Teleferic Barcelona in Brentwood is the most authentic Spanish tapas I’ve found in LA — and that’s not a casual claim, I’ve been to Spain twice and eaten at more tapas bars than I should try to count. The patatas bravas are the right version. The jamón is the real thing. Here’s the full review.
Teleferic Barcelona sits on San Vicente Blvd in Brentwood — not Westwood, despite how often the two get lumped together on the Westside. It’s part of a small California chain that started in Walnut Creek back in 2016, opened by siblings Xavi and Maria Padrosa, who grew up around their parents’ restaurant near Barcelona. None of that history is obvious walking in — the Brentwood location feels like its own place, with patio seating and a Catalan-focused menu built around jamón ibérico sliced to order.
What to Order
Golden and crunchy outside, with creamy béchamel and jamón ibérico inside, the Ham Croquetas are the standout starter — and a hit with the kids too. We also ordered the Tuna Tacos, and they held up just as well: tender tuna, crisp slaw, bright seasoning, good textural contrast. Solid without being a highlight, the Veggie Carona is a seasonal vegetable medley that rounds out the table without stealing focus.
If you’re getting one big plate to share, go with the Smoked NY Steak Paella — it arrives in a traditional paella pan with the smoky aroma hitting the table before the dish does, well-seasoned rice, vegetables, and rich steak. For kids, the mac and cheese is simple and does its job. The one dish we can’t recommend is the Gambellini (shrimp and bacon ravioli in carbonara sauce) — our oldest ordered it wanting to try something different, and the flavor fell flat with texture that didn’t quite work.
What to Drink
Start with the Sangria Rosé — it’s an easy way to ease into the meal. Beyond that, the drink menu has real range: the Butter Beer cocktail is smooth and dessert-sweet, and The Liquid Silk is rich and velvety, better paired with the savory plates. If you’d rather stick to wine, the Spanish list is solid too, with crisp Albariños and bold Riojas.
The Honest Take on Service
Service was inconsistent on our visit — we noticed neighboring tables getting food faster than we did. Staff were friendly and clearly trying, so this reads more like a training and pacing issue than an attitude one, but it’s worth knowing going in.
Why It Works With Kids
The tapas format is genuinely good for families — small plates let kids try something new without committing to a full entrée, and there’s enough on the menu (mac and cheese, croquetas) that picky eaters aren’t stuck. Mixing a familiar order like the croquetas with something more adventurous like the tuna tacos is a good way to get everyone to try a bite of something new.
Between the food, the drinks, and the room itself, Teleferic is worth the trip despite the service hiccups. It’s open daily for lunch and dinner — 11:30 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. most nights, with later hours Friday and Saturday — and there’s a happy hour Monday through Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. if you want to try the sangria without committing to a full meal. Worth checking the InKind app before you go, too, to get more value out of the visit.
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