Flamenco dancers at Don Quijote Restaurant.
Don Quijote Restaurant in Valparaiso, Indiana is a place locals (like me!) have frequented for years, and that people travel from all around to experience.
The Porter County restaurant also has great events, like flamenco dancers and a wild game dinner.
Don Quijote Restaurant in Valparaiso, Indiana
Don Quijote, one of only a few Spanish restaurants in all of Indiana, is home to paella, 25 different authentic tapas (appetizers) and great service. On a recent visit, I enjoyed two tapas – sauteed mushrooms and potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce.
My main course was the stuffed flounder. Best meal I’ve had in a long time! I’ve ordered the grilled swordfish and the paella (the national dish of Spain and the house specialty) before and have been impressed.
This Porter County restaurant’s other specialties include grilled shellfish, skewered pork and Castilian style roast lamb. Their tempting desserts are the perfect way to end a perfect meal. I’ll admit that my dinner guest and I sampled three desserts the last time I was there.
Valparaiso, Indiana Restaurant
Don Quijote Restaurant is a Valparaiso favorite.
As great as the food is, the service is even better. Carlos Rivero and Elena Jambrina, who are the proprietors/chefs, are both from Spain. They greet people like they’re family. Don’t be surprised if they give you a free side dish to try!
Carlos has a huge garden at his home and is known to harvest vegetables, bring them in fresh, grill them up and serve them. And Carlos and Elena have great events upon occasion at the restaurant, like flamenco dancers and a wild game dinner.
Don’t forget to check out the small store – which features a variety of imports – inside the restaurant!
In the summer, it’s nice to dine at one of their outdoor tables, something that is reminiscent of the sidewalk cafes of Europe. I know that if I have friends, family or a business connection in town and want to make sure their lone restaurant experience is a great one, I take them to Don Quijote.
Go There
Diners enjoy the food and service at Don Quijote Restaurant.
It’s fun to eat at Don Quijote and then walk around charming downtown Valparaiso, Indiana.
Work off the delicious meal by walking through great stores like Lifestyles, Seasons on the Square, Renaissance Gallery, Bangles, Ivy, David’s Mens Clothier, Boutique in Bloom, and Piper Children’s Boutique.
Don’t just live in the city–explore it! THIS is Big City, little Indiana!
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Just don’t forget to tell ’em that little Indiana sent you!
Don Quijote Restaurant
119 E. Lincolnway
Valparaiso, Indiana 46383
219.462.7976
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