In my opinion, the greatest test of a Spanish restaurant’s focus on quality is their ability to produce a great Paella. Many have seemingly gotten confused about risotto vs paella. It’s got expensive ingredients, takes some time to do it right (it’s gotta rest to make the crusty goodness fall off the pan), and requires some skilled attention. Yvette at The Wooden Spoon Tapas, Paella, and wine bar nailed it! Yvette and our waiter were personable, attentive, and shared interesting insights about Spanish food and wine. We were also fortunate that the restaurants wine dealer was eating at the bar during our visit and he walked us through the Spanish wine selections which were also excellent. We will definitely return for more.
In my opinion, the greatest test of a Spanish restaurant’s focus on quality is their ability to produce a great Paella. Many have seemingly gotten confused about risotto vs paella. It’s got expensive ingredients, takes some time to do it right (it’s gotta rest to make the crusty goodness fall off the pan), and requires some skilled attention. Yvette at The Wooden Spoon Tapas, Paella, and wine bar nailed it! Yvette and our waiter were personable, attentive, and shared interesting insights about Spanish food and wine. We were also fortunate that the restaurants wine dealer was eating at the bar during our visit and he walked us through the Spanish wine selections which were also excellent. We will definitely return for more.
Recently had a dinner party at the Wooden Spoon, and it was so much fun! Charming cafe, eclectic decor, cool bar. Had shrimp and zucchini Carpaccio tapas, then splurged on Bananas Foster pound cafe - all perfectly prepared. Well done!
Ownership could use a lesson in how to speak to employees and customers. The drinks were subpar and as described by someone else there tonight "her attempt at paella was rice-a-roni with undercooked chicken at best".
Outstanding visit to the Wooden Spoon this weekend to celebrate my wedding anniversary. A cozy atmosphere, romantic music, succulent Paella, tasty Sangria, and the most hospitable experience made this significant occasion more than memorable. Yvette and her staff are fantastic! Plan to visit again.
Only authentic Spanish restaurant in Richmond. Paella as an expression of art to be shared with loved ones. Chef and owner, Yvette brings this classic to RVA with love and respect and, ultimately, delicious flavor and texture. Wonderful tapas. Perfect wine pairings. Attentive, relaxed and personal service. A great experience. Like taking a trip to Valencia.
Fabulous Spanish cuisine and other dishes. Totally recommend for anyone to try. Good wine selection, the Tapas are absolutely delicious and the Paella is perfect. It’s The perfect adorable place to celebrate any occasion. The seafood Paella ? was extraordinary Yvette the chef and owner is so friendly and kind, she makes it a very special place ! I can’t wait to go back to try the black ink squid paella.
Just finished another fabulous dinner at the wooden spoon. We had delicious cucumber martinis, shrimp app nicely spiced, fantastic roasted beet salad and salmon and steak entrees cooked perfectly. Homemade pound cake with chocolate bourbon sauce and for real homemade scrumptious fruit cake —the way it should be! All in! So good I also got a gift basket.
My wife and I were in RVA from California for a few days. Our daughter underwent surgery at a local medical center and rather than the usual dinner fare of regional cuisine, we opted to celebrate with something unique. We brought along our granddaughter; quite a foodie in her own way. One of our more memorable trips to Europe brought us to Spain where we ate and drank our way from Cadiz to Sevilla to Barcelona. Finding the Wooden Spoon (Cuchara de Madera) on Yelp, the menu was our best choice in RVA to take us back to that wonderful time. A last minute decision, we called in for late dinner asking if arroz negro (squid ink paella) was being served. Disappointed to learn that we needed 24 hrs lead time, Yvette instead put together a pan of paella mixta (seafood, chicken, chicken, veggies) that was just as delicious! Having endured nearly two years of the pandemic, we fully understood the challenges she faced; making the dining experience that much more special. Items on the menu brought us back to Catalonia. The three of us shared the Berenjena a la miel (thin slices of eggplant, lightly battered, crispy, drizzled w honey); Spanish style focaccia; Patatas Bravas; and the house salad. Our granddaughter had Pasta w marinara sauce; I had the Steak board (grilled ribeye, chimichuri, Spanish aioli); and Vee the paella mixta. Actually, we shared all these delicious fares; family style. The Wooden Spoon was typical of a quaint seaside mom and pop resto we would find in Costa Brava. It’s simple charm made us feel quite at home. A bottle of the cab franc from La Mancha paired nicely with our meal. In the end, as closing time approached, regret we had no room for desserts. Easily accessible with plenty of parking out back and on the street. Amazing what Yvette has done with such a small place. We will certainly go out of our way to come back to the Wooden Spoon whenever we’re in the area. Check it out.
The restaurant is so cute and inviting. We had the seafood paella and it was delicious! Staff is so friendly, too! Can’t wait to come back and try brunch.