Dali Restaurant & Tapas Bar

Dali Restaurant & Tapas Bar Restaurant Review:

The wild and sexy spirit of Barcelona resonates at this party of a Spanish tapas bar on the Somerville-Cambridge border. Ristras and jewelry hang from the ceiling. Ornately tiled tables line every little corner of the three den-like dining rooms. Sangría, sherry and cava all flow freely, served by the glass, pitcher or porron (a bottle for the table). Order a flight of four white wines or fun cocktails like a lavender gimlet, Mango Mamba or Dali-chee. Waitstaff is as much a part of the excitement as the food and diners themselves. Tapas number in the dozens and sure bets include cured ham from Spain, garlic shrimp and deep-fried cauliflower. Baked goat cheese with tomato and basil, blistered green shishito peppers and beef short ribs in a rich Rioja wine sauce keep the menu fresh and interesting. Entrées are serviceable but beside the point since tapas is the name of the game. Consider sharing small plates of marinated olives, mushroom-filled artichokes and beef sirloin skewers served with a chimichurri sauce. For dessert, the brioche bread pudding, almond cake with coffee cream sauce, and fried churros with dulce de leche or warm chocolate sauce are hard to resist.