Chef Danny Lledó continues to push the boundaries of modern Spanish cuisine with seasonal creations and award-winning paellas.
If you’re looking for the best Spanish restaurant in Washington DC this spring, El Taller del Xiquet is a must-visit. Tucked in the heart of the city, this intimate culinary workshop from Chef Danny Lledó—America’s most awarded paella chef—is redefining modern Spanish dining with inventive seasonal plates, rare ingredients, and bold storytelling through food.
A Spring Menu Rooted in Creativity and Seasonality
Chef Lledó’s new spring menu reflects a deep respect for Spain’s coastal and agricultural traditions, elevated through modern technique. Among the standout starters is Fonoll, a grilled fennel dish delicately dusted with fennel pollen and served over romesco. For seafood lovers, the Vera pairs pan-seared Maine scallop with sepia, coconut milk, and sherry-cured salmon roe—creating a multi-layered expression of land and sea. Meanwhile, the Crú brings brightness and balance with hamachi crudo, citrus segments, and a silky yellow pepper sauce.
Each dish at El Taller del Xiquet is designed to evoke the spirit of a Spanish season, interpreted through Chef Lledó’s modern lens and technical mastery.
A New Star Entrée: Lluç
Among the most exciting additions is the Lluç, a refined main course featuring tender Spanish hake accompanied by clams and a vibrant herbaceous salsa verde. Inspired by coastal traditions, the dish is both familiar and unexpected—classic flavors enhanced with elevated presentation and precision.
Introducing Paella Agricola
Known nationally for his paella mastery, Chef Lledó adds to his legacy with Paella Agricola, a spring-forward vegetarian paella made with eggplant, artichoke, red pepper, and flat beans. With 11 honors to his name—including Best Paella at the Paella Wine & Beer Festival in L.A., Best Valencian Paella at PaellaFest in DC, and People’s Choice Paella in Orange County—Lledó’s rice dishes continue to set the standard across the country.
A Culinary Workshop Worth Experiencing
El Taller del Xiquet is more than just a restaurant—it’s a culinary laboratory. The name itself means “the little boy’s workshop,” and every dish tells a story of curiosity, exploration, and homage to Spanish heritage. Chef Lledó also represents Washington DC on the global stage, with accolades from the Fideuà de Gandia and Paella Valenciana de Sueca international competitions.
Whether you’re a longtime lover of Spanish cuisine or exploring it for the first time, this seasonal menu offers a rare and refined experience right in the nation’s capital.
El Taller del Xiquet. 2404 Wisconsin Ave NW 1st Floor, Washington, DC 20007. (202) 913-4671. Reservations here.
