Sayola Restaurant Tapas Bar - Tenafly

My thoughts on this restaurant are mixed. The ambiance is charming and sets the perfect mood. However, as a fan of Spanish cuisine who has visited Spain multiple times, I was disappointed by the food. The portion of black ink paella was generous and well-prepared, but the tapas were only average. Overall, I would describe it as okay, but given the price, I expected more.

The Spanish-themed restaurant is beautifully adorned with an authentic atmosphere that truly captures the essence of dining in Spain. When we visited for dinner on a Saturday, we were lucky to snag one of the last high tables since most of the restaurant was already booked. The tapas options are listed under the Appetizers section and are quite generous, easily serving 3-4 people. We sampled the shrimp and chorizo combo, traditional octopus, and mussels. The shrimp and chorizo dish was especially tasty, with a delectable sauce. The octopus was also quite enjoyable. However, the mussels and seafood marinara were just average. The marinara dish includes lobster, but unlike other upscale restaurants, they do not shell it for you. Unfortunately, the lobster was overcooked and tough. The service was good, though the food took a while to arrive. They also have a variety of drinks and a skilled bartender.

I went to the music brunch from 12-3pm and had a really bad time. The buffet had fries, eggs, bacon, Spanish dishes, and prosciutto that were never restocked. The meat and egg stations were empty, and the dessert area had no refills. The paella was overcooked. It cost $35 per person, plus a required 20% tip. The service was good, but I can't recommend the brunch for the food. Maybe the dinners are better, but unless you're only interested in the music, I wouldn't recommend coming for the brunch.

The food was very good the service we went to go celebrate my oldest daughter graduation

Amazing place. Great food, great sangria, live music and excellent service. I will definitely be returning.