Queijo
Tapas - Seafood

Palta Reina

Salmon a la Plancha

Raviolis de Mariscos

Gambas al Ajillo

Vieiras al Azafran

Almejas a la Marinera

Mejilloness a la Salmorra

Camarones a la Plancha

Calamares Fritos
Tapas - Meats and Poultry

Pato Braseado

Pechuga al Ancho

Higadillos

Empanada

Gorditas

Costillas de Buey

Solomillo con Chimichurri

Butifarras con Brevas

Lomito al Cabrales

Albondigas de Cordero

Chuletillas

Chorizo a la Plancha
Main Courses

Large Valenciana - feeds 4-6 people

Small Valenciana - feeds 1-3 people

Large Oceano - feeds 4-6 people

Small Oceano - feeds 1-3 people

Large Verduras - feeds 4-6 people

Small Verduras - feeds 1-3 people

Other Entrees

Zarzuela De Mariscos

Churrasco Argentino

Lomo De Buey A Las Frutas
Desserts

Filloa De Dulce De Leche

Tarta De Chocolates

Flan

Solea Sorbet

Tres Leches

Platanos Con Helado

Churros Con Chocolate

Healthy Meal suggestions for Solea Restaurant & Tapas Bar

Especialidades y Charcuteria

Ceviche [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Croqueta del Dia [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Endalada del Dia [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tapa del Dia [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sopa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Entremes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Plato De Embutidos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Plato Mixto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Plato de Queso [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jamon Serrano [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Tapas - Vegetarian Tapas

Ensalada Mixta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Patatas Bravas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Patatas Fritas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bunuelos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Alcachofas Salteadas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Setas Al Ajillo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grelos Gallegos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Poblano Relleno [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Arroz y Habas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Queso De Cabra Montanes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Aceitunas Alinadas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tostadas de Alcachofas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tortilla Espanol [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pao de Queijo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Tapas - Seafood

Palta Reina [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salmon a la Plancha [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Raviolis de Mariscos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gambas al Ajillo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vieiras al Azafran [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Almejas a la Marinera [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mejilloness a la Salmorra [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Camarones a la Plancha [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Calamares Fritos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Tapas - Meats and Poultry

Pato Braseado [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pechuga al Ancho [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Higadillos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Empanada [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gorditas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Costillas de Buey [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Solomillo con Chimichurri [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Butifarras con Brevas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lomito al Cabrales [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Albondigas de Cordero [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chuletillas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chorizo a la Plancha [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Main Courses

Large Valenciana - feeds 4-6 people [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Small Valenciana - feeds 1-3 people [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Large Oceano - feeds 4-6 people [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Small Oceano - feeds 1-3 people [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Large Verduras - feeds 4-6 people [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Small Verduras - feeds 1-3 people [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Other Entrees [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Zarzuela De Mariscos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Churrasco Argentino [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lomo De Buey A Las Frutas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Desserts

Filloa De Dulce De Leche [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tarta De Chocolates [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Flan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Solea Sorbet [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tres Leches [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Platanos Con Helado [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Churros Con Chocolate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in Waltham for healthy meals suggestion.

Burger King ( 881 Moody St )

Visit below restaurant in Waltham for healthy meals suggestion.

Burger King ( 881 Moody St )

Write An Anonymous Review

Jessica M.

I love this place. The food and drinks are delicious and everyone is very friendly. I love the variety of the menu, too.
(4)
Leticia B.

Fabulous food and beautiful restaurant. The service was great, the red sangria was delicious. Very romantic and felt intimate even though there were plenty of people there. The grilled shrimp had a sauce more addictive than crack! The artichokes were yummy, chorizo was perfect, and the mushrooms were fabulous. Wouldn't change a thing!
(5)
Corey L.

Unfortunately, I was a tad disappointed. The food was ok, and it wasn't incredibly expensive. A couple of the tapas we had were really good, but nothing screamed out at me. A step above mediocrity I guess. The atmosphere is nice and romantic, and the service was above average. Probably wouldn't go back. Definitely try the Salmon A La Plancha and the Queso De Cabre. The spicy potato dish is good, but its hard to justify a tiny plate of roasted potatoes for $6.
(3)
Mihir P.

Solea is great addition to Waltham. Not just because it is a tapas restaurant but also because it is clean, spacious, and well decorated. When I first walked in, the busser greeted me - he was very kind. I then spoke with the manager who could have used some training from the busser. He then let us choose which table we wanted to sit at and followed up with menus. Our server was very nice and prompt. The wine selection is small but of good quality. I was not too impressed with the tapas though. The shrimp piri pir was overcooked. The patatas bravas was really mild. The pato braseado (duck) was a tad overcooked and the berry sauce didn't have too much taste to it. I do recommend the Chuletillas (lamb chops) and the artichoke and spinach fritters though. There a plethora of diverse and decent restaurants on the Moody St. strip but Solea has a more cultured feel to it. I'd come back for some wine or sangria and sit at the bar.
(3)
Dan N.

I went with coworkers for Happy Hour on a Friday evening. It was not too crowded (though the bar area had every seat filled). The food here was pretty good. The drinks were also served/mixed well ($12/cocktail).
(4)
Rita T.

When in search for a Spanish Tapas Bar, Solea comes up to be one of the top choices, with a valid reason. The food is good. We only ordered a few items just to compare the food to those we have tried in other restaurants, and those which are common spanish tapas. The gambas was melt-in-your-mouth fresh. We also tried the chorizo, patatas bravas and empanadas. All were good. The downside is that they came a little too small in size and high in price. True enough, tapas are small plates. But somehow, you feel that you don't really get the value for your money. Will I be back? I will, just because there are very few tapas bar around. I might even try the other food in the menu.
(3)
Alla A.

Absolutely loved this place! The ambiance, food and service were all exceptional. My husband and I had a lovely dinner here, our favorites were the Artichoke and Mushroom crostini, Scallops in saffron sauce (I dipped the bread in the sauce after were were done with the scallops, and it was so-o-o-o good! If we weren't in a public place I could have licked the bowl clean :) ), Beef tenderloin, Artichoke and Spinach fritters, and the collard greens were all exceptionally cooked and amazing in flavour.. the traditional flan was out of this world! Overall, a great experience! We will be definitely coming back often :)
(5)
Laura T.

Absolutely love this place, totally delish. Favorites include the spinach fritters, banana glazed ribs, crab stuffed avacado, and, of course, the sangria. A great place to go with a group of people who are just getting to know each other because the menu offers so much to talk about! In my experience, the service has always been great, even when I went there with a large group of people.
(5)
Joseph B.

UNBELIEVABLE! Went with a large group and was very accommodating with great drinks, bread, and lamb meatballs! YUM!
(5)
Jamie N.

Admittedly, I know very little of Waltham. But I do know a thing or two about tapas. My hombre and I took a little trip to this area so we could see an Indie flick playing at the Embassy, and we thought this restaurant looked nice. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming with colorful lighting fixtures and nice seating areas. This place is BIG. But the food, and the drinks, left something to be desired. The man and I each ordered a cocktail, some bread with hommus, and two tapas a piece. My drink, a gin gimlet with basil and lime, was SYRUPY. It reminded me of these really bad whiskey sours I used to drink when I was 20 and frequented dive bars. The difference between those drinks and the one at Solea? Solea wanted $10 for this overly flavored disasterpiece. My man's drink was also not of the refreshing variety (blood orange flavoring is all I recall). For tapas I got sauteed artichokes (alcachofas salteadas) and these little nuggets were drowning in OIL. Nooooo! They ruined my favorite vegetable! The empanadas left something to be desired. The meat was loose inside of them, which differed quite a bit from the Colombian empanadas I used to eat in Queens. This could just be the difference between Spanish food and Colombian food... Lastly, our waiter, though nice, was SILENT. One or two word answers to all questions, which to me, is not adequate. And he did not smile not a once. Come on! I smiled at him! Sheesh. So serious. I do not think I would go back to this place, but my boyfriend disagreed. His experience with the food was more positive (he got piquillos pimientos stuffed with crab and shrimp, and some sort of sausage). In my experience, if you want tapas of perfection, get yourself over to Taberna de Haro in Brookline!
(2)
David L.

Not a bad place to be for dinner on Moody St. Ended up here on a weeknight a few weeks ago for a light dinner. Figured Tapas would be a good choice and I've been meaning to spend some time on Moody St anyway. The Sangria was great, really enjoyed every drop of it. Had the right blend of fruits and wasn't too sweet, a definite plus for me (Never been a huge fan of sweets and overly sweetened sangria is almost undrinkable). The food itself ranged from average to slightly above average really. I did enjoy the short rib, though my DC was upset that it wasn't braised long enough. However, I did feel the squid was overcooked and the shrimp wasn't anything to write home about, just grilled shrimp. All in all a decent enough experience such that I'd be back sometime.
(3)
Dee H.

I was here recently for Spanish tapas with my eldest, the other food lover in the family. Between the two of us, we must have sampled more than ten different tapas dishes. We had quite the enjoyable experience. While none of the dishes were left uneaten (these were little dishes after all), the favorites by far were the crab and shrimp stuffed peppers, lamb chops, beer short ribs and squash pumpkin soup. I would definitely come back, especially as my hubby is intrigued. I also want to give a shout out to the exceptionally clean facilities, which I admit is a fetish of mine.
(4)
Kimberly P.

I'm not going to lie... the only reason that I am giving Solea 4 stars is because of the corn and sweet potato croquettes. They were sheer perfection. A party in my mouth if you will. Perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, crispy and creamy. YUM. Everything else... meh. [The bread was served cold with thoroughly mediocre hummus. I requested butter and got two hunks of rock hard frozen butter. The lamb chops with apricot glaze were too charred and the burnt taste overpowered the delicate sauce. The berry sauce accompanying the duck had too much vinegar and not enough sweetness. I did enjoy the stuffed poblano pepper though some of the yukka was still slightly raw. The pork with blue goat cheese literally looked like throw up on a plate. The cheese was melted in a gloppy mess over the pork, it was separated and oily and pretty much all around so gross looking that we had to send it back. The banana cheese cake was pretty good although it was kind of gritty and very dense and sweet. The service wasn't memorable ] . . . . CROQUETTES. . . . Yes the croquettes trump all of the above. YUM!
(4)
Stryker C.

I have to say I am stuck on where to rate this one...I love the look and feel of this place. It has that european aspect, where lounging, dining with friends, conversation, lingering over food and drink are important. And the staff here encourages that and makes for excellent allies during the experience. And the wine selections are great...BUT...the food, it's good, but not where it needs to be. My expectation for this kind of place is kinda high, based on my other experiences, and it's close, but not quite there. I think the price is a little higher than I'd like for what I am being served. I've had tapas plenty, so it's not the small plates, thing..it's just that, while things are good, they don't explode for me, and for the price being sold, they need to pop like that. They've set a high bar for themselves here and it's a really nice, warm experience AND I will return, especially since I am rooting for this to be a huge success and will love to see the food evolve up, to that poping, explosive experience. So for now, I give it a 3...I hope to upgrade my rating soon.
(3)
Laura G.

This review is for the bar/lounge area of Solea. Anita is the best behind the bar, shes SO friendly and you can tell most of the staff loves familiar faces. I have never done a a full entree here, I usually just go with a couple of girlfriends and grab white wine sangria, pina bacatinis and some tapas. I LOVE the lobster/crab raviolis, the baked goat cheese, the broccoli & cauliflower fritters and chicken empenadas. Sometimes if the bar is swamped it can take a while to get service at the lounge tables so I recommend doing your best to grab a seat at the bar and the staff will take care of you.
(5)
J D.

this place has a great look and feel. Wines are really tasty too - and the food is good. There is a high quality of ingredients, but, it's just not top notch, where it feels like it should be. Don't mistake me, it's good, but, I think they've set themselves a high bar here and this place can be better. I'm hoping to return and see that evolution, and be able to cast this as a truly great place, but not yet.
(3)
Kate J.

Solea is a wonderful find for authentic tapas. Have been there a handful of times and my one complaint is that they food is not always consistent. I say this admitting that I also have never left hungry so it can't be that bad. As a gluten free dinner I would give Solea 6 stars if possible, they are very accommodating and don't make a big deal about my request to confirm that my order is gluten free. Not only do they confirm that my food is safe for me to eat, they tell me what items I can and can't share with the people I am dinning with. The sangria is good, not the best I have ever had but good. And I don't know what it is that they do for their wait staff, but of all the times I have gone every server has been wonderful.
(4)
Christel J.

Went here last night. Although this place has received pretty stellar reviews, I have to say that it was just "eh" for me. It was my second time here within the past two years, and although the atmosphere was cool, the food was only subpar. Maybe it's because I visited on a Tuesday? Either way, the portabella mushrooms and the lobster/crab ravioli were decent but otherwise I wouldn't necessarily put this on my list of "must go" places. The server was good but he was bouncing around like he was on ecstasy for the majority of the visit. More power to him. But if I could rate it on the sangria alone, I would have definitely given it 5 stars.
(3)
Melissa M.

Close to a five star, but parking can be obnoxious. And hot tappas can once in a while not be too hot. Otherwise, a superb tappas resturaunt. Food is yummy, great sangria, mojitos, desserts too! Love the romantic ambience, very inviting.
(4)
Katie G.

I came to Solea with high expectations. Moody Street is known for its great restaurants and I am a huge Tapas fan. I was sadly disappointed by Solea. At first glance, the restaurant seems fun and funky. It has a nice atmosphere. However, as soon as my friends and I sat down at our table, we realized our experience would not be as wonderful as we had hoped. Our table, silverware, etc. were extremely dusty. Even wiping things off with the cloth napkins didn't help. Our waiter seemed more interested in helping the party beside us than in helping us. The food was decent. Our initial bread basket was good. The chuletillas were good as was the solomillo con chimichurri. I've had better Tapas (head to Embargo's down in Hyannis on Cape Cod for the best!).
(2)
Laura B.

The tapas are delicious and they have a rotating menu so I get to try new things all the time. The sangria is really good. I take out-of-town guests here and they have all enjoyed it as well. My only complaint is that sometimes the service is a bit inattentive. The food comes out fast once its ordered but I've sometimes had to wait for the waiter to take our order and then later to get the bill. I've also had a few empty water glasses. Overall I like the place but they have room for improvement.
(3)
Diane D.

Viva tapas! Solea is everything a tapas restaurant should be...the tapas dish options are plentiful and all incredibly tasty (I've sampled basically the whole menu at this point!) There are also options for whole entrees, though expensive, if you're not feeling so adventurous. Feel like a little wine with your food? No problem! In the true spirit of tapas-style "sampling", Solea offers red or white wine flight trios for $10! The sangria is also worth the spend. If the dining room gets crowded, don't shy away from sitting in the cafe area - I've found it is actually more quiet. The service is great too - the folks here clearly have experience with indecisive guests and know just what to offer for suggestions. Overall, an awesome place to go for a nice evening out and to change up your usual dining experience!
(5)
Meghan M.

Solea is one of the better restaurants on Moody Street, in my opinion, but I'm having trouble giving it more than 3 stars. This is probably because I am extremely spoiled by the abundance of great tapas places here in the city. The food here is solid. The drinks are great (usually strong so beware!) and I've always enjoyed their sangria. It can get a bit crowded so reservations are a good idea on the weekend. It's especially nice in the warmer months if you can get a table up in the front by the street (they open up the windows so it's like you're sitting outside). Good stuff. I just wouldn't make the trek out to Waltham specifically to come here.
(3)
Michelle C.

Last minute dinner plans this past Saturday night led us to Solea. LOVE this place! Katie and I started with a pitcher of Sangria and dove into the bread basket that was a hearty white artisan bread with sundried tomato hummus. Yummy... The four of us ordered 8 plates to share, all were delish... lobster and crab ravioli, spinach and artichoke fritters, pollo croquettes, beef and veal dishes, and grilled shrimp with a SUPER spicy pepper aioli (almost too much heat, but still good)... we shared two desserts, a dulche de leche crepe with sweet cream and blueberries, and a banana cheesecake... The guys had 4 beers or so and our bill was just over $100.00. The only thing that was strange was the uber honesty of our server. I ALWAYS appreciate this, for the most part... but.. there are maybe 25-30 dishes on the menu. When we ordered our first 8, he shot down SEVEN of our choices and suggested other plates. When I tried to order a third chicken dish (I was 0 for 2 at this point) he flat out told me if I wanted chicken to go elsewhere as all their chicken dishes 'sucked'... I went ahead and ordered it anyway b/c honestly, I wanted chicken. And it was great...
(5)
Caitlin C.

Did not have one tapas plate we did not like. Everything from the entrees to the dessert was wonderful.
(4)
Jennifer A.

Every time I go to Solea, I always have great food and service, and really enjoy the atmosphere! The menu has a wide variety of hot and cold tapas, as well as main dishes - and with dietary preferences ranging from vegan to carnivores/atkinsonians in my party, we all found lots of great options! As the vegan in the group, I particularly enjoyed the olives, the chickpea/mushroom spread and the poblano relleno (and the wine)!.
(4)
Sasha R.

A tapas place we haven't tried? For shame! So I grabbed my token Spaniard and dragged him in for an early post-Costco-debauchery dinner. Impressions: The place was booked with reseravtions but they kindly offered us a table in the lounge area. The decor could stand up to some fine dining establishments in the Hub, but the clientele seemed simpler and older. Married couples left the kids at home with a sitter, and are meeting the sister in law and her husband for a quick bite type of thing. The prices are simpler too, tapas are $7 on the average. The Spaniard's verdict: "Is good, but the sangria is shit." I think that's fair. The tapas have a brazilian tropical flavor: tostones, banana glaze etc. But some authentic stuff on the menu too: quail in chocolate sauce (so good!), pork tenderloins with cabrales cheese sauce (so bad, and yet SO good). And the sangria, well, it's shit. Alright, well, since I live in the far west now, nice alternative to shlepping to the city.
(4)
Elizabeth S.

Great food, great atmosphere. We were there Sunday night and were seated right away. Ordered a bottle of Malbec that was cheap ($35) considering how good it was! Weren't too hungry so we ordered the plato mixto (olives, roasted red peppers, ham and assorted cheeses), scallops in saffron sauce, croquetes, and patatas bravas. The best thing was the aioli on the potatoes! So good. Scallops were a little over cooked but the sauce was awesome. The only thing disappointing was the croquetes but only because they are my favorite thing ever so I can be a little critical of them. For dessert we ordered Almond Cake and the Rice Pudding and both hit the spot. I would definitely go back again!!!!
(4)
Ben E.

I've been here a few times, and while I'm not well-versed in a lot of different tapas places, I find Solea's food to be excellent. The small dishes present you with a wide array of flavors and ingredients that are unique and well-paired. The shrimp with piri piri were *perfectly* cooked, the empanada had a delicious blend of chicken and vegetables with a great sauce, and the spinach and artichoke fritters in red pepper sauce were outstanding. The nice thing about this cuisine is how many different tastes you can experience, and that you can order just as much food as you want. Overall, I've found the quality of Solea's food to be top-notch, with a warm atmosphere to match.
(4)
Katie P.

I think Solea is a nice addition to those who live a bit west of Boston. The food is pretty solid and has been that way every time I've gone. I like how clean, spacious, and nice the decor is. There is no "cheese" factor here. While I'm a bigger fan of Dali as a whole, I really like the ambience there. Service has always been good. Their wines are decent. No complaints at all. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because I have had better. Also, gambas al ajillo...yummy!
(4)
Amanda B.

Note: Tapas do not usually consist of things such as banana-glazed ribs or avocados stuffed with cilantro and crab salad. Let's get real. I lived in the heartland of Spain for a year (Extremadura, anybody?) and these wussy kind of tapas would never fly. That being said, Solea is a good place to go for "fancy" tapas. Patatas bravas, tortilla espaola, queso de cabra (goat cheese)...now those are the REAL tapas. Luckily, Solea offers these, in addition to Spanish jamn, olives, and cheeses. There are also a lot of Portuguese selections on the menu, which was weird, but they looked okay. I can't lie - depite the "tapas lite" going on, I loved Solea. The way the place is decorated is beautiful, with a spacious dining room, large ornate curtains, lots of wood, and pretty colors everywhere. I also loved the tapas, even though they seem to be marketed towards a more Americanized clientele who view tapas as something trendy. I didn't think the tortilla espaola is that great, but I have never had one outside of Spain that I liked. For people bitching about the price of tapas...obviously you don't understand the point of tapas. (Sorry for being a biatchi, but you need to be schooled.) You go with friends, order a few different ones, and share. Tapas, at least in Spain, are not considered to be a substitue for meal, although sometimes it ends up that way. It's more about the culture of sitting down to spend time with friends, having a drink, and sharing a little taste of a bunch of different things. If you're somebody who goes out to somewhere with huge portions and usually eat the whole thing, then tapas is probably not for you, unless you gorge yourself with food before you go. Then again, that's just gross. I went with three of my friends, we ordered two pitchers of sangria (try the cava sangria...it's a little more citrusy and sparkling), 7 tapas, and ended up paying $25 apiece for the bill, including tip. Our waiter was really attentive, and pretty cute to boot. P.S.:- Parking on Moody St. sucks.
(4)
Nicole B.

I have to agree with mostly everyone here and say this place is simply wonderful. I LOVE tapas! I love how you get to taste a little bit of everything. The atmosphere is romantic and sultry...very warm with lots of red and orange. The bar is my favorite- comfy seating and nice lighting. Funky lamps and candles! SO FUN!
(4)
Susan M.

Wonderful Taps and wine! Yeah! I haven't had good Tapas since I left London in 98. THIS IS IT! Really good, authentic tapas dishes, and a great selection of wine. I had the white wine flight, and that was fun, to try 3 different Spanish wines. I went with a group of new friends - there were a total of 6 of us, and the evening just went by fast. Great food, great wine, great people. What more could I ask for? The Chorizo was nice and flavored and spicy with a kick, but not too hot. And the Shrimp with Garlic as absolutely AMAZING! We tried about 8 different dishes amongst us, and ALL of them were good. The atmosphere was very nice too...and they are expanding next door, so it will be easier to get seating (we had reservations on a Thursday night).
(5)
Effie H.

Eww... Went here on a Tuesday night, was pretty steadily busy. They have a large selection on the menu BUT.... When I sat down, they placed water on the table and my glass was clearly DIRTY, lipstick on the rim and whatever grease/food bits on the outside of the glass. That had already ruined the place for me! It was nasty, I could only think if that glass was that dirty, how was everything else! Because I was with friends, I couldn't make a big stink and leave. The food was mediocre at best. They leave bread and a spread on the table to start. The bread was clearly not fresh and the spread was bland. The calamari was rubbery and the scallops tasted like they had been previously frozen. The lamb chops were not bad but with everything else being sub-par, it didn't make a difference. I will not be returning....
(1)
Vivian W.

Ole. I walked into Solea and I was apparently earlier than the average Waltham suburbanite (6:15 pm). I sat at the bar next to two people that were such regulars (and apparently order the same thing every week) that the chef came out to greet them when their order went in. I was optimistic from this point on because if it's good enough to go every week, then it's probably pretty good. I couldn't have been more on the money. It was not only *pretty* good... it was *very* good. And after having two glasses of the delectable cava sparkling sangria I was feeling mighty fine myself. But NOTHING could have prepared me for the glory that is the quail at this restaurant. Quails are little and frail and I'm usually not a fan because they remind me of parakeets and it makes me sad when they're on the plate. This quail, however...well, the dish was so outrageously delicious that I would happily chew off my own hand if it was slathered in the righteous sauce that they put on the quail. It's rich and delicious, replete with cocoa and coffee flavors and positively out-of-this-world. Other winners of the evening? The patatas bravas- the garlicky aioli will have your significant other rolling to the other side of the bed all night long. Make sure he or she eats them too. The fried chicken livers were the physical incarnation of yum and not at all greasy. The goat cheese was also extraordinary slathered on thick pieces of bread. We remained unimpressed by one dish alone- the lamb meatballs. Otherwise, each choice we made was better than the one before and we ate so much we both wished we had been wearing stretchy pants. Hand me some castanets. This place makes me want to flamenco dance.
(5)
Anastasia L.

I've been twice now and each time it was fine. Not great, just fine. The waitress/bartender was very nice and helpful in navigating the fairly extensive menu. She also made me a delicious mojito. The chicken livers tapas was REALLY good although a tad salty. I found 2 different dishes involving Spanish cheese unimpressive, though. However because the menu is varied and I'm often around, I'll probably try a few more things and re-review.
(3)
Ashley R.

Solea is a great spot to take friends and family. Obviously that's what tapas is all about. That being said, my favorite part of the place is the decor. I love the look of the bar, the beautiful tiling and I love when they open the windows in the summer...all in all, a good looking restaurant. The food is decent, some dishes are definitely better than others. I'm a big fan of the Queso de Cabra (baked goat cheese with tomato and basil), the Pato Braseado (Roasted Duckling with Berry Sauce...ohhhh the berry sauce), Solomillo con Chimichurri (beef tenderloin with spicy herb sauce), and I'd definitely make a case for the Chorizo, the Empanada and the Artichoke and Spinach Fritters. Surprisingly, my boyfriend makes the greatest sangria, despite being almost 100% Irish, but Solea's sangria is pretty delicious. Not as good as his, but I'll usually order a pitcher. You might want to stay away from the Gambas al Ajillo (sizzling garlic shrimp) because they're very tiny shrimp that taste like they were frozen. The other shrimp dish they offer is much better, made with jumbo shrimp and spicy chilies. Definitely stay away from the lobster and crab ravioli, they also taste like they were frozen.
(4)
Cyndie B.

This used to be one of my favorite places but recently they changed the menu and not for the better I am sad to say. I still like it - TAPAS are fun, creative and social. The atmosphere is great, the drinks terrific but WHY did you guys change the menu. Many of our favorites are gone and I was actually sad! I would still go but it is not my first thought anymore.
(4)
Brian G.

The best things about Solea are the drinks which are always made well and normally on the strong side and the atmosphere from the large open windows, decor and always friendly staff. I go here regularly and will continue to. I won't say I'm disappointed with the food but it just rarely blows me away. The food is always good but only rarely do things jump out to me on the menu. That's not a bad thing but so many other Tapas places I've been to really have some amazing small dishes that I just don't see here. I haven't tried the full meals yet but will let you know when I do.
(4)
Leo j. R.

Now we're talking! A week or so before visiting Solea I had the misfortune of eating at Tasca - see my review. Here at Solea the service was fine even though the restaurant was very busy. Lots of fun plates to choose from, and all consistently tasty. Delish sangria. A fun, noisy, festive atmosphere. With 4 people we really got to try a lot of plates and they were all nicely plated and yummy. Definitely a great place for a fun night out!
(4)
Lisa H.

I LOVE this place! It is great for a night out with friends. We love to go there for a drink or two and order a couple different tapas each and share. I love the portabella mushrooms, artichoke fritters, and chicken turnovers. They also have entrees for those who don't want to just order tapas. I love the atmosphere there, the lighting is great, very romantic.
(4)
Krista H.

My friend and I love tapas, and this place came highly recommended. We wanted to sit at the bar but there weren't two seats together. We were sent to the back bar which was cool because we were the only ones there, but the bartender William was very unpleasant. He was helping a table but didn't even acknowledge me by saying hello. When my friend joined he asked what we wanted although we were never given menus. My friend had the mojito which was delicious and I had a pineapple and basil martini. For tapas we ordered the gazpacho, crab stuffed avocado, lobster + crab raviolis, and artichoke. The food was fresh but a tad bland. I also doubt the raviolis were homemade since they hardly had any filling. We were hardly finished our drinks when the bartender was putting the chairs up on the tables and gave us our check. Never offered to see if we wanted another drink, etc. Mind you, it was also only 8:45. He was in such a rush to get us out, I felt like we were putting him out of HIS way. I don't think I'll be returning since the food was average and the service was bad. William should not be a bartender since he makes you feel like you're putting him out of his way and he is not sociable at all. It totally ruins the experience. The tapas were also a bit pricey compared to other tapas bars.
(2)
Cathy B.

Now lookahere, this is the first place, I ever had tapas and now all I want to do is go to Spain. The service was as good as the food and that was sho nuff fine!.
(5)
Steven S.

Fantastic! The food is great - ambience is fun (sometimes the front windows are open which is nice to have the fresh air - however, the view of Moody isn't all that pleasant!) Service was great - dishes were amazing. There was 3 of us, we order 9 small plates and shared. It was plenty. The Sangria wasn't that good which suprised me. It didn't have much flavor to it and limited fruit (we ordered a pitcher). My guess is they make this is large quanities - perhaps they didn't get ratio correct?? Order some regular wine or something from their fully stocked bar!
(5)
Ben B.

After living in Boston for the better part of a decade and a half, I made a move to where it all began for me, the city of Waltham. Naturally, the place to be in Waltham is Moody Street and on Moody Street you have plenty of great eateries. Solea is a wonderful Tapas Bar in a city redefining itself. I have been to plenty of Tapas bars in Boston (Masa and Tasca comes to mind) and Solea certainly matches if not blows away the two aforementioned restaurants. With a wider selection of tapas plates then Tasca and cheaper then Masa, this truly is a gem. Ultimately, if you can break free from the Boston/Cambridge experience and make you way to Moody Street you will not be disappointed.
(5)
Megs L.

I tried this place out because the restaurant I was going to eat at was closed. I'm so happy that I ended up here. The staff were friendly and they were able to seat us when we arrived. The waitress was very attentive and had a nice personality. One of our table mates is a vegetarian so we ordered some vegetarian tapas and the vegetarian paella. The Paella was great and the small definitely fed 3 people. We also had the mushrooms and the artichoke hearts for the vegetarian and they were nicely seasoned. The meat eaters enjoyed the shrimp and the empanadas. The empanadas were not greasy as is often the case and the dipping sauce for the shrimp was great. The bananas foster wasn't my favorite, but the flan was great and the sorbet was very tasty. The Sangria had a lot of clove, which I enjoyed but I know some people prefer their sangria to be more sweet, less spicy. I would definitely go back.
(4)
H. P. J.

Delicious food & drink in a fun, casual atmosphere. Good value.
(4)
Lauren V.

It's no Dali, but when I lived in Waltham it was nice to have a tapas place within walking distance. In the summertime, it is nice because they open up the windows so I would definitely recommend it as an after-work meeting spot. Order a pitcher of Sangria and a few tapas and unwind. The service here can be a little bit slow. Normally not really a problem, but the tables are very small and the surface quickly becomes covered by empty plates making it hard to maneuver drinks and food. No one wants this kind of balancing act. The interior is very nice too, with richly colored paintings and lights. It really sets a mood. If you can't find street parking, park in one of the municipal lots in the area.
(3)
Beth G.

This was actually my first tapas experience and it was amazing. The food we got was great and left me wanting to try other things. There were 4 of us and we decided we'd each pick a dish to share with the table and then we'd split the paella. For tapas, we got: Aceitunas Alinadas, An Assortment of Marinated Olives Palta Reina, Avocado Stuffed with Crab, Mango, & Cilantro Solomillo con Chimichurri, Beef Tenderloin with Spicy Herb Sauce Buenuelos de Alcachofas y Espinacas, Artichoke & Spinach Fritters They were all amazing...the avocado was my personal favorite, but the fritters were tasty as well. There was enough to share and everything was small, but flavorful. The paella we got was well spiced and FULL of chorizo, chicken and seafood. We all happily full by the time we were scraping the bottom of the bowl. I definitely want to go back and instead of the paella, try more of the small dishes. I get the feeling that while we loved everything we ordered, Solea had a lot more to offer. I'm looking forward to trip #2.
(5)
Jillian A.

I had never tried tapas before and this was a real treat! Our waiter was really great. He even asked if we were in a rush to get to a movie or something or if we wanted to take our time. The online reservations were very convenient. We tried the following hot tapas and everything was very delicious, especially the scallops. -Queso de Cabra Montanes, Baked Goat Cheese with Tomato & Basil -Pechuga al Ancho, Grilled Chicken breast with Ancho chiles, Tomato, Garlic & Red Wine Sauce -Vieiras al AzafrÃ¡n, Scallops in Saffron Cream -Ravioles de Mariscos, Lobster & Crab Ravioli in Langostino Sauce Blue Goat Cheese Sauce & Mushrooms -Solomillo con Chimichurri, Beef Tenderloin with Spicy Herb Sauce
(5)
L N.

The food, drinks, and the atmosphere are great!!! I've been there 3 times and am making plans to go back!!!
(4)
Terri E.

Went here with a large group after a wedding rehearsal and it was fabulous! The ONLY drawback was that it's not really kid friendly. Having said that, our 6 year old daughter did just fine with the very tasty beans and rice. Yes, I said beans and rice. They were not spicy at all but had a fantastic flavor. In fact, the table ordered at least 4 more servings so we could all share in the yummy goodness. They use kidney beans - that threw me, but it didn't blow the dish at all. Seriously, order it! Almost every other item we ordered was excellent as well - a few seemed a bit overpriced for a tapas portion, but I'm not going to quibble over that. Some of the items we ordered were: plato mixto, ceviche (excellent x 2!), ravioli, chorizo, ribs, potatoes, tostones (the only item that was a notch below excellent but still really good), ribs... I'm sure there was more that I don't remember now. Wine selections were good as well. I was disappointed in the bottle I chose, but it certainly wasn't the restaurant's fault. Also, they make a lovely sangria. Desserts were not ordered for anyone except my daughter. She loves crepes, and their crepe with berries and dulce de leche is also far up there on the excellent-o-meter. My advice: save room for one of these tasty treats! It's well worth it. Service: EXCELLENT. Our waiter was able to remember every request, bring it and place it almost without being noticed and keep us all happy. Between the food, drinks, service and good company, I'd have to say this was one of the most enjoyable restaurant experiences I've had.
(5)
Brendan O.

A true taste of Spain! I have been to the original Tapas Bars in Seville and Southern Spain. The atmosphere at Solea captures the brown mud colors of Spain nicely. The ceramics on the wall are authentic just like the 1000 yr old in Spain. Food Everything from the menu in Spain. Pork, shrimps, exotic fish and seafoods. All the variety for the novice and experienced tapas eater. You can eat meats cooked and marinated that are tasty and comfortable or you can taste the calamari in a tangy sauce that's a unique taste. Give it a try!!
(5)
Vanilla P.

The interior of Solea is a visual, sensual journey with discoveries to be found all over: an exquisite chandelier you notice when you pop the first scallop into your mouth, a mosaic pillar your eyes crawl over as you sip your sangria, and huge mirrors that reflect the lovebirds pawing each other as you let the spice of your chile relleno creep into your cheeks and make you flushed. First: Sangria. Now say it again, but sloooooowwwwwer, and rotate your pelvis a little while you say it. I had a choice of white or red, and I went with red (mostly because I was wearing a dark red shirt, and I like to take advantage of the fact that it wouldn't show on this shirt if I spilled or snorted it out my nose while laughing). Sip number one, I could taste the alcohol (yippee). Sip number two, a buffet of citrus flavors hit my tongue and made me warm and more friendly all around. Second: Complimentary bread with a potent garlic-ey bean spread that was reminiscent of hummus. I only had one piece because I was so excited about the things to come. First tapas plate out: Crab, cilantro, and mango stuffed avocado half. Wow. This was basically a cooked ceviche, and when topped with a squirt of lime juice, the entire bite really exploded with a sweet, savory, and tart combination. This was one of my favorite dishes for the night. Second tapas plate: Olives. How can you go wrong with olives? These were plump, juicy, and flavorful.... Why do my store bought olives never taste this great? I think Solea must have a little olive tree somewhere on the roof where they pluck, brine, and store their superhero olives. Third: Scallops in a pumpkin soup, served in a lovely shell. Other favorite. It was about one week ago when I found out that scallops grew in a shell, and the mystery of why they came served in a shell was solved. Duh. The pumpkin soup was more of a creamy pumpkin soup reduction, with julienned veggies float just under the four, perfectly broiled scallops. The scallops were tender but caramelized on the edges... Perfection. I will order this dish tonight in my dreams. Fourth: Goat cheese in a tomato sauce. Ooooh, stinky! Loved it! The cheese seemed really strong to me, but the tomato sauce created thins crazy taste bud yin yang thing that left me scraping the ceramic dish for more. And finally, fifth: A fat, tender chile relleno stuffed with mixed vegetables and coated with an almond crust, with a nice chipotle sauce around the edge of the plate. The chile was slightly spicy, and the veggies really absorbed the moisture, so they were flavorful and extremely juicy. No cheese, but the almond crust made up for it. It was like an almond biscotti, minus the sugar and cookie part. Mostly savory, dense, and crunchy. Dinner for three with sangria: $60. Bargain. My senses are alive right now! It's all I can do to keep my secret stash of Antonio Banderas movies from playing all night long.
(5)
Alia L.

I've always loved this place. It's really intimate and an overall warm atmosphere. The food is pretty good as well. I use to go here all the time with my ex. This place is the only thing I miss about our relationship.
(4)
Tiffany D.

It was almost 10pm on a Friday night and the at-the-time Boyfriend & I were sick of places to eat around where we live since it's just the same thing every time. So we ventured into Waltham and figured we'd just pick a place that looked decent and was open on Moody St. This place is amazing. I'm obsessed with tapas and was always sad that all the "good" ones were so far away from where I lived... I completely forgot that I had read about this place before. at-the-time Boyfriend & I came and promptly ordered a pitcher (it's too small tho, only about 4 glasses per pitcher) of red sangria and 12 dishes. 01. Poblano Relleno, Yuca, Roasted Corn & Mushroom Stuffed Almond Encrusted Poblano Pepper 02. Pato Braseado, Roasted Duckling with Berry Sauce 03. Pechuga al Ancho, Grilled Chicken breast with Ancho chiles, Tomato, Garlic & Red Wine Sauce 04. Gambas al Ajillo, Sizzling Garlic Shrimp 05. Camaro Piri Piri, Grilled Shrimp & Hot Piri Piri Pepper Sauce 06. Vieiras al Azafrn, Scallops in Saffron Cream 08. Lulas Grelhadas, Grilled Calamari Drizzled with an Ancho Chile & Lime Infused Olive Oil 09. Pimiento de Piquillo, Wood Roasted Pepper Stuffed with Crab, Shrimp & Pearl Onions, Served in a Langostino Sauce 10. Ameijoas Bulho Pato, Steamed Littlenecks in Garlic, White Wine & Cilantro 11. Ravioles de Mariscos, Lobster & Crab Ravioli in Langostino Sauce 12. Butifarras con Brevas, Pork Sausage with Figs I'm partial to duck so that's my favorite. This place reminds me of Tapeo on Newbury St. the food is almost identical pretty much, except I loveddd the sangria here so much more. The scallops with the saffron cream sauce was AMAZING. Nothing was heavy at all and I had NO complaints. I will be here again and again and again!!!
(5)
R B.

Ah, tapas, Little places of ecstasy and boredom. Got some of each, each time I've been here. Hard to be too critical since the sub-par dishes are also small, and you can move on. Fun, lively place.
(3)
Kirsten S.

This is my favorite place in Waltham. Great atmosphere, great food, and just always a fantastic time. It can also be kept affordable. My friends and I typically order 2 plates each, split a pitcher of sangria, and can keep it around $20-25/person.
(5)
Katharine B.

This is a great place for a large group. I've been there twice and each time we've let our server order for us. The paella is also very good. As for the bar, you won't go wrong with their martinis or their sangria.
(4)
Abby L.

I was pleasantly surprised by this restaurant. I typically go to Dali for Tapas as I live right around the corner, but my friend lives in Waltham, so we gave it a try. The tortilla espanola was delicious, as was the sizzling shrimp. I thought the service was a bit lacking, I'm always a bit annoyed when I have to ask to have my water refilled, but that's not the biggest deal. I would recommend it, a fun atmosphere.
(4)
Amy L.

The sauces here are amazing, the room was great, no wait on a Friday night at 6:30 for a group of four, and did I mention the amazing food? We tried many of the different tapas starting with the cold tapas: plato mixto which was a delicious assortment of serrano ham, olives, and three cheeses including an outstanding really strong blue cheese and a rosemary flavored cheese. The tostones (plaintains topped with salmon and a creamy mango chutney) were good, but not incredible. Some of the standouts of the hot tapas were incredibly tender pork riblets with banana glaze... seriously most tender meat I think I've ever had, the baby lamb chops with the apricot glaze, and this seriously amazing pork with a blue cheese and mushroom sauce. The desserts were also good - the crepe was filled with amazingly fresh fruit and drizzled with caramel (blew away the crepes from the now fancy Natick collection). Go with a group so you can try more food and make a reservation just in case :)
(5)
Dasha O.

This is my second time at this place. The first time was a few years back, and I remember REALLY enjoying it. I loved the sangria, and the tapas were lovely and subdued tasting. It was really fabulous...and now we move forward like 5 years. The experience was completely OPPOSITE. The sangria was horrible, very watery and had no fruits except 2 pieces of lemon. The bread was stale. The sauce overwhelmed tapas, and the paella was too salty & the seafood was way overcooked.
(2)
Beth E.

I honeslty didn't know that Solea was part of the Dali/Tapeo family until I started reading the menu. I find that I prefer Tapeo and Dali, even though they're all connected. Tapas were good, but I felt like there was something missing from this trip as compared with my trips to the others. I can't quite put my finger on what it was that was missing. Our waiter was great. He was really helpful, and didn't even laugh as my dinner companions ordered in butchered Spanish. We knew we wanted sangria, and they had both red and white. We weren't sure which to get, and as we were debating, we asked the waiter which he preferred, and he didn't hesitate before saying white. And he was right. Get the white sangria, it's awesome. I feel bad giving this place 3 stars. It's more like 3.5, really. But if I need to show the difference between Solea, Tapeo, and Dali, I have to go with 3...
(3)
Eva K.

I didn't even know that there was a Tapas restaurant in Waltham. I went there for a company lunch, so got to sample a wide variety of Tapas, all of them excellent. The Sangria was OK. The berry flan I had was definitely not authentic... I would not even call it a flan. The bottom line...good but expensive. Great place to go if someone else is paying... :)
(4)
Charlie D.

Great sangria. The 4 of us had paella, and 5 tapas- all wonderful. Nice atmosphere. Recommend to all
(4)
David C.

We had a graduation dinner for twelve including a couple of vegetarians and some serious carnivores. The setting was perfect for relaxed conversation and tasting across an array of palatal stimulants. We handed the ordering over to the waiter after highlighting a couple of special requests. The result was a romping success.
(5)
David D.

Waltham's Moody Street is a great thoroughfare for foodies west of the Boston-proper restaurant scene. No thoroughfare is complete without a tapas restaurant and Solea completes it well. When I think of tapas restaurant I think great tastes, drink, and ambiance. By those standards Solea is perfect. The restaurant's exterior is decorated reasonably and the interior just dazzles me. The interior Spanish design is ornate and colorfully festive and the lighting is perfect for a lunch with a large group of co-workers or an intimate night with a spouse. The light music in the background was a nice touch, too (I heard some tunes from Mana). I went to Solea with a large group of labmates from Brandeis for lunch and the restaurant was not busy. I can imagine that the evenings here must be fabulous with the bar crowd, diners, and the atmosphere. The restaurant offers a price fixe menu for large groups which includes cold and hot tapas, but call and reserve ahead. We had the Tostadas de Alcachofas (Artichoke Hearts, Mushroom & Goat Cheese Crostini), Grelos Gallegos (Sauteed Collard Greens with Pine Nuts & Raisins), Ravioles de Mariscos (Lobster & Crab Ravioli in Langostino Sauce), and Chorizo a la Plancha (Grilled Spanish Sausage). These dishes were all great but I would absolutely recommend the Ravioles. I wish I tried the whole menu but alas...I especially wanted to taste the Tostones (Plantain Chips & Salmon topped with Creme Fraiche & Mango Chutney) because no tapas experience is complete without platanos. The desserts were tasty. We had the whole menu of dessert dishes. The Solea Sorbet (Tropical flavored Sorbet with Fresh Fruit) was outstanding and the Plato de Quesos (Assorted Spanish Cheeses Fig & Apricot Compote & Toasted Almonds) left a good mark. Sorry, I do not have any input on the drinks especially since I went with co-workers for lunch. But, if the drinks are like the food, I am sure the sangria and the rest are fantastic. Also, I hear that the margaritas are great especially since they use their excellent variety of fresh juices. Overall, Solea is a great Tapas restaurant but my gut tells me that Cambridge's Dali outweighs the food here.
(4)
Sarah C.

Strangely, I also got food poisoning from my graduation meal, but it wasn't at Solea (I got ribs at a seafood restaurant, because I'm an idiot). Anyway, Solea has some great dishes. My favorite is the scallops with saffron sauce. Note to the underaged: Their alcohol policy isn't exactly lax, and even when you bring your parents, they still won't serve you. For real. So that's why I'm only bestowing 4 stars. What harm could a little sangria do? I mean, come on.
(4)
Jason P.

This place is great. Other than a really long wait on a weekend night, we love going here. Service is always fantastic Food is always hot and very tasty We went to Spain on our honeymoon, and I think there are some dishes that are better here, than in Spain. Sangria is great. I think its slightly overpriced, but very reasonable Good stuff- keep it up Solea!
(4)
Karen D.

My BF and I stumbled upon this place and it is a great find. It was a warm night and we sat at a window table with the windows wide open. It's not a cheap night out because you do have to order several dishes at about $7 or 8 to make a meal out of it, but it was excellent. We ordered about 6 or 7 different items and everything was great, and the sauces were nice. For me it's all about the sauce. To me the indicator of a fantastic sauce is I feel I could put it on styrofoam peanuts and they would taste great. The service was very good and the decor inside is warm. When I left there, I felt satisfied and not bloated like I typically do when I leave a restaurant. Even though it tasted good, I felt what I ate was also pretty healthy.
(4)
Liz K.

They would have four stars but they put ice in their sangria. They have a great selection of tapas and a great ambiance. We had the scallops, some banana dish, and spinach. Our server was great.
(3)
Alexis J.

A Tapas place is the last thing I thought I would find on Moody Street & I was glad to find it. It is a warm, welcoming little restaurant that I really enjoy taking friends too. I love the colored lanterns hanging over the bar, too. Ordering a bunch of small plates and sharing over conversation is the best. I have been a few times now and I always, always order the stuff pepper even though I know it is too spicy for me. Teary eyed, I eat my way through it though, because it's flavor is just awesome. I also really like Tostadas de Alcachofas (mini toasts with Artichoke Hearts, Mushroom & Goat Cheese). I also like to try the specials and they are usually pretty good. I really wanted to love the Sangria, but it was just OK. In my opinion, a Tapas place should have a fantastic sangria so they should work on that. Solea is a good time, and I recommend it to anyone who likes tapas. Be sure to make a ressy because it is crowded on the weekends and often has a long wait.
(4)
Nancy L.

Housed on Moody Street, the street of eats on Waltham Street, Solea is the sister restaurant of Dali that serves tapas and alcohol in an elegant and lively setting. Slightly less crowded than Dali due to it's location, it is worth the trek to the suburbs. When you step in, the resturant greets you with an elegant Spanish flavored-room lit by dimmed candles. Both the hot and cold tapas are delicious and varied, ranging from meat to vegetarian dishes, from spicy to comforting. The empanadas, garlic shrimp, roast duckling, and hot and spicy potatoes are all very good. Solea also has great sangria, although the pitcher is on the small side for its price, giving about 3 glasses. However the class setting + food + alcohol does not come cheaply. With each plate around $8 and at least 3 plates to feed one person, come with a gernerous wallet but it's worth it for a fun night out.
(4)
Boo R.

Atmosphere: Casual, yet not lowbrow, a good place for a first date or with friends and family What to Order: Tostones, Gambas al Ajillo, Paella if you don't mind shrimp heads ;) What to Expect: Fast and good service, really nice waiters, a few great things on the menu - the rest is average
(4)
Alan C.

i'm not a fan. from the outside, the place looks nice. well i guess, any establishment with some decorations would stand out on moody street. aside from that, we came out for a late dinner. TAPAS. not entirely sure what fueled this craving. i was feeling experimental that night...must have been the vodka i've been drinking lately (recently switched brands from 3 olives to kettle). anyhoo, i'm looking at the menu and i'll be honest...i didn't know what the hell to order. nothing really stuck out..it's probably because its just not the type of food i'm used to. not the restaurant's fault. for tapas: palta reina = C- at best. it was just an avacado with funky, tasteless crab salad on top. vieiras al azafran (scallops in saffron cream) = scallops were tiny. little bay scallops in fact. there definitely needs to be a supersize option available for them scallops. also, the sauce was way too milky and sweet. costillitas (pork riblets with banana glaze) = my girl loves ribs so naturally when she heard about ribs drenched in banana sauce, this was an automatic go for her. it's aight really and it's exactly what it is as described: just plain o ribs with banana sauce...what a strange combo. by this point, we were finishing up the tapas. i'm not impressed to say the least but i stay optimistic for the seafood paella. now, last time i had paella was in south beach right on deco drive (primetime) and they served me up with some BOMB seafood paella (also $60). just thinking about that paella made me wish i could teleport from waltham to some miami paella goodness. but thats another review altogether... okay, our seafood paella was small but for 24 bucks...it's appropriately priced and not half bad. to begin, there's not much seafood to go around with. the shrimp i know were previosuly frozen because frankly, i can taste it. there was some mystery piece of fish in there, which would have been nice if i knew what type it was. on the other hand, the squid and mussels were good! as i was digging in, i begin to notice the rice on the top was so tasteless and bland. i panicked so i dug my spoon in deeper, carving out the crispy, more tastier rice at the bottom. hands down, the bottom rice of that dish salvaged this dish. actually, it salvaged our entire meal. something about that crispy, slightly burnt saffron rice at the bottom of the pan...it's hmmm mmm goodness. overall, i'm being a bit harsh here i know. i'm sure a more open-minded, sophisticated free-spirited individual would have appreciated it much much more. but for a plain, simple, hearty, 'shepherd's pie' kinda guy just like myself, this just ain't my cup of tea.
(2)
Michael T.

Good, bordering on great, but not quite. Pretty much across the board. Best thing about it is having access to more-then-decent Spanish food in a nice space in Waltham. Now that is great.
(3)
S S.

I liked it. It wasn't bad, however, the bread was cold. The poblano pepper was also cold, even though it was a hot tapas. The tapas are not that original, however, the poblano pepper did taste good. The tres leches cake was very good, the paella was good, but the chicken in it had no taste. Would I come back? Maybe.
(3)
Mats K.

I enjoyed this restaurant. We were invited here to celebrate a friends birthday. I was new to Tapas before eating here, but quickly came to enjoy it. I started out with a cold dish which I can't remember what it was called. It consisted of smoked salmon on plantain chips with creme fraiche (sp?) and some sort of concoction with peppers. This was very tasty. Everything went very well together with their delicious sangria. As a hot dish we shared one of their paellas and it was magnificent. I would highly recommend it. The desert was pretty nice as well. My only complaint would be that my coffee wasn't quite as hot as I would have liked it. Even though I am not accustomed to spending in excess of $10 when I go out for food (in fact I consider it a terrible waste), I would go here again if in the area.
(4)
J M.

Food is great. Sangria was even better and its decorated so cute. I wish I could turn my home bar into a festive area just like theirs.
(4)
A B.

If you like olive oil, you'll love Solea. We had 4 tapas, and 3 of them were loaded. The sizzling garlic shrimp did not sizzle, and in fact, was not terribly interesting or appetizing at all, being some small boiled shrimp in a bowl of olive oil and raw garlic pieces. The mixed greens salad was fresh and good, but again, overly oily. The collard greens had some nuts and raisins mixed in, and was not overcooked or slimy, but was soaked in oil. Only the grilled pepper chicken was light and nicely cooked. I'll try this place again, because they have some other interesting items on the menu, and because they underwrite our local public radio station.
(3)
Forrest G.

Service is mediocre, but the food is great. And surprisingly well priced for tapas. The end.
(4)
Jenny W.

Really good food. I tried so many new things, which is always a flavor adventure. I'm not always down with the food sharing thing, because I generally don't like what everyone else likes, but going with my husband, who's aware of my weirdness, worked for me. We each ordered three dishes for ourselves and two to share. Everything I ordered was delicious and he said the same. The atmosphere was good, a little loud for us, but we were also between two tables with really loud people. The service was good, but a little on the slow side at times. The food came fast, but when you wanted to get more water or the check, the server was suddenly nowhere to be found. The food made up for that though and we'll be returning for more.
(4)
Liz P.

I have been here twice and so far my only complaint is that I have to drive all the way to Waltham to go here. Yes, it's a little pricey, but it's worth every penny. There's a tapas restaurant near my house, but it's all quantity and not quality. Solea's dishes are so delicious and full of flavor. Best so far have been the lamb meatballs, the baby lamb chops (I love lamb), marinated olives, and of course, the sangria. Great ambiance and fantastic food.
(5)
Loves T.

I am a huge tapas fan, so I was excited to try this place as it is right down the street from my home. However, the experience was poor from the beginning. The hostess acted annoyed with us when we told her we had a party of three. (Sorry, perhaps you were hoping for a party of two or four?) She rolled her eyes and actually made a sighing noise. Our waiter however, was excellent. He is the only reason for two stars instead of one. The food was just okay....which is unacceptable for the pricey nature of the menu. One of our dishes came out almost cold. And yes, it WAS supposed to be hot. : ) We had the sangria, and again, it was just decent, nothing special. Our meal was expensive and in my eyes, below average. If you are looking for a great tapas place, try Tasca in Brighton. Much cheaper, and BETTER food and service!
(2)
S W.

If this review were just about the food, I would have bumped it down to a three. We had the following: Ceviche- awesome- actually had salmon in it which was a nice buttery counterpart to the acidity in the dressing Olives- vgood, herby Grilled calamari- had too much chew- very blandly flavored Chorizo- tasted like hot dogs- I have actually been to Spain and while chorizo is a mild sausage, it should never been mistaken for hot dogs Salad with beef tenderloin- beef was tasty, greens were fresh, dressing was too limey- the whole effect wasn't that interesting Drinks- I had a Cava sangria which was peachy good- hubby had a beer- The reason I am bumping it up a star is the fact that it just FEELS SPECIAL to eat here. The low lights and the sexy decor turn a humdrum "lets go out to eat" to "let's have a date". What was supposed to be just a break from me making dinner turned into a romantic date. Bravo to Solea for making this 7+ year couple feel like we had just started dating again.
(4)
Carolyn C.

This place was fantastic. My date brought me to Solea, and it was a great setting. The food was good (the scallops in the saffron sauce and the pork w/goat cheese were winners. Wasn't so crazy about the garlic shrimp or the cerviche, though). The decor was nice. They had both booths and tables, which were set far apart enough so that you didn't have to listen in on the next table's conversation. The service was excellent; our waitress was really good about coming by and picking up our empty plates, and asking how things were, etc. Overall a great experience and I look forward to going back again.
(5)
Steve L.

Their food has remained consistently good, but recently they have raised their prices. I used to come here on a whim with my girlfriend and get away with dinner plus drinks for $50, and with their new prices it's now $80. Supposedly they haven't changed their prices in years, but I just don't see any additional value for the price hike.
(3)
Melee T.

I enjoyed my tapas here. The ambiance can be a bit loud so not a favorite for a date. My biggest gripe though was the sea bass that I ordered. My plate was one fillet of sea bass and some guacamole. The guacamole did not compliment the bass and really, who eats a plate full of guacamole. My husband's meal was more to his liking, it was a wonderful pallela. He was nervous ordering it after having eaten the dish in several locales in Barcelona and Madrid. However he said it was delicious. Midway through our meal he pointed to a side plate with some vegetables which I thought were his. He told me that no they were a part of my meal. Oh, so sea bass, guacamole and random veggies on a different plate? I felt ripped off and would not reccomend that you order the Sea Bass for this reason. Overall I think the restaurant is okay but I do not know if I would necessarily return.
(3)
Sandy M.

Went here after work with a few friends. Really like the decor. We sat at the bar and ordered I think like 9 plates of food...calamari, spicy shrimp, cheesy polenta with mushrooms, green salad, spicy potatoes etc...I can't even remember them all! It was absolutely delicious, and I really liked the entire experience. I will definitely go back. Great place to hang with a few friends and share a variety of foods and a nice bottle of wine.
(4)
Sumiko C.

My husband and I ate at Solea last night. I enjoyed the atmosphere, the service and the food. The food was good and tasty but I wouldn't say amazing. Still, we had fun and would go back. My favorites were the goat cheese in tomato sauce and the scallops in saffron cream. I like tapas - being able to try small plates of several things fits my style better than an enormous plate of one thing.
(4)
Lindsay K.

I would have given Solea four stars except for, well, the awful food poisening that ruined my college graduation. I had had a date here and loved the tapas and wine selection. The mixed cocktails were great, too. I liked the lobster ravioli in langostine sauce so much, I brought my whole family there for lunch the day before I graduated from Brandeis. Two hours later, I was vomiting for 5 hours straight and needed to be prescribed pills to stop retching. The story could go on. I want to say I was unlucky, because I truly enjoyed my time at Solea... just watch out for the seafood dishes.
(3)
David R.

In Waltham often for business meetings. Solea was recomended by my clients so we went for early drinks and dinner. Our waitress was helpful with the selection...and convinced us to try the Samgria! Great choice! Everything is Tapas style so be prepared to share. The food was good, the service was above average, the ambiance was the best!
(3)
Alex F.

Not worth it, unless you like cold service, and mediocre over-priced food. We were excited after seeing some very favorable reviews and were quite disappointed in the end. To start with, the place was half empty, but the host (or owner) kept us waiting for at least five minutes. Once we sat down our waitress greeted us with a very fake hello (the kind you would expect from an ex-girlfriend who you ran into at the Mall). We proceeded to order drinks. Eventhough we are all WELL over 21, she made a point to check our ID's as if we were passing customs. Seriously? She had to look at the ID, then look at our face and then look at it again. Would you like to swipe it too? Maybe call the FBI? Already the mood was ruined. After all that, the drinks took 20 minutes to prepare and we were already half done with our apps! Boo! Food was barely authentic and it tasted like they used "uncle ben's" rice for the Paella. In the end what really got me was that as we were finishing our meals and enjoying our wine the server proceeded to put up chairs around us!!! The restaurant wasn't even closed yet!!! BAD FORM. We won't be going back...
(2)
Kathy K.

Overall, a good Friday evening experience. I met an old friend in Cambridge and decided on Waltham as a destination to find a restaurant as neither of us had been there for some time and thought that at least we can park. Well, Friday night in Waltham at 7 p.m. is a parking chaos in Waltham. We ended up across Main St. to find a spot. This is a good tip as many people do not seem to know there is a municipal parking garage behind Elephant Walk. We finally arrived at the restaurant and found a 35 minute wait, which was more like an hour-plus. The hostess was wonderful, helpful -- good job to her. The bartenders were good too, but need an additional set of hands to cover the work on Friday night. With full menu at the bar and an Friday night surge, please just add an extra person. You would have received more revenue from us... The food was wonderful. Our server was attentive - although not really a tapas guy in terms of building atmosphere. There is also the usual problem of tapas - when to clear a dish, when to let it linger. We stayed for a long time, had coffee and enjoyed. Overall, a good experience. The need to be assertive about time to sit, where to check a coat, and how to get the bar's attention just needs fine tuning.
(4)
Matt D.

Officially off the list. Trip 1. Ok vibe So so food Decent drinks Felt it was overpriced for the quality of the food and location Ok service Trip 2. Blatantly rude waitstaff Same mediocre food at a premium price Off the list. There are plenty of other places on Moody St with better food at a better price with better service.
(2)
Lalin A.

It is not the best tapas bar in Boston area but is the most cheerful place to go in Waltham. Good sangria, delicious goat cheese & tomato, sizzling shrimp, bread with red pepper hummus... Their hot tapas are better than the cold ones. For dessert, definitely check out quesada de banana. Service is slow, but warm and sincere at all times. Seating is usually not a problem as there are quite a few tables. And yes, it is not cheap.
(4)
Kyla S.

First of all, this place is OVERRATED!!!!!!!!!! the food is good but EXPENSIVE! and the portions are really small, so don't come here if you're starving. my server was a complete moron. First, she kept forgetting our drink orders and asking us "Wait....did you want salt or not salt on your drink?" and then she gave us the bill for the couple next to us, who ordered $200 worth of booze....wtf?
(3)
Matt M.

As a waltham local, I think having places like Solea right down the street is one of the reasons the 'Tham is still under the radar. Solea is great for just about any occasion, and the food is almost always superb, and the service is helpful and knowledgeable of the menu and specials. This is such a great spot for summer afternoon dining when the windows are open, or warm indoor dining in the chillier months. Shout out to the stuffed pablano pepper.
(4)
Eliz G.

Came here on a Saturday night. The sweet potato and corn croquettes were AWESOME. Was on the fence about whether to order them. So glad I did, came with an awesome sage cream sauce. Collards with raisins and pine nuts were too salty for my taste, but my dining companions liked them. Patatas bravas were perfectly roasted but could have been served with a little more aioli. Bread at the beginning was cold and doughy and the hummus was mediocre at best. The cheese plate is a little disappointing if you're expecting a real cheese plate that features a variety of cheese. This one just had some slices of parmesan with some dried fruit and a syrup. The banana cheesecake with a chocolate crust was way better than I expected and my boyfriend loved the filled crepe. The almond encrusted sponge cake with lime filling was awful. avoid it. Our server was pleasant and speedy during the first half, but slowed way down towards the end and we had to wait a while for dessert and the check. I won't rush back, but it was definitely a nice experience.
(3)
Vito M.

There are plenty of things to enjoy about a place like Solea. The interior gives off a 'cozy date place' vibe and the tapas and wines are all very different and sharable. We spent an eternity narrowing down selections from the tapas choices but after our attentive waiter took the order, the dishes came out in what seemed like rapid succession. Then again, the sangria and the great company probably contributed to the "time flies" phenomenon. I'd highly recommend the chorizo! Each slice of the spicy sausage was cooked with a crispy outside crust while maintaining a juicy interior. I'll definitely be back!
(4)
Jennifer B.

Love , Love, Love this place. The best sangria ever, the best tappas ever. The bartenders are great, and very personable. The place is always clean, and is always buzzing. It's a good hot spot to bring friends.
(5)
Sergio M.

This is pretty good spanish restaurant. Try the following tapas (appetizers) chorizo, ceviche, torta espanola, jamon serrano, setas al ajillo, gambas al ajillo. The churrasco is the best, eventhough is not spanish, it makes for a very good steak(something rather hard to find in the area). Atmosphere is nice. Tthere is a quiet room for dinner and a louder room with a bar that serves pretty good cleriqot. Their paella is not so good though.
(4)
Sarah C.

Eh... it was good but I'm not dying to go back. I finally discovered Waltham though!...and I AM psyched to check out the other restaurants Waltham has to offer... there is so much going on there... I had no idea! And really, I kinda feel out of the loop ;) Anyway... The atmosphere is really quite nice, dim but not too dark, with gorgeous rich coloring (Garnet hues, deep greens and blues). This place would be great for a date on a quieter evening, but I would imagine it too be a bit noisy when it is busy. YES! for: -Atmosphere -Affordable and varied wine list, decent selection of sherry (Really great with Tapas...a nice Amontillado or Manzanilla... dry and crisp with a beautiful and addictive nutty finish. And Cava, of course ;) -The baked goat cheese in red (marinara type) sauce... so good. -Red pepper hummus served with bread -collard greens with pine nuts and golden raisins -quick seating -nice host staff NO! for: -REALLY slow service for a quiet night (our server was taking care of too many tables... really nice girl, and nothing was wrong with our order (besides pacing) but she was not able to give us any quality attention.... at all. -No anchovies???? -LAME sizzling garlic shrimp plate...I mean... it was a sad sight. The shrimp were WAY too tiny...and shrunk even more because of the heat but the garlic olive oil sauce was good -No tasting sherry before you order a glass... wine yes but sherry no? -Incredibly bland gazpacho... blech (what a disappointment) -The tapas were brought out in a strange order... with really poorly planned timing (none at all) All in all I was just really in the mood for tapas... and my craving was definitely satisfied... but next time I'll venture a little out of my way to Taberna de Haro...or Tasca.
(3)
Dirgni S.

I just went last Saturday and I think it is great. The service was attentive and most of the dishes were fantastic. We had: Poblano Relleno - Excellent. Empanada de Pollo - Bland and cold. I wouldn't order it again. Ravioles de Mariscos - Heavenly Lomito al Cabrales - Terrific Tarta de Chocolates - Yum. If I just wanted a drink and dessert, I'd come for this. Caipirinha - Excellent. Best I've had in Boston.
(5)
Lilee N.

Cute place. Loved the area. Went here for a dinner of tapas. The quail in mole sauce was nice. Short ribs were ok. My favorites were the scallops and baby lamb chop tapas. Sangria was ok. Great service and good selection, but nothing that really WOWed. Atmosphere is nice, especially after a long week and all you want is to wind down and relax.
(4)
Ann C.

amazing!!! simply, shockingly amazing!!! i totally underestimated this place. i've seen it a couple of times but i never wanted to dine there. i don't know why. i guess i prematurely judged this place without even giving it a chance. ample street parking available as well as parking lots behind moody street and what not. restuarant is big enough to cater big groups and waiting time is short but i recommed making a reservation. service was so attentive and so friendly!! i had a sweet middle aged woman and she was sooooooo cute and nice. and the best part: AMAZING FOOD!!!! yes, i dined during restaurant week but i left with a more than full stomach and throughly satisfied. everything we had was delicious- sausage, beef, cauliflower, etc...def a must go again place. the color of the sangria was so pretty but the taste was even better.
(5)
Annie W.

mixed reviews are always so strange. they make me second-guess whether i'll try places. but my friend and i went anyway, for restaurant week, to try it out. the decor is not unlike tapeo -- rich colors, basque, Spanish-looking. they had a Spanish beer on tap, which was light and a little fruity. onto the food: yes, it's brazillian had a baby with tapas. bread -- good, crispy crunchy crust, and with good heft and chewiness served with a hummus Tostadas de Alcachofas - nothing remarkable about the bread but they were good, with a light goat cheese "butter" PÃ£o de Queijo - it's like mozzerella balls had a baby with pastry bread! so good. so good (there isn't mozzerella, but more the texture and execution) Solomillo con Chimichurri - my friend and i thought this was the best thing we tried. the spicy sauce is amazing -- possibly a spicy pepper (jalapeno?) pesto? so good. a flavorful cut of medium-done beef! Salmon a la Plancha - close to melt-in-your-mouth, good execution, creamy BuÃ±uelos - couldn't tell whether there were vegetables inside. they were like poppers. they were gone quickly Lomito al Cabrales - not too much of a fan of the pork loin. it tasted like a cut of ham in a drooling cream sauce as for desserts -- i definitely liked the execution of desserts better than the mains overall. we had the tarta de chocolate, which was mildly sweet, with not too much of an almond note as i recall. the tres leches with a mango cream was amazing. the kind of stuff you wish got bottled into a body cream in the sort of delightful sensory way. anyhow overall, we we didn't hate anything. service was prompt and friendly. the prices for regular tapas considered -- it's an okay deal, but i wouldn't swing for it on a regular day, and the execution isn't so good that i'd rationalize the price. few establishments actually pull this off (i'm thinking to the likes of oleana, which is mindblowingly worth every penny, and ridiculously difficult to have a seat in on a good day). the place is huge, the decor is rich and inviting, and it'd be a cute date place. food quality is good to very good, so if you have a big (relative to me) pocketbook, by all means. otherwise, i'd put this in the quality category of a $17-20s/entree establishment -- not bad, but reasonable.
(4)
Michelle B.

I'm giving this two stars, not for the food and the actual dinner experience, but for the bar tender that served me and a group of co-worker friends. Dining Experience: I thought was really good. I'd definitely go back to eat dinner. Bar: I'd only go back if that bartender wasn't working there anymore. I've never known a more rude person in my life. I waited a good 20 mins before I was even asked if I wanted a drink, and when I did he was overall just not friendly about it. He insulted a co-worker of mine who is soft spoken as it is and it's clear English is not his first language, however he is still intelligent and can understand you. Therefore, turning to my co-worker and yelling: "Can this guy even speak English!?" Is COMPLETELY inexcusable. What's worse...when it came time for us to leave (because quite frankly we had had it...) the gentleman REFUSED to let us pay separately. We had people who ordered more than others, or at different times an he wouldn't treat them as separate tabs! He put them all on one card. !??!! I don't understand this logic. It'd be one thing if it was all of us at a table (even though I don't understand why waiters make a stink about splitting the check either), but this is a bar! Just because I'm with a group of people doesn't mean they should have to all pay for my drinks! I really couldn't believe the nerve of this guy. I really hope he is or will be fired.
(2)
Ethan S.

Pretty good tapas, although could be better for the price. Solid selection of wines. Service was excellent. Great for metrowest Boston but not as good as Newark or jersey city.
(4)
Consuelo V.

This place had become a wonderful staple in our weekly routine, particularly after a hard day. I find the bar to be the best experience with the eclectic collection of pendant lights, quick service by the awesome bartenders, delicious food, and the ability to people watch down Moody St. The best tapas (on the veggie side) are the crostini sans goat cheese for the vegans, the fritters, collard greens, and the veggie if the day (depending on what it is and how adventurous you feel). And you can never go wrong with their red sangria. On the meat side, my partner says the solo mio and the venison sausage are the best.
(4)
Abby C.

If you like Tapas (or even if you don't!), go to SOLEA on Moody St in Waltham. My partner and I went for the first time last night (after knowing about this place for years) and I already can't wait to go back! The space is big and beautiful, with rich warm colors, glass, and wrought iron accessories. And the food is INCREDIBLE! Every bite of every plate was delicious and we got extra bread just to finish off the sauces. (We got lobster & crab raviolis, lamb meatballs, baked goat cheese in tomato basil, and fries.) The drinks were great as well (classic sangria & blueberry ginger beer mojito!) and the staff was friendly. The best part was that it all cost less than we thought, so it's quite affordable for the quality of food. Highly recommend this place!!! :-D
(5)
Melanie D.

Very fun and intimate atmosphere. All the food is wonderful and great to order a lot of different things and split with friends or family. Have some great sangria to go with!
(4)
maya k.

Delicious food, but a dinner of tapas can get really pricey. We went on a Friday night - so loud and crowded we could barely hear each other. Service was some of the worst I have had. The wait staff snarled when I asked them to remove plates. Our waitress barely checked in on us. We're done with going there for dinner. We may return for lunch or off hours.
(3)
Bobby C.

A group of friends and I had a get-together here on a Thursday evening. Recommend: lamb meatballs,Bunuelos ok: Ravioles de Mariscos, meh: Setas al Ajillo, Solomillo con Chimichurri, Pao de Queijo Decor was nice. We also had a nice window seat. Service was not bad. We all had ordered a few drinks also. I noticed on the menu that you have to request water which we need. By the middle of the meal, my glass was empty. Other tables were getting refilled, but we weren't. When we were ordering dessert, I asked the water to be refilled. We got our desserts but no water refills. Later my friend tried to get a hold of a water for water but to no avail. A good selection of desserts, but nothing too amazing.
(3)
Sheethal S.

Love the Pablano Relleno. I can eat it almost every time. Friendly staff, clean place, good service.
(4)
N. M.

Delicious food and great staff. One of my absolute favorite places to eat not just in Waltham but in the entire Boston area. The sauces are incredible and even foods I wouldn't normally eat are ridiculously tasty. Beautiful ambiance and especially nice in warm weather when the windows can be open. Great for just cocktails too! Definitely try the white sangria!
(5)
J M.

Favorite place to eat in Waltham. We have sat at the bar and also had table service and both are fantastic. The menu selection is good. Beef Empanada and the Queso de Cabra Montaones are really tasty and the espresso martinis are really good.
(5)
Kuong L.

I've eaten at Solea Restaurant in the past and enjoyed the Tapas that they offered. I visited it recently and not sure if they've changed management/cook but definitely did not feel the food was as good as I remembered it. The sizzling shrimp dish that we got was pretty good. This is a pretty common tapas dish and it's quite hard to mess up. The price was reasonable. Tostadas de Alcachofas which consisted of Artichoke, Mushroom, & Goat Cheese Crostini was okay. There were three pieces and a part of me felt there wasn't much to desire about the dish. It's not a hot plate and therefore, lacked anything special in my mind. Arroz y Habas which is Rice and Beans was a solid dish. It was the right portion and came out not to hot but warm enough that you got to really enjoy the flavors of the dish. Service was good and waitress was attentive. I enjoy tapas quite a bit but felt disappointed this time around with the quality of food. If you're in Waltham and want something different the the standard pizza and sandwich shops, this might be a place for you, but otherwise, I'm not too sure I'd be excited to eat here again.
(2)
Heather W.

On my first visit, my table was a tad sticky. Despite two requests for a wipe-down, it never happened. No worry, the quality of the food and drinks, plus the bartender's dry wit and attentiveness have kept me coming back. Sit at the bar. Favorites: Basil lime gimlet Ceviche Gorditas (a must for bacon lovers) Solomillo con Chimichurri (The meat is tender and the sauce has a nice bite.) Camarones a la Plancha (a kick in the mouth!) Mejillones a la Salmorra Palta Reina Patatas Fritas This is a great spot to people watch during the warmer months, esp. when they open the windows and the sounds of Moody Street float in. Parking can be a bit of a hassle, so give yourself extra time.
(3)
Tim B.

Good but not distinctive food. Nice atmosphere. Good for a small group gathering. Service was poor. We felt rushed. Server never checked to see if we liked the food. She tried to clear plates that were obviously not finished. Very few wines by the glass, and at $10-13 a pop, very expensive given the weak offerings.
(3)
Nathan T.

Man, this place is huge. Room after room! The food isn't bad - pretty much your average tapas place. Lots on the menu to choose from, good service, reasonable prices. They have entrees as well as tapas, so if you're not in the small plate mood, you won't be without options. If you are looking for a relative safe bet on Moody street and want to go exotic but not too exotic, this place is for you. In the summer they open the windows and give it a nice cantina vibe.
(3)
Tara G.

Great restaurant! It was easy to make reservations online and we were seated promptly. We ordered 5 tapas and all of them were delicious. I liked the Salmon a la Brava and Solomillo con Beef Tenderloin the best. We also got churros and the crepe with vanilla creme and berries which were amazing, especially the crepe. I would recommend this place to anyone!
(5)
Ariel Z.

Yummy tapas and that dish with the beef tenderloin, apricots, and prunes in a heavenly cream sauce is the stuff dreams are made of...no joke. The paella also comes in a huge vat that is perfect for sharing with everyone at your table. I would go for the Traditional Sangria, which is their most popular and classic of the sangria choices. Love the decor, too! Super hard to get a reservation, but well worth it.
(4)
Michelle C.

I love me some tapas. Been here a couple of times over the years. Not as often as I'd like. Everything I've tried here has been tasty. Today went with a group of people and got to try a bunch of things. These are some of my favs picks: Bunuelos, Broccoli and Cauliflower Fritters Queso de Cabra Montanes, Baked Goat Cheese in Tomato Basil Sauce Albondigas de Cordero, Lamb Meatballs in Truffle Cream Sauce ---the sauce is out of control We had paella (they warn you it takes 30 minutes but it took more like 45-50) and it was ok, I thought it was supposed to have crunchy bits? but sadly there was none, boo! Nice that the windows were open, but the street noise was sooo loud in the restaurant. They open at noon for lunch, parking lot across the street.
(4)
Natalie K.

We went for a quick late noght bite. We ordered duck leg, sauteed mushrooms, beef tenderloin abd chicken empanada from the tapas menu. Chicken empanada is average, it tastes like something from a freezer section. Sayteed mushrooms were mushy and peppery. Duck leg was nice , cane with a berry sauce. Beef tendeloin was the best dron tge things we ordered. It was tender, came with a spicy sauce. Service was quick and courteous.
(3)
Em P.

My friend and I have an annual tradition of going to Solea around the holidays. It's always warm and friendly, good food, good wine. Cant go wrong.
(5)
Jackie B.

Love Solea and tapas style eating in general! I've been here several times for business, but for the first time this weekend personally. I took my parents from NY and they also enjoyed it. The decor, atmosphere, and lighting are perfect. Our waiter was very charming and knowledgeable. He even told us we might have over ordered (instead of trying to push extra food). Turns out he was wrong as we were very hungry! For 4 people, we got the small paella for the middle of the table and 9 tapas to share. The scallops in saffron sauce are my favorite! And the sangria (red over white). Prices are little high for me to justify going often. Once every couple of months sort of thing.
(4)
Alison R.

The red sangria is delicious! Go for the litro size!! You wont regret it :) Love the atmosphere of this restaurant. It's a great place to go for drinks with friends. They have 3 rooms for dining (including the bar) so wherever you are it doesn't feel like a "huge" restaurant but more intimate. But they can accommodate large groups (there was a party of 22 when I went the other night). The lobster ravioli is delicious and has a hint of spice. Love it!
(3)
Cathy M.

Oh my gosh! In town from Seattle and this place is like a slice of heaven... so happy to have gotten the recommendation from the very wise woman at.the Marriott to come here...
(5)
Helen N.

It's OKAY restaurant. I can't say the food was awful, although don't even remember how did it taste. I can't say the service was awful, altough I DO remember myself packing my lunch to go and wondering around looking for our waiter. It's might be good for small group of people, but definitely not for 10 people. They made a huge table for us and when the food was coming, they just put it in the middle of the table without announcing it. So we were forced to guess what is what and who ordered it. Thanks god I know how mussels looks like, Had to guess the lamb tho. The whole "food coming" situation was even funny. Out Waitress brought small bowl of soup, put it there and left. Imagine 10 hungry girls looking at it and thinking "do we suppose to share or someone ordered it?". Turned out someone did ordered soup and ...wait a minute...not even one person, which leads to the next question "what kind of soup is it?". The bill ....OMG...THE BILL!!!! I have left first so I don't really know how they ended up splitting it. But , again, my part was "funny". I ve asked them to split it for me, so I can pay just for my orders. They apparently don't do it. The whole bill was consist of fancy tapas name, so I asked for the menu (took a while for them to bring it to me) and was sitting looking for my orders. I did ordered 3 meals, since they recommended it (tapas usually small plates and usually it does go 3 meals per person). So, when I asked to pack my meals to go, the weird look, something like "r u nuts?" Was given me. Then she brought me small tiny box for 3 meal (one of it was pretty big plate of mussels). Still, I can't say it's was the worst experience. They are OKAY! but not coming back there anymore for sure. I remember I went to diner in Lynn; small, not very clean diner with not really good food, but OMG the owner was awesome, kind, funny. I know for sure I am coming back there, to that tiny dirty diner with incredible workers! FYI, Sometimes good service can bring more customers than good food.
(3)
Lisa M.

I love this place. The food is delicious and the wait staff is exceptional. We recently held a fundraiser for our non-profit here that went beautifully. Copious well-selectioned dishes, wait staff that was attentive to every detail, including our guests with special dietary requirements. Everyone had such a great time that we plan to do it again, and again...
(5)
Yasa E.

Love solea. The sangria is fantastic. The tapas are to die for. I love the ceviche, patatas bravas, raviolis and of course the duck. I even got one of my friends who doesn't like duck to try it and she loved it! Service is usually attentive. A little pricey but I think it's worth it. Parking lot a block away, so that's nice
(4)
Jon B.

This place is better than it's 3.5 star average would imply. The food and drinks are excellent; the staff is friendly, attentive, and efficient; and the place is large and well-attended. We stopped in for a late Sunday lunch. The Sangria Royale is very good, as was the bread and hummus brought to the table as a starter. We enjoyed the potatoes, grilled chicken with ancho tomato sauce, and the chimichurri steak. All excellent.
(4)
Alex M.

I have been to many tapas places, and was surprised by the interior of Solea. Very big, spacious and popular. Great to see some authentic drinks on the menu, just wish the food was as authentic. It certainly seemed like an attempt at classic Spanish tapas, rather than the real deal. Whilst tasty, I couldn't help but feel that it wasn't all that was promised yet paid for high end dishes. Not bad, but certainly not great.
(3)
Liz G.

I was really expecting a bit more from this place based on the reviews. The food was fine, although far from amazing, and the prices were no less than they are at Boston tapas restaurants. If it was a special night out (i.e. a birthday party, date), I might have indulged more than I did; however, during lunchtime, it's difficult to justify such a high bill for just a few shared dishes.
(3)
Amy K.

The tapas are overpriced but tasty. If the prices were more reasonable for the very small portion sizes (even for tapas) I would give four stars because we did enjoy our selections overall. The shrimp in the Camarones a la Plancha were overcooked and tough but flavorful. The itty-bitty lamb chops in the Chuletillas were so tough my butter knife could almost not cut into them, but again the flavor was good. We thoroughly enjoyed our other selections including Patatas Bravas, Alcachofas Salteadas and Palta Reina. To drink, I had a Sangria Royale which was nothing special really and as much ice as sangria, so again a small portion size for the price.
(3)
Eric M.

An excellent tapas bar at the end of Moody St in Waltham. They have a decent sized bar and front-area where there are a few tables in the window and some tables opposite the bar. The dining room is much bigger and offers plenty of seating, even during the dinner rush. The menu is simple and affordable, but done very well. There are plenty of options on the menu for everyone; with options to stick with the classics or try some more adventurous dishes. Some of my favorites include: Costillas de Boi Patatas Bravas (classic) Tostadas de Alcachofa and always the Croquetas del Dia
(5)
Gwen r.

I had my wedding reception here, overall it was great! If you're the kind of person who wants a simple, no hassle reception without dealing with renting a venue & catering & chairs & tableware... all those little details that add up and become ridiculous, then try Solea! The private space is charming, has nice decor, a bar, and additional restrooms. The staff were helpful, attentive, and seemed to genuinely care. The food, served buffet style, was delicious and fresh- the Brazilian cheese balls and broccoli cauliflower fritters were particularly a hit. The paella dish and roast duck were also quite delicious. And we had all the desserts on the menu, yum! Sangria, wine and beer were included in the reception rental package. I would highly recommend Solea for any function. Hope and Carlos were extremely helpful and attentive, we are grateful for all their help and for the wonderful staff who worked the reception as well. The only cons are: we were limited to 4 hours, the music was turned down (maybe a patron complained?) so there didn't end up being as much dancing as we hoped. However, we chose this place with the understanding that it is a restaurant, not a wedding venue, so there were some limitations. On the other hand, it's awesome that they accommodated us. we truly had a wonderful time and are glad we chose Solea over those overpriced frou frou wedding venues.
(4)
David B.

As tapas have become a standard on the dining scene, its become increasingly clear that not many places can execute small plates well. Fortunately, Solea does it well. Good ingredients well prepared. They offer the best we've sampled in the area since moving to the greater Boston area 5.5 years ago. Plus, we like the Moody Street vibe. Of the 8 dishes we tried, the only dud were the scallops in a cream sauce. The scallops had a metallic, slightly fishy taste but the sauce was delicious. The grilled chorizo was a stand out as was the pulpo (octopus). on the veg side we also enjoyed the Coles Rebosados (Brussels Sprouts) for you can never go wrong the Sprouts and bacon! I enjoyed a nice glass of Tempernillo and found the service to be friendly and helpful in explaining menu items. There was much more to sample on the menu than we had the appetite for so we look forward to a return visit.
(5)
Lauren B.

I met three friends for dinner here on a Monday night. It was by no means busy but had a decent amount of people, especially for a monday. We got seated right away. Super cute atmosphere, pretty decor. We started with some sangria pitchers which were delicious. We had the collard greens, mushroom and onion bread, bacon wrapped dates, lobster ravioli & lamb meatballs. Honestly everything was delicious. The whole menu looked awesome. The waiter gave great suggestions. For dessert we had the tres leches cake and a crepe caramel dish. Seriously so good. Prices were reasonable. The service was phenomenal. Everything came quickly and fresh. This place is great for catching up with friends, a bug group of people, or even a first date.
(4)
Erin D.

I have been to a lot of Spanish restaurants (including living in Spain for 6 months) and this was by far the worst Spanish tapas restaurant I have ever been to, many dishes being inedible.
(1)
Alice D.

I've had two great experiences here. Last week we got seats right near the windows, opened up for summer! It was perfect- I recommend going when it's warm! I ordered the mussels and the sausage with fig- both were incredible; the mussel sauce was like rich tomato soup and was delish with bread! I tried my friends' tortilla espaÃ±ola and beef empanadas... both were good. I love the ambiance here, the decor is kind of funky. Tapas always make for a more intimate meal- go here to get fun little tastes with friends!
(4)
Jackie K.

Ah, the wording of the four star review, "Yay, I'm a fan"....alas I am not but it was good so three stars. Just felt like the tapas are hit or miss and it takes me a few visits and lots of money to figure it out so I do not think I will be investing time and money into this. The pimientos were underwhelming, tortilla espanola and patatas bravas were good, their aioli (really mayo) was very good, I wanted to slather it on everything. The paella was eh. Sangria was good. Service was good. Just not good enough to make me leave my regular Waltham restaurants.
(3)
J C.

For tapas, I had Pato Braseado (Roast Duck in Berry Sauce) and Gambas al Ajillo (Sizzling Garlic Shrimp). To drink, I had a Basil Lime Gimlet cocktail. For dessert, I had Flan. The edges of the duck were very slightly overcooked, but the rest of the duck was great. The duck was very fatty and flavorful, as should be expected, but the heaviness of the fat was cut by the sourness of the berry sauce, so it was a very well balanced dish. To be fair, that's a really common flavor combination. I was less impressed by the shrimp dish. The shrimp, though expertly cooked (springy when biting into the shrimp but tender feeling during chewing), did not have much taste to it. The cocktail tasted very much like a gin and tonic. On that point, I don't think it was worth the price. The flan was great. It wasn't watery and held its shape, yet was still wet and sweet. But it wasn't overly sweet, as long as you enjoyed it slowly.
(3)
Kristen C.

I'm sure the food is excellent but the guy who answers the phone has got to go. I was making a polite inquiry to follow up on an email I sent last week. The "gentleman" who answers their phone need some manners. I simply asked to speak to a manager. When he asked me why, instead of providing me with a contact person. I told him I had emailed them to their main address but as it wasn't specifically addressed to someone, I wanted to be sure they had received it. He told me that the restaurant doesn't have time to reply to all their emails. (not even an automated reply that states they had received my inquiry -- please get with the 21st century. I think there's an app for that.) Then he hung up on me. Not even a "have a nice day." Some customer service! :-(
(1)
Graham H.

Really enjoyed dining here. Very good tapas, wine list, a few decent draft beers and friendly service. All the tapas that we had we're delicious and we'll definitely brave the New England winter to go back.
(4)
Steve D.

While driving around looking for a place to eat we noticed Tapas. Stopped for a beer and some Tapas. Beer was very nice and cold. Ordered three Tapas, chicken in tomato sauce, Chorizo and empanada. Ate the food; drank my 1 beer; paid my $25 tab. Beer was cold......... Need more? Disclaimer, I am not a foodie not a food snob, but I will anticipate a specific taste of the meal based on the description on a dish. If I see thin crust pizza I expect to hear a crunch on the crust. Chicken: Actual dish is Pechuga al Ancho, Grilled Chicken Breast with Ancho Chile Tomato Sauce. Most Tapas restaurants offer small samples (2-3 small pieces) in their dishes. This dish was a more like 1 chicken tender (not breaded just to id size) that someone poured some sauce on. Sauce was salty vs a good pepper flavor. Chorizo: Actual dish is Chorizo a la Plancha, Grilled Spanish Sausage. Good Chorizo is a dry sausage, the one here is more like a fresh home made. However homemade chorizo is usually made with alot of fat chucks for flavor since it's not aged for good flavor. I do not like eating chunks of fat, so.... Empanada: I've been to Puerto Rico and base my Empanada taste based on the ones they serve down there; they are very tast. Here it was ground beef in dough. Not much flavor beyond that, meat just needs something for seasoning other than salt. Let just assume it was a bad day, and kitchen didn't have their game on since the restaurant was pretty empty when I was there @ 6pm ( only 3 tables in use),
(3)
Andrew K.

I worked at Solea for few years while I was going through school so I know this restaurant inside and out. Impeccably clean kitchen, amazingly knowledgable and friendly staff, terrific atmosphere, great wine and food, creative and talented chef. I could really go on and on but instead I'm headed there right now for the lomito (pork tenderloin with blue cheese/goat cheese sauce) grelos ( Spanish style collard greens) and patatas bravas ( potatoes with spicy red sauce and garlic aoli) I've probably worked in 10 different restaurants in several states and Solea is the only one I miss eating at on a regular basis.
(5)
Gee A.

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Waltham - The food is great, the ambience is great. Definitely one of the nicest restaurants on Moody Street!!
(5)
Vanessa L.

One of the better places on Moody St. I've been here several times and this place is a must go if you love to sample a bit of everything. Must try dishes: Cerviche, Arroz y Habas (rice & beans), Bunuelos (broccoli & cauliflower fritters), and anything with chorizo :)
(4)
Kathleen M.

Delicious food, but wine is expensive. Cheapest glass of red was $12 which is a little steep. Food prices were very reasonable and menu had lots of options. Would go back!
(4)
Joey M.

This place has lost it's mojo. The last two times I came the food was overly salty and oily. The waiter was unpleasant and the food nowhere near as good as it used to be. I don't know what happened, disappointed.
(2)
Sergiu P.

Must have Sangria Royal if you go. Also Gambas , the sizzling shrimp is to die for. Great atmosphere, huge place, can seat more than 200 people. Best in Waltham.
(5)
Sonia T.

Totally overrated. After several people recommended Solea, my husband and I decided to give it a try. We went early one Friday night without reservations and were seated right away. Right off the bat I was a little annoyed because I could hear the other servers giving their tables the low down on the restaurant but our server didn't, like she just wanted to get it over with. I ordered a cocktail, the pineapple/basil one which was really very tasty and we also ordered a bottle of wine. I will say they had a nice selection of very reasonable priced wines by the glass and bottle. We ordered 5 dished and 2 desserts, it was definitely enough for the two of us. We had: Artichoke and goat cheese crostini - totally underwhelming, the bread wasn't enough toasty and crusty, it was the same bread they serve when you sit down and there was barely any cheese. Scallops in saffron sauce - very tasty, we both enjoyed Short ribs - pretty good portion, not too fatty, pretty good Lobster ravioli - the pasta was a little too al dente for me but the filling and sauce were good Beef empanadas - again, underwhelming, very dry and the dipping sauce was very bland. Flan of the day (Kailua) - my husband got this and I had a bite, I don't like coffee flavored things, but it was good Chocolate cake - it was like a flourless chocolate torte, I liked it very much. All in all, we got out of the for about $125, which for that price I think there are better options around but we may still come back to try the paella because we saw it on other tables and looked good.
(2)
Holly K.

They would have gotten five stars if they didn't change the menu up last summer. I literally was almost brought to tears when I was told I no longer could get the ribs with banana sauce (don't judge it unless you had the opportunity to try it) and spinach and artichoke fritters. When I got over my mourning stage I realize they still do have some pretty good things on the menu, I just don't know if anything will compare to those ribs. Some of my other favorites include the goat cheese and tomato dip, lobster and crab ravioli, duck with blackberry sauce, and the spicy potatoes. The ambiance is great here, especially if you can get a table by the open windows in the summer. Unlike other tapas places in the area you have plenty of space and don't feel crowded by the table next to you.
(4)
Chari H.

I love trying tapas, but most of the dishes were just medicre. The sangria is amazing.
(3)
Michelle S.

I came to Solea after a long hiatus. This was my first tapas restaurant outside of Spain that I ever came to, and this was right when they first opened. I couldn't get over this place at first, but then as it got over its new restaurant awesomeness, the service and the food quality took a dive, at which point I discovered other Greater Boston area options such as Estragon and Tasca. Last night was my first time back since my hiatus. I would say they did a solid job. I thoroughly enjoyed the drink I ordered, a Blood Orange sidecar. I was not taken aback by my Solea experience, though. The service could not have been better! The food was up and down. A friend and I shared: Patatas Bravas: The do theirs differently from the tradition version. They used less "brava" sauce and aioli, and rely on some paprika seasoning, I believe. I think of this dish as a consistent staple in any tapas order, sort of like french fries to American food. I won't bash them too hard for getting creative, but I think I prefer my traditional patatas bravas. Queso de Cabra con Tomate: This was probably my favorite dish from last night. It it just such a good combination of flavors and comes warmed up and melty. So delicious! Pulpo a Feria: I used to love Solea's pulpo a la gallega. I saw this on the menu and was expecting it to be the same. No way! It came as a cold dish of under-flavored octopus. Not a win! Poblano Relleno: A stuffed and friends poblano pepper, with corn, potatoes, and not a whole lot of flavor, but satisfyingly hearty like a Spanish pot pie. Pechuga al Ancho: Basically what we expected. It was a basic piece of chicken with ancho sauce and tomatoes. Pretty good. I will probably come back, but I might order differently, dropping off a majority of what I ordered this time around. As a general takeaway from my experience at Solea last night, I'd say that it is important to stick to tapas that you know will be a bang of flavor. They tend to go safe.
(3)
Vera S.

I LOVE Solea. I have been here at least a dozen times and it is super delicious every time. I don't care who you are, or how much you claim to dislike potatoes: Get the Patatas Bravas. They are delicious. The beef with chimichurri sauce is also great. The duck ravioli is delicious. I had my bridal shower at Solea. We had the entire back room for several hours. The waitstaff was attentive and great and the food was amazing. I probably single-handedly downed at least two pitchers of the delicious red sangria, which tastes like candy wrapped in dreams.
(5)
Zack A.

Solea has some amazing food. I've been here a number of times and have tried much of the menu. The lobster raviolis and lamb meatballs are continuously two of my favorites. I might just get three of each next time I go. The only negative I have is the noise level. It can be loud at times, especially if they are playing music. Servers are attentive. It is always busy, so call ahead and check on seating if you don't want to wait, make a reservation if you can. Parking is easy; there is a small public lot on the side street opposite Solea on Walnut and a larger one a block down on Spruce.
(4)
Ronald R.

I was very surprised to see someone negatively reviewed Solea today. We were there today for lunch and also had the scallops in saffron cream and beans & rice plus a few other items. The food was outstanding. We ate at the gorgeous bar and the service was friendly and attentive. We love this place and have never had a bad meal here. Can't wait to go back. P.S. - their bread is the stuff that dreams are made of!
(5)
Linda M.

Really loved the decor and ambience; waitstaff was excellent but food a disappointment. Salad of the day was delicious. Crab, avocado and mango timbale, so so, crab meat tastes frozen. Beans and rice OK but nothing special. Scallops were tasty and fresh but the saffron sauce was very bitter. Orange flan and mango sorbet lackluster. Would not return.
(2)
Emily S.

Just came back recently after not being here in a year or so. The wine and food is still great. I highly recommend it still, but I have noticed that they have not really changed their menu in the three years I've been going there. Wish they'd add some new creative dishes but don't let this deter you from trying Solea. Yum!
(4)
Shannon M.

I love tapas, and Solea offers a lot of great items as well as some less memorable ones. The garlic shrimp is fantastic, the patatas bravas are okay (not as good as the ones at Toro), the seafood paella is good, the tortilla de espanol is pretty standard, and the lobster ravioli is good. Really, the only thing that stood out was the garlic shrimp. But that dish alone is worth a visit.
(3)
Sean R.

Went to Solea for dinner at 6:00 on a Saturday night. The staff was friendly and helpful, the wine was excellent, and the food was great. The garlic shrimp was ok but could have used at least twice as much garlic. Other than that the food was great, and tapas allowed us to try 5 or 6 different dishes. Rice and beans were better than I expected, and the flank steak with shallot butter was well executed. It was pretty expensive, but we had a bottle of wine with our meal. We will go back; one of the better spots on Moody street!
(4)
Clara L.

Waltham and Moody St score big with Solea. Other than the necessity for a drive, I would say this blows most Boston tapas places out of the water. Some friends and I met for lunch on a Sunday. We ordered the broccoli and cauliflower fritters, baked goat cheese, and tilapia ceviche to start, then followed with sizzling garlic shrimp, the sausage with fig sauce, and calamari. Everything was well seasoned and tasty. The service was also excellent, our server was extremely sweet and attentive. The prices are pretty comparable to those in Boston, such as Dali, Tapeo, or Bar Lola, which surprised me a bit given that it is outside of the city. I'm not complaining too much though, since the food and service were excellent. As we were leaving, we saw that they have a sister restaurant in Kendall Square, so it may be a likely visit. They also have capability for large parties, with much more space in the back, in fact a couple was visiting to plan their wedding party. Solid restaurant, a must when in Waltham!
(4)
Tania P.

As a Native Spaniard, I have pretty high standards for Spanish food and I have yet to find a restaurant that actually makes authentic Spanish food. Solea's was great, but not Spanish. It felt more like a Spanish fusion place. The paella was average and some of the traditional Spanish tapas felt inauthentic. But don't get me wrong-- some of their tapas were delicious!! Thus, my 3 star rating.
(3)
Marie P.

Yum Yum Yum! I have never had bad experience here ! The Sangria is delicious. The only dishes I haven't cared for were the liver and the goat cheese tomato basil. Duck, muscles and fritters are my fav.
(5)
Jessica V.

This place is fantastic! The prices are a bit high, but you honestly get what you pay for. The sangria was excellent! I was so impressed that they had an entire section of the menu dedicated to vegetarian options - such a great plus! All of the tapas were wonderful. We had the Patatas Bravas, Plato Mixto, Calamares Fritos, Costillas de Buey, and the Tostadas de Alcachofas. I'd order them all again. The tres leches cake was delicious! To top it all off, the decor was fantastic - looked just like Spain!
(5)
Christa S.

I popped in here after many years of specifically NOT going here to give it another chance. That was my FIRST mistake. It was a low key Wednesday night, the place was not overly busy, and my friend and I sat at the bar, where there were several other patrons. We ordered 3 tapas dishes. A veggie, a seafood and a meat. My friend had some wine, and eventually a glass of sangria. I had some vodka drink. Our food arrived very quickly after we placed our order. The plates were hot, which is nice as it will keep the food warm while we pick. The food was a bit bland, and for the price, not impressive. We did not finish any of the dishes. My friend ordered a last glass of wine, and I had a second round of my vodka drink. When it came time for the bill, we wanted to split our check: split the tapas down the middle, put the wine on one card, put the vodka drinks on the other. We were told that it could be split down the middle, but that what I was asking for was impossible, and that they were far too busy to handle this request. I then sat and had to do MATH to give back to have us charged accurately. I was displeased at this request, as it was not overly complicated. Topped with the food not being great, I will not be revisiting Solea. I should have stuck to my 5 year hiatus from the last time I ventured to eat here.
(1)
William S.

This place is a true tappas restaurant. However, I personally did not like it. The decor was awful at least where we sat. It was dirty, dated and very drapey...as in drapes covering the windows etc. The service was also marginal. The waitress was way over worked and basically had no time for us. Enough said. The food when we finally got it was flavorful, but lacking in choice and in my opinion...fair. maybe I am a discontent, but I would personally never go again.
(2)
S F.

Their cocktails are amazing! I did not like the food that much. maybe it's just me
(3)
Foodie I.

This review if for a saturday evening reservation at 7:39 for a table of 4. This place is just OK. The evening started off well with a nice house sangria. Next the waiter offered us a mix to platter which was ok, but there were 2 slices of jamon ( came from BJ's), and three cheese slices that were ..... Just boring. Now we start ordering a few plates, and the waiter kept trying to add on. we told him we'd add more later and he seemed to give us attitude. The octopus was tender and flavorful, the goat cheese was also delicious but terribly skimpy. Next came the worst calamari on the planet. It was tougher than cardboard and the sauce was just bland. The Boquerones (white anchovies) made up for the horrible Calamari, but the duck was tough and the bread brought to the table was far from good, it seemed stale. Also, the cheriso was greasy and plain while the fried broccoli and colliflower was one of the best plates we had. The waiter additionally wanted to charge us extra for an extra sauce. The ravioli was ok, but again I would expect a few more small rav's on the plate ( and yes this is tapas, but still). The waiter hit my wife on the head with the serving tray and hardly even apologized, offered no ice nor a free app or anything. He additionally ruined our friends birthday surprise by announcing to the table at her birthday desert would be up in a moment. There are better tapas places in the boston area.
(2)
Sofia B.

Rating Sole was a battle of epic proportions in my min. I have had a four star experience. I have had a few three star experiences. Last Saturday I had barely a one star experience. Is it me, or is the service and quality going downhill? I have lived in waltham for a few years and used to love this place, particularly in the summertime, where if you were lucky enough, you could grab a table by one of the open windows and enjoy the view of people playing frogger at the crosswalk (Not sure why, but no one stops for pedestrians in Waltham). For the most part, their sangria was able to redeem whatever mediocrity was offered in food & service. It was never bad, but it wasn't mindblowing either. Until this past Saturday. We were sitting at the bar, sipping on sangria as the food arrived. We were not particularly hungry and only ordered two tapas. One - an avacado with crab and mango - was fine, aside from the avacado being not anywhere close to ripe. The second one - lamb meatballs were a complete miss. They were frozen solid on the inside. When we ever so politely asked for the meatballs to be warmed up, the bartender treated us as if we were the biggest inconveniece on this planet. The bar was not anywhere close to full. About twenty minutes later our meatballs re-appeared, fully heated this time. The bartender never came up to us to make sure everything was ok. Oh well. So I am on the fence about it. On one hand, this doesn't seem like a big deal, right? One dish was messed up. But if you think about it, 50% of our food order was bad. A little more, actually, as I am not a huge fan of rock hard avacados. So I give it three stars. Not super bad, not super good, just average. For a good tapas experience, I would highly recommend venturing out to Boston.
(3)
Rachel K.

Very cozy and cute decor. Hesitant to get the sangria, one of my used-to-be favorite go-to drinks (generally speaking, not here specifically-this was my first trip to this tapas bar) until the majority of places tend to sell in such bulk that it becomes watered down and tasteless. Not here, Solea's sangria just might be my new favorite Boston-area sangria. Full of robust flavors and heavier on the wine than the juice or "splash of soda" many places use to save on liquor costs. Cheese plate was fantastic, three great cheese options. Crab & mango filled avocado was not only messy, but unmemorable. Not bad, not great--wouldn't get again. Potato dish was phenom. Can't wait to come back and try more!
(4)
Ben C.

Came here on a Saturday night, was told 30-40 min for a table, waited about 55 minutes in the bar. Wait was ok because of the house sangria. Service and ambiance was terrific in the dining room. Our prompt and attentive waitress offered good suggestions. Great selection of vegetarian options was helpful, particularly enjoyed the poblano stuffed pepper along with the broccoli/cauliflower dish. Dessert (dulce de leche with berries) was divine. Prices were fair for some dishes, but a little high for simple vegetable dishes.
(4)
Melissa D.

Solea was a beautiful visit and enjoyed the atmosphere and food. It's been awhile since I had tapas so I was ready to feast! The decor is nice and the tables are laid out to build out a small party of 2 to a party of 8-12. Of course, started with the classic Red Sangria which was delicious. It was more tart than your standard Sangria so be aware. Our server was slow and inconsistent. Also, she was trying to sell plates and more food which bothered me. However, she knew the menu inside and out. Here are my hits and misses: Hits: 1. Pork Loin with Blue Cheese - this surprised us and it was so amazing! Loin was tender and the cheese brought out the saltiness 2. Fried Potatoes - great side! 3. Sizzling Garlic Shrimp - delicious but not good to have before making out! Misses: 1. Lobster Raviolis - not really fresh and the sauce was oily 2. Fried Calamari - nothing special For two people, 6 dishes were perfect. This is a great group outing or a nice date.
(4)
li f.

Love this place, been here lots of times. It is much quieter than dali, but also depends on the room. Great cocktails. My favorite dish is scallops in saffron. Last week this dish, although tasty, only had 4 small Scallops, that was disappointing. Not sure I would order again. Other gems are goat cheese in tomato sauce and stuffed poblano pepper.
(4)
Megan L.

Pretty good. Not amazing, but solid. My girlfriends and I go here to accommodate a friend with a gluten allergy. They are always right on top of it. The sangria is great and the food is good, particularly the mushrooms and the chicken empanada. Service is pretty standard. A good offering on Moody street...if you're in the mood for tapas, check it out.
(3)
Sonia N.

Hmm...what to say about Solea besides the fact that the overall rating for this place (3.5 stars) is pretty much a bulls eye. We ventured in here for Restaurant Week and left this place with a pretty good impression and full tummies. Like many of the reviews, I did find that some of the tapas are better than others. Server was a sweetheart and food came out quickly so I upped it to 4 stars just for those attributes. Here's the word on the food: Apps: Garlic shrimp - Fresh smaller shrimp served with tons of olive oil and slivered garlic pieces. I had a couple pieces of bread and dipped into it. It was relatively enjoyable. Tortilla espanola - Tasted pretty good. Presentation could've been better. Personally, I liked Pintxo Pincho's version much more though. Tapas: Alcachofas Salteadas (sauteed artichoke hearts) - Flavorful but doused with lots of olive oil. Understand that's more or less how tapas are though. Salmon a la Plancha - Moist and pleasantly surprised that I liked this dish more than I liked most of the others. The dijon sauce complemented this dish well. Bunuelos (Broccoli and cauliflower fritters) - Loved the crispy exterior and the aioli sauce but I couldn't really taste the broccoli or the cauliflower? Ravioles de mariscos (lobster crab raviolis) - Thick and creamy but also pretty good. One of the better choices. Overall, we had a decent meal. Not bad if you're local to Waltham and didn't feel like trekking out to the city but if you're looking for heavenly to-die-for tapas, I'd stick to Barcelona, Toro or Pintxo Pincho's. Just saying!
(4)
TomÃ¡s H.

The decor is nice. The staff is lovely. But the food is simply not good. After walking by on countless occasions, my wife and I pulled the trigger and brought a friend here last week. We ordered off of the Dine Out Boston menu. Between the three of us, we had 3 starters, 6 small plates, and 3 desserts. Sadly, we found each dish more underwhelming than the one before it. Here are the highlights (read: lowlights) - Patatas Bravas = homefries with mayonnaise - Ravioles de Mariscos = frozen ravioli bathed in a neon orange cream sauce - Butifarras con Brevas = dried out sausage swimming in a fig syrup - Pato Braseado = was this even really duck? In any case, none of us could eat more than a bite This food would not be considered good at any pricepoint - free even! - much less the super inflated one at which they sell it. *bleh*
(1)
Dawn R.

We had a table full of tapas, and I tried all of them. If you come here, you absolutely must try the braised beef short rib, the goat cheese in tomato basil sauce, and the lamb meatballs in truffle cream sauce. Some of the best food I've had in Boston.
(5)
Nicole S.

Yum! Went here last week with my husband and my parents for dinner. The tapas was great, and the sangria was delicious! The service was just what you'd want. Not overbearing, but not neglecting. Will definitely be returning!
(4)
April Y.

Service is a little slow but the food is excellent, and you never feel rushed. The perfect place to catch up with friends over a meal. Beef empanadas, lamb meatballs, and the stuffed poblano were our favorites, but both potato options were fantastic as were the broccoli fritters. Didn't get a single bad dish. Cocktails were great too. Fantastic espresso martini, and we didn't have any problem splitting our bill five ways.
(4)
Kevin V.

Very impressed overall. The food, wine, and servers were great. I recommended the lamb meatballs for sure!
(5)
Lindsey M.

Solea is an intimate tapas bar that serves amazing food and drinks. There are no TV's at the bar, so if you are looking to watch a game this is not the place for you. There is one TV in the back, but this is in a private room and only for that purpose. If you are going to get one thing off of the menu, I need to suggest the Lamb Meatballs in a truffle cream sauce. I am not really a person who goes out to seek lamb, but when I go to Solea I have to get these meatballs. They cooked perfectly, never dry and smothered in this amazing truffle sauce. My boyfriend and I always get two orders so we have our own, seriously they are that good! Some other great items that I need to mention are: Tostadas de Alcachofas, Empanadas, Solomillo con Chimichurri and the Costillas de Buey. Add a spanish cheese plate to that and BOOM you have an amazing meal for about 2-3 people. What I really love about Solea is that they get your food out fast and really do not mind if you order in between food (or more food!). We normally come to sit at the gorgeous bar, but have also sat at a table. The service no matter where you sit is amazing, everyone is very friendly and attentive. Your closest lot to park in would be on Walnut st, very quick walk and you will be right in front of Solea.
(4)
Christina V.

I have mixed feelings about this place. I've been wanting to go here for quite some time and last night I finally did. My friend and I were able to sit where we wanted in the window. The sun was just starting to go down and the weather was beautiful. We were seated right away by friendly hosts. It was hot and we were super thirsty. We had to ask for water. Oddly it says "water is available by request" on the menu. I've never seen that before. Our waiter was nice but not very knowledgeable especially when it came to their alcoholic beverages. I asked if they had Prosecco. He said no but didn't suggest their sparkling Cava which we later saw and realized it was basically the same thing. We also heard him not know the answer to questions at other surrounding tables. Poor guy had what seemed as the entire room we were in. He was running around all over the place and we didn't see much other staff there. The food was generally quite tasty although some things did disappoint. The "sizzling garlic shrimp" had more garlic than shrimp! The shrimp also resembled the ones you'd see in your local Chinese House Fried Rice. The shrimps were tiny! My restaurant serves 5 jumbo shrimp for $9. This place charged $12. Everything was a bit overpriced. I also wasn't thrilled with the Scallops in Saffron Cream. I specifically asked our waiter if they were seared and they weren't at all. They were super soft and I couldn't taste much saffron. Again $12. There were definitely some positive points. Their Lamb Meatballs were really delicious although I couldn't taste or smell much truffle in their truffle cream sauce. My favorite dish was the "Tapa del Dia" which was steak with shallot butter. I could of made a meal of that alone. I was trying to be good and watch my carbs and the menu was perfect for that. Their "Enslalda del Dia" was awesome too. Arugula with watermelon and goat cheese - yum! We had the little neck clams in white wine herb sauce that was delicious. Beer braised short ribs were awesome. Portions weren't skimpy. Their drinks were good. My friend enjoyed her Sangria. I had a couple martinis that were $12 each but tasty. Our server didn't inform us of all the items of the day. We noticed the options later and he had to verbalize them. With 5+ specials I'd recommend printing them out. We drank a lot and got dessert. We really liked the view and generally enjoyed the leisurely meal. Until we got the bill.... $195 for two BEFORE tip. Yikes. We weren't even stuffed. Also we ordered the previously mentioned Cava bottle. I swore it said $28 on the menu but it said $35 on the bill. I inquired about it and was wrong the Cava Sangria was $28. No problem my mistake we got what we ordered and enjoyed it. The server offered to take the difference off. I said that was okay but he insisted and walked away. 10 minutes later the manager came over SO RUDE. He said we drank the bottle, sangria comes in a pitcher and "the server has no authority to adjust the bill". WTF?! I didn't ask him to! I couldn't believe what an asshole he was for no reason! We spent almost $200 and he was not wanting to make a $7 adjustment? Ugh we were so turned off. It took forever to get the final bill. There are so many other good places on Moody Street. Needless to say we won't be back!
(2)
Eugene D.

A nice spot to meet with co-workers or a date. Great small dishes and prompt service.
(4)
Kate L.

This place is very quiet until about 7 when it's hard to even get a table. I prefer sitting in the bar area as it's more quiet. The sautÃ©ed mushrooms are delicious an
(4)
Laura D.

Maybe it's because I live right next to a popular tapas place that I didn't love this one... I went with a larger group of friends and ordered the Tortilla Espanola (spanish omelette)& the Bunuelos (cauliflower and broccoli fritters). The Tortilla Espanola was much drier and potatoey than I thought it would have been (it was my first time having one), and it didn't have much flavor. I ended up using the sauce from another dish to try to inject some flavor into it. The Bunuelos were definitely deep fried and were really heavy. I think it came with 4-6 of them and I could only eat 2-3 before passing them off to others. The sauce it came with was tasty, though. I tried one of my girlfriends empanadas--really tasty! Would order those if I come back.
(2)
Kim M.

My boyfriend and I have been wanting to try this restaurant FOREVER. Will made reservations for that sappy holiday in February and after what seemed like an eternity but was more like 4-6 weeks, Valentine's Day arrived! Our chance at Solea was upon us! So this is what we tried out on our first venture: - Soup of the Day - that night was some beef-based, tomato-y with lime and shredded steak, cabbage, onion, what seemed like cilantro and all sorts of delicious goodness. This was so good we ended up getting another helping of this to go. - Plato Mixto (ham, olives, pimientos & assorted Spanish cheeses) - The cheeses were all really good: 2 creamy kinds and 1 more nutty-flavored one - they give you 6 pieces, 2 of each kind. As a newfound lover of olives, I really enjoyed them as well - everything is rather mild on the plate and the olives provide a bit of saltiness. Ensalada Mixta: there aren't too many veggie dishes and I'm just raised to always have greens with any meal, even if it's a salad. Plus Will doesn't like mushrooms and I'm not a fan of artichokes too much so salad was our best compromise.Shredded carrots, cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, spinach. Oil&vinegar/lime concoction of a dressing. Rather standard salad with above average presentation. - Patatas Bravas: Will LOVES potatoes and opted for this dish instead of trying the omelette. The potatoes were well-cooked and seasoned but the alioli sauce was a bit too wasabi/radish tasting for us. It gave TOO much of a kick that took away from the enjoyment of the potatoes. - Pao de Queijo: Will is also a lover of bread (actually carbs in general) so I insisted on trying the crusty Brazilian cheese bread. They came out as little balls perfectly crispy on the outside and delightfully gooey on the inside. Not too melty and not to stringy. Just right. However, the bread left something to be desired as far as seasoning. I wish Solea had salt and pepper shakers on the table because it seemed to need a pinch of salt. Otherwise still good. - Mejillones a la Salmorra: So at first glance, I was taken aback because the mussels were so tiny! However, the flavor of the spicy tomato and wine sauce made up for the size of the mussels. Also, Will doesn't like seafood so I got to eat all the mussels which is why the size was not so much of a bother to me. The waitress also brought over bread for us to dip in the sauce while we waited for our next round of tapas. Definitely try the mussels. I'm excited to try the littleneck clams in white wine and herb sauce next time. - Camarones a la Plancha: Beware! Don't underestimate the spicy mojo rojo sauce ! It has a kick that both Will and I didn't expect. I do agree with other reviewers though that the shrimp isn't as expertly cooked as you want it. Nothing wrong with it but some are firmer than others and not anything I would want to eat without dipping it into the sauce. We actually dipped a couple of the shrimps in the sauce of the mussels before the waitress took it away. - Pato Braseado: I really wanted roast duck but was hesitant to try it with berry sauce since I don't like fruit mixed in with my food but the sauce and duck combo worked together so PERFECTLY. The duck was our favorite tapa of the night - the meat dishes are truly where Solea shines. The duck was charred to crisp perfection on the outside (whoever said it was "burnt" in prior reviews is so wrong. Charring adds a smoky flavor) and the meat just fell off the bone. The sauce wasn't overwhelmingly sweet which is what made it work together so well. A MUST HAVE. - Solomillon con Chimichurri: Two thin slices of tenderloin with an herb sauce smeared on top (had a pesto-like consistency) with strands of marinated red peppers. The tapa was served with 2 slices of crusty bread underneath which took us by surprise as we were just expecting cuts of meat. We tried slivers of meat but by then were too full to consume the whole thing and we took it home. - Chuletillas: The baby lamb chops were among the best I've ever had. The meat was so succulent and cooked just right. As mentioned, I'm not a fan of fruity and savory flavor mixes and while it did work for the duck, the apricot glaze on the chops was much sweeter. Still good and if you like that sort of thing try it. The tenderness of the lamb makes it worth trying. Comes with 3 chops, we split 1 and took the other 2 home. - Dessert Special: Profiteroles with vanilla ice cream drizzled in chocolate with fresh sliced strawberries. Definitely coming back again to try some of the dishes that we didn't get to this time!
(4)
Ildiko K.

It has taken me a while to write this review because I am still angry about what has been the worst restaurant experience I have ever had. To this day whenever my boyfriend and I think about where to eat he jokingly offers "Solea?" and I reply "hell no." I had called ahead to make a reservation because it was restaurant week and Solea was having a special menu. I requested a booth and the host said that it would be fine. When we arrived for our reservation the next day, the host sized us up and decided to switch our reserved table. I knew he did this because he spoke to the waitress in front of us and plainly said "ok actually lets sit them here." That either means they did not have our reservation, or they deliberately moved our table. This would not have been an issue, accept that the table they moved us to was a table for one in the corner of the restaurant squished between the wall and the bar. We only had one place setting because that was all that would fit on the table (it had a diameter of aprox 25 inches). Moreover, we didn't even have a real waiter, the bartender had to take our orders. My boyfriend and I (22 and 21 respectively) ordered sangria and the waiter checked our IDs. He clearly didnt believe that we were of age and proceeded to glare at us and eventually accept our IDs and sangria order. He then loudly spoke to himself about "fucking college students" and angrily made our drinks. I have never met someone so rude in the service industry in all my life, and I work in that industry. I went up to a waitress and asked to switch tables and she directed me back to the host. He then put us at a regular size table for two people. An actual waitress came over to take our order but I wasn't hungry anymore. I had never been made to feel so bad and like such an unwanted patron before and I was really upset, so choking back tears I just asked for our check. No asking if we were ok, no offer to comp our sangrias (which were nothing spectacular or out of this world). All I managed to do on the way out was tearfully tell the host that the bartender was rude. Not even an apology, just an "oh, I see." It also seems that other yelpers have had issues with this bartender before. I will never come back here and I urge others looking for a nice dinner at an upscale restaurant to go to Il Capriccio or Tempo (both in Waltham), both better service and food. On a side note, I have been to Solea before with my aunt and uncle and actually eaten the food so I can say that it was ok, but we would rather go somewhere else. There is clearly a bias against students and other people deemed not trendy enough or not big enough spenders at this restaurant.
(1)
Jacqueline C.

This place was packed during dinner hours! Our server was attentive and checked with us regularly to see if we like the food. Our group was a big water drinker and the server literally filled our glass every 5 min. Excellent service. Small Oceana Paella: we really like the simple seafood taste of our paella. It's not like that of other paella I've tried. No secret sauce or fancy technique needed to make this dish, yet I like its simplicity. Patata bravos- it's an meh dish. We have tried better ones at Barcelona Brookline. Will not order again Side dish vegetables(sprout)- gosh we love this. It's sprout with bacon pieces in some kind of sauces- deliciously savory! Palta reina-- avocado at the bottom with crab meat and mango on too ! Yum! Will go back to Solea for other dishes if I have a chance!
(4)
A. A.

I went there on Saturday to meet with a friend! We got few appetizers - potatoes (home fries) and some broccoli and cauliflower fried balls. Both were amazing. But the paella was just simply amazing and delicious. It was the best paella I have ever had in my life - variety of seafood and not only few pieces like other places. Lots of seafood - scallops, squid, shrimp, clams and mussels. The rice on it it wasn't just plain rice it was with vegetables - peas, red and green peppers, and onions. Paella lovers you're going to love this one at Solea. The staff was very friendly, and the food came really fast. Since we fell in love with the paella, we ordered to go, and our server immediately notified us that it may take a little bit longer which was completely fine. But we were notified and that was really good.
(5)
G H.

Sat at the bar for drinks and apps. The bartender was helpful with ordering, wine suggestions and samples. We tried a few different dishes and each was good. The atmosphere was quiet and relaxing. Overall I would go back. Maybe not right away because there are so many great choices on Moody Street but will someday.
(4)
Andrew M.

Expensive but a great place. Bartenders know their craft. Food is very good!
(4)
Susan T.

This is my go-to tapas restaurant in Waltham, conveniently located right on Moody street. There is street parking or you can park in lot across street. The service is always very attentive and friendly. Mixture of tapas to share with a group is delicious and very tasty ( keep in mind the tapas are each 3-4 small servings), more like samples. The meatballs and the garlic shrimp a must try! They also serve bread with hummus. Sangria is very good as well. Ambience is nice!
(5)
michael L.

I went there only once a while ago, never to return. Worst service I ever had. Sat with an empty glass for about 45 minutes. On top of that the waiter was hitting on my girlfriend.
(1)
Columbine P.

Lovely restaurant, prompt and pleasant service, delicious food! I went to Solea with a friend for an early supper on a Wednesday, with the intention of having an all-tapas meal. My friend is vegetarian, so we stuck with the meatless selections so we could share all of them. The BuÃ±uelos (Broccoli and Cauliflower Fritters) were so good we ordered a second plate. The Pao de Queijo (Crusty Brazilian Cheese Bread) was another standout. The Setas al Ajillo (SautÃ©ed Wild Mushrooms) were rich, smoky, and a little spicy (don't eat the little red devil horns!) and the Basque Fries were spiced to perfection, although we still couldn't resist dunking them in the scrumptious buÃ±uelo sauce. We also had the Tostadas de Alcachofas (Artichoke, Mushroom, & Goat Cheese Crostini), which were delicately delicious, and the piquant Poblano Relleno (Crispy Almond Encrusted Stuffed Poblano Pepper). Yes, we kind of went hog wild and opted for a second round because everything was so good. The decor is lushly colorful, and there was Spanish guitar music playing (not at all loudly) in the background. If you're looking for an eminently sharable meal, whether or not you eat meat, definitely take your friends and/or family to Solea.
(5)
Mathew T.

The reviews for this place are pretty much on point. Let me break it down. Pros: It's Tapas. You can get a wide variety of food and don't have to pick one preconstructed dish. You get to share stuff, its more social. They have Sangria pitchers, awesome. When its warm, this is a great spot for lunch near the open air windows. The decor is impressive, as are the bars. The food itself is pretty good. Cons: It's Tapas. It's a sneaky way to get you to pay an exorbitant amount of money on food you think you can afford ("oh these crab cakes are only $8! oh it's only 2 crab cakes, well lets just get another order!"). This place has below average value since the food, while good, isn't really amazing. Drinks are of course super expensive. That sangria pitcher? You'll need it once you realized how much you just paid for it. And finally, my beef. I've been to this place 3 times, first time was really impressed, second time was just lunch and it hit the spot. Third time, I wasn't too happy to pay the bill for what we got. Plus, my girlfriend paid half of the meal on her card and I paid the other half in cash and included the tip. Somehow, our waiter charged my girlfriends credit card twice so we ended up tipping him like $70. She had to call the place and go through all these hoops just to get her money back. Not so much as a gift card from this place for trying to steal our money! For a restaurant that charges like they do, they sure are pretty stiff. 3/5, even though I want to give them a 2 for leaving a sour taste in my mouth that didn't come from the ceviche.
(3)
Kacie D.

I've visited Solea twice, once in the winter and once in the Summer. Both visits were excellent and the food was delicious. They have a great wine selection and delicious sangria. The restaurant is actually quite spacious, and in the Summer months the open air tables are great. My favorite dishes are the empanadas and beer braised short ribs. Their duck is also delicious! Great place for a date or to bring out of town guests. They also have bars on either end of the restaurant.
(4)
Sarah S.

My husband and I ate at Solea for dinner on a Saturday night around 8:30pm. The restaurant was bustling but not full. The service was slow (from past experience at other tapas restaurants, we know the food does not take very long to cook). The food itself included standard flavors, no surprises or memorable alterations. The food was cooked well and the portions were as expected. The atmosphere is nice with dim lighting and 3 different rooms with different decor. We were there on a 70ish degree night and we were told that the windows to the front open out onto the street but, instead, we were sat under a very cold air-conditioning vent. Everything was OK, but we will not put Solea on our "must go again" list.
(3)
Alex S.

We really enjoyed finding this spot, walking there from our hotel (to build up an appetite) and then back (to work off a large meal)! Our server was great, very helpful and attentive throughout the meal. We tried approx. 8 different dishes from the extensive tapas menu. Highlights would have to be the alcachofas salteadas (sauteed artichokes), camarones a la plancha (grilled shrimp with spicy mojo rojo), mejilloness a la salmorra (steamed mussels in spicy tomato and wine sauce). Estrella beer on tap was a plus, as was the large wine selection. We finished our meal with a traditional tres leches cake (with fresh mango) and coffee. Stuffed!
(4)
Versi D.

Since the opening of Solea, we enjoyed to bring friends for a tapas evening at least once a year....until this past Saturday. 10 tapas ordered for four people and 3 hours to get the whole order (also we had to ask for the 2 last tapas that were not coming up) I ordered a glass of Rioja for $12 and in this restaurant, they decided that 4 ounces were the official pouring (most of the restaurants give between 5 and 6 ounces) so you better order the bottle if you are a party of 4. When I asked the waiter about the pouring size, she told me that the management told her that it was the size and that I could order something else. What a customer service! It was our last visit. For sure you have a business to make money, but do not squeeze on everything, because at the end you will be the loser.
(2)
Tyler B.

Fantastic Tapas Food, atmosphere, service, all fantastic. There are choices for the timid and the adventurous, I have never had a bad meal at this place. Terrific sangria. If you've never had tapas this place will make you a fan, and if you have you may find a new favorite place here. I am extremely easy to disappoint, and these guys have never even got close.
(5)
David T.

Good Tapas option in Waltham. Their service falls apart a little when they get busy, but is fine under normal circumstances. Great ambiance and good food. I don't know why, but I don't normally think of Tapas for brunch. My mistake, they do a really nice brunch here on the weekend.
(4)
Jeff G.

We made reservations through Open Table last Saturday night at 7:00. We arrived on time, and were seated immediately. The greeters were very pleasant and accommodating. In my opinion, in the world of Tapas restaurants, Solea ranks a solid 3. The waitstaff was solid, but the food was just average. A few of the items ( the Pao de Queijo, and Beef Empanadas) tasted like they had been made well beforehand, and reheated in the microwave. At $4.50 for one Empanada, you expect something that tastes freshly cooked. The Calamares Fritos, Butifarras con Brevas and Albondigas de Cordero were a slight uptick in quality. I've had them both at other restaurants in the Boston area, and I can't claim that they were any better or worse. We tried the Churros for dessert. Pretty hard to get excited about cinnamon-sugar dusted fried dough and dark chocolate, but they were a decent end to the meal. For drinks, I tried the Blood Orange Sidecar - way too strong! The Cava Sangria however, was a saving grace. Delicious, light and sweet. My date tried the Regular Sangria. He was slightly disappointed in that, as it just tasted like red wine. There was a single orange slice floating in it. He too switched to the Cava, and enjoyed it immensely. Pros: Courteous, attentive staff. Great (Cava) Sangria Appropriate ambiance (Tapas restaurants can go from authentic to tacky very quickly) Not so loud that conversation in difficult. Good for families. Cons: Drinks are hit or miss. Food is average - nothing you can't get at any other Tapas restaurant. Street parking only on a busy street. Price is on the high side for what you are getting. Portions are a little small for sharing, even between 2 people. As the pros and cons (in my opinion) don't tip the scales in either direction, a solid 3 rating is appropriate. We may return at some point, but I hope they can do something that really differentiates themselves from the pack in the meantime.
(3)
Keara S.

Amazing service with a great selection of tapas , entrees and desserts. They also have daily specials.
(4)
Anne D.

Hard to properly rate since I had only the pumpkin soup special (yum, not spicey at all) and the beef tenderloin tapas. Delicious. I will come back next time I am nearby. Ample parking, fast service.
(4)
Steve W.

I come here a few times a year. Sometimes just me to grab some tapas and drinks and sometimes with groups of coworkers. This is a really good place for larger parties. The tapas are great. You can order a lot of different stuff and everyone can try a bit. I entertain a lot of international colleagues with many different tastes and dietary requirements. Solea is always a hit. Was there last night and had the collard greens, sausage and garlic shrimp. Garlic shrimp is always good. The sausage was just ok. I prefer the chorizo instead. The collard greens were nice. Overall a nice dinner.
(4)
Liz B.

4th visit (maybe my last). See previous review. Food - good. Waitstaff - sucks. Clearly they are still making money with a mediocre, uncaring waitstaff. If you don't mind being treated rudely, this is your place.
(2)
M T.

Great food and great service, every time. I have been to Solea about five times since 2007. I have not spent much time in Spain so I can't speak of the authenticity of the food they serve- all I can say is that they are all consistently very tasty! I can tell they take great care in the food that they prepare and serve. Food, service, and ambiance are always just right at Solea. (Then again, I have never been there when they were super busy, so your mileage may vary.) If you are meeting a business partner or colleagues in Waltham and want something a bit fancier than the other more casual establishments on Moody St., Solea fills the niche nicely. Budget about $50/person for a light tapas dinner and couple of drinks.
(4)
Heather M.

I have to give Solea a poor review due to nasty and unwelcoming experience we had at their bar, specifically. We had gone to the restaurant after work for a colleague's birthday. The bartender was very rude to people in our party when we ordered (suggesting that people in our party learn how to speak English) and was overall very unaccomodating. We also wanted to pay in cash and were told "no- you can only put it on one credit card." What was intended to be a nice evening out with work friends turned sour with this ill-mannered bartender. The nice food and drinks are not worth the horrible customer experience. Take your business elsewhere where you are valued!
(1)
Jenne M.

Delicious. Good portions. Fresh combinations. And oh so tasty. Great ambience. We had the beef filet, garlic shrimp, crab mango timbale to start. Scrumptious.
(5)
Emory A.

Good food and great atmosphere, but I found plastic in my food where the manager refused to acknowledge that is was less than ordinary. After asking if we wanted something else, we politely refused and decided to try to finish what we already ordered. After a while we decided to get a couple more tapas and found it was all included on our total bill. We politely asked for one of the tapas to be comped at least in exchange for the one we sent back. The manager had quiet an unprofessional attitude and lack of customer service as she forced herself to only take $5 off our bill with a huff. It really makes me sad to think people don't take pride in their restaurant enough to want people to return.
(1)
Mich G.

We made a reservation for Dine Out Boston, which we do every year. We LOVE the ambiance, and especially love the Cava Sangria. This experience was especially pleasant as we were introduced to our new favorite server, James. He was friendly, knowledgeable, accommodating and just overall a spectacular person who is very skilled at what he does. Knowing we were going out on a busy evening we expected to wait for a table and that service may have been on the slower side. We were very pleasantly surprised and we will be back again and again.
(5)
Lisa S.

We ate at Solea about a year ago, and it was excellent. We don't live close by, which is why we hadn't been back again until Saturday night for my birthday. They honored our reservation and seated us right away. It was very busy and very loud. Too loud for us to have a conversation with each other without shouting. That's unpleasant. We ordered from the Dine Out Boston menu. I ordered a cold appetizer, my husband ordered a hot appetizer. My cold appetizer was served 30 minutes after we were seated. His hot appetizer was served 15 minutes after mine. That's inexcusable under any circumstance, but really inexcusable for a 2-top. The food was OK, but not great. Certainly not as good as I remembered from a year ago. The shrimp tapas dish and the sausage & figs (only 2 little pieces of figs?) tapas dish were overcooked, dry and hard. The potato tapas (basically French fries) and salmon tapas were very good. The bread was horrible. There were two types of bread in the basket, neither were true Spanish bread, neither were made in-house, both were stale and one type of bread was old, cold and very hard. A Spanish (or French or Italian) restaurant should have great bread, no excuse. The chocolate torta dessert was very good. I've been to Madrid twice. I know what real Spanish tapas should be. Sorry, Solea, you've gone downhill.
(3)
Oliver R.

Everything that I had at Solea was very good, especially the Tres Leches and the Marinated Olives. The service was good, and we liked the atmosphere.I definitely recommend going there for lunch.
(5)
Tomoya S.

The overall rating of 3.5 stars on Yelp made me hesitate...but glad that we tried this place. Ok, so maybe 5 star ratings are overused, but I cannot think of a good reason to rate this place less. There is a municipal parking lot for free up to 2 hours nearby, so this was convenient. Street parking otherwise is only for 1 hour. We went for lunch on a Friday. Not too busy, so easy to get a table. Dinner might be different... Looks like they are open for lunch only Thurs-Sun. My wife and I ordered 6 dishes: Croquette of the day: codfish. On the scale of 1-10 for croquettes...at least an 8! Vegetable tapas of the day: brussel sprouts, fava beans, bacon. This was very good too. Maybe one more brussel sprout cut in half would have been nice, as it otherwise seemed like there were more fava beans than brussel sprouts. The sauce tasted of white wine and went well with the veggies. Sauteed wild mushrooms. This was better than most other sauteed wild mushroom dishes I have tried at other restaurants. Fairly generous portion of mushrooms for tapas. Scallops with saffron cream sauce. The scallops were fresh and cooked perfectly, definitely not overcooked. The sauce was amazing! Not too heavy despite the cream. We finished off all the sauce by dipping bread in it. Grilled shrimp with mojo rojo. Not as exciting as some of the other dishes, but also well prepared. The shrimp was also fresh and cooked perfectly, not overcooked and rubbery. Duck with berry sauce. I usually stay away from duck dishes at restaurants as I find that duck tends to be overcooked, tough, and chewy. But the duck here was really excellent. Skin was crispy and the meat just falls off the bone! The berry sauce was a nice complement too. We did not order dessert, but was told that everything is made from scratch in-house, not pre-ordered or bought. Maybe next time! Service was good. Ambience was nice. Ok, I am not the most descriptive...but the point being that I thought this place was really good, and you should give it a try! I know we'll be back for sure.
(5)
Aubri L.

My man and I love this place. He comes from a spanish background, so his Mom is a fan as well. Ambiance is always nice. Servers are always friendly and helpful. In the summer, the huge windows offer nice breeze and people watching ops. The menu gives a good variety, even though we always end up ordering the same stuff... Our favs include to patatas bravas, empenadas, lobster ravioli and sizzling garlic shrimp. Sometimes we try the specials, sometimes we stick to our regulars. Nine times out of ten, we just grab a few small plates and that (with a pitcher of sangria!) fills us up. For drinks, we are fans of the sparkling sangria (I can't do red berries due to allergies, so this floats my boat just fine) and the wide range of mojitos. I really enjoyed the blood orange mojito last time. Only downside is the prices. As any tapas place, it can add up quickly if you grab lots of plates. Besides that, it's a fun, yummy place!
(4)
Chris C.

I went here yesterday with my Mom & Aunt for my Mom's birthday for lunch. We had a very nice time and enjoyed the tapas selections. I had been here before and always had an enjoyable experience. I think I liked it better this time because my aunt suggested we order in separate rounds so that we didn't get overwhelmed with too many selections on the table at the same time and so things didn't cold as we ate. I have to say this idea was awesome although the side effect was that our lunch ended up taking over 3 hours. For drinks I was impressed with the Pisco sour, but was totally disappointed when I ordered a sidecar. They got all confused when I said I wanted a regular one and not the blood orange one from the menu. It turned out not to be very good so I guess straying from the drink menu is not a good idea. For food we had a whole range of selections including the spicy potatoes, baked goat cheese, artichoke & spinach fritters, sizzling garlic shrimp, chorizo and sausages. All of the selections were good, but I would say the potatoes, fritters and chorizo were the best. The bread they give is also pretty good and is good getting the extra sauce from the serving plates.
(4)
M B.

what a nice surprise. Though the din was a bit loud, the service, drinks and food were wonderful! The specialty drinks and sangria were a treat for sure. Each plate of appetizer and entree smelled and tasted delicious. No complaints at all! Funky bar at the back, calmer one in the front. Lovely atmosphere and appeared all patrons enjoyed their evening. We stayed, enjoying ours, much after many left. The staff still treated us attentively and kindly. Parking was easy down 2 blocks in the theater lot. definitely would return as it was BETTER than expected in all aspects!
(4)
Yoonie C.

I've eaten here twice and both times the food was reliably as expected. It's better than most other eateries in Waltham, but given their price and the nature of tapas, it becomes a pretty expensive night out for the typical college/20-something young adults. However, I've found that most of the tapas do not disappoint in terms of flavor and presentation. Highly recommend: their quail, duck and lamb hot tapas. Recommend with reservations: their tomato & goat cheese
(3)
Debra L.

So, at work they always choose a different type of Cuisine for our company parties. We've done Japanese, Brazillian, Greek and Chinese for previous events and this year we did Spanish. Tapas was the perfect choice for a (party of 10) Holiday Luncheon. I think we ate and drank for 2 hours straight (and corporate picked up the tab). Service was excellent and the place is beautifully decorated. It's not my favorite tapas place in Boston proper (Toro is) but it's quite good. Between us all, we had just about everything on the menu. Baked goat cheese, patatas bravas, sauteed mushrooms, beef dishes, chicken dishes, sausage dishes, pork loin, ceviche and shrimp, paella, desserts, Spanish coffee, sangria. I went home and took a nap after. Although I do eat meat the top 3 dishes I'd recommend at Solea are the baked goat cheese, the patas bravas and the sauteed mushrooms. This place is a perfect spot for a non-meat eater.
(4)
Amy E.

I love this place - the dining room is beautiful and the bar is fun with great staff that make you feel comfortable (but not in a ragged sweatpant wearing kind of way). The red sangria - mmmmm. The second glass has the buzz in it - so take it easy. It may taste like no big deal, but you have been warned! I love the spinach and artichoke fritters with the magical sauce underneath, the lambchops with apricot sauce and the garlic sizzling shrimp. I thought it was garlic shrimp all the way until I had the pork tenderloin with blue goat cheese. O.M.G. I want to rub this sauce on my face and wake up next to it in the morning. Okay, maybe that wouldn't be so good, but it is amazing. You must try it. Especially after your second glass of red sangria. Rice pudding for dessert - yumm!
(5)
John C.

Excellent spot for tapas style fun and food. Great atmosphere, friendly, knowledgable staff and wonderful food.
(4)
Jeremy P.

The decor and ambiance adds a fun factor to eating at Solea. I was particularly pleased with my waitress and how friendly and approachable she was being to us. We ordered four tapas between the two of us; two cold, two hot. Each one provided an excellent array of flavors to be enjoyed in your mouth. However, the portion sizes are on the smaller size (yes, they are tapas). But don't be fooled, with four tapas and a pitcher of white sangria for two people, you will be satisfied... and there is always dessert. Our favorite tapas was the scallops in some buttery sauce of deliciousness. There is fifteen dollar minimum per person at the table, which isn't hard to hit and exceed.
(4)
Erin B.

I'd highly recommend this place to anyone: couples, small parties, large parties, and those with or without small children. The restaurant has separate rooms so it's very likely that you'll be comfortable, no matter what your needs. More importantly, they are also eager to cater to special dietary considerations. Our waitress seemed very knowlegeable about the ingredients for each dish, which was crutial. I expected that the food would be tasty, and was not disappointed! Apparently, Solea is a tapas sibling to Dali (Somerville) and Tapeo (Boston). This place gets a high recommendation from me and I look forward to returning there, soon!
(4)
Kelly A.

I have a couple of friends who live in Waltham, and usually when we decide to meet up for dinner, we go to Brighton for a little Tasca. But we wanted to change it up this time, so we agreed on dinner in Waltham, at one of their favorite places, Solea. I made a reservation through Open Table, which was super easy. I love it when restaurants are on Open Table. We got there a couple of minutes before seven, and the cheery hostess led us to a lovely table for four. The server came over right away to get our drink orders, and he was very nice and animated and had a lot of good suggestions. I usually order sangria when visiting a tapas place, but since I'm pregnant, I went for my other beverage of choice - iced tea. He confirmed that they make the iced tea in-house, and added that it is both unsweetened and flavored with the essence of mango. Sounded good, and it didn't disappoint. While looking over the menu, I started to get nervous because I noticed a lack of vegetarian options. There were zero vegetarian entrees, and out of the many, many tapas, not many were vegetarian either. The boy and I asked the server when he came back, and he told us that the first six hot tapas were safe for us, so we just went ahead and ordered those to split between us. They included: sauteed portobello mushrooms, sauteed collard greens with pine nuts and raisins, rice and beans, spinach and artichoke fritters, stuffed poblano pepper, and spicy potatoes. After taking our order, the server said he'd send over some bread. Before the bread even arrived, our first tapas showed up at the table. It was a ridiculously fast turn-around time. The fritters were the first thing to show up, and they were amaaaazing. They were served in a pool of some spicy pinkish sauce, with a lemon wedge on the side, and they were fantastic. They reminded me of really good clamcakes, which, granted I haven't had in about 17 years. So maybe my memory is jaded. But they were sooo good. As for the other dishes: rice and beans was fine, I skipped the collard greens and mushrooms but the mister enjoyed them, the potatoes were wicked wicked wicked good (served with an aioli, yum!), and the poblano was ok. The only problem with the poblano was that it was stuffed with some things that didn't really seem like they meshed with the flavors of the pepper itself. I would have preferred, say, some pineapple to be stuffed in there with the corn and rice and cheese (in place of potato I think?) to offer a little more contrast. But overall, the dishes were good. We saved room for a little dessert, so he and I split a crepe with dulce de leche sauce and fresh berries. It was really good, but pretty small considering the $8 price tag. Our friends had a lime cake with almonds, and they liked that. Overall this dining experience was a good one. The portions were a bit small for the price, and the two of us ended up dropping almost $60 for the six tapas, the one dessert, and one iced tea. That seems a bit ridiculous, especially considering it's not in the city. But the food was good, the atmosphere was nice, and the service was top-notch. So yes, I'm a fan.
(4)
Cat M.

It took us 45 minutes to even get a menu. Our water was never refilled and the food for one person came out 20 minutes before the other. Very poor service. Food was not up to par this time around. Will not dine here again.
(1)
Betty P.

I went to Solea recently for the first time. After hearing rave reviews about it from my friends, we decided to go there on a double date. Solea might be my second favorite tapas place after Tapeo (there is something about Tapeo that no other place has yet managed to top). The garlic shrimp was almost as good and all of the other tapas we sampled rivaled any that I have had at Tapeo. Some notable ones included the Pork Riblets with the Banana Glaze and the Patatas Bravas. There was also an energetic buzz to this place and it was only 7pm on a Friday night. The sangria was nothing extraordinary. It was somewhat watered down. However, my friends seemed to enjoy their drinks -- a pomegranate martini and a Bloody Orange sidecar. The music was somewhat loud which made conversation a challenge but I am so happy to have a tapas place that is tasty and closer in the 'burbs. The service was quick and efficient, except for the busboy/waiter who kept pouring water on me! I'll be back for definite.
(4)
Sam M.

My husband, despite being an incurable foodie who's introduced me to foods I would not have thought of as food, much less good food (pig's feet, anyone?) had never tried tapas before. And I was all prepared to fly off to Spain together to introduce him to the experience in the most authentic way possible, except that saving for that trip is gonna take a couple more years. So in the meantime, I persuaded him to try Solea based entirely on Yelp reviews. I've been disappointed by other tapas places in the past. (I'd especially recommend against ever trying tapas served on a cruise ship -- heck, I recommend against cruise ships for pretty much anything.) But Solea absolutely lived up to the hype. We kept it simple: five dishes plus a flight of red wine. Sidebar: I mulled over trying the sangria, but I have had such bad luck with it at other places that I decided against it. I don't know why I'm skittish about sangria, but there's something so devastating about expecting a light but very flavorful and refreshing drink and instead getting something that tastes like grape juice and ditch water mixed together. It's tough to place one's trust in a new bartender after a couple experiences like that. Anyway -- five dishes and a nice flight of red wine. The ceviche was fresh and had a nice citrusy flavor, which I liked but my husband did not (but then, ceviche is a dish to which people have strong loyalties and preferences). At any rate the tilapia was fresh and went well with the marinade. The pork sausage with figs was delicious and gone in about two bites. Grilled sardines were beautifully done, wrapped in charred herbs with a smoky flavor. The crab-stuffed pepper was mild but tasty, and the littleneck clams were perfectly steamed. We finished up with a cheese plate which capped everything off nicely. (Okay, so 6 dishes. It's hard to stop sometimes.) Prices were average for tapas, so no surprises for us when the bill came. The wait staff and bartender were very professional and knowledgeable, and operated at a smooth pace, one dish after the other but not rushing us along at all. We sat in the cafe section near the window and just enjoyed the evening. We'll definitely be back, since we had such a good time, to try more dishes on the menu. (A note on parking: there's a meter lot about a block south of Solea, behind the comic book store; just look for the P sign.)
(4)
Jeremy K.

While extremely excited to try this place, I was left wanting much more from it. I had first heard of this place through one of my best friends who lived up the street. Together we had previously been to another tapas joint in Somerville, Dali, and had a pretty good experience there so when we raved about this place I was stoked to say the least. We both walked in very hungry, and slightly early for our reservation but we were both seated immediately in the side-room that's to the left of the entrance. Next to us was a big window which span down the length of the room and a waitress arrived almost immediately with both menus and some water. Along with it was a bean dip and some bread which frankly wasn't very good but it was complimentary so I won't give them too much crap for that. The main focus of the experience here is the tapas and my friend and I decided to pick a bunch of them each and share everything. Below is what we ordered: - Queso de Cabra Montanes (Baked Goat Cheese with Tomato & Basil) This was one of the best tapas we had that night. The goat cheese was very creamy and baked perfectly and the tomato complimented it perfectly making for a very light, delicious dish. $7.50 - Grelos Gallegos (Sauteed Collard Greens with Pine Nuts & Raisins) For $5, the dish was pretty big and decent. The collar greens's flavors were a bit undermined by the other ingredients which were generously mixed it. Not bad, but not great. - Costillitas (Pork Riblets with Banana Glaze) This dish I was very excited to try and it came out great. One of the best dishes that night and at only $7. It features a bunch of delicious pork ribs which were slathered in an addictive and creative banana glaze. Finger licking good. - Butifarras con Brevas (Pork Sausage with Figs) Pretty good pork sausage with plenty of spices in it which made for a tasty dish. Not enough figs though... $7 - PÃ£o de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese and Tapioca Bread Rolls) These bread rolls had a consistency similar to Korean mochi. It was really weird and actually pretty damn good. Light, fluffy, tasty and easy to eat. Three come in the order. $7 - Jamon Serrano (Cured Ham from Spain) Some decent but not all that great, imported Spanish ham served with some tomatoes and toasted bread. $7 but I've had better Serrano in other joints. We probably had a few more but I can't recall which ones from the website somehow. We washed everything down with some Spanish imported beers which were pretty good. The service was spotty at times but overall pretty attentive although a bit slow to clear the plates. The tables a bit too small considering the number of dishes that they need to hold. All in all this is a decent tapas place but you won't be hard pressed to find better tapas in Boston at places like Toro or even Estragon. Considering the lack of options in Waltham though, this is a welcome addition to the local restaurant scene. The value isn't too bad either as most tapas plates are under $8. Just make sure that you have a reservation as the place gets very busy, especially on weekends.
(3)
Amy H.

This little restaurant is such a fun place to go. Tapas in general are a great social dining experience. Lots of fun, can try many different things without having to commit to a large plate of just one type of food. I had some very delicious vegetarian plates and the breads, crostinis and dips. The beauty of this restaurant is that you do not have to go all the way into Boston to have a great fun place to meet up with the friends and have some good food and drinks. The Sangria is not to be missed here, it is also very delicious. Although I did not go here on a date, it would be a fun place for a date or just to hang with friends as we did. Try it out!!!
(5)
Jessica B.

Ever been at a restaurant torn between which of many delicious entrees to order? Tapas is a great solution to this dining dilemma, allowing you to select from several different dishes and build a truly unique meal that suits your fancy. Solea is a quaint and fun tapas restaurant with a South American feel and multicultural menu offerings. The dining room is large and somewhat split up, allowing you to sit by the window in the sun, which has a cafe feel, or sit further back in the restaurant where the ambiance is a bit fancier. The service is absolutely outstanding. Great suggestions on everything from where to sit to my choice of sangria, which was the Sangria Royal, red sangria with Cava and Gran Marnier, to how many plates we should order, about 3 per person for lunch. I got the Ensalada de OtoÃ±o, Mixed Greens topped with Jicama, Orange & Avocado. This was a nice, fresh medium size salad. I rarely encounter Jicama and it was crunchy and tasty. Next I had the Palta Reina, Crab and Mango Stuffed Avocada. The avocado was a little light on crab, but it was extremely ripe and good. The Camarones a la Plancha, Grilled Shrimp with Spicy Mojo Verde were delicious. Although the shrimp were a bit overcooked, the Spicy Mojo Verde was amazing. I looked up a Green Mojo recipe that looked similar and that was a blend of garlic, olive oil coriander and cumin. Delicious! We wanted to try something different from our usual spots and Solea did not disappoint.
(4)
Corey L.

Stopped in for a quick meal on my way to scuba. Sat at the bar, had very friendly and fast service. Bar tender suggested some great choices, including a salad (endalada mixto - great), sangria (which was great, sweet - and I'm a sangria snob), and steak dish (solomillo con chimichurri). All were great, fast as hell, and really hit the spot. If I'm back in Waltham, I'd definitely revisit
(5)
Manfred S.

2 PM on a sunny Sunday afternoon in Waltham and in the mood for food on moody? Too late for brunch and lunch, too early for dinner, too hungry for a donut ... Solea to the rescue. It wasn't very busy so we got a table close to the open windows with a nice breeze. WHITE SANGRIA!!!! I don't care for sangria, but WHITE SANGRIA made the cut. Excellent paella and a few tapas: sauteed mushrooms, calamari, clams in white wine Perfect Sunday with WHITE SANGRIA.
(4)
Melanie F.

I'm biased because I love any and all tapas. But living in Waltham I end up at Solea once a month or so! The food is excellent and the prices are reasonable. Some favorites are roasted artichokes, the braised short ribs, cheese breads, scallops, and the garlic shrimp. Although pretty much everything is awesome! Only downsides are I wish they switched up the menu more often, and unfortunately the service isn't always A+ - but the food and atmosphere usually makes up for it!
(4)
Ivy G.

I went there because I always passed by and seeing many ppl there. But apparently it is best for drink with some light dishes not very good for 2 hungry girls. We do not drink so just order food but maybe we are not familiar with Tapas bars, we did not enjoy the food much and it also quite noisy inside the restaurant. Then we walked outside with half full stomach and kind of disappointed ~
(3)
Sara M.

I decided to plan a Friday date night for two so I picked this place since my husband loves tapas and there is a movie theater near it. We were greeted by a friendly host staff and sat at a cozy two-top by the window. Our server was not very welcoming and seemed very busy so we did not see much of him throughout our meal. It took us quite some time to even get bread and I was ready to eat the tablecloth I was so hungry. However, when we finally got the delicious sangria and the food, I was quite satisfied. We ordered three tapas and the paella. I have to say that the blue goat cheese with the pork tenderloin was not my favorite but I really loved the garlic shrimp one. The paella was amazing and full of delicious meat and seafood. One of the best versions I have had in this state. After all that food and 2 pitchers of sangria, there was no way we were going to sit through a movie. We tried to pay but that also took a long time and we were ready to fall into bed with our food coma. Overall, the service was lacking a bit but the food was up to snuff.
(4)
Georgina C.

I love Tapas style restaurants and Solea is no exception. The decor is colorful and fun, the service equally as satisfying. I had a tanga-tini which was lovely, crisp and citrusy. I tried the Queso de Cabra Montanes, a delicious medley of goat cheese, tomato and basil. My favorite were the artichoke and spinach fritters. You MUST get these, they are delicious, crispy and delectable they melt in your mouth. Another dish I enjoyed was the Sizzling Garlic Shrimp! The chickpeas with chorizo and spinach we quite appetizing in addition to the Sausage with Fig. I had a great experience here and have already made plans to bring a friend for my next visit.
(4)
Allan S.

I really like this place and feel it offers some of the best tapas in Boston, certainly in the Metro West area. I've had tapas in Spain and know what they are supposed to taste like. The flavors are not the same, but it's pretty darned good. I've brought business guests here as well as my wife and enjoyed it each time. Summer is nice because they open the windows and there is a nice breeze. Delicious selection of wines, especially the reds and the sangria. Great ambiance and bar area. I'd go back without hesitation.
(4)
Maria M.

Love! Had dinner here a few weeks ago with one of my best gfs, and it was a lovely girls night out. We started off with a large pitcher of sangria which was refreshing and perfect. We had no misses for our food choices that evening which included: artichoke hearts, beef with a chimichurri sauce, garlic shrimp with large soft sweet chunks of garlic swimming in delicious olive oil, and the ceviche. Yumm. Perfect dinner and perfect night out. Will come here again.
(4)
Tanya Y.

I can't believe that I haven't written a review on Solea up until now -- I've been here twice (once part as a large group, and the other for Restaurant Week) and on both occasions, it was amazing! I've had the opportunity to try a good variety of what Solea has to offer. Everything was incredibly delicious, but the things in particular that stand out include: Pato Braseado, Roasted Duckling with Berry Sauce $8.50 Holy crap. The duck melts in your mouth and the berry sauce enhances its amazing flavor. Eating this dish is like an explosion of fireworks in your mouth. It's that. good. Gambas al Ajillo, Sizzling Garlic Shrimp $7.50 I love garlic. I love shrimp. Win-Win situation. Only problem: I wish the shrimp were bigger! Chuletillas, Baby Lamb Chops with an Apricot Glaze $8.50 Yum Yum! I just wish there were more meat on the chops themselves! Small Paella, Traditional Spanish Rice Dish - available as a Valenciana, Oceano or Vegetariano Style - Feeds 1-3 People - $28.00 SOOOO GOOD. It makes me so sad that I never knew how great paella was up until I've had it at Solea. I still crave and rave about it every so often. Filloa de Dulce De Leche, Crepe with a Vanilla Cream, Fresh Berry & Dulce De Leche Filling $8.00 Such a great dessert to end the already abundant meal. Refreshing, light, and leaves you craving for more. The waiters are adorable, the decor/ambiance is very welcoming and warm, and it all leaves me with a very high note. Highly recommended place for people that are seeking to try out something new - even better with great company, so you can dip into what they order as well! Yum!
(4)
Brian W.

We live right up the street from Solea and it took us over 3 years to find it. It's always packed and the restaurant is huge so that's always a good sign. First of all the service was outstanding. Our waitress was great with helping my wife figure out exactly which plates she could eat with her gluten allergy and she was always checking up on us to see if there was something else we needed. We tried a little of everything and there were a few standout plates: crab and shrimp stuffed avocado, potato and onion omelet, scallops in saffron cream, and the sauteed bananas desert. Most items were naturally gluten free so if you have an allergy this is a very good place to go.
(4)
Alden G.

Very enjoyable tapas spot in Waltham. Inviting, open interior; busy place. Had the best Oceana Paella I've had since visiting the Alhambra in 1980; that's high praise. Try the feta-stuffed prunes wrapped in bacon; very tasty, especially when combined with a bowl of crunchy Marcona almonds, and a glass of Sangria to wash it down. Salude!
(5)
Ari P.

I needed to take a second trip here to see what the hype was all about, because on the first one, it was at best a two star experience. My first visit was on a Saturday morning, where I ordered the the spinach fritters, the papas bravas, and a paella. All of it was a little cold, and the paella had a muddled taste to it. On my second visit, a Friday night, the meal changed by leaps and bounds. The Papas bravas, pan con tomate and the seafood ravioli were all excelente. Don't waste your time with the bread on the table though, it's just not delicioso.
(4)
Curt W.

UPDATE Sept 2012 to my previous review: So ...what happened to Solea? You used to be so great, lively and dependable as a go-to, but we revisited you one recent evening and were ...yes, disappointed! With a capital D! Why you ask? Well your service was slow (it is usually great); your prices went up, your portions sizes went down, and you took many of your stellar, dependable dishes off the menu. Your Sangria is still great though, but even the pitchers look a little smaller then they used to. AND ... your 5:45 - 6pm bar side usesd to be jumping and jam-packed! We were one of a few lone souls there. Maybe others are finding out you are on the decline as well? Oh well. Sorry you are declining! Maybe it was just an off-day or month and you'll bounce back. And bring back your fritters and piri piri shrimp. Oh, and stop serving undercooked, stringy shrimp. Yuck! And please stop over-dressing the ceviche. Yuck Yuck! In my opinion and based on my experience, this place was dead and a shell of it's former glory. I hope this doesn't sound too harsh. If it does, sorry! But be better, and you would have received a better update. So our return to Moody St was a bummer. Was wishing we wert to The Skellig instead for pints and curry fires. Would have been cheaper, too. Anyone can suggest a better tapas place, please let me know!
(2)
Krassi P.

Atmosphere was good. Service was good. The food however, was very disappointing. The fried calamari and brazilian cheesy bread was not bad, everything else was.
(3)
Ray H.

The Lamb Meatballs Tapas is as good as it gets! Why? The SAUCE (Truffle Cream)!!! I emailed the chef (Michael Brunson) for the recipe and within an hour I had a very DETAILED version of his recipe - you can't get more gracious than THAT! I plan on making it for an upcoming backyard summer invite.
(4)
Nandanie S.

It was our 2nd visit, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We got 6 tapas - 3 per person. I began with a glass of sangria. Perfect addition to a wonderful, satisfying dinner. My fiancÃ© got the goat cheese in tomato sauce, stuffed poblano pepper, and the rice and beans. He loved it. The food was cooked to perfection, and tasted wonderfully. I don't like goat cheese very much, but he enjoyed every last bit. I tried some of his poblano pepper; the crispy batter and the fillings were AMAZING...all different ingredients and vegetable pieces just explode in your mouth - a must try if you love stuffed peppers. The rice and beans never fail to please us. I got the chicken empanada, grilled shrimp with piri piri sauce, and grilled lamb chops with an apricot glaze. I didn't like the piri piri sauce because it had a very strong hint of clove - I like clove but not when the taste is very empowering and engulfs your mouth. Also, the lamb chops were undercooked when I cut into it, but the waitress was more than happy to ask the chefs to cook them a little more thoroughly. For dessert, we ordered the bananas with butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice cream. A perfect ending to a perfect evening. :)
(5)
Jeanne M.

When I am looking for a smorgasbord of flavors and a good glass of wine, Solea is my to go place. The bar is comfortable to wait with a drink for a table, and usually it's not very long of a wait. Once inside, the tapas menu is varied and always has something new to try. My old favorites are the pork with gorgonzola mushroom sauce (OMG), the mango/crab stuffed avocado and the broccoli fritters. While I love these, there is always something new and I have yet to be disappointed. Great ambiance for a fun night, and yet they can still find you a quieter corner if you'd like. Don't miss this place! Oh, can't wait until the windows are opened in the summer.
(5)
Christine T.

As residents of nearby (quiet) Sudbury, my husband and I always enjoy the urban-like vibrancy of Moody Street. On a rare Saturday-night-without-kids opportunity, we headed to Solea. We'd never been there; Yelp recommendations steered us. We had an excellent experience: a polite, friendly welcome (with only a 10-minute wait, despite no reservations and a packed house), tasty sangria, delicious food, and attentive service. I can wholeheartedly recommend (besides the sangria) the oceano paella. We also enjoyed two appetizers: the setas al ajillo and the tostadas de alcachofas. The Mediterranean decor of Solea is warm and inviting, creating an appealing setting for a romantic meal or a lively dinner with multiple friends-- or any occasion in between. We will definitely return very soon, and will recommend it as a dining venue to many in the meantime.
(5)
Craig S.

I'm impressed - Waltham coming through strong. Best was the blue cheese sauce mushroom pork dish. The beef dish with spicy chimichuri was also above par. Surprisingly the best veggie dish i have ever had was the collard greens (i know strange choice but waiter highly recommended it). Speaking of the waiter, he was one of the most impressive aspects - so good we gave him a 30% tip. The location and decor was perfect as was the laid back vibe. As good if not better then any Spanish joint in Boston.
(5)
Smeggie P.

The food was meh. The Bad: The collard greens were too oily with an intense lemon(?!) flavor. The sauteed mushrooms....they tasted off. I felt as if I kept eating them I would get food poisoning The mussels were bland and didn't taste fresh. The lamb meatballs were just ok, but nothing spectacular. I felt as though the overall theme of flavor in many things were overpowered with garlic and way too much oil. There was some good: Our waitress. The Brazalian bread balls.The artichoke. The sauce that came with the vegetable stuffed poblano(it had a nice kick!). Great for large groups. The decor is romantic for couples.
(3)
Wally G.

Solea is a great casual dining experience...it's perfect for a weekend night get together with friends or family. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is fun. Sharing tapas over their sangria is a wonderful way to spend your time together.
(4)
Howard G.

The food is laden in heavy sauces. Good atmosphere. Large restaurant. Street parking can be very tricky. Average restaurant that I would not go out of my way for.
(3)
Hilary T.

I love tapas! Solea doesn't disappoint. We ordered 6 tapas and it was plenty of food. I didn't love the lobster crepe because it was too mild or the poblano relleno because I thought it would have cheese and I wasn't looking for potatoes in a pepper. Everything else we had was amazing. The garlic shrimp is fabulous! The goat cheese in tomato sauce is comforting and really good. We didn't get the lamb meatballs but I really wanted to and will definitely do that next time. Churros for dessert. Not the best, but I also keep thinking churros are going to be better than they are. Next time, I'll go on a weeknight. Saturday was a little crazy and our server forgot about us a little towards the end.
(4)
Megan H.

We had made our reservation via opentable.com and were seated as soon as we arrived. We had a waiter that was working his first night at Solea, but was more than knowledgeable about tapas and the selection offered. The menu offers selections and adventures for all palates. We played it safe for a few dishes and tempted our taste buds with a few more exotic selections. The bar is well stocked and has a delicious selection of signature cocktails and house made sangria. My experience here made it one of my top picks for Restaurant Week Winter 2012. This restaurant is a must for Restaurant Week (or a light meal/snack - which is the purpose of tapas) for those wanting to fully explore the menu on the cheap. I recommend not venturing in alone and sharing the experience with at least one other person. The drinks are reasonably priced for their quality, to get a drink of this caliber in Boston I would be paying at least a couple more dollars per drink. The atmosphere was open, with more intimate booths along the side of the room. The room could be on the noisy side, but we went during a high volume day and week for the restaurant.
(4)
Kathy M.

Went here last Saturday night. We thankfully made a reservation for 2 for 8pm-it was a pretty crowded place. My GF and I each had glasses of Sangria: I had the Berry and she had the Royal. I didn't like the Berry because it was really sweet. For dinner we had: the Sauteed Artichokes, Beef Empanadas, Beer Braised Short Ribs. I thought they were all pretty good but really weren't special. Parking can be challenging on Moody street but there are several metered parking lots in the area.
(3)
Chris M.

Dear Solea, Thank you for the pitcher of Sangria last night. You were delicious, maybe even best ever. I also loved the atmosphere you provided. It was nothing short of chill. The variety of pendant lamps hanging from the bar, offered many conversations points. You also surprised me when the check was cleverly served in a little cup. We didn't even know we had you. I wish I could have stayed longer, but my friends needed to return to the skellig. I will be back, to eat at you. Sincerely, Chris M.
(4)
A Z.

This place was pretty interesting. I'm a big lover of tapas and try out any tapas place I come across, hence our dinner at Solea. Unfortunately, it came up a little short. Firstly, and unrelated to the food, it's in a totally sketchy neighborhood, so parking on a side street makes you a little uneasy for the duration of your meal. As for the food... everything sounded very inventive, but most of the dishes fell short of being awesome. Baked Goat Cheese with Tomato & Basil - this was basically a bowl of sauce with a nugget of goat cheese in it. It was lucky we still had bread left, otherwise what would we have done with all that sauce?? Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp) - also doused in a bunch of sauce, and this would have been pretty decent until we saw a couple that hadn't been de-veined and then we just saw a string of poo floating in there. Nasty. Lulas Grelhadas (Calamari) - this was good, but the portion was tinier than necessary and between the two of us, we might have gotten four rings each plus a whole lot of garnish. Solomillo con Chimichurri (Beef Tenderloin) - This was good. The big surprise here was the Squid Ink Pasta. It was pretty amazing. Black pasta might freak you out, but it really just tastes like macaroni and cheese, plus some calamari rings on top. By far, our best pick. Overall, I wouldn't go back, but it's worth trying.
(3)
David P.

Alright, that's it! I'm reviewing this place. After a good 5 or 6 tries, I've had it! Solea is a scam, people. Wake up, Waltham! Can you honestly tell me that the tapas you had which came to $43 was really worth it? Or was the ambiance and the snooty service clouding your regular judgment of good food? Could you have gone to Hannaford and gotten some olives and dressed them up in olive oil and served them for under $7? Yes! Did the caipirinhas taste like rubbing alcohol and have no sugar in them because the staff there is from Waltham and doesn't understand authentic Latin American cuisine? Yes! Did the server make you feel like you didn't know what you were talking about when you asked if the Chorizo was spicy? Was the Chorizo spicy? No! Was it over-grilled, fatty and tasteless? Yes! Was the serrano ham even more fatty, gross and bland, even though everything in your right mind told you that it was good manners to politely pretend you were enjoying this ham, that was merely a very thin slice of ham for another $12--that this was an authentic Spanish experience you could get nowhere else but the cultural hub of Waltham, Mass.? Jesus. The emperor definitely has no clothes here, and although I must admit the decor and ambiance are second to none in this town, the food is ridiculous. Go to Tempo, or better yet, go to Domenic's deli or In A Pickle for MUCH better food, and the staff might treat you like you actually exist because you are patronizing their business. Why people come here I cannot fathom--it must be because of the misleading beauty of the establishment. Stay away from here if you actually care about having a relaxing and delicious meal that you will remember in a positive light. Go to Boston and stop posturing in the suburbs to impress your friends. They'll pretend they like it then complain behind your back. This place sucks. Come on.
(1)
Jamie G.

I really like this place- I've been here on numerous occasions and have never had a bad experience. I've tried all kinds of the tapas plates and have liked or loved every one. Their drinks and cocktails are delicious too (except the Berry Sangria, do NOT under ANY circumstances get the Berry Sangria). On my most recent excursion, I tried: Queso- baked goat cheese in tomato sauce (I get this every time I'm here... it's the best thing they have-- soooo delicious!) Lamb meatballs with truffle cream sauce (amazing too!) Roast duck in berry sauce (pretty good, sauce is a little too sweet) Short rib (okay, but a little too fatty for me) Spicy potatoes (okay, not actually spicy, decent flavor) For my drink I had the Basil lime gimlet, made with Hendricks- it was delicious! And Also tried the Port flight- 20 yr was the best, then 30, then tie between 10 and 40 - 10 too strong-bite, 40 too syrupy. I love being able to try a little bit of everything at Tapas Restaurants, and this place does it amazingly well! Easy parking and I live a minute away. So I will be back often!
(5)
Freddy a.

Very nice place excellent food!!!
(5)
Alyssa S.

3.5 stars I was so excited to try Solea's tapas the other night. I have read great things about them on Yelp and anyone would be curious as to what goes on inside after taking a peak in the windows. The decor is enchanting and lively with intricate details and explosive colors. I felt as if I were dining in a large room plastered with Aladdin's magic carpet. My boyfriend and I split a carafe of the delicious Classic Sangria while tasting a variety of plates from their tapas menu. We ordered the following: -Gorditas, Stuffed Prunes Wrapped in Jamon ($6) -Croquetas del Dia, Croquette of the Day ($6) (It was cod the night we went.) -Pimiento de Piquillo, Shrimp and Crab Stuffed Piquillo Peppers ($9) -Chicken Empanadas ($8) -Albondigas de Cordero, Lamb Meatballs in Truffle Cream Sauce ($9) -Chuletillas, Baby Lamb Chops with an Apricot Glaze ($10) And for dessert... Profiteroles, Dessert for Two-Vanilla Iced Cream Filled Pastries with Warm Chocolate Ganache ($13) Needless to say, it was such a FUN dinner. We loved being able to sample different plates and explore the flavors. My only qualm was that some of the dishes were served luke warm, and I wished they had been at a hotter temperature. The dishes that did arrive at the perfect temperature happened to be my favorite: the Gorditas and the Albondigas De Cordero. We both loved the Profiteroles, which included two puffs for each of us. Overall, a pricey, but great dining experience.
(3)
Brittany C.

If you asked me about Solea a year ago, I would've rated it a solid four stars. However, the management recently raised the prices on the majority of the menu, even though portions and preparation of the food does not appear to have changed. Don't get me wrong, the food is very tasty! However, before the price changes, I really thought Solea had the best food/value for its price point in Waltham. Now that the prices are higher, I wouldn't necessarily say that's the case. The berry sangria is fantastic!
(3)
George M.

I liked the atmosphere and the taste of the food was good. However the prices were higher than I expected, for example one empanada $9.00, should be two on the plate at least for that, Tapas is a sharing event and should be lower cost.
(4)
Amy R.

I went to Solea on Saturday night with a girlfriend and were able to grab seats at the bar. I encouraged my friend to give the whole tapas thing a try. She's a super picky eater and I guess... long of the short of it... don't take your picky friends or family members here :) Now, I've been here many times before I've written this review. I have to be honest; I feel as though the quality of the food has gone down a bit since the first time I came here. I ordered the patatas bravas and the chicken empanada, while my friend ordered the brazilian cheese bread. Everything was just oozing with too much grease and my empanada order got screwed up- I got half beef and half chicken. I didn't mind, I don't discriminate between meat options. But, the beef empanada was inedible. All I could taste was the oil the beef must have been cooked with. I tried the brazilian cheese bread and it was loaded with oil... again, almost inedible. In my past experiences, I've been a little more adventurous with my choices. Ordering safe options for my picky friend isn't usually how I play the tapas game. So, I am hoping this was an off night for Solea. KUDOS to their red sangria. That sh*t is so good... hoping they don't ever change that recipe of theirs!
(3)
Missy M.

Solea is wonderful. My Puerto Rican uncle recomended coming here after having some wonderful dishes that reminded him of home. First, the decore is lovely, so beautiful, exotic, and elegant. Full of romantic little nooks. I will come back here with my boyfriend. We started with the sangria, which was to die for. I was in a large group and we asked the waitor to order for us. Each dish was served and explaned. The wait staff was wonderful, informative, and kind. I don't remember exactly what I ate but everything was simply AMAZING. There were tons of great veggie options too. I would aboslutly come back. This is a great date spot!
(5)
Rebecca B.

meh. This was was ok. I was excited to try it, so we went for my birthday. The food was just ok and they put us at an awkward table near the kitchen. The sangria was WAY too sweet. I'll maybe give it another chance, but probably not.
(3)
Matthew H.

Excellent food and I just love the whole concept of tapas. I never want just one thing - I want 5 or 6...problem solved! Very busy for a Wednesday but thoroughly enjoyed everything I had. Will be back for sure.
(4)
John P.

Great variety of Tapas. I've been there several times and the food is very good and there is a great variety. They could use a few more healthy choices on the menu. The wait staff is a little lean on busy nights and this hurts service.
(4)
M M.

We've been going to Solea for several years now, and have been impressed every single time. The food is outstanding, atmosphere upbeat and classy, and service always above-average. I'm getting hungry just writing this review!! Fantastic place for girls' nights, birthdays, dinner with my husband, and brunch with family and friends. It always feels special at Solea!
(5)
Bev W.

What is up with Solea seating women in the dark back area of the restaurant when there are many empty tables in the brighter front part of the restaurant. This has happened several times of the years with different group of women with and without reservations on week nights where there are plenty of empty tables. This Wednesday my friend Kelly and I put it to the test once more and sure enough: we were ushered to the dimly lit back of the restaurant with tiny tables too small to fit many plates of tapas while the nice table sat empty. We persisted and got to sit at the back of the nicer bar, but this is it. I'm done and will never go here again. I don't get their policy at all. I can't tell if it's age or gender discrimination or both. However, hen I go with my husband or other groups of men and women I don't encounter this "bad table" problem. My bad for letting this treatment go on for so many years.
(1)
Jecheima A.

Their apps are great! They have plenty to choose form. They are a little pricey however. Their sangria is also tasty!
(4)
Megan T.

Went with two other couples Saturday night, it was fantastic! Had about 15-20 dishes (yes, a lot of food). Stand out's included lamb meatballs, quail, pork cheeks, rabbit, mushroom crostini, Salami platter and empenadas. Service was fine, with all the dished they just kept bringing them and bringing them!
(5)
M M.

Delicious - try the short rib, duck, chicken empanadas, lobster ravioli and the sangria. Colorful, fun atmosphere. Service is good, except the servers tell you to order way more small plates than you need per person - kind of annoying, but expected. Great for large parties as well, since they have private rooms with bars.
(4)
Anthony V.

This place is awesome! Was brought here by a friend a few months ago. I have been here 4 times and have always ordered off the tapas menu. Everything has been great. The pork tenderloin in blue cheese sauce, goat cheese, veal meatballs, cheese plates, and the sangria! Nothing has been a disappointment!
(5)
Barbara A.

When I can not get to Dali's, this is my tapas place of choice. I love the melange of flavors here. After a very hard week, my friend invited me out here and it was like visiting an old friend. The chickpea dip-thing (which you get free if having dinner, not so if just drinking at the bar) was a good beginning with my mojito because my friend was late and needed something to start soaking up alcohol. The old standard for me is the Baked Goat Cheese in a tomato-basil sauce and Scallops in Saffron - lovely to dip into with bread. The newer items (for me) that I got were the Artichoke Goat Cheese and Mushroom Crostini, Poblano Relleno, and the Pork Sausage with Figs. None of these dishes disappointed, but they were not up their usual standard. All the sauces were heavenly though. The bread is "new" (although my friend who goes all the time said it has been like this for a while) - the old version was more substantial (for the dipping, of course) and the new version is more crusty and thinner.
(3)
Riccardo D.

In general, tapas restaurants give me trouble. While I enjoy the inventivbe creations, I'm always nervous that I'll not order enough food or will order too much. Having eaten at Solea on a number of occasions, I found the food to be astoundingly creative and addictive. The problem? It always seems that with the dishes I order, there isn't enough food on the plate. I know, that's the point of tapas: you order many items with the serving sizes being small. I just don't enjoy all the calcuations that need to be made while ordering: will five plates be enough? Six? As other reviewers have noted, this is a noisy place when it's busy. , Dinner for two can easily run between $60 - $80 without drinks; but, you'll often leave still hungry. Perhaps I am not a tapas type of person.
(3)
valerie d.

Fave new place in for.ev.er . It was delicious. I thought the tapas portions were big. A salad and one of those bad boys would be the perfect meal. Some people say it's "expensive" for the portions but I don't know about you, I don't trust ceviche for under 10 bucks. Plus, you get free bread (fine, it's just bread) with the best hummusy dip I've ever had inside me, PLUS a free plate of olives. Like, a lot of them, and fancy ones. The ceviche was really good. It was only white fish. That greatly disappointed my bf but I loved it regardless. The duck was also really good. we ordered salmon just as something safe but it was a big piece for 9ish bucks, I forget exactly, but at home it would be dinner. Not on restaurant night where you eat like you're in ED recovery but a regular at-home portion. The waiter was awesome. It was amazingly busy and he didn't seem flustered at all. My favorite waiter in a long time. He seemed to really like the food there which helps. I feel like an ass saying it's delicious if I think the waiter is thinking "you should see how gross it looks in the kitchen." Seriously, the shit they give you with the bread is my new boyfriend. Go there for that alone.
(5)
Julia N.

Had a dinner here with 7 other people. Fun to order a bunch of tapas and then share. Garlic shrimp, rice and beans and the goat cheese tomato spread were very good. White sangria is very light and fruity and smells devine. Red is stronger, of course and probably preferable to people who like wine as the white didnt even resemble wine more like delicious fruit juice. The decoration/ atmosphere was awesome. Dark and rich, beautiful. I really liked the faucets in the women's bathroom. Lol. Problem: This is NOT the place to go with a bunch of hungry people... it ends up costing almost 300 dollars! 13 tapas (smal) dishes for about 300 dollars.... Yikes, I am so glad my mother treated and that I am still known as the poor college kid. Ouch!
(4)
Steve S.

good food, good service. i've been there several times and appreciate the whole atmosphere. Good professional staff, and lively atmosphere
(3)
Erika K.

I ate here a second time and it was during the dinner rush on a friday. I was very disappointed. First of all I love tapas and I love spain and I was so excited to try more spanish plates. But the problem is that I know what is should taste like and this was NOT it. Paella, it is supposed to have a crusty crunch on the bottom where the rice is almost burnt. The seafood or meat is meant to be cooked with the rice. Neither of these things occurred which were two fatal flaws. The rice was overly salty, lacking in flavor, not crunchy on the bottom at all. The meat was added to the top so had no flavor at all. There was just nothing correct about it. Not to mention that it came out in about 15 minutes ... thats insane! this is a slow cook dish! The scallops in saffron cream sauce were ok, but the sauce seemed kind of chunky not smooth at all. The plato mixto is NOT worth 16 dollars. 3 slices of manchego cheese, 4 olives, 4 slices of bread, and 4 slices of ham ... sure I can get 4 times that much at a grocery store... the goat cheese with tomato basil is a knock out as always. there were other thinks that we ordered but there was no stand out with the flavor profile it was all just very one note. I will also say this place was so hot that we could not really enjoy ourselves. Plus they didn't refill our waters often enough with the salty meal. Overall I was disappointed ..
(2)
Sue M.

My husband I just had a late lunch with you and had a wonderful and relaxing time. We just wanted to thank Ricardo for the wonderful service, food and drink. You made the experience very special. You understand that it's not just about the food ( which was fabulous ) but also the experience. You were thoughtful and gracious. We can't wait to come back! Thank you again. Just what we needed. Ricardo - thank you for the glasses! Above and beyond. We hope to see you again and often.
(5)
Soumendra N.

Wife and I got the babysitter and went here for our anniversary dinner. We reached around 8 pm and were seated immediately. It was a weeknight but fairly busy. The decor is very nice with bright red hues and portraits of bulls and bullfighters on the wall. The frames and lamps are ornate too. We like tapas, so we ordered our favorites from a visit to Spain 4 years ago: Patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), Albondigas (lamb meatballs), Mussels, Tortilla (spanish style omelette) and empanadas (one chicken, one beef). The lamb meatballs were delicious and just melted in our mouths. The tortilla was tasty. The mussels, bravas (not really that spicy) were good. The chicken empanada was flavorful but the beef one was a bit bland. Our server was polite and efficient. The complementary bread comes with hummus and tastes great dipped in the broth that comes with the mussels. For dessert we had the tres leches cake (cake made from 3 types of milks) and it was perfect. Wife and I agreed, this was the best tapas we had in a long time and brought back fond memories of Spain. Will definitely go back soon. Bill came to $50 for two. Not cheap but great value for the yummy experience that we had. Bonus tip: After your meal, check out the new look, India Market (across the street and one block to your right). If you have not been there before, you will be impressed by the store and the new Indian food court in the basement.
(5)
Giselle S.

Remember the scene in Pretty Woman, when Julia Roberts goes back to the dress shop to show them what a terrible mistake they made? That was my first experience with Solea. Twice a month a group of women (10-12 ppl) go out to dinner (that is quite a few of restaurants, right?). Reservations are always made far in advance and upon arrival I make it clear that we need separate checks, to which the typical response is... thank you for letting us know in advance, it is easier to enter the orders individually than split the bill after it has been printed. But the hostess, and subsequently the server of Solea, have a strongly observed guideline not to do such a thing. After a 10 minute long conversation explaining how separate checks are actually provided to the group, the hostess proposed that if we were accepting to the fact that they would not individually serve us (i.e. the would put all the food as it comes out at one end of the table and we have to figure out who ordered it, which we did agree to do, it is easier enough to hand out the food among us all in order to get separate checks), then she would check with our server to see if he would provide separate checks to the table. Unfortunately, the gentleman serving us was also not agreeable to the idea and more persuasion and explanation was needed, only to be received with grimaces, heavy sighs, and shakes of the head. He then replied that this was an absolute 'inconvenience' for him. Huh. That is an interesting way to approach the situation with a customer bringing you 12 patrons. If the restaurant was even moderately full, I would see how it could possibly be an issue to individually place 12 orders, but the place was one quarter empty with no one waiting to be seated. Only after I was told that my group and request was an inconvenience, did I then get upset enough to take the group and walk out. We did stop along the way to let the hostess know what had transpired and received a reply of 'we said we would bend the rules for you this one time' - gee thanks, too little too late. Spending 30 minutes trying to convince someone to take my hard earned money seems a bit extreme. When customers become and inconvenience, it is time to reevaluate your 'guidelines'. We walked to a restaurant one block away, without reservations, and they were more than happy to accommodate us. The Solea restaurant missed out on a $300+ bill and a $100+ tip. Big mistake; huge.
(1)
Jay B.

Solid just like Dali. I like the energy at Dali in Cambridge a bit better, but the tapas are the same here and it's a perfect place before a movie on Moody Street. We love the duck and berry sauce, and always the sausage with fig sauce too. The sangria is also always excellent.
(4)
George M.

Standouts: tostonnes Pulled pork with clams: average. Broth a bit too salty and the pork and clams just didn't mesh as well as they should have. Ceviche: delicious. Texture of the fish was excellent. Flavor was rich with just enough aromatics to counterbalance. Duck with berry: great perfectly cooked duck. Lurking feeling that all dishes weren't prepared to order. Nothing really seemed to be the temperature I would expect.
(3)
Marcy K.

I recently attended a gathering for 25 people at Solea, and we were given the private back room (with a cash bar). Everything was informal, which was lucky, as there wasn't much seating. It was private, however. The tapas order, which had been prearranged, included empanadas (chicken and beef); a quiche-like mixture of potatoes and onion; artichoke, goat cheese and mushroom crostini; broccoli and cauliflower fritters; mozzarella-type sticks; and a plate of cheese, peppers, and olives. There were also pitchers of sangria, which were decent. Everything was good, but I would have preferred the empanadas to be a little warmer. The tapas I had in Spain were to die for, but these were ok. The service was excellent, with waiters replenishing often and cleaning up. We brought in our own birthday cake, which the head guy cut and served. I don't know details about the pricing arrangements, but from what I am told, the host was a little surprised at the add-ons and the final tally. Our gathering was at 3:30 and we left at 6. Pricing must have been more for a later "seating," but the mid-afternoon appointment worked out well. We'll probably come back at some point to try some other kinds of tapas, but it won't be tomorrow.
(3)
Suzie A.

My first experience with tapas and it was fantastic! Atmosphere was sophisticated yet inviting and cozy. Service was wonderful and attentive. There were 5 of us dining all together, we each ordered two tapas to share and we each had a cocktail-the food and drinks were delicious and filling, and the price was totally affordable. I would definitely recommend this place, great for going with friends or on a date night!
(4)
Tim V.

From the moment we walked in, the experience was fantastic. The staff was friendly, attentive, and quick. The food was amazing. My girlfriend and I split 7 tapas plus a dessert. Worth every penny.
(5)
Zadie B.

I'm not a huge tapas fan, so my review of Solea may be less than helpful to those who love it. I found everything tasty but generally too salty and oily. Our waiter was pleasant but a little disinhibited, and I felt like we were working the whole time to make sure he was comfortable. The main problem I had with Solea though was the acoustics. I found it almost painfully loud and overstimulating. A lot of people like that sort of thing though, just like most people like tapas. But if you're a fragile flower with a touch of ADD like yours truly, this might not be the best option. Visually, the decor is very attractive.
(3)
Sissie P.

We returned to Solea to celebrate another birthday. The food was again outstanding! That is why we go back. The lamb meatballs are the best ever. The artichoke and mushroom crostini appetizer equally delicious. We had a Valencian Paella, and that also was wonderful. The Royal Sangria is good. The things that were not wonderful: The bar list is pathetic. Beer is essentially non-existent and the hard liquor list equally thin. The dessert menu mostly wasn't to our tastes. One in the party ordered the banana dish, and we experienced a new phenomenon -- tough bananas! Their port selection has also gone away. IF only they could get both the food and bar selection on an equal footing. For really good tapas without going into Boston, this is the place.
(3)
Jonny P.

Solea used to be one of my favorite restaurants in Waltham. I used to love their paella and many of their tapas dishes. I have a number of food intolerances, and they were easily able to accommodate my needs., That seems to have changed, as well as the ingredients for the paella which I can no longer eat. As well, the chef was unable to accommodate my needs. The food I was able to eat, was flavorless and salty, and the atmosphere was deafening and unpleasant. There are a lot of wonderful restaurants on Moody Street--I'll be eating elsewhere for now. Very disappointed.
(2)
Art C.

I love reviewing tapas places, because instead of reviewing an entree and maybe an appetizer, I get to review 5-6 different dishes. Below are my thoughts based on the items we ordered: Red wine sangria - Almost a necessity anywhere tapas are involved. Pretty standard fare here, although it could've used more fruit. Lobster/crab ravoli - I was most excited about this dish, but it also became my biggest disappointment. Very light handed in the meat department. Sausage with figs - One sausage, cut in half, with a few pieces of fig sprinkled around. The sweetness of the figs complemented saltiness of the sausage really well. Grilled Chorizo - These were just cut up and cooked chorizo chips. No complaints, tasted great and as advertised. Spicy Potatoes with Aoli - Great, great, side dish. Caught myself snacking on these throughout the entire meal. Pork tenderloin with goat cheese - This dish is LIFE. CHANGING. I swore I'd never visit Boston again, but if I do, I'm coming back to Solea and ordering four plates of these for myself.
(4)
Daniel P.

We were greeted okay. But when we were seated the waiter have us attitude when we asked how tapas work. After ignoring the attitude we ordered and just talked for a bit. However we then felt the table was a little small for a party of 4 to which we asked to be moved to a slightly bigger table. Once again we received attitude and so we asked for the manager. Only to be met with more attitude. Ladies and gentlemen do not waste ur money on these pricks.
(1)
Rachel B.

I'm sorry. I don't get the great reviews. Sangria was excellent. Food, not so much. Sub-par, boring, even bland. What was supposed to be "tomato and garlic rubbed toast points" was instead small slices of crusty white bread with a thin layer of red on top. Artichoke and goat cheese "crostini" was again small slices of crusty white bread with cold mushrooms and artichokes. Baked goat cheese in tomato basil sauce was small slices of crusty white bread with an accompanying pot o' cheese. Disappointing. (Oh, and doesn't hold a candle to Bocado. Worcester, even. Yeah.)
(2)
Emily H.

Oh Solea... How have I not reviewed you before? Please don't take it the wrong way, I love you! I must have just assumed I had already told the world. This is my go-to place for a nice night out with the girls or the fiance. The drinks are colorful and yummy, and I'm NEVER disappointed with how the food turns out. I have my stand-bys (Saffron Scallops, Ancho Chile Chicken Breast, their Cheese Plate, Garlic Shrimp, Crab-Stuffed Avacado), but I always make it a point to try something new each time I go. Their atmosphere and creative tropical cocktail list would be enough to keep me coming back, but luckily for them, their food is also totally CRAVE WORTHY!
(5)
Steve G.

Great experience. Restaurant has a loud bar area and a much quieter dining area, in which we sat. We were seated promptly on a Friday night at 7PM. The dining area is large and not tightly packed. Waiter immediately took drink orders and made sure we understood the concept of tapas. He gave us time to make selections and then took the order and explained how the dishes would come out. Of the three of us, one had allergies, which the waiter made a note of. We had no problems with this during the meal. We ordered nine dishes, which turned out to be just about right, but be aware that many of the spreadable dishes can require the use of bread. The bread was good, but you can wind up eating a lot of it. So we were full at the end on the nine dishes. (But we had room for dessert, anyway.) We ordered: Broccoli and Cauliflower Fritters (good), Braised Short Ribs (juicy, tender, excellent), Baked Goat Cheese in Tomato Basil Sauce (excellent), Sauteed Artichokes (excellent), Seared Salmon with Dijon Cream and Spinach (very good), Steamed Littleneck Clams with White Wine and Herb Sauce (very good), Smoked Salmon, Mango Relish & Creme Fraiche on Plantain Chips (excellent), Roasted pumpkin soup (excellent), Asparagus flan (good). Dessert Crepe with a Vanilla Cream, Fresh Berry and Dulce De Leche Filling (excellent), Churros con Chocolate, Cinnamon-laced Fritters with Dark Chocolate Sauce (more than excellent). All together, we were stuffed when we left, but very happy. Waiter and staff were attentive, kept the water glasses full and make sure we wanted for nothing. Dinner took about two hours, which did not seem all that long. Total cost was about $110 plus a $20 tip. Very satisfying. We'll be back.
(4)
Tara C.

I went to Solea a couple of weeks ago on a Friday night with 4 girlfriends. Our waitress was extremely patient dealing with a million questions about the menu, a late added guest, and returned drinks. She was very helpful, knowledgable about the menu, and professional. I was surprised that the restaurant wasn't busier on a Friday night. We ordered the following tapas: lobster raviolis, beef empanadas, lamb meatballs, artichoke, goat cheese, and mushroom crostini, collard greens with pine nuts and raisins, and grilled shrimp with spicy mojo verde sauce. We got the squid ink pasta with calamari by accident. Everything was good, but the stand-outs were: meatballs, collard greens, and the crostini. One of our group ordered an entree of beef tenderloin with dried figs, apricots, and prunes in a brandy cream sauce and she was kind enough to share. THIS DISH WAS OUT OF THIS WORLD! There were two medium pieces of tenderloin, cooked perfectly in a lick-the-plate sauce. At $28 this dish is a bargain and it was served with side dishes of roasted veggies and French fries. I enjoyed the cava sangria and the churros y chocolate as well. I'm looking forward to going back but it's going to be hard to order limited tapas bc I'm definitely ordering the beef tenderloin entree.
(4)
David Y.

A very pleasant, relaxed atmosphere in this tapas restaurant. This is a great place for a date or an evening for a small group of friends. Their sangria was good and all of the hot and cold tapas plates were done well. The servings seemed small and the prices were a bit high by even tapas standards but we really had an enjoyable time here. The service was a bit slow. I think this place works well as an after-work meeting place or a dinner to try something new but won't be a regular go-to spot.
(4)
William T.

I'm no expert on tapas, so you'll have to forgive me for my ignorance on what makes a great tapas bar. Still, I think I can evaluate the food and ambiance pretty fairly. Basically, this place is fine, but not really worth the money, in my opinion. My friends and I got an assortment of different dishes, and everything was OK, but nothing spectacular. The ambiance was standard restaurant fare, so nothing won me over there either. Our server was attentive, which was nice, and he was reasonably helpful in helping us choose our dishes (which was a lifesaver due to my aforementioned ignorance about tapas). I wasn't underwhelmed by the food, but I wouldn't say I was overwhelmed either. A fine place to check out once, but I feel no great urge to go back.
(3)
David L.

A little worse than mediocre. Two sickly sweet Sangrias. I figured it wouldn't be a great place. Grilled shrimp with mojo verde was good. The next 2 dishes we ordered (SautÃ©ed wild mushrooms, collard greens with almonds and raisins) were adequate but not great. The last dish, avocado stuffed with crabs and shrimp, was below the line. The avocado had not been separated from the skin.
(2)
Sean B.

Awesome variety of tapas. Only reason I gave this place 3 instead of 4 stars is the noise level. Went there on a crowded Tuesday and found myself yelling a conversation to my friend next to me. One other minor issue was that they served us our initial dishes and I found out that I didn't have a fork. Took me way too long to flag down a server for just a fork (maybe 10 mins!). Otherwise, food was delicious...salmon, shrimp, duck, the list goes on and on.
(3)
Tim F.

Went there for a drink and stayed for some food. The sangria is very good there but the food was less than agreeable. The bread they brought out was cold and very dry, even the spread could not make up for it. We ordered the Tortilla Espanola which was bland and had a hard slice of tomato on top of it. I had to use salt and pepper just to make it somewhat likable. We then had some tapas, poblano relleno and peppers stuffed with crab. The stuffed peppers had some nice tastes but the peppers were a bit hidden by the sauce and filling. The poblano was tasteless with a poor bread covering and some rock hard yuca. Really poor food!!! With Taqueria Mexico right down the street the only reason to go here is the bar area and sangria.
(2)
Lauren H.

I had my second meal at Solea the other night. Excellent red Sangria and the food was amazing. I had the short ribs, the goat cheese and the grilled shrimp. Everything was incredible. The service is great, very friendly and helpful waitress. I would go out of my way to eat here again.
(4)
Francine C.

Solea is one of my favorite places for a glass of sangria and a snack or meal. Everything on the menu is delicious and worth trying. The service is friendly and attentive and the food is so delicious. Definitely worth a stop if you are in Waltham.
(4)
Jenn S.

I am a big fan of Tapas, so when a friend announced she was having a going-away party here, I was very excited. Especially since I'd been wanting to go to Solea for several years. However, I was thoroughly disappointed in Solea and will definitely not be going back. And unfortunately, this was my fiance's first foray into tapas and left him with, literally, a bad taste in his mouth. A friend & I ordered a glass each of Sangria (which was pretty watered down) and then the table ordered pitchers. The waiter was pretty smart and just kept refilling the glasses without people asking. Some of us only wanted 1glass, but next thing we knew, our glass was refilled! This tacked $120 on to our bill, for something we didn't even want. Strike 1 in my book. The bread was so-so and came only with some sort of spread - which was never explained to us. Usually a fan of these types of spreads, I tried it and did not eat it again! It was dry and almost-tasteless; I almost asked for some oil.The organizers of the party ordered some appetizer plates for the table,which consisted of cured ham, olives, roasted red peppers and assorted cheeses.The only thing I liked were the cheeses. I should have eaten them on the bread! Strike 2 in my book. The party organizer then ordered about 20 different appetizers. Let's see if I can remember what they were. There were a few I didn't try, as they were things I don't eat: Setas al Ajillo (SautÃ©ed Portabella Mushrooms); Higadillos de Pollo (Chicken Livers with Sherry over Garlic Toast); Gambas al Ajillo (Sizzling Garlic Shrimp); and Vieiras al AzafrÃ¡n (Scallops in Saffron Cream). The ones I liked: Queso de Cabra Montanes (Baked Goat Cheese with Tomato & Basil); Patatas Bravas (Wild, Hot & Spicy Potatoes - always my fav!); Pato Braseado (Roasted Duckling with Berry Sauce); and Pechuga al Ancho (Grilled Chicken breast with Ancho chiles, Tomato, Garlic & Red Wine Sauce). The ones that were just eh, or not-so-great: Empanada de Pollo (Chicken Turnover); Chorizo a la Plancha (Grilled Spanish Sausage); and Solomillo con Chimichurri (Beef Tenderloin with Spicy Herb Sauce). That's all I can remember. The menu selection had way more seafood (and way less chicken/beef) than I've seen on a tapas menu and the food was just not worth the price. The best thing part of the meal was the Cranberry & Champagne Cheesecake someone brought from a bakery in the South End. Which they charged about $30 to cut and plate - Strike 3!
(2)
Sonia M.

We went during restaurant week and unfortunately did not take advantage of the fixed price menu. Most of what we ordered was delicious tho' it was extremely pricey. $80+ for 2 people with no drinks and a shared dessert is fairly steep. Nice but reserved only for very, very special occassions.
(3)
Susan P.

Great sangria, lovely menu, lots of vegetarian choices (but my daughters love the chorizo). The service is terrific. My favorites are the potatoes brava, with a delicious spicy sauce, and also the stuffed pepper. I've come here many times and it is consistently terrific. The one drawback is that it's loud. If you have 5 or more folks at your table, it can be tough to hear.
(4)
Anne A.

I went to Solea last night with my boyfriend and we both really enjoyed the food. After reading other reviews, I would suggest going on a weeknight if you can. We went on a Wednesday and were seated right away. The restaurant wasn't very crowded and our food came out quickly and at the right temperature (which seemed to be an issue for others). My boyfriend and I both agreed that it was one of the better meals either of us had eaten in a long time. Although I didn't love the ambiance and it was maybe a little bit pricey, the service was good and the food was great--especially the lamb meatballs! We had: Plato Mixto, $16: a little pricey for four pieces of toasted (but yummy) bread, three slices of cheese (very good), stewed peppers (I don't like peppers anyway), and far too few olives (there were only 4 or 5!) but a relatively good start. We ordered it to start as we decided what else to order, and it came in probably 5 minutes, which was great. Albondigas de Cordero, $9: Lamb meatballs; definitely my favorite dish of the night. The meatballs were tender and so good and were served in a delicious truffle-pea sauce Chicken Empanadas, $8: quite good, I loved the sauce that came with them! Another reviewer said it was bland but I don't think we tasted the same sauce! I really enjoyed this dish. Queso de Cabra Montanes, $8: I thought this was a little overpriced for the tiny dish of what was essentially goat cheese baked in tomato sauce, but my boyfriend raved about it and really enjoyed it. We ate it with the bread that was served when we first sat down because it doesn't come with any bread or crackers or anything. It was very rich but pretty good. I don't remember what the dessert was called but it was a "vanilla cream-filled crepe with berries and a dulce de leche sauce" or something like that. I think it was around $12, a little too much for an unimpressive dessert--I don't remember any cream filling at all, mostly just berries, but the dulce de leche sauce wasn't bad. Also, we ordered this about 5 minutes before the kitchen shut down so, not that it's an excuse, but I can understand if this wasn't the best dessert the chefs ever served. We just drank water so I can't suggest any drinks, but I will hopefully be able to give another good review after going back--which I certainly will.
(4)
Noopur S.

I am yet to go here on a weekend night, but everytime I have been here on a weekend during the day, I am yet to find fault. I like the ambience and the large windows that are opened during good weather days. The menu is not very imaginative or innovative, just the usually tapas fare, but it does pack in a punch of flavor. Sangria is always good and refreshing, just the right amount of fruity, sweet and boozey! So yeah! a good Tapas place in the middle of moody street's mostly average places.
(4)
Kristine M.

Great food, great decor, and great sangria. However, I don't like the wait staff. While attentive with things like refilling water, they could be a little more pleasant and friendly. Once when I was there, they convinced our party that we needed to order a lot more, so we did and wound up with a ridiculous amount of leftovers. Our waiter also gave us an attitude when we opted not to get dessert. The most recent time, our waiter told us to wrap it up because he needed to give someone else the table. I'll go back because I like the food and it's easier for me to go here than Tasca's in Brookline, but I have yet to be impressed by the staff.
(3)
Glenn B.

I come back to this restaurant again and again! This is a fun place to come to with a group. Order a little of everything (although it tends to add up) and share! I've never had a bad meal here. Drinks are good, sangria can be ordered by the pitcher for the table. Servers are knowledgeable and friendly to all. Good fresh tastes, and there's something for everyone. ...and it's a cool looking place. They open the front windows when the weather is warm. Definately the funkiest / best retaurant on Moody Street.
(5)
Meg N.

Came here at 3:30 on a Friday with two friends to sit in the front window & drink sangria. Even though the place was E-M-P-T-Y, the waiter forced us to order food with our sangria. I laughed at him until I realized he was serious, saying that it was restaurant policy if we wanted to sit in the front window. We sat for 1.5 hours, nursing two pitchers of sangria and a plate of potatoes between 3 of us. Their white/peach sangria is EXCELLENT, so we ordered another pitcher ... but again, he wouldn't serve us without food, saying that it would have been a pitcher each. Yes, over 2+ hours! I understand that the restaurant is trying to make money and ensure that their clients are safe. But alcohol is your money-maker and there's no way that we were drunk enough to be cut-off, especially given that we were walking home. Disappointing policies.
(3)
Rita V.

Not bad at all! Limited menu, surprisingly not your typical deep hearted Spain tapas... This is a Portugal influenced Spanish tapas. They had a coconut and sherry seafood "bisque" (crema) that is sooooo flavorful it makes your knees weak! The chicken livers were a bit greasy, but what can you expect from a bacon overdose? Lamb chops - check! Duck - Check! Service? Check! Limited menu, affordable, and wonderful staff, really nice quality for the service. Its OK in my book!
(3)
Mary M.

Great place for groups! Great service and wonderful food selection. And very tasty food! One of my favorite dishes is the garlic shrimp! Beware your breath will stink after that one though.. :) Great place to try different platters and share with friends. And delicious sangria!
(4)
Jonathan K.

I visit the Solea Restaurant regularly with my coworkers and I must say, the food is always great along with the staff. The atmosphere is comfortable with extraordinary decorations; it's difficult to leave. My favorite is the duck and lobster ravioli in cheese sauce. We will continue to come on a regular basis.
(5)
Ferris B.

This place was great!!! The food was delicious! Quite possibly the most flavorful food I've ever had. The prices were pricey, but I guess that's normal for tapas? The waiter was very nice, service was fast, atmosphere was great.
(4)
Steve R.

One word: disappointing. Seafood was not fresh. The octopus had the consistency and smell of fish. Octopus has a very specific texture and taste. The sauces were very acidic. I won't be back. There is much better food on moody street than this place! However, the service was very good and very friendly.
(2)
Bhuvana H.

I've been here a couple times over the years, and have always enjoyed the experience. The menu is quite similar to Dali and Tapeo, which makes sense since they are sister restaurants. On my recent trip there, my husband and I shared a seafood bisque, a jicama & avocado salad, grilled shrimp with a spicy sauce, the vegetable cheese puffs, a pepper stuffed with seafood, and a couple other tapas I can't recall. For dessert, I had the chocolate cake and he had the flan - standard desserts, but done really well. The shrimp were a bit overdone but everything else was awesome. Our waitress was extremely friendly and attentive, though I wish she had offered to check our coats. The tables are a bit close to each other in their dining room, so there isn't much space for bulky winter coats. We will definitely go back if we're in the neighborhood!
(4)
Samuel F.

Great food, great drink, great service. A bit on the expensive side, and probably not the best value, but makes for a wonderful treat. Definitely go with a group of friends and share so you can all enjoy the widest variety of flavors. (Also, if you like cocktails, the pina-baca-tini (Grey Goose, pineapple juice, sugar, basil) is without a doubt the most delicious drink I've had to date.)
(4)
Joanna C.

Definitely recommended. I followed the advice of many yelpers and got their duck in that blackberry sauce, and MMMMMMMMMMMMM, eyes-roll-to-the-back-of-your-head good. Sangria is actual sangria. It's not watered down wine. I got tipsy after drinking it, and it was DELICIOUS. Waiter was spot-on. He rocked. He made great suggestions. He knew the menu and the food really well. I was impressed. He left us alone when we needed to be alone, and swooped in with dishes when we started to get hungry. The ceviche was the most disappointing part of the meal (drat, I heart ceviche), but the spicy potatoes (red hot potatoes?) were delish, if only just a smidgen heavily salted. The bread was cold and hard as it is in every tapas place (why is that???). And quite honestly... everything else was forgettable. It paled in comparison to the awesomeness that was the duck. Get the duck! Atmosphere would've been great if not for that guy who was laughing like a hyena with a giant group of work colleagues right next to us. (well, it felt like right next to us, in reality he was on the other side of the room) I wanted to throw him down a flight of stairs.
(4)
Deepika V.

The atmosphere - really good. The service - good. The tapas - good. The sangria - decent. My friends and I cleaned up our plates and had a great time. Oh and did I mention the "Goat Cheese in Tomato Basil Sauce" - Super yummy. Must have. The "Wild and Spicy Potatoes" aren't shabby either.
(4)
Marcella G.

went recently for first time at dinner sat at bar sangria royal was nice crab avocado - avocado was good, crab looked gray and did not taste fresh chili verde shrimp - nice, should have been butterflied flank steak with basalmic - way too much sauce, meat was floating in a sea of black gunk hummus was nice
(2)
Heather C.

Great Tapas! The portions are large enough that you actually feel like you had a meal (or more) if you follow their 3 plates per person guidance. I've left other tapas restaurants feeling hungry, but that was not the case here. My date and I didn't even finish all of our food. Downsides are that it's expensive and there is no parking lot. I recommend the beer braised short ribs, the pork sausage with fig, and the poblano rellano.
(5)
Joseph K.

Alarm bells should have rung when I made my reservation. I asked for a table for 3 at 6:15. The hostess said "I'll mark you down for 6". I replied "We'll be there at 6:15, not 6." We arrived at 6:15 and were quickly seated. We waited a few minutes for the server and had already chosen 7 items to order by the time she arrived. She arrived with an arm full of plates. She asked if we had ever been there before and I said "no, but we've had tapas before." She then proceeded to explain what tapas was and how to order, apparently disregarding my response. When she left my sister, who used to be a waitress years ago, said that you should never greet a table with a full tray of plates. Oddly enough, after watching the waitress for the next 90 minutes, she did this almost exclusively. The food was good, but took around 40 minutes to arrive. It seemed to come out at random, cold, then hot, then cold, and finally hot. Nothing was particularly amazing, but nothing was bad. At one point, we asked for more bread and it took 10 minutes to arrive. The bread wasn't even hot. Overall, the food was OK, but the service was really awful. I'd never go here again.
(2)
Shawn E.

Great food and service! I loved the variety and uniqueness of the food Highly recommend this place
(4)
cheri m.

Have been here many times with my husband as it used to be our "go to" place for a great meal... not any more. The garlic shrimp was one of my favorite dishes anywhere. Now it is frozen, tastless, tiny shrimp swimming in a bath of tasteless oil... On our last "date night" we went sat at the bar and was so disappointed after our order of shrimp and goat cheese spread that we paid our bill and left. Sadly we proabaly won't return to Solea. Hope the management reads these reviews and goes back to the quality ingredients that they once used. Prices too high as well , especailly for this type of quality.
(1)
Ave H.

By far my favorite restaurant on Moody. Ive tried almost everything on the menu and have yet to be disappointed. My favorites include the baked goat cheese, quail, and my favorite of all - the salmon with chutney (or something similar) on a plantain chip (I always order two of these when I go here). Their Sangria is also amazing. the atmosphere is excellent, especially on a nice day when they open the windows. Service has always been excellent, and sometimes they have really good deals where you can get a salad, three tapas, and a desert for around 30 bucks. Ive even come here by myself and ordered two tapas for dinner. Best part is that they have such a large variety of tapas that you will never get bored - there are endless combinations to be had. I have never brought someone here who did not enjoy it.
(5)
Maria B.

Ok so I came to Solea with high expectations because I know it's owned by the same people that own Tapeo- which is my all-time favorite Boston restaurant. Solea is a little different though. I mean I know it's Waltham and not Newbury St- but still... it was missing a lot of the charm and authenticity that is prominent at Tapeo. The menu is very similar to Tapeo's however their tapas selection is a bit varied, so that was nice to try some new things that I couldn't have tried at the other location. Our waitress was really nice and responsive, and the tapas we had were absolutely delicious. I had stuffed red peppers and patatas bravas, they were fantastic. One thing that I think adds to the authenticity of Tapeo is that the majority of their staff are native Spaniards (or of Hispanic background in general). I know I know it's not necessary, but that just made the place seem all the more authentic as if I were stepping into a tapas place in Barcelona. Solea did not have such charm, I hate to say. I would definitely go back, but Tapeo will still remain my top choice.
(3)
Ann M.

On Hotel Advantage's Facebook Page, I posted a New York Times piece recently that proclaimed that children's menus are the death of civilization. As parents, we need to do a better job of helping our kids develop a discriminating palette, which will never happen if all they order out are pasta and chicken and fries. Solea Restaurant and Tapas Bar offers a perfect, casual destination for family's that want to snap their kids out of an eating rut. Beautiful window boxes beckon, vibrant color hues splash the walls, and generously sized windows open to create a pleasing summer breeze, allowing customers to absorb the energetic, vibe of Waltham's Moody Street. Despite a gracious welcome, my boys had a look of dread about them as they anticipated what was to come, grumbling "Why can't we just go to Legal's?" Tapas delivers portion sizes ideal for kids to try a variety of dishes, all at a price you can afford. Sure, it can add up, but at a rate determined by you and your tiny diners. The meal began with the boys thinking all they could muster was the bread basket. Yet, when the food arrived, things changed fast. Each one of them found a dish they loved, and once they had a positive taste of that tapas, they moved on to other more daring dishes. Universally, they all liked the Sizzling Garlic Shrimp [Gamas al Ajillo], Beef Tenderloin [Solomillo con Chimichurri], and Steamed Littlenecks in Garlic and WIne [Ameijoas Bulhao Pato]. Not a morsel was left, and our lunch conversation centered on what dish we liked best and why, and what we'd order on our next visit. In total we sampled about 9 tapas, a slew of sodas served in generous goblets, and the House Sangria for me (delicious!), adding up to about $100. An easy investment and fun afternoon that showed my children the unexpected delights of stretching their palette. As the owner of Gramercy Park's I Trulli's restaurant, Nicola Marzovilla, pointed out in the NYT's article, "If you don't ask your children to try things, how will they ever know what they're capable of?" Well said. Take your kids to Solea. See what happens. Then come tell me about it at: facebook.com/HotelAdvantâ€¦ .
(4)
Irene R.

I've never had Tapas before. That being said I don't know how authentic this is. But I love being able to try lots of different things in one meal. The food was delicious, the service was great and everything made my mouth water. It can get a bit more expensive if you order more dishes. But this is a great place if you like to share dishes.
(4)
P C.

5 STARS for Ambience. 4 STARS for food. 5 STARS for drinks. This place is not cheap, but the vibe and overall feel of the place makes this the ultimate "date night" spot. The smaller portions are perfect for sampling a bunch of small plates. The garlic shrimp had the most amazing roasted garlic. Dip the bread into the garlic oil, and it's heaven. The Salmon with dijon sauce was excellent. The Lamb chops were small but had a great smokey flavor. We finished with a couple cappuccinos, and they were perfect. Overall we had a fun night.
(4)
Emily F.

I will be back as soon as I can! I had a great seat at the beautiful bar, had a good glass (or 3) of a Malbec, and ordered 4 plates (lobster ravioli, artichokes, avocado/crab, and something else delicious that I can't remember). The atmosphere is very cool, the bar is so pretty, and the waiter/bartender had super recommendations and advice.
(5)
Heidi L.

Went to Solea on a Sunday evening. I picked this place as a coworker strongly suggested it. We went there a little late so there weren't too many people. My first impression of the restaurant and the service was just okay, not bad at all but not great. Anyways, we ordered the following: 1. Palta Reina, its supposed to be avocado stuffed with crab meat and mango. When the menu said stuffed, I thought the mango and crab would be "stuffed" inside an avocado. Instead, they were just out on top on a half avocado. Hmmm, it tasted okay but I felt like I was eating avocado, mango, and the crab meat separately?! 2. Roasted duckling with berry sauce, this was meh, meat was not tender at all and the sauce was a little too sweet. 3. Chicken livers, normally I like to eat livers (I would buy them at supermarket and cook them at home) but wow, they probably didn't want to risk serving raw livers to people so they over cooked it! Do not order even if you are adventurous and want to try any type of internal organs. 4. Garlic shrimp, this is one of the 2 best dishes the entire night. I would have gone back for this particular dish if Solea served with fresh and bigger shrimp. The sauce/oil was super tasty when you dipped the bread in it. Highly recommended. 5. Lamb chops with apricot sauce, this is the other very nice dish! My friend didn't like lamb at all (cuz of the gamy taste) but he also said it was good! Don't order it if you absolutely cant stand any gamy taste, but I would recommend this to anyone who likes lamb in general. The apricot sauce was yum! I think we also ordered the beef tenderloin and the goat cheese....I didn't try them so no comment on those. The restaurant was big but probably we got there late so we were seated at the bar area. Most likely I wont go back in the future but I think it's still a nice place to hang out if you live in the area. Oh by the way, their sangria was good too!
(3)
Jessica D.

My boyfriend and I went here last night for a "dinner and a movie" date night and we enjoyed it a lot. The staff are friendly and service was very quick. They serve very traditional tapas and not one of the dishes we had disappointed us. We had the chorizo, pork sausage with fig, sautÃ©ed artichokes, prunes wrapped with bacon and stuffed with goat cheese. We will definitely be going back!
(4)
Kyle J.

I've been wanting to try Solea for a while with the missus, and finally got the chance to last week. We walked over on a cold night, looking for some hot tapas, and were seated immediately. The server was kind enough to bring over some bread and red bean spread (similar to hummus) to soothe our stomachs as we waited for our tapas. I sipped on a great glass of the Malbec while the lady had some of the white sangria. She was blown away by it, and had several more glasses over the course of the meal. We ordered 5 different tapas - the chicken livers, piri piri shrimp, lamb chops, ancho chile chicken and artichoke & spinach fritters. It was more food than we expected, and would probably advise future couples to stick to 4. Hell, they turn the tapas out so quickly here you can just order 3 and see how you feel for more. The chicken livers were PERFECT. Rich and hearty and helped brush off the fall chill. The lamb chops were cooked well, and had a perfect touch of sweetness to compliment some of the spicier dishes we ordered. The artichoke/spinach fritters were great - we could have kept eating them all day. The ancho chile chicken was a little underwhelming. It had a nice smoky flavor from the chiles, but wasn't anything to write home about. The final tapas we got were the piri piri shrimp. I'm a sucker for spicy food, and grew up on piri piri in my food, but this dish was so spicy hot it was impossible to eat. I'm talking burning-the-roof-of-your-mouth, destroying your tastebuds, making you beg for water spicy. Even with just a light dunk in the piri piri sauce, my face turned a deeper shade of red than my Malbec and I sweat like we were in the Kalahari. As much as I love spicy, I'd advise diners to stay away from this dish. All in all, a fantastic evening....even if my tastebuds still haven't recovered.
(4)
E and D.

We had our first date at Solea and we go back every year to celebrate (it's been 4 years). We love the food, and everytime we go there, the service is great.
(5)
Carol W.

We ordered 6 to 8 different tapas and would order 3 of them again, including the garlic shrimp, the chicken livers, and the wild and spicy potatoes. Everything else didn't seem to be anything special. The most disappointing dish was the paella. I've ordered paella at various restaurants in Boston, NYC, and even Chicago. Solea's paella was the most disappointing one thus far. Firstly, the seafood, which was piled up on top of the serving bowl/dish, was not cooked with the rice. It appeared as though the seafood was prepared separately, boiled until cooked and then thrown on top. It was not appealing to the eye, and while the rice was tasty, there was a depth of seafood flavor missing often found in paella.
(3)
Justina R.

In my opinion, this place is just ok. It's way over priced, and the food is just average. We went here after seeing a special about Solea on Phantom Gourmet. We ordered the shrimp, just as Phantom had recommended, and were extremely disappointed it came out looking NOTHING like it did on the show. The shrimp was MUCH smaller, wasn't seared like it was featured, and the sauce was mundane. After eating the shrimp, we even went home and re watched to make sure we weren't crazy--we weren't, and we definitely ordered the correct dish. Just goes to show places spruce up their menu items when featured on TV. Total disappointment.
(3)
Lindley E.

I usually handicap all suburban restaurants - give them an extra star or three. But since my review is an outlier and I wasn't wildly impressed with my meal here, I decided to keep my rating true to my experience. The stars are for the service, which was helpful, polite, and friendly. The food was not worth my time or money. I came with a large party, so many tapas were ordered and shared. Some were enjoyable for a bite or two but quickly became a single, un nuanced flavor/texture. The queso de cabra was a huge disappointment - the tomato sauce had the distinct flavor of a #10 can of tomato puree and the basil, which is part of the menu description, fell silently into the background. The shrimp - another tapas bar standard - were chewy bouncy fatty little bundles of unidimensional texture - even the flavor of the garlic was muted by lack of seasoning. The artichoke and spinach fritters struck me as something I might be served at a houseparty of someone who just received a gift deep fryer for her birthday and had some leftover artichoke dip that she creatively formed into a ball and doused with mayo. The beverages, in general, were too big and too sweet - probably just what everyone looks for in a place like this. Perhaps my experience suffered because I had expectations?
(2)
Shannon R.

My friend and I were looking for a more exciting dinner experience tonight and ended up at Solea for tapas. I've had tapas at Dali once and my friend was a newbie, and we both enjoyed our dinner and the novelty of the "small plates" option. The waiter suggested we order three small plates per person and we chose a variety of what we thought was well-rounded. We got a goat cheese crostoni (our favorite), garlic shrimp (fairly standard) , stuffed peppers w crab meat stuffing (the cheesy sauce was the best part of this), rice and beans(very creamy), a mild pepper chicken breast (a little dry) and a green chili topped beef medallion (very good). The food was good fairly good and the portion size was reasonable for two moderately hungry girls, but we were both hoping for more spicy dishes. Only the beef had the smallest bit of kick to it. The wait staff friendly, but it was very dark, very loud and we were seated right beside the door so we dealt with a constant onslaught of people passing by. We enjoyed our meal, but I don't think the noise and crowd would make for a romantic date night. We were pleased though, that our six dishes only came to a little over forty dollars. We didn't drink but thought the bill was very reasonable for six very freshly prepared plates- you would spend that much at Uno's for crappy reheated frozen chicken. The desserts looked divine as well, and at that price it was certainly something we considered. We will go back again for sure only maybe at a slightly less busy time.
(3)
Roni E.

Chocolate Martini...... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... that is all....
(5)
Liv K.

This place is good. Not out of this world delicious, but good enough for a Tapas restaurant. There were four of us and we ordered a bunch of small plates. They brought out half first, then the second half about 40 minutes later. I would have preferred to have them closer together, as I was pretty full by the time our second helping came. The food was good, the service was better, and the restaurant is very big with nice large windows.
(4)
Katie F.

This is a breath of fresh air... really. As a recent resident to the greater Waltham area (woot woot!), I've had my fair share of pseudo Mexican, conglomerate Asian cuisine, "Philly" cheesesteaks and the likes. I like a restaurant with a clear culinary focus, particularly when it's served up with a pitcher of sangria. Bottoms up! Now, I wouldn't be so bold to call myself a tapas master. I have never been to Spain before and I'm pretty sure all it takes is a plate of patatas bravas with extra aioli to get me as giddy as a school girl who's just gotten to first base. However, tonight my parents were in town bearing the platinum and we were ready to eat. We ordered everything under the Solean sun. What's awesome about Solea and really any tapas establishment is you eat a satisfying meal at an extremely satisfying price. My one serious suggestion to every Waltham-bound yelper is to visit Solea and order the lamb meatballs. Anything dressed in a foie gras sauce is an automatic grand slam in my book. I mean really, just die and go to heaven now. Don't even pack your bags, just go. Another plus -- Solea offers more vegetarian plates on its menu than I could count! This is a wonderful and delicious eating destination for any vegetarians out there looking for a group meal out with your carnivorous friends.
(4)
E. L.

i've been a fan of this place for about 8 years. Great place to go with a bunch of friends, the more people, the more variety. I've been to several tapas places in and around Boston and this on always comes out on top. Tastefully decorated. I've experienced consistently good service. The various dishes are well prepared and delicious. Chorizo infused dishes are the best and the lamb chops were cooked perfectly rare. They have a nice base of consistant tapas while rotating in new ones, which helps to keep the menu fresh. We usually have the standbys of shrimp in garlic oil, lamb meat balls, and also try their new dishes each time we go. Including drinks plan on about 40-50 per person (although admittedly we have some big eaters in our circle of friends...) A fun night out with friends for sure Can get a bit loud when they are really busy.
(4)
Lily L.

Overall, Solea is a fun place for a date or a few drinks out on this side of town. The ambiance and service are both great. Unfortunately, the food was not that great, especially compared to other tapas restaurants in the Boston area. Ambiance: - Great, prompt service - the food came quickly, and the waiter was very attentive. - On summer days, the front window is open to the street, giving a nice airy feeling. Drinks: - Unique cocktail list - I ordered a pineapple, basil, vodka cocktail and it was refreshing and strong. I'd like to come back and try the Sangria! Food: - The winner of the night was the roasted goat cheese in tomato sauce - excellent flavor and tastes delicious with the bread they give you. - The biggest loser (sadly among a few) of the night was the ceviche - normally I love ceviche, unfortunately this did not taste very fresh, lacked flavor, and had an interesting slimey texture. Not sure if I just caught the ceviche on an off night...
(3)
David M.

This was a pretty solid and fun Tapas place. The parking, while not great, was still a bit easier to find than at Dali. The food was on the expensive side (8 bucks a dish x 3 dishes per person + alcohol). Nothing I had was absolutely out of this world good, but it was all very tasty. The waiter was pretty friendly. Atmosphere was jovial. Tapas places like these are always fun to go to with a friend(s). If you're splitting the dishes, ordering is a great commentary on your friendship. I ordered the Blood Orange Mojito. I love Mojitos... but mixing in Blood Orange was a mistake. Stick to the traditional. My final say on Solea: good food, and a less crowded alternative to Dali... but its still no Dali.
(4)
Ilona K.

Long story short. The food is really quite good, have come back here multiple times, and would def. come back. The prices are reasonable, the staff is helpful and friendly, the decor is nice, not overwhelming with the decorations. Ask the staff what to order... if you have a good waiter/waitress they will guide you to the yummy stuff. I have never been in the summer, but the windows open and its as if you're sitting on the street... i imagine this would be very nice, and unique to most restaurants in waltham....
(4)
Kelsey C.

I like this place. Food is very good and reasonably prices. Atmosphere is fun, cozy, and the fresh air from open windows is nice. They also have clean bathrooms. Service is a bit hit and miss, but the food was good. I will go again.
(3)
Amanda Z.

Went here with a few friends from undergrad and had a great time. I was amazed at how our table was already prepared for us and we had a nice booth to sit in because my friend had called ahead for a reservation. Warning for beer drinkers: they only have three or four beers on the menu, all not typically seen on a beer and wine menu except for Stella Artois (sp?). Try the pork tenderloin, the artichoke, mushroom and goat cheese crostinis, and the spinach salad. I know what you're thinking, "Spinach salad? Umm... I don't eat green things." But, whatever they put on this stuff makes the spinach have a party in your mouth. So delicious you might consider leaving your significant other for it. They also have some kind of potato nibs dish which was really good. The egg on top of chicken and potato that described some kind of truffle being involved was not nearly as tasty as I was hoping. The chicken is grilled and overpowers any kind of truffle-tasting part of the dish. The beef tenderloin was pretty good, but not as good as the first three things I mentioned. I desperately wanted to get a dessert but the people in my party didn't want to spend any more money. Understandable since, after being seated, our waiter said it was customary to order 2-3 items per person so that the whole table could share. This racks up quite a bill, our's averaging about $20/person. P.S. extra brownie points for filling my water glass several times!
(4)
Kathryn B.

So fun, 6 of us ate there last night! Food came quickly and our waitress was super fun and full of information. The short ribs are a must as are the impends and the lamb meatballs...the super rich Dulce De leche cake was perfect! Would definitely go again...the male host was a bit snooty and we waited 20 minutes over our 7:00 pm reservation but would go again...
(4)
Corinna W.

After living in Spain for several months, and growing up in a Spanish family, I have a special place in my heart for tapas. I do not, however, have a special place in my heart for Solea. It is expensive, overrated, and a horribly yuppy-esque version of a food I hold near and dear to my heart. That being said, obviously I do not expect any tapas place in the United States to compare to Spain, and I am not giving this restaurant a poor review because it does not compare to traditional Spanish tapas. I do realize that is very difficult to do, and I have yet to come across a place in the US that has REAL Spanish tapas the way the locals eat them in Europe. However, on my experience at Solea, the service was horrible, the food was over priced, the drinks were watered down, the food was luke-warm, and just not very good. When my date and I ordered, we made it obvious that the tapas we were eating were going to be our entire meal (obviously, that's usually the point of a tapas restaurant), yet for some reason we kept getting our dishes out one at time.. and they were often luke-warm, if not cold. And when I say one at a time, I mean there was a 10-20 minute break in between plates. And the portion sizes were tiny (I know, they're tapas, but that's why we wanted them all at once..) So essentially our meal consisted of small, one person-sized portions of cold food every 20 minutes for about an hour and a half. Not exactly the ideal way to eat anywhere. Not to mention the table next to us got all of their food at once, and before half of our food even came out.. and they were a party of six, compared to our two people, and ordered several of the same dishes we did. I'd like to think our waitress was just horrible, or the expo had no idea what he was doing, and this is not the way that this restaurant always runs, but who knows. The quality of the food is mediocre. It's not worth the price, and seems to just be priced so high because they can pull it off in such an affluent neighborhood. It's a good way for yuppies to think they are getting a "cultural experience," and the owners of this restaurant to benefit from their ignorance. Sorry if that's offensive, but it's the truth. Needless to say, I would never go back. And I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, especially anyone who likes traditional Spanish tapas.
(1)
Jerry J.

Let me start by saying I haven't had a better tenderloin steak in my life. I loved walking in and seeing the salty, silly paintings on the walls of bar scenes, just too un-PC to be bought from a Home Depot. The lighting was beautiful over the bar and at the tables. The noise level on a Saturday night was a little severe, hard for the waiter to hear the order, but that in itself was inviting for a Latin restaurant. It was full. The waiter was attentive and handled my one difficulty with aplomb. The owner came over to check on me, afterward, it was great. I have an allergy to almost everything on their menu, they make tapas and they still fed me right. When I first opened the menu, I thought I would have to give up, it was on 95% of the dishes offered. All I had to do was ask. Wine choices were very good. Excellent dinner, terrific service, decent price for a nice evening out.
(5)
Maureen S.

Tapas is such a fun way to eat. Solea makes it a great experience. There were no bad apples in the bunch. 3 of us shared ~7 dishes - every one different and delicious: eggplant, artichokes, garlic chicken, chimichurri, bravas patatas, faro salad, calamari. 4 sangria options - we picked the red with sparkling wine. Excellent as well. Service was "ok", but could have been more friendly - with all the wonderful sauces left on the serving plates, I would have liked if they offered more bread to soak them up; instead empty dishes were taken away very quickly without asking. Overall I would definitely recommend to others, and come back myself. A bit of a special occasion restaurant - not cheap - but well worth it as a treat. Giving them 4 stars based on service not being top notch.
(4)
Gina H.

This Restaurant and tapas bar embraces the romantic spirit of colonial South America. The portions are perfect and the selection is amazing. I ordered the tanga-tini martini, which made me feel a buzz 1/2 way through it!!!! I would recommend this place for couples, friends, and family- very child friendly environment- but, also romantic at the same time :)
(5)
Jeremy K.

whats to say, lots of choices, its fun, especially with a group of people, hopefully ones with culture, as in, this conversation: I'm going to the tapas bar... a TOPLESS bar?!? no Tapas... case in point, people in the know will enjoy this concept more than others. prices do add up thou FYI...
(4)
Purple S.

A mixed bag. The atmosphere was lively, the place was full of people which is always a good sign. Our waiter was kind and friendly and overall, me and my wife had a pleasant experience. But the food was not so good. We ordered Alcachofas Salteadas, which turned out to be very (I mean really) sour so we couldn't eat it. Pollo Al Ajillo might have tasted better if the chicken didn't smell so much. I am not a fussy eater but it had a strong unpleasant smell. So we gave up on that. Although we didn't finish the Tilapia a la Naranja either, it was ok. Queso De Cabra Montanes (goat chese + basil sauce) made things better and finally our appetite's were served well by the simple Arroz Y Habas (rice beans). Doubt we'd come here again.
(3)
Kristin W.

Apparently a lot of people have been stopping by here as an alternative to eating in Boston. Solea is a restaurant and bar with atmosphere that is energetic and romantic. Dark, luxurious decorations include chandeliers, tiles, mustard-colored walls, Spanish posters of bulls, and many other simply and lovely adornments. It's a bit loud, but we could all hear pretty well. The staff was very friendly and helpful. And the tables aren't too crowded in together. The bar is separated from the restaurant and there are two dining rooms separated by a half wall. There are many tapas to choose from and the entrees are varied as well. No vegetarian entrees, but the tapas were enough to make me very happy. For example: I loved the artichoke crostini and the patatas bravas. The table ordered a Paella Valenciana and ate it all. We also all had sangria...very good!
(4)
Jennie L.

Wow. From the instant you walk into this place you know it will be a dining experience and not just food. The decor is really cool and helps put one in the mood for tapas and sangria. The windows open up to the street when it is nice out which is an added bonus. So the food - their blue goat cheese over pork is fantastic. The sausage with fig sauce is awesome. The stuffed poblano pepper - delicious. Definitely give this place a try. Bonus - it is very romantic for a date night.
(5)
Christopher S.

I have always wanted to try this place out and went there about a week ago with some friends. This was a great place to go to for dinner and a taste of something different. I have been to Spain and always wanted to relive my experience of tapas. Purely authentic with a welcoming, friendly atmosphere! Great for group dinners and you have to try the Sangria! I recommend the Artichoke & Spinach Fritters and Roasted Duckling with Berry Sauce!
(5)
Jane B.

Great food, but pricey. Sangria is heavenly. I could drink a pitcher of the stuff on my own. Nice list of wines too. I recommend: Tostadas de Alcachofas - Artichoke hearts, mushroom & goat cheese crostini Tortilla Espanola - one of my all time faves - an egg, potato and onion omelette. Palta Reina - Avacado stuffed with crab, mango and cilantro Setas al Ajilo - Sauteed Poratbella mushrooms Questo de Cabra Montanes - baked goat cheese with tomato and basil....so heavenly! Poblano Relleno - Yuca, roasted corn & mushroom stuffed almond encrusted poblano - YUM! Empanada de Pollo - So good. Gambas al Ajillo - Sizzling garlic shrimp Chroizo a la Plancha - Grilled Spansih sausage - so naughty, so good. Costillitas - Pork riblets with banana glaze - sweet and savory and so good! For desserts, I've had the Quesada de Banana - chocolate crusted cheesecake covered with rum spiced bananas and caramel sauce (went for my bday celebration with family and this was presented to me with candles). I've also had the Filloa de dulce De Leche which is a crepe with a vanilla cream, fresh berry and ducle de leche filling...and it was soooooo good. I highly recommend making reservations, especially if you go on a Friday or weekend as it can get quite busy and the wait can be very long.
(4)
Andrew T.

Solea is my go-to recommendation when someone is looking for a cool spot with good food in Waltham. On Moody street, competition is fierce and the restaurants that make up the few block stretch need to come correct in order to stand out. Solea delivers (figuratively..not literally. That I know of). A bit more of an accessible menu than some of the other tapas spots within the family (Dali, Cuchi Cuchi, Tapeo, etc), there are a couple can't miss items: Costillitas (sp?) which are a banana glazed pork riblets and Tostones which are plantain chips with salmon and mango. Trust me on these items. Also, AWESOME sangria and don't forget the Cava, which comes in a great container (I am sure there is a more proper name for the container) that you pass along and drink directly from...its a lot more fun and less gross than it sounds. Parking is tough, so look for a local Moody Street lot or just throw your ride on the street. Oh, and though I have never had it, I am told the steak there is out of this world.
(4)
L B.

Food here is great but it's a shame the owner is a bit of a dick. We were ready to hang out and order more wine and food when kitchen decided to close early. Owner's comment, "oh well". Can't justify a business owner that does not want to bolster business. Too bad because this place has so much potential.
(1)
Christina N.

Maybe the food we ordered wasn't the signature dishes of Solea, but I felt that the sauces weren't thought out (some tasted similar to salsa + ketchup mixed in a hurry), the ingredients weren't fresh... all in all-- disappointing. I was hoping to find a great tapas place around the corner, and maybe I just had such high expectations. The service wasn't too attentive, and I felt that for the experience and food-- overpriced and stale. If you do come here, the cold dishes were much better than the hot ones. Perhaps it's a better place for drinks.
(2)
Mitchell P.

Maybe i am just not a fan of tapas, but i thought this place was pretty overpriced for the food you recieved. I probably ordered 6 or 7 things to split with my girlfriend, and i think i liked one of them. The ravioli's were basically the only good thing, and the Sangria. Just didnt do it for me.
(2)
Laura M.

Went here for a friend's birthday dinner last week and I was very impressed. Not too crowded (they seated our party of four right away, on a Friday evening around 7:00) but full enough to know they're popular. Some people were dressed up, others in jeans. And the food was pretty darn good. Don't miss the sangria. It's awesome. We also really enjoyed the artichoke fritters, the pork sausage with figs, and the goat cheese dip. Not a pig-out place, but ordering two tapas per person plus drinks was no more expensive than the upper tier of Moody St. restaurants.
(4)
Sonya J.

I'm a big fan of tapas, so of course, I really like Solea. But I am also a big fan of good service, excellent food, and of course: sangria, and Solea does not disappoint. Upon entering, the bar is directly in front of you, as well as a small seating area. The main "dining room," if you will, is to the left. While definitely not as dramatic of an interior as Tapeo on Newbury in Boston, Solea does a great job of making you feel like you've left Waltham. The food here has never been bad. The garlic shrimp *is* on the small side, but it is the same size as Tapeo on Newbury. I have not found that to be a particularly bad thing. I've tried nearly everything on the hot and cold tapas menus, and everything is usually good. Definitely more flavorful than Tasca (another tapas place in the Boston area), but also slightly smaller portions. Patatas bravas, goat cheese and tomato, and the tortilla espanola are some of my favorites, but there are tons of options here. I've taken a 15 person group here, dined at 10:30 at night, and come here with my fiance, and I've always had solid service. The food doesn't come out in 5 minutes, but if that is a central requirement of your dining experiences, then I'd suggest a visit to McDonalds (on Main Street). Parking is abundant--there are municipal lots on Chestnut and Walnut Streets.
(4)
Sarah H.

This restaurant has very nice atmosphere and is a good way to try a bunch of different foods. I may have had high expectations from raving online reviews and recommendations, but I wasn't very impressed with the food or the service. I found the menu to offer an impressive variety and the creations were....creative, but it all only tasted OK and, in all honesty, seemed overpriced.
(3)
Foodie K.

Ooh yeah. We had marvelous good eating here! You probably won't come out spending less than $30 per person, especially if you order drinks, but it's a wonderful splurge if you're looking for a tasty way to treat yourself. Try the crab-stuffed avocado with mango salsa (mmm...), the Grilled Shrimp with Piri Piri sauce, the baked goat cheese and tomato sauce, the beef with chimichurri. Don't forget the sangria! We arrived just before the dinner rush on Friday night, and we had an excellent attentive waiter and wonderful service.
(4)
Paul D.

This place is really good. I have eaten here a few times. I have tried about 50% of the things on the tapas menu and all them were really good. The Sangria is also pretty good, not too sweet, its just right. The staff is incredibly patient as you completely butcher the pronunciation of the dish you are about to order. They also make great recommendations, as the specials change weekly.
(4)
Christopher N.

Moody ST continues to amaze me. There are quite a few good restaurants; especially for dates. Solea is one. Tapas and Sangria are amazing. Really, the Sangria's are amazing. My personal fav for food; Queso de Cabra Monta. Reason being, come on? Baked goat cheese? Amazing! Another one: Camaro Piri Piri. The shrimp was perfectly presented and the taste was even more appealing. Bring a date, significant other, or friends here. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
K N.

I was in Solea the night after Valentines Day-for some good food and drinks similar to my experience the 2 other times I have been there but had quite a different experience. The waiter didnt check on us once, empty water and sangria glasses and our food all came out luke warm and the taste was boring. When I went to address the issue with the manager-he simply said he was busy tonight-no sorry... nothing! He took $20 off the bill (thanks but no thanks) Needless to say, I was disapointed with not only the service from the waiter but from the management style. Looks like I will be taking my business elsewhere.
(2)
Jay D.

A solid offering of Tapas mixed into the randomness that is Moody St. Waltham. I've now been there 6 times. We typically get: Cold: Plato Mixto, Tortilla Espanola Hot: Patatas Bravas, Arroz y Habas, Pechuga al Ancho, Empanada de Pollo, Solomillo con Chimichurri, and Chuletillas. My clan is into foreign/indie films at the Landmark Cinemas, so if the timing is right, we'll catch a film at the Embassy around the corner as well as some good Tapas here at Solea.
(4)
R F.

I think I have officially found my favorite dish of food after dining at Solea. Only problem is Solea is on Moody Street in Waltham, and parking blows a$$. The music when you get up to the entrance is blasting, but luckily (for some weird reason), that's only outside, it's actually nice and quiet and not annoying at all inside. Anyhoo, this place is amazing. I can't get over how good it was. I was starving, so that had some effect, along with the bottle of red wine, but whatever. We started off with 2 cold - Ensalada Mixta and Ceviche. I thought the salad was really good, bigger than expected, the dressing was sort of spicey, but very very subtle. Didn't try the Ceviche, but Peter liked it. Next, we got Codorniz and Pato Braseado - Quail and Duckling respectively. The Quail was kind of grilled-tasting and the balsamic dressing wasn't that good. My Duckling with Berry Sauce was my absolute favorite dish I've ever gotten anywhere in the world. No joke. I almost ordered 3 more. The meat fell right off the bones and melted along with the berries and thick purple sauce in my mouth. I'm imagining it right now, thinking about going back there just to steal the recipe. Next, we got Chuetillas and Costillitas - Baby Lamb Chops and Pork Riblets, respectively. The Baby Lamb Chops with Apricot Glaze were good, but just not my sort of thing. The Pork Riblets with Banana Glaze were really good as well, meat falling right off the bone, but the banana glaze, despite how extremely good it was, reminded me of baby food. The last ones we got were the Camarao Piri Piri and the Solomillo con Chimichurri - Grilled Shrimp & Hot Piri Piri Pepper Sauce and Beef Tenderloin with Spicy Herb Sauce, respectively. The Shrimp was cooked really well, and the sauce reminded me of a sweet buffalo sauce. I'm not really a seafood person, that was Peter's dish. The Solomillo beef was really good, but I couldn't help but think to myself, "I wish I had gotten this one first, and the Duckling last..." No worries, it was great, had some green herb sauce and a red pepper thrown on top of 2 decent sized pieces of beef and 2 pieces of bread underneath. All in all, the meals were fabulous, and it was a cool touch, that each was served one at a time, as opposed to bringing all 8 dishes/tapas out at once and crowding the already crowded table of bread, plates, wine, and water. We also got dessert. Peter got Brazo Gitano and I got Soleo Sorbet. The Brazo Gitano - Almond Encrusted Sponge Cake, Lime Custard filling with Spiced Rum Caramel and Ginger Ice Cream was good, but just not my thing. The Tropical Flavored Sorbet with Fresh Fruit was really really sweet, and inredibly cold. The fruit and sorbet were so fresh and delicious though, that I didn't really care. Plus I was giggly off the wine. The bathrooms are very clean. The atmosphere is very nice, they have fake candles that are thinking to themselves "I'm not a real candle, but I can flicker like one" - adding to the reddish, romantic, spanish atmosphere. The space is very nice, not too close like some tapas restaurants and has a variety of tables, lounge/booths, and a bar. The bill after 2 cold, 6 hot tapas, a bottle of wine, and 2 desserts was around $110. It adds up, but it's an incredible experience, and definitely worth it. I would love to come back here again for a special occasion, a date, or with a group of family and friends. Absolutely Amazing.
(5)
Joyce K.

This place is really delicious. I came here with two girl friends and we ordered lots of small dishes. We weren't so fond of Queso de Cabra Montaes - Baked Goat Cheese with Tomato & Basil so we asked for another order of Ravioles de Mariscos - Lobster & Crab Ravioli in Langostino Sauce, which was heavenly. The ambience was really pleasant - very Spanish with mosaics, dark wood, and dim lighting. I didn't get very full because it's tapas and I eat ALOT. The sangria was excellent and the service was good...up until the point the waiter started hitting on us. Because you order so much, the bill is pretty hefty.
(4)
Amanda W.

I generally have a pretty good time whenever we go here. We've been coming since the place opened. The food is pretty good to great depending on the day. I'm glad they recently brought back the boquerones (marinated anchovy garnished with salmon roe) to the specials menu. The crostini were a bit over toasted, but the fish were flavorful. On my most recent visit, my mother ordered the solomillo con chimichurri (thin slices of beef filet with a garlic and parsley sauce on toast) and was underwhelmed, but I've had it on other visits and it's been spot on. One thing we all agreed on was that the recently added special of rabbit with ancho-guava sauce was spectacular. Another item that they make well consistently is the patatas bravas, potatoes with a spicy aioli that I think is spiked with piri piri peppers. Service on my last two visits has been quite good. Usually drink refills and bread basket replenishment is done in a timely fashion. On the downside, children have been allowed in the bar area. Running children and crying babies can detract from what is otherwise an enjoyable experience (not necessarily the fault of the establishment, but I wish the large party that brought the kids had been seated in the dinining room away from the bar). Fortunately I have not run into this in my most recent visits. Drinks are good. The sherry selection is nice. I favor the manzanilla and the amontillado on their current list. The mojitos go down entirely too easily and the sangria is a great accompaniment for the tapas when you aren't sure what to drink. There is also a cava (sparkling wine) on offer that you can get by the glass that is nice with food.
(3)
Leanne R.

I love Solea! I have had a great experience every time I have been. They have a good variety of meatless tapas on the menu and I have enjoyed all the food I have tried (this includes before I was vegetarian). The waitstaff is very helpful and attentive. Solea has a great atmosphere, nice and relaxed, it has an overall nice feel to it. Good food Great atmosphere!
(4)
G F.

One of the best places on Moddy street. Lots of variety on the menu especilly with the changing seasonal specials. My favorites include the scallops in saffron cream sauce, sizzling garlic shrimp, and pork ribs with banana glaze. Also, the dulce de leche crepe is a must! If I'm too full after my meal I always get it to go. Yum!
(4)
Frederick S.

I would give it 3 1/2 stars. I do not know how to do that on Y elp's rating stars. I guess such a set up would confuse people/ Well let's get started. My first time at Solea was on Valentine's Day. They had a special menu for the occasion. My wife wanted Tapas, and we have already been to Dali., so Solea it was. I made a reservation on OpenTables for 6:00pm. We asked for a window seat, over the internet, and when I called to confirm, I asked about a window seat, and could not be promised one. I was told that Valentine's Day was going to be quite busy. Ok. So we get there right about on time. Their is public lot straight ahead on a street facing the front door of Solea. We walk in and check in and the host takes us to the inner part of the restaurant, with seemily no idea of our window request, to a small table againist a wall, right next to another couple. It was close enough, that if we took that table, we could of easily heard the conversation of the party next to us. I do not know about you, but that makes me feel uncomfortable, when I am out with my wife. Anyway, we asked the host about a window seat, and he was very nice, and went a searching his inventory. We pushed off to the side, and he came right back to us, with good news. We had a nice window seat, with a table for 4, far away from other guest. We decided on the pre-set Valentines Aphrodesiac three course mail, which included the following: 4 appetizers, or as they are called in this restaurant, Tapas. They were good, there was two of each. One had lobster. mmmm. Thier was also a choice of three sample of white or Red wine. I went with the Red, because Spain is more famous for Reds than whites. Two of the wines were from Spain, and one was from Argetina. The three glasses were each about 1/3 full, more than enough for us, who had to drive back to Arlington. Then it was time for the main entree. It was seafood Paelle. It had no rice, but we ordered a side of white rice, which was quite small for $3.00 or $4.00. It had two whole prawns with the skin and head still on them. Also included in this seafood medley was rings of squid, littlenecks and mussels in their shells, and scallops that were good sized, which my wife commented on. The brought of the Paella was quite good too. Thiere was also sweet peppers in the dish. We hit that pretty hard. Now it was time for dessert.. It was a big chocalate heart, with a sponge filling, with whipped cream all around it. It was good, but it reminded me of the taste of a yodel. The waiter was friendly, and made us feel comfortable, and was patient with us, and all our questions. The rest of the meal, although he came around a couple of times, seemed to be very busy. But if I have one minor compaint, it was that he spoke fast, with a hard to understand accent. I had to ask him to repeat himself, a couple of times. No biggie. Yes I would go back. This time I would take the Commuter rail from Porter Square, to Waltham, and walk the 10 minute walk from the Waltham Commuter Rail stop to Solea, so I could drink a pitcher of Sangria, which people talk about, and stumble home, full of Tapas too.
(3)
Maria F.

Moody Street is a jewel of fine restaurants and Solea's is one of the them. The place is romantic and the food is fabulous what can I say. The prices are reasonable. They range from 5.00 to 8.00 dollars. You can also try dinner plates instead. The Sangria is fabulous and the staff are extremely helpful. I love Solea's and Moody Street in Waltham.
(5)
Sally L.

I've heard that if you've had good tapas before, then you'll be disappointed by this restaurant. However, I've never been to another tapas restaurant, so I enjoy Solea quite a bit. It's on the pricey side, but my boyfriend and I got out for less than $100 on Valentine's day including tip, three tapas each, a pitcher of sangria, a glass of port, and one desert. I would recommend it for groups who like to share. The first time I went was with a group of nine people and everyone had a blast passing dishes around the table. My favorite thing is the Sangria, definitely the best I've ever tried. I'm also a big fan of the baked goat cheese, sizzling garlic shrimp, and collard greens. Deserts are very good, but I'd rather go across the street to Lizzy's if I'm not too full.
(4)
Walt Z.

dig this spot. i had been hearing from friends about it for some time, and i finally got around to paying a visit this past sunday with a friend. the sangria is excellent, and the food all around was great. the scallops were excellent, as was the quail, the duckling, and the ceviche. overall, the atmosphere, food, and service is on par with some of the best places i've been. the price will add up quickly (expect to pay about 40-50$ per person with tip), but you pay for quality, and that's fine when it comes to a spot like solea.
(5)
Elizabeth K.

I love this restaurant!! It is a wonderful place for a few friends to share fantastic sangria and a light meal or a large group celebrating an event over pitchers and platters of food. I have been there in many different ways and had excellent food and service to match. We especially have loved the lamb chops Chuletillasand duck Pato Braseado as well as the Palta Reina avacodo stuffed with mango and crab. The artichoke and spinach fritters as well as Patatas Bravas, are fun complements to the meal. Service is great and atmosphere to match. One special feature of this restaurant is the accessibility. As a person who arrives on wheels the staff at Solea are lovely and welcoming The fascilities are very accessible. Please see my blog bostonaccessible.blogspoâ€¦ for a review on accessibility for Solea
(5)
Nancy C.

I had a pitcher of Sangria here the other night after dinner at the Iguana Cantina. Delicious. The ambiance is very nice also. The glasses just kept going down. Go there, you'll be happy!
(4)
Pankaj S.

I have only Tapeo on Newbury St in Boston to compare it to... but this is much better than Tapeo (not to mention less expensive). Don't get me wrong its still over 3 and a half $ signs in the cost department, but money well worth spent. Their seafood Pallela is delicious. The tapas are really good and they have a variety of creative combinations. I liked the cozy and welcome decor.
(4)
l. a.

when i moved into the area, i was thrilled to find this tapas place on moody street. the food was great, the service was excellent and the ambiance was really nice (especially for moody street). i would definitely recommend this place if your in the area, you wont be disappointed.
(4)
Michael M.

Solea is a great date restaurant. During the summer they open up the windows in the bar area to the outside. The food here is excellent and usually pretty consistent. We usually order about 6-7 tapas and it's enough for 2 people. One of my favorite dishes is the pork with goat cheese, you'll want to order it every time you visit this place! Also, the sangria is great and you can order a pitcher too.The wait staff is friendly and the dining area clean and inviting. One thing I would recommend arriving early on a Thursday or Friday night because this place will fill up quickly. And don't bother with street parking, there's a few public parking lots across the street.
(4)
Erica F.

I've been here several times and it is very consistent... Great atmosphere, helpful and friendly service, delicious sangria, and a variety of fun and tasty tapas. I definitely look forward to my next visit!
(4)
Pamela P.

I have only been here once, but the food was delicious and the atmosphere was great. We sat at the bar, and the service was attentive and professional. Very classy, stylish place. Four stars for now (I don't want to be presumptuous)...perhaps 5 with future visits? :)
(4)
Jennifer K.

Honestly, I didn't feel that great about it. Plus, my plate still had food crusted to it from someone's previous meal, and so that made me feel gross about eating anything or even drinking out of my glass! The second time was not like this, however...... I think they should be lucky I even tried again. Hm.
(3)
Shelley B.

We have gone to Solea many times and have enjoyed it immensely. This negative review is in response to what hopefully is not standard practice: overbooking and a staff ill-prepared to handle that graciously. Our experience last night was a first-ever: we couldn't be seated for a 7:30 reservation (which is understandable) but with no sense given of when we might be seated. We took the offer of a table in the bar but waited 15 minutes for service. When asked if, by then, our table might be ready, the hostess said not and that I should have taken the table at the bar (which we had, and she'd forgotten). Her frazzled response was supported by the manager on hand--no apologies, no "sorry to have been ungracious." There are too many good restaurants to support one that doesn't respect its customers.
(1)
Arnab M.

This was one of the more expensive and dressy restaurants in Waltham, and was therefore always reserved for special occasions. Reservations are a must as they are always busy, weeknights and weekends. Excellent, though pricey tapas and entrees, but among the best I've had. And of course, one JUST MUST HAVE THE SANGRIAAAAAA! Pitchers full. It's probably most fun to go in groups.
(4)
john g.

We went there for dinner Sat evening and enjoyed a seat by the open windows. We arrived early so it was possible to quickly get a table. We tried a variety of Tapas (hot and cold along with the nuevas)..all were great and came out quickly. The waiter was friendly and quite attentive. We had a pitcher of the red sangria that was also very tasty. The bill was reasonable for what we received. Highly recommended but go early to avoid the crowds.
(4)
Beth G.

By chance had dinner their tonight. Everything was very good our server was excellent and attentive. Tapas came out at a nice regular pace. We had 5 tapas for the two of us. The only one I wouldn't reorder was the calamari...there was not enough flavor/spice. Found out at the end of the meal that its the same owner as Tapeo on Newbury Street (which I have been eating at for years).
(4)
Mr S.

We went with a party of 15 for a birthday party Sunday evening. Even though the restaurant was almost empty and we brought them $500 worth of business they insisted on charging $3 per person for serving the birthday cake we brought, because (as the manager explained) "we are in the business of selling deserts." I explained that we had not planned to purchase their deserts and because of the birthday they were getting 15 patrons. Given that the food is OK but not great (this is our third time eating there) and that they have absolutely no customer service orientation, we will not be going back. And it sure ended up being one expensive birthday cake.
(2)
Bonnie T.

TOTALLY OVERRATED! The atmospher is great - and that's where this good review ends. The food is horrifically overrated. It's mediocre AT BEST. I have been there about 10 times now and just can't go back. I so WANT to love this place, but it's not good at all. Even the bread they bring is unpalatable and the staff is snobby. The sizzling shrimp is microwaved, frozen shrimp in olive oil. It's the teeny, tiny shrimp that's super cheap. Everything is mediocre. I just dont' get it.
(1)
Claire W.

Six of us went here for lunch on Father's Day and would definitely go back. I wasn't sure my Dad or my husband would like the tapas format, but everyone enjoyed this. The favorites were: Quail with Balsamic Buerre Blanc (the sauce is great, I actually didn't eat the quail), Sauteed Collard Greens with Pine Nuts and Raisins, Goat Cheese Croquettes with Honey, Chicken Breast with Mole Sauce and Artichoke & Mushroom Crostini. We also ordered Grilled Prawns, and they came with the heads on, and the eyes staring out (no one touched them until I peeled off all the legs and heads). The two fathers in our group had flights of red wine. The restaurant got quite crowded shortly after we arrived, which made it noisy and hard to hear for a while. Service was fine, but clearly all hands were busy. Not inexpensive (perhaps because we got 13 tapas items, plus some wine...). Defnitely some items that looked appealing that we didn't try that provide a reason to go again.
(4)
Bella and Aleksey R.

The decor is great, and it seems like a popular place. In the summer, the windows are often open and there are some nice potted plants that always make the place look very attractive as you're driving by it. However, when we actually stopped by and ate here, we were disappointed. It could be because we are not fans of the whole "tapas" concept or necessarily food from Spain. We were actually pretty hungry when we came here, and although each individual tapa dish tasted good (but not great, low on flavor), in order to actually get any sustenance from them, you risk running up a huge tapa tab. We also got the hyped Sangria pitcher, but it didn't live up to the hype - I've had better Sangria that was store-bought.
(3)
Darren D.

The owners of this restaurant are Spanish and Portuguese. You will notice on the menu that there are items that are written in one of their native languages. Very interesting. The drinks here are good. I have had several different drinks here with the star being the sangria. There are South American, European and other drinks. The food here is the star. I have had many of the tapas dishes and liked them all. Cordoniz was the stand out for me. The Balsamic Beurre Blannc has bite and is creamy at the same time. A wonderful accompaniment to the semi-boneless quail that sites atop the sauce. I can't remember the name for the lamb shanks (a winter special), but it was extremely good on a cold winter evening. The staff are very helpful in guiding you around the menu and the making suggestions as to what would be good for your tastes that evening. Tell them what you are in the mood for and they can suggest things to eat. Very helpful. Price varies depending on how much you would like to eat. the more dishes that you order, the higher the price but usually 2 - 3 dishes are a meal. This is a good place to come if your group can't decide on a place to eat because each of them would like something different.
(4)
Peter W.

Went there last Saturday night. First time. 10 minute wait at 6:30. Not bad considering one section was reserved for a private party. Overall, it was great experience. The lamb chops with apricot sauce was superb as were the stuffed peppers. Would definitely go back.
(4)
You F.

Fools! Eating at a bar is all well and good and admittedly the food at the Solea is great but if you go there, do remember the important thing to do is to order a goddamned carparina and thank god the place has the good sense to put a real Brazilian drink on the menu.
(5)
Arik C.

Owned by the same family as Dali in Somerville and Tapeo on Newbury St., Solea uses its tradition of fine tapas dining, and lcoation very well. Their sangria is fantastic and I was impressed that they can make a very good mojito as well. They have several items on the menu similar to Dali and Tapeo but some of their own as well. Excellent wine list. A great date restaurant.
(5)
Iska B.

Expensive stuff but it was a fun experience. We went out for lunch with the boss so since he was paying...well I'd say we went a little crazy. There is a lot of selection and we ended with something like 15 different tapas (there were 10 of us) if not more. Everything was very tasty and we had seconds of certain things. The sangria was also pretty good. I think it can get really expensive to feel full at this place since the servings are small and you need quite a few tapas. This place would be good for a special occasion especially if you are in the Waltham area and don't want to trek out to Boston.
(4)
Alison D.

I studied in Spain and love tapas! I especially enjoy the fact that I now have money to eat in decent restaurants unlike my semester abroad! One frustration I have with the many tapas restaurants around Boston is that they require you make the tapas plates into a full meal with minimum food orders. I wish I could go to a tapas restaurant get a table and order one small plate and have a drink like the way it is supposed to be! Alas, I went to Solea Friday night and very much enjoyed my meal. The sangria was perfect and not too sweet. The tortilla Espanola was just the way I remember it, and everything else was yummy. The only problem was the last round of tapas we ordered which included all the meat dishes was slightly overcooked! We ordered quail (Codorniz), duck (Pato Braseado), lamb (Chuletillas) all of which came with various scrumptious sauces. I have a feeling we just got unlucky and would like to try again. I so want Solea to be perfect but it isn't quite there!
(4)
Fida C.

Came here the other day with a small group. We ordered a lot of plates. Here were the highlights: the avocado stuffed with crab salad was OFF THE HOOK. I could have eaten 5 of these, but had to content myself with tiny bites from the two orders that the six of us shared. The duck was tasty. The red sangria is refreshing because it is not too sweet. I understand why people like the spinach and artichoke fritters, but they were not my thing. The food is solidly good; the service is attentive. I almost gave it three stars, but then I relented because I realized that my enthusiastic host had raised my expectations and that Waltham is not a food mecca. This is a nice restaurant with good food.
(4)
Ann D.

What a wonderful place! Great food, great drinks....A bit pricey and hard to get full......but a lot of fun!
(4)
Anna B.

I've been here so often, I think I've tried everything on their tapas menu! Their Sangria is amazing and the waitstaff are extra patient as you try to order in Spanish. Yet, I had a bad experience with the maitre d - dimissive, rude, and a chore.
(4)
Carol L.

I went here with a friend last night--she had heard great things about it and proposed it as our before-movie dinner location. We were seated right away at 6pm on a Thursday night, and got a wonderful corner booth (they very smartly have large booths with two tables that separate and can either seat 2 separate parties of 2-3 or one larger party). Reviewer Jay B. compared it to Dali in Somerville and I think he got it right. The atmosphere is a little trendier than Dali (Dali is all dark wood, reds, and romantic lighting, very cozy) but the food was equally satisfying. We got four tapas to split between us. Two were from the cold tapas menu: Palta Reina (Avocado Stuffed with Crab, Mango, & Cilantro) and Tortilla Espanola (Potato, Egg & Onion Omelette). Both were delish, although the Tortilla Espanola was quite dense and a hair's breadth close to being dry. From the hot tapas menu we ordered Pechuga al Ancho (Grilled Chicken breast with Ancho chiles, Tomato, Garlic & Red Wine Sauce) and Ravioles de Mariscos (Lobster & Crab Ravioli in Langostino Sauce). These were also delicious. I could have easily chosen 5 or 6 other things, but the four items were sufficiently filling even when split between the two of us. We were doing some serious rubbernecking as gorgeous looking dinner platters and tapas were being delivered to surrounding tables. Neither of us usually gets dessert but the food was so good we felt compelled to order one to split. We ordered the banana cheesecake (I defy you banana and cheesecake lovers to to resist this description: "Quesada de Banana -- Chocolate Crusted Cheesecake covered with Rum Spiced Bananas & Caramel Sauce") and it did not disappoint. Not sure why I'm not giving it five stars, after all that. Maybe a little off for atmosphere -- I loved the booth but the tables in the center of the room seemed a little close together and out in the open.) But I'm really happy to have found another top notch restaurant on the Moody Street strip and will return soon.
(4)
Carolyn B.

One of the best restaurants on Moody Street. Not so much for the food, more for the atmosphere and the sangria. The window seats make for great people-watching. The food was pretty tasty, but not the best tapas I've ever had. The service was attentive, but not overly so. I will definately go back.
(4)
Debbie M.

The atmosphere is cool, the menu is varied, but I have been here twice and haven't been overly impressed by the food. The last time I went the waitress strongly suggested that instead of ordering they would bring us their favorites and there were a few dishes that did not get finished. The desserts however were delicious.
(3)
Apiron A.

Solea is an incredible tapas restaurant. They take reservations and I recommend that you make one as even on a weekday evening, they are most likely packed. Their sangria is great; and almost all of their tapas are phenomenal. Casual wear, relaxing environment, pretty good service. Their website can be found here: solearestaurant.com/home
(5)
S S.

Too noisy on weekend nights. Not enough vegetarian tapas options. Probably worth going here once.
(3)
casey s.

First off i have been here probably 3/4 times. It is busy friday and saturday evenings so you are typically waiting for a table. The food is very good i would give them 4.2 on this however their bread and bean spread is lacking their wine selection is poor - they have like 5 choices and none of them are all that great especially for all the good wine that does come out of spain. Whatever i will drink a beer and be happy. All this said i would still go there however the staff is below par, the female bartenders were rude and off putting when we went a month ago, and the hostesses seem lost, and the waiters/waitresses are hit or miss. The food is overpriced by $2 on the tappas with the average falling between $7-10. Honestly the food is good hear but when it takes $30 to fill you and the staff is below average i would rather go to a upscale place and spend the same amount for the about the same quality of food but not have to deal with the staff;s incompetence, crowds, and the ever so slightly ripped off feeling i get
(3)
shawnna r.

Great food, great service. Watch out, with all the choices you'll run your bill up pretty quick (the reason for the 4 stars). Been here several times with friends and family and its always a great time. Great decor and excellent drinks.
(4)
Ana M.

Best tapas I've had in the Boston area - this place puts all of the others to shame! The Codorniz and Lomito al Cabrales are out of this world and definitely worth the trek. While you're out here, you can catch an independent film at the Embassy Theater, followed by ice cream at Lizzy's.
(4)
Shelby S.

When I'm asked to pick a restaurant for a date, I usually pick this one. It's a bit pricy but very tasty. I think I've tried almost everything on the menu: my favorite being the garlic shrimp, the duck with raspberry sauce, and the lobster ravioli. The sangria is great too. It's a good choice for celebrations but not an every day place. They've also recently instituted a 3 plate minimum which is kind of annoying.
(4)
Alison L.

Is this my favorite restaurant in the greater Boston area? Probably. I am a huge tapas fan and until I tried Solea last year, I thought another spot in Somerville was the best around. Solea proved me wrong. I love the tapas here. They have lots of vegetarian options-- the spinach fritter is absolutely fantastic. There are also amazing scallops in safron and some great chicken ones. My fiance loves some of the more exotic ones like duck and rabbit. The best thing about Solea besides the amazing tapas is the sangria. Recently I moved from the red sangria to the cava or yellow sangria and I will be honest, it is out of this world. The sangria is on the pricey side, but its good to the last drop and is great for after dinner drinks and socializing with friends. I have also been to Solea for a function, which the do well also. The service is generally good and the waitstaff is really helpful for first time tapas diners. 5 stars in my book.
(5)
Anna S.

In the greater boston area it is hard to find a good tapas restaurant, so who knew I would find one while venturing on Moody St in waltham? This place is great, a real hidden gem. The setting is very relaxing, the tapas bring me back to Barcelona and the staff served with efficiency and grace. Two thumbs up!
(4)
Annie W.

mixed reviews are always so strange. they make me second-guess whether i'll try places. but my friend and i went anyway, for restaurant week, to try it out. the decor is not unlike tapeo -- rich colors, basque, Spanish-looking. they had a Spanish beer on tap, which was light and a little fruity. onto the food: yes, it's brazillian had a baby with tapas. bread -- good, crispy crunchy crust, and with good heft and chewiness served with a hummus Tostadas de Alcachofas - nothing remarkable about the bread but they were good, with a light goat cheese "butter" PÃ£o de Queijo - it's like mozzerella balls had a baby with pastry bread! so good. so good (there isn't mozzerella, but more the texture and execution) Solomillo con Chimichurri - my friend and i thought this was the best thing we tried. the spicy sauce is amazing -- possibly a spicy pepper (jalapeno?) pesto? so good. a flavorful cut of medium-done beef! Salmon a la Plancha - close to melt-in-your-mouth, good execution, creamy BuÃ±uelos - couldn't tell whether there were vegetables inside. they were like poppers. they were gone quickly Lomito al Cabrales - not too much of a fan of the pork loin. it tasted like a cut of ham in a drooling cream sauce as for desserts -- i definitely liked the execution of desserts better than the mains overall. we had the tarta de chocolate, which was mildly sweet, with not too much of an almond note as i recall. the tres leches with a mango cream was amazing. the kind of stuff you wish got bottled into a body cream in the sort of delightful sensory way. anyhow overall, we we didn't hate anything. service was prompt and friendly. the prices for regular tapas considered -- it's an okay deal, but i wouldn't swing for it on a regular day, and the execution isn't so good that i'd rationalize the price. few establishments actually pull this off (i'm thinking to the likes of oleana, which is mindblowingly worth every penny, and ridiculously difficult to have a seat in on a good day). the place is huge, the decor is rich and inviting, and it'd be a cute date place. food quality is good to very good, so if you have a big (relative to me) pocketbook, by all means. otherwise, i'd put this in the quality category of a $17-20s/entree establishment -- not bad, but reasonable.
(4)
Michelle B.

I'm giving this two stars, not for the food and the actual dinner experience, but for the bar tender that served me and a group of co-worker friends. Dining Experience: I thought was really good. I'd definitely go back to eat dinner. Bar: I'd only go back if that bartender wasn't working there anymore. I've never known a more rude person in my life. I waited a good 20 mins before I was even asked if I wanted a drink, and when I did he was overall just not friendly about it. He insulted a co-worker of mine who is soft spoken as it is and it's clear English is not his first language, however he is still intelligent and can understand you. Therefore, turning to my co-worker and yelling: "Can this guy even speak English!?" Is COMPLETELY inexcusable. What's worse...when it came time for us to leave (because quite frankly we had had it...) the gentleman REFUSED to let us pay separately. We had people who ordered more than others, or at different times an he wouldn't treat them as separate tabs! He put them all on one card. !??!! I don't understand this logic. It'd be one thing if it was all of us at a table (even though I don't understand why waiters make a stink about splitting the check either), but this is a bar! Just because I'm with a group of people doesn't mean they should have to all pay for my drinks! I really couldn't believe the nerve of this guy. I really hope he is or will be fired.
(2)
Ethan S.

Pretty good tapas, although could be better for the price. Solid selection of wines. Service was excellent. Great for metrowest Boston but not as good as Newark or jersey city.
(4)
Consuelo V.

This place had become a wonderful staple in our weekly routine, particularly after a hard day. I find the bar to be the best experience with the eclectic collection of pendant lights, quick service by the awesome bartenders, delicious food, and the ability to people watch down Moody St. The best tapas (on the veggie side) are the crostini sans goat cheese for the vegans, the fritters, collard greens, and the veggie if the day (depending on what it is and how adventurous you feel). And you can never go wrong with their red sangria. On the meat side, my partner says the solo mio and the venison sausage are the best.
(4)
Abby C.

If you like Tapas (or even if you don't!), go to SOLEA on Moody St in Waltham. My partner and I went for the first time last night (after knowing about this place for years) and I already can't wait to go back! The space is big and beautiful, with rich warm colors, glass, and wrought iron accessories. And the food is INCREDIBLE! Every bite of every plate was delicious and we got extra bread just to finish off the sauces. (We got lobster & crab raviolis, lamb meatballs, baked goat cheese in tomato basil, and fries.) The drinks were great as well (classic sangria & blueberry ginger beer mojito!) and the staff was friendly. The best part was that it all cost less than we thought, so it's quite affordable for the quality of food. Highly recommend this place!!! :-D
(5)
Melanie D.

Very fun and intimate atmosphere. All the food is wonderful and great to order a lot of different things and split with friends or family. Have some great sangria to go with!
(4)
maya k.

Delicious food, but a dinner of tapas can get really pricey. We went on a Friday night - so loud and crowded we could barely hear each other. Service was some of the worst I have had. The wait staff snarled when I asked them to remove plates. Our waitress barely checked in on us. We're done with going there for dinner. We may return for lunch or off hours.
(3)
Bobby C.

A group of friends and I had a get-together here on a Thursday evening. Recommend: lamb meatballs,Bunuelos ok: Ravioles de Mariscos, meh: Setas al Ajillo, Solomillo con Chimichurri, Pao de Queijo Decor was nice. We also had a nice window seat. Service was not bad. We all had ordered a few drinks also. I noticed on the menu that you have to request water which we need. By the middle of the meal, my glass was empty. Other tables were getting refilled, but we weren't. When we were ordering dessert, I asked the water to be refilled. We got our desserts but no water refills. Later my friend tried to get a hold of a water for water but to no avail. A good selection of desserts, but nothing too amazing.
(3)
Sheethal S.

Love the Pablano Relleno. I can eat it almost every time. Friendly staff, clean place, good service.
(4)
N. M.

Delicious food and great staff. One of my absolute favorite places to eat not just in Waltham but in the entire Boston area. The sauces are incredible and even foods I wouldn't normally eat are ridiculously tasty. Beautiful ambiance and especially nice in warm weather when the windows can be open. Great for just cocktails too! Definitely try the white sangria!
(5)
J M.

Favorite place to eat in Waltham. We have sat at the bar and also had table service and both are fantastic. The menu selection is good. Beef Empanada and the Queso de Cabra Montaones are really tasty and the espresso martinis are really good.
(5)
Kuong L.

I've eaten at Solea Restaurant in the past and enjoyed the Tapas that they offered. I visited it recently and not sure if they've changed management/cook but definitely did not feel the food was as good as I remembered it. The sizzling shrimp dish that we got was pretty good. This is a pretty common tapas dish and it's quite hard to mess up. The price was reasonable. Tostadas de Alcachofas which consisted of Artichoke, Mushroom, & Goat Cheese Crostini was okay. There were three pieces and a part of me felt there wasn't much to desire about the dish. It's not a hot plate and therefore, lacked anything special in my mind. Arroz y Habas which is Rice and Beans was a solid dish. It was the right portion and came out not to hot but warm enough that you got to really enjoy the flavors of the dish. Service was good and waitress was attentive. I enjoy tapas quite a bit but felt disappointed this time around with the quality of food. If you're in Waltham and want something different the the standard pizza and sandwich shops, this might be a place for you, but otherwise, I'm not too sure I'd be excited to eat here again.
(2)
Heather W.

On my first visit, my table was a tad sticky. Despite two requests for a wipe-down, it never happened. No worry, the quality of the food and drinks, plus the bartender's dry wit and attentiveness have kept me coming back. Sit at the bar. Favorites: Basil lime gimlet Ceviche Gorditas (a must for bacon lovers) Solomillo con Chimichurri (The meat is tender and the sauce has a nice bite.) Camarones a la Plancha (a kick in the mouth!) Mejillones a la Salmorra Palta Reina Patatas Fritas This is a great spot to people watch during the warmer months, esp. when they open the windows and the sounds of Moody Street float in. Parking can be a bit of a hassle, so give yourself extra time.
(3)
Tim B.

Good but not distinctive food. Nice atmosphere. Good for a small group gathering. Service was poor. We felt rushed. Server never checked to see if we liked the food. She tried to clear plates that were obviously not finished. Very few wines by the glass, and at $10-13 a pop, very expensive given the weak offerings.
(3)
Nathan T.

Man, this place is huge. Room after room! The food isn't bad - pretty much your average tapas place. Lots on the menu to choose from, good service, reasonable prices. They have entrees as well as tapas, so if you're not in the small plate mood, you won't be without options. If you are looking for a relative safe bet on Moody street and want to go exotic but not too exotic, this place is for you. In the summer they open the windows and give it a nice cantina vibe.
(3)
Tara G.

Great restaurant! It was easy to make reservations online and we were seated promptly. We ordered 5 tapas and all of them were delicious. I liked the Salmon a la Brava and Solomillo con Beef Tenderloin the best. We also got churros and the crepe with vanilla creme and berries which were amazing, especially the crepe. I would recommend this place to anyone!
(5)
Ariel Z.

Yummy tapas and that dish with the beef tenderloin, apricots, and prunes in a heavenly cream sauce is the stuff dreams are made of...no joke. The paella also comes in a huge vat that is perfect for sharing with everyone at your table. I would go for the Traditional Sangria, which is their most popular and classic of the sangria choices. Love the decor, too! Super hard to get a reservation, but well worth it.
(4)
Michelle C.

I love me some tapas. Been here a couple of times over the years. Not as often as I'd like. Everything I've tried here has been tasty. Today went with a group of people and got to try a bunch of things. These are some of my favs picks: Bunuelos, Broccoli and Cauliflower Fritters Queso de Cabra Montanes, Baked Goat Cheese in Tomato Basil Sauce Albondigas de Cordero, Lamb Meatballs in Truffle Cream Sauce ---the sauce is out of control We had paella (they warn you it takes 30 minutes but it took more like 45-50) and it was ok, I thought it was supposed to have crunchy bits? but sadly there was none, boo! Nice that the windows were open, but the street noise was sooo loud in the restaurant. They open at noon for lunch, parking lot across the street.
(4)
Natalie K.

We went for a quick late noght bite. We ordered duck leg, sauteed mushrooms, beef tenderloin abd chicken empanada from the tapas menu. Chicken empanada is average, it tastes like something from a freezer section. Sayteed mushrooms were mushy and peppery. Duck leg was nice , cane with a berry sauce. Beef tendeloin was the best dron tge things we ordered. It was tender, came with a spicy sauce. Service was quick and courteous.
(3)
Em P.

My friend and I have an annual tradition of going to Solea around the holidays. It's always warm and friendly, good food, good wine. Cant go wrong.
(5)
Jackie B.

Love Solea and tapas style eating in general! I've been here several times for business, but for the first time this weekend personally. I took my parents from NY and they also enjoyed it. The decor, atmosphere, and lighting are perfect. Our waiter was very charming and knowledgeable. He even told us we might have over ordered (instead of trying to push extra food). Turns out he was wrong as we were very hungry! For 4 people, we got the small paella for the middle of the table and 9 tapas to share. The scallops in saffron sauce are my favorite! And the sangria (red over white). Prices are little high for me to justify going often. Once every couple of months sort of thing.
(4)
Alison R.

The red sangria is delicious! Go for the litro size!! You wont regret it :) Love the atmosphere of this restaurant. It's a great place to go for drinks with friends. They have 3 rooms for dining (including the bar) so wherever you are it doesn't feel like a "huge" restaurant but more intimate. But they can accommodate large groups (there was a party of 22 when I went the other night). The lobster ravioli is delicious and has a hint of spice. Love it!
(3)
Cathy M.

Oh my gosh! In town from Seattle and this place is like a slice of heaven... so happy to have gotten the recommendation from the very wise woman at.the Marriott to come here...
(5)
Helen N.

It's OKAY restaurant. I can't say the food was awful, although don't even remember how did it taste. I can't say the service was awful, altough I DO remember myself packing my lunch to go and wondering around looking for our waiter. It's might be good for small group of people, but definitely not for 10 people. They made a huge table for us and when the food was coming, they just put it in the middle of the table without announcing it. So we were forced to guess what is what and who ordered it. Thanks god I know how mussels looks like, Had to guess the lamb tho. The whole "food coming" situation was even funny. Out Waitress brought small bowl of soup, put it there and left. Imagine 10 hungry girls looking at it and thinking "do we suppose to share or someone ordered it?". Turned out someone did ordered soup and ...wait a minute...not even one person, which leads to the next question "what kind of soup is it?". The bill ....OMG...THE BILL!!!! I have left first so I don't really know how they ended up splitting it. But , again, my part was "funny". I ve asked them to split it for me, so I can pay just for my orders. They apparently don't do it. The whole bill was consist of fancy tapas name, so I asked for the menu (took a while for them to bring it to me) and was sitting looking for my orders. I did ordered 3 meals, since they recommended it (tapas usually small plates and usually it does go 3 meals per person). So, when I asked to pack my meals to go, the weird look, something like "r u nuts?" Was given me. Then she brought me small tiny box for 3 meal (one of it was pretty big plate of mussels). Still, I can't say it's was the worst experience. They are OKAY! but not coming back there anymore for sure. I remember I went to diner in Lynn; small, not very clean diner with not really good food, but OMG the owner was awesome, kind, funny. I know for sure I am coming back there, to that tiny dirty diner with incredible workers! FYI, Sometimes good service can bring more customers than good food.
(3)
Lisa M.

I love this place. The food is delicious and the wait staff is exceptional. We recently held a fundraiser for our non-profit here that went beautifully. Copious well-selectioned dishes, wait staff that was attentive to every detail, including our guests with special dietary requirements. Everyone had such a great time that we plan to do it again, and again...
(5)
Yasa E.

Love solea. The sangria is fantastic. The tapas are to die for. I love the ceviche, patatas bravas, raviolis and of course the duck. I even got one of my friends who doesn't like duck to try it and she loved it! Service is usually attentive. A little pricey but I think it's worth it. Parking lot a block away, so that's nice
(4)
Jon B.

This place is better than it's 3.5 star average would imply. The food and drinks are excellent; the staff is friendly, attentive, and efficient; and the place is large and well-attended. We stopped in for a late Sunday lunch. The Sangria Royale is very good, as was the bread and hummus brought to the table as a starter. We enjoyed the potatoes, grilled chicken with ancho tomato sauce, and the chimichurri steak. All excellent.
(4)
Alex M.

I have been to many tapas places, and was surprised by the interior of Solea. Very big, spacious and popular. Great to see some authentic drinks on the menu, just wish the food was as authentic. It certainly seemed like an attempt at classic Spanish tapas, rather than the real deal. Whilst tasty, I couldn't help but feel that it wasn't all that was promised yet paid for high end dishes. Not bad, but certainly not great.
(3)
Liz G.

I was really expecting a bit more from this place based on the reviews. The food was fine, although far from amazing, and the prices were no less than they are at Boston tapas restaurants. If it was a special night out (i.e. a birthday party, date), I might have indulged more than I did; however, during lunchtime, it's difficult to justify such a high bill for just a few shared dishes.
(3)
Amy K.

The tapas are overpriced but tasty. If the prices were more reasonable for the very small portion sizes (even for tapas) I would give four stars because we did enjoy our selections overall. The shrimp in the Camarones a la Plancha were overcooked and tough but flavorful. The itty-bitty lamb chops in the Chuletillas were so tough my butter knife could almost not cut into them, but again the flavor was good. We thoroughly enjoyed our other selections including Patatas Bravas, Alcachofas Salteadas and Palta Reina. To drink, I had a Sangria Royale which was nothing special really and as much ice as sangria, so again a small portion size for the price.
(3)
Eric M.

An excellent tapas bar at the end of Moody St in Waltham. They have a decent sized bar and front-area where there are a few tables in the window and some tables opposite the bar. The dining room is much bigger and offers plenty of seating, even during the dinner rush. The menu is simple and affordable, but done very well. There are plenty of options on the menu for everyone; with options to stick with the classics or try some more adventurous dishes. Some of my favorites include: Costillas de Boi Patatas Bravas (classic) Tostadas de Alcachofa and always the Croquetas del Dia
(5)
Gwen r.

I had my wedding reception here, overall it was great! If you're the kind of person who wants a simple, no hassle reception without dealing with renting a venue & catering & chairs & tableware... all those little details that add up and become ridiculous, then try Solea! The private space is charming, has nice decor, a bar, and additional restrooms. The staff were helpful, attentive, and seemed to genuinely care. The food, served buffet style, was delicious and fresh- the Brazilian cheese balls and broccoli cauliflower fritters were particularly a hit. The paella dish and roast duck were also quite delicious. And we had all the desserts on the menu, yum! Sangria, wine and beer were included in the reception rental package. I would highly recommend Solea for any function. Hope and Carlos were extremely helpful and attentive, we are grateful for all their help and for the wonderful staff who worked the reception as well. The only cons are: we were limited to 4 hours, the music was turned down (maybe a patron complained?) so there didn't end up being as much dancing as we hoped. However, we chose this place with the understanding that it is a restaurant, not a wedding venue, so there were some limitations. On the other hand, it's awesome that they accommodated us. we truly had a wonderful time and are glad we chose Solea over those overpriced frou frou wedding venues.
(4)
David B.

As tapas have become a standard on the dining scene, its become increasingly clear that not many places can execute small plates well. Fortunately, Solea does it well. Good ingredients well prepared. They offer the best we've sampled in the area since moving to the greater Boston area 5.5 years ago. Plus, we like the Moody Street vibe. Of the 8 dishes we tried, the only dud were the scallops in a cream sauce. The scallops had a metallic, slightly fishy taste but the sauce was delicious. The grilled chorizo was a stand out as was the pulpo (octopus). on the veg side we also enjoyed the Coles Rebosados (Brussels Sprouts) for you can never go wrong the Sprouts and bacon! I enjoyed a nice glass of Tempernillo and found the service to be friendly and helpful in explaining menu items. There was much more to sample on the menu than we had the appetite for so we look forward to a return visit.
(5)
Lauren B.

I met three friends for dinner here on a Monday night. It was by no means busy but had a decent amount of people, especially for a monday. We got seated right away. Super cute atmosphere, pretty decor. We started with some sangria pitchers which were delicious. We had the collard greens, mushroom and onion bread, bacon wrapped dates, lobster ravioli & lamb meatballs. Honestly everything was delicious. The whole menu looked awesome. The waiter gave great suggestions. For dessert we had the tres leches cake and a crepe caramel dish. Seriously so good. Prices were reasonable. The service was phenomenal. Everything came quickly and fresh. This place is great for catching up with friends, a bug group of people, or even a first date.
(4)
Erin D.

I have been to a lot of Spanish restaurants (including living in Spain for 6 months) and this was by far the worst Spanish tapas restaurant I have ever been to, many dishes being inedible.
(1)
Alice D.

I've had two great experiences here. Last week we got seats right near the windows, opened up for summer! It was perfect- I recommend going when it's warm! I ordered the mussels and the sausage with fig- both were incredible; the mussel sauce was like rich tomato soup and was delish with bread! I tried my friends' tortilla espaÃ±ola and beef empanadas... both were good. I love the ambiance here, the decor is kind of funky. Tapas always make for a more intimate meal- go here to get fun little tastes with friends!
(4)
Andrew M.

Expensive but a great place. Bartenders know their craft. Food is very good!
(4)
Susan T.

This is my go-to tapas restaurant in Waltham, conveniently located right on Moody street. There is street parking or you can park in lot across street. The service is always very attentive and friendly. Mixture of tapas to share with a group is delicious and very tasty ( keep in mind the tapas are each 3-4 small servings), more like samples. The meatballs and the garlic shrimp a must try! They also serve bread with hummus. Sangria is very good as well. Ambience is nice!
(5)
Sergiu P.

Must have Sangria Royal if you go. Also Gambas , the sizzling shrimp is to die for. Great atmosphere, huge place, can seat more than 200 people. Best in Waltham.
(5)
Emily S.

Just came back recently after not being here in a year or so. The wine and food is still great. I highly recommend it still, but I have noticed that they have not really changed their menu in the three years I've been going there. Wish they'd add some new creative dishes but don't let this deter you from trying Solea. Yum!
(4)
Shannon M.

I love tapas, and Solea offers a lot of great items as well as some less memorable ones. The garlic shrimp is fantastic, the patatas bravas are okay (not as good as the ones at Toro), the seafood paella is good, the tortilla de espanol is pretty standard, and the lobster ravioli is good. Really, the only thing that stood out was the garlic shrimp. But that dish alone is worth a visit.
(3)
Columbine P.

Lovely restaurant, prompt and pleasant service, delicious food! I went to Solea with a friend for an early supper on a Wednesday, with the intention of having an all-tapas meal. My friend is vegetarian, so we stuck with the meatless selections so we could share all of them. The BuÃ±uelos (Broccoli and Cauliflower Fritters) were so good we ordered a second plate. The Pao de Queijo (Crusty Brazilian Cheese Bread) was another standout. The Setas al Ajillo (SautÃ©ed Wild Mushrooms) were rich, smoky, and a little spicy (don't eat the little red devil horns!) and the Basque Fries were spiced to perfection, although we still couldn't resist dunking them in the scrumptious buÃ±uelo sauce. We also had the Tostadas de Alcachofas (Artichoke, Mushroom, & Goat Cheese Crostini), which were delicately delicious, and the piquant Poblano Relleno (Crispy Almond Encrusted Stuffed Poblano Pepper). Yes, we kind of went hog wild and opted for a second round because everything was so good. The decor is lushly colorful, and there was Spanish guitar music playing (not at all loudly) in the background. If you're looking for an eminently sharable meal, whether or not you eat meat, definitely take your friends and/or family to Solea.
(5)
Mathew T.

The reviews for this place are pretty much on point. Let me break it down. Pros: It's Tapas. You can get a wide variety of food and don't have to pick one preconstructed dish. You get to share stuff, its more social. They have Sangria pitchers, awesome. When its warm, this is a great spot for lunch near the open air windows. The decor is impressive, as are the bars. The food itself is pretty good. Cons: It's Tapas. It's a sneaky way to get you to pay an exorbitant amount of money on food you think you can afford ("oh these crab cakes are only $8! oh it's only 2 crab cakes, well lets just get another order!"). This place has below average value since the food, while good, isn't really amazing. Drinks are of course super expensive. That sangria pitcher? You'll need it once you realized how much you just paid for it. And finally, my beef. I've been to this place 3 times, first time was really impressed, second time was just lunch and it hit the spot. Third time, I wasn't too happy to pay the bill for what we got. Plus, my girlfriend paid half of the meal on her card and I paid the other half in cash and included the tip. Somehow, our waiter charged my girlfriends credit card twice so we ended up tipping him like $70. She had to call the place and go through all these hoops just to get her money back. Not so much as a gift card from this place for trying to steal our money! For a restaurant that charges like they do, they sure are pretty stiff. 3/5, even though I want to give them a 2 for leaving a sour taste in my mouth that didn't come from the ceviche.
(3)
Kacie D.

I've visited Solea twice, once in the winter and once in the Summer. Both visits were excellent and the food was delicious. They have a great wine selection and delicious sangria. The restaurant is actually quite spacious, and in the Summer months the open air tables are great. My favorite dishes are the empanadas and beer braised short ribs. Their duck is also delicious! Great place for a date or to bring out of town guests. They also have bars on either end of the restaurant.
(4)
Sarah S.

My husband and I ate at Solea for dinner on a Saturday night around 8:30pm. The restaurant was bustling but not full. The service was slow (from past experience at other tapas restaurants, we know the food does not take very long to cook). The food itself included standard flavors, no surprises or memorable alterations. The food was cooked well and the portions were as expected. The atmosphere is nice with dim lighting and 3 different rooms with different decor. We were there on a 70ish degree night and we were told that the windows to the front open out onto the street but, instead, we were sat under a very cold air-conditioning vent. Everything was OK, but we will not put Solea on our "must go again" list.
(3)
Alex S.

We really enjoyed finding this spot, walking there from our hotel (to build up an appetite) and then back (to work off a large meal)! Our server was great, very helpful and attentive throughout the meal. We tried approx. 8 different dishes from the extensive tapas menu. Highlights would have to be the alcachofas salteadas (sauteed artichokes), camarones a la plancha (grilled shrimp with spicy mojo rojo), mejilloness a la salmorra (steamed mussels in spicy tomato and wine sauce). Estrella beer on tap was a plus, as was the large wine selection. We finished our meal with a traditional tres leches cake (with fresh mango) and coffee. Stuffed!
(4)
Versi D.

Since the opening of Solea, we enjoyed to bring friends for a tapas evening at least once a year....until this past Saturday. 10 tapas ordered for four people and 3 hours to get the whole order (also we had to ask for the 2 last tapas that were not coming up) I ordered a glass of Rioja for $12 and in this restaurant, they decided that 4 ounces were the official pouring (most of the restaurants give between 5 and 6 ounces) so you better order the bottle if you are a party of 4. When I asked the waiter about the pouring size, she told me that the management told her that it was the size and that I could order something else. What a customer service! It was our last visit. For sure you have a business to make money, but do not squeeze on everything, because at the end you will be the loser.
(2)
Tyler B.

Fantastic Tapas Food, atmosphere, service, all fantastic. There are choices for the timid and the adventurous, I have never had a bad meal at this place. Terrific sangria. If you've never had tapas this place will make you a fan, and if you have you may find a new favorite place here. I am extremely easy to disappoint, and these guys have never even got close.
(5)
David T.

Good Tapas option in Waltham. Their service falls apart a little when they get busy, but is fine under normal circumstances. Great ambiance and good food. I don't know why, but I don't normally think of Tapas for brunch. My mistake, they do a really nice brunch here on the weekend.
(4)
Steve D.

While driving around looking for a place to eat we noticed Tapas. Stopped for a beer and some Tapas. Beer was very nice and cold. Ordered three Tapas, chicken in tomato sauce, Chorizo and empanada. Ate the food; drank my 1 beer; paid my $25 tab. Beer was cold......... Need more? Disclaimer, I am not a foodie not a food snob, but I will anticipate a specific taste of the meal based on the description on a dish. If I see thin crust pizza I expect to hear a crunch on the crust. Chicken: Actual dish is Pechuga al Ancho, Grilled Chicken Breast with Ancho Chile Tomato Sauce. Most Tapas restaurants offer small samples (2-3 small pieces) in their dishes. This dish was a more like 1 chicken tender (not breaded just to id size) that someone poured some sauce on. Sauce was salty vs a good pepper flavor. Chorizo: Actual dish is Chorizo a la Plancha, Grilled Spanish Sausage. Good Chorizo is a dry sausage, the one here is more like a fresh home made. However homemade chorizo is usually made with alot of fat chucks for flavor since it's not aged for good flavor. I do not like eating chunks of fat, so.... Empanada: I've been to Puerto Rico and base my Empanada taste based on the ones they serve down there; they are very tast. Here it was ground beef in dough. Not much flavor beyond that, meat just needs something for seasoning other than salt. Let just assume it was a bad day, and kitchen didn't have their game on since the restaurant was pretty empty when I was there @ 6pm ( only 3 tables in use),
(3)
Andrew K.

I worked at Solea for few years while I was going through school so I know this restaurant inside and out. Impeccably clean kitchen, amazingly knowledgable and friendly staff, terrific atmosphere, great wine and food, creative and talented chef. I could really go on and on but instead I'm headed there right now for the lomito (pork tenderloin with blue cheese/goat cheese sauce) grelos ( Spanish style collard greens) and patatas bravas ( potatoes with spicy red sauce and garlic aoli) I've probably worked in 10 different restaurants in several states and Solea is the only one I miss eating at on a regular basis.
(5)
Gee A.

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Waltham - The food is great, the ambience is great. Definitely one of the nicest restaurants on Moody Street!!
(5)
Vanessa L.

One of the better places on Moody St. I've been here several times and this place is a must go if you love to sample a bit of everything. Must try dishes: Cerviche, Arroz y Habas (rice & beans), Bunuelos (broccoli & cauliflower fritters), and anything with chorizo :)
(4)
Kathleen M.

Delicious food, but wine is expensive. Cheapest glass of red was $12 which is a little steep. Food prices were very reasonable and menu had lots of options. Would go back!
(4)
Joey M.

This place has lost it's mojo. The last two times I came the food was overly salty and oily. The waiter was unpleasant and the food nowhere near as good as it used to be. I don't know what happened, disappointed.
(2)
Sonia T.

Totally overrated. After several people recommended Solea, my husband and I decided to give it a try. We went early one Friday night without reservations and were seated right away. Right off the bat I was a little annoyed because I could hear the other servers giving their tables the low down on the restaurant but our server didn't, like she just wanted to get it over with. I ordered a cocktail, the pineapple/basil one which was really very tasty and we also ordered a bottle of wine. I will say they had a nice selection of very reasonable priced wines by the glass and bottle. We ordered 5 dished and 2 desserts, it was definitely enough for the two of us. We had: Artichoke and goat cheese crostini - totally underwhelming, the bread wasn't enough toasty and crusty, it was the same bread they serve when you sit down and there was barely any cheese. Scallops in saffron sauce - very tasty, we both enjoyed Short ribs - pretty good portion, not too fatty, pretty good Lobster ravioli - the pasta was a little too al dente for me but the filling and sauce were good Beef empanadas - again, underwhelming, very dry and the dipping sauce was very bland. Flan of the day (Kailua) - my husband got this and I had a bite, I don't like coffee flavored things, but it was good Chocolate cake - it was like a flourless chocolate torte, I liked it very much. All in all, we got out of the for about $125, which for that price I think there are better options around but we may still come back to try the paella because we saw it on other tables and looked good.
(2)
Holly K.

They would have gotten five stars if they didn't change the menu up last summer. I literally was almost brought to tears when I was told I no longer could get the ribs with banana sauce (don't judge it unless you had the opportunity to try it) and spinach and artichoke fritters. When I got over my mourning stage I realize they still do have some pretty good things on the menu, I just don't know if anything will compare to those ribs. Some of my other favorites include the goat cheese and tomato dip, lobster and crab ravioli, duck with blackberry sauce, and the spicy potatoes. The ambiance is great here, especially if you can get a table by the open windows in the summer. Unlike other tapas places in the area you have plenty of space and don't feel crowded by the table next to you.
(4)
Chari H.

I love trying tapas, but most of the dishes were just medicre. The sangria is amazing.
(3)
Ronald R.

I was very surprised to see someone negatively reviewed Solea today. We were there today for lunch and also had the scallops in saffron cream and beans & rice plus a few other items. The food was outstanding. We ate at the gorgeous bar and the service was friendly and attentive. We love this place and have never had a bad meal here. Can't wait to go back. P.S. - their bread is the stuff that dreams are made of!
(5)
Linda M.

Really loved the decor and ambience; waitstaff was excellent but food a disappointment. Salad of the day was delicious. Crab, avocado and mango timbale, so so, crab meat tastes frozen. Beans and rice OK but nothing special. Scallops were tasty and fresh but the saffron sauce was very bitter. Orange flan and mango sorbet lackluster. Would not return.
(2)
Michelle S.

I came to Solea after a long hiatus. This was my first tapas restaurant outside of Spain that I ever came to, and this was right when they first opened. I couldn't get over this place at first, but then as it got over its new restaurant awesomeness, the service and the food quality took a dive, at which point I discovered other Greater Boston area options such as Estragon and Tasca. Last night was my first time back since my hiatus. I would say they did a solid job. I thoroughly enjoyed the drink I ordered, a Blood Orange sidecar. I was not taken aback by my Solea experience, though. The service could not have been better! The food was up and down. A friend and I shared: Patatas Bravas: The do theirs differently from the tradition version. They used less "brava" sauce and aioli, and rely on some paprika seasoning, I believe. I think of this dish as a consistent staple in any tapas order, sort of like french fries to American food. I won't bash them too hard for getting creative, but I think I prefer my traditional patatas bravas. Queso de Cabra con Tomate: This was probably my favorite dish from last night. It it just such a good combination of flavors and comes warmed up and melty. So delicious! Pulpo a Feria: I used to love Solea's pulpo a la gallega. I saw this on the menu and was expecting it to be the same. No way! It came as a cold dish of under-flavored octopus. Not a win! Poblano Relleno: A stuffed and friends poblano pepper, with corn, potatoes, and not a whole lot of flavor, but satisfyingly hearty like a Spanish pot pie. Pechuga al Ancho: Basically what we expected. It was a basic piece of chicken with ancho sauce and tomatoes. Pretty good. I will probably come back, but I might order differently, dropping off a majority of what I ordered this time around. As a general takeaway from my experience at Solea last night, I'd say that it is important to stick to tapas that you know will be a bang of flavor. They tend to go safe.
(3)
Vera S.

I LOVE Solea. I have been here at least a dozen times and it is super delicious every time. I don't care who you are, or how much you claim to dislike potatoes: Get the Patatas Bravas. They are delicious. The beef with chimichurri sauce is also great. The duck ravioli is delicious. I had my bridal shower at Solea. We had the entire back room for several hours. The waitstaff was attentive and great and the food was amazing. I probably single-handedly downed at least two pitchers of the delicious red sangria, which tastes like candy wrapped in dreams.
(5)
Zack A.

Solea has some amazing food. I've been here a number of times and have tried much of the menu. The lobster raviolis and lamb meatballs are continuously two of my favorites. I might just get three of each next time I go. The only negative I have is the noise level. It can be loud at times, especially if they are playing music. Servers are attentive. It is always busy, so call ahead and check on seating if you don't want to wait, make a reservation if you can. Parking is easy; there is a small public lot on the side street opposite Solea on Walnut and a larger one a block down on Spruce.
(4)
Sean R.

Went to Solea for dinner at 6:00 on a Saturday night. The staff was friendly and helpful, the wine was excellent, and the food was great. The garlic shrimp was ok but could have used at least twice as much garlic. Other than that the food was great, and tapas allowed us to try 5 or 6 different dishes. Rice and beans were better than I expected, and the flank steak with shallot butter was well executed. It was pretty expensive, but we had a bottle of wine with our meal. We will go back; one of the better spots on Moody street!
(4)
Clara L.

Waltham and Moody St score big with Solea. Other than the necessity for a drive, I would say this blows most Boston tapas places out of the water. Some friends and I met for lunch on a Sunday. We ordered the broccoli and cauliflower fritters, baked goat cheese, and tilapia ceviche to start, then followed with sizzling garlic shrimp, the sausage with fig sauce, and calamari. Everything was well seasoned and tasty. The service was also excellent, our server was extremely sweet and attentive. The prices are pretty comparable to those in Boston, such as Dali, Tapeo, or Bar Lola, which surprised me a bit given that it is outside of the city. I'm not complaining too much though, since the food and service were excellent. As we were leaving, we saw that they have a sister restaurant in Kendall Square, so it may be a likely visit. They also have capability for large parties, with much more space in the back, in fact a couple was visiting to plan their wedding party. Solid restaurant, a must when in Waltham!
(4)
Tania P.

As a Native Spaniard, I have pretty high standards for Spanish food and I have yet to find a restaurant that actually makes authentic Spanish food. Solea's was great, but not Spanish. It felt more like a Spanish fusion place. The paella was average and some of the traditional Spanish tapas felt inauthentic. But don't get me wrong-- some of their tapas were delicious!! Thus, my 3 star rating.
(3)
Marie P.

Yum Yum Yum! I have never had bad experience here ! The Sangria is delicious. The only dishes I haven't cared for were the liver and the goat cheese tomato basil. Duck, muscles and fritters are my fav.
(5)
Jessica V.

This place is fantastic! The prices are a bit high, but you honestly get what you pay for. The sangria was excellent! I was so impressed that they had an entire section of the menu dedicated to vegetarian options - such a great plus! All of the tapas were wonderful. We had the Patatas Bravas, Plato Mixto, Calamares Fritos, Costillas de Buey, and the Tostadas de Alcachofas. I'd order them all again. The tres leches cake was delicious! To top it all off, the decor was fantastic - looked just like Spain!
(5)
Christa S.

I popped in here after many years of specifically NOT going here to give it another chance. That was my FIRST mistake. It was a low key Wednesday night, the place was not overly busy, and my friend and I sat at the bar, where there were several other patrons. We ordered 3 tapas dishes. A veggie, a seafood and a meat. My friend had some wine, and eventually a glass of sangria. I had some vodka drink. Our food arrived very quickly after we placed our order. The plates were hot, which is nice as it will keep the food warm while we pick. The food was a bit bland, and for the price, not impressive. We did not finish any of the dishes. My friend ordered a last glass of wine, and I had a second round of my vodka drink. When it came time for the bill, we wanted to split our check: split the tapas down the middle, put the wine on one card, put the vodka drinks on the other. We were told that it could be split down the middle, but that what I was asking for was impossible, and that they were far too busy to handle this request. I then sat and had to do MATH to give back to have us charged accurately. I was displeased at this request, as it was not overly complicated. Topped with the food not being great, I will not be revisiting Solea. I should have stuck to my 5 year hiatus from the last time I ventured to eat here.
(1)
Foodie I.

This review if for a saturday evening reservation at 7:39 for a table of 4. This place is just OK. The evening started off well with a nice house sangria. Next the waiter offered us a mix to platter which was ok, but there were 2 slices of jamon ( came from BJ's), and three cheese slices that were ..... Just boring. Now we start ordering a few plates, and the waiter kept trying to add on. we told him we'd add more later and he seemed to give us attitude. The octopus was tender and flavorful, the goat cheese was also delicious but terribly skimpy. Next came the worst calamari on the planet. It was tougher than cardboard and the sauce was just bland. The Boquerones (white anchovies) made up for the horrible Calamari, but the duck was tough and the bread brought to the table was far from good, it seemed stale. Also, the cheriso was greasy and plain while the fried broccoli and colliflower was one of the best plates we had. The waiter additionally wanted to charge us extra for an extra sauce. The ravioli was ok, but again I would expect a few more small rav's on the plate ( and yes this is tapas, but still). The waiter hit my wife on the head with the serving tray and hardly even apologized, offered no ice nor a free app or anything. He additionally ruined our friends birthday surprise by announcing to the table at her birthday desert would be up in a moment. There are better tapas places in the boston area.
(2)
Ben C.

Came here on a Saturday night, was told 30-40 min for a table, waited about 55 minutes in the bar. Wait was ok because of the house sangria. Service and ambiance was terrific in the dining room. Our prompt and attentive waitress offered good suggestions. Great selection of vegetarian options was helpful, particularly enjoyed the poblano stuffed pepper along with the broccoli/cauliflower dish. Dessert (dulce de leche with berries) was divine. Prices were fair for some dishes, but a little high for simple vegetable dishes.
(4)
Sofia B.

Rating Sole was a battle of epic proportions in my min. I have had a four star experience. I have had a few three star experiences. Last Saturday I had barely a one star experience. Is it me, or is the service and quality going downhill? I have lived in waltham for a few years and used to love this place, particularly in the summertime, where if you were lucky enough, you could grab a table by one of the open windows and enjoy the view of people playing frogger at the crosswalk (Not sure why, but no one stops for pedestrians in Waltham). For the most part, their sangria was able to redeem whatever mediocrity was offered in food & service. It was never bad, but it wasn't mindblowing either. Until this past Saturday. We were sitting at the bar, sipping on sangria as the food arrived. We were not particularly hungry and only ordered two tapas. One - an avacado with crab and mango - was fine, aside from the avacado being not anywhere close to ripe. The second one - lamb meatballs were a complete miss. They were frozen solid on the inside. When we ever so politely asked for the meatballs to be warmed up, the bartender treated us as if we were the biggest inconveniece on this planet. The bar was not anywhere close to full. About twenty minutes later our meatballs re-appeared, fully heated this time. The bartender never came up to us to make sure everything was ok. Oh well. So I am on the fence about it. On one hand, this doesn't seem like a big deal, right? One dish was messed up. But if you think about it, 50% of our food order was bad. A little more, actually, as I am not a huge fan of rock hard avacados. So I give it three stars. Not super bad, not super good, just average. For a good tapas experience, I would highly recommend venturing out to Boston.
(3)
William S.

This place is a true tappas restaurant. However, I personally did not like it. The decor was awful at least where we sat. It was dirty, dated and very drapey...as in drapes covering the windows etc. The service was also marginal. The waitress was way over worked and basically had no time for us. Enough said. The food when we finally got it was flavorful, but lacking in choice and in my opinion...fair. maybe I am a discontent, but I would personally never go again.
(2)
S F.

Their cocktails are amazing! I did not like the food that much. maybe it's just me
(3)
Rachel K.

Very cozy and cute decor. Hesitant to get the sangria, one of my used-to-be favorite go-to drinks (generally speaking, not here specifically-this was my first trip to this tapas bar) until the majority of places tend to sell in such bulk that it becomes watered down and tasteless. Not here, Solea's sangria just might be my new favorite Boston-area sangria. Full of robust flavors and heavier on the wine than the juice or "splash of soda" many places use to save on liquor costs. Cheese plate was fantastic, three great cheese options. Crab & mango filled avocado was not only messy, but unmemorable. Not bad, not great--wouldn't get again. Potato dish was phenom. Can't wait to come back and try more!
(4)
Melissa D.

Solea was a beautiful visit and enjoyed the atmosphere and food. It's been awhile since I had tapas so I was ready to feast! The decor is nice and the tables are laid out to build out a small party of 2 to a party of 8-12. Of course, started with the classic Red Sangria which was delicious. It was more tart than your standard Sangria so be aware. Our server was slow and inconsistent. Also, she was trying to sell plates and more food which bothered me. However, she knew the menu inside and out. Here are my hits and misses: Hits: 1. Pork Loin with Blue Cheese - this surprised us and it was so amazing! Loin was tender and the cheese brought out the saltiness 2. Fried Potatoes - great side! 3. Sizzling Garlic Shrimp - delicious but not good to have before making out! Misses: 1. Lobster Raviolis - not really fresh and the sauce was oily 2. Fried Calamari - nothing special For two people, 6 dishes were perfect. This is a great group outing or a nice date.
(4)
Jessica B.

Ever been at a restaurant torn between which of many delicious entrees to order? Tapas is a great solution to this dining dilemma, allowing you to select from several different dishes and build a truly unique meal that suits your fancy. Solea is a quaint and fun tapas restaurant with a South American feel and multicultural menu offerings. The dining room is large and somewhat split up, allowing you to sit by the window in the sun, which has a cafe feel, or sit further back in the restaurant where the ambiance is a bit fancier. The service is absolutely outstanding. Great suggestions on everything from where to sit to my choice of sangria, which was the Sangria Royal, red sangria with Cava and Gran Marnier, to how many plates we should order, about 3 per person for lunch. I got the Ensalada de OtoÃ±o, Mixed Greens topped with Jicama, Orange & Avocado. This was a nice, fresh medium size salad. I rarely encounter Jicama and it was crunchy and tasty. Next I had the Palta Reina, Crab and Mango Stuffed Avocada. The avocado was a little light on crab, but it was extremely ripe and good. The Camarones a la Plancha, Grilled Shrimp with Spicy Mojo Verde were delicious. Although the shrimp were a bit overcooked, the Spicy Mojo Verde was amazing. I looked up a Green Mojo recipe that looked similar and that was a blend of garlic, olive oil coriander and cumin. Delicious! We wanted to try something different from our usual spots and Solea did not disappoint.
(4)
Corey L.

Stopped in for a quick meal on my way to scuba. Sat at the bar, had very friendly and fast service. Bar tender suggested some great choices, including a salad (endalada mixto - great), sangria (which was great, sweet - and I'm a sangria snob), and steak dish (solomillo con chimichurri). All were great, fast as hell, and really hit the spot. If I'm back in Waltham, I'd definitely revisit
(5)
Manfred S.

2 PM on a sunny Sunday afternoon in Waltham and in the mood for food on moody? Too late for brunch and lunch, too early for dinner, too hungry for a donut ... Solea to the rescue. It wasn't very busy so we got a table close to the open windows with a nice breeze. WHITE SANGRIA!!!! I don't care for sangria, but WHITE SANGRIA made the cut. Excellent paella and a few tapas: sauteed mushrooms, calamari, clams in white wine Perfect Sunday with WHITE SANGRIA.
(4)
Jeremy K.

While extremely excited to try this place, I was left wanting much more from it. I had first heard of this place through one of my best friends who lived up the street. Together we had previously been to another tapas joint in Somerville, Dali, and had a pretty good experience there so when we raved about this place I was stoked to say the least. We both walked in very hungry, and slightly early for our reservation but we were both seated immediately in the side-room that's to the left of the entrance. Next to us was a big window which span down the length of the room and a waitress arrived almost immediately with both menus and some water. Along with it was a bean dip and some bread which frankly wasn't very good but it was complimentary so I won't give them too much crap for that. The main focus of the experience here is the tapas and my friend and I decided to pick a bunch of them each and share everything. Below is what we ordered: - Queso de Cabra Montanes (Baked Goat Cheese with Tomato & Basil) This was one of the best tapas we had that night. The goat cheese was very creamy and baked perfectly and the tomato complimented it perfectly making for a very light, delicious dish. $7.50 - Grelos Gallegos (Sauteed Collard Greens with Pine Nuts & Raisins) For $5, the dish was pretty big and decent. The collar greens's flavors were a bit undermined by the other ingredients which were generously mixed it. Not bad, but not great. - Costillitas (Pork Riblets with Banana Glaze) This dish I was very excited to try and it came out great. One of the best dishes that night and at only $7. It features a bunch of delicious pork ribs which were slathered in an addictive and creative banana glaze. Finger licking good. - Butifarras con Brevas (Pork Sausage with Figs) Pretty good pork sausage with plenty of spices in it which made for a tasty dish. Not enough figs though... $7 - PÃ£o de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese and Tapioca Bread Rolls) These bread rolls had a consistency similar to Korean mochi. It was really weird and actually pretty damn good. Light, fluffy, tasty and easy to eat. Three come in the order. $7 - Jamon Serrano (Cured Ham from Spain) Some decent but not all that great, imported Spanish ham served with some tomatoes and toasted bread. $7 but I've had better Serrano in other joints. We probably had a few more but I can't recall which ones from the website somehow. We washed everything down with some Spanish imported beers which were pretty good. The service was spotty at times but overall pretty attentive although a bit slow to clear the plates. The tables a bit too small considering the number of dishes that they need to hold. All in all this is a decent tapas place but you won't be hard pressed to find better tapas in Boston at places like Toro or even Estragon. Considering the lack of options in Waltham though, this is a welcome addition to the local restaurant scene. The value isn't too bad either as most tapas plates are under $8. Just make sure that you have a reservation as the place gets very busy, especially on weekends.
(3)
Melanie F.

I'm biased because I love any and all tapas. But living in Waltham I end up at Solea once a month or so! The food is excellent and the prices are reasonable. Some favorites are roasted artichokes, the braised short ribs, cheese breads, scallops, and the garlic shrimp. Although pretty much everything is awesome! Only downsides are I wish they switched up the menu more often, and unfortunately the service isn't always A+ - but the food and atmosphere usually makes up for it!
(4)
Ivy G.

I went there because I always passed by and seeing many ppl there. But apparently it is best for drink with some light dishes not very good for 2 hungry girls. We do not drink so just order food but maybe we are not familiar with Tapas bars, we did not enjoy the food much and it also quite noisy inside the restaurant. Then we walked outside with half full stomach and kind of disappointed ~
(3)
Sara M.

I decided to plan a Friday date night for two so I picked this place since my husband loves tapas and there is a movie theater near it. We were greeted by a friendly host staff and sat at a cozy two-top by the window. Our server was not very welcoming and seemed very busy so we did not see much of him throughout our meal. It took us quite some time to even get bread and I was ready to eat the tablecloth I was so hungry. However, when we finally got the delicious sangria and the food, I was quite satisfied. We ordered three tapas and the paella. I have to say that the blue goat cheese with the pork tenderloin was not my favorite but I really loved the garlic shrimp one. The paella was amazing and full of delicious meat and seafood. One of the best versions I have had in this state. After all that food and 2 pitchers of sangria, there was no way we were going to sit through a movie. We tried to pay but that also took a long time and we were ready to fall into bed with our food coma. Overall, the service was lacking a bit but the food was up to snuff.
(4)
Georgina C.

I love Tapas style restaurants and Solea is no exception. The decor is colorful and fun, the service equally as satisfying. I had a tanga-tini which was lovely, crisp and citrusy. I tried the Queso de Cabra Montanes, a delicious medley of goat cheese, tomato and basil. My favorite were the artichoke and spinach fritters. You MUST get these, they are delicious, crispy and delectable they melt in your mouth. Another dish I enjoyed was the Sizzling Garlic Shrimp! The chickpeas with chorizo and spinach we quite appetizing in addition to the Sausage with Fig. I had a great experience here and have already made plans to bring a friend for my next visit.
(4)
Allan S.

I really like this place and feel it offers some of the best tapas in Boston, certainly in the Metro West area. I've had tapas in Spain and know what they are supposed to taste like. The flavors are not the same, but it's pretty darned good. I've brought business guests here as well as my wife and enjoyed it each time. Summer is nice because they open the windows and there is a nice breeze. Delicious selection of wines, especially the reds and the sangria. Great ambiance and bar area. I'd go back without hesitation.
(4)
Rebecca B.

meh. This was was ok. I was excited to try it, so we went for my birthday. The food was just ok and they put us at an awkward table near the kitchen. The sangria was WAY too sweet. I'll maybe give it another chance, but probably not.
(3)
Matthew H.

Excellent food and I just love the whole concept of tapas. I never want just one thing - I want 5 or 6...problem solved! Very busy for a Wednesday but thoroughly enjoyed everything I had. Will be back for sure.
(4)
Tanya Y.

I can't believe that I haven't written a review on Solea up until now -- I've been here twice (once part as a large group, and the other for Restaurant Week) and on both occasions, it was amazing! I've had the opportunity to try a good variety of what Solea has to offer. Everything was incredibly delicious, but the things in particular that stand out include: Pato Braseado, Roasted Duckling with Berry Sauce $8.50 Holy crap. The duck melts in your mouth and the berry sauce enhances its amazing flavor. Eating this dish is like an explosion of fireworks in your mouth. It's that. good. Gambas al Ajillo, Sizzling Garlic Shrimp $7.50 I love garlic. I love shrimp. Win-Win situation. Only problem: I wish the shrimp were bigger! Chuletillas, Baby Lamb Chops with an Apricot Glaze $8.50 Yum Yum! I just wish there were more meat on the chops themselves! Small Paella, Traditional Spanish Rice Dish - available as a Valenciana, Oceano or Vegetariano Style - Feeds 1-3 People - $28.00 SOOOO GOOD. It makes me so sad that I never knew how great paella was up until I've had it at Solea. I still crave and rave about it every so often. Filloa de Dulce De Leche, Crepe with a Vanilla Cream, Fresh Berry & Dulce De Leche Filling $8.00 Such a great dessert to end the already abundant meal. Refreshing, light, and leaves you craving for more. The waiters are adorable, the decor/ambiance is very welcoming and warm, and it all leaves me with a very high note. Highly recommended place for people that are seeking to try out something new - even better with great company, so you can dip into what they order as well! Yum!
(4)
Jackie K.

Ah, the wording of the four star review, "Yay, I'm a fan"....alas I am not but it was good so three stars. Just felt like the tapas are hit or miss and it takes me a few visits and lots of money to figure it out so I do not think I will be investing time and money into this. The pimientos were underwhelming, tortilla espanola and patatas bravas were good, their aioli (really mayo) was very good, I wanted to slather it on everything. The paella was eh. Sangria was good. Service was good. Just not good enough to make me leave my regular Waltham restaurants.
(3)
J C.

For tapas, I had Pato Braseado (Roast Duck in Berry Sauce) and Gambas al Ajillo (Sizzling Garlic Shrimp). To drink, I had a Basil Lime Gimlet cocktail. For dessert, I had Flan. The edges of the duck were very slightly overcooked, but the rest of the duck was great. The duck was very fatty and flavorful, as should be expected, but the heaviness of the fat was cut by the sourness of the berry sauce, so it was a very well balanced dish. To be fair, that's a really common flavor combination. I was less impressed by the shrimp dish. The shrimp, though expertly cooked (springy when biting into the shrimp but tender feeling during chewing), did not have much taste to it. The cocktail tasted very much like a gin and tonic. On that point, I don't think it was worth the price. The flan was great. It wasn't watery and held its shape, yet was still wet and sweet. But it wasn't overly sweet, as long as you enjoyed it slowly.
(3)
Kristen C.

I'm sure the food is excellent but the guy who answers the phone has got to go. I was making a polite inquiry to follow up on an email I sent last week. The "gentleman" who answers their phone need some manners. I simply asked to speak to a manager. When he asked me why, instead of providing me with a contact person. I told him I had emailed them to their main address but as it wasn't specifically addressed to someone, I wanted to be sure they had received it. He told me that the restaurant doesn't have time to reply to all their emails. (not even an automated reply that states they had received my inquiry -- please get with the 21st century. I think there's an app for that.) Then he hung up on me. Not even a "have a nice day." Some customer service! :-(
(1)
Graham H.

Really enjoyed dining here. Very good tapas, wine list, a few decent draft beers and friendly service. All the tapas that we had we're delicious and we'll definitely brave the New England winter to go back.
(4)
Nandanie S.

It was our 2nd visit, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We got 6 tapas - 3 per person. I began with a glass of sangria. Perfect addition to a wonderful, satisfying dinner. My fiancÃ© got the goat cheese in tomato sauce, stuffed poblano pepper, and the rice and beans. He loved it. The food was cooked to perfection, and tasted wonderfully. I don't like goat cheese very much, but he enjoyed every last bit. I tried some of his poblano pepper; the crispy batter and the fillings were AMAZING...all different ingredients and vegetable pieces just explode in your mouth - a must try if you love stuffed peppers. The rice and beans never fail to please us. I got the chicken empanada, grilled shrimp with piri piri sauce, and grilled lamb chops with an apricot glaze. I didn't like the piri piri sauce because it had a very strong hint of clove - I like clove but not when the taste is very empowering and engulfs your mouth. Also, the lamb chops were undercooked when I cut into it, but the waitress was more than happy to ask the chefs to cook them a little more thoroughly. For dessert, we ordered the bananas with butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice cream. A perfect ending to a perfect evening. :)
(5)
Maria M.

Love! Had dinner here a few weeks ago with one of my best gfs, and it was a lovely girls night out. We started off with a large pitcher of sangria which was refreshing and perfect. We had no misses for our food choices that evening which included: artichoke hearts, beef with a chimichurri sauce, garlic shrimp with large soft sweet chunks of garlic swimming in delicious olive oil, and the ceviche. Yumm. Perfect dinner and perfect night out. Will come here again.
(4)
Jeanne M.

When I am looking for a smorgasbord of flavors and a good glass of wine, Solea is my to go place. The bar is comfortable to wait with a drink for a table, and usually it's not very long of a wait. Once inside, the tapas menu is varied and always has something new to try. My old favorites are the pork with gorgonzola mushroom sauce (OMG), the mango/crab stuffed avocado and the broccoli fritters. While I love these, there is always something new and I have yet to be disappointed. Great ambiance for a fun night, and yet they can still find you a quieter corner if you'd like. Don't miss this place! Oh, can't wait until the windows are opened in the summer.
(5)
Christine T.

As residents of nearby (quiet) Sudbury, my husband and I always enjoy the urban-like vibrancy of Moody Street. On a rare Saturday-night-without-kids opportunity, we headed to Solea. We'd never been there; Yelp recommendations steered us. We had an excellent experience: a polite, friendly welcome (with only a 10-minute wait, despite no reservations and a packed house), tasty sangria, delicious food, and attentive service. I can wholeheartedly recommend (besides the sangria) the oceano paella. We also enjoyed two appetizers: the setas al ajillo and the tostadas de alcachofas. The Mediterranean decor of Solea is warm and inviting, creating an appealing setting for a romantic meal or a lively dinner with multiple friends-- or any occasion in between. We will definitely return very soon, and will recommend it as a dining venue to many in the meantime.
(5)
Craig S.

I'm impressed - Waltham coming through strong. Best was the blue cheese sauce mushroom pork dish. The beef dish with spicy chimichuri was also above par. Surprisingly the best veggie dish i have ever had was the collard greens (i know strange choice but waiter highly recommended it). Speaking of the waiter, he was one of the most impressive aspects - so good we gave him a 30% tip. The location and decor was perfect as was the laid back vibe. As good if not better then any Spanish joint in Boston.
(5)
Smeggie P.

The food was meh. The Bad: The collard greens were too oily with an intense lemon(?!) flavor. The sauteed mushrooms....they tasted off. I felt as if I kept eating them I would get food poisoning The mussels were bland and didn't taste fresh. The lamb meatballs were just ok, but nothing spectacular. I felt as though the overall theme of flavor in many things were overpowered with garlic and way too much oil. There was some good: Our waitress. The Brazalian bread balls.The artichoke. The sauce that came with the vegetable stuffed poblano(it had a nice kick!). Great for large groups. The decor is romantic for couples.
(3)
Hilary T.

I love tapas! Solea doesn't disappoint. We ordered 6 tapas and it was plenty of food. I didn't love the lobster crepe because it was too mild or the poblano relleno because I thought it would have cheese and I wasn't looking for potatoes in a pepper. Everything else we had was amazing. The garlic shrimp is fabulous! The goat cheese in tomato sauce is comforting and really good. We didn't get the lamb meatballs but I really wanted to and will definitely do that next time. Churros for dessert. Not the best, but I also keep thinking churros are going to be better than they are. Next time, I'll go on a weeknight. Saturday was a little crazy and our server forgot about us a little towards the end.
(4)
Megan H.

We had made our reservation via opentable.com and were seated as soon as we arrived. We had a waiter that was working his first night at Solea, but was more than knowledgeable about tapas and the selection offered. The menu offers selections and adventures for all palates. We played it safe for a few dishes and tempted our taste buds with a few more exotic selections. The bar is well stocked and has a delicious selection of signature cocktails and house made sangria. My experience here made it one of my top picks for Restaurant Week Winter 2012. This restaurant is a must for Restaurant Week (or a light meal/snack - which is the purpose of tapas) for those wanting to fully explore the menu on the cheap. I recommend not venturing in alone and sharing the experience with at least one other person. The drinks are reasonably priced for their quality, to get a drink of this caliber in Boston I would be paying at least a couple more dollars per drink. The atmosphere was open, with more intimate booths along the side of the room. The room could be on the noisy side, but we went during a high volume day and week for the restaurant.
(4)
Kathy M.

Went here last Saturday night. We thankfully made a reservation for 2 for 8pm-it was a pretty crowded place. My GF and I each had glasses of Sangria: I had the Berry and she had the Royal. I didn't like the Berry because it was really sweet. For dinner we had: the Sauteed Artichokes, Beef Empanadas, Beer Braised Short Ribs. I thought they were all pretty good but really weren't special. Parking can be challenging on Moody street but there are several metered parking lots in the area.
(3)
A Z.

This place was pretty interesting. I'm a big lover of tapas and try out any tapas place I come across, hence our dinner at Solea. Unfortunately, it came up a little short. Firstly, and unrelated to the food, it's in a totally sketchy neighborhood, so parking on a side street makes you a little uneasy for the duration of your meal. As for the food... everything sounded very inventive, but most of the dishes fell short of being awesome. Baked Goat Cheese with Tomato & Basil - this was basically a bowl of sauce with a nugget of goat cheese in it. It was lucky we still had bread left, otherwise what would we have done with all that sauce?? Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp) - also doused in a bunch of sauce, and this would have been pretty decent until we saw a couple that hadn't been de-veined and then we just saw a string of poo floating in there. Nasty. Lulas Grelhadas (Calamari) - this was good, but the portion was tinier than necessary and between the two of us, we might have gotten four rings each plus a whole lot of garnish. Solomillo con Chimichurri (Beef Tenderloin) - This was good. The big surprise here was the Squid Ink Pasta. It was pretty amazing. Black pasta might freak you out, but it really just tastes like macaroni and cheese, plus some calamari rings on top. By far, our best pick. Overall, I wouldn't go back, but it's worth trying.
(3)
David P.

Alright, that's it! I'm reviewing this place. After a good 5 or 6 tries, I've had it! Solea is a scam, people. Wake up, Waltham! Can you honestly tell me that the tapas you had which came to $43 was really worth it? Or was the ambiance and the snooty service clouding your regular judgment of good food? Could you have gone to Hannaford and gotten some olives and dressed them up in olive oil and served them for under $7? Yes! Did the caipirinhas taste like rubbing alcohol and have no sugar in them because the staff there is from Waltham and doesn't understand authentic Latin American cuisine? Yes! Did the server make you feel like you didn't know what you were talking about when you asked if the Chorizo was spicy? Was the Chorizo spicy? No! Was it over-grilled, fatty and tasteless? Yes! Was the serrano ham even more fatty, gross and bland, even though everything in your right mind told you that it was good manners to politely pretend you were enjoying this ham, that was merely a very thin slice of ham for another $12--that this was an authentic Spanish experience you could get nowhere else but the cultural hub of Waltham, Mass.? Jesus. The emperor definitely has no clothes here, and although I must admit the decor and ambiance are second to none in this town, the food is ridiculous. Go to Tempo, or better yet, go to Domenic's deli or In A Pickle for MUCH better food, and the staff might treat you like you actually exist because you are patronizing their business. Why people come here I cannot fathom--it must be because of the misleading beauty of the establishment. Stay away from here if you actually care about having a relaxing and delicious meal that you will remember in a positive light. Go to Boston and stop posturing in the suburbs to impress your friends. They'll pretend they like it then complain behind your back. This place sucks. Come on.
(1)
Jamie G.

I really like this place- I've been here on numerous occasions and have never had a bad experience. I've tried all kinds of the tapas plates and have liked or loved every one. Their drinks and cocktails are delicious too (except the Berry Sangria, do NOT under ANY circumstances get the Berry Sangria). On my most recent excursion, I tried: Queso- baked goat cheese in tomato sauce (I get this every time I'm here... it's the best thing they have-- soooo delicious!) Lamb meatballs with truffle cream sauce (amazing too!) Roast duck in berry sauce (pretty good, sauce is a little too sweet) Short rib (okay, but a little too fatty for me) Spicy potatoes (okay, not actually spicy, decent flavor) For my drink I had the Basil lime gimlet, made with Hendricks- it was delicious! And Also tried the Port flight- 20 yr was the best, then 30, then tie between 10 and 40 - 10 too strong-bite, 40 too syrupy. I love being able to try a little bit of everything at Tapas Restaurants, and this place does it amazingly well! Easy parking and I live a minute away. So I will be back often!
(5)
Freddy a.

Very nice place excellent food!!!
(5)
Alyssa S.

3.5 stars I was so excited to try Solea's tapas the other night. I have read great things about them on Yelp and anyone would be curious as to what goes on inside after taking a peak in the windows. The decor is enchanting and lively with intricate details and explosive colors. I felt as if I were dining in a large room plastered with Aladdin's magic carpet. My boyfriend and I split a carafe of the delicious Classic Sangria while tasting a variety of plates from their tapas menu. We ordered the following: -Gorditas, Stuffed Prunes Wrapped in Jamon ($6) -Croquetas del Dia, Croquette of the Day ($6) (It was cod the night we went.) -Pimiento de Piquillo, Shrimp and Crab Stuffed Piquillo Peppers ($9) -Chicken Empanadas ($8) -Albondigas de Cordero, Lamb Meatballs in Truffle Cream Sauce ($9) -Chuletillas, Baby Lamb Chops with an Apricot Glaze ($10) And for dessert... Profiteroles, Dessert for Two-Vanilla Iced Cream Filled Pastries with Warm Chocolate Ganache ($13) Needless to say, it was such a FUN dinner. We loved being able to sample different plates and explore the flavors. My only qualm was that some of the dishes were served luke warm, and I wished they had been at a hotter temperature. The dishes that did arrive at the perfect temperature happened to be my favorite: the Gorditas and the Albondigas De Cordero. We both loved the Profiteroles, which included two puffs for each of us. Overall, a pricey, but great dining experience.
(3)
Amy R.

I went to Solea on Saturday night with a girlfriend and were able to grab seats at the bar. I encouraged my friend to give the whole tapas thing a try. She's a super picky eater and I guess... long of the short of it... don't take your picky friends or family members here :) Now, I've been here many times before I've written this review. I have to be honest; I feel as though the quality of the food has gone down a bit since the first time I came here. I ordered the patatas bravas and the chicken empanada, while my friend ordered the brazilian cheese bread. Everything was just oozing with too much grease and my empanada order got screwed up- I got half beef and half chicken. I didn't mind, I don't discriminate between meat options. But, the beef empanada was inedible. All I could taste was the oil the beef must have been cooked with. I tried the brazilian cheese bread and it was loaded with oil... again, almost inedible. In my past experiences, I've been a little more adventurous with my choices. Ordering safe options for my picky friend isn't usually how I play the tapas game. So, I am hoping this was an off night for Solea. KUDOS to their red sangria. That sh*t is so good... hoping they don't ever change that recipe of theirs!
(3)
Missy M.

Solea is wonderful. My Puerto Rican uncle recomended coming here after having some wonderful dishes that reminded him of home. First, the decore is lovely, so beautiful, exotic, and elegant. Full of romantic little nooks. I will come back here with my boyfriend. We started with the sangria, which was to die for. I was in a large group and we asked the waitor to order for us. Each dish was served and explaned. The wait staff was wonderful, informative, and kind. I don't remember exactly what I ate but everything was simply AMAZING. There were tons of great veggie options too. I would aboslutly come back. This is a great date spot!
(5)
John P.

Great variety of Tapas. I've been there several times and the food is very good and there is a great variety. They could use a few more healthy choices on the menu. The wait staff is a little lean on busy nights and this hurts service.
(4)
M M.

We've been going to Solea for several years now, and have been impressed every single time. The food is outstanding, atmosphere upbeat and classy, and service always above-average. I'm getting hungry just writing this review!! Fantastic place for girls' nights, birthdays, dinner with my husband, and brunch with family and friends. It always feels special at Solea!
(5)
Bev W.

What is up with Solea seating women in the dark back area of the restaurant when there are many empty tables in the brighter front part of the restaurant. This has happened several times of the years with different group of women with and without reservations on week nights where there are plenty of empty tables. This Wednesday my friend Kelly and I put it to the test once more and sure enough: we were ushered to the dimly lit back of the restaurant with tiny tables too small to fit many plates of tapas while the nice table sat empty. We persisted and got to sit at the back of the nicer bar, but this is it. I'm done and will never go here again. I don't get their policy at all. I can't tell if it's age or gender discrimination or both. However, hen I go with my husband or other groups of men and women I don't encounter this "bad table" problem. My bad for letting this treatment go on for so many years.
(1)
Jecheima A.

Their apps are great! They have plenty to choose form. They are a little pricey however. Their sangria is also tasty!
(4)
Megan T.

Went with two other couples Saturday night, it was fantastic! Had about 15-20 dishes (yes, a lot of food). Stand out's included lamb meatballs, quail, pork cheeks, rabbit, mushroom crostini, Salami platter and empenadas. Service was fine, with all the dished they just kept bringing them and bringing them!
(5)
M M.

Delicious - try the short rib, duck, chicken empanadas, lobster ravioli and the sangria. Colorful, fun atmosphere. Service is good, except the servers tell you to order way more small plates than you need per person - kind of annoying, but expected. Great for large parties as well, since they have private rooms with bars.
(4)
Anthony V.

This place is awesome! Was brought here by a friend a few months ago. I have been here 4 times and have always ordered off the tapas menu. Everything has been great. The pork tenderloin in blue cheese sauce, goat cheese, veal meatballs, cheese plates, and the sangria! Nothing has been a disappointment!
(5)
Barbara A.

When I can not get to Dali's, this is my tapas place of choice. I love the melange of flavors here. After a very hard week, my friend invited me out here and it was like visiting an old friend. The chickpea dip-thing (which you get free if having dinner, not so if just drinking at the bar) was a good beginning with my mojito because my friend was late and needed something to start soaking up alcohol. The old standard for me is the Baked Goat Cheese in a tomato-basil sauce and Scallops in Saffron - lovely to dip into with bread. The newer items (for me) that I got were the Artichoke Goat Cheese and Mushroom Crostini, Poblano Relleno, and the Pork Sausage with Figs. None of these dishes disappointed, but they were not up their usual standard. All the sauces were heavenly though. The bread is "new" (although my friend who goes all the time said it has been like this for a while) - the old version was more substantial (for the dipping, of course) and the new version is more crusty and thinner.
(3)
Riccardo D.

In general, tapas restaurants give me trouble. While I enjoy the inventivbe creations, I'm always nervous that I'll not order enough food or will order too much. Having eaten at Solea on a number of occasions, I found the food to be astoundingly creative and addictive. The problem? It always seems that with the dishes I order, there isn't enough food on the plate. I know, that's the point of tapas: you order many items with the serving sizes being small. I just don't enjoy all the calcuations that need to be made while ordering: will five plates be enough? Six? As other reviewers have noted, this is a noisy place when it's busy. , Dinner for two can easily run between $60 - $80 without drinks; but, you'll often leave still hungry. Perhaps I am not a tapas type of person.
(3)
valerie d.

Fave new place in for.ev.er . It was delicious. I thought the tapas portions were big. A salad and one of those bad boys would be the perfect meal. Some people say it's "expensive" for the portions but I don't know about you, I don't trust ceviche for under 10 bucks. Plus, you get free bread (fine, it's just bread) with the best hummusy dip I've ever had inside me, PLUS a free plate of olives. Like, a lot of them, and fancy ones. The ceviche was really good. It was only white fish. That greatly disappointed my bf but I loved it regardless. The duck was also really good. we ordered salmon just as something safe but it was a big piece for 9ish bucks, I forget exactly, but at home it would be dinner. Not on restaurant night where you eat like you're in ED recovery but a regular at-home portion. The waiter was awesome. It was amazingly busy and he didn't seem flustered at all. My favorite waiter in a long time. He seemed to really like the food there which helps. I feel like an ass saying it's delicious if I think the waiter is thinking "you should see how gross it looks in the kitchen." Seriously, the shit they give you with the bread is my new boyfriend. Go there for that alone.
(5)
Julia N.

Had a dinner here with 7 other people. Fun to order a bunch of tapas and then share. Garlic shrimp, rice and beans and the goat cheese tomato spread were very good. White sangria is very light and fruity and smells devine. Red is stronger, of course and probably preferable to people who like wine as the white didnt even resemble wine more like delicious fruit juice. The decoration/ atmosphere was awesome. Dark and rich, beautiful. I really liked the faucets in the women's bathroom. Lol. Problem: This is NOT the place to go with a bunch of hungry people... it ends up costing almost 300 dollars! 13 tapas (smal) dishes for about 300 dollars.... Yikes, I am so glad my mother treated and that I am still known as the poor college kid. Ouch!
(4)
Steve S.

good food, good service. i've been there several times and appreciate the whole atmosphere. Good professional staff, and lively atmosphere
(3)
Chris M.

Dear Solea, Thank you for the pitcher of Sangria last night. You were delicious, maybe even best ever. I also loved the atmosphere you provided. It was nothing short of chill. The variety of pendant lamps hanging from the bar, offered many conversations points. You also surprised me when the check was cleverly served in a little cup. We didn't even know we had you. I wish I could have stayed longer, but my friends needed to return to the skellig. I will be back, to eat at you. Sincerely, Chris M.
(4)
Erika K.

I ate here a second time and it was during the dinner rush on a friday. I was very disappointed. First of all I love tapas and I love spain and I was so excited to try more spanish plates. But the problem is that I know what is should taste like and this was NOT it. Paella, it is supposed to have a crusty crunch on the bottom where the rice is almost burnt. The seafood or meat is meant to be cooked with the rice. Neither of these things occurred which were two fatal flaws. The rice was overly salty, lacking in flavor, not crunchy on the bottom at all. The meat was added to the top so had no flavor at all. There was just nothing correct about it. Not to mention that it came out in about 15 minutes ... thats insane! this is a slow cook dish! The scallops in saffron cream sauce were ok, but the sauce seemed kind of chunky not smooth at all. The plato mixto is NOT worth 16 dollars. 3 slices of manchego cheese, 4 olives, 4 slices of bread, and 4 slices of ham ... sure I can get 4 times that much at a grocery store... the goat cheese with tomato basil is a knock out as always. there were other thinks that we ordered but there was no stand out with the flavor profile it was all just very one note. I will also say this place was so hot that we could not really enjoy ourselves. Plus they didn't refill our waters often enough with the salty meal. Overall I was disappointed ..
(2)
Sue M.

My husband I just had a late lunch with you and had a wonderful and relaxing time. We just wanted to thank Ricardo for the wonderful service, food and drink. You made the experience very special. You understand that it's not just about the food ( which was fabulous ) but also the experience. You were thoughtful and gracious. We can't wait to come back! Thank you again. Just what we needed. Ricardo - thank you for the glasses! Above and beyond. We hope to see you again and often.
(5)
Soumendra N.

Wife and I got the babysitter and went here for our anniversary dinner. We reached around 8 pm and were seated immediately. It was a weeknight but fairly busy. The decor is very nice with bright red hues and portraits of bulls and bullfighters on the wall. The frames and lamps are ornate too. We like tapas, so we ordered our favorites from a visit to Spain 4 years ago: Patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), Albondigas (lamb meatballs), Mussels, Tortilla (spanish style omelette) and empanadas (one chicken, one beef). The lamb meatballs were delicious and just melted in our mouths. The tortilla was tasty. The mussels, bravas (not really that spicy) were good. The chicken empanada was flavorful but the beef one was a bit bland. Our server was polite and efficient. The complementary bread comes with hummus and tastes great dipped in the broth that comes with the mussels. For dessert we had the tres leches cake (cake made from 3 types of milks) and it was perfect. Wife and I agreed, this was the best tapas we had in a long time and brought back fond memories of Spain. Will definitely go back soon. Bill came to $50 for two. Not cheap but great value for the yummy experience that we had. Bonus tip: After your meal, check out the new look, India Market (across the street and one block to your right). If you have not been there before, you will be impressed by the store and the new Indian food court in the basement.
(5)
Wally G.

Solea is a great casual dining experience...it's perfect for a weekend night get together with friends or family. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is fun. Sharing tapas over their sangria is a wonderful way to spend your time together.
(4)
Howard G.

The food is laden in heavy sauces. Good atmosphere. Large restaurant. Street parking can be very tricky. Average restaurant that I would not go out of my way for.
(3)
Brittany C.

If you asked me about Solea a year ago, I would've rated it a solid four stars. However, the management recently raised the prices on the majority of the menu, even though portions and preparation of the food does not appear to have changed. Don't get me wrong, the food is very tasty! However, before the price changes, I really thought Solea had the best food/value for its price point in Waltham. Now that the prices are higher, I wouldn't necessarily say that's the case. The berry sangria is fantastic!
(3)
George M.

I liked the atmosphere and the taste of the food was good. However the prices were higher than I expected, for example one empanada $9.00, should be two on the plate at least for that, Tapas is a sharing event and should be lower cost.
(4)
Giselle S.

Remember the scene in Pretty Woman, when Julia Roberts goes back to the dress shop to show them what a terrible mistake they made? That was my first experience with Solea. Twice a month a group of women (10-12 ppl) go out to dinner (that is quite a few of restaurants, right?). Reservations are always made far in advance and upon arrival I make it clear that we need separate checks, to which the typical response is... thank you for letting us know in advance, it is easier to enter the orders individually than split the bill after it has been printed. But the hostess, and subsequently the server of Solea, have a strongly observed guideline not to do such a thing. After a 10 minute long conversation explaining how separate checks are actually provided to the group, the hostess proposed that if we were accepting to the fact that they would not individually serve us (i.e. the would put all the food as it comes out at one end of the table and we have to figure out who ordered it, which we did agree to do, it is easier enough to hand out the food among us all in order to get separate checks), then she would check with our server to see if he would provide separate checks to the table. Unfortunately, the gentleman serving us was also not agreeable to the idea and more persuasion and explanation was needed, only to be received with grimaces, heavy sighs, and shakes of the head. He then replied that this was an absolute 'inconvenience' for him. Huh. That is an interesting way to approach the situation with a customer bringing you 12 patrons. If the restaurant was even moderately full, I would see how it could possibly be an issue to individually place 12 orders, but the place was one quarter empty with no one waiting to be seated. Only after I was told that my group and request was an inconvenience, did I then get upset enough to take the group and walk out. We did stop along the way to let the hostess know what had transpired and received a reply of 'we said we would bend the rules for you this one time' - gee thanks, too little too late. Spending 30 minutes trying to convince someone to take my hard earned money seems a bit extreme. When customers become and inconvenience, it is time to reevaluate your 'guidelines'. We walked to a restaurant one block away, without reservations, and they were more than happy to accommodate us. The Solea restaurant missed out on a $300+ bill and a $100+ tip. Big mistake; huge.
(1)
Jay B.

Solid just like Dali. I like the energy at Dali in Cambridge a bit better, but the tapas are the same here and it's a perfect place before a movie on Moody Street. We love the duck and berry sauce, and always the sausage with fig sauce too. The sangria is also always excellent.
(4)
George M.

Standouts: tostonnes Pulled pork with clams: average. Broth a bit too salty and the pork and clams just didn't mesh as well as they should have. Ceviche: delicious. Texture of the fish was excellent. Flavor was rich with just enough aromatics to counterbalance. Duck with berry: great perfectly cooked duck. Lurking feeling that all dishes weren't prepared to order. Nothing really seemed to be the temperature I would expect.
(3)
Marcy K.

I recently attended a gathering for 25 people at Solea, and we were given the private back room (with a cash bar). Everything was informal, which was lucky, as there wasn't much seating. It was private, however. The tapas order, which had been prearranged, included empanadas (chicken and beef); a quiche-like mixture of potatoes and onion; artichoke, goat cheese and mushroom crostini; broccoli and cauliflower fritters; mozzarella-type sticks; and a plate of cheese, peppers, and olives. There were also pitchers of sangria, which were decent. Everything was good, but I would have preferred the empanadas to be a little warmer. The tapas I had in Spain were to die for, but these were ok. The service was excellent, with waiters replenishing often and cleaning up. We brought in our own birthday cake, which the head guy cut and served. I don't know details about the pricing arrangements, but from what I am told, the host was a little surprised at the add-ons and the final tally. Our gathering was at 3:30 and we left at 6. Pricing must have been more for a later "seating," but the mid-afternoon appointment worked out well. We'll probably come back at some point to try some other kinds of tapas, but it won't be tomorrow.
(3)
Suzie A.

My first experience with tapas and it was fantastic! Atmosphere was sophisticated yet inviting and cozy. Service was wonderful and attentive. There were 5 of us dining all together, we each ordered two tapas to share and we each had a cocktail-the food and drinks were delicious and filling, and the price was totally affordable. I would definitely recommend this place, great for going with friends or on a date night!
(4)
Tim V.

From the moment we walked in, the experience was fantastic. The staff was friendly, attentive, and quick. The food was amazing. My girlfriend and I split 7 tapas plus a dessert. Worth every penny.
(5)
Zadie B.

I'm not a huge tapas fan, so my review of Solea may be less than helpful to those who love it. I found everything tasty but generally too salty and oily. Our waiter was pleasant but a little disinhibited, and I felt like we were working the whole time to make sure he was comfortable. The main problem I had with Solea though was the acoustics. I found it almost painfully loud and overstimulating. A lot of people like that sort of thing though, just like most people like tapas. But if you're a fragile flower with a touch of ADD like yours truly, this might not be the best option. Visually, the decor is very attractive.
(3)
Sissie P.

We returned to Solea to celebrate another birthday. The food was again outstanding! That is why we go back. The lamb meatballs are the best ever. The artichoke and mushroom crostini appetizer equally delicious. We had a Valencian Paella, and that also was wonderful. The Royal Sangria is good. The things that were not wonderful: The bar list is pathetic. Beer is essentially non-existent and the hard liquor list equally thin. The dessert menu mostly wasn't to our tastes. One in the party ordered the banana dish, and we experienced a new phenomenon -- tough bananas! Their port selection has also gone away. IF only they could get both the food and bar selection on an equal footing. For really good tapas without going into Boston, this is the place.
(3)
Jonny P.

Solea used to be one of my favorite restaurants in Waltham. I used to love their paella and many of their tapas dishes. I have a number of food intolerances, and they were easily able to accommodate my needs., That seems to have changed, as well as the ingredients for the paella which I can no longer eat. As well, the chef was unable to accommodate my needs. The food I was able to eat, was flavorless and salty, and the atmosphere was deafening and unpleasant. There are a lot of wonderful restaurants on Moody Street--I'll be eating elsewhere for now. Very disappointed.
(2)
Art C.

I love reviewing tapas places, because instead of reviewing an entree and maybe an appetizer, I get to review 5-6 different dishes. Below are my thoughts based on the items we ordered: Red wine sangria - Almost a necessity anywhere tapas are involved. Pretty standard fare here, although it could've used more fruit. Lobster/crab ravoli - I was most excited about this dish, but it also became my biggest disappointment. Very light handed in the meat department. Sausage with figs - One sausage, cut in half, with a few pieces of fig sprinkled around. The sweetness of the figs complemented saltiness of the sausage really well. Grilled Chorizo - These were just cut up and cooked chorizo chips. No complaints, tasted great and as advertised. Spicy Potatoes with Aoli - Great, great, side dish. Caught myself snacking on these throughout the entire meal. Pork tenderloin with goat cheese - This dish is LIFE. CHANGING. I swore I'd never visit Boston again, but if I do, I'm coming back to Solea and ordering four plates of these for myself.
(4)
Daniel P.

We were greeted okay. But when we were seated the waiter have us attitude when we asked how tapas work. After ignoring the attitude we ordered and just talked for a bit. However we then felt the table was a little small for a party of 4 to which we asked to be moved to a slightly bigger table. Once again we received attitude and so we asked for the manager. Only to be met with more attitude. Ladies and gentlemen do not waste ur money on these pricks.
(1)
Amy H.

This little restaurant is such a fun place to go. Tapas in general are a great social dining experience. Lots of fun, can try many different things without having to commit to a large plate of just one type of food. I had some very delicious vegetarian plates and the breads, crostinis and dips. The beauty of this restaurant is that you do not have to go all the way into Boston to have a great fun place to meet up with the friends and have some good food and drinks. The Sangria is not to be missed here, it is also very delicious. Although I did not go here on a date, it would be a fun place for a date or just to hang with friends as we did. Try it out!!!
(5)
li f.

Love this place, been here lots of times. It is much quieter than dali, but also depends on the room. Great cocktails. My favorite dish is scallops in saffron. Last week this dish, although tasty, only had 4 small Scallops, that was disappointing. Not sure I would order again. Other gems are goat cheese in tomato sauce and stuffed poblano pepper.
(4)
Steve G.

Great experience. Restaurant has a loud bar area and a much quieter dining area, in which we sat. We were seated promptly on a Friday night at 7PM. The dining area is large and not tightly packed. Waiter immediately took drink orders and made sure we understood the concept of tapas. He gave us time to make selections and then took the order and explained how the dishes would come out. Of the three of us, one had allergies, which the waiter made a note of. We had no problems with this during the meal. We ordered nine dishes, which turned out to be just about right, but be aware that many of the spreadable dishes can require the use of bread. The bread was good, but you can wind up eating a lot of it. So we were full at the end on the nine dishes. (But we had room for dessert, anyway.) We ordered: Broccoli and Cauliflower Fritters (good), Braised Short Ribs (juicy, tender, excellent), Baked Goat Cheese in Tomato Basil Sauce (excellent), Sauteed Artichokes (excellent), Seared Salmon with Dijon Cream and Spinach (very good), Steamed Littleneck Clams with White Wine and Herb Sauce (very good), Smoked Salmon, Mango Relish & Creme Fraiche on Plantain Chips (excellent), Roasted pumpkin soup (excellent), Asparagus flan (good). Dessert Crepe with a Vanilla Cream, Fresh Berry and Dulce De Leche Filling (excellent), Churros con Chocolate, Cinnamon-laced Fritters with Dark Chocolate Sauce (more than excellent). All together, we were stuffed when we left, but very happy. Waiter and staff were attentive, kept the water glasses full and make sure we wanted for nothing. Dinner took about two hours, which did not seem all that long. Total cost was about $110 plus a $20 tip. Very satisfying. We'll be back.
(4)
Brian W.

We live right up the street from Solea and it took us over 3 years to find it. It's always packed and the restaurant is huge so that's always a good sign. First of all the service was outstanding. Our waitress was great with helping my wife figure out exactly which plates she could eat with her gluten allergy and she was always checking up on us to see if there was something else we needed. We tried a little of everything and there were a few standout plates: crab and shrimp stuffed avocado, potato and onion omelet, scallops in saffron cream, and the sauteed bananas desert. Most items were naturally gluten free so if you have an allergy this is a very good place to go.
(4)
Alden G.

Very enjoyable tapas spot in Waltham. Inviting, open interior; busy place. Had the best Oceana Paella I've had since visiting the Alhambra in 1980; that's high praise. Try the feta-stuffed prunes wrapped in bacon; very tasty, especially when combined with a bowl of crunchy Marcona almonds, and a glass of Sangria to wash it down. Salude!
(5)
Ari P.

I needed to take a second trip here to see what the hype was all about, because on the first one, it was at best a two star experience. My first visit was on a Saturday morning, where I ordered the the spinach fritters, the papas bravas, and a paella. All of it was a little cold, and the paella had a muddled taste to it. On my second visit, a Friday night, the meal changed by leaps and bounds. The Papas bravas, pan con tomate and the seafood ravioli were all excelente. Don't waste your time with the bread on the table though, it's just not delicioso.
(4)
Megan L.

Pretty good. Not amazing, but solid. My girlfriends and I go here to accommodate a friend with a gluten allergy. They are always right on top of it. The sangria is great and the food is good, particularly the mushrooms and the chicken empanada. Service is pretty standard. A good offering on Moody street...if you're in the mood for tapas, check it out.
(3)
Curt W.

UPDATE Sept 2012 to my previous review: So ...what happened to Solea? You used to be so great, lively and dependable as a go-to, but we revisited you one recent evening and were ...yes, disappointed! With a capital D! Why you ask? Well your service was slow (it is usually great); your prices went up, your portions sizes went down, and you took many of your stellar, dependable dishes off the menu. Your Sangria is still great though, but even the pitchers look a little smaller then they used to. AND ... your 5:45 - 6pm bar side usesd to be jumping and jam-packed! We were one of a few lone souls there. Maybe others are finding out you are on the decline as well? Oh well. Sorry you are declining! Maybe it was just an off-day or month and you'll bounce back. And bring back your fritters and piri piri shrimp. Oh, and stop serving undercooked, stringy shrimp. Yuck! And please stop over-dressing the ceviche. Yuck Yuck! In my opinion and based on my experience, this place was dead and a shell of it's former glory. I hope this doesn't sound too harsh. If it does, sorry! But be better, and you would have received a better update. So our return to Moody St was a bummer. Was wishing we wert to The Skellig instead for pints and curry fires. Would have been cheaper, too. Anyone can suggest a better tapas place, please let me know!
(2)
Krassi P.

Atmosphere was good. Service was good. The food however, was very disappointing. The fried calamari and brazilian cheesy bread was not bad, everything else was.
(3)
Ray H.

The Lamb Meatballs Tapas is as good as it gets! Why? The SAUCE (Truffle Cream)!!! I emailed the chef (Michael Brunson) for the recipe and within an hour I had a very DETAILED version of his recipe - you can't get more gracious than THAT! I plan on making it for an upcoming backyard summer invite.
(4)
Tim F.

Went there for a drink and stayed for some food. The sangria is very good there but the food was less than agreeable. The bread they brought out was cold and very dry, even the spread could not make up for it. We ordered the Tortilla Espanola which was bland and had a hard slice of tomato on top of it. I had to use salt and pepper just to make it somewhat likable. We then had some tapas, poblano relleno and peppers stuffed with crab. The stuffed peppers had some nice tastes but the peppers were a bit hidden by the sauce and filling. The poblano was tasteless with a poor bread covering and some rock hard yuca. Really poor food!!! With Taqueria Mexico right down the street the only reason to go here is the bar area and sangria.
(2)
Lauren H.

I had my second meal at Solea the other night. Excellent red Sangria and the food was amazing. I had the short ribs, the goat cheese and the grilled shrimp. Everything was incredible. The service is great, very friendly and helpful waitress. I would go out of my way to eat here again.
(4)
Francine C.

Solea is one of my favorite places for a glass of sangria and a snack or meal. Everything on the menu is delicious and worth trying. The service is friendly and attentive and the food is so delicious. Definitely worth a stop if you are in Waltham.
(4)
Rachel B.

I'm sorry. I don't get the great reviews. Sangria was excellent. Food, not so much. Sub-par, boring, even bland. What was supposed to be "tomato and garlic rubbed toast points" was instead small slices of crusty white bread with a thin layer of red on top. Artichoke and goat cheese "crostini" was again small slices of crusty white bread with cold mushrooms and artichokes. Baked goat cheese in tomato basil sauce was small slices of crusty white bread with an accompanying pot o' cheese. Disappointing. (Oh, and doesn't hold a candle to Bocado. Worcester, even. Yeah.)
(2)
Emily H.

Oh Solea... How have I not reviewed you before? Please don't take it the wrong way, I love you! I must have just assumed I had already told the world. This is my go-to place for a nice night out with the girls or the fiance. The drinks are colorful and yummy, and I'm NEVER disappointed with how the food turns out. I have my stand-bys (Saffron Scallops, Ancho Chile Chicken Breast, their Cheese Plate, Garlic Shrimp, Crab-Stuffed Avacado), but I always make it a point to try something new each time I go. Their atmosphere and creative tropical cocktail list would be enough to keep me coming back, but luckily for them, their food is also totally CRAVE WORTHY!
(5)
Susan P.

Great sangria, lovely menu, lots of vegetarian choices (but my daughters love the chorizo). The service is terrific. My favorites are the potatoes brava, with a delicious spicy sauce, and also the stuffed pepper. I've come here many times and it is consistently terrific. The one drawback is that it's loud. If you have 5 or more folks at your table, it can be tough to hear.
(4)
Glenn B.

I come back to this restaurant again and again! This is a fun place to come to with a group. Order a little of everything (although it tends to add up) and share! I've never had a bad meal here. Drinks are good, sangria can be ordered by the pitcher for the table. Servers are knowledgeable and friendly to all. Good fresh tastes, and there's something for everyone. ...and it's a cool looking place. They open the front windows when the weather is warm. Definately the funkiest / best retaurant on Moody Street.
(5)
Heather C.

Great Tapas! The portions are large enough that you actually feel like you had a meal (or more) if you follow their 3 plates per person guidance. I've left other tapas restaurants feeling hungry, but that was not the case here. My date and I didn't even finish all of our food. Downsides are that it's expensive and there is no parking lot. I recommend the beer braised short ribs, the pork sausage with fig, and the poblano rellano.
(5)
Meg N.

Came here at 3:30 on a Friday with two friends to sit in the front window & drink sangria. Even though the place was E-M-P-T-Y, the waiter forced us to order food with our sangria. I laughed at him until I realized he was serious, saying that it was restaurant policy if we wanted to sit in the front window. We sat for 1.5 hours, nursing two pitchers of sangria and a plate of potatoes between 3 of us. Their white/peach sangria is EXCELLENT, so we ordered another pitcher ... but again, he wouldn't serve us without food, saying that it would have been a pitcher each. Yes, over 2+ hours! I understand that the restaurant is trying to make money and ensure that their clients are safe. But alcohol is your money-maker and there's no way that we were drunk enough to be cut-off, especially given that we were walking home. Disappointing policies.
(3)
Rita V.

Not bad at all! Limited menu, surprisingly not your typical deep hearted Spain tapas... This is a Portugal influenced Spanish tapas. They had a coconut and sherry seafood "bisque" (crema) that is sooooo flavorful it makes your knees weak! The chicken livers were a bit greasy, but what can you expect from a bacon overdose? Lamb chops - check! Duck - Check! Service? Check! Limited menu, affordable, and wonderful staff, really nice quality for the service. Its OK in my book!
(3)
Mary M.

Great place for groups! Great service and wonderful food selection. And very tasty food! One of my favorite dishes is the garlic shrimp! Beware your breath will stink after that one though.. :) Great place to try different platters and share with friends. And delicious sangria!
(4)
Jonathan K.

I visit the Solea Restaurant regularly with my coworkers and I must say, the food is always great along with the staff. The atmosphere is comfortable with extraordinary decorations; it's difficult to leave. My favorite is the duck and lobster ravioli in cheese sauce. We will continue to come on a regular basis.
(5)
Ferris B.

This place was great!!! The food was delicious! Quite possibly the most flavorful food I've ever had. The prices were pricey, but I guess that's normal for tapas? The waiter was very nice, service was fast, atmosphere was great.
(4)
Steve R.

One word: disappointing. Seafood was not fresh. The octopus had the consistency and smell of fish. Octopus has a very specific texture and taste. The sauces were very acidic. I won't be back. There is much better food on moody street than this place! However, the service was very good and very friendly.
(2)
Bhuvana H.

I've been here a couple times over the years, and have always enjoyed the experience. The menu is quite similar to Dali and Tapeo, which makes sense since they are sister restaurants. On my recent trip there, my husband and I shared a seafood bisque, a jicama & avocado salad, grilled shrimp with a spicy sauce, the vegetable cheese puffs, a pepper stuffed with seafood, and a couple other tapas I can't recall. For dessert, I had the chocolate cake and he had the flan - standard desserts, but done really well. The shrimp were a bit overdone but everything else was awesome. Our waitress was extremely friendly and attentive, though I wish she had offered to check our coats. The tables are a bit close to each other in their dining room, so there isn't much space for bulky winter coats. We will definitely go back if we're in the neighborhood!
(4)
Samuel F.

Great food, great drink, great service. A bit on the expensive side, and probably not the best value, but makes for a wonderful treat. Definitely go with a group of friends and share so you can all enjoy the widest variety of flavors. (Also, if you like cocktails, the pina-baca-tini (Grey Goose, pineapple juice, sugar, basil) is without a doubt the most delicious drink I've had to date.)
(4)
Joanna C.

Definitely recommended. I followed the advice of many yelpers and got their duck in that blackberry sauce, and MMMMMMMMMMMMM, eyes-roll-to-the-back-of-your-head good. Sangria is actual sangria. It's not watered down wine. I got tipsy after drinking it, and it was DELICIOUS. Waiter was spot-on. He rocked. He made great suggestions. He knew the menu and the food really well. I was impressed. He left us alone when we needed to be alone, and swooped in with dishes when we started to get hungry. The ceviche was the most disappointing part of the meal (drat, I heart ceviche), but the spicy potatoes (red hot potatoes?) were delish, if only just a smidgen heavily salted. The bread was cold and hard as it is in every tapas place (why is that???). And quite honestly... everything else was forgettable. It paled in comparison to the awesomeness that was the duck. Get the duck! Atmosphere would've been great if not for that guy who was laughing like a hyena with a giant group of work colleagues right next to us. (well, it felt like right next to us, in reality he was on the other side of the room) I wanted to throw him down a flight of stairs.
(4)
Deepika V.

The atmosphere - really good. The service - good. The tapas - good. The sangria - decent. My friends and I cleaned up our plates and had a great time. Oh and did I mention the "Goat Cheese in Tomato Basil Sauce" - Super yummy. Must have. The "Wild and Spicy Potatoes" aren't shabby either.
(4)
Marcella G.

went recently for first time at dinner sat at bar sangria royal was nice crab avocado - avocado was good, crab looked gray and did not taste fresh chili verde shrimp - nice, should have been butterflied flank steak with basalmic - way too much sauce, meat was floating in a sea of black gunk hummus was nice
(2)
Joseph K.

Alarm bells should have rung when I made my reservation. I asked for a table for 3 at 6:15. The hostess said "I'll mark you down for 6". I replied "We'll be there at 6:15, not 6." We arrived at 6:15 and were quickly seated. We waited a few minutes for the server and had already chosen 7 items to order by the time she arrived. She arrived with an arm full of plates. She asked if we had ever been there before and I said "no, but we've had tapas before." She then proceeded to explain what tapas was and how to order, apparently disregarding my response. When she left my sister, who used to be a waitress years ago, said that you should never greet a table with a full tray of plates. Oddly enough, after watching the waitress for the next 90 minutes, she did this almost exclusively. The food was good, but took around 40 minutes to arrive. It seemed to come out at random, cold, then hot, then cold, and finally hot. Nothing was particularly amazing, but nothing was bad. At one point, we asked for more bread and it took 10 minutes to arrive. The bread wasn't even hot. Overall, the food was OK, but the service was really awful. I'd never go here again.
(2)
Shawn E.

Great food and service! I loved the variety and uniqueness of the food Highly recommend this place
(4)
cheri m.

Have been here many times with my husband as it used to be our "go to" place for a great meal... not any more. The garlic shrimp was one of my favorite dishes anywhere. Now it is frozen, tastless, tiny shrimp swimming in a bath of tasteless oil... On our last "date night" we went sat at the bar and was so disappointed after our order of shrimp and goat cheese spread that we paid our bill and left. Sadly we proabaly won't return to Solea. Hope the management reads these reviews and goes back to the quality ingredients that they once used. Prices too high as well , especailly for this type of quality.
(1)
Ave H.

By far my favorite restaurant on Moody. Ive tried almost everything on the menu and have yet to be disappointed. My favorites include the baked goat cheese, quail, and my favorite of all - the salmon with chutney (or something similar) on a plantain chip (I always order two of these when I go here). Their Sangria is also amazing. the atmosphere is excellent, especially on a nice day when they open the windows. Service has always been excellent, and sometimes they have really good deals where you can get a salad, three tapas, and a desert for around 30 bucks. Ive even come here by myself and ordered two tapas for dinner. Best part is that they have such a large variety of tapas that you will never get bored - there are endless combinations to be had. I have never brought someone here who did not enjoy it.
(5)
Maria B.

Ok so I came to Solea with high expectations because I know it's owned by the same people that own Tapeo- which is my all-time favorite Boston restaurant. Solea is a little different though. I mean I know it's Waltham and not Newbury St- but still... it was missing a lot of the charm and authenticity that is prominent at Tapeo. The menu is very similar to Tapeo's however their tapas selection is a bit varied, so that was nice to try some new things that I couldn't have tried at the other location. Our waitress was really nice and responsive, and the tapas we had were absolutely delicious. I had stuffed red peppers and patatas bravas, they were fantastic. One thing that I think adds to the authenticity of Tapeo is that the majority of their staff are native Spaniards (or of Hispanic background in general). I know I know it's not necessary, but that just made the place seem all the more authentic as if I were stepping into a tapas place in Barcelona. Solea did not have such charm, I hate to say. I would definitely go back, but Tapeo will still remain my top choice.
(3)
Ann M.

On Hotel Advantage's Facebook Page, I posted a New York Times piece recently that proclaimed that children's menus are the death of civilization. As parents, we need to do a better job of helping our kids develop a discriminating palette, which will never happen if all they order out are pasta and chicken and fries. Solea Restaurant and Tapas Bar offers a perfect, casual destination for family's that want to snap their kids out of an eating rut. Beautiful window boxes beckon, vibrant color hues splash the walls, and generously sized windows open to create a pleasing summer breeze, allowing customers to absorb the energetic, vibe of Waltham's Moody Street. Despite a gracious welcome, my boys had a look of dread about them as they anticipated what was to come, grumbling "Why can't we just go to Legal's?" Tapas delivers portion sizes ideal for kids to try a variety of dishes, all at a price you can afford. Sure, it can add up, but at a rate determined by you and your tiny diners. The meal began with the boys thinking all they could muster was the bread basket. Yet, when the food arrived, things changed fast. Each one of them found a dish they loved, and once they had a positive taste of that tapas, they moved on to other more daring dishes. Universally, they all liked the Sizzling Garlic Shrimp [Gamas al Ajillo], Beef Tenderloin [Solomillo con Chimichurri], and Steamed Littlenecks in Garlic and WIne [Ameijoas Bulhao Pato]. Not a morsel was left, and our lunch conversation centered on what dish we liked best and why, and what we'd order on our next visit. In total we sampled about 9 tapas, a slew of sodas served in generous goblets, and the House Sangria for me (delicious!), adding up to about $100. An easy investment and fun afternoon that showed my children the unexpected delights of stretching their palette. As the owner of Gramercy Park's I Trulli's restaurant, Nicola Marzovilla, pointed out in the NYT's article, "If you don't ask your children to try things, how will they ever know what they're capable of?" Well said. Take your kids to Solea. See what happens. Then come tell me about it at: facebook.com/HotelAdvantâ€¦ .
(4)
Irene R.

I've never had Tapas before. That being said I don't know how authentic this is. But I love being able to try lots of different things in one meal. The food was delicious, the service was great and everything made my mouth water. It can get a bit more expensive if you order more dishes. But this is a great place if you like to share dishes.
(4)
P C.

5 STARS for Ambience. 4 STARS for food. 5 STARS for drinks. This place is not cheap, but the vibe and overall feel of the place makes this the ultimate "date night" spot. The smaller portions are perfect for sampling a bunch of small plates. The garlic shrimp had the most amazing roasted garlic. Dip the bread into the garlic oil, and it's heaven. The Salmon with dijon sauce was excellent. The Lamb chops were small but had a great smokey flavor. We finished with a couple cappuccinos, and they were perfect. Overall we had a fun night.
(4)
Emily F.

I will be back as soon as I can! I had a great seat at the beautiful bar, had a good glass (or 3) of a Malbec, and ordered 4 plates (lobster ravioli, artichokes, avocado/crab, and something else delicious that I can't remember). The atmosphere is very cool, the bar is so pretty, and the waiter/bartender had super recommendations and advice.
(5)
Heidi L.

Went to Solea on a Sunday evening. I picked this place as a coworker strongly suggested it. We went there a little late so there weren't too many people. My first impression of the restaurant and the service was just okay, not bad at all but not great. Anyways, we ordered the following: 1. Palta Reina, its supposed to be avocado stuffed with crab meat and mango. When the menu said stuffed, I thought the mango and crab would be "stuffed" inside an avocado. Instead, they were just out on top on a half avocado. Hmmm, it tasted okay but I felt like I was eating avocado, mango, and the crab meat separately?! 2. Roasted duckling with berry sauce, this was meh, meat was not tender at all and the sauce was a little too sweet. 3. Chicken livers, normally I like to eat livers (I would buy them at supermarket and cook them at home) but wow, they probably didn't want to risk serving raw livers to people so they over cooked it! Do not order even if you are adventurous and want to try any type of internal organs. 4. Garlic shrimp, this is one of the 2 best dishes the entire night. I would have gone back for this particular dish if Solea served with fresh and bigger shrimp. The sauce/oil was super tasty when you dipped the bread in it. Highly recommended. 5. Lamb chops with apricot sauce, this is the other very nice dish! My friend didn't like lamb at all (cuz of the gamy taste) but he also said it was good! Don't order it if you absolutely cant stand any gamy taste, but I would recommend this to anyone who likes lamb in general. The apricot sauce was yum! I think we also ordered the beef tenderloin and the goat cheese....I didn't try them so no comment on those. The restaurant was big but probably we got there late so we were seated at the bar area. Most likely I wont go back in the future but I think it's still a nice place to hang out if you live in the area. Oh by the way, their sangria was good too!
(3)
Justina R.

In my opinion, this place is just ok. It's way over priced, and the food is just average. We went here after seeing a special about Solea on Phantom Gourmet. We ordered the shrimp, just as Phantom had recommended, and were extremely disappointed it came out looking NOTHING like it did on the show. The shrimp was MUCH smaller, wasn't seared like it was featured, and the sauce was mundane. After eating the shrimp, we even went home and re watched to make sure we weren't crazy--we weren't, and we definitely ordered the correct dish. Just goes to show places spruce up their menu items when featured on TV. Total disappointment.
(3)
Kyle J.

I've been wanting to try Solea for a while with the missus, and finally got the chance to last week. We walked over on a cold night, looking for some hot tapas, and were seated immediately. The server was kind enough to bring over some bread and red bean spread (similar to hummus) to soothe our stomachs as we waited for our tapas. I sipped on a great glass of the Malbec while the lady had some of the white sangria. She was blown away by it, and had several more glasses over the course of the meal. We ordered 5 different tapas - the chicken livers, piri piri shrimp, lamb chops, ancho chile chicken and artichoke & spinach fritters. It was more food than we expected, and would probably advise future couples to stick to 4. Hell, they turn the tapas out so quickly here you can just order 3 and see how you feel for more. The chicken livers were PERFECT. Rich and hearty and helped brush off the fall chill. The lamb chops were cooked well, and had a perfect touch of sweetness to compliment some of the spicier dishes we ordered. The artichoke/spinach fritters were great - we could have kept eating them all day. The ancho chile chicken was a little underwhelming. It had a nice smoky flavor from the chiles, but wasn't anything to write home about. The final tapas we got were the piri piri shrimp. I'm a sucker for spicy food, and grew up on piri piri in my food, but this dish was so spicy hot it was impossible to eat. I'm talking burning-the-roof-of-your-mouth, destroying your tastebuds, making you beg for water spicy. Even with just a light dunk in the piri piri sauce, my face turned a deeper shade of red than my Malbec and I sweat like we were in the Kalahari. As much as I love spicy, I'd advise diners to stay away from this dish. All in all, a fantastic evening....even if my tastebuds still haven't recovered.
(4)
E and D.

We had our first date at Solea and we go back every year to celebrate (it's been 4 years). We love the food, and everytime we go there, the service is great.
(5)
Carol W.

We ordered 6 to 8 different tapas and would order 3 of them again, including the garlic shrimp, the chicken livers, and the wild and spicy potatoes. Everything else didn't seem to be anything special. The most disappointing dish was the paella. I've ordered paella at various restaurants in Boston, NYC, and even Chicago. Solea's paella was the most disappointing one thus far. Firstly, the seafood, which was piled up on top of the serving bowl/dish, was not cooked with the rice. It appeared as though the seafood was prepared separately, boiled until cooked and then thrown on top. It was not appealing to the eye, and while the rice was tasty, there was a depth of seafood flavor missing often found in paella.
(3)
Jessica D.

My boyfriend and I went here last night for a "dinner and a movie" date night and we enjoyed it a lot. The staff are friendly and service was very quick. They serve very traditional tapas and not one of the dishes we had disappointed us. We had the chorizo, pork sausage with fig, sautÃ©ed artichokes, prunes wrapped with bacon and stuffed with goat cheese. We will definitely be going back!
(4)
Lindley E.

I usually handicap all suburban restaurants - give them an extra star or three. But since my review is an outlier and I wasn't wildly impressed with my meal here, I decided to keep my rating true to my experience. The stars are for the service, which was helpful, polite, and friendly. The food was not worth my time or money. I came with a large party, so many tapas were ordered and shared. Some were enjoyable for a bite or two but quickly became a single, un nuanced flavor/texture. The queso de cabra was a huge disappointment - the tomato sauce had the distinct flavor of a #10 can of tomato puree and the basil, which is part of the menu description, fell silently into the background. The shrimp - another tapas bar standard - were chewy bouncy fatty little bundles of unidimensional texture - even the flavor of the garlic was muted by lack of seasoning. The artichoke and spinach fritters struck me as something I might be served at a houseparty of someone who just received a gift deep fryer for her birthday and had some leftover artichoke dip that she creatively formed into a ball and doused with mayo. The beverages, in general, were too big and too sweet - probably just what everyone looks for in a place like this. Perhaps my experience suffered because I had expectations?
(2)
Shannon R.

My friend and I were looking for a more exciting dinner experience tonight and ended up at Solea for tapas. I've had tapas at Dali once and my friend was a newbie, and we both enjoyed our dinner and the novelty of the "small plates" option. The waiter suggested we order three small plates per person and we chose a variety of what we thought was well-rounded. We got a goat cheese crostoni (our favorite), garlic shrimp (fairly standard) , stuffed peppers w crab meat stuffing (the cheesy sauce was the best part of this), rice and beans(very creamy), a mild pepper chicken breast (a little dry) and a green chili topped beef medallion (very good). The food was good fairly good and the portion size was reasonable for two moderately hungry girls, but we were both hoping for more spicy dishes. Only the beef had the smallest bit of kick to it. The wait staff friendly, but it was very dark, very loud and we were seated right beside the door so we dealt with a constant onslaught of people passing by. We enjoyed our meal, but I don't think the noise and crowd would make for a romantic date night. We were pleased though, that our six dishes only came to a little over forty dollars. We didn't drink but thought the bill was very reasonable for six very freshly prepared plates- you would spend that much at Uno's for crappy reheated frozen chicken. The desserts looked divine as well, and at that price it was certainly something we considered. We will go back again for sure only maybe at a slightly less busy time.
(3)
Roni E.

Chocolate Martini...... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... that is all....
(5)
Liv K.

This place is good. Not out of this world delicious, but good enough for a Tapas restaurant. There were four of us and we ordered a bunch of small plates. They brought out half first, then the second half about 40 minutes later. I would have preferred to have them closer together, as I was pretty full by the time our second helping came. The food was good, the service was better, and the restaurant is very big with nice large windows.
(4)
Katie F.

This is a breath of fresh air... really. As a recent resident to the greater Waltham area (woot woot!), I've had my fair share of pseudo Mexican, conglomerate Asian cuisine, "Philly" cheesesteaks and the likes. I like a restaurant with a clear culinary focus, particularly when it's served up with a pitcher of sangria. Bottoms up! Now, I wouldn't be so bold to call myself a tapas master. I have never been to Spain before and I'm pretty sure all it takes is a plate of patatas bravas with extra aioli to get me as giddy as a school girl who's just gotten to first base. However, tonight my parents were in town bearing the platinum and we were ready to eat. We ordered everything under the Solean sun. What's awesome about Solea and really any tapas establishment is you eat a satisfying meal at an extremely satisfying price. My one serious suggestion to every Waltham-bound yelper is to visit Solea and order the lamb meatballs. Anything dressed in a foie gras sauce is an automatic grand slam in my book. I mean really, just die and go to heaven now. Don't even pack your bags, just go. Another plus -- Solea offers more vegetarian plates on its menu than I could count! This is a wonderful and delicious eating destination for any vegetarians out there looking for a group meal out with your carnivorous friends.
(4)
E. L.

i've been a fan of this place for about 8 years. Great place to go with a bunch of friends, the more people, the more variety. I've been to several tapas places in and around Boston and this on always comes out on top. Tastefully decorated. I've experienced consistently good service. The various dishes are well prepared and delicious. Chorizo infused dishes are the best and the lamb chops were cooked perfectly rare. They have a nice base of consistant tapas while rotating in new ones, which helps to keep the menu fresh. We usually have the standbys of shrimp in garlic oil, lamb meat balls, and also try their new dishes each time we go. Including drinks plan on about 40-50 per person (although admittedly we have some big eaters in our circle of friends...) A fun night out with friends for sure Can get a bit loud when they are really busy.
(4)
Lily L.

Overall, Solea is a fun place for a date or a few drinks out on this side of town. The ambiance and service are both great. Unfortunately, the food was not that great, especially compared to other tapas restaurants in the Boston area. Ambiance: - Great, prompt service - the food came quickly, and the waiter was very attentive. - On summer days, the front window is open to the street, giving a nice airy feeling. Drinks: - Unique cocktail list - I ordered a pineapple, basil, vodka cocktail and it was refreshing and strong. I'd like to come back and try the Sangria! Food: - The winner of the night was the roasted goat cheese in tomato sauce - excellent flavor and tastes delicious with the bread they give you. - The biggest loser (sadly among a few) of the night was the ceviche - normally I love ceviche, unfortunately this did not taste very fresh, lacked flavor, and had an interesting slimey texture. Not sure if I just caught the ceviche on an off night...
(3)
David M.

This was a pretty solid and fun Tapas place. The parking, while not great, was still a bit easier to find than at Dali. The food was on the expensive side (8 bucks a dish x 3 dishes per person + alcohol). Nothing I had was absolutely out of this world good, but it was all very tasty. The waiter was pretty friendly. Atmosphere was jovial. Tapas places like these are always fun to go to with a friend(s). If you're splitting the dishes, ordering is a great commentary on your friendship. I ordered the Blood Orange Mojito. I love Mojitos... but mixing in Blood Orange was a mistake. Stick to the traditional. My final say on Solea: good food, and a less crowded alternative to Dali... but its still no Dali.
(4)
Ilona K.

Long story short. The food is really quite good, have come back here multiple times, and would def. come back. The prices are reasonable, the staff is helpful and friendly, the decor is nice, not overwhelming with the decorations. Ask the staff what to order... if you have a good waiter/waitress they will guide you to the yummy stuff. I have never been in the summer, but the windows open and its as if you're sitting on the street... i imagine this would be very nice, and unique to most restaurants in waltham....
(4)
Kelsey C.

I like this place. Food is very good and reasonably prices. Atmosphere is fun, cozy, and the fresh air from open windows is nice. They also have clean bathrooms. Service is a bit hit and miss, but the food was good. I will go again.
(3)
Amanda Z.

Went here with a few friends from undergrad and had a great time. I was amazed at how our table was already prepared for us and we had a nice booth to sit in because my friend had called ahead for a reservation. Warning for beer drinkers: they only have three or four beers on the menu, all not typically seen on a beer and wine menu except for Stella Artois (sp?). Try the pork tenderloin, the artichoke, mushroom and goat cheese crostinis, and the spinach salad. I know what you're thinking, "Spinach salad? Umm... I don't eat green things." But, whatever they put on this stuff makes the spinach have a party in your mouth. So delicious you might consider leaving your significant other for it. They also have some kind of potato nibs dish which was really good. The egg on top of chicken and potato that described some kind of truffle being involved was not nearly as tasty as I was hoping. The chicken is grilled and overpowers any kind of truffle-tasting part of the dish. The beef tenderloin was pretty good, but not as good as the first three things I mentioned. I desperately wanted to get a dessert but the people in my party didn't want to spend any more money. Understandable since, after being seated, our waiter said it was customary to order 2-3 items per person so that the whole table could share. This racks up quite a bill, our's averaging about $20/person. P.S. extra brownie points for filling my water glass several times!
(4)
Kathryn B.

So fun, 6 of us ate there last night! Food came quickly and our waitress was super fun and full of information. The short ribs are a must as are the impends and the lamb meatballs...the super rich Dulce De leche cake was perfect! Would definitely go again...the male host was a bit snooty and we waited 20 minutes over our 7:00 pm reservation but would go again...
(4)
Corinna W.

After living in Spain for several months, and growing up in a Spanish family, I have a special place in my heart for tapas. I do not, however, have a special place in my heart for Solea. It is expensive, overrated, and a horribly yuppy-esque version of a food I hold near and dear to my heart. That being said, obviously I do not expect any tapas place in the United States to compare to Spain, and I am not giving this restaurant a poor review because it does not compare to traditional Spanish tapas. I do realize that is very difficult to do, and I have yet to come across a place in the US that has REAL Spanish tapas the way the locals eat them in Europe. However, on my experience at Solea, the service was horrible, the food was over priced, the drinks were watered down, the food was luke-warm, and just not very good. When my date and I ordered, we made it obvious that the tapas we were eating were going to be our entire meal (obviously, that's usually the point of a tapas restaurant), yet for some reason we kept getting our dishes out one at time.. and they were often luke-warm, if not cold. And when I say one at a time, I mean there was a 10-20 minute break in between plates. And the portion sizes were tiny (I know, they're tapas, but that's why we wanted them all at once..) So essentially our meal consisted of small, one person-sized portions of cold food every 20 minutes for about an hour and a half. Not exactly the ideal way to eat anywhere. Not to mention the table next to us got all of their food at once, and before half of our food even came out.. and they were a party of six, compared to our two people, and ordered several of the same dishes we did. I'd like to think our waitress was just horrible, or the expo had no idea what he was doing, and this is not the way that this restaurant always runs, but who knows. The quality of the food is mediocre. It's not worth the price, and seems to just be priced so high because they can pull it off in such an affluent neighborhood. It's a good way for yuppies to think they are getting a "cultural experience," and the owners of this restaurant to benefit from their ignorance. Sorry if that's offensive, but it's the truth. Needless to say, I would never go back. And I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, especially anyone who likes traditional Spanish tapas.
(1)
Jerry J.

Let me start by saying I haven't had a better tenderloin steak in my life. I loved walking in and seeing the salty, silly paintings on the walls of bar scenes, just too un-PC to be bought from a Home Depot. The lighting was beautiful over the bar and at the tables. The noise level on a Saturday night was a little severe, hard for the waiter to hear the order, but that in itself was inviting for a Latin restaurant. It was full. The waiter was attentive and handled my one difficulty with aplomb. The owner came over to check on me, afterward, it was great. I have an allergy to almost everything on their menu, they make tapas and they still fed me right. When I first opened the menu, I thought I would have to give up, it was on 95% of the dishes offered. All I had to do was ask. Wine choices were very good. Excellent dinner, terrific service, decent price for a nice evening out.
(5)
Maureen S.

Tapas is such a fun way to eat. Solea makes it a great experience. There were no bad apples in the bunch. 3 of us shared ~7 dishes - every one different and delicious: eggplant, artichokes, garlic chicken, chimichurri, bravas patatas, faro salad, calamari. 4 sangria options - we picked the red with sparkling wine. Excellent as well. Service was "ok", but could have been more friendly - with all the wonderful sauces left on the serving plates, I would have liked if they offered more bread to soak them up; instead empty dishes were taken away very quickly without asking. Overall I would definitely recommend to others, and come back myself. A bit of a special occasion restaurant - not cheap - but well worth it as a treat. Giving them 4 stars based on service not being top notch.
(4)
Gina H.

This Restaurant and tapas bar embraces the romantic spirit of colonial South America. The portions are perfect and the selection is amazing. I ordered the tanga-tini martini, which made me feel a buzz 1/2 way through it!!!! I would recommend this place for couples, friends, and family- very child friendly environment- but, also romantic at the same time :)
(5)
Tara C.

I went to Solea a couple of weeks ago on a Friday night with 4 girlfriends. Our waitress was extremely patient dealing with a million questions about the menu, a late added guest, and returned drinks. She was very helpful, knowledgable about the menu, and professional. I was surprised that the restaurant wasn't busier on a Friday night. We ordered the following tapas: lobster raviolis, beef empanadas, lamb meatballs, artichoke, goat cheese, and mushroom crostini, collard greens with pine nuts and raisins, and grilled shrimp with spicy mojo verde sauce. We got the squid ink pasta with calamari by accident. Everything was good, but the stand-outs were: meatballs, collard greens, and the crostini. One of our group ordered an entree of beef tenderloin with dried figs, apricots, and prunes in a brandy cream sauce and she was kind enough to share. THIS DISH WAS OUT OF THIS WORLD! There were two medium pieces of tenderloin, cooked perfectly in a lick-the-plate sauce. At $28 this dish is a bargain and it was served with side dishes of roasted veggies and French fries. I enjoyed the cava sangria and the churros y chocolate as well. I'm looking forward to going back but it's going to be hard to order limited tapas bc I'm definitely ordering the beef tenderloin entree.
(4)
David Y.

A very pleasant, relaxed atmosphere in this tapas restaurant. This is a great place for a date or an evening for a small group of friends. Their sangria was good and all of the hot and cold tapas plates were done well. The servings seemed small and the prices were a bit high by even tapas standards but we really had an enjoyable time here. The service was a bit slow. I think this place works well as an after-work meeting place or a dinner to try something new but won't be a regular go-to spot.
(4)
William T.

I'm no expert on tapas, so you'll have to forgive me for my ignorance on what makes a great tapas bar. Still, I think I can evaluate the food and ambiance pretty fairly. Basically, this place is fine, but not really worth the money, in my opinion. My friends and I got an assortment of different dishes, and everything was OK, but nothing spectacular. The ambiance was standard restaurant fare, so nothing won me over there either. Our server was attentive, which was nice, and he was reasonably helpful in helping us choose our dishes (which was a lifesaver due to my aforementioned ignorance about tapas). I wasn't underwhelmed by the food, but I wouldn't say I was overwhelmed either. A fine place to check out once, but I feel no great urge to go back.
(3)
David L.

A little worse than mediocre. Two sickly sweet Sangrias. I figured it wouldn't be a great place. Grilled shrimp with mojo verde was good. The next 2 dishes we ordered (SautÃ©ed wild mushrooms, collard greens with almonds and raisins) were adequate but not great. The last dish, avocado stuffed with crabs and shrimp, was below the line. The avocado had not been separated from the skin.
(2)
Sean B.

Awesome variety of tapas. Only reason I gave this place 3 instead of 4 stars is the noise level. Went there on a crowded Tuesday and found myself yelling a conversation to my friend next to me. One other minor issue was that they served us our initial dishes and I found out that I didn't have a fork. Took me way too long to flag down a server for just a fork (maybe 10 mins!). Otherwise, food was delicious...salmon, shrimp, duck, the list goes on and on.
(3)
Aubri L.

My man and I love this place. He comes from a spanish background, so his Mom is a fan as well. Ambiance is always nice. Servers are always friendly and helpful. In the summer, the huge windows offer nice breeze and people watching ops. The menu gives a good variety, even though we always end up ordering the same stuff... Our favs include to patatas bravas, empenadas, lobster ravioli and sizzling garlic shrimp. Sometimes we try the specials, sometimes we stick to our regulars. Nine times out of ten, we just grab a few small plates and that (with a pitcher of sangria!) fills us up. For drinks, we are fans of the sparkling sangria (I can't do red berries due to allergies, so this floats my boat just fine) and the wide range of mojitos. I really enjoyed the blood orange mojito last time. Only downside is the prices. As any tapas place, it can add up quickly if you grab lots of plates. Besides that, it's a fun, yummy place!
(4)
Dee H.

I was here recently for Spanish tapas with my eldest, the other food lover in the family. Between the two of us, we must have sampled more than ten different tapas dishes. We had quite the enjoyable experience. While none of the dishes were left uneaten (these were little dishes after all), the favorites by far were the crab and shrimp stuffed peppers, lamb chops, beer short ribs and squash pumpkin soup. I would definitely come back, especially as my hubby is intrigued. I also want to give a shout out to the exceptionally clean facilities, which I admit is a fetish of mine.
(4)
Jenn S.

I am a big fan of Tapas, so when a friend announced she was having a going-away party here, I was very excited. Especially since I'd been wanting to go to Solea for several years. However, I was thoroughly disappointed in Solea and will definitely not be going back. And unfortunately, this was my fiance's first foray into tapas and left him with, literally, a bad taste in his mouth. A friend & I ordered a glass each of Sangria (which was pretty watered down) and then the table ordered pitchers. The waiter was pretty smart and just kept refilling the glasses without people asking. Some of us only wanted 1glass, but next thing we knew, our glass was refilled! This tacked $120 on to our bill, for something we didn't even want. Strike 1 in my book. The bread was so-so and came only with some sort of spread - which was never explained to us. Usually a fan of these types of spreads, I tried it and did not eat it again! It was dry and almost-tasteless; I almost asked for some oil.The organizers of the party ordered some appetizer plates for the table,which consisted of cured ham, olives, roasted red peppers and assorted cheeses.The only thing I liked were the cheeses. I should have eaten them on the bread! Strike 2 in my book. The party organizer then ordered about 20 different appetizers. Let's see if I can remember what they were. There were a few I didn't try, as they were things I don't eat: Setas al Ajillo (SautÃ©ed Portabella Mushrooms); Higadillos de Pollo (Chicken Livers with Sherry over Garlic Toast); Gambas al Ajillo (Sizzling Garlic Shrimp); and Vieiras al AzafrÃ¡n (Scallops in Saffron Cream). The ones I liked: Queso de Cabra Montanes (Baked Goat Cheese with Tomato & Basil); Patatas Bravas (Wild, Hot & Spicy Potatoes - always my fav!); Pato Braseado (Roasted Duckling with Berry Sauce); and Pechuga al Ancho (Grilled Chicken breast with Ancho chiles, Tomato, Garlic & Red Wine Sauce). The ones that were just eh, or not-so-great: Empanada de Pollo (Chicken Turnover); Chorizo a la Plancha (Grilled Spanish Sausage); and Solomillo con Chimichurri (Beef Tenderloin with Spicy Herb Sauce). That's all I can remember. The menu selection had way more seafood (and way less chicken/beef) than I've seen on a tapas menu and the food was just not worth the price. The best thing part of the meal was the Cranberry & Champagne Cheesecake someone brought from a bakery in the South End. Which they charged about $30 to cut and plate - Strike 3!
(2)
Sonia M.

We went during restaurant week and unfortunately did not take advantage of the fixed price menu. Most of what we ordered was delicious tho' it was extremely pricey. $80+ for 2 people with no drinks and a shared dessert is fairly steep. Nice but reserved only for very, very special occassions.
(3)
Matt M.

As a waltham local, I think having places like Solea right down the street is one of the reasons the 'Tham is still under the radar. Solea is great for just about any occasion, and the food is almost always superb, and the service is helpful and knowledgeable of the menu and specials. This is such a great spot for summer afternoon dining when the windows are open, or warm indoor dining in the chillier months. Shout out to the stuffed pablano pepper.
(4)
Anne A.

I went to Solea last night with my boyfriend and we both really enjoyed the food. After reading other reviews, I would suggest going on a weeknight if you can. We went on a Wednesday and were seated right away. The restaurant wasn't very crowded and our food came out quickly and at the right temperature (which seemed to be an issue for others). My boyfriend and I both agreed that it was one of the better meals either of us had eaten in a long time. Although I didn't love the ambiance and it was maybe a little bit pricey, the service was good and the food was great--especially the lamb meatballs! We had: Plato Mixto, $16: a little pricey for four pieces of toasted (but yummy) bread, three slices of cheese (very good), stewed peppers (I don't like peppers anyway), and far too few olives (there were only 4 or 5!) but a relatively good start. We ordered it to start as we decided what else to order, and it came in probably 5 minutes, which was great. Albondigas de Cordero, $9: Lamb meatballs; definitely my favorite dish of the night. The meatballs were tender and so good and were served in a delicious truffle-pea sauce Chicken Empanadas, $8: quite good, I loved the sauce that came with them! Another reviewer said it was bland but I don't think we tasted the same sauce! I really enjoyed this dish. Queso de Cabra Montanes, $8: I thought this was a little overpriced for the tiny dish of what was essentially goat cheese baked in tomato sauce, but my boyfriend raved about it and really enjoyed it. We ate it with the bread that was served when we first sat down because it doesn't come with any bread or crackers or anything. It was very rich but pretty good. I don't remember what the dessert was called but it was a "vanilla cream-filled crepe with berries and a dulce de leche sauce" or something like that. I think it was around $12, a little too much for an unimpressive dessert--I don't remember any cream filling at all, mostly just berries, but the dulce de leche sauce wasn't bad. Also, we ordered this about 5 minutes before the kitchen shut down so, not that it's an excuse, but I can understand if this wasn't the best dessert the chefs ever served. We just drank water so I can't suggest any drinks, but I will hopefully be able to give another good review after going back--which I certainly will.
(4)
Noopur S.

I am yet to go here on a weekend night, but everytime I have been here on a weekend during the day, I am yet to find fault. I like the ambience and the large windows that are opened during good weather days. The menu is not very imaginative or innovative, just the usually tapas fare, but it does pack in a punch of flavor. Sangria is always good and refreshing, just the right amount of fruity, sweet and boozey! So yeah! a good Tapas place in the middle of moody street's mostly average places.
(4)
Kristine M.

Great food, great decor, and great sangria. However, I don't like the wait staff. While attentive with things like refilling water, they could be a little more pleasant and friendly. Once when I was there, they convinced our party that we needed to order a lot more, so we did and wound up with a ridiculous amount of leftovers. Our waiter also gave us an attitude when we opted not to get dessert. The most recent time, our waiter told us to wrap it up because he needed to give someone else the table. I'll go back because I like the food and it's easier for me to go here than Tasca's in Brookline, but I have yet to be impressed by the staff.
(3)
Chris C.

I went here yesterday with my Mom & Aunt for my Mom's birthday for lunch. We had a very nice time and enjoyed the tapas selections. I had been here before and always had an enjoyable experience. I think I liked it better this time because my aunt suggested we order in separate rounds so that we didn't get overwhelmed with too many selections on the table at the same time and so things didn't cold as we ate. I have to say this idea was awesome although the side effect was that our lunch ended up taking over 3 hours. For drinks I was impressed with the Pisco sour, but was totally disappointed when I ordered a sidecar. They got all confused when I said I wanted a regular one and not the blood orange one from the menu. It turned out not to be very good so I guess straying from the drink menu is not a good idea. For food we had a whole range of selections including the spicy potatoes, baked goat cheese, artichoke & spinach fritters, sizzling garlic shrimp, chorizo and sausages. All of the selections were good, but I would say the potatoes, fritters and chorizo were the best. The bread they give is also pretty good and is good getting the extra sauce from the serving plates.
(4)
M B.

what a nice surprise. Though the din was a bit loud, the service, drinks and food were wonderful! The specialty drinks and sangria were a treat for sure. Each plate of appetizer and entree smelled and tasted delicious. No complaints at all! Funky bar at the back, calmer one in the front. Lovely atmosphere and appeared all patrons enjoyed their evening. We stayed, enjoying ours, much after many left. The staff still treated us attentively and kindly. Parking was easy down 2 blocks in the theater lot. definitely would return as it was BETTER than expected in all aspects!
(4)
Debra L.

So, at work they always choose a different type of Cuisine for our company parties. We've done Japanese, Brazillian, Greek and Chinese for previous events and this year we did Spanish. Tapas was the perfect choice for a (party of 10) Holiday Luncheon. I think we ate and drank for 2 hours straight (and corporate picked up the tab). Service was excellent and the place is beautifully decorated. It's not my favorite tapas place in Boston proper (Toro is) but it's quite good. Between us all, we had just about everything on the menu. Baked goat cheese, patatas bravas, sauteed mushrooms, beef dishes, chicken dishes, sausage dishes, pork loin, ceviche and shrimp, paella, desserts, Spanish coffee, sangria. I went home and took a nap after. Although I do eat meat the top 3 dishes I'd recommend at Solea are the baked goat cheese, the patas bravas and the sauteed mushrooms. This place is a perfect spot for a non-meat eater.
(4)
Erin B.

I'd highly recommend this place to anyone: couples, small parties, large parties, and those with or without small children. The restaurant has separate rooms so it's very likely that you'll be comfortable, no matter what your needs. More importantly, they are also eager to cater to special dietary considerations. Our waitress seemed very knowlegeable about the ingredients for each dish, which was crutial. I expected that the food would be tasty, and was not disappointed! Apparently, Solea is a tapas sibling to Dali (Somerville) and Tapeo (Boston). This place gets a high recommendation from me and I look forward to returning there, soon!
(4)
Kelly A.

I have a couple of friends who live in Waltham, and usually when we decide to meet up for dinner, we go to Brighton for a little Tasca. But we wanted to change it up this time, so we agreed on dinner in Waltham, at one of their favorite places, Solea. I made a reservation through Open Table, which was super easy. I love it when restaurants are on Open Table. We got there a couple of minutes before seven, and the cheery hostess led us to a lovely table for four. The server came over right away to get our drink orders, and he was very nice and animated and had a lot of good suggestions. I usually order sangria when visiting a tapas place, but since I'm pregnant, I went for my other beverage of choice - iced tea. He confirmed that they make the iced tea in-house, and added that it is both unsweetened and flavored with the essence of mango. Sounded good, and it didn't disappoint. While looking over the menu, I started to get nervous because I noticed a lack of vegetarian options. There were zero vegetarian entrees, and out of the many, many tapas, not many were vegetarian either. The boy and I asked the server when he came back, and he told us that the first six hot tapas were safe for us, so we just went ahead and ordered those to split between us. They included: sauteed portobello mushrooms, sauteed collard greens with pine nuts and raisins, rice and beans, spinach and artichoke fritters, stuffed poblano pepper, and spicy potatoes. After taking our order, the server said he'd send over some bread. Before the bread even arrived, our first tapas showed up at the table. It was a ridiculously fast turn-around time. The fritters were the first thing to show up, and they were amaaaazing. They were served in a pool of some spicy pinkish sauce, with a lemon wedge on the side, and they were fantastic. They reminded me of really good clamcakes, which, granted I haven't had in about 17 years. So maybe my memory is jaded. But they were sooo good. As for the other dishes: rice and beans was fine, I skipped the collard greens and mushrooms but the mister enjoyed them, the potatoes were wicked wicked wicked good (served with an aioli, yum!), and the poblano was ok. The only problem with the poblano was that it was stuffed with some things that didn't really seem like they meshed with the flavors of the pepper itself. I would have preferred, say, some pineapple to be stuffed in there with the corn and rice and cheese (in place of potato I think?) to offer a little more contrast. But overall, the dishes were good. We saved room for a little dessert, so he and I split a crepe with dulce de leche sauce and fresh berries. It was really good, but pretty small considering the $8 price tag. Our friends had a lime cake with almonds, and they liked that. Overall this dining experience was a good one. The portions were a bit small for the price, and the two of us ended up dropping almost $60 for the six tapas, the one dessert, and one iced tea. That seems a bit ridiculous, especially considering it's not in the city. But the food was good, the atmosphere was nice, and the service was top-notch. So yes, I'm a fan.
(4)
Cat M.

It took us 45 minutes to even get a menu. Our water was never refilled and the food for one person came out 20 minutes before the other. Very poor service. Food was not up to par this time around. Will not dine here again.
(1)
Amy E.

I love this place - the dining room is beautiful and the bar is fun with great staff that make you feel comfortable (but not in a ragged sweatpant wearing kind of way). The red sangria - mmmmm. The second glass has the buzz in it - so take it easy. It may taste like no big deal, but you have been warned! I love the spinach and artichoke fritters with the magical sauce underneath, the lambchops with apricot sauce and the garlic sizzling shrimp. I thought it was garlic shrimp all the way until I had the pork tenderloin with blue goat cheese. O.M.G. I want to rub this sauce on my face and wake up next to it in the morning. Okay, maybe that wouldn't be so good, but it is amazing. You must try it. Especially after your second glass of red sangria. Rice pudding for dessert - yumm!
(5)
John C.

Excellent spot for tapas style fun and food. Great atmosphere, friendly, knowledgable staff and wonderful food.
(4)
Purple S.

A mixed bag. The atmosphere was lively, the place was full of people which is always a good sign. Our waiter was kind and friendly and overall, me and my wife had a pleasant experience. But the food was not so good. We ordered Alcachofas Salteadas, which turned out to be very (I mean really) sour so we couldn't eat it. Pollo Al Ajillo might have tasted better if the chicken didn't smell so much. I am not a fussy eater but it had a strong unpleasant smell. So we gave up on that. Although we didn't finish the Tilapia a la Naranja either, it was ok. Queso De Cabra Montanes (goat chese + basil sauce) made things better and finally our appetite's were served well by the simple Arroz Y Habas (rice beans). Doubt we'd come here again.
(3)
Jeremy P.

The decor and ambiance adds a fun factor to eating at Solea. I was particularly pleased with my waitress and how friendly and approachable she was being to us. We ordered four tapas between the two of us; two cold, two hot. Each one provided an excellent array of flavors to be enjoyed in your mouth. However, the portion sizes are on the smaller size (yes, they are tapas). But don't be fooled, with four tapas and a pitcher of white sangria for two people, you will be satisfied... and there is always dessert. Our favorite tapas was the scallops in some buttery sauce of deliciousness. There is fifteen dollar minimum per person at the table, which isn't hard to hit and exceed.
(4)
Betty P.

I went to Solea recently for the first time. After hearing rave reviews about it from my friends, we decided to go there on a double date. Solea might be my second favorite tapas place after Tapeo (there is something about Tapeo that no other place has yet managed to top). The garlic shrimp was almost as good and all of the other tapas we sampled rivaled any that I have had at Tapeo. Some notable ones included the Pork Riblets with the Banana Glaze and the Patatas Bravas. There was also an energetic buzz to this place and it was only 7pm on a Friday night. The sangria was nothing extraordinary. It was somewhat watered down. However, my friends seemed to enjoy their drinks -- a pomegranate martini and a Bloody Orange sidecar. The music was somewhat loud which made conversation a challenge but I am so happy to have a tapas place that is tasty and closer in the 'burbs. The service was quick and efficient, except for the busboy/waiter who kept pouring water on me! I'll be back for definite.
(4)
Sam M.

My husband, despite being an incurable foodie who's introduced me to foods I would not have thought of as food, much less good food (pig's feet, anyone?) had never tried tapas before. And I was all prepared to fly off to Spain together to introduce him to the experience in the most authentic way possible, except that saving for that trip is gonna take a couple more years. So in the meantime, I persuaded him to try Solea based entirely on Yelp reviews. I've been disappointed by other tapas places in the past. (I'd especially recommend against ever trying tapas served on a cruise ship -- heck, I recommend against cruise ships for pretty much anything.) But Solea absolutely lived up to the hype. We kept it simple: five dishes plus a flight of red wine. Sidebar: I mulled over trying the sangria, but I have had such bad luck with it at other places that I decided against it. I don't know why I'm skittish about sangria, but there's something so devastating about expecting a light but very flavorful and refreshing drink and instead getting something that tastes like grape juice and ditch water mixed together. It's tough to place one's trust in a new bartender after a couple experiences like that. Anyway -- five dishes and a nice flight of red wine. The ceviche was fresh and had a nice citrusy flavor, which I liked but my husband did not (but then, ceviche is a dish to which people have strong loyalties and preferences). At any rate the tilapia was fresh and went well with the marinade. The pork sausage with figs was delicious and gone in about two bites. Grilled sardines were beautifully done, wrapped in charred herbs with a smoky flavor. The crab-stuffed pepper was mild but tasty, and the littleneck clams were perfectly steamed. We finished up with a cheese plate which capped everything off nicely. (Okay, so 6 dishes. It's hard to stop sometimes.) Prices were average for tapas, so no surprises for us when the bill came. The wait staff and bartender were very professional and knowledgeable, and operated at a smooth pace, one dish after the other but not rushing us along at all. We sat in the cafe section near the window and just enjoyed the evening. We'll definitely be back, since we had such a good time, to try more dishes on the menu. (A note on parking: there's a meter lot about a block south of Solea, behind the comic book store; just look for the P sign.)
(4)
Yoonie C.

I've eaten here twice and both times the food was reliably as expected. It's better than most other eateries in Waltham, but given their price and the nature of tapas, it becomes a pretty expensive night out for the typical college/20-something young adults. However, I've found that most of the tapas do not disappoint in terms of flavor and presentation. Highly recommend: their quail, duck and lamb hot tapas. Recommend with reservations: their tomato & goat cheese
(3)
Corey L.

Unfortunately, I was a tad disappointed. The food was ok, and it wasn't incredibly expensive. A couple of the tapas we had were really good, but nothing screamed out at me. A step above mediocrity I guess. The atmosphere is nice and romantic, and the service was above average. Probably wouldn't go back. Definitely try the Salmon A La Plancha and the Queso De Cabre. The spicy potato dish is good, but its hard to justify a tiny plate of roasted potatoes for $6.
(3)
Mihir P.

Solea is great addition to Waltham. Not just because it is a tapas restaurant but also because it is clean, spacious, and well decorated. When I first walked in, the busser greeted me - he was very kind. I then spoke with the manager who could have used some training from the busser. He then let us choose which table we wanted to sit at and followed up with menus. Our server was very nice and prompt. The wine selection is small but of good quality. I was not too impressed with the tapas though. The shrimp piri pir was overcooked. The patatas bravas was really mild. The pato braseado (duck) was a tad overcooked and the berry sauce didn't have too much taste to it. I do recommend the Chuletillas (lamb chops) and the artichoke and spinach fritters though. There a plethora of diverse and decent restaurants on the Moody St. strip but Solea has a more cultured feel to it. I'd come back for some wine or sangria and sit at the bar.
(3)
Dan N.

I went with coworkers for Happy Hour on a Friday evening. It was not too crowded (though the bar area had every seat filled). The food here was pretty good. The drinks were also served/mixed well ($12/cocktail).
(4)
Rita T.

When in search for a Spanish Tapas Bar, Solea comes up to be one of the top choices, with a valid reason. The food is good. We only ordered a few items just to compare the food to those we have tried in other restaurants, and those which are common spanish tapas. The gambas was melt-in-your-mouth fresh. We also tried the chorizo, patatas bravas and empanadas. All were good. The downside is that they came a little too small in size and high in price. True enough, tapas are small plates. But somehow, you feel that you don't really get the value for your money. Will I be back? I will, just because there are very few tapas bar around. I might even try the other food in the menu.
(3)
Alla A.

Absolutely loved this place! The ambiance, food and service were all exceptional. My husband and I had a lovely dinner here, our favorites were the Artichoke and Mushroom crostini, Scallops in saffron sauce (I dipped the bread in the sauce after were were done with the scallops, and it was so-o-o-o good! If we weren't in a public place I could have licked the bowl clean :) ), Beef tenderloin, Artichoke and Spinach fritters, and the collard greens were all exceptionally cooked and amazing in flavour.. the traditional flan was out of this world! Overall, a great experience! We will be definitely coming back often :)
(5)
Laura T.

Absolutely love this place, totally delish. Favorites include the spinach fritters, banana glazed ribs, crab stuffed avacado, and, of course, the sangria. A great place to go with a group of people who are just getting to know each other because the menu offers so much to talk about! In my experience, the service has always been great, even when I went there with a large group of people.
(5)
Joseph B.

UNBELIEVABLE! Went with a large group and was very accommodating with great drinks, bread, and lamb meatballs! YUM!
(5)
Jamie N.

Admittedly, I know very little of Waltham. But I do know a thing or two about tapas. My hombre and I took a little trip to this area so we could see an Indie flick playing at the Embassy, and we thought this restaurant looked nice. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming with colorful lighting fixtures and nice seating areas. This place is BIG. But the food, and the drinks, left something to be desired. The man and I each ordered a cocktail, some bread with hommus, and two tapas a piece. My drink, a gin gimlet with basil and lime, was SYRUPY. It reminded me of these really bad whiskey sours I used to drink when I was 20 and frequented dive bars. The difference between those drinks and the one at Solea? Solea wanted $10 for this overly flavored disasterpiece. My man's drink was also not of the refreshing variety (blood orange flavoring is all I recall). For tapas I got sauteed artichokes (alcachofas salteadas) and these little nuggets were drowning in OIL. Nooooo! They ruined my favorite vegetable! The empanadas left something to be desired. The meat was loose inside of them, which differed quite a bit from the Colombian empanadas I used to eat in Queens. This could just be the difference between Spanish food and Colombian food... Lastly, our waiter, though nice, was SILENT. One or two word answers to all questions, which to me, is not adequate. And he did not smile not a once. Come on! I smiled at him! Sheesh. So serious. I do not think I would go back to this place, but my boyfriend disagreed. His experience with the food was more positive (he got piquillos pimientos stuffed with crab and shrimp, and some sort of sausage). In my experience, if you want tapas of perfection, get yourself over to Taberna de Haro in Brookline!
(2)
David L.

Not a bad place to be for dinner on Moody St. Ended up here on a weeknight a few weeks ago for a light dinner. Figured Tapas would be a good choice and I've been meaning to spend some time on Moody St anyway. The Sangria was great, really enjoyed every drop of it. Had the right blend of fruits and wasn't too sweet, a definite plus for me (Never been a huge fan of sweets and overly sweetened sangria is almost undrinkable). The food itself ranged from average to slightly above average really. I did enjoy the short rib, though my DC was upset that it wasn't braised long enough. However, I did feel the squid was overcooked and the shrimp wasn't anything to write home about, just grilled shrimp. All in all a decent enough experience such that I'd be back sometime.
(3)
J D.

this place has a great look and feel. Wines are really tasty too - and the food is good. There is a high quality of ingredients, but, it's just not top notch, where it feels like it should be. Don't mistake me, it's good, but, I think they've set themselves a high bar here and this place can be better. I'm hoping to return and see that evolution, and be able to cast this as a truly great place, but not yet.
(3)
Kimberly P.

I'm not going to lie... the only reason that I am giving Solea 4 stars is because of the corn and sweet potato croquettes. They were sheer perfection. A party in my mouth if you will. Perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, crispy and creamy. YUM. Everything else... meh. [The bread was served cold with thoroughly mediocre hummus. I requested butter and got two hunks of rock hard frozen butter. The lamb chops with apricot glaze were too charred and the burnt taste overpowered the delicate sauce. The berry sauce accompanying the duck had too much vinegar and not enough sweetness. I did enjoy the stuffed poblano pepper though some of the yukka was still slightly raw. The pork with blue goat cheese literally looked like throw up on a plate. The cheese was melted in a gloppy mess over the pork, it was separated and oily and pretty much all around so gross looking that we had to send it back. The banana cheese cake was pretty good although it was kind of gritty and very dense and sweet. The service wasn't memorable ] . . . . CROQUETTES. . . . Yes the croquettes trump all of the above. YUM!
(4)
Stryker C.

I have to say I am stuck on where to rate this one...I love the look and feel of this place. It has that european aspect, where lounging, dining with friends, conversation, lingering over food and drink are important. And the staff here encourages that and makes for excellent allies during the experience. And the wine selections are great...BUT...the food, it's good, but not where it needs to be. My expectation for this kind of place is kinda high, based on my other experiences, and it's close, but not quite there. I think the price is a little higher than I'd like for what I am being served. I've had tapas plenty, so it's not the small plates, thing..it's just that, while things are good, they don't explode for me, and for the price being sold, they need to pop like that. They've set a high bar for themselves here and it's a really nice, warm experience AND I will return, especially since I am rooting for this to be a huge success and will love to see the food evolve up, to that poping, explosive experience. So for now, I give it a 3...I hope to upgrade my rating soon.
(3)
Laura G.

This review is for the bar/lounge area of Solea. Anita is the best behind the bar, shes SO friendly and you can tell most of the staff loves familiar faces. I have never done a a full entree here, I usually just go with a couple of girlfriends and grab white wine sangria, pina bacatinis and some tapas. I LOVE the lobster/crab raviolis, the baked goat cheese, the broccoli & cauliflower fritters and chicken empenadas. Sometimes if the bar is swamped it can take a while to get service at the lounge tables so I recommend doing your best to grab a seat at the bar and the staff will take care of you.
(5)
Michael T.

Good, bordering on great, but not quite. Pretty much across the board. Best thing about it is having access to more-then-decent Spanish food in a nice space in Waltham. Now that is great.
(3)
S S.

I liked it. It wasn't bad, however, the bread was cold. The poblano pepper was also cold, even though it was a hot tapas. The tapas are not that original, however, the poblano pepper did taste good. The tres leches cake was very good, the paella was good, but the chicken in it had no taste. Would I come back? Maybe.
(3)
Kate J.

Solea is a wonderful find for authentic tapas. Have been there a handful of times and my one complaint is that they food is not always consistent. I say this admitting that I also have never left hungry so it can't be that bad. As a gluten free dinner I would give Solea 6 stars if possible, they are very accommodating and don't make a big deal about my request to confirm that my order is gluten free. Not only do they confirm that my food is safe for me to eat, they tell me what items I can and can't share with the people I am dinning with. The sangria is good, not the best I have ever had but good. And I don't know what it is that they do for their wait staff, but of all the times I have gone every server has been wonderful.
(4)
Christel J.

Went here last night. Although this place has received pretty stellar reviews, I have to say that it was just "eh" for me. It was my second time here within the past two years, and although the atmosphere was cool, the food was only subpar. Maybe it's because I visited on a Tuesday? Either way, the portabella mushrooms and the lobster/crab ravioli were decent but otherwise I wouldn't necessarily put this on my list of "must go" places. The server was good but he was bouncing around like he was on ecstasy for the majority of the visit. More power to him. But if I could rate it on the sangria alone, I would have definitely given it 5 stars.
(3)
Melissa M.

Close to a five star, but parking can be obnoxious. And hot tappas can once in a while not be too hot. Otherwise, a superb tappas resturaunt. Food is yummy, great sangria, mojitos, desserts too! Love the romantic ambience, very inviting.
(4)
Katie G.

I came to Solea with high expectations. Moody Street is known for its great restaurants and I am a huge Tapas fan. I was sadly disappointed by Solea. At first glance, the restaurant seems fun and funky. It has a nice atmosphere. However, as soon as my friends and I sat down at our table, we realized our experience would not be as wonderful as we had hoped. Our table, silverware, etc. were extremely dusty. Even wiping things off with the cloth napkins didn't help. Our waiter seemed more interested in helping the party beside us than in helping us. The food was decent. Our initial bread basket was good. The chuletillas were good as was the solomillo con chimichurri. I've had better Tapas (head to Embargo's down in Hyannis on Cape Cod for the best!).
(2)
Laura B.

The tapas are delicious and they have a rotating menu so I get to try new things all the time. The sangria is really good. I take out-of-town guests here and they have all enjoyed it as well. My only complaint is that sometimes the service is a bit inattentive. The food comes out fast once its ordered but I've sometimes had to wait for the waiter to take our order and then later to get the bill. I've also had a few empty water glasses. Overall I like the place but they have room for improvement.
(3)
Diane D.

Viva tapas! Solea is everything a tapas restaurant should be...the tapas dish options are plentiful and all incredibly tasty (I've sampled basically the whole menu at this point!) There are also options for whole entrees, though expensive, if you're not feeling so adventurous. Feel like a little wine with your food? No problem! In the true spirit of tapas-style "sampling", Solea offers red or white wine flight trios for $10! The sangria is also worth the spend. If the dining room gets crowded, don't shy away from sitting in the cafe area - I've found it is actually more quiet. The service is great too - the folks here clearly have experience with indecisive guests and know just what to offer for suggestions. Overall, an awesome place to go for a nice evening out and to change up your usual dining experience!
(5)
Meghan M.

Solea is one of the better restaurants on Moody Street, in my opinion, but I'm having trouble giving it more than 3 stars. This is probably because I am extremely spoiled by the abundance of great tapas places here in the city. The food here is solid. The drinks are great (usually strong so beware!) and I've always enjoyed their sangria. It can get a bit crowded so reservations are a good idea on the weekend. It's especially nice in the warmer months if you can get a table up in the front by the street (they open up the windows so it's like you're sitting outside). Good stuff. I just wouldn't make the trek out to Waltham specifically to come here.
(3)
Michelle C.

Last minute dinner plans this past Saturday night led us to Solea. LOVE this place! Katie and I started with a pitcher of Sangria and dove into the bread basket that was a hearty white artisan bread with sundried tomato hummus. Yummy... The four of us ordered 8 plates to share, all were delish... lobster and crab ravioli, spinach and artichoke fritters, pollo croquettes, beef and veal dishes, and grilled shrimp with a SUPER spicy pepper aioli (almost too much heat, but still good)... we shared two desserts, a dulche de leche crepe with sweet cream and blueberries, and a banana cheesecake... The guys had 4 beers or so and our bill was just over $100.00. The only thing that was strange was the uber honesty of our server. I ALWAYS appreciate this, for the most part... but.. there are maybe 25-30 dishes on the menu. When we ordered our first 8, he shot down SEVEN of our choices and suggested other plates. When I tried to order a third chicken dish (I was 0 for 2 at this point) he flat out told me if I wanted chicken to go elsewhere as all their chicken dishes 'sucked'... I went ahead and ordered it anyway b/c honestly, I wanted chicken. And it was great...
(5)
Caitlin C.

Did not have one tapas plate we did not like. Everything from the entrees to the dessert was wonderful.
(4)
Jennifer A.

Every time I go to Solea, I always have great food and service, and really enjoy the atmosphere! The menu has a wide variety of hot and cold tapas, as well as main dishes - and with dietary preferences ranging from vegan to carnivores/atkinsonians in my party, we all found lots of great options! As the vegan in the group, I particularly enjoyed the olives, the chickpea/mushroom spread and the poblano relleno (and the wine)!.
(4)
Sasha R.

A tapas place we haven't tried? For shame! So I grabbed my token Spaniard and dragged him in for an early post-Costco-debauchery dinner. Impressions: The place was booked with reseravtions but they kindly offered us a table in the lounge area. The decor could stand up to some fine dining establishments in the Hub, but the clientele seemed simpler and older. Married couples left the kids at home with a sitter, and are meeting the sister in law and her husband for a quick bite type of thing. The prices are simpler too, tapas are $7 on the average. The Spaniard's verdict: "Is good, but the sangria is shit." I think that's fair. The tapas have a brazilian tropical flavor: tostones, banana glaze etc. But some authentic stuff on the menu too: quail in chocolate sauce (so good!), pork tenderloins with cabrales cheese sauce (so bad, and yet SO good). And the sangria, well, it's shit. Alright, well, since I live in the far west now, nice alternative to shlepping to the city.
(4)
Elizabeth S.

Great food, great atmosphere. We were there Sunday night and were seated right away. Ordered a bottle of Malbec that was cheap ($35) considering how good it was! Weren't too hungry so we ordered the plato mixto (olives, roasted red peppers, ham and assorted cheeses), scallops in saffron sauce, croquetes, and patatas bravas. The best thing was the aioli on the potatoes! So good. Scallops were a little over cooked but the sauce was awesome. The only thing disappointing was the croquetes but only because they are my favorite thing ever so I can be a little critical of them. For dessert we ordered Almond Cake and the Rice Pudding and both hit the spot. I would definitely go back again!!!!
(4)
Ben E.

I've been here a few times, and while I'm not well-versed in a lot of different tapas places, I find Solea's food to be excellent. The small dishes present you with a wide array of flavors and ingredients that are unique and well-paired. The shrimp with piri piri were *perfectly* cooked, the empanada had a delicious blend of chicken and vegetables with a great sauce, and the spinach and artichoke fritters in red pepper sauce were outstanding. The nice thing about this cuisine is how many different tastes you can experience, and that you can order just as much food as you want. Overall, I've found the quality of Solea's food to be top-notch, with a warm atmosphere to match.
(4)
Jeremy K.

whats to say, lots of choices, its fun, especially with a group of people, hopefully ones with culture, as in, this conversation: I'm going to the tapas bar... a TOPLESS bar?!? no Tapas... case in point, people in the know will enjoy this concept more than others. prices do add up thou FYI...
(4)
Kyla S.

First of all, this place is OVERRATED!!!!!!!!!! the food is good but EXPENSIVE! and the portions are really small, so don't come here if you're starving. my server was a complete moron. First, she kept forgetting our drink orders and asking us "Wait....did you want salt or not salt on your drink?" and then she gave us the bill for the couple next to us, who ordered $200 worth of booze....wtf?
(3)
Amanda B.

Note: Tapas do not usually consist of things such as banana-glazed ribs or avocados stuffed with cilantro and crab salad. Let's get real. I lived in the heartland of Spain for a year (Extremadura, anybody?) and these wussy kind of tapas would never fly. That being said, Solea is a good place to go for "fancy" tapas. Patatas bravas, tortilla espaola, queso de cabra (goat cheese)...now those are the REAL tapas. Luckily, Solea offers these, in addition to Spanish jamn, olives, and cheeses. There are also a lot of Portuguese selections on the menu, which was weird, but they looked okay. I can't lie - depite the "tapas lite" going on, I loved Solea. The way the place is decorated is beautiful, with a spacious dining room, large ornate curtains, lots of wood, and pretty colors everywhere. I also loved the tapas, even though they seem to be marketed towards a more Americanized clientele who view tapas as something trendy. I didn't think the tortilla espaola is that great, but I have never had one outside of Spain that I liked. For people bitching about the price of tapas...obviously you don't understand the point of tapas. (Sorry for being a biatchi, but you need to be schooled.) You go with friends, order a few different ones, and share. Tapas, at least in Spain, are not considered to be a substitue for meal, although sometimes it ends up that way. It's more about the culture of sitting down to spend time with friends, having a drink, and sharing a little taste of a bunch of different things. If you're somebody who goes out to somewhere with huge portions and usually eat the whole thing, then tapas is probably not for you, unless you gorge yourself with food before you go. Then again, that's just gross. I went with three of my friends, we ordered two pitchers of sangria (try the cava sangria...it's a little more citrusy and sparkling), 7 tapas, and ended up paying $25 apiece for the bill, including tip. Our waiter was really attentive, and pretty cute to boot. P.S.:- Parking on Moody St. sucks.
(4)
Nicole B.

I have to agree with mostly everyone here and say this place is simply wonderful. I LOVE tapas! I love how you get to taste a little bit of everything. The atmosphere is romantic and sultry...very warm with lots of red and orange. The bar is my favorite- comfy seating and nice lighting. Funky lamps and candles! SO FUN!
(4)
Susan M.

Wonderful Taps and wine! Yeah! I haven't had good Tapas since I left London in 98. THIS IS IT! Really good, authentic tapas dishes, and a great selection of wine. I had the white wine flight, and that was fun, to try 3 different Spanish wines. I went with a group of new friends - there were a total of 6 of us, and the evening just went by fast. Great food, great wine, great people. What more could I ask for? The Chorizo was nice and flavored and spicy with a kick, but not too hot. And the Shrimp with Garlic as absolutely AMAZING! We tried about 8 different dishes amongst us, and ALL of them were good. The atmosphere was very nice too...and they are expanding next door, so it will be easier to get seating (we had reservations on a Thursday night).
(5)
Effie H.

Eww... Went here on a Tuesday night, was pretty steadily busy. They have a large selection on the menu BUT.... When I sat down, they placed water on the table and my glass was clearly DIRTY, lipstick on the rim and whatever grease/food bits on the outside of the glass. That had already ruined the place for me! It was nasty, I could only think if that glass was that dirty, how was everything else! Because I was with friends, I couldn't make a big stink and leave. The food was mediocre at best. They leave bread and a spread on the table to start. The bread was clearly not fresh and the spread was bland. The calamari was rubbery and the scallops tasted like they had been previously frozen. The lamb chops were not bad but with everything else being sub-par, it didn't make a difference. I will not be returning....
(1)
Vivian W.

Ole. I walked into Solea and I was apparently earlier than the average Waltham suburbanite (6:15 pm). I sat at the bar next to two people that were such regulars (and apparently order the same thing every week) that the chef came out to greet them when their order went in. I was optimistic from this point on because if it's good enough to go every week, then it's probably pretty good. I couldn't have been more on the money. It was not only *pretty* good... it was *very* good. And after having two glasses of the delectable cava sparkling sangria I was feeling mighty fine myself. But NOTHING could have prepared me for the glory that is the quail at this restaurant. Quails are little and frail and I'm usually not a fan because they remind me of parakeets and it makes me sad when they're on the plate. This quail, however...well, the dish was so outrageously delicious that I would happily chew off my own hand if it was slathered in the righteous sauce that they put on the quail. It's rich and delicious, replete with cocoa and coffee flavors and positively out-of-this-world. Other winners of the evening? The patatas bravas- the garlicky aioli will have your significant other rolling to the other side of the bed all night long. Make sure he or she eats them too. The fried chicken livers were the physical incarnation of yum and not at all greasy. The goat cheese was also extraordinary slathered on thick pieces of bread. We remained unimpressed by one dish alone- the lamb meatballs. Otherwise, each choice we made was better than the one before and we ate so much we both wished we had been wearing stretchy pants. Hand me some castanets. This place makes me want to flamenco dance.
(5)
Katie P.

I think Solea is a nice addition to those who live a bit west of Boston. The food is pretty solid and has been that way every time I've gone. I like how clean, spacious, and nice the decor is. There is no "cheese" factor here. While I'm a bigger fan of Dali as a whole, I really like the ambience there. Service has always been good. Their wines are decent. No complaints at all. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because I have had better. Also, gambas al ajillo...yummy!
(4)
Ashley R.

Solea is a great spot to take friends and family. Obviously that's what tapas is all about. That being said, my favorite part of the place is the decor. I love the look of the bar, the beautiful tiling and I love when they open the windows in the summer...all in all, a good looking restaurant. The food is decent, some dishes are definitely better than others. I'm a big fan of the Queso de Cabra (baked goat cheese with tomato and basil), the Pato Braseado (Roasted Duckling with Berry Sauce...ohhhh the berry sauce), Solomillo con Chimichurri (beef tenderloin with spicy herb sauce), and I'd definitely make a case for the Chorizo, the Empanada and the Artichoke and Spinach Fritters. Surprisingly, my boyfriend makes the greatest sangria, despite being almost 100% Irish, but Solea's sangria is pretty delicious. Not as good as his, but I'll usually order a pitcher. You might want to stay away from the Gambas al Ajillo (sizzling garlic shrimp) because they're very tiny shrimp that taste like they were frozen. The other shrimp dish they offer is much better, made with jumbo shrimp and spicy chilies. Definitely stay away from the lobster and crab ravioli, they also taste like they were frozen.
(4)
Cyndie B.

This used to be one of my favorite places but recently they changed the menu and not for the better I am sad to say. I still like it - TAPAS are fun, creative and social. The atmosphere is great, the drinks terrific but WHY did you guys change the menu. Many of our favorites are gone and I was actually sad! I would still go but it is not my first thought anymore.
(4)
Brian G.

The best things about Solea are the drinks which are always made well and normally on the strong side and the atmosphere from the large open windows, decor and always friendly staff. I go here regularly and will continue to. I won't say I'm disappointed with the food but it just rarely blows me away. The food is always good but only rarely do things jump out to me on the menu. That's not a bad thing but so many other Tapas places I've been to really have some amazing small dishes that I just don't see here. I haven't tried the full meals yet but will let you know when I do.
(4)
Leo j. R.

Now we're talking! A week or so before visiting Solea I had the misfortune of eating at Tasca - see my review. Here at Solea the service was fine even though the restaurant was very busy. Lots of fun plates to choose from, and all consistently tasty. Delish sangria. A fun, noisy, festive atmosphere. With 4 people we really got to try a lot of plates and they were all nicely plated and yummy. Definitely a great place for a fun night out!
(4)
Lisa H.

I LOVE this place! It is great for a night out with friends. We love to go there for a drink or two and order a couple different tapas each and share. I love the portabella mushrooms, artichoke fritters, and chicken turnovers. They also have entrees for those who don't want to just order tapas. I love the atmosphere there, the lighting is great, very romantic.
(4)
Krista H.

My friend and I love tapas, and this place came highly recommended. We wanted to sit at the bar but there weren't two seats together. We were sent to the back bar which was cool because we were the only ones there, but the bartender William was very unpleasant. He was helping a table but didn't even acknowledge me by saying hello. When my friend joined he asked what we wanted although we were never given menus. My friend had the mojito which was delicious and I had a pineapple and basil martini. For tapas we ordered the gazpacho, crab stuffed avocado, lobster + crab raviolis, and artichoke. The food was fresh but a tad bland. I also doubt the raviolis were homemade since they hardly had any filling. We were hardly finished our drinks when the bartender was putting the chairs up on the tables and gave us our check. Never offered to see if we wanted another drink, etc. Mind you, it was also only 8:45. He was in such a rush to get us out, I felt like we were putting him out of HIS way. I don't think I'll be returning since the food was average and the service was bad. William should not be a bartender since he makes you feel like you're putting him out of his way and he is not sociable at all. It totally ruins the experience. The tapas were also a bit pricey compared to other tapas bars.
(2)
Cathy B.

Now lookahere, this is the first place, I ever had tapas and now all I want to do is go to Spain. The service was as good as the food and that was sho nuff fine!.
(5)
Steven S.

Fantastic! The food is great - ambience is fun (sometimes the front windows are open which is nice to have the fresh air - however, the view of Moody isn't all that pleasant!) Service was great - dishes were amazing. There was 3 of us, we order 9 small plates and shared. It was plenty. The Sangria wasn't that good which suprised me. It didn't have much flavor to it and limited fruit (we ordered a pitcher). My guess is they make this is large quanities - perhaps they didn't get ratio correct?? Order some regular wine or something from their fully stocked bar!
(5)
Ben B.

After living in Boston for the better part of a decade and a half, I made a move to where it all began for me, the city of Waltham. Naturally, the place to be in Waltham is Moody Street and on Moody Street you have plenty of great eateries. Solea is a wonderful Tapas Bar in a city redefining itself. I have been to plenty of Tapas bars in Boston (Masa and Tasca comes to mind) and Solea certainly matches if not blows away the two aforementioned restaurants. With a wider selection of tapas plates then Tasca and cheaper then Masa, this truly is a gem. Ultimately, if you can break free from the Boston/Cambridge experience and make you way to Moody Street you will not be disappointed.
(5)
Megs L.

I tried this place out because the restaurant I was going to eat at was closed. I'm so happy that I ended up here. The staff were friendly and they were able to seat us when we arrived. The waitress was very attentive and had a nice personality. One of our table mates is a vegetarian so we ordered some vegetarian tapas and the vegetarian paella. The Paella was great and the small definitely fed 3 people. We also had the mushrooms and the artichoke hearts for the vegetarian and they were nicely seasoned. The meat eaters enjoyed the shrimp and the empanadas. The empanadas were not greasy as is often the case and the dipping sauce for the shrimp was great. The bananas foster wasn't my favorite, but the flan was great and the sorbet was very tasty. The Sangria had a lot of clove, which I enjoyed but I know some people prefer their sangria to be more sweet, less spicy. I would definitely go back.
(4)
H. P. J.

Delicious food & drink in a fun, casual atmosphere. Good value.
(4)
Lauren V.

It's no Dali, but when I lived in Waltham it was nice to have a tapas place within walking distance. In the summertime, it is nice because they open up the windows so I would definitely recommend it as an after-work meeting spot. Order a pitcher of Sangria and a few tapas and unwind. The service here can be a little bit slow. Normally not really a problem, but the tables are very small and the surface quickly becomes covered by empty plates making it hard to maneuver drinks and food. No one wants this kind of balancing act. The interior is very nice too, with richly colored paintings and lights. It really sets a mood. If you can't find street parking, park in one of the municipal lots in the area.
(3)
Beth G.

This was actually my first tapas experience and it was amazing. The food we got was great and left me wanting to try other things. There were 4 of us and we decided we'd each pick a dish to share with the table and then we'd split the paella. For tapas, we got: Aceitunas Alinadas, An Assortment of Marinated Olives Palta Reina, Avocado Stuffed with Crab, Mango, & Cilantro Solomillo con Chimichurri, Beef Tenderloin with Spicy Herb Sauce Buenuelos de Alcachofas y Espinacas, Artichoke & Spinach Fritters They were all amazing...the avocado was my personal favorite, but the fritters were tasty as well. There was enough to share and everything was small, but flavorful. The paella we got was well spiced and FULL of chorizo, chicken and seafood. We all happily full by the time we were scraping the bottom of the bowl. I definitely want to go back and instead of the paella, try more of the small dishes. I get the feeling that while we loved everything we ordered, Solea had a lot more to offer. I'm looking forward to trip #2.
(5)
Jillian A.

I had never tried tapas before and this was a real treat! Our waiter was really great. He even asked if we were in a rush to get to a movie or something or if we wanted to take our time. The online reservations were very convenient. We tried the following hot tapas and everything was very delicious, especially the scallops. -Queso de Cabra Montanes, Baked Goat Cheese with Tomato & Basil -Pechuga al Ancho, Grilled Chicken breast with Ancho chiles, Tomato, Garlic & Red Wine Sauce -Vieiras al AzafrÃ¡n, Scallops in Saffron Cream -Ravioles de Mariscos, Lobster & Crab Ravioli in Langostino Sauce Blue Goat Cheese Sauce & Mushrooms -Solomillo con Chimichurri, Beef Tenderloin with Spicy Herb Sauce
(5)
L N.

The food, drinks, and the atmosphere are great!!! I've been there 3 times and am making plans to go back!!!
(4)
Terri E.

Went here with a large group after a wedding rehearsal and it was fabulous! The ONLY drawback was that it's not really kid friendly. Having said that, our 6 year old daughter did just fine with the very tasty beans and rice. Yes, I said beans and rice. They were not spicy at all but had a fantastic flavor. In fact, the table ordered at least 4 more servings so we could all share in the yummy goodness. They use kidney beans - that threw me, but it didn't blow the dish at all. Seriously, order it! Almost every other item we ordered was excellent as well - a few seemed a bit overpriced for a tapas portion, but I'm not going to quibble over that. Some of the items we ordered were: plato mixto, ceviche (excellent x 2!), ravioli, chorizo, ribs, potatoes, tostones (the only item that was a notch below excellent but still really good), ribs... I'm sure there was more that I don't remember now. Wine selections were good as well. I was disappointed in the bottle I chose, but it certainly wasn't the restaurant's fault. Also, they make a lovely sangria. Desserts were not ordered for anyone except my daughter. She loves crepes, and their crepe with berries and dulce de leche is also far up there on the excellent-o-meter. My advice: save room for one of these tasty treats! It's well worth it. Service: EXCELLENT. Our waiter was able to remember every request, bring it and place it almost without being noticed and keep us all happy. Between the food, drinks, service and good company, I'd have to say this was one of the most enjoyable restaurant experiences I've had.
(5)
Brendan O.

A true taste of Spain! I have been to the original Tapas Bars in Seville and Southern Spain. The atmosphere at Solea captures the brown mud colors of Spain nicely. The ceramics on the wall are authentic just like the 1000 yr old in Spain. Food Everything from the menu in Spain. Pork, shrimps, exotic fish and seafoods. All the variety for the novice and experienced tapas eater. You can eat meats cooked and marinated that are tasty and comfortable or you can taste the calamari in a tangy sauce that's a unique taste. Give it a try!!
(5)
Vanilla P.

The interior of Solea is a visual, sensual journey with discoveries to be found all over: an exquisite chandelier you notice when you pop the first scallop into your mouth, a mosaic pillar your eyes crawl over as you sip your sangria, and huge mirrors that reflect the lovebirds pawing each other as you let the spice of your chile relleno creep into your cheeks and make you flushed. First: Sangria. Now say it again, but sloooooowwwwwer, and rotate your pelvis a little while you say it. I had a choice of white or red, and I went with red (mostly because I was wearing a dark red shirt, and I like to take advantage of the fact that it wouldn't show on this shirt if I spilled or snorted it out my nose while laughing). Sip number one, I could taste the alcohol (yippee). Sip number two, a buffet of citrus flavors hit my tongue and made me warm and more friendly all around. Second: Complimentary bread with a potent garlic-ey bean spread that was reminiscent of hummus. I only had one piece because I was so excited about the things to come. First tapas plate out: Crab, cilantro, and mango stuffed avocado half. Wow. This was basically a cooked ceviche, and when topped with a squirt of lime juice, the entire bite really exploded with a sweet, savory, and tart combination. This was one of my favorite dishes for the night. Second tapas plate: Olives. How can you go wrong with olives? These were plump, juicy, and flavorful.... Why do my store bought olives never taste this great? I think Solea must have a little olive tree somewhere on the roof where they pluck, brine, and store their superhero olives. Third: Scallops in a pumpkin soup, served in a lovely shell. Other favorite. It was about one week ago when I found out that scallops grew in a shell, and the mystery of why they came served in a shell was solved. Duh. The pumpkin soup was more of a creamy pumpkin soup reduction, with julienned veggies float just under the four, perfectly broiled scallops. The scallops were tender but caramelized on the edges... Perfection. I will order this dish tonight in my dreams. Fourth: Goat cheese in a tomato sauce. Ooooh, stinky! Loved it! The cheese seemed really strong to me, but the tomato sauce created thins crazy taste bud yin yang thing that left me scraping the ceramic dish for more. And finally, fifth: A fat, tender chile relleno stuffed with mixed vegetables and coated with an almond crust, with a nice chipotle sauce around the edge of the plate. The chile was slightly spicy, and the veggies really absorbed the moisture, so they were flavorful and extremely juicy. No cheese, but the almond crust made up for it. It was like an almond biscotti, minus the sugar and cookie part. Mostly savory, dense, and crunchy. Dinner for three with sangria: $60. Bargain. My senses are alive right now! It's all I can do to keep my secret stash of Antonio Banderas movies from playing all night long.
(5)
Alia L.

I've always loved this place. It's really intimate and an overall warm atmosphere. The food is pretty good as well. I use to go here all the time with my ex. This place is the only thing I miss about our relationship.
(4)
Tiffany D.

It was almost 10pm on a Friday night and the at-the-time Boyfriend & I were sick of places to eat around where we live since it's just the same thing every time. So we ventured into Waltham and figured we'd just pick a place that looked decent and was open on Moody St. This place is amazing. I'm obsessed with tapas and was always sad that all the "good" ones were so far away from where I lived... I completely forgot that I had read about this place before. at-the-time Boyfriend & I came and promptly ordered a pitcher (it's too small tho, only about 4 glasses per pitcher) of red sangria and 12 dishes. 01. Poblano Relleno, Yuca, Roasted Corn & Mushroom Stuffed Almond Encrusted Poblano Pepper 02. Pato Braseado, Roasted Duckling with Berry Sauce 03. Pechuga al Ancho, Grilled Chicken breast with Ancho chiles, Tomato, Garlic & Red Wine Sauce 04. Gambas al Ajillo, Sizzling Garlic Shrimp 05. Camaro Piri Piri, Grilled Shrimp & Hot Piri Piri Pepper Sauce 06. Vieiras al Azafrn, Scallops in Saffron Cream 08. Lulas Grelhadas, Grilled Calamari Drizzled with an Ancho Chile & Lime Infused Olive Oil 09. Pimiento de Piquillo, Wood Roasted Pepper Stuffed with Crab, Shrimp & Pearl Onions, Served in a Langostino Sauce 10. Ameijoas Bulho Pato, Steamed Littlenecks in Garlic, White Wine & Cilantro 11. Ravioles de Mariscos, Lobster & Crab Ravioli in Langostino Sauce 12. Butifarras con Brevas, Pork Sausage with Figs I'm partial to duck so that's my favorite. This place reminds me of Tapeo on Newbury St. the food is almost identical pretty much, except I loveddd the sangria here so much more. The scallops with the saffron cream sauce was AMAZING. Nothing was heavy at all and I had NO complaints. I will be here again and again and again!!!
(5)
R B.

Ah, tapas, Little places of ecstasy and boredom. Got some of each, each time I've been here. Hard to be too critical since the sub-par dishes are also small, and you can move on. Fun, lively place.
(3)
Kirsten S.

This is my favorite place in Waltham. Great atmosphere, great food, and just always a fantastic time. It can also be kept affordable. My friends and I typically order 2 plates each, split a pitcher of sangria, and can keep it around $20-25/person.
(5)
Katharine B.

This is a great place for a large group. I've been there twice and each time we've let our server order for us. The paella is also very good. As for the bar, you won't go wrong with their martinis or their sangria.
(4)
Abby L.

I was pleasantly surprised by this restaurant. I typically go to Dali for Tapas as I live right around the corner, but my friend lives in Waltham, so we gave it a try. The tortilla espanola was delicious, as was the sizzling shrimp. I thought the service was a bit lacking, I'm always a bit annoyed when I have to ask to have my water refilled, but that's not the biggest deal. I would recommend it, a fun atmosphere.
(4)
Amy L.

The sauces here are amazing, the room was great, no wait on a Friday night at 6:30 for a group of four, and did I mention the amazing food? We tried many of the different tapas starting with the cold tapas: plato mixto which was a delicious assortment of serrano ham, olives, and three cheeses including an outstanding really strong blue cheese and a rosemary flavored cheese. The tostones (plaintains topped with salmon and a creamy mango chutney) were good, but not incredible. Some of the standouts of the hot tapas were incredibly tender pork riblets with banana glaze... seriously most tender meat I think I've ever had, the baby lamb chops with the apricot glaze, and this seriously amazing pork with a blue cheese and mushroom sauce. The desserts were also good - the crepe was filled with amazingly fresh fruit and drizzled with caramel (blew away the crepes from the now fancy Natick collection). Go with a group so you can try more food and make a reservation just in case :)
(5)
Dasha O.

This is my second time at this place. The first time was a few years back, and I remember REALLY enjoying it. I loved the sangria, and the tapas were lovely and subdued tasting. It was really fabulous...and now we move forward like 5 years. The experience was completely OPPOSITE. The sangria was horrible, very watery and had no fruits except 2 pieces of lemon. The bread was stale. The sauce overwhelmed tapas, and the paella was too salty & the seafood was way overcooked.
(2)
Beth E.

I honeslty didn't know that Solea was part of the Dali/Tapeo family until I started reading the menu. I find that I prefer Tapeo and Dali, even though they're all connected. Tapas were good, but I felt like there was something missing from this trip as compared with my trips to the others. I can't quite put my finger on what it was that was missing. Our waiter was great. He was really helpful, and didn't even laugh as my dinner companions ordered in butchered Spanish. We knew we wanted sangria, and they had both red and white. We weren't sure which to get, and as we were debating, we asked the waiter which he preferred, and he didn't hesitate before saying white. And he was right. Get the white sangria, it's awesome. I feel bad giving this place 3 stars. It's more like 3.5, really. But if I need to show the difference between Solea, Tapeo, and Dali, I have to go with 3...
(3)
Eva K.

I didn't even know that there was a Tapas restaurant in Waltham. I went there for a company lunch, so got to sample a wide variety of Tapas, all of them excellent. The Sangria was OK. The berry flan I had was definitely not authentic... I would not even call it a flan. The bottom line...good but expensive. Great place to go if someone else is paying... :)
(4)
Charlie D.

Great sangria. The 4 of us had paella, and 5 tapas- all wonderful. Nice atmosphere. Recommend to all
(4)
David C.

We had a graduation dinner for twelve including a couple of vegetarians and some serious carnivores. The setting was perfect for relaxed conversation and tasting across an array of palatal stimulants. We handed the ordering over to the waiter after highlighting a couple of special requests. The result was a romping success.
(5)
David D.

Waltham's Moody Street is a great thoroughfare for foodies west of the Boston-proper restaurant scene. No thoroughfare is complete without a tapas restaurant and Solea completes it well. When I think of tapas restaurant I think great tastes, drink, and ambiance. By those standards Solea is perfect. The restaurant's exterior is decorated reasonably and the interior just dazzles me. The interior Spanish design is ornate and colorfully festive and the lighting is perfect for a lunch with a large group of co-workers or an intimate night with a spouse. The light music in the background was a nice touch, too (I heard some tunes from Mana). I went to Solea with a large group of labmates from Brandeis for lunch and the restaurant was not busy. I can imagine that the evenings here must be fabulous with the bar crowd, diners, and the atmosphere. The restaurant offers a price fixe menu for large groups which includes cold and hot tapas, but call and reserve ahead. We had the Tostadas de Alcachofas (Artichoke Hearts, Mushroom & Goat Cheese Crostini), Grelos Gallegos (Sauteed Collard Greens with Pine Nuts & Raisins), Ravioles de Mariscos (Lobster & Crab Ravioli in Langostino Sauce), and Chorizo a la Plancha (Grilled Spanish Sausage). These dishes were all great but I would absolutely recommend the Ravioles. I wish I tried the whole menu but alas...I especially wanted to taste the Tostones (Plantain Chips & Salmon topped with Creme Fraiche & Mango Chutney) because no tapas experience is complete without platanos. The desserts were tasty. We had the whole menu of dessert dishes. The Solea Sorbet (Tropical flavored Sorbet with Fresh Fruit) was outstanding and the Plato de Quesos (Assorted Spanish Cheeses Fig & Apricot Compote & Toasted Almonds) left a good mark. Sorry, I do not have any input on the drinks especially since I went with co-workers for lunch. But, if the drinks are like the food, I am sure the sangria and the rest are fantastic. Also, I hear that the margaritas are great especially since they use their excellent variety of fresh juices. Overall, Solea is a great Tapas restaurant but my gut tells me that Cambridge's Dali outweighs the food here.
(4)
Sarah C.

Strangely, I also got food poisoning from my graduation meal, but it wasn't at Solea (I got ribs at a seafood restaurant, because I'm an idiot). Anyway, Solea has some great dishes. My favorite is the scallops with saffron sauce. Note to the underaged: Their alcohol policy isn't exactly lax, and even when you bring your parents, they still won't serve you. For real. So that's why I'm only bestowing 4 stars. What harm could a little sangria do? I mean, come on.
(4)
Jason P.

This place is great. Other than a really long wait on a weekend night, we love going here. Service is always fantastic Food is always hot and very tasty We went to Spain on our honeymoon, and I think there are some dishes that are better here, than in Spain. Sangria is great. I think its slightly overpriced, but very reasonable Good stuff- keep it up Solea!
(4)
Mats K.

I enjoyed this restaurant. We were invited here to celebrate a friends birthday. I was new to Tapas before eating here, but quickly came to enjoy it. I started out with a cold dish which I can't remember what it was called. It consisted of smoked salmon on plantain chips with creme fraiche (sp?) and some sort of concoction with peppers. This was very tasty. Everything went very well together with their delicious sangria. As a hot dish we shared one of their paellas and it was magnificent. I would highly recommend it. The desert was pretty nice as well. My only complaint would be that my coffee wasn't quite as hot as I would have liked it. Even though I am not accustomed to spending in excess of $10 when I go out for food (in fact I consider it a terrible waste), I would go here again if in the area.
(4)
J M.

Food is great. Sangria was even better and its decorated so cute. I wish I could turn my home bar into a festive area just like theirs.
(4)
A B.

If you like olive oil, you'll love Solea. We had 4 tapas, and 3 of them were loaded. The sizzling garlic shrimp did not sizzle, and in fact, was not terribly interesting or appetizing at all, being some small boiled shrimp in a bowl of olive oil and raw garlic pieces. The mixed greens salad was fresh and good, but again, overly oily. The collard greens had some nuts and raisins mixed in, and was not overcooked or slimy, but was soaked in oil. Only the grilled pepper chicken was light and nicely cooked. I'll try this place again, because they have some other interesting items on the menu, and because they underwrite our local public radio station.
(3)
Forrest G.

Service is mediocre, but the food is great. And surprisingly well priced for tapas. The end.
(4)
Jenny W.

Really good food. I tried so many new things, which is always a flavor adventure. I'm not always down with the food sharing thing, because I generally don't like what everyone else likes, but going with my husband, who's aware of my weirdness, worked for me. We each ordered three dishes for ourselves and two to share. Everything I ordered was delicious and he said the same. The atmosphere was good, a little loud for us, but we were also between two tables with really loud people. The service was good, but a little on the slow side at times. The food came fast, but when you wanted to get more water or the check, the server was suddenly nowhere to be found. The food made up for that though and we'll be returning for more.
(4)
Liz P.

I have been here twice and so far my only complaint is that I have to drive all the way to Waltham to go here. Yes, it's a little pricey, but it's worth every penny. There's a tapas restaurant near my house, but it's all quantity and not quality. Solea's dishes are so delicious and full of flavor. Best so far have been the lamb meatballs, the baby lamb chops (I love lamb), marinated olives, and of course, the sangria. Great ambiance and fantastic food.
(5)
Loves T.

I am a huge tapas fan, so I was excited to try this place as it is right down the street from my home. However, the experience was poor from the beginning. The hostess acted annoyed with us when we told her we had a party of three. (Sorry, perhaps you were hoping for a party of two or four?) She rolled her eyes and actually made a sighing noise. Our waiter however, was excellent. He is the only reason for two stars instead of one. The food was just okay....which is unacceptable for the pricey nature of the menu. One of our dishes came out almost cold. And yes, it WAS supposed to be hot. : ) We had the sangria, and again, it was just decent, nothing special. Our meal was expensive and in my eyes, below average. If you are looking for a great tapas place, try Tasca in Brighton. Much cheaper, and BETTER food and service!
(2)
S W.

If this review were just about the food, I would have bumped it down to a three. We had the following: Ceviche- awesome- actually had salmon in it which was a nice buttery counterpart to the acidity in the dressing Olives- vgood, herby Grilled calamari- had too much chew- very blandly flavored Chorizo- tasted like hot dogs- I have actually been to Spain and while chorizo is a mild sausage, it should never been mistaken for hot dogs Salad with beef tenderloin- beef was tasty, greens were fresh, dressing was too limey- the whole effect wasn't that interesting Drinks- I had a Cava sangria which was peachy good- hubby had a beer- The reason I am bumping it up a star is the fact that it just FEELS SPECIAL to eat here. The low lights and the sexy decor turn a humdrum "lets go out to eat" to "let's have a date". What was supposed to be just a break from me making dinner turned into a romantic date. Bravo to Solea for making this 7+ year couple feel like we had just started dating again.
(4)
Carolyn C.

This place was fantastic. My date brought me to Solea, and it was a great setting. The food was good (the scallops in the saffron sauce and the pork w/goat cheese were winners. Wasn't so crazy about the garlic shrimp or the cerviche, though). The decor was nice. They had both booths and tables, which were set far apart enough so that you didn't have to listen in on the next table's conversation. The service was excellent; our waitress was really good about coming by and picking up our empty plates, and asking how things were, etc. Overall a great experience and I look forward to going back again.
(5)
Steve L.

Their food has remained consistently good, but recently they have raised their prices. I used to come here on a whim with my girlfriend and get away with dinner plus drinks for $50, and with their new prices it's now $80. Supposedly they haven't changed their prices in years, but I just don't see any additional value for the price hike.
(3)
Melee T.

I enjoyed my tapas here. The ambiance can be a bit loud so not a favorite for a date. My biggest gripe though was the sea bass that I ordered. My plate was one fillet of sea bass and some guacamole. The guacamole did not compliment the bass and really, who eats a plate full of guacamole. My husband's meal was more to his liking, it was a wonderful pallela. He was nervous ordering it after having eaten the dish in several locales in Barcelona and Madrid. However he said it was delicious. Midway through our meal he pointed to a side plate with some vegetables which I thought were his. He told me that no they were a part of my meal. Oh, so sea bass, guacamole and random veggies on a different plate? I felt ripped off and would not reccomend that you order the Sea Bass for this reason. Overall I think the restaurant is okay but I do not know if I would necessarily return.
(3)
Sandy M.

Went here after work with a few friends. Really like the decor. We sat at the bar and ordered I think like 9 plates of food...calamari, spicy shrimp, cheesy polenta with mushrooms, green salad, spicy potatoes etc...I can't even remember them all! It was absolutely delicious, and I really liked the entire experience. I will definitely go back. Great place to hang with a few friends and share a variety of foods and a nice bottle of wine.
(4)
Sumiko C.

My husband and I ate at Solea last night. I enjoyed the atmosphere, the service and the food. The food was good and tasty but I wouldn't say amazing. Still, we had fun and would go back. My favorites were the goat cheese in tomato sauce and the scallops in saffron cream. I like tapas - being able to try small plates of several things fits my style better than an enormous plate of one thing.
(4)
Lindsay K.

I would have given Solea four stars except for, well, the awful food poisening that ruined my college graduation. I had had a date here and loved the tapas and wine selection. The mixed cocktails were great, too. I liked the lobster ravioli in langostine sauce so much, I brought my whole family there for lunch the day before I graduated from Brandeis. Two hours later, I was vomiting for 5 hours straight and needed to be prescribed pills to stop retching. The story could go on. I want to say I was unlucky, because I truly enjoyed my time at Solea... just watch out for the seafood dishes.
(3)
David R.

In Waltham often for business meetings. Solea was recomended by my clients so we went for early drinks and dinner. Our waitress was helpful with the selection...and convinced us to try the Samgria! Great choice! Everything is Tapas style so be prepared to share. The food was good, the service was above average, the ambiance was the best!
(3)
Alex F.

Not worth it, unless you like cold service, and mediocre over-priced food. We were excited after seeing some very favorable reviews and were quite disappointed in the end. To start with, the place was half empty, but the host (or owner) kept us waiting for at least five minutes. Once we sat down our waitress greeted us with a very fake hello (the kind you would expect from an ex-girlfriend who you ran into at the Mall). We proceeded to order drinks. Eventhough we are all WELL over 21, she made a point to check our ID's as if we were passing customs. Seriously? She had to look at the ID, then look at our face and then look at it again. Would you like to swipe it too? Maybe call the FBI? Already the mood was ruined. After all that, the drinks took 20 minutes to prepare and we were already half done with our apps! Boo! Food was barely authentic and it tasted like they used "uncle ben's" rice for the Paella. In the end what really got me was that as we were finishing our meals and enjoying our wine the server proceeded to put up chairs around us!!! The restaurant wasn't even closed yet!!! BAD FORM. We won't be going back...
(2)
Kathy K.

Overall, a good Friday evening experience. I met an old friend in Cambridge and decided on Waltham as a destination to find a restaurant as neither of us had been there for some time and thought that at least we can park. Well, Friday night in Waltham at 7 p.m. is a parking chaos in Waltham. We ended up across Main St. to find a spot. This is a good tip as many people do not seem to know there is a municipal parking garage behind Elephant Walk. We finally arrived at the restaurant and found a 35 minute wait, which was more like an hour-plus. The hostess was wonderful, helpful -- good job to her. The bartenders were good too, but need an additional set of hands to cover the work on Friday night. With full menu at the bar and an Friday night surge, please just add an extra person. You would have received more revenue from us... The food was wonderful. Our server was attentive - although not really a tapas guy in terms of building atmosphere. There is also the usual problem of tapas - when to clear a dish, when to let it linger. We stayed for a long time, had coffee and enjoyed. Overall, a good experience. The need to be assertive about time to sit, where to check a coat, and how to get the bar's attention just needs fine tuning.
(4)
Matt D.

Officially off the list. Trip 1. Ok vibe So so food Decent drinks Felt it was overpriced for the quality of the food and location Ok service Trip 2. Blatantly rude waitstaff Same mediocre food at a premium price Off the list. There are plenty of other places on Moody St with better food at a better price with better service.
(2)
Lalin A.

It is not the best tapas bar in Boston area but is the most cheerful place to go in Waltham. Good sangria, delicious goat cheese & tomato, sizzling shrimp, bread with red pepper hummus... Their hot tapas are better than the cold ones. For dessert, definitely check out quesada de banana. Service is slow, but warm and sincere at all times. Seating is usually not a problem as there are quite a few tables. And yes, it is not cheap.
(4)
Eliz G.

Came here on a Saturday night. The sweet potato and corn croquettes were AWESOME. Was on the fence about whether to order them. So glad I did, came with an awesome sage cream sauce. Collards with raisins and pine nuts were too salty for my taste, but my dining companions liked them. Patatas bravas were perfectly roasted but could have been served with a little more aioli. Bread at the beginning was cold and doughy and the hummus was mediocre at best. The cheese plate is a little disappointing if you're expecting a real cheese plate that features a variety of cheese. This one just had some slices of parmesan with some dried fruit and a syrup. The banana cheesecake with a chocolate crust was way better than I expected and my boyfriend loved the filled crepe. The almond encrusted sponge cake with lime filling was awful. avoid it. Our server was pleasant and speedy during the first half, but slowed way down towards the end and we had to wait a while for dessert and the check. I won't rush back, but it was definitely a nice experience.
(3)
Vito M.

There are plenty of things to enjoy about a place like Solea. The interior gives off a 'cozy date place' vibe and the tapas and wines are all very different and sharable. We spent an eternity narrowing down selections from the tapas choices but after our attentive waiter took the order, the dishes came out in what seemed like rapid succession. Then again, the sangria and the great company probably contributed to the "time flies" phenomenon. I'd highly recommend the chorizo! Each slice of the spicy sausage was cooked with a crispy outside crust while maintaining a juicy interior. I'll definitely be back!
(4)
Jennifer B.

Love , Love, Love this place. The best sangria ever, the best tappas ever. The bartenders are great, and very personable. The place is always clean, and is always buzzing. It's a good hot spot to bring friends.
(5)
Sergio M.

This is pretty good spanish restaurant. Try the following tapas (appetizers) chorizo, ceviche, torta espanola, jamon serrano, setas al ajillo, gambas al ajillo. The churrasco is the best, eventhough is not spanish, it makes for a very good steak(something rather hard to find in the area). Atmosphere is nice. Tthere is a quiet room for dinner and a louder room with a bar that serves pretty good cleriqot. Their paella is not so good though.
(4)
Christopher N.

Moody ST continues to amaze me. There are quite a few good restaurants; especially for dates. Solea is one. Tapas and Sangria are amazing. Really, the Sangria's are amazing. My personal fav for food; Queso de Cabra Monta. Reason being, come on? Baked goat cheese? Amazing! Another one: Camaro Piri Piri. The shrimp was perfectly presented and the taste was even more appealing. Bring a date, significant other, or friends here. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Sarah C.

Eh... it was good but I'm not dying to go back. I finally discovered Waltham though!...and I AM psyched to check out the other restaurants Waltham has to offer... there is so much going on there... I had no idea! And really, I kinda feel out of the loop ;) Anyway... The atmosphere is really quite nice, dim but not too dark, with gorgeous rich coloring (Garnet hues, deep greens and blues). This place would be great for a date on a quieter evening, but I would imagine it too be a bit noisy when it is busy. YES! for: -Atmosphere -Affordable and varied wine list, decent selection of sherry (Really great with Tapas...a nice Amontillado or Manzanilla... dry and crisp with a beautiful and addictive nutty finish. And Cava, of course ;) -The baked goat cheese in red (marinara type) sauce... so good. -Red pepper hummus served with bread -collard greens with pine nuts and golden raisins -quick seating -nice host staff NO! for: -REALLY slow service for a quiet night (our server was taking care of too many tables... really nice girl, and nothing was wrong with our order (besides pacing) but she was not able to give us any quality attention.... at all. -No anchovies???? -LAME sizzling garlic shrimp plate...I mean... it was a sad sight. The shrimp were WAY too tiny...and shrunk even more because of the heat but the garlic olive oil sauce was good -No tasting sherry before you order a glass... wine yes but sherry no? -Incredibly bland gazpacho... blech (what a disappointment) -The tapas were brought out in a strange order... with really poorly planned timing (none at all) All in all I was just really in the mood for tapas... and my craving was definitely satisfied... but next time I'll venture a little out of my way to Taberna de Haro...or Tasca.
(3)
Dirgni S.

I just went last Saturday and I think it is great. The service was attentive and most of the dishes were fantastic. We had: Poblano Relleno - Excellent. Empanada de Pollo - Bland and cold. I wouldn't order it again. Ravioles de Mariscos - Heavenly Lomito al Cabrales - Terrific Tarta de Chocolates - Yum. If I just wanted a drink and dessert, I'd come for this. Caipirinha - Excellent. Best I've had in Boston.
(5)
Lilee N.

Cute place. Loved the area. Went here for a dinner of tapas. The quail in mole sauce was nice. Short ribs were ok. My favorites were the scallops and baby lamb chop tapas. Sangria was ok. Great service and good selection, but nothing that really WOWed. Atmosphere is nice, especially after a long week and all you want is to wind down and relax.
(4)
Ann C.

amazing!!! simply, shockingly amazing!!! i totally underestimated this place. i've seen it a couple of times but i never wanted to dine there. i don't know why. i guess i prematurely judged this place without even giving it a chance. ample street parking available as well as parking lots behind moody street and what not. restuarant is big enough to cater big groups and waiting time is short but i recommed making a reservation. service was so attentive and so friendly!! i had a sweet middle aged woman and she was sooooooo cute and nice. and the best part: AMAZING FOOD!!!! yes, i dined during restaurant week but i left with a more than full stomach and throughly satisfied. everything we had was delicious- sausage, beef, cauliflower, etc...def a must go again place. the color of the sangria was so pretty but the taste was even better.
(5)
Kristin W.

Apparently a lot of people have been stopping by here as an alternative to eating in Boston. Solea is a restaurant and bar with atmosphere that is energetic and romantic. Dark, luxurious decorations include chandeliers, tiles, mustard-colored walls, Spanish posters of bulls, and many other simply and lovely adornments. It's a bit loud, but we could all hear pretty well. The staff was very friendly and helpful. And the tables aren't too crowded in together. The bar is separated from the restaurant and there are two dining rooms separated by a half wall. There are many tapas to choose from and the entrees are varied as well. No vegetarian entrees, but the tapas were enough to make me very happy. For example: I loved the artichoke crostini and the patatas bravas. The table ordered a Paella Valenciana and ate it all. We also all had sangria...very good!
(4)
Jennie L.

Wow. From the instant you walk into this place you know it will be a dining experience and not just food. The decor is really cool and helps put one in the mood for tapas and sangria. The windows open up to the street when it is nice out which is an added bonus. So the food - their blue goat cheese over pork is fantastic. The sausage with fig sauce is awesome. The stuffed poblano pepper - delicious. Definitely give this place a try. Bonus - it is very romantic for a date night.
(5)
Christopher S.

I have always wanted to try this place out and went there about a week ago with some friends. This was a great place to go to for dinner and a taste of something different. I have been to Spain and always wanted to relive my experience of tapas. Purely authentic with a welcoming, friendly atmosphere! Great for group dinners and you have to try the Sangria! I recommend the Artichoke & Spinach Fritters and Roasted Duckling with Berry Sauce!
(5)
Jane B.

Great food, but pricey. Sangria is heavenly. I could drink a pitcher of the stuff on my own. Nice list of wines too. I recommend: Tostadas de Alcachofas - Artichoke hearts, mushroom & goat cheese crostini Tortilla Espanola - one of my all time faves - an egg, potato and onion omelette. Palta Reina - Avacado stuffed with crab, mango and cilantro Setas al Ajilo - Sauteed Poratbella mushrooms Questo de Cabra Montanes - baked goat cheese with tomato and basil....so heavenly! Poblano Relleno - Yuca, roasted corn & mushroom stuffed almond encrusted poblano - YUM! Empanada de Pollo - So good. Gambas al Ajillo - Sizzling garlic shrimp Chroizo a la Plancha - Grilled Spansih sausage - so naughty, so good. Costillitas - Pork riblets with banana glaze - sweet and savory and so good! For desserts, I've had the Quesada de Banana - chocolate crusted cheesecake covered with rum spiced bananas and caramel sauce (went for my bday celebration with family and this was presented to me with candles). I've also had the Filloa de dulce De Leche which is a crepe with a vanilla cream, fresh berry and ducle de leche filling...and it was soooooo good. I highly recommend making reservations, especially if you go on a Friday or weekend as it can get quite busy and the wait can be very long.
(4)
Andrew T.

Solea is my go-to recommendation when someone is looking for a cool spot with good food in Waltham. On Moody street, competition is fierce and the restaurants that make up the few block stretch need to come correct in order to stand out. Solea delivers (figuratively..not literally. That I know of). A bit more of an accessible menu than some of the other tapas spots within the family (Dali, Cuchi Cuchi, Tapeo, etc), there are a couple can't miss items: Costillitas (sp?) which are a banana glazed pork riblets and Tostones which are plantain chips with salmon and mango. Trust me on these items. Also, AWESOME sangria and don't forget the Cava, which comes in a great container (I am sure there is a more proper name for the container) that you pass along and drink directly from...its a lot more fun and less gross than it sounds. Parking is tough, so look for a local Moody Street lot or just throw your ride on the street. Oh, and though I have never had it, I am told the steak there is out of this world.
(4)
L B.

Food here is great but it's a shame the owner is a bit of a dick. We were ready to hang out and order more wine and food when kitchen decided to close early. Owner's comment, "oh well". Can't justify a business owner that does not want to bolster business. Too bad because this place has so much potential.
(1)
Christina N.

Maybe the food we ordered wasn't the signature dishes of Solea, but I felt that the sauces weren't thought out (some tasted similar to salsa + ketchup mixed in a hurry), the ingredients weren't fresh... all in all-- disappointing. I was hoping to find a great tapas place around the corner, and maybe I just had such high expectations. The service wasn't too attentive, and I felt that for the experience and food-- overpriced and stale. If you do come here, the cold dishes were much better than the hot ones. Perhaps it's a better place for drinks.
(2)
Mitchell P.

Maybe i am just not a fan of tapas, but i thought this place was pretty overpriced for the food you recieved. I probably ordered 6 or 7 things to split with my girlfriend, and i think i liked one of them. The ravioli's were basically the only good thing, and the Sangria. Just didnt do it for me.
(2)
Laura M.

Went here for a friend's birthday dinner last week and I was very impressed. Not too crowded (they seated our party of four right away, on a Friday evening around 7:00) but full enough to know they're popular. Some people were dressed up, others in jeans. And the food was pretty darn good. Don't miss the sangria. It's awesome. We also really enjoyed the artichoke fritters, the pork sausage with figs, and the goat cheese dip. Not a pig-out place, but ordering two tapas per person plus drinks was no more expensive than the upper tier of Moody St. restaurants.
(4)
Sonya J.

I'm a big fan of tapas, so of course, I really like Solea. But I am also a big fan of good service, excellent food, and of course: sangria, and Solea does not disappoint. Upon entering, the bar is directly in front of you, as well as a small seating area. The main "dining room," if you will, is to the left. While definitely not as dramatic of an interior as Tapeo on Newbury in Boston, Solea does a great job of making you feel like you've left Waltham. The food here has never been bad. The garlic shrimp *is* on the small side, but it is the same size as Tapeo on Newbury. I have not found that to be a particularly bad thing. I've tried nearly everything on the hot and cold tapas menus, and everything is usually good. Definitely more flavorful than Tasca (another tapas place in the Boston area), but also slightly smaller portions. Patatas bravas, goat cheese and tomato, and the tortilla espanola are some of my favorites, but there are tons of options here. I've taken a 15 person group here, dined at 10:30 at night, and come here with my fiance, and I've always had solid service. The food doesn't come out in 5 minutes, but if that is a central requirement of your dining experiences, then I'd suggest a visit to McDonalds (on Main Street). Parking is abundant--there are municipal lots on Chestnut and Walnut Streets.
(4)
Sarah H.

This restaurant has very nice atmosphere and is a good way to try a bunch of different foods. I may have had high expectations from raving online reviews and recommendations, but I wasn't very impressed with the food or the service. I found the menu to offer an impressive variety and the creations were....creative, but it all only tasted OK and, in all honesty, seemed overpriced.
(3)
Foodie K.

Ooh yeah. We had marvelous good eating here! You probably won't come out spending less than $30 per person, especially if you order drinks, but it's a wonderful splurge if you're looking for a tasty way to treat yourself. Try the crab-stuffed avocado with mango salsa (mmm...), the Grilled Shrimp with Piri Piri sauce, the baked goat cheese and tomato sauce, the beef with chimichurri. Don't forget the sangria! We arrived just before the dinner rush on Friday night, and we had an excellent attentive waiter and wonderful service.
(4)
Paul D.

This place is really good. I have eaten here a few times. I have tried about 50% of the things on the tapas menu and all them were really good. The Sangria is also pretty good, not too sweet, its just right. The staff is incredibly patient as you completely butcher the pronunciation of the dish you are about to order. They also make great recommendations, as the specials change weekly.
(4)
K N.

I was in Solea the night after Valentines Day-for some good food and drinks similar to my experience the 2 other times I have been there but had quite a different experience. The waiter didnt check on us once, empty water and sangria glasses and our food all came out luke warm and the taste was boring. When I went to address the issue with the manager-he simply said he was busy tonight-no sorry... nothing! He took $20 off the bill (thanks but no thanks) Needless to say, I was disapointed with not only the service from the waiter but from the management style. Looks like I will be taking my business elsewhere.
(2)
R F.

I think I have officially found my favorite dish of food after dining at Solea. Only problem is Solea is on Moody Street in Waltham, and parking blows a$$. The music when you get up to the entrance is blasting, but luckily (for some weird reason), that's only outside, it's actually nice and quiet and not annoying at all inside. Anyhoo, this place is amazing. I can't get over how good it was. I was starving, so that had some effect, along with the bottle of red wine, but whatever. We started off with 2 cold - Ensalada Mixta and Ceviche. I thought the salad was really good, bigger than expected, the dressing was sort of spicey, but very very subtle. Didn't try the Ceviche, but Peter liked it. Next, we got Codorniz and Pato Braseado - Quail and Duckling respectively. The Quail was kind of grilled-tasting and the balsamic dressing wasn't that good. My Duckling with Berry Sauce was my absolute favorite dish I've ever gotten anywhere in the world. No joke. I almost ordered 3 more. The meat fell right off the bones and melted along with the berries and thick purple sauce in my mouth. I'm imagining it right now, thinking about going back there just to steal the recipe. Next, we got Chuetillas and Costillitas - Baby Lamb Chops and Pork Riblets, respectively. The Baby Lamb Chops with Apricot Glaze were good, but just not my sort of thing. The Pork Riblets with Banana Glaze were really good as well, meat falling right off the bone, but the banana glaze, despite how extremely good it was, reminded me of baby food. The last ones we got were the Camarao Piri Piri and the Solomillo con Chimichurri - Grilled Shrimp & Hot Piri Piri Pepper Sauce and Beef Tenderloin with Spicy Herb Sauce, respectively. The Shrimp was cooked really well, and the sauce reminded me of a sweet buffalo sauce. I'm not really a seafood person, that was Peter's dish. The Solomillo beef was really good, but I couldn't help but think to myself, "I wish I had gotten this one first, and the Duckling last..." No worries, it was great, had some green herb sauce and a red pepper thrown on top of 2 decent sized pieces of beef and 2 pieces of bread underneath. All in all, the meals were fabulous, and it was a cool touch, that each was served one at a time, as opposed to bringing all 8 dishes/tapas out at once and crowding the already crowded table of bread, plates, wine, and water. We also got dessert. Peter got Brazo Gitano and I got Soleo Sorbet. The Brazo Gitano - Almond Encrusted Sponge Cake, Lime Custard filling with Spiced Rum Caramel and Ginger Ice Cream was good, but just not my thing. The Tropical Flavored Sorbet with Fresh Fruit was really really sweet, and inredibly cold. The fruit and sorbet were so fresh and delicious though, that I didn't really care. Plus I was giggly off the wine. The bathrooms are very clean. The atmosphere is very nice, they have fake candles that are thinking to themselves "I'm not a real candle, but I can flicker like one" - adding to the reddish, romantic, spanish atmosphere. The space is very nice, not too close like some tapas restaurants and has a variety of tables, lounge/booths, and a bar. The bill after 2 cold, 6 hot tapas, a bottle of wine, and 2 desserts was around $110. It adds up, but it's an incredible experience, and definitely worth it. I would love to come back here again for a special occasion, a date, or with a group of family and friends. Absolutely Amazing.
(5)
Jay D.

A solid offering of Tapas mixed into the randomness that is Moody St. Waltham. I've now been there 6 times. We typically get: Cold: Plato Mixto, Tortilla Espanola Hot: Patatas Bravas, Arroz y Habas, Pechuga al Ancho, Empanada de Pollo, Solomillo con Chimichurri, and Chuletillas. My clan is into foreign/indie films at the Landmark Cinemas, so if the timing is right, we'll catch a film at the Embassy around the corner as well as some good Tapas here at Solea.
(4)
Joyce K.

This place is really delicious. I came here with two girl friends and we ordered lots of small dishes. We weren't so fond of Queso de Cabra Montaes - Baked Goat Cheese with Tomato & Basil so we asked for another order of Ravioles de Mariscos - Lobster & Crab Ravioli in Langostino Sauce, which was heavenly. The ambience was really pleasant - very Spanish with mosaics, dark wood, and dim lighting. I didn't get very full because it's tapas and I eat ALOT. The sangria was excellent and the service was good...up until the point the waiter started hitting on us. Because you order so much, the bill is pretty hefty.
(4)
Amanda W.

I generally have a pretty good time whenever we go here. We've been coming since the place opened. The food is pretty good to great depending on the day. I'm glad they recently brought back the boquerones (marinated anchovy garnished with salmon roe) to the specials menu. The crostini were a bit over toasted, but the fish were flavorful. On my most recent visit, my mother ordered the solomillo con chimichurri (thin slices of beef filet with a garlic and parsley sauce on toast) and was underwhelmed, but I've had it on other visits and it's been spot on. One thing we all agreed on was that the recently added special of rabbit with ancho-guava sauce was spectacular. Another item that they make well consistently is the patatas bravas, potatoes with a spicy aioli that I think is spiked with piri piri peppers. Service on my last two visits has been quite good. Usually drink refills and bread basket replenishment is done in a timely fashion. On the downside, children have been allowed in the bar area. Running children and crying babies can detract from what is otherwise an enjoyable experience (not necessarily the fault of the establishment, but I wish the large party that brought the kids had been seated in the dinining room away from the bar). Fortunately I have not run into this in my most recent visits. Drinks are good. The sherry selection is nice. I favor the manzanilla and the amontillado on their current list. The mojitos go down entirely too easily and the sangria is a great accompaniment for the tapas when you aren't sure what to drink. There is also a cava (sparkling wine) on offer that you can get by the glass that is nice with food.
(3)
Anastasia L.

I've been twice now and each time it was fine. Not great, just fine. The waitress/bartender was very nice and helpful in navigating the fairly extensive menu. She also made me a delicious mojito. The chicken livers tapas was REALLY good although a tad salty. I found 2 different dishes involving Spanish cheese unimpressive, though. However because the menu is varied and I'm often around, I'll probably try a few more things and re-review.
(3)
Karen D.

My BF and I stumbled upon this place and it is a great find. It was a warm night and we sat at a window table with the windows wide open. It's not a cheap night out because you do have to order several dishes at about $7 or 8 to make a meal out of it, but it was excellent. We ordered about 6 or 7 different items and everything was great, and the sauces were nice. For me it's all about the sauce. To me the indicator of a fantastic sauce is I feel I could put it on styrofoam peanuts and they would taste great. The service was very good and the decor inside is warm. When I left there, I felt satisfied and not bloated like I typically do when I leave a restaurant. Even though it tasted good, I felt what I ate was also pretty healthy.
(4)
Liz K.

They would have four stars but they put ice in their sangria. They have a great selection of tapas and a great ambiance. We had the scallops, some banana dish, and spinach. Our server was great.
(3)
Alexis J.

A Tapas place is the last thing I thought I would find on Moody Street & I was glad to find it. It is a warm, welcoming little restaurant that I really enjoy taking friends too. I love the colored lanterns hanging over the bar, too. Ordering a bunch of small plates and sharing over conversation is the best. I have been a few times now and I always, always order the stuff pepper even though I know it is too spicy for me. Teary eyed, I eat my way through it though, because it's flavor is just awesome. I also really like Tostadas de Alcachofas (mini toasts with Artichoke Hearts, Mushroom & Goat Cheese). I also like to try the specials and they are usually pretty good. I really wanted to love the Sangria, but it was just OK. In my opinion, a Tapas place should have a fantastic sangria so they should work on that. Solea is a good time, and I recommend it to anyone who likes tapas. Be sure to make a ressy because it is crowded on the weekends and often has a long wait.
(4)
Nancy L.

Housed on Moody Street, the street of eats on Waltham Street, Solea is the sister restaurant of Dali that serves tapas and alcohol in an elegant and lively setting. Slightly less crowded than Dali due to it's location, it is worth the trek to the suburbs. When you step in, the resturant greets you with an elegant Spanish flavored-room lit by dimmed candles. Both the hot and cold tapas are delicious and varied, ranging from meat to vegetarian dishes, from spicy to comforting. The empanadas, garlic shrimp, roast duckling, and hot and spicy potatoes are all very good. Solea also has great sangria, although the pitcher is on the small side for its price, giving about 3 glasses. However the class setting + food + alcohol does not come cheaply. With each plate around $8 and at least 3 plates to feed one person, come with a gernerous wallet but it's worth it for a fun night out.
(4)
Boo R.

Atmosphere: Casual, yet not lowbrow, a good place for a first date or with friends and family What to Order: Tostones, Gambas al Ajillo, Paella if you don't mind shrimp heads ;) What to Expect: Fast and good service, really nice waiters, a few great things on the menu - the rest is average
(4)
Jessica M.

I love this place. The food and drinks are delicious and everyone is very friendly. I love the variety of the menu, too.
(4)
Leticia B.

Fabulous food and beautiful restaurant. The service was great, the red sangria was delicious. Very romantic and felt intimate even though there were plenty of people there. The grilled shrimp had a sauce more addictive than crack! The artichokes were yummy, chorizo was perfect, and the mushrooms were fabulous. Wouldn't change a thing!
(5)
Alan C.

i'm not a fan. from the outside, the place looks nice. well i guess, any establishment with some decorations would stand out on moody street. aside from that, we came out for a late dinner. TAPAS. not entirely sure what fueled this craving. i was feeling experimental that night...must have been the vodka i've been drinking lately (recently switched brands from 3 olives to kettle). anyhoo, i'm looking at the menu and i'll be honest...i didn't know what the hell to order. nothing really stuck out..it's probably because its just not the type of food i'm used to. not the restaurant's fault. for tapas: palta reina = C- at best. it was just an avacado with funky, tasteless crab salad on top. vieiras al azafran (scallops in saffron cream) = scallops were tiny. little bay scallops in fact. there definitely needs to be a supersize option available for them scallops. also, the sauce was way too milky and sweet. costillitas (pork riblets with banana glaze) = my girl loves ribs so naturally when she heard about ribs drenched in banana sauce, this was an automatic go for her. it's aight really and it's exactly what it is as described: just plain o ribs with banana sauce...what a strange combo. by this point, we were finishing up the tapas. i'm not impressed to say the least but i stay optimistic for the seafood paella. now, last time i had paella was in south beach right on deco drive (primetime) and they served me up with some BOMB seafood paella (also $60). just thinking about that paella made me wish i could teleport from waltham to some miami paella goodness. but thats another review altogether... okay, our seafood paella was small but for 24 bucks...it's appropriately priced and not half bad. to begin, there's not much seafood to go around with. the shrimp i know were previosuly frozen because frankly, i can taste it. there was some mystery piece of fish in there, which would have been nice if i knew what type it was. on the other hand, the squid and mussels were good! as i was digging in, i begin to notice the rice on the top was so tasteless and bland. i panicked so i dug my spoon in deeper, carving out the crispy, more tastier rice at the bottom. hands down, the bottom rice of that dish salvaged this dish. actually, it salvaged our entire meal. something about that crispy, slightly burnt saffron rice at the bottom of the pan...it's hmmm mmm goodness. overall, i'm being a bit harsh here i know. i'm sure a more open-minded, sophisticated free-spirited individual would have appreciated it much much more. but for a plain, simple, hearty, 'shepherd's pie' kinda guy just like myself, this just ain't my cup of tea.
(2)
Michael M.

Solea is a great date restaurant. During the summer they open up the windows in the bar area to the outside. The food here is excellent and usually pretty consistent. We usually order about 6-7 tapas and it's enough for 2 people. One of my favorite dishes is the pork with goat cheese, you'll want to order it every time you visit this place! Also, the sangria is great and you can order a pitcher too.The wait staff is friendly and the dining area clean and inviting. One thing I would recommend arriving early on a Thursday or Friday night because this place will fill up quickly. And don't bother with street parking, there's a few public parking lots across the street.
(4)
Erica F.

I've been here several times and it is very consistent... Great atmosphere, helpful and friendly service, delicious sangria, and a variety of fun and tasty tapas. I definitely look forward to my next visit!
(4)
Pamela P.

I have only been here once, but the food was delicious and the atmosphere was great. We sat at the bar, and the service was attentive and professional. Very classy, stylish place. Four stars for now (I don't want to be presumptuous)...perhaps 5 with future visits? :)
(4)
Jennifer K.

Honestly, I didn't feel that great about it. Plus, my plate still had food crusted to it from someone's previous meal, and so that made me feel gross about eating anything or even drinking out of my glass! The second time was not like this, however...... I think they should be lucky I even tried again. Hm.
(3)
Shelley B.

We have gone to Solea many times and have enjoyed it immensely. This negative review is in response to what hopefully is not standard practice: overbooking and a staff ill-prepared to handle that graciously. Our experience last night was a first-ever: we couldn't be seated for a 7:30 reservation (which is understandable) but with no sense given of when we might be seated. We took the offer of a table in the bar but waited 15 minutes for service. When asked if, by then, our table might be ready, the hostess said not and that I should have taken the table at the bar (which we had, and she'd forgotten). Her frazzled response was supported by the manager on hand--no apologies, no "sorry to have been ungracious." There are too many good restaurants to support one that doesn't respect its customers.
(1)
Arnab M.

This was one of the more expensive and dressy restaurants in Waltham, and was therefore always reserved for special occasions. Reservations are a must as they are always busy, weeknights and weekends. Excellent, though pricey tapas and entrees, but among the best I've had. And of course, one JUST MUST HAVE THE SANGRIAAAAAA! Pitchers full. It's probably most fun to go in groups.
(4)
john g.

We went there for dinner Sat evening and enjoyed a seat by the open windows. We arrived early so it was possible to quickly get a table. We tried a variety of Tapas (hot and cold along with the nuevas)..all were great and came out quickly. The waiter was friendly and quite attentive. We had a pitcher of the red sangria that was also very tasty. The bill was reasonable for what we received. Highly recommended but go early to avoid the crowds.
(4)
Beth G.

By chance had dinner their tonight. Everything was very good our server was excellent and attentive. Tapas came out at a nice regular pace. We had 5 tapas for the two of us. The only one I wouldn't reorder was the calamari...there was not enough flavor/spice. Found out at the end of the meal that its the same owner as Tapeo on Newbury Street (which I have been eating at for years).
(4)
Mr S.

We went with a party of 15 for a birthday party Sunday evening. Even though the restaurant was almost empty and we brought them $500 worth of business they insisted on charging $3 per person for serving the birthday cake we brought, because (as the manager explained) "we are in the business of selling deserts." I explained that we had not planned to purchase their deserts and because of the birthday they were getting 15 patrons. Given that the food is OK but not great (this is our third time eating there) and that they have absolutely no customer service orientation, we will not be going back. And it sure ended up being one expensive birthday cake.
(2)
Bonnie T.

TOTALLY OVERRATED! The atmospher is great - and that's where this good review ends. The food is horrifically overrated. It's mediocre AT BEST. I have been there about 10 times now and just can't go back. I so WANT to love this place, but it's not good at all. Even the bread they bring is unpalatable and the staff is snobby. The sizzling shrimp is microwaved, frozen shrimp in olive oil. It's the teeny, tiny shrimp that's super cheap. Everything is mediocre. I just dont' get it.
(1)
Claire W.

Six of us went here for lunch on Father's Day and would definitely go back. I wasn't sure my Dad or my husband would like the tapas format, but everyone enjoyed this. The favorites were: Quail with Balsamic Buerre Blanc (the sauce is great, I actually didn't eat the quail), Sauteed Collard Greens with Pine Nuts and Raisins, Goat Cheese Croquettes with Honey, Chicken Breast with Mole Sauce and Artichoke & Mushroom Crostini. We also ordered Grilled Prawns, and they came with the heads on, and the eyes staring out (no one touched them until I peeled off all the legs and heads). The two fathers in our group had flights of red wine. The restaurant got quite crowded shortly after we arrived, which made it noisy and hard to hear for a while. Service was fine, but clearly all hands were busy. Not inexpensive (perhaps because we got 13 tapas items, plus some wine...). Defnitely some items that looked appealing that we didn't try that provide a reason to go again.
(4)
Bella and Aleksey R.

The decor is great, and it seems like a popular place. In the summer, the windows are often open and there are some nice potted plants that always make the place look very attractive as you're driving by it. However, when we actually stopped by and ate here, we were disappointed. It could be because we are not fans of the whole "tapas" concept or necessarily food from Spain. We were actually pretty hungry when we came here, and although each individual tapa dish tasted good (but not great, low on flavor), in order to actually get any sustenance from them, you risk running up a huge tapa tab. We also got the hyped Sangria pitcher, but it didn't live up to the hype - I've had better Sangria that was store-bought.
(3)
Darren D.

The owners of this restaurant are Spanish and Portuguese. You will notice on the menu that there are items that are written in one of their native languages. Very interesting. The drinks here are good. I have had several different drinks here with the star being the sangria. There are South American, European and other drinks. The food here is the star. I have had many of the tapas dishes and liked them all. Cordoniz was the stand out for me. The Balsamic Beurre Blannc has bite and is creamy at the same time. A wonderful accompaniment to the semi-boneless quail that sites atop the sauce. I can't remember the name for the lamb shanks (a winter special), but it was extremely good on a cold winter evening. The staff are very helpful in guiding you around the menu and the making suggestions as to what would be good for your tastes that evening. Tell them what you are in the mood for and they can suggest things to eat. Very helpful. Price varies depending on how much you would like to eat. the more dishes that you order, the higher the price but usually 2 - 3 dishes are a meal. This is a good place to come if your group can't decide on a place to eat because each of them would like something different.
(4)
Peter W.

Went there last Saturday night. First time. 10 minute wait at 6:30. Not bad considering one section was reserved for a private party. Overall, it was great experience. The lamb chops with apricot sauce was superb as were the stuffed peppers. Would definitely go back.
(4)
You F.

Fools! Eating at a bar is all well and good and admittedly the food at the Solea is great but if you go there, do remember the important thing to do is to order a goddamned carparina and thank god the place has the good sense to put a real Brazilian drink on the menu.
(5)
Arik C.

Owned by the same family as Dali in Somerville and Tapeo on Newbury St., Solea uses its tradition of fine tapas dining, and lcoation very well. Their sangria is fantastic and I was impressed that they can make a very good mojito as well. They have several items on the menu similar to Dali and Tapeo but some of their own as well. Excellent wine list. A great date restaurant.
(5)
Iska B.

Expensive stuff but it was a fun experience. We went out for lunch with the boss so since he was paying...well I'd say we went a little crazy. There is a lot of selection and we ended with something like 15 different tapas (there were 10 of us) if not more. Everything was very tasty and we had seconds of certain things. The sangria was also pretty good. I think it can get really expensive to feel full at this place since the servings are small and you need quite a few tapas. This place would be good for a special occasion especially if you are in the Waltham area and don't want to trek out to Boston.
(4)
Alison D.

I studied in Spain and love tapas! I especially enjoy the fact that I now have money to eat in decent restaurants unlike my semester abroad! One frustration I have with the many tapas restaurants around Boston is that they require you make the tapas plates into a full meal with minimum food orders. I wish I could go to a tapas restaurant get a table and order one small plate and have a drink like the way it is supposed to be! Alas, I went to Solea Friday night and very much enjoyed my meal. The sangria was perfect and not too sweet. The tortilla Espanola was just the way I remember it, and everything else was yummy. The only problem was the last round of tapas we ordered which included all the meat dishes was slightly overcooked! We ordered quail (Codorniz), duck (Pato Braseado), lamb (Chuletillas) all of which came with various scrumptious sauces. I have a feeling we just got unlucky and would like to try again. I so want Solea to be perfect but it isn't quite there!
(4)
Fida C.

Came here the other day with a small group. We ordered a lot of plates. Here were the highlights: the avocado stuffed with crab salad was OFF THE HOOK. I could have eaten 5 of these, but had to content myself with tiny bites from the two orders that the six of us shared. The duck was tasty. The red sangria is refreshing because it is not too sweet. I understand why people like the spinach and artichoke fritters, but they were not my thing. The food is solidly good; the service is attentive. I almost gave it three stars, but then I relented because I realized that my enthusiastic host had raised my expectations and that Waltham is not a food mecca. This is a nice restaurant with good food.
(4)
Ann D.

What a wonderful place! Great food, great drinks....A bit pricey and hard to get full......but a lot of fun!
(4)
Anna B.

I've been here so often, I think I've tried everything on their tapas menu! Their Sangria is amazing and the waitstaff are extra patient as you try to order in Spanish. Yet, I had a bad experience with the maitre d - dimissive, rude, and a chore.
(4)
Carol L.

I went here with a friend last night--she had heard great things about it and proposed it as our before-movie dinner location. We were seated right away at 6pm on a Thursday night, and got a wonderful corner booth (they very smartly have large booths with two tables that separate and can either seat 2 separate parties of 2-3 or one larger party). Reviewer Jay B. compared it to Dali in Somerville and I think he got it right. The atmosphere is a little trendier than Dali (Dali is all dark wood, reds, and romantic lighting, very cozy) but the food was equally satisfying. We got four tapas to split between us. Two were from the cold tapas menu: Palta Reina (Avocado Stuffed with Crab, Mango, & Cilantro) and Tortilla Espanola (Potato, Egg & Onion Omelette). Both were delish, although the Tortilla Espanola was quite dense and a hair's breadth close to being dry. From the hot tapas menu we ordered Pechuga al Ancho (Grilled Chicken breast with Ancho chiles, Tomato, Garlic & Red Wine Sauce) and Ravioles de Mariscos (Lobster & Crab Ravioli in Langostino Sauce). These were also delicious. I could have easily chosen 5 or 6 other things, but the four items were sufficiently filling even when split between the two of us. We were doing some serious rubbernecking as gorgeous looking dinner platters and tapas were being delivered to surrounding tables. Neither of us usually gets dessert but the food was so good we felt compelled to order one to split. We ordered the banana cheesecake (I defy you banana and cheesecake lovers to to resist this description: "Quesada de Banana -- Chocolate Crusted Cheesecake covered with Rum Spiced Bananas & Caramel Sauce") and it did not disappoint. Not sure why I'm not giving it five stars, after all that. Maybe a little off for atmosphere -- I loved the booth but the tables in the center of the room seemed a little close together and out in the open.) But I'm really happy to have found another top notch restaurant on the Moody Street strip and will return soon.
(4)
Carolyn B.

One of the best restaurants on Moody Street. Not so much for the food, more for the atmosphere and the sangria. The window seats make for great people-watching. The food was pretty tasty, but not the best tapas I've ever had. The service was attentive, but not overly so. I will definately go back.
(4)
Debbie M.

The atmosphere is cool, the menu is varied, but I have been here twice and haven't been overly impressed by the food. The last time I went the waitress strongly suggested that instead of ordering they would bring us their favorites and there were a few dishes that did not get finished. The desserts however were delicious.
(3)
Apiron A.

Solea is an incredible tapas restaurant. They take reservations and I recommend that you make one as even on a weekday evening, they are most likely packed. Their sangria is great; and almost all of their tapas are phenomenal. Casual wear, relaxing environment, pretty good service. Their website can be found here: solearestaurant.com/home
(5)
S S.

Too noisy on weekend nights. Not enough vegetarian tapas options. Probably worth going here once.
(3)
casey s.

First off i have been here probably 3/4 times. It is busy friday and saturday evenings so you are typically waiting for a table. The food is very good i would give them 4.2 on this however their bread and bean spread is lacking their wine selection is poor - they have like 5 choices and none of them are all that great especially for all the good wine that does come out of spain. Whatever i will drink a beer and be happy. All this said i would still go there however the staff is below par, the female bartenders were rude and off putting when we went a month ago, and the hostesses seem lost, and the waiters/waitresses are hit or miss. The food is overpriced by $2 on the tappas with the average falling between $7-10. Honestly the food is good hear but when it takes $30 to fill you and the staff is below average i would rather go to a upscale place and spend the same amount for the about the same quality of food but not have to deal with the staff;s incompetence, crowds, and the ever so slightly ripped off feeling i get
(3)
shawnna r.

Great food, great service. Watch out, with all the choices you'll run your bill up pretty quick (the reason for the 4 stars). Been here several times with friends and family and its always a great time. Great decor and excellent drinks.
(4)
Ana M.

Best tapas I've had in the Boston area - this place puts all of the others to shame! The Codorniz and Lomito al Cabrales are out of this world and definitely worth the trek. While you're out here, you can catch an independent film at the Embassy Theater, followed by ice cream at Lizzy's.
(4)
Shelby S.

When I'm asked to pick a restaurant for a date, I usually pick this one. It's a bit pricy but very tasty. I think I've tried almost everything on the menu: my favorite being the garlic shrimp, the duck with raspberry sauce, and the lobster ravioli. The sangria is great too. It's a good choice for celebrations but not an every day place. They've also recently instituted a 3 plate minimum which is kind of annoying.
(4)
Alison L.

Is this my favorite restaurant in the greater Boston area? Probably. I am a huge tapas fan and until I tried Solea last year, I thought another spot in Somerville was the best around. Solea proved me wrong. I love the tapas here. They have lots of vegetarian options-- the spinach fritter is absolutely fantastic. There are also amazing scallops in safron and some great chicken ones. My fiance loves some of the more exotic ones like duck and rabbit. The best thing about Solea besides the amazing tapas is the sangria. Recently I moved from the red sangria to the cava or yellow sangria and I will be honest, it is out of this world. The sangria is on the pricey side, but its good to the last drop and is great for after dinner drinks and socializing with friends. I have also been to Solea for a function, which the do well also. The service is generally good and the waitstaff is really helpful for first time tapas diners. 5 stars in my book.
(5)
Anna S.

In the greater boston area it is hard to find a good tapas restaurant, so who knew I would find one while venturing on Moody St in waltham? This place is great, a real hidden gem. The setting is very relaxing, the tapas bring me back to Barcelona and the staff served with efficiency and grace. Two thumbs up!
(4)
Frederick S.

I would give it 3 1/2 stars. I do not know how to do that on Y elp's rating stars. I guess such a set up would confuse people/ Well let's get started. My first time at Solea was on Valentine's Day. They had a special menu for the occasion. My wife wanted Tapas, and we have already been to Dali., so Solea it was. I made a reservation on OpenTables for 6:00pm. We asked for a window seat, over the internet, and when I called to confirm, I asked about a window seat, and could not be promised one. I was told that Valentine's Day was going to be quite busy. Ok. So we get there right about on time. Their is public lot straight ahead on a street facing the front door of Solea. We walk in and check in and the host takes us to the inner part of the restaurant, with seemily no idea of our window request, to a small table againist a wall, right next to another couple. It was close enough, that if we took that table, we could of easily heard the conversation of the party next to us. I do not know about you, but that makes me feel uncomfortable, when I am out with my wife. Anyway, we asked the host about a window seat, and he was very nice, and went a searching his inventory. We pushed off to the side, and he came right back to us, with good news. We had a nice window seat, with a table for 4, far away from other guest. We decided on the pre-set Valentines Aphrodesiac three course mail, which included the following: 4 appetizers, or as they are called in this restaurant, Tapas. They were good, there was two of each. One had lobster. mmmm. Thier was also a choice of three sample of white or Red wine. I went with the Red, because Spain is more famous for Reds than whites. Two of the wines were from Spain, and one was from Argetina. The three glasses were each about 1/3 full, more than enough for us, who had to drive back to Arlington. Then it was time for the main entree. It was seafood Paelle. It had no rice, but we ordered a side of white rice, which was quite small for $3.00 or $4.00. It had two whole prawns with the skin and head still on them. Also included in this seafood medley was rings of squid, littlenecks and mussels in their shells, and scallops that were good sized, which my wife commented on. The brought of the Paella was quite good too. Thiere was also sweet peppers in the dish. We hit that pretty hard. Now it was time for dessert.. It was a big chocalate heart, with a sponge filling, with whipped cream all around it. It was good, but it reminded me of the taste of a yodel. The waiter was friendly, and made us feel comfortable, and was patient with us, and all our questions. The rest of the meal, although he came around a couple of times, seemed to be very busy. But if I have one minor compaint, it was that he spoke fast, with a hard to understand accent. I had to ask him to repeat himself, a couple of times. No biggie. Yes I would go back. This time I would take the Commuter rail from Porter Square, to Waltham, and walk the 10 minute walk from the Waltham Commuter Rail stop to Solea, so I could drink a pitcher of Sangria, which people talk about, and stumble home, full of Tapas too.
(3)
Maria F.

Moody Street is a jewel of fine restaurants and Solea's is one of the them. The place is romantic and the food is fabulous what can I say. The prices are reasonable. They range from 5.00 to 8.00 dollars. You can also try dinner plates instead. The Sangria is fabulous and the staff are extremely helpful. I love Solea's and Moody Street in Waltham.
(5)
Leanne R.

I love Solea! I have had a great experience every time I have been. They have a good variety of meatless tapas on the menu and I have enjoyed all the food I have tried (this includes before I was vegetarian). The waitstaff is very helpful and attentive. Solea has a great atmosphere, nice and relaxed, it has an overall nice feel to it. Good food Great atmosphere!
(4)
G F.

One of the best places on Moddy street. Lots of variety on the menu especilly with the changing seasonal specials. My favorites include the scallops in saffron cream sauce, sizzling garlic shrimp, and pork ribs with banana glaze. Also, the dulce de leche crepe is a must! If I'm too full after my meal I always get it to go. Yum!
(4)
Sally L.

I've heard that if you've had good tapas before, then you'll be disappointed by this restaurant. However, I've never been to another tapas restaurant, so I enjoy Solea quite a bit. It's on the pricey side, but my boyfriend and I got out for less than $100 on Valentine's day including tip, three tapas each, a pitcher of sangria, a glass of port, and one desert. I would recommend it for groups who like to share. The first time I went was with a group of nine people and everyone had a blast passing dishes around the table. My favorite thing is the Sangria, definitely the best I've ever tried. I'm also a big fan of the baked goat cheese, sizzling garlic shrimp, and collard greens. Deserts are very good, but I'd rather go across the street to Lizzy's if I'm not too full.
(4)
Walt Z.

dig this spot. i had been hearing from friends about it for some time, and i finally got around to paying a visit this past sunday with a friend. the sangria is excellent, and the food all around was great. the scallops were excellent, as was the quail, the duckling, and the ceviche. overall, the atmosphere, food, and service is on par with some of the best places i've been. the price will add up quickly (expect to pay about 40-50$ per person with tip), but you pay for quality, and that's fine when it comes to a spot like solea.
(5)
Elizabeth K.

I love this restaurant!! It is a wonderful place for a few friends to share fantastic sangria and a light meal or a large group celebrating an event over pitchers and platters of food. I have been there in many different ways and had excellent food and service to match. We especially have loved the lamb chops Chuletillasand duck Pato Braseado as well as the Palta Reina avacodo stuffed with mango and crab. The artichoke and spinach fritters as well as Patatas Bravas, are fun complements to the meal. Service is great and atmosphere to match. One special feature of this restaurant is the accessibility. As a person who arrives on wheels the staff at Solea are lovely and welcoming The fascilities are very accessible. Please see my blog bostonaccessible.blogspoâ€¦ for a review on accessibility for Solea
(5)
Nancy C.

I had a pitcher of Sangria here the other night after dinner at the Iguana Cantina. Delicious. The ambiance is very nice also. The glasses just kept going down. Go there, you'll be happy!
(4)
Pankaj S.

I have only Tapeo on Newbury St in Boston to compare it to... but this is much better than Tapeo (not to mention less expensive). Don't get me wrong its still over 3 and a half $ signs in the cost department, but money well worth spent. Their seafood Pallela is delicious. The tapas are really good and they have a variety of creative combinations. I liked the cozy and welcome decor.
(4)
l. a.

when i moved into the area, i was thrilled to find this tapas place on moody street. the food was great, the service was excellent and the ambiance was really nice (especially for moody street). i would definitely recommend this place if your in the area, you wont be disappointed.
(4)
Kevin V.

Very impressed overall. The food, wine, and servers were great. I recommended the lamb meatballs for sure!
(5)
michael L.

I went there only once a while ago, never to return. Worst service I ever had. Sat with an empty glass for about 45 minutes. On top of that the waiter was hitting on my girlfriend.
(1)
Sonia N.

Hmm...what to say about Solea besides the fact that the overall rating for this place (3.5 stars) is pretty much a bulls eye. We ventured in here for Restaurant Week and left this place with a pretty good impression and full tummies. Like many of the reviews, I did find that some of the tapas are better than others. Server was a sweetheart and food came out quickly so I upped it to 4 stars just for those attributes. Here's the word on the food: Apps: Garlic shrimp - Fresh smaller shrimp served with tons of olive oil and slivered garlic pieces. I had a couple pieces of bread and dipped into it. It was relatively enjoyable. Tortilla espanola - Tasted pretty good. Presentation could've been better. Personally, I liked Pintxo Pincho's version much more though. Tapas: Alcachofas Salteadas (sauteed artichoke hearts) - Flavorful but doused with lots of olive oil. Understand that's more or less how tapas are though. Salmon a la Plancha - Moist and pleasantly surprised that I liked this dish more than I liked most of the others. The dijon sauce complemented this dish well. Bunuelos (Broccoli and cauliflower fritters) - Loved the crispy exterior and the aioli sauce but I couldn't really taste the broccoli or the cauliflower? Ravioles de mariscos (lobster crab raviolis) - Thick and creamy but also pretty good. One of the better choices. Overall, we had a decent meal. Not bad if you're local to Waltham and didn't feel like trekking out to the city but if you're looking for heavenly to-die-for tapas, I'd stick to Barcelona, Toro or Pintxo Pincho's. Just saying!
(4)
TomÃ¡s H.

The decor is nice. The staff is lovely. But the food is simply not good. After walking by on countless occasions, my wife and I pulled the trigger and brought a friend here last week. We ordered off of the Dine Out Boston menu. Between the three of us, we had 3 starters, 6 small plates, and 3 desserts. Sadly, we found each dish more underwhelming than the one before it. Here are the highlights (read: lowlights) - Patatas Bravas = homefries with mayonnaise - Ravioles de Mariscos = frozen ravioli bathed in a neon orange cream sauce - Butifarras con Brevas = dried out sausage swimming in a fig syrup - Pato Braseado = was this even really duck? In any case, none of us could eat more than a bite This food would not be considered good at any pricepoint - free even! - much less the super inflated one at which they sell it. *bleh*
(1)
Dawn R.

We had a table full of tapas, and I tried all of them. If you come here, you absolutely must try the braised beef short rib, the goat cheese in tomato basil sauce, and the lamb meatballs in truffle cream sauce. Some of the best food I've had in Boston.
(5)
Nicole S.

Yum! Went here last week with my husband and my parents for dinner. The tapas was great, and the sangria was delicious! The service was just what you'd want. Not overbearing, but not neglecting. Will definitely be returning!
(4)
April Y.

Service is a little slow but the food is excellent, and you never feel rushed. The perfect place to catch up with friends over a meal. Beef empanadas, lamb meatballs, and the stuffed poblano were our favorites, but both potato options were fantastic as were the broccoli fritters. Didn't get a single bad dish. Cocktails were great too. Fantastic espresso martini, and we didn't have any problem splitting our bill five ways.
(4)
Christina V.

I have mixed feelings about this place. I've been wanting to go here for quite some time and last night I finally did. My friend and I were able to sit where we wanted in the window. The sun was just starting to go down and the weather was beautiful. We were seated right away by friendly hosts. It was hot and we were super thirsty. We had to ask for water. Oddly it says "water is available by request" on the menu. I've never seen that before. Our waiter was nice but not very knowledgeable especially when it came to their alcoholic beverages. I asked if they had Prosecco. He said no but didn't suggest their sparkling Cava which we later saw and realized it was basically the same thing. We also heard him not know the answer to questions at other surrounding tables. Poor guy had what seemed as the entire room we were in. He was running around all over the place and we didn't see much other staff there. The food was generally quite tasty although some things did disappoint. The "sizzling garlic shrimp" had more garlic than shrimp! The shrimp also resembled the ones you'd see in your local Chinese House Fried Rice. The shrimps were tiny! My restaurant serves 5 jumbo shrimp for $9. This place charged $12. Everything was a bit overpriced. I also wasn't thrilled with the Scallops in Saffron Cream. I specifically asked our waiter if they were seared and they weren't at all. They were super soft and I couldn't taste much saffron. Again $12. There were definitely some positive points. Their Lamb Meatballs were really delicious although I couldn't taste or smell much truffle in their truffle cream sauce. My favorite dish was the "Tapa del Dia" which was steak with shallot butter. I could of made a meal of that alone. I was trying to be good and watch my carbs and the menu was perfect for that. Their "Enslalda del Dia" was awesome too. Arugula with watermelon and goat cheese - yum! We had the little neck clams in white wine herb sauce that was delicious. Beer braised short ribs were awesome. Portions weren't skimpy. Their drinks were good. My friend enjoyed her Sangria. I had a couple martinis that were $12 each but tasty. Our server didn't inform us of all the items of the day. We noticed the options later and he had to verbalize them. With 5+ specials I'd recommend printing them out. We drank a lot and got dessert. We really liked the view and generally enjoyed the leisurely meal. Until we got the bill.... $195 for two BEFORE tip. Yikes. We weren't even stuffed. Also we ordered the previously mentioned Cava bottle. I swore it said $28 on the menu but it said $35 on the bill. I inquired about it and was wrong the Cava Sangria was $28. No problem my mistake we got what we ordered and enjoyed it. The server offered to take the difference off. I said that was okay but he insisted and walked away. 10 minutes later the manager came over SO RUDE. He said we drank the bottle, sangria comes in a pitcher and "the server has no authority to adjust the bill". WTF?! I didn't ask him to! I couldn't believe what an asshole he was for no reason! We spent almost $200 and he was not wanting to make a $7 adjustment? Ugh we were so turned off. It took forever to get the final bill. There are so many other good places on Moody Street. Needless to say we won't be back!
(2)
Eugene D.

A nice spot to meet with co-workers or a date. Great small dishes and prompt service.
(4)
Kate L.

This place is very quiet until about 7 when it's hard to even get a table. I prefer sitting in the bar area as it's more quiet. The sautÃ©ed mushrooms are delicious an
(4)
Lindsey M.

Solea is an intimate tapas bar that serves amazing food and drinks. There are no TV's at the bar, so if you are looking to watch a game this is not the place for you. There is one TV in the back, but this is in a private room and only for that purpose. If you are going to get one thing off of the menu, I need to suggest the Lamb Meatballs in a truffle cream sauce. I am not really a person who goes out to seek lamb, but when I go to Solea I have to get these meatballs. They cooked perfectly, never dry and smothered in this amazing truffle sauce. My boyfriend and I always get two orders so we have our own, seriously they are that good! Some other great items that I need to mention are: Tostadas de Alcachofas, Empanadas, Solomillo con Chimichurri and the Costillas de Buey. Add a spanish cheese plate to that and BOOM you have an amazing meal for about 2-3 people. What I really love about Solea is that they get your food out fast and really do not mind if you order in between food (or more food!). We normally come to sit at the gorgeous bar, but have also sat at a table. The service no matter where you sit is amazing, everyone is very friendly and attentive. Your closest lot to park in would be on Walnut st, very quick walk and you will be right in front of Solea.
(4)
Laura D.

Maybe it's because I live right next to a popular tapas place that I didn't love this one... I went with a larger group of friends and ordered the Tortilla Espanola (spanish omelette)& the Bunuelos (cauliflower and broccoli fritters). The Tortilla Espanola was much drier and potatoey than I thought it would have been (it was my first time having one), and it didn't have much flavor. I ended up using the sauce from another dish to try to inject some flavor into it. The Bunuelos were definitely deep fried and were really heavy. I think it came with 4-6 of them and I could only eat 2-3 before passing them off to others. The sauce it came with was tasty, though. I tried one of my girlfriends empanadas--really tasty! Would order those if I come back.
(2)
Kim M.

My boyfriend and I have been wanting to try this restaurant FOREVER. Will made reservations for that sappy holiday in February and after what seemed like an eternity but was more like 4-6 weeks, Valentine's Day arrived! Our chance at Solea was upon us! So this is what we tried out on our first venture: - Soup of the Day - that night was some beef-based, tomato-y with lime and shredded steak, cabbage, onion, what seemed like cilantro and all sorts of delicious goodness. This was so good we ended up getting another helping of this to go. - Plato Mixto (ham, olives, pimientos & assorted Spanish cheeses) - The cheeses were all really good: 2 creamy kinds and 1 more nutty-flavored one - they give you 6 pieces, 2 of each kind. As a newfound lover of olives, I really enjoyed them as well - everything is rather mild on the plate and the olives provide a bit of saltiness. Ensalada Mixta: there aren't too many veggie dishes and I'm just raised to always have greens with any meal, even if it's a salad. Plus Will doesn't like mushrooms and I'm not a fan of artichokes too much so salad was our best compromise.Shredded carrots, cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, spinach. Oil&vinegar/lime concoction of a dressing. Rather standard salad with above average presentation. - Patatas Bravas: Will LOVES potatoes and opted for this dish instead of trying the omelette. The potatoes were well-cooked and seasoned but the alioli sauce was a bit too wasabi/radish tasting for us. It gave TOO much of a kick that took away from the enjoyment of the potatoes. - Pao de Queijo: Will is also a lover of bread (actually carbs in general) so I insisted on trying the crusty Brazilian cheese bread. They came out as little balls perfectly crispy on the outside and delightfully gooey on the inside. Not too melty and not to stringy. Just right. However, the bread left something to be desired as far as seasoning. I wish Solea had salt and pepper shakers on the table because it seemed to need a pinch of salt. Otherwise still good. - Mejillones a la Salmorra: So at first glance, I was taken aback because the mussels were so tiny! However, the flavor of the spicy tomato and wine sauce made up for the size of the mussels. Also, Will doesn't like seafood so I got to eat all the mussels which is why the size was not so much of a bother to me. The waitress also brought over bread for us to dip in the sauce while we waited for our next round of tapas. Definitely try the mussels. I'm excited to try the littleneck clams in white wine and herb sauce next time. - Camarones a la Plancha: Beware! Don't underestimate the spicy mojo rojo sauce ! It has a kick that both Will and I didn't expect. I do agree with other reviewers though that the shrimp isn't as expertly cooked as you want it. Nothing wrong with it but some are firmer than others and not anything I would want to eat without dipping it into the sauce. We actually dipped a couple of the shrimps in the sauce of the mussels before the waitress took it away. - Pato Braseado: I really wanted roast duck but was hesitant to try it with berry sauce since I don't like fruit mixed in with my food but the sauce and duck combo worked together so PERFECTLY. The duck was our favorite tapa of the night - the meat dishes are truly where Solea shines. The duck was charred to crisp perfection on the outside (whoever said it was "burnt" in prior reviews is so wrong. Charring adds a smoky flavor) and the meat just fell off the bone. The sauce wasn't overwhelmingly sweet which is what made it work together so well. A MUST HAVE. - Solomillon con Chimichurri: Two thin slices of tenderloin with an herb sauce smeared on top (had a pesto-like consistency) with strands of marinated red peppers. The tapa was served with 2 slices of crusty bread underneath which took us by surprise as we were just expecting cuts of meat. We tried slivers of meat but by then were too full to consume the whole thing and we took it home. - Chuletillas: The baby lamb chops were among the best I've ever had. The meat was so succulent and cooked just right. As mentioned, I'm not a fan of fruity and savory flavor mixes and while it did work for the duck, the apricot glaze on the chops was much sweeter. Still good and if you like that sort of thing try it. The tenderness of the lamb makes it worth trying. Comes with 3 chops, we split 1 and took the other 2 home. - Dessert Special: Profiteroles with vanilla ice cream drizzled in chocolate with fresh sliced strawberries. Definitely coming back again to try some of the dishes that we didn't get to this time!
(4)
Anne D.

Hard to properly rate since I had only the pumpkin soup special (yum, not spicey at all) and the beef tenderloin tapas. Delicious. I will come back next time I am nearby. Ample parking, fast service.
(4)
Steve W.

I come here a few times a year. Sometimes just me to grab some tapas and drinks and sometimes with groups of coworkers. This is a really good place for larger parties. The tapas are great. You can order a lot of different stuff and everyone can try a bit. I entertain a lot of international colleagues with many different tastes and dietary requirements. Solea is always a hit. Was there last night and had the collard greens, sausage and garlic shrimp. Garlic shrimp is always good. The sausage was just ok. I prefer the chorizo instead. The collard greens were nice. Overall a nice dinner.
(4)
Liz B.

4th visit (maybe my last). See previous review. Food - good. Waitstaff - sucks. Clearly they are still making money with a mediocre, uncaring waitstaff. If you don't mind being treated rudely, this is your place.
(2)
Ildiko K.

It has taken me a while to write this review because I am still angry about what has been the worst restaurant experience I have ever had. To this day whenever my boyfriend and I think about where to eat he jokingly offers "Solea?" and I reply "hell no." I had called ahead to make a reservation because it was restaurant week and Solea was having a special menu. I requested a booth and the host said that it would be fine. When we arrived for our reservation the next day, the host sized us up and decided to switch our reserved table. I knew he did this because he spoke to the waitress in front of us and plainly said "ok actually lets sit them here." That either means they did not have our reservation, or they deliberately moved our table. This would not have been an issue, accept that the table they moved us to was a table for one in the corner of the restaurant squished between the wall and the bar. We only had one place setting because that was all that would fit on the table (it had a diameter of aprox 25 inches). Moreover, we didn't even have a real waiter, the bartender had to take our orders. My boyfriend and I (22 and 21 respectively) ordered sangria and the waiter checked our IDs. He clearly didnt believe that we were of age and proceeded to glare at us and eventually accept our IDs and sangria order. He then loudly spoke to himself about "fucking college students" and angrily made our drinks. I have never met someone so rude in the service industry in all my life, and I work in that industry. I went up to a waitress and asked to switch tables and she directed me back to the host. He then put us at a regular size table for two people. An actual waitress came over to take our order but I wasn't hungry anymore. I had never been made to feel so bad and like such an unwanted patron before and I was really upset, so choking back tears I just asked for our check. No asking if we were ok, no offer to comp our sangrias (which were nothing spectacular or out of this world). All I managed to do on the way out was tearfully tell the host that the bartender was rude. Not even an apology, just an "oh, I see." It also seems that other yelpers have had issues with this bartender before. I will never come back here and I urge others looking for a nice dinner at an upscale restaurant to go to Il Capriccio or Tempo (both in Waltham), both better service and food. On a side note, I have been to Solea before with my aunt and uncle and actually eaten the food so I can say that it was ok, but we would rather go somewhere else. There is clearly a bias against students and other people deemed not trendy enough or not big enough spenders at this restaurant.
(1)
Jacqueline C.

This place was packed during dinner hours! Our server was attentive and checked with us regularly to see if we like the food. Our group was a big water drinker and the server literally filled our glass every 5 min. Excellent service. Small Oceana Paella: we really like the simple seafood taste of our paella. It's not like that of other paella I've tried. No secret sauce or fancy technique needed to make this dish, yet I like its simplicity. Patata bravos- it's an meh dish. We have tried better ones at Barcelona Brookline. Will not order again Side dish vegetables(sprout)- gosh we love this. It's sprout with bacon pieces in some kind of sauces- deliciously savory! Palta reina-- avocado at the bottom with crab meat and mango on too ! Yum! Will go back to Solea for other dishes if I have a chance!
(4)
A. A.

I went there on Saturday to meet with a friend! We got few appetizers - potatoes (home fries) and some broccoli and cauliflower fried balls. Both were amazing. But the paella was just simply amazing and delicious. It was the best paella I have ever had in my life - variety of seafood and not only few pieces like other places. Lots of seafood - scallops, squid, shrimp, clams and mussels. The rice on it it wasn't just plain rice it was with vegetables - peas, red and green peppers, and onions. Paella lovers you're going to love this one at Solea. The staff was very friendly, and the food came really fast. Since we fell in love with the paella, we ordered to go, and our server immediately notified us that it may take a little bit longer which was completely fine. But we were notified and that was really good.
(5)
G H.

Sat at the bar for drinks and apps. The bartender was helpful with ordering, wine suggestions and samples. We tried a few different dishes and each was good. The atmosphere was quiet and relaxing. Overall I would go back. Maybe not right away because there are so many great choices on Moody Street but will someday.
(4)
Jeff G.

We made reservations through Open Table last Saturday night at 7:00. We arrived on time, and were seated immediately. The greeters were very pleasant and accommodating. In my opinion, in the world of Tapas restaurants, Solea ranks a solid 3. The waitstaff was solid, but the food was just average. A few of the items ( the Pao de Queijo, and Beef Empanadas) tasted like they had been made well beforehand, and reheated in the microwave. At $4.50 for one Empanada, you expect something that tastes freshly cooked. The Calamares Fritos, Butifarras con Brevas and Albondigas de Cordero were a slight uptick in quality. I've had them both at other restaurants in the Boston area, and I can't claim that they were any better or worse. We tried the Churros for dessert. Pretty hard to get excited about cinnamon-sugar dusted fried dough and dark chocolate, but they were a decent end to the meal. For drinks, I tried the Blood Orange Sidecar - way too strong! The Cava Sangria however, was a saving grace. Delicious, light and sweet. My date tried the Regular Sangria. He was slightly disappointed in that, as it just tasted like red wine. There was a single orange slice floating in it. He too switched to the Cava, and enjoyed it immensely. Pros: Courteous, attentive staff. Great (Cava) Sangria Appropriate ambiance (Tapas restaurants can go from authentic to tacky very quickly) Not so loud that conversation in difficult. Good for families. Cons: Drinks are hit or miss. Food is average - nothing you can't get at any other Tapas restaurant. Street parking only on a busy street. Price is on the high side for what you are getting. Portions are a little small for sharing, even between 2 people. As the pros and cons (in my opinion) don't tip the scales in either direction, a solid 3 rating is appropriate. We may return at some point, but I hope they can do something that really differentiates themselves from the pack in the meantime.
(3)
Keara S.

Amazing service with a great selection of tapas , entrees and desserts. They also have daily specials.
(4)
M T.

Great food and great service, every time. I have been to Solea about five times since 2007. I have not spent much time in Spain so I can't speak of the authenticity of the food they serve- all I can say is that they are all consistently very tasty! I can tell they take great care in the food that they prepare and serve. Food, service, and ambiance are always just right at Solea. (Then again, I have never been there when they were super busy, so your mileage may vary.) If you are meeting a business partner or colleagues in Waltham and want something a bit fancier than the other more casual establishments on Moody St., Solea fills the niche nicely. Budget about $50/person for a light tapas dinner and couple of drinks.
(4)
Heather M.

I have to give Solea a poor review due to nasty and unwelcoming experience we had at their bar, specifically. We had gone to the restaurant after work for a colleague's birthday. The bartender was very rude to people in our party when we ordered (suggesting that people in our party learn how to speak English) and was overall very unaccomodating. We also wanted to pay in cash and were told "no- you can only put it on one credit card." What was intended to be a nice evening out with work friends turned sour with this ill-mannered bartender. The nice food and drinks are not worth the horrible customer experience. Take your business elsewhere where you are valued!
(1)
Jenne M.

Delicious. Good portions. Fresh combinations. And oh so tasty. Great ambience. We had the beef filet, garlic shrimp, crab mango timbale to start. Scrumptious.
(5)
Emory A.

Good food and great atmosphere, but I found plastic in my food where the manager refused to acknowledge that is was less than ordinary. After asking if we wanted something else, we politely refused and decided to try to finish what we already ordered. After a while we decided to get a couple more tapas and found it was all included on our total bill. We politely asked for one of the tapas to be comped at least in exchange for the one we sent back. The manager had quiet an unprofessional attitude and lack of customer service as she forced herself to only take $5 off our bill with a huff. It really makes me sad to think people don't take pride in their restaurant enough to want people to return.
(1)
Mich G.

We made a reservation for Dine Out Boston, which we do every year. We LOVE the ambiance, and especially love the Cava Sangria. This experience was especially pleasant as we were introduced to our new favorite server, James. He was friendly, knowledgeable, accommodating and just overall a spectacular person who is very skilled at what he does. Knowing we were going out on a busy evening we expected to wait for a table and that service may have been on the slower side. We were very pleasantly surprised and we will be back again and again.
(5)
Lisa S.

We ate at Solea about a year ago, and it was excellent. We don't live close by, which is why we hadn't been back again until Saturday night for my birthday. They honored our reservation and seated us right away. It was very busy and very loud. Too loud for us to have a conversation with each other without shouting. That's unpleasant. We ordered from the Dine Out Boston menu. I ordered a cold appetizer, my husband ordered a hot appetizer. My cold appetizer was served 30 minutes after we were seated. His hot appetizer was served 15 minutes after mine. That's inexcusable under any circumstance, but really inexcusable for a 2-top. The food was OK, but not great. Certainly not as good as I remembered from a year ago. The shrimp tapas dish and the sausage & figs (only 2 little pieces of figs?) tapas dish were overcooked, dry and hard. The potato tapas (basically French fries) and salmon tapas were very good. The bread was horrible. There were two types of bread in the basket, neither were true Spanish bread, neither were made in-house, both were stale and one type of bread was old, cold and very hard. A Spanish (or French or Italian) restaurant should have great bread, no excuse. The chocolate torta dessert was very good. I've been to Madrid twice. I know what real Spanish tapas should be. Sorry, Solea, you've gone downhill.
(3)
Oliver R.

Everything that I had at Solea was very good, especially the Tres Leches and the Marinated Olives. The service was good, and we liked the atmosphere.I definitely recommend going there for lunch.
(5)
Tomoya S.

The overall rating of 3.5 stars on Yelp made me hesitate...but glad that we tried this place. Ok, so maybe 5 star ratings are overused, but I cannot think of a good reason to rate this place less. There is a municipal parking lot for free up to 2 hours nearby, so this was convenient. Street parking otherwise is only for 1 hour. We went for lunch on a Friday. Not too busy, so easy to get a table. Dinner might be different... Looks like they are open for lunch only Thurs-Sun. My wife and I ordered 6 dishes: Croquette of the day: codfish. On the scale of 1-10 for croquettes...at least an 8! Vegetable tapas of the day: brussel sprouts, fava beans, bacon. This was very good too. Maybe one more brussel sprout cut in half would have been nice, as it otherwise seemed like there were more fava beans than brussel sprouts. The sauce tasted of white wine and went well with the veggies. Sauteed wild mushrooms. This was better than most other sauteed wild mushroom dishes I have tried at other restaurants. Fairly generous portion of mushrooms for tapas. Scallops with saffron cream sauce. The scallops were fresh and cooked perfectly, definitely not overcooked. The sauce was amazing! Not too heavy despite the cream. We finished off all the sauce by dipping bread in it. Grilled shrimp with mojo rojo. Not as exciting as some of the other dishes, but also well prepared. The shrimp was also fresh and cooked perfectly, not overcooked and rubbery. Duck with berry sauce. I usually stay away from duck dishes at restaurants as I find that duck tends to be overcooked, tough, and chewy. But the duck here was really excellent. Skin was crispy and the meat just falls off the bone! The berry sauce was a nice complement too. We did not order dessert, but was told that everything is made from scratch in-house, not pre-ordered or bought. Maybe next time! Service was good. Ambience was nice. Ok, I am not the most descriptive...but the point being that I thought this place was really good, and you should give it a try! I know we'll be back for sure.
(5)

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Address : 388 Moody St
Waltham, MA, 02453
Phone (781) 894-1805
Website https://www.solearestaurant.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :5:00 pm - 10:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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Solea Restaurant & Tapas Bar

388 Moody St, Waltham, MA, 02453

Solea Restaurant & Tapas Bar Menu

Especialidades y Charcuteria

Tapas - Vegetarian Tapas

Tapas - Seafood

Tapas - Meats and Poultry

Main Courses

Desserts

Healthy Meal suggestions for Solea Restaurant & Tapas Bar

Especialidades y Charcuteria

Tapas - Vegetarian Tapas

Tapas - Seafood

Tapas - Meats and Poultry

Main Courses

Desserts

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