0 Followers
Xuntos
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Xuntos
8.2
Chef Sandra Cordero's tapas bar specializes in hard-to-find Galician specialties like percebes and huge empanadas, alongside traditional pintxos from Spain's northern regions. The two-story space with dual mezzanines creates an unrefined Barcelona-style atmosphere perfect for sharing small plates and natural Spanish wines.
Must-Try Dishes:
Galician Empanadas, Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, Percebes (Gooseneck Barnacles)
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Only place in LA serving authentic Galician specialties and percebes
Who should go: Spanish food enthusiasts seeking authenticity
When to visit: Bikini happy hour 3-6pm Tuesday-Saturday
What to order: Empanadas, jamón ibérico, seasonal pintxos
Insider tip: Validated parking at 501 Santa Monica Blvd saves you money
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking at 501 Santa Monica Blvd ($3 for 3 hours with validation), street parking scarce after 5:30pm on weekends
Dress code: Smart casual - downtown SM crowd leans polished, jeans fine but pair with nice top
Noise level: Lively but manageable - two-story layout helps, mezzanine quieter for conversation
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm
Weekday lunch: Walk-in friendly, maybe 10-15 min during peak lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent vegetable-forward tapas, tortilla española, pimientos de padrón
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 modified tapas options, chef accommodating with advance notice
Gluten-free options: Moderate - naturally GF seafood options, but cross-contamination risk with shared fryer
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - tapas sharing creates natural conversation flow, mezzanine seating offers intimacy, and wine selection impresses without breaking the bank
Can I get a table without a reservation? Best bet is bar seating or arriving before 6pm. Happy hour 3-6pm Tuesday-Saturday rarely needs reservations
Is it kid-friendly? Better for ages 10+ who enjoy trying new foods. No kids menu, but empanadas and tortilla española work for adventurous young eaters
Best For
Better for: Authentic regional Spanish specialties you won't find elsewhere - skip Bavel or Republique if you want real Galician percebes and proper pintxos
Skip if: You want predictable Spanish classics or large portions - head to Otoño or Mercado instead for crowd-pleasers and bigger plates
Xuntos
8.4
Chef Sandra Cordero's lively tapas bar brings authentic Galician and Basque Country flavors to downtown Santa Monica, featuring hand-cut jamón ibérico and hard-to-find specialties like percebes. The two-story space in a 1926 building pairs traditional Spanish small plates with natural wines and craft vermouths in a warm, unrefined atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Croquetas de Jamón, Galician-Style Empanada, Percebes (Gooseneck Barnacles)
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Only place in LA serving authentic Galician empanadas and rare Spanish seafood.
Who should go: Spanish food enthusiasts and vermouth lovers
When to visit: Bikini Happy Hour 3-6pm for best deals
What to order: Jamón ibérico, empanadas, percebes
Insider tip: Validated parking across the street for only $7
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking across street $7, street parking tough after 5pm downtown
Dress code: Casual chic - jeans and nice top perfect, no need to overdress
Noise level: Lively but manageable - can hear your date if sitting close
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, bar seats open up faster
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, busier 12:30-1:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid selection of veggie tapas and tortillas
Vegan options: Limited - mainly patatas bravas and grilled vegetables
Gluten-free options: Some options - naturally GF Spanish dishes, ask server
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - tapas sharing creates natural conversation flow, upscale enough to impress but not stuffy, good wine selection helps
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights usually yes, weekends hit-or-miss. Bar seats are first-come and great for walk-ins
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young kids - no kids menu but tapas work for sharing, gets loud during peak hours
Best For
Better for: Authentic Spanish seafood you can't find elsewhere in LA, superior jamón ibérico selection, vermouth program beats any Spanish spot in town
Skip if: Want paella-focused meal (head to Smoke.Oil.Salt), need large group seating (try Mercado), want budget Spanish (Costa Brava in Fullerton)