Spanish Diner is closing its doors Wednesday after nearly four years in operation in downtown Bethesda, a manager at the restaurant told Bethesda Today on Monday.
A statement from the company on Monday said the restaurant had “successfully concluded its lease.”
“We are deeply thankful to the community for embracing our passion for authentic Spanish cuisine and creating unforgettable memories with us,” the statement said.
Spanish Diner, a concept from Bethesda resident and chef José Andrés, opened in May 2021 at 7271 Woodmont Ave. in Federal Realty’s Bethesda Row. The restaurant, which serves Spanish-style comfort food, replaced Andrés’ longstanding tapas eatery Jaleo.
Jaleo closed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, Andrés used his restaurants, including Jaleo, as community kitchens where volunteers packaged meals for people in need. Andrés is also the founder of World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that provides meals to communities impacted by humanitarian and climate crises.
Andrés told Bethesda Magazine food critic David Hagedorn that COVID made him “rethink” the Jaleo concept.
“The lease was ending. We were doing OK, but not great,” Andrés said. “Spanish Diner [which debuted in New York City’s Hudson Yards in 2019] is successful in New York. It’s a good concept that can grow.”
In his review of the Spanish Diner, Hagedorn said the main focus at the eatery was eggs, stews and sandwiches, similar to the dishes Andrés grew up eating in northwestern Spain. He particularly enjoyed the “silken and creamy” flan and a pressed breakfast sandwich with ham, Manchego cheese, avocado and a fried egg.
In its final days, Spanish Diner participated in the annual winter restaurant week organized by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington. Winter restaurant week ended Sunday.
In the statement, the restaurant said the Andrés’ restaurant group “remains committed to celebrating the rich culinary traditions of Spain” and welcomed diners to its other restaurants in the Washington, D.C. area.
The MoCo Show first reported the closure of Spanish Diner.