When it comes to dining at Disney Springs, there’s no shortage of culinary experiences to choose from, and Jaleo by José Andrés offers a distinct taste of Spain. From lively music and dancing to authentic tapas, Jaleo promises a vibrant atmosphere. We’ve been to Jaleo a few times now, and while the experiences have been hit or miss, this time, I’m happy to report it was a hit—and for this Saucy Queen, that’s no small feat!
As soon as you step into Jaleo by José Andrés, Disney Springs, the Spanish dancers and music transport you to a bustling tapas bar in Madrid. The energy is undeniable—dancers twirl, the beat of castanets fills the air, and the joyful rhythm adds a layer of excitement to the dining experience. While some might find it a bit noisy, I think it perfectly sets the stage for an engaging evening, especially when paired with good company and great food.
This visit was a special one: date night with my Saucy King. There’s something magical about a romantic evening surrounded by the vibrant colors, lively ambiance, and, of course, delicious food and wine.
Before diving into the menu, let’s talk about the wine. We shared a bottle of red, which is something of a new venture for me. Normally, I gravitate toward rosé or white wine, but I must say, I’m starting to develop a taste for red. It complemented our meal beautifully and felt like a natural choice given the bold flavors of Spanish cuisine.
That said, if you’re not a fan of Spanish wines, the rosé and white wine selection leaves a bit to be desired. I wouldn’t call it disappointing, but it’s not exactly brimming with variety either. Still, the red made up for it, so no complaints here!
Tapas are at the heart of Jaleo’s menu, and the small-plate format makes it easy to sample a variety of dishes. Here’s what we ordered and my take on each dish:
A classic tapas dish and one of Jaleo’s favorites. These fried potatoes come with a spicy tomato sauce and alioli, and they were served piping hot—just the way I like them. Crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with flavor, these were a great start to the meal.
This platter features both chicken fritters and Jamón Ibérico de Bellota fritters. The ham croquettes stole the show for me with their rich, savory flavor and creamy texture. The chicken ones were good, but I’d go back for the ham croquettes alone. Definitely a must-try.
These mussels are cooked in the Josper oven and served with mojo verde, a vibrant green sauce bursting with herbs. They were perfectly cooked, tender, and slightly smoky from the grill. If you’re a seafood lover, these are a delightful choice.
Described as the “very, very famous tapa,” these garlic shrimp live up to the hype. The shrimp were tender and juicy, and the garlic-infused olive oil was so flavorful that we ended up dipping bread into it. It’s a simple dish, but one that’s done exceptionally well here.
This toasted-pasta paella is a unique dish featuring head-on shrimp, squid ink, calamari sofrito, and alioli. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I found it strange yet surprisingly tasty. The squid ink gave it a briny depth that paired well with the creamy alioli. Definitely one of the more adventurous dishes on the menu.
A 6 oz prime flat iron steak grilled in the Josper oven and served with confit piquillo peppers. While the steak was tender and well-cooked, I found it lacked the wow factor I’ve experienced with similar dishes elsewhere. It was tasty but couldn’t quite match the level of Capa at the Four Seasons. Still, it’s a solid option for those who prefer meat over seafood or vegetarian dishes.
Jaleo by José Andrés, Disney Springs isn’t without its imperfections, but this visit proved why it remains a popular spot in Disney Springs. The food was hot, fresh, and flavorful, and the vibrant atmosphere added to the overall experience. Sure, the wine selection could use some improvement, and the steak wasn’t the star of the night, but the overall meal left me feeling satisfied and happy.
Comparing it to some of my other favorite dining experiences, I’d say Jaleo might not dethrone Capa, but it’s certainly worth a visit if you’re in the mood for authentic Spanish flavors and a lively setting. The mussels, garlic shrimp, and ham croquettes alone are enough to make me consider coming back. And with my Saucy King by my side, it was a night to remember.
Jaleo delivers on its promise of bold Spanish flavors and an engaging dining experience. While there’s room for improvement in certain areas, it’s a solid choice for date nights, family dinners, or a fun night out with friends. Whether you’re a fan of classic tapas or curious to try something new, Jaleo has plenty to offer.
If you’re at Disney Springs and craving a little slice of Spain, give Jaleo a try—it’s saucy-approved! 💃🦐🍷
Stay saucy, Saucy Meal Queen
