In one word - awful. Our server was nice but way too busy. The food was warm, not hot. Each of our seven dishes were bland. Even the goat cheese lacked flavor. Every vegetable tasted like it was from a can. It was extremely loud to the point it was difficult to hold a conversation.
(1)
Matthew H.
This is my favorite restaurant in the world. Great Spanish style tapas, great service, great wine. That's it.
(5)
Joanne W.
I went here a couple weeks ago on a date. We both enjoyed it. We had the assorted spanish cheeses & apples - cannot go wrong with that. Bacon wrapped dates with a smokey red pepper sauce - very tasty. We had a shrimp dish with a cream sauce with mushrooms which we both enjoyed. We also had a beef empanada - it was good but not my fav. We wanted to get the duck breast but they were out of it. We had red sangria and I have to say that was the one thing I was disappointed with. It was too dry or something (my date agreed). Next time I'd probably try the peach sangria. All in all a good place. Nice atmosphere and I thought the service was good....oh and a good date place too :)
(3)
Rachel J.
Meson Sabika was a special place for me-----my then-boyfriend and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary there, and later made the decision to get married there. I booked the west side yard to have the ceremony, and the back patio for my reception/dinner. When I went to drop off a payment two weeks before my wedding day, I was totally horrified. The side yard where I was to be married was a giant mud pit, and under some major construction. All of the roses were gone---the archway was gone-----there was a 4 foot trench dug out, and nothing to block this ugly mess. It was the first thing a guest would see when they arrived. I was so sad. I had no chance of booking a new place for my ceremony, as I only had 2 weeks notice, and it was a June wedding. When I asked where (on Meson Sabika's property) I could get married instead, the event coordinator showed me the new archway, under a great big tree. It sounds nice, but it was about 15 feet from Aurora avenue, with no noise barriers--so instead of hearing the ceremony, you would hear cars and motorcycles go by. Bleck! I finally got them to agree to let me have the entire patio for no extra charge. They explained the layout, and how everything would work. The back half of the patio is totally shaded by a huge tree, so that is where I wanted to have the reception. I figured my short ceremony would be fine in the sun, as I kept it down to about 25 minutes. On my wedding day, about 10 minutes before I walked down the aisle, I was informed that I was getting married in the shade, and the reception was in the sun. There was nothing I could do, so I just rolled with it. Everything turned out nicely, and I enjoyed myself---but some of my guests got completely roasted in the sun!! I was very concerned about everyone's comfort, so that made me feel bad. I was never told about any of these little surprises until it was too late. The managers made an effort to hide from me every time I stopped by, called, or sent e-mails.
(2)
Mike T.
We taken family and friends to this restaurant and it is a great place to dine. It is a big place, with a separate party/reception room. I think it can seat quite a few people in various rooms. It is a strange place because it is like an old house converted into a restaurant, which makes it a unique place to eat. The tapas dishes are very good, lots of good cold and hot dishes to try. We enjoy the garlic shrimp very much. All of the other seafood tastes fresh as well. The last time we went, we were there for a friend's birthday and it is ideal for a fun group of people.
(4)
Michelle I.
This Spanish tapas restaurant is a definite treat! A great date place! Renowned for exemplary service, delightful ambiance, and distinctive Spanish cuisine, Mesn Sabika brings tapas to a new echelon. Opened in 1990 this four-acre estate, originally built in 1847, has been meticulously renovated and offers an unmatched dining experience. Dine indoors and enjoy the grace and charm reminiscent of a European villa with original oak woodwork, lace curtains, and hand painted ceramics. Or enjoy the ultimate alfresco experience on the brick terrace underneath the 150-year-old oak trees of the estate. A different spin on the everyday eating. Located near downtown Naperville. Try the Datiles Con Torino: Baked dates wrapped in bacon, served w/red pepper sauce, a definite must! You'll have more than one order!! Try their Sunday all-you-can-eat brunch- to die for! For $26 per person you can taste most of all the tapas that are normally on the menu, a great deal!
(5)
Jessica D.
I have lived in the Naperville area for over 5 years and had never once even pondered going here. Mostly it was because from the road it doesn't really look like a restaurant. We finally went with a couple friends who had good things to say and I am sold. It does get insanely busy, so make sure to have a reservation. Ours was at 8:30 and people were walking in and getting quoted an hour wait at 8:45. We finally got sat around 8:50, as there were 2 wedding receptions being held there which limited the amount of regular seating available. Our server was very polite and made sure to serve the ladies first, which is something you never really see anymore. The red sangria was very good and not overly sweet. The four of us polished off 2 pitchers. Don't be put off by the tiny ramekin of seasoned olives that are delivered to the table immediately. I typically don't care for olives, but I took a chance and tried one. The olives were extremely flavorful and not at all what I expected, just be careful of the pits. A member of our group is vegetarian and it was nice to see the generous selection of veggie entrees. The stuffed mushroom caps are a must for veggie and meat-eater alike. They also had a very good cold plate of eggplant rolls stuffed with diced peppers. My favorite veggie dish was the Piquillo peppers stuffed with goat cheese and topped with black bean sauce. As for meat dishes, the beef was phenomenal. I am normally put off by anything with bleu cheese, so when my friend ordered skirt steak with bleu cheese sauce, I just assumed I would pass. With some urging from my boyfriend, I took a small bite only to find that it was delicious. The steak was tender and juicy and the bleu cheese was a perfect compliment, and did not overpower the dish. The filet with sweet potatoes was also incredibly good. The filet was cooked to a perfect medium rare. Another unexpected surprise was the cured salmon with toast points. The salmon was shaved perfectly and paired with crispy toast topped with a dill sour cream sauce. The salmon was further complimented with a generous garnish of capers, red onion, and fresh chives. Somehow we also managed to get through dessert as well. We ordered and shared the chocolate cake with caramel ice cream, the pecan cheesecake, and the profiteroles. My boyfriend is not a chocolate lover, but loved the cake. I could not pick a favorite since they were all very good. Overall, the dishes seemed well thought out and were perfectly executed with high quality ingredients. My one small complaint was the noise level. Every surface around us was hard resulting in a low to moderate roar the entire time we were there. It will also get a little warm when they are busy. Very much worth the minor discomfort for such a great meal. The service was quick, friendly, and not overly attentive. I will definitely be back.
(5)
Jolene H.
This has got to be the most authentic and value-for-money Spanish tapas restaurant in the state of IL! Sabika is housed in an old white mansion, tables packed closely to one another, in a cosy, bustling environment. The service is great and the food, especially the seafood, is always fresh. (I've been there twice and have never been disappointed). Try the mussels and the prawns! And have a sangria with it. The meats are wonderfully cooked (not to raw, not overdone)- try the lamb. Although the food selection is quite limited compared to other places, its good enough for me that every thing I've ordered has been great. The total cost for 2 people and 2 very full stomachs came up to approx $70 (including drinks and tax). On Fridays they have Flamenco dancers to entertain you. Nice touch.
(5)
Justin W.
I love this place. My girlfriend loves this place. You'll love this place! They built this beautiful restaurant in a renovated mansion in Naperville. They've had tents in front for weddings, events, etc, but now they're even adding a permanent structure to replace that! Anyways, this place makes for a great date spot or a place for a large group of friends. With a date, you can share individual dishes, and the wait-staff *always* provides very informed and friendly service! If you go with a group, you can try many different things, but not feel compelled to commit to any one. Both times the bill exceeded $100 for two people, but with the experience and the quality, I gladly forked over that and a 25% tip. I went there this last Saturday and despite having to show up an hour late for the reservation (I estimated incorrectly due to my girlfriend working for her charity's telethon), the manager himself seated us within five minutes. I love them and I loved our server Patricia. Awesome, hands down.
(5)
andy p.
This place is a great place for drinks and tapas! I feell like we went with the right party for this place to accompany. We went with a rowdy group whome the restaurant accompanied by putting us ina room with a very similar type of aura. There was dancing provided by the "well-fed" spanish dancer singer group as well as great tapas!!!! I recommend the fish and the potatoes. The way to get the best is ask the waiter for his/her pics and i am sure you will find it. Place has amazing sangria and various spanish drinks as weell. Def must if your in the area and it is located in an old school mansion as well so take a camera great for pics!!!!!
(4)
Karan V.
One of the best dining experiences I have had in Naperville. It is one of the more unique places in town, and it does not disappoint. Walking onto the property, you feel like you went back in time 75 years when you see the mansion and the grounds. The outdoor seating area is also excellent, and very bustling on a Spring evening. The food and service were top notch. I highly recommend the bacon-wrapped dates for dessert, and any of the beef/pork dishes for dinner.
(5)
Rebecca K.
My favorite local restaurant. The old mansion is warm and welcoming and the food is delicious. I love it more with each visit
(5)
Ellen E.
This is my favorite restaurant in terms of quality of food. Do not miss the Patatas con Aioli (garlicky potato salad). Tilapia is also a dish that I order every time. I also love the Champinones Rellenos (stuffed mushrooms). I have never been to another tapas retaurant that has equaled Meson Sabika.
(5)
Jason S.
Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. There is nothing better than the fantastic outdoor tapas patio on a nice summer evening. We went here with a large group of friends and had such a great night. The food was great. The ambiance and restaurant grounds were spectacular. The friends were perfect. We can't wait to return!
(5)
Pam N.
Wow, I can't believe no one has reviewed Meson Sabika yet! I would say the food is only worth 3-4 stars. The food itself is not better than anything you would find in the city. And personally, for authentic tapas and a wide selection I prefer Cafe Iberico or maybe Emilios. What is so great about this place: it's gorgeous! It's a huge, like, MANOR or some shit. Beautiful. They have outdoor patios, too (I can't wait to check it out in the summertime). The mansion really makes for a unique dining experience, but be aware... they really pack you in here! It's always busy; expect to wait. Not a quiet dining experience by any means. Once you are seated, the service is fantastic. I always end up here w/ a bunch of spanish-ignorant suburbanites, and yet somehow, the waitress manages to understand the orders of "Yeah, I want that one, with the shrimp... and there's some lemon kinda flavor... and maybe I think a sauce too..." And the food comes out quickly and well-timed-- key to tapas dining. Have to try: Datilos con Tocino (bacon-wrapped dates), grilled shrimp-lemon-butter thing, both types of potato salad (the traditional garlic one is spicy!) ... the tuna w/ angel hair pasta if they've got it (it's a special) .... and the banana mousse for dessert! here's the best thing about Meson Sabika: they have a teacher's discount. 40fucking%!! One of my boys has a teacher for a mommy, so she takes us here every time we visit.
(5)
Isabella W.
Love the food, the ambiance. Perfect tapas place for a big group. Worth the drive to the burbs. We went with a party of 7, of which 2 had never tried tapas before. Service was attentive and helpful. The Jamon Serrano cold tapa is delectable - even better than the standard prosciutto: they serve it with a piece of toast, garlic clove, and tomato. You rub the garlic & tomato onto the toast, and then place the jamon on top of the toast like an open-faced sandwich, with a drizzle of olive oil. DELICIOUS. The Queso de Cabra (goat cheese) with garlic bread was also amazing. These were the top two dishes of the night. We also tried the Valenciana paella (chicken, mussels, shrimp), and the Paella special (king crab), Championes Rellenos (stuffed mushroom caps) which was delish; the remaining sauce was also good for bread-dipping, mussels (which unfortunately had a LOT of sand in it), patatas bravas (have to always try the spicy potatoes), which was decent, but not as good as the ones at Bravo Tapas (in Wicker Park). We skipped on dessert and headed to Joy Yee's on Ogden for some bubble tea. Overall, a good dining experience, and I would go back again to try more dishes.
(4)
Eldhose S.
Not the best Tapas I've had but a close competitor to the best. Add in the ambience and suddenly you have a new winner. This was a unique experience. Excellent service and great food.
(4)
Char Y.
We had bacon wrapped dates, empanada de buey, pato confitado, crepe rellena, and patatas bravas. They were just ok, similar to Cafe Iberico downtown. However, our waiter forgot to give us our food so the whole meal took over 1 1/2 hour.
(2)
Amanda R.
Tonight was my first time going here but I will definitely be going back. First off, we had a reservation for 6pm on a Saturday (for 7 people). We were seated promptly. It wasn't too busy, just a few tables and some private events going on, but you could tell it picked up as the night went on, especially the bar area. We all decided to each order 3 plates we were interested in and passed those around as they came. The service was excellent. Our waiter was very helpful. We basically gave them a list of 20 or so tapas and they paced them out for us, cold tapas first. All of the waitstaff were very good about clearing plates and making room and refilling drinks. We never waited for anything. I can't remember everything that we had, but some of my favorites were the Jamon Serrano and the Tostada de Centollo (avocado & crab meat) from the cold tapas. On the hot tapas menu I liked the roasted dates wrapped in bacon, Queso de Cabra (oven baked goat cheese with garlic bread), brochette of beef tenderloin.and the grilled pork medallions. As far as atmosphere, it's an old Georgian mansion so it is very much set up like a house. We were eating in the main dining room. We didn't have enormous table space, but it definitely feels cozy in a good way. I would recommend this to anyone. Sidenote - The dress code is "upscale casual". We dressed nice, not super formal but not jeans. I don't think they're very strict about it because we did see people in jeans and casual clothing but don't be those guys! Dress up and make a night of it!
(5)
Ellen D.
the food was good. the service was ok. the sangria is a rip-off. they water it down and load your glass with ice so it looks large, but it is not. we ordered the pitcher of it, and it is heavy because it is all pottery. order wine instead. I thought I was drinking kool-aid. we may go back to try more food, but it is still over priced.
(2)
Sara S.
Best restaurant in Chicagoland! Excellent food! Love the patio!
(5)
Rachell E.
I recently went to Meson for the first time and I I must say I enjoyed the experience. With Meson, it is an experience, they should call the wait staff tour guides! The tapas that we chose were all fantastic. I'm a big fan of tapas and Meson is one of my new favorite restaurants. The WINE FLIGHT I had was AWESOME! The 'old mansion' feel was great, I felt like I was having dinner at a friends house. If you like tapas try Meson Sabika!
(4)
Lover Of Food And Culture Z.
This is one of my favorite places to eat! Good wine list and everything is super delicious...Love Tapas!
(5)
Jerry W.
My wife and I stopped for a week day lunch at Meson Sabika in Naperville. It is a beautiful old mansion. The building and grounds are well kept. The staff is very friendly. It was very clean, that is important in a restaurant and the decor was really nice. The food was very good. I would definitely go back for the food. Kuddos to the Chef! I just think the price tag was really high though. Especially in today's tight economic times, do they offer a stimulus menu (just kidding). I think we may go back for a special occasion but without our kids, too expensive.
(4)
Christine B.
The food was amazing, so tasty and full of flavor. I didn't care for the Sangria. It wasn't very sweet so I was let down because other reviews raved over it. The folks who bring the food out need better training because they constantly got our dishes mixed up as to which person it went to. Our waiter was nice given that he was new. The decor though on the inside has got to go. It is so ugly and outdated. They could really make it into a spanish mansion but keep some of the original charm like the light fixtures. I also wish that they would enforce a dress code. It's a very nice restaurant and we saw a group of teenageers come in wearing gym shorts and gym shoes. Anything with goat cheese is a must order. Also, the salmon was very fresh. I don't even like salmon but tried my friend's dish that had salmon in it and it wasn't fishy. Very fresh food and a great place for a special occassion. It was very affordable too. We had plenty of drinks, and several dishes and the bill was only a little over $100 which is good for everything that we got. I was surprised at the affordability of it.
(4)
Nari H.
Delicious! Love the goat cheese with their bread. Pretty sweet atmosphere with good service and the food is really really good. I've been a few times and I am never disappointed.
(4)
Melissa M.
This place is beautiful. I have been to weddings, showers, birthday parties, and many regular nights out to dinner and I am rarely disappointed. The only time I'm disappointed is when I order something I don't like because of my own personal tastes. I try a few different things each time I go and sometimes that backfires but mostly it's great. The martinis and sangria are great... I love the olives and bread they give you. Definitely try the bacon dates and my favorite is the steak with horseradish sour cream... so good!
(4)
Anpan W.
Do not drive out to Naperville for this place. If you already live in or near Naperthrill, well, I am sorry. And it is not inexpensive. Why no love for Sabika--bc of the blandness.
(2)
Nora X.
Delicious tapas! I've only come a few times with friends after I've skipped enough starbucks/jamba juices to have some cash. It's certainly not cheap, esp in the mindset of a college student, but boy is it good. Service was a little sketch, and our waiter was a little pushy. But the paella is soo yummy.
(4)
David R.
Great setting.. service..not so good, food..just ok. Went here with a party of 8 people, and the waiter brought out a stack of plates.. distributed them and left. They were dirty! I mean... visibly dirty (still had crusted food on them). We re-stacked them and asked for new ones, only to have the manager come over to question as to why we needed new dishes! when we showed them to him.. he apologized, but.. we never saw him again. food wasn't anything special compared to other tapas restaurants i've been to, but higher priced. drinks were small and weak. Sngria was ok.. same as anywhere... presentation bland! for the cost and experience, will not return.
(2)
Paul M.
The bacon wrapped figs are the best
(4)
Caroline I.
I wish I could give 4.5 stars. The food is excellent, probably the best tapas I've had, the outdoor patio is fantastic (be sure to make a reservation), the wine list is ok in my opinion, but I think the beer list has a good selection of Spanish beers. Service is typically good, but a few times I've gone it's been spotty.
(4)
C C.
One of my favorite restaurants in Naperville!! Great food, great service, and great ambience. My favorite time to go is Sunday Brunch, the selection and quality of food is amazing. It is a buffet style and you can also choose to order some yummy extras from your server. Mostly omelets I believe. If you get the coupon while dining during dinner time, then its even better! I haven't had anything bad at Meson Sabika, even the drinks! I wish I could go there more often, but I would be completely broke! Hopefully I can go back and enjoy more of their yummy food some time soon!
(5)
B B.
I have dined at several Tapas restaurants in the area. Do they have a decent product? I would have to say "Yes" if it is served properly by an attentive staff. The bread basket consisted of 7 small pieces of bread not much to work with for two adults who ordered 5 tapas from the onset. Drinks took way too long and quite frankly I grew tired of begging for bread. We told the server that we had just recived our meal and had no bread. He told us that he would take care of it. He then proceeded to the next table and took a large order from 5 adults. i had to beg another server for bread. It took 15 minutes for the first glass of wine to arrive and the second glass took 20 minutes.
(2)
David G.
Went for rehearsal dinner. Beautiful atmosphere for outside seating, surrounded by trees well lit-up at night. Great food, and and very cool building. Food and service were also very good.
(4)
Frank M.
I'm not even sure I know where to begin... Let's start with the positive; the grounds are lovely. Now, unfortunately, on to the food... I should have known when the hostess was escorting us to our table upstairs and we passed the kitchen and I caught a smell of the fish, I should have listened to my nose and hightailed it out of there. I mean honestly, this city is on a lake for gods sake! Why is decent fish so difficult up here??? But I digress; after being seated in an overheated section of the dining room, the real ordeal began... The meat and cheese plate was about the only thing edible (other than the bread) the entire meal. The baby artichokes were not cleaned properly; leaving the remnants of spines in my throat and I'm still not sure what the "creamy vinaigrette" actually was. The lamb medallions seemed to have been seared and left to finish cooking under the salamander; the accompanying mushrooms had been obviously frozen in a prepackaged assembly of hatred for fresh food, but this theme seemed to be the norm for this restaurant... the onions atop the mushrooms seemed to have been cooked with sugar leaving a very unpleasant taste in the mouth, but hey the artichokes need company right? the sauce swear to gods!) tasted like Campbell's cream of tomato soup with butter that was congealing and separating on the plate even as I watched it... To make matters worse, the sauce was also repeated in with the "cheese crepe" plate. I put the dish in parenthesis because using a store bought spring roll wrapper is not a crepe! nor should a crepe be crunchy!!! The grand finale, however, made the rest of the meal seem like Michelin Star quality in comparison... I am still trying to figure out just what the hell they did to the alleged duck confit other than serve it with a gelatinous mess of canned gravy!! By the end of the meal I felt like my palate had been mugged by a leering Murphy Artist with a dull Santoku in one hand and ladle of greasy canned sauce in the other... This place has as much in common with Spanish Tapas as Taco Bell has with Mexican food.. Actually I take that back, Taco Bell is better than this place...
(1)
Melissa H.
One of the best Paella I have had. This place is so good and its pretty inexpensive for its atmosphere. The mansion is really pretty but can be somewhat cramped, depending on the room you are in.
(4)
Eric H.
A fantastic place to take clients and friends. There's great variety on the menu and you can always find something to satisfy every one. The deserts are expecially good. The service quality has dropped a little since they changed owners (from Emilio's Meson Sabika), but the food is just as good. It's a little pricey and reservations are a challenge. But, you cannot go wrong here. I always take my special clients here. Especially local ones. (Sullivans gets old after a dozen times.) .
(4)
S K.
I could live on the bacon wrapped dates alone!
(4)
K G.
Make a reservation well in advance, especially in the winter! Everything is wonderful, I've tried almost everything on the menu. I love how you can eat some many different things in one dinner. The atmosphere in every part of this beautiful mansion is wonderful, any time of year. The service has always been great, even when we have really badly behaved children dining with us.
(5)
Wonton S.
I've been hesitant to try this place out because everyone I've spoke with said it was great but super expensive (I'm a little cheap:), but I was pleasantly surprised by the bill. The tapas are a little bit on the small size, but that makes the whole experience more fun, you can have lots of little tastes. The wine list is a little overwhelming, lots of Argentinian and Spanish selections. The best bet is to ask the waiter. We relied on him for lots during the meal. The service was amazing, the table was cleared and the attention was dolled out perfectly. I never felt rushed or neglected - my main complaint about the other big tapas restaurant in Naperville, Tango. I can't think of a single complaint about Mason Sabika, other than I can't eat there every night for dinner.
(5)
Justin H.
One of the top restaurants in the area. Amazing food, great drinks, beautiful building, flawless service. The only issue is that it is quite expensive, but probably worth it.
I've eaten tapas at a lot of places, but Meson Sabika had by far the best tapas I have ever had! I loved every single dish that we ordered. The menu was extensive. The stars of the show, for me, were the dates wrapped in bacon and the cheese stuffed peppers. But the beef skewer, chicken & chorizo skewer, and tortilla espanola were also delicious. I finished off the meal with some yummy profiteroles. The service was good, and the atmosphere was nice. We were in one of the side rooms, which was a little quieter and perfect for our anniversary dinner. The bigger, brighter room seemed a little more on the loud side. We also found the prices to be very reasonable. Most of the tapas was around $6. I highly recommend this place and can't wait to go back!
(5)
Darlene L.
This is a place I would like to return to during a week day. Our dinner for four at 7:00 P.M. on a Saturday resulted in a very noisy experience. First of all, we arrived on time for our reservation and were quickly escorted to a terrible table between the bar and door to the kitchen. When we asked for another table, the seater said they were fully booked, but she would check. She never returned. The door to the kitchen or outside was left open creating an unpleasant breeze throughout dinner. Ordered a red sangria to start; waiter brought white. He exchanged it recognizing his error but it took a while. The drink was good. Meanwhile we embarked on tapas heaven. We enjoyed a variety of small plates consisting of tuna, potatoes, chicken, paella, and a fabulous chicken salad. Gazpacho was also terrific. Waiter was a bit overwhelmed as he frantically moved about and had to be reminded to remove the extra charge for the white sangria off the bill-which he graciously did. Prices are reasonable and the place is a spiffed up old farmhouse. Good spot to try but avoid prime time weekends.
(4)
jamie p.
Ok has anyone who has ever eaten here had real tapas? For the price of this place take yourself out to the city and eat real tapas it will be a better experience then this place. First of all the "sangria" tasted like syrup, the steak dishes taste like they got the last of the meat from the butcher that was 1/2 price and the chicken was so overcooked it was like eating string. The dishes have no flavor, they are all bland, tapas is suppose to be a flavorful experience. Don't get me started on the empanadas...they were so hard you needed a steak knife to cut. And the atmosphere is so uppity, tapas is about talking and enjoying everyones company, this place feels like a library. The only good thing about this place is the grounds are absolutely beautiful its just such a shame they put this horrible restaurant on it. Do you self a favor go down the street to Macarena Tapas its half the price and 10 times better food! You wont be disappointed!
(1)
Fred H.
This is where my wife and I went for our 30th anniversary. The small rooms in this large house turned into a restaurant provide you an intimate experience. We are not so familiar with tapas cuisine, but enjoyed it thoroughly. Since the portions are small, you can try a lot of different dishes. Your favorite may be different than mine, depending on your tastes, but with so many choices you will find a lot to enjoy. It is a great place for a very special meal.
(5)
Grace G.
This will be one of very few BAD reviews that I give. Meson gets a bad review from me because not only did they insult me, after they contacted me to apologize and offer a night on them on my voice mail, when I tried to contact them about the message, I never heard from them again. Let me start from the beginning. We've been hearing so much about Meson that I begged my husband to take me there. So we went one night, we had reservations but when we got there, we had to wait. While I have no problem waiting, I didn't understand it when there were so many empty tables on the way to the waiting bar. We waited over a half an hour, which in my opinion, unless it's a weekend night, there is no excuse for a half an hour wait for two with reservations. That was the first strike. We finally got seated on the 2nd floor. There was a flamenco show going on which I was excited about until we got into the room and it was kinda loud. But it was a good show and it didn't last long in our room. We started out with very simple tapas, I remember one was the goat cheese. I went to drink out of my water glass, and cut my lip. I looked at my glass and saw a crack on the lip of the glass. I ran to the bathroom not knowing how deep the cut was. It wasn't bad, but it bled a little. It stopped after a few minutes. When I got back to the table, I noted that my glass had been changed. I asked my hub what happened to the glass and he told me that the busboy took it when he told him that it was cracked. I got a little irritated at my hub for letting the glass go, but didn't think anything of it until the manager came by. He sat down at the table and apologized for what happened, and then he asked me exactly what happened. When I told him that when I took a drink of water and I cut my lip on the edge of the glass, he told me that he had the glass that I drank out of and there were no cracks in the glass. I kinda blinked and asked him if he was implying that I was lying, and he said no, he believed that I cut my lip on something, just not the glass that I claimed. I was shocked. He said that he would comp our drinks and provide dessert. I was so pissed, I dragged (yes dragged) my husband out of the restaurant. I was on the second floor, so you can imagine. I was literally stomping out and I was wishing someone would stop me. No one did, thank their lucky stars. To make matters worse, I called Meson the next day and explained to them that I was so looking forward to trying their restaurant, but the experience of being accused as a liar for physically harming myself and then blaming it on the establishment really put me off. I provided the name of the manager and told them where they could contact me. I got a phone call from someone at Meson who apologized for the manager, claiming that he was just a temporary, and that I should contact someone whose name begins with an O for a complimentary meal for me and guest. Well, I called back and I left 2 messages for this person and I never heard from Meson again. Needless to say, I never got an opportunity to actually taste Meson's tapas. I do have to say that hub and I and a friend went there for brunch, and were not impressed. We were told by our wait staff that brunch was a compilation of leftovers from the past week. We didn't need to hear that. Anyway, I did hear great things about Meson, but I don't think I'll be going back anytime soon. There are too many OTHER tapas restaurants that make the grade for me. When Emilio sold Meson, he didn't sell his classiness and his concern for his patrons. Too bad. I liked the layout of Meson. Something tells me that given a chance, it would have been a decent experience. But who likes to be accused for causing their own physical damage? Especially when we hadn't had dinner yet? I mean I could understand a manager being wary about someone accusing of being cut on a glass AFTER dinner, but not before we had even ordered. I can't believe it...I'm still steamed about this and this happened in November 2004.
(1)
Joedel G.
We went to this restaurant on friday, it was a special day indeed because it was my wifes birthday. We've heard this place before but it was our first time to dine at Meson Sabika. Mmmm, what can I say, of course we tried the sangria as recommended by our server, very refreshing chilled wine with a very little kick. I tried the tostadas de caviar which is very good, it blended well with the mojito which my wife ordered, although she didn't like it 'cause it a little bit stronger as what she expected. We also tried a variety of hot Tapas like Salmón A La Plancha, Queso De Cabra ( my kids love this so much ), Patatas Bravas, grilled squid, vegetable paella, etc. We ended our dinner with two kinds of dessert, Flan Del Meson Sabika and Crema De Chocolate. One thing I've noticed though that our server did not take down his notes while we were ordering, so he had two mistakes, one was giving us baileys? instead of Mojito and we were served an extra paella, which we returned it of course. But it was really a great experience and despite of a little confusions, we gave our server a decent tip since he deserve it. Oh before I forget this retaurants structure is amazing, it's like a mansion converted into a restaurant, check the photos in their site. To complete the spanish ambience they have a Spanish guitarist with a flamenco dancer, Ole !!!... Strongly recommended.
(4)
Suzanne V.
My first Yelp event tonight...food, drink..service was great! Music was great! Beautiful night!!
(5)
Jen D.
I have been a patron of this establishment for better part of 15 years; well before it was called Meson Sabika. The tapas is excellent but I feel the need to post the lack of customer service we experienced along with the large error in our bill that remains uncorrected. When the large group of us paid the bill, I gave my debit card with instructions to charge $20 to the card. The receipt I signed appeared to say $20. Imagine my surprise when my bank alerted me that the ENTIRE BILL had been charged to my bank! I approached the manager who did not help and did not credit the amount because he didn't "have a code" to do so. I have never experienced such a shady exchange with any restaurant. He refused to assist in any way and offered no solution to credit me as deserved, he defended his wait staff and said, "he said he did not enter this amount". My bank has a cease charge and will be investigating Meson Sabika. I warn you to not hand your debit card over to this establishment. Meson Sabika has no problem taking my cash without my permission and I'm sure they will do the same to you.
(2)
Emi D.
They are in an old mansion and absolutely gorgeous. I recommend Sunday branch sitting patio under sunshine with good food. It is so beautiful time. The service and staff are great too.
(4)
Chris H.
Meson Sabika has jumped the shark. It's a shadow of what it used to be. 15 years in Naperville, going to Meson Sabika several times a year, and after tonight's visit we decided we're not going back. Had a reservation, seated right away, then waited almost 15 minutes for a server to come to our table. Finally flagged down the manager to get a server, and when he arrived at our table, he was literally dripping with sweat. Eww. The service was so slow, and the dining room so incredibly loud, a couple seated behind us canceled their order and walked out! The tapas are still good, but trust me when I tell you, they have gone downhill. My son's Ginger ale was delivered with a good-size bug floating in it, and we battled little gnats all through our meal...and we were seated inside. After the Ginger ale episode, the manager came over and gave a little speech about how the bug in the drink and the time we waited were "unacceptable," and "dessert was on them.". Well, the bill came (2 hours and 10 minutes later!) and guess what? Charged full price for everything. I made a comment to the manager on the way out, and he spoke to me as if I were an idiot, telling me that it listed the items that were comp'ed on the bottom of the receipt--as if I couldn't read. I replied that no, it said no such thing--because it didn't--and he smiled at me as if he were humoring a child (I'm about 20 yrs older than this schmo) and said he could check on it "if I wanted." I replied that all I wanted was to leave the place as soon as I could.
(2)
Shirley M.
Our family's first choice is Meson Sabika if we're looking for a special night out. We ask for Servers Patti, Max or Herbert when we dine there. We each have our favorite dishes but have found that the servers always make excellent recommendations when it comes to food or drinks. The owner appears to be a charitable individual ~ participating in fundraisers and hosting a special Thanksgiving dinner for people who need a place to gather on that holiday.
(5)
Mark S.
My wife loves this place. I balk because I go out to eat to get away from having to make decisions. I want to order and be done with it. But the food here is great. Go with a group so you can try lots of stuff and maybe no one will notice if you zone out on sangria and let others do the ordering.
(4)
James D.
Tapas is a great option for a group of friends/colleagues to share great food and try different things and this is the best place in the area for Tapas. The mansion is great and the atmosphere is comfortable and cozy. While there are issues with the consistency of the wait staff, the food has always been enjoyable and the specials are worth trying. If Tapas is too intimidating for you, ask for help and sit back and enjoy. Lastly, this place is much more fun for 4 or more people so grab a group and have a great time.
(4)
Susi D.
you know, everyone i know says this place rocks. it is very beautiful, i will say. the grounds are lovely, the mansion is gorgeous. i think i just wasn't in the mood for tapas when i went though, because i just felt like meson sabika was going to change my life and it didn't. the food was perfectly fine, the wine was good, the service was nice. maybe i was just crabby? anyway i plan to go again because i left there feeling i should tell Meson Sabika "It's not you...its me........"
(3)
Sheila Y.
I thought this place would be amazing and sadly it was not. I was also not super impressed by the decor, which I thought looked a bit shabby. I did not venture over to the bar which looked like it could be a great place to chill. I would definitely head back for that reason if the Sangria was a little bit tastier (amazingly the Sangria at Weber Grill is the best I have had so far...hands down). The group ordered up a ton of tapas and I will quickly touch on the ones I remember. Both of the soups (Gazpacho and Shrimp Bisque) were actually quite tasty. The Gazpacho had a great nuttiness imparted from ground almonds. We ordered four things off the specials of the day menu and I was disappointed that a few came out on top of mildly flavorfull tomatoes. The white smelts were decent and the asparagus wrapped in proscuitto was tasty. I think the grilled calamari was prepared nicely and the bacon wrapped figs was nice. One other general observation was that many of the dishes came to the table resting on a creamy tomato-based sauce which was special the first time around but after two or three lost its oomph. For dessert we had a poached pear and something chocolatey. Since I can't really remember them its a bad sign. Overall, this place is decent, but I will not be making a return trip with the precious Chicago time I have left.
(3)
Daniel W.
great place for Tapas and non-alcoholic Sangria (is that possible?). The atmosphere etc is great. very romantic.
(4)
charlotte s.
being that it's not in a big city, i'll give it a higher rating... but had this restaurant been in a metropolitan city, then they would have had to tweak their skills a bit more in order to survive... the family came here for new year's dinner which was a tasting menu. none of the dishes were particularly 'creative' or unique... felt very culinary school textbook-like... but at least everything was fresh... the servers and bussers seemed to try and do their best but there were still communication issues between them as they seemed to have a difficult time with the timing and coursing of each item in the tasting menu. the pacing was off and the food seemed to start overlapping each other with less and less time between the food. at one point we had two courses almost at the same time.... that should be a no no... if they saw the people still eating their food, they should just take the plate back... oh well... and i will not go into their inability of 'pre-setting' for each course... they had a flamenco dancer perform which was a nice attempt but with the bad acoustics as well as the genre of music, it didn't quite come out right... i know it's a tapas restaurant, but flamenco just didn't seem like the right kind of music to play for this atmosphere... the location where this restaurant is located is beautiful. an old house with beautiful grounds... the private party space next to the old house looked nice too but kinda interesting since the party had a DJ spinning... definitely a different vibe from our flamenco music... haha...
(4)
Nelson S.
This is a great place to go with friends, order a bunch of different tapas and pass it around. The masion is very romantic and has a very elegant touch to it. We had great service and was very happy with the experience. Always look forward to coming here!
(4)
Lisa T.
Great atmosphere, location, parking, service and Sangria's! I have dined here once and can't wait to go back. The food was delicious. The duck was my favorite item I tried. I advise all to sit outside if possible, it's beautiful!
(5)
Sharan K.
I have visited this place for their Sunday brunch buffet and it was a delightful experience. They featured champagne (or sparkling wine as the server likes to call it) or mimosa (which is champagne mixed with orange juice) - the first one is standard part of the brunch and subsequent ones are a little cheaper. Tea, coffee and juice are included with the buffet. The place was crowded and it was wise to make reservations prior. You get to choose one of 3 styles of omelet, one of 2 soups and 1 of 4 (or sometimes 5) desserts from the kitchen via your server. You get unlimited breads with butter on the table and of course they have a longish table with hot tapas choices {stuffed mushrooms, pork, beef, chicken, sausages, all with grilled vegetables} . There is another table with cold tapas {salmon, caprese topped with sardines, tuna filled cannellonis, etc) . They also have something more "American" traditional for the little ones like hamburgers and fries. Also added to the Sunday buffet are 3 seafood hot preparations and 3 meat preparations (beef, chicken and pork). There is even a carving station! Then there are several fruits, including papaya, watermelon, honeydew melon, strawberry, cantaloupes, etc. I almost forgot they always have the dates wrapped in bacon, drizzled with something, works like a dessert in itself! I think they call it Dátiles con Tocino. The placed is housed in a mansion and has a separate large hall (for banquets). They have very nice service and the little touches, which in my humble opinion - make this place classy. Such as a large mirror just outside the restrooms (signs marked Senores and Dames, make it easy to figure them out), so you can check yourself prior to returning to your table. Even the cups are curved in the right way, something I have not seen elsewhere, so when they touch your lips, it is easier to sip. The service is excellent over all. I shall be back for sure.
(5)
Olivia B.
The food was good. The experience was poor. We had a reservation but had to wait for a table. That's fine, though we passed a large room full of empty tables on the way to the bar... After 10 minutes, we realized most people at the bar were being seated in that room, our table included. Then a red flag went off: every table in that room was filled in about 15 minutes. My instinct was right...my table of 4 ordered 3 tapas dishes at a time and we unfortunately received one about every 20 minutes. That means we each had a bite of food, 2 bites tops, and then sat for 20 minutes. That being said, I was hungry! I've never eaten more bread in a meal than I did here. At least they kept the bread coming... And with the slow food service, the whole meal took a long time. The reservation was at 8 and we left at 10:30... Also, the menu is so large it was overwhelming. My table agreed it would be easier if these paper menus were similar to a sushi place, where you mark off what you want!
(3)
Michelle G.
We finally went here for Valentine's Day after living in the area for 12 years. The mansion is gorgeous - great ambiance (we ate upstairs). The menu was prix fixe but had a great variety. We loved the bacon-wrapped dates and ordered more. I'd love to come back in the summer to eat on the patio.
(5)
Dema A.
Been here twice so far and we love it. Definitely be back for more. All their tapas are delicious and you cannot go wrong with any of the warm tapas, we haven't tried any of the cold ones yet. Good wine selection and a great service.
(5)
Sam S.
Ok Nothing special.
(3)
Christine O.
I came here for the first time last week with an old college friend who was in town on a business trip. We had a lot of seafood and loved every bit of it: scallops, salmon, squid.. we also had a delicious eggplant dish. The house is lovely and regal - I only wish I had thought to make a reservation so we could have sat out on the famed patio. Who knew even Tuesdays are fully booked outside!
(5)
Amy H.
Our wedding in June of this year was damn near perfect thanks to the hard work, attention to detail and genuine concern of Katie, our coordinator, and the day-of wedding staff at Meson Sabika. Not only were my husband and I tremendously happy with the venue itself which allowed us to have a lovely outdoor ceremony and an elegant reception, but the food could not have been better. Everyone we talk to post-wedding has complimented the food at our wedding and you would think at least one or two were just being nice had we not been equally impressed. The beef tenderloin was cooked perfectly, not dry or overdone like you often have at weddings. The quality of food was a huge deal for us when we were shopping for venues and MS did not disappoint. Our guests were also delighted to find sangria on every table and we were delighted to have a unique event. Thank you Meson Sabika!
(5)
Jaime R.
New Years dinner- 39.95 a person. Disappointing to say the least. The bacon wrapped dates were too sweet and not enough saltiness to balance. The salmon wrapped asparagus was good and the potato salad was the highlight (yes really the potato salad). The scallop and shrimp crouton was good although not memorable. For entree - dry medium to medium well filet fell flat but the lobster tail was done well. And the biggest disappointment was the dessert. We had a table of four and they brought out a random selection of dessert. I thought we were each going to get a dessert per the menu. In fact, we did not and only each got ONE dessert. This would have been ok (although the way the menu is printed - this is still highly misleading) if the server had asked us which dessert we all wanted. Instead we have two lactose intolerant people and got two cheesecakes and one sorbet for four people. What in the world?? Terrible I expect so much more than this from our regular Sunday brunch spot. Would never do their NYE again.
(1)
Sabrina C.
I really like this place. The restaurant is basically set up in a mansion - and the decor is far more Old World than Spanish... but it's great, and the people are wonderful and the menu is extensive and the food is awesome. (Phew.) They have a great mix of hot and cold appetizers - I wish I had written this review at the restaurant so I could have listed all the things we'd eaten (over a few trips there now, I'd say we've legitimately tried at least 2/3 of the menu.) I will say the cold potatoes with aioli were basically potato salad and just ok, but that's the only thing I haven't LOVED here. The bacon-wrapped dates are an absolute must. The shredded duck (a hot tapa) was also amazing. Skirt steak with blue cheese... yup. Killer. Reservations are definitely needed; I think most Napervillians realize that because there was literally no one waiting when we arrived, but they were PACKED. (One thing worth noting: While this didn't apply specifically to us nor impact our experience in any way, I did note the struggle another couple was having with the limited handicapped options. The second time we were there we also dined upstairs because the lower dining rooms were full - so I'd recommend letting them know in advance with your reservation that you may require additional assistance and a downstairs table. The bathrooms are NOT handicap friendly. Very small and narrow.)
(4)
Morris N.
We never tasted the food and probably never will. We were having a late Sunday lunch. I saw the great yelp reviews and decided to try this place. The sign outside showed they were open until 2pm for lunch so we went in which was 1:20pm at that time. The hostess told us they were closing in ten minutes and seemed more interested in getting off work than serving customers. They may have a nice setup but I wasn't impressed with the customer service.
(1)
Mike C.
Great selection variety and great tasting food. My review would be five stars but it is a bit of a walk from the parking lot for cane users and limited handicap parking. Also, the tables tend to be a little too close and the restaurant a little too noisy for my taste.
(4)
Amy S.
Far exceeded any expectations any of us had in our party of four. Definitely sit outside if you can in this unique venue.
(5)
Derek B.
We wanted to get out and try something new that didn't disappoint - we found the right place. Made the reservation online which was easy. The host was very polite. The decor is dated but it adds to the restaurant. Our waiter was Mitchell who was great and had awesome recommendations. We split a pitcher of red sangria (not a huge pitcher, but very good) and it was a little pricey. It is a tapas style place so we tried 3 small cold and 3 small hot dishes and all were done very well. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Jody D.
Yes, there is great food in the suburbs! I love this restaurant. The food is amazing, the staff is great and the setting is wonderful. Everything you need for a fantastic night out. Start by ordering a few plates and then continue to add more. I think about the sea scallops with apple coucous for days after eating it....darn it, now I'm hungry again! I have given gift certificates to several family members and friends and they have all become regular customers.
(5)
Alexandria R.
This place has it all!! Great food, service, staff, owners, ambiance. They are always accommodating and never fail on providing delicious, authentic food. We even recently hosted my garden themed baby shower here. It was BEAUTIFUL. Their staff provided excellent service to our party and worked with us wonderfully! Love it here!!!!!
(5)
Laura S.
This place is super cool. It's tucked away and you would never know it is a restaurant. There is a building for wedding receptions on-site that looks absolutely beautiful and the actual restaurant is in what seems to be an old house. There are tables set up in each room and it feels very authentic. The food was GREAT. Both the strawberry and peach sangria were wonderful. I don't think I tried anything that I didn't like. The Queso de Cabra was easily the best item on the menu (or best item we ordered!). Our waiter was very attentive. My only complaint is that our table was small and we felt packed in like sardines. Obviously this is not unique to just this restaurant, as most restaurants try to squeeze too many people in one place.
(5)
Beth M.
the lamb was unbelieveable and the outdoor space is quite pleasant. We weren't huge fans of the sangria.
(4)
Amanda S.
Ohhhh, tapas. Why are you so expensive? I first fell in love with tapas in Spain, where most are free (yes free!) when getting a drink. They are the perfect size for sampling and sharing. I went here on a Friday afternoon with some girlfriends and we put down. I was surprised at how loud it was, I don't know if it is the shape of the rooms and it effects the acoustics, either way it was loud. We chowed down on multiple tapas but my favorite was the goat cheese with tomatoes. I could have had that and bread all day. We also enjoyed a few pitchers of Sangria but man is that stuff pricey. It'll cost you $27 for a pitcher of that stuff, so don't get too hooked. It was good, but I don't think it's worth the price. The tapas are good it's worth going on a nice occasion because the building and grounds are beautiful, but for a better deal go to Macarena's tapas. They have just as good food AND a Groupon regularly!
(4)
Stefanie W.
Favorite place...so much so that we're at risk of over-dining here. Where do I begin? The Food ~ The big draw is the tapas but they have some fine paellas too. If you don't know, tapas are little plates. Each is like a little almost appetizer of a particular dish. Dinner for two might consist of 5-6 plates. I think I've eaten everything. All is good but there are just a couple that to me I'd say not worth it. My favorites are for cold dishes, the marinated shrimp with the trio of sauces, the garlic potato salad and the Spanish ham with cheese on toast points. That last one I never would have tried had it not been for the recommendation of our Spanish exchange student. Seemed too simple to be good. I was wrong. My favorite cold dishes are the bacon wrapped dates, the skirt steak with blue cheese and the sausage combination of chorizo and blood sausage (oh, quiet and try that one! You don't go to this place to bore your palate!) The dining experience... Nibbles on the table consist of marinated olives and bread and butter. A LOT of people love their sangria - and it IS good - but for the price ($25 a pitcher) I'd prefer to have a nice bottle of wine. Service is generally great. My preference is to come here with no more than four people because beyond that makes the dish sharing a bit much. Surprisingly this is a good place for kids because the kids meals are terrific without being horribly expensive. Nothing worse than going out for a nice meal and having to play $6.95 for frozen chicken fingers. Here they offer a nice skirt steak among other meals. Atmosphere ~ You have your choice between the various dining rooms, the bar and the patio. Meson Sabika has, by far, the BEST patio dining around. Just lovely. The bar is high energy and gives you a front row for the weekend entertainment. There are 3 tables for four and 2 for two in there as well as the bar seats. The dining rooms are all very nice with upstairs being quieter than down. Dress ~ I have seen everything from too casual to wedding attire but it tends to be on the nicer end of things.
(5)
Karen C.
Always a wonderful meal and event! The family is so giving....... Meson made our 2015 Distinguished Service Awards one of the best yet! Thanks for all you do! -The Naperville Jaycees
(5)
Jennifer N.
Excellent food and service! Their tapas menu is quite extensive. The atmosphere is wonderful and the setting is beautiful. This is the place to go for tapas in the suburbs!
(5)
Brittany B.
The ambiance and staff are great, but honestly the food is nothing to write home about. For the price of our dinner ($100 for two), I expected better.
(3)
Meghan M.
I love this place. It's great for a celebration with a big group, or an intimate dinner for two. My favorite dishes are the queso de cabre, bacon wrapped dates. They always have great service. The sangria pitchers are pricey, but very good. Overall, I would recommend this place for great food and awesome ambience.
(5)
Jean Z.
It is one of our favorite restaurants in Naperville. All the tapas are good to try. I also had an over 30 person birthday party. The food and service is very excellent.
(5)
Mary C.
Everything here is so good. Recommend the bacon wrapped dates, gambas marinadas, tostada con centollo, Pipirrana de Buey, potatas bravas and many more. The patio is great when it's warm and Sunday brunch is awesome. Favorite dinner place by far.
(5)
Shin M.
I read that this place was in a really big mansion but when I got there, it wasn't as extravagant as I had expected. The inside just looked like each room was a really nice dining room. Nothing special. The staff were friendly but could have been friendlier... My friend and I came here and I THINK the following is what we ordered: Strawberry lemonade: It was OK, a little watered down. Too much ice. Queso de Cabra- (oven baked goat cheese with garlic bread) The oven baked goat cheese came in a tomato bisque-like soup with garlic bread on the side. I loooooved the goat cheese in the bisque-like soup. It was really creamy and delicious. However, I wasn't a big fan of the garlic bread. It had really hard, dry, and had crispy edges. Even the appearance of it was unsatisfying- it was green so it looked moldy even though it wasn't. Gambas con Espinacas- (Sauteed tiger shrimp atop spinach with a white wine honey pepper sauce) This was really tasty! The white wine honey pepper sauce made this dish delicious! FYI- there were two servings of this. Gambas al Ajillo- (Grilled tiger shrimp with garlic lemon butter) This was just OK. There were maybe 6 shrimp with garlic lemon butter drizzled over them. Nothing special. Vieras Albarino- (Grilled sea scallops served over Mediterranean couscous with apple and tomato butter sauce) As delicious as this sounds, it wasn't. This was my least favorite dish. The sea scallops were just tasteless. The couscous was also tasteless. There just wasn't enough sauce on the sea scallops or couscous. FYI this comes with 3 scallops. Cazuelita de Chocolate- (Soft-centered, warm chocolate cake served with caramel ice cream) This was very similar to a warm gooey brownie, but not as good as a brownie! Tarta de Chocolate y Caramelo- (Warm bittersweet chocolate and caramel custard baked in a hazelnut tart crust with vanilla ice cream) This sounded deeeelicious, but again, it failed to deliver. People should just stick to making lemon tarts- chocolate tarts do not work out. Overall, this place was okay. I would be willing to go back and try more dishes one day.
(3)
Brook B.
Yummy Sangria and great food. Perfect place for a girls night out. Have been here multiple times and have never been disappointed. Tip - bring a friend who is an educator with proof they are and you will receive a 40% discount on your bill.
(4)
Allison K.
After years of hearing that I HAD to go to Meson Sabika I finally tried it out this weekend! The servers are professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. Ben was a joy. Funny, handsome, and I wish I was 15 years younger! The food was spectacular (bacon wrapped dates, need I say more?) and each tapa I tried was better than the last. Try the spice and ice if you want to feel healthy while you get drunk.
(5)
yoku s.
The food is good, prepared well, and we've been customers for a long time. We recently did carry-out twice, and I found that experience to be confusing. Nobody updates me on where my order is / how long I have to wait. I literally stood there and people-watched until my order showed up. I also purchased gift certificates here when they offered $20 gift certificate for every $100 purchased. I did not know there would be a limited time to use it, and you cannot use multiple in one sitting. Restaurants really need to let people know these 'fine prints' beforehand.
(4)
Gina D.
Excellent food. Great variety of small plates. Haven't had one I didn't like. And most are wonderful. Service is exceptional especially since you may be ordering rounds of small plates as well as rounds of small plates. One complaint it is too noisy.
(4)
Nicole S.
Okay.. so the reason I am giving only 3 stars is because although I went to Meson for dinner and it was AMAZING!!! I went back the next day for brunch and it was horrible. My husband and I went to Meson for dinner on a Saturday night and it was great. Our server was very nice, knowlegable of the menu, and made sure we had everything we needed. He also offered us discount coupons to return for the Sunday brunch which we were happy to accept. The next morning we grabbed our kids and headed to Meson. If I could give dinner 5 stars and brunch 1 star I would. The brunch was one word "gross". The food was not even mediocre it was just bad. After paying nearly $40 I left Meson hungry. I also didn't like that there were absolutely no menu options available and the only thing you could order custom was an omelette which was folded eggs with a couple of pieces of meat and a slice of cheese. It was a total dissapointment and definitely not what you would expect after having their amazing lunch or dinner menu. Meson needs to step it up fast!
(3)
Lindsay D.
I love everything about this place. Great food, amazing service and a nice ambiance- especially if you can get a spot outside. Keep up the great work, Meson Sebika!
(4)
Sam T.
Real tapas are free! While that culture will never fly in the United States, this place does have amazing Tapas dishes for a price. Food: Sangria - Refreshing Paella - I've had better but not bad Duck Confit - Best dish we order! Moist with a darker flavor. Lamb Medallions - Without the game taste. Done right. Bacon wrapped Dates - Interesting... Service: Friendly enough to give us a tour and recommendations. Fairly attentive staff. Environment: Felt like I was in a colonial mansion in the Mideast. Wait....that's exactly it..... Price: Didn't pay but it didn't look cheap. =) Food: 4 Service: 5 Environment: 4 Price: 3
(4)
Rick S.
All the food is phenomenal it's okay to try anything here. However getting everything off the menu will set you back. The service is impeccable! Wish we could dine here more often.
(5)
Michael S.
Amazing everything. Paella is worth the wait and come with an open mind as to what to order and eat. The more variety you can order the more you will enjoy the Tapas. Remember this is Tapas and small plates are the norm.
I found this place on "Open Table" and decided to give it a try... absolutely loved it. have been there several times and it doesn't get any better. The ambiance of the old mansion, the bar, and the food is fantastic. The staff very friendly and the food fantastic. They have a great array of food choices for anyone from vegetarian, to gluten free to carnivore palate. The tapas are decent size and can be shared b/w 2-3 people. And most important, they taste delicious... especially when shared with great wine... I love this place :) and can't wait to go back.
(5)
Cathy R.
Monday night, my husband and I were in the mood to go out and came across yet another place we haven't visited in the neighboring burb - Meson Sabika. We haven't had tapas in a while since we moved out of the city, so we were excited. The place was beautiful, as most of the other reviews have commented. It was a mansion turned into a restaurant/banquet hall. The service was good, they were always attentive and made sure our water glasses were full (that's always a big deal for me). What we ordered: Pincho de Pollo - chicken tenderloin and chorizo with cumin garlic mayo - tender and flavorful. Would I order it again? Maybe...but there are so many other things on the menu to try.. Pipirrana de Buey - skirt steak with bleu cheese sauce. - A MUST. Definitely the winner of the night. So savory and delicious. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Calamares a la Plancha - grilled squid in garlic lemon olive oil - nice and clean taste. Can't really go wrong with it at all. Mariscos Paella - filled with a variety of seafood - loved the flavor and texture of the rice, but the seafood itself was slightly overcooked. Still very tasty, and honestly when you order a bunch of tapas and are still hungry, the paella will help to fill you up. We ordered one more tapa that I cannot seem to find on the online menu - smelt on a bed of tomatoes and lettuce with some avocado- the smelt was very good, but there was so little of it that we didn't think it was worth it. We were so full that we didn't have the chance to try dessert. We do plan on coming back to try many of the other options, as well as the sangria. Can't wait to visit again!
(4)
Derrick T.
It's late evening on a Monday, and the wife and I are looking for a meal we can enjoy together that's Paleo friendly. We pull up to a mansion of a place (literally, a mansion) that has phenomenal atmosphere, and super friendly staff even though we arrive 1 hr before they close. Eating out on Paleo is doable but difficult at times... especially as a foodie who appreciates things like rice (semi-Paleo), cheese (primal, not paleo), and cakes/tarts/flans (totally not Paleo). Regardless, Meson Sabika actually had some great paleo and primal options! 1. Started with olives, no bread. Simple, tasty, enjoyable! Green olives were great. 2. Skirt steak with blue cheese and onions - Holy smokes. This was the best tapas we had all night. Get this! (primal) 3. Pincho de Pollo - The sliced chorizo was delicious. The chicken, tender and good, but only one skewer (four bit sized pieces) and one slice of chorizo... tasty, but definitely won't fill you for the $7. (paleo, forgo the mayo) 4. Calamares la plancha - Grilled quite perfectly, and a respectable quantity. Worth getting, especially when you add a squeeze of lemon across the top for a little bit of acid. (paleo!) 5. Mariscos paellea - We ordered this to help fill our bellies up... seriously, at tapas, without a good rice dish, we typically find we have to spend a lot more to feel full. No different here. A huge plate of well seasoned paella for $15. (semi-paleo, depending on how your body reacts to the grain) 6. White smelt, tomato, avocado - This was one of their specials. The smelt was phenomenal, with two pieces per serving (3 servings). Each serving had a slice of tomato topped with two smelt, then covered with avocado... when it first showed up, we didn't even see the smelt (avocado cuts were large, smelt were small). While tasty and fun to try at least once, I don' t know that we'd re order this again... Verdict: It's not cheap, it can be affordable if you order the right things (paella, potato dishes, etc), but really the focus here is the quality of ingredients and the atmosphere. It's a beautiful spot for an evening out, date night, etc. with great service to back it up. The quality of ingredients are excellent, and at some point, we'll be back to try the sangria. Very tasty, and worth a revisit!
(4)
Katie D.
The ambiance is definately different and good. However, was not pleased with the spanish tapas, I can say there are definately some good tapas places and Meson Sabika does not stand out. The food was decent but little pricey. Overall, worth trying it.
(3)
Mohit S.
Excellent Spanish restaurant. Tapas are amazing!!! Good service. Clean facility. Sangria is fantastic. Paella is a big portion, i wish the waiter explained how big the portion was, since i had already tried three tapas prior to ordering. Overall nice date place for couples.
(4)
Laura C.
My sons treated me to the phenomenal treat of Meson Sabika for an early Mother's Day gift. Despite having a reservation, our seating was delayed, but this was understandable for a busy Saturday night before Mother's Day. I was impressed that we received a complimentary order of bacon wrapped dates to tide us over until dinner. That's customer service! The Pipirrana de Buey (skirt steak with Cabrales blue cheese sauce) and the Champiñones (stuffed mushroom caps filled with spinach and cheese with tomato basil sauce) were my favorite highlights.
(5)
Glenn D.
On a beautiful Summer day (or evening for that matter), there is no better place in the western suburbs than the patio at Mason Sabika. Amazing tapas, great sangria, sunshine, and more sangria....
(5)
Harris N.
The venue is definitely first rate. It's an old mansion that has been renovated to be a restaurant. It's set on a large lot and has a room and the parking for large parties. Tables are small and the dining room is intimate. You'll need to make sure they keep clearing the table to make room for more food. The food is good, but not great. We had a lot of their tapas. Serrano Jamon, Tostada con Piquillo, Mariscos Paella, Gambas con Guindillas, Pato Confitado, Champiñones, Queso de Cabra, Patatas Bravas, Pincho de Solomillo and Cazuelita de Chocolate. Most of the tapas were well done with good taste. The Paella was a little soupy for Paella. It needed to be cooked a bit more.
(3)
Kristine H.
Best sangria in town! Excellent service, ambiance and food choices. Would visit again.
(5)
Katie L.
Hadn't visited here in a while, but came for Valentine's Day this year! We had a 9:30 reservation and were seated early, which pleasantly shocked me! They were offering a prefixed menu for the holiday in addition to the regular menu and it seemed like the better deal, so we went with that. It was $42.95 per person and offered 6 different kinds of tapas, some cold, some hot, filets and lobster tails, and two desserts! Definitely seemed worth the money for all of the variety for two people, and it allowed my husband to try a little bit of everything since it was his first time. Our favorite dishes were the potato salad, shrimp and scallop salad, bacon wrapped dates, filet, lobster, and the white sangria! Thanks for making our date night so special!
(5)
Heidi P.
I thought the food was fantastic and the old plantation house had a great feel.
(4)
Bob Z.
Some friends and I met here for an after-work get together. The landscape and architecture is just beautiful. We came back during the holidays and they make it a magical view. The food is great. Lots of old and new flavors. The only down side is the rooms don't match the cuisine. The rooms have beautiful decor, but more old world ballroom feel. Service and food is awesome. We'll be back.
(4)
Stephanie R.
This place was great! Went here for a girls night, and we loved it! The food was incredible. I loved all of the different meats and the bacon wrapped dates! The sangria was okay, nothing to write home about. We enjoyed the Latin dancers, but they did make it hard to talk. It seemed like they moved around a bit, because they were only by our table for about fifteen minutes. Yes, it's expensive. But it's worth splurging on every so often. I will definitely be going back!
(5)
Eric S.
I hadn't been to Meson Sabika for several years, but their Sunday Brunch exceeded my memories as well as my expectations. The brunch buffet offerings were plentiful, varied, fresh, & flavorful. The service and ambiance were excellent as well.
(5)
Anonymous F.
Love this historic little scene. Tapas are amazing! dessert - best Cake i've ever had! cons- confined space, not for children/strollers. Almond cake was the best cake I've ever had in my entire life.
(5)
Justin C.
Food is fantastic, prices are reasonable, service is great! I've eaten here dozens of times and I never had a dish I didn't like,
(5)
Florence G.
The restaurant doesn't look like a tapas joint but after you sit down it doesn't matter at all. Great service from the time you check in at the front desk to the time you walk out the door. Many options on the menu that is sure to please anyone in your party. Some of our favorite dishes of the night was the shrimp with spinach, peppered beef tenderloin and grilled squid. One cool feature that I have not seen at other tapas restaurants is that they leave a stack of plates on your table so you can easily change plates so you don't mix flavors. It's a must try if you are in the suburbs.
(5)
Jen M.
This is a tapas restaurant, so the menu is slightly different. Tapas are a Spanish tradition - essentially small plates meant to be shared. The menu is divided into cold and hot tapas. With a group of 4, we normally order 2 cold and 2 hot. Food - Diverse menu to accommodate picky and plain eaters. Fresh ingredients, cooked well. Nice presentation. Price - Expensive. You are paying for the experience and atmosphere. Atmosphere - Romantic and family oriented at same time. Cramped. In an old house. Service - Excellent!
(4)
Jennifer L.
I had heard great things about Meson Sabika for a long time and I was really excited to finally get to try it, but was very disappointed by my experience here. I met a group of people here for a friend's birthday dinner. The first red flag was when our server (Davi) asked if everyone had arrived. When we said that most people had arrived and we might be expecting one or two more, she made a face and asked, "That's it?!" Lose the attitude, it's not like there were 3 people sitting at a table set for 14. She at least appeared to be organized in taking our multiple orders. My fiance and I ordered several dishes: tomate y queso, jamon serrano, empanada de buey, queso de cabra, and crepe rellena. The jamon serrano and queso de cabra were actually very good. It took 45 minutes for the empanada de buey to come out and it came only after we asked for it again. We also had a couple glasses of sangria, which were only okay. The best part of the night came when it was time to pay the bill. Davi claimed that she wasn't able to split checks (which was not indicated anywhere on the menu that I could see). Due to our own disorganization, we didn't keep good track of who ordered what, so it took us a long time to figure out our checks. We thought we had it all figured out, but it turned out we were still short. At one point, she walked in to check on us while we were still trying to sort out the issue, realized we weren't ready, and actually made a face, rolled her eyes, and walked out. Way to represent your restaurant! The food was okay, but not something worth coming back for another visit if this is the kind of service I can expect to receive. We had been considering planning our wedding at Meson Sabika, but immediately let go of that idea after this unfortunate visit.
(2)
Plumeria B.
One of my most favorite places to go when in Naperville. Outstanding food, service and atmosphere. Each time I visit I am never disappointed. Tapas is perfect and if you get a chance to indulge with the Sunday brunch do it! Don't be sour about crowds cause this place is always packed! No wonder! 5 Stars from me. :)
(5)
S P.
If you like tapas you'll love this place. Too many great dishes to elaborate. Just go there and you won't be disappointed. The service is also very good. Would've given 5 stars if the chairs weren't so uncomfortable. I know it's a strange detail to comment on, but they missed this detail.
(4)
Mo L.
The outdoor patio is really lovely. We went here for Fathers Day dinner and will definitely go back! Great red and white sangria. The tapas was delish! The shrimp in white wine sauce was great, baked goat cheese tasty, very nice kids meals. We will go back for sure. I definitely recommend asking to sit outside to get the full relaxed experience.
(4)
Rajani P.
Best place for a lazy Sunday brunch. It's not something I can afford to do a lot, but whenever I want to indulge myself, this is one of the places for me.
(5)
Lance C.
Outstanding! The food, the service was all impeccable. If I were to complain and I'm not it would be about the size of our dining space but I don't mind being a bit cramped if quality is to be received at this high of a standard otherwise. I would recommend this gem ten times over. The first tapas bar that actually reminded me of my trip to Spain. Best Tapas place in Chicagoland and a great date night intimate location.
Very unique style of dining, being it tapas style. It was nice to order a few different plates and share them. They are in small portions perfectly sized for sharing, but not too much where there are leftovers. There are cold and hot tapas and our waiter informed us that the hot ones are a little heavier. Our cold tapas plate turned out to be the heaviest and the only one where there were leftovers. Overall a great restaurant and definitely a place I would visit again
(5)
Sibylla O.
We just had our Bridal Shower here the service was first class, the atmosphere lovely and the food excellent Just perfect!! I can highly recommend this place
(5)
Jacqueline D.
Pollo a la Gabardine - Sauteed & lightly breaded chicken breast, served with mushrooms & a goat cheese sauce -This item was ok, it taste just as it is, similar to a lightly breaded chicken strip Valenciana - Chicken, shrimp, mussels and clams - this was good, i had the mussels replaced with squid, though the squid was a bit tough Patatas con Alioli - Robust garlic potato salad I have had better tapas, maybe I should have tried more small plates. The service was great and the place was beautiful. There was a wedding taking place and everyone seem to be having a good time.
(3)
James N S.
We went Here for date night and it was wonderful. There was live music/dancing and it was so much fun. Food was excellent and service too. :)
(5)
Holland H.
My favorite was was the Montaditos de Cerdo (pork medallions). The frutas con mousse blanco was a great light dessert. Amazing food. Anything you order will not disappoint! We will be back!
(5)
Rosa C.
Great place to eat tapas and taste a little bit of everything. The service is good. Gourmet style, price is high.
(3)
Nadia S.
I am so glad to report that since my last visit a few years ago, Meson Sabika has definitely improved! The food was SO much better, and so was the ambiance! Maybe our seating time last time was too early, but this time we went a bit later in the evening and sat out on the patio. Was perfect. I remember having bad service last time I came, but this time, our server Katelyn was AMAZING. And I couldn't believe that she had just started working there at the time we went which was a few months ago. She gave great recommendations, super friendly, and overall helped me change my mind about my previous 2 star rating :) Perfect place to bring out of towners- will def be back !
(5)
Bianca Z.
Came here with my family for an anniversary dinner and, generally, had a good time. For a tapas place, the portions are decent. We were six in the group and ordered 5 plates and a paella valenciana for two. I'm a sucker for cheesy things so I loved the atmosphere. Try the Skirt Steak with Blue Cheese and Pollo a la Gabardine Skip the Salmon a la Plancha (there are better options)
(3)
Diana B.
My grandmother is handicapped. We made a specific reservation on handicapped. After waiting getting the whole family together. They were rude and made excuses why they no longer could serve us and accept our reservations. I dont know there food. But their manners and hospitality is unbelievable.
(1)
Fred C.
We ate there a few weeks ago the food was definitely amazing . It's a great looking place, nice and cozy , the staff is very attentive,and we will definitely go back soon
(5)
Harold D.
Four of us went for dinner with no reservations We found space in the bar. Tapas were great we loved king crab on toast point, the roasted goat cheese and a steak with dates, if you wan Palella order it early (45min.) great wine selection. Great night
(5)
Tracie S.
My favorite! Spanish tapas done right. There's nothing better than sitting outside on a summer night at Meson Sabika drinking sangria and eating Spanish tapas!
(5)
Rachael Z.
I have been here more times than I can count. With the exception of one horrendous experience (not worth exploiting, but bad enough to knock down a star), this is one of my favorites (if not THE favorite) in Naperville. Wonderful, fresh food and sangria. Beware: the sangria has brandy so it will knock you on your butt! I've been to weddings here and even my own bridal shower was here. Biggest piece of advice (other than reserving a table): do NOT leave without trying the bacon wrapped dates! Also: the brunch is incredible!
(4)
Charlotte W.
Big white mansion, crystal chandeliers, Spanish dancer and guitarist, lots of different dishes, classy bar, giant lovely patio, various dining rooms, Naperville... what can be better?! Love this place! If you're up for some variety in your diet, check out this Spanish tapas place for sure. Price of the food, which may seem a little on the higher side, is equal to the deliciousness and quality of the food. If you're the "I-want-my-food-to-stick-to-my-bones", this may not be the place for you since you order several small dishes for sharing (can become a bit more complicated with larger parties, but still manageable) rather than one big ol' half a cow. This is typically a place that I like to wear at least a nice pair of jeans, nice shirt, and a pair of heels, but there doesn't really seem to be a dress code, I've seen casual to wedding attire. Seriously people, it's in a mansion, get classy! In the summer, the patio is the best! Make reservations or you'll never see a seat! It is huge, with lights strung from the trees that overhang the tables. There is also a portion that is on the deck under roof cover but still open. Bar is nice for the best view of the entertainment, and is also busy usually. There is of course lots of dining room seating too, but I prefer either bar or patio. Service is generally good, and even if it's really busy and service is sketchy, I honestly don't care too much because it's a lovely atmosphere. Food is delicious! There is cold tapas, hot tapas, and complimentary Spanish olives and bread brought to the table. For the cold tapas, I love the Jumbo tiger shrimp which come with 3 sauces, the very garlicky potato salad, and as for the hot tapas, the skirt steak is the bleu cheese sauce with onion is good, the bacon-wrapped dates, and plenty other dishes as well. Desserts are phenomenal, though I was disappointed to find out that (at least for now) one of my favorites is off the menu (which does change). But still, get one! They do have kids meals which are a good price for some good options. Can't order myself a drink yet, but lots of wine selections, beer, mixed drinks, and their ever-popular sangria will no doubt suck me in in a few more months!
(5)
Erica H.
Great place for tapas. My favorites were the dates and mussels. Most of their menu is gluten free which is great for us Celiac folks. Will definitely return to try out more!
(4)
Claira V.
So many good things to try! Love the queso de Cabra,bacon wrapped dates,empanadas,chicken skewers, and tostada con centollo. It's a great place to share a meal with a date or a small group and share items.
(5)
Bob R.
Heard about Meson Sabika from a friend. Made a res. through Yelp. Showed 20 minutes early to see about getting seated early. Was shown to the bar and informed they would be back. Bar had very good energy, was able to step up and the bartender was right there even though the bar was very full. Shortly after, the young lady who showed us to the bar was walking through looking for us. Food was great, service was excellent will definitely be back!!
(4)
Kathleen M.
I just had a glorious day with not one but two quilt activities. Can a day get any better? Yes, as a matter of fact it can. You can have an early dinner at Meson Sabika. In between my two slices of quilt heaven, I met a friend here at 4:15 and we basically had the place to ourselves and it is HUGE and gorgeous. We sat on the back porch and looked out over the lovely grounds. I had a great salad with hearts of palm, lettuce and other delicious ingredients plus the Gambas al ajillo. They were both incredible but very slow to come out. I imagine the kitchen was just getting going but it did take an awfully long time. We finished up by sharing the pear dessert which came out quickly and a Cappuccino which may have been the best I've ever had, it was a caffeine junky's dream. Plus, when the bill came my friend showed her Naperville School District Teacher I.D. and we got a very nice discount. How is that for showing teachers some love. It made me want to hug the waiter and find the owner and hug him or her. I have never seen such a wonderful gesture. Why has it taken me so long to come here? The return trip will be much quicker! Not only because one of my quilt fun activities is monthly but because I love this place as much as they love teachers. No more, I love it more!
(5)
Karli K.
Always a fave- I've moved but always go when back in naperville. Garlic potato salad!!!!! Olives, calamari, salmon-you name it it's great! Best thing is the beautiful home and property/restaurant. Consistently good and sangria is yummy too
(5)
Jaime G.
Dude. A tapas place in a mansion? In Naperville? Yes. So great here. Best is the bacon wrapped dates followed by the duck confit. For wine, try the Raimat Vina cab. Spanish wine that creamy and bold. For dessert, try the cazuelita de chocolate...a warm chocolate cake with caramel ice cream. Great for a special occasion and worth the trip to Naperville.
(5)
J.W. W.
This was the first place I went to when I came to Naperville and I have been back many times since. A unique experience.
(5)
Lori T.
I've been here several times. It is an amazing experience. The only bad thing about this place is that it has ruined tapas for me at every other place I've tried them. Definitely a gourmet food and because you are ordering small plates you can try so may different things. I would never say no to a trip to Meson Sabika. Just try everything - its all good.
(5)
Sacha T.
Service was great, food was pretty good well. I lived in Spain and found the seafood in the paella to be perfectly cooked but a bit bland in flavor (Usually can taste the garlic and saffron). Everything else was excellent. Croquettes were great, Morcilla Awesome, and Patatas Bravas very authentic. Overall a great meal.
(4)
Carol K.
As a girl who loves the "back story" of historic buildings, the building that houses Meson Sabika is rich in history. Located near downtown Naperville, originally, the Willoway House, a Georgian colonial, was built in 1847 and sits on 4 gorgeous acres. Tapas served in a historic house in Naperville? What is wrong with this picture?? Well, right or wrong, this place is lovely. From the time you pull into the lot- to making your way to the front of the mansion , to having a drink at the bar in the bar or outside at your table, this is a great experience. Perfect for that date night with someone special or a night out with the girls, the people here will take good are of you with a high level of service and great tasting food. On this visit- we sat outside and had appetizers and drinks before moving indoors to an upstairs dining area. We sampled an array of their offerings with each one being better than the one before it. And the servers were personable and friendly. While I don't get to Naperville very often- it will definitely go on my "visit again" list when I do. Perfect for everything from a date to a larger affair!
(4)
Rich P.
Excellent service, fantastic location and ambiance. An excellent Tapas restaurant comparable to that of Emilio's for those living in the southwest suburbs. Price is high but it coincides with the quality. Selections and freshness of the seafood were excellent. Great experience and worthwhile visit for special events.
(4)
Insun M.
Came here for my engagement party. For a big party they did not allow tapas but instead plated meals..which kind of defeats the entire point of going to Meson Sabika. Words of advice, don't come with large parties because the plated dishes were average. The best part of the meal were the tapas we ordered as a passed appetizer.
(3)
Julie T.
Wonderful New Year's Eve venue. Arrive at 10pm, great sampling of hot and cold tapas, all delicious but the bacon wrapped dates were outstanding. Filet and lobster were tender and tasty. Flamenco dancer added great atmosphere and celebratory feeling. Champagne and party hats at midnight. Service, food and atmosphere were fantastic and a great place to bring in the new year!
(5)
Basia C.
Very good food. I've always loved the way tapas is served, in many small sample plates. They have a great selection. Prices are very reasonable as well
(4)
Clint K.
I probably should have written this review much sooner! I have been to Meson many times and their service and food never disappoint! My favorite hot tapas is Queso de Cabra and theirs is one of the best I have had at a Tapas restaurant. Never had issues with reservations and anyone I have brought has been extremely happy with the choice! Thank you Meson!
(5)
Deanna D.
Meson Sabika is one of my favorite restaurants in the Chicago area. Probably the best al fresco dining in the 'burbs. Mouth-watering food. A menu of dishes with variety enough to please everyone in your group including those who are vegetarian, gluten-free, or paleo. Usually efficient, if not occasionally rushed, service on busy weekend nights. By this I mean that the servers seemed rushed, they do not rush diners. Unique atmosphere. The restaurant is in a restored mansion which dates from 1847 and is situated among century old oaks on four acres of land. Flamenco guitar and dancer on the weekends. Perfect sangria. My husband and I have been dining at Meson Sabika off and on for two decades. The restaurant has had its ups and downs in terms of food quality and service, but I'm happy to report Meson Sabika is currently as good as it's ever been. We can never pass up the Queso de Cabra (oven baked goat cheese in a pool of zesty tomato sauce served with garlic bread) or the Datiles con Tocino (Bacon-wrapped roasted dates in a -- I think -- roasted red bell pepper / butter sauce). I often have the latter for dessert! Other favorites include Gambas Marinadas (marinated shrimp with three sauces -- can I remember? -- cumin, mild garlic aioli, and slightly tomato-y salsa rosa), Salmón Curado (cured salmon with dill sour cream and toast points), Chorizo y Morcilla (grilled pork/smoked paprika sausage and grilled blood sausage), and of course Jamón Serrano (delectable dry-cured ham), Aceitunas Aliñadas (marinated Spanish olives which are sometimes complimentary), Quesos Espanoles (Spanish cheeses) and anything made or served with Cabrales blue cheese. We've had beef, duck, lamb, pork, chicken, fish, lobster, shrimp, cheese, artichoke, mushroom, and potato dishes. We've never been disappointed. We never leave room for dessert. Several varieties of paella are also available, but we love eating small plate style so much that we haven't tried the paella in many years. There are a variety of sangrias to choose from, but I am a traditionalist and prefer red. The only way to have as good or better traditional sangria is to make it yourself. Meson Sabika's red sangria does not taste watered-down, too sweet, or like a child's powdered fruit drink mix. Not the case at other restaurants. You can taste the wine, brandy, and fruit. If sangria is not your thing, Meson Sabika has a selection of Spanish wines including cava (sparkling wine). My knowledge of Spanish wines is limited, but the servers have never failed to make spot on recommendations for me. Do not miss the very large, oak tree shaded, red brick terrace in the warmer months. The furnishings are comfortable and the tables are comfortably spaced. It's really the perfect spot to spend a summer evening. Your food and wine will seem to taste even better on the terrace! Your experience inside will vary a bit by where you are seated. It is an old house after all so tables and chairs may be configured only so many ways. That is to say that seating can sometimes be cramped. In addition, to me some rooms feel more away from the heart of the restaurant than others. This does not deter me from eating in the mansion, I only wish to inform your expectations. My husband and I would dine at Meson Sabika much more frequently except that we cannot manage to rein in our spending when there. We tell ourselves that we will order only so many small plates and only one glass of sangria each. Lies! We can't do it and I doubt you can do it either. Just one more plate, you'll say, and we'll split it. We really should try the _____ while we're here. Just one more glass of wine to go with my plate of _____. Three digit dining. Know this going in and enjoy.
(5)
Lucas W.
I'm honestly surprised At the hype Meson Sabika gets. Yes, it's a gorgeous house, but that doesn't mean it has to be a great setting for a restaurant. Honestly the house is laid out somewhat strangely and you could end up sitting in some random room in the back or right next to the front doorway. And the carpet upstairs means anything that falls on the floor sticks on the floor. Most importantly: the food. I've had tapas in Spain and at a number of other restaurants in Chicago and I have to say, this was honestly bad tapas. One or two decent dishes - a good duck dish - but otherwise, nothing to really write home about. And some of the hot dishes came out cold - how do you let that happen? And as is all too often the case with Tapas, it's overpriced. The whole idea behind tapas is to try a number of small inexpensive dishes. But, like so many other places, they shrink the amount of food on offer but don't shrink the price. Hard to keep ordering dishes when I'm spending 10+ on each one. And that's not how tapas should be!
(2)
Jenn N.
We are fans of Meson Sabika but did try the New Years Eve dinner for the first time. It is a nice way to try some new things, but honestly I prefer just eating there instead. I love (love, love) the garlic potato salad and wished we had more than what they served. I did not like the bacon wrapped dates - but it did give me the chance to try them when I normally would not order it. They were so sweet and there was not enough salt on the bacon to counter. There were 3 cold and 3 hot tapas so not liking one out of nine is not bad. The entree was good- filet was cooked fine and so was the lobster. I too thought the dessert was per person, not per table. Nonetheless, we did forgot to make reservations until New Years Eve morning and so the fact that they had a spot and it is kid friendly (upstairs) for $39.95 for the adults (kids meal free) we were not disappointed just not blown away like we normally are. Still love it there but will opt for non fixed menu next time.
(4)
Matt W.
Service Excellent-food even better-have to try out their Sunday brunch for a good sample off items.
(5)
Mary S.
Ate here with my mom, sister and brother and had a great time. Our server was Caitlyn and she was VERY informative about all of the wines even though she is newly 21, as she informed us. I also learned that they have six different flavors of lemonade, but I chose the non-alcoholic sangria. Five stars for offering that! The four of us ordered 12 or so various dishes and each one was absolutely delightful. We ordered so many because my mom works for district 204 and they receive 40% off, excluding alcohol. It was a VERY nice treat. Of the dishes we had, the most memorable was the duck and lamb. Both were very tender. My only complaint is there being too many items on the menu. Weird complaint, I know but it just seemed a bit overwhelming. To end the evening, we shared three desserts, my favorite was the chocolate and carmel cake... I wish I remembered the name! I will be back, Mason Sabika!
(5)
Ellery R.
Meson Sabika or "Sambo," as my husband has taken to calling it for reasons unknown, is one of my favorite places to eat. Now usually, I get somewhat bored of repeat restaurant visits; I become disinterested in the entertainment, the manner of service, the menu starts to bore my stomach . . . but not here. I've dined at this tapas restaurant more than I could ever count. My husband even took me here the night we got engaged. Once seated you will be greeted by a server bringing bread, butter, and most importantly a complimentary small bowl of Spanish olives. These are excellent. The menu, you will notice if you frequently come here, changes everyday. Although I enjoy re-ordering the incredible dish I had my last visit, there's always something new for me to sample as well. The daily specials feature both hot and cold dishes. The wine list is also excellent. I'm partial to ordering by the bottle, but even a nice pitcher of sangria will set the evening off nicely. The service quality varies. In the dining room I find it to be adequate enough, when on the patio it's usually much slower, and in the bar if it is very busy it may take some time. But who's here to rush anyways? I find this is the only restaurant where I can receive bad service and still be completely satisfied. Maybe it's the wine . . . The atmosphere is excellent. This old white mansion still has a very housey feel to it which I find to be very romantic and cozy. If it is summer, sit on the patio for the most lovely of times. The bar area is probably my favorite if the patio is closed. Very woody and intimate. It's not unusual to see a lovely Spanish dancer whirling around on the hard wood floor as diners either casually take notice and appreciate (the regulars) or watch with delight as the live spanish guitarist accompanies her every move. The food itself is flavorful, unique, and delicious. I find that I try at least 3 new tapas dishes every time I'm here. It's hard to be disappointed (however last week I did order an asparagus and chicken casserole tapas dish and it was terrible, but they took care of it for me. Don't get that one). If you are not familiar with tapas style dining, get familiar. This should be the only way to eat. Once you have eaten far too much, overdo it. Dessert. Meson Sabika has a killer dessert. It doesn't really matter what you order, it will be good. Prices are somewhat high, however I find that the value matches the food quality. I rate this restaurant at five stars for its exceptional flavors, variety, atmosphere, and for all the good times I've had here.
(5)
Raphael D.
This place kicks ass and if you ever have to trek out to the Naperville area to meet people for dinner or drinks you should definitely make a reservation here. I'm a city guy but I made several trips there and had my 21st birthday dinner in a private room with 12 people and the service and food were delicious. Their sangria is a great balance and doesn't taste too sweet or sappy. Most people find morcilla (blood sausage) pretty gross but if you've ever wanted to try it their version is delicious and not too greasy. I always get the salmon on toasts points too. I recommend you stick to tapas on your first visit. The paella is good but pretty loaded.
(5)
Jeanne L.
The weekend brunch is soooo good! Great selection, and they have a huge selection of fresh fruit too that is always so sweet and ripe. All the food is great, and they have a little area for kiddies too that want french fries and burgers (though i've gone with adults who also wanted the french fries :p). Non-kiddies can of course, also partake in that area of the buffet. They have this shrimp toast thing that is just so good, and so many other great things. It's better in the summer since you can sit outside, but i've gone in the winter too and it was great. Seating is just a bit more limited, and you may have to be seated upstairs (I don't really like risking a food spill - I am a bit of a klutz). Your brunch comes with mimosas and a regular drink, made to order omelets (which are not that good - don't get them; the buffet is good enough already), and dessert at the end. I always get the profiterole (so good....). We'll be back again and again!
(5)
Ken J.
This is one of my favorite spots: the food is very tasty and the atmosphere is great. It is an old mansion from the 1800's. Years ago was called WIlloway Manor. It can get loud in the main dining rooms at peak times. I particularly like their seafood based tapas, the Gambas al Ajillo (grilled shrimp in lemon butter), and Calamares A La Plancha (grilled squid), I have these on every trip. The Red Sangria is made on site and is very good, better than the white. Service is most always good. Not a cheap place to go, but fun when you have a couple extra bucks in your pocket....
(5)
JR W.
This review is for their pavilion service. My friend had her wedding here recently, and the pavilion was really new and beautiful. The powder rooms and the waiting rooms for the wedding party were also clean and nice. The service was swift and continuous throughout the night. My only complaint is that they ran out of some sweets at the dessert table early on.
(4)
Alex A.
What?! I hadn't written a review for this place yet! Delicious Tapas food! Great service! My wife and I had our rehearsal dinner here, and everyone raved about the food. The food is fresh, and you can sense the delicate effort put into the preparation. The Queso de Cabra is my fav! This place has a lot of character, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a romantic dinner or even a feast for the family!
(5)
Tony K.
This place is freakin GREAT! Nice ambiance. Great service, very good food. Good parking. The only thing is, the prices are high. But Im still give 5 stars because the prices are still worth it. Fun AND romantic place. If you dont get laid after takinfg her here you are doing something VERY wrong.
(5)
Eric S.
The food was average but has nice ambiance. Came here for their Sunday brunch. The tapas served were average at best. Most of the meat appeared to be overcooked on their buffet line. However, the rice in the paella was under cooked.
(1)
Steve L.
Cant get better tapas. Service can sometimes be off and if its busy you might get stuck at a very small table. Those are the only reasons I don't give it five stars
(4)
Dana B.
I have been hearing about this place for quite sometime now and wanted to try it out myself. I made a reservation on open table and was seated exactly at that time. Our waitress, Susan, greeted us almost instantly. She was very nice and extremely knowledgeable about the menu. After looking over the menu for a few minutes, we placed our order. Susan assured us that our items would come out at separate time to fully enjoy them individually. We waited 50 minutes until our waitress came back to see how are food was....however, we never received anything yet. Once she went to go "check" on our order, we received all of our items at once about 10 minutes later. The food was all quite delicious but when you are so hungry it is hard to enjoy. I just thought it was funny that people that sat down way after us were almost finished with their meals before we received any of ours. I feel that first impressions are very important especially when it entails food service. It's hard to say if I will be coming back here again.
(2)
Anna H.
LOVE this place! great for date nights with your significant other and meeting up with girlfriends. =) Most of their dishes are small plates and portions intended for you to share. In some cases, if you have a big group, I would recommend ordering 2 of each of your favorite places. Dishes recommend: - garlic mashed potatoes (my favorite! gots to be a big garlic fan for this one though because . . . it's really garlic-y) - beef tenderloin - scallops - dates wrapped in bacon (SO GOOD!) - mushroom caps There's a lot more on the menu, but these are just some of my favorites. =) Also, if you come here on a date night or girls night, make sure to get the sangria. . . it's so YUMMY! On Sundays, they also have a buffet brunch with I think it's $30 per person or something like that? Included in that they give you free mimosas! yummy.
(5)
Gerry H.
Pardon the lack of profundity, but consistency is the key to restaurant success. I've dined at inumerable establishments that have been great on one occasion and terrible the next. I've been a fan of Meson Sebika since it was called Emilio's. The service is always excellent, and I'm in love with the consistently great food. It was my wife's birthday yesterday, and we haven't dined on tapas in some time, so she chose Meson Sabika. The one negative that I would report is the hostess' poor choice of table for us. In honor of the occasion, I asked for a very special table. She chose to seat us on the second floor, which required climbing a very narrow, steep stairway. No problem for us, but we have a three year old daughter. It was a little challenging. We pre-ordered a vegetarian paella, and it arrived 10 minutes after we were seated. It was very good, and honestly, it's the best value on the menu. Additionally, we partook of the pincho de solomillo, the queso de cabra, the entrecot de jamon, the calamares a la plancha, i.e. Brochette of beef tenderloin, goat cheese and garlic bread, ny strip with serrano ham wrapped asparagus, and grilled squid with lemon garlic olive oil respectively. Everything was delicious and beautifully presented. I chugged a few Spanish beers ( dark Alhambra), as I'm want to do. It's excellent and very reasonably priced. No dessert due to an extremely unruly daughter. This place is great, and you really get a good dining value. Also, you can't beat the cool setting.
(4)
Elizabeth W.
I think this restaurant is one of the better tapas places in the suburbs. I went for dinner with my husband recently and we ate the pork medallions which were very tasty and so tender for pork, the tortilla espanola a Spanish classic, the patatas con alioli which were awesome for those garlic lovers, and the duck with orange which was by far, the best tapa I had there. The meat fell off the bone, the sauce was simple and sweet, and the mushrooms were a perfect compliment to the dish! The wine list is vast, there were too many I wanted to try, and there is of course very good Sangria. The restaurant is in a charming mansion in Naperville and you can be seated either downstairs or upstairs. If your are claustrophobic the tables are very small and close together, but did not pose a problem for myself or my husband. Reservations are definitely needed but to my surprise, we were seated right when we came, a half hour before our reservation time. The service was excellent and our tapas came very quickly, we hardly ever had to wait for a bite of our food. The price is moderate and about $5-8 dollars per tapa. They also offer a brunch on Sunday that I am dying to try.
(4)
J W.
Our favorite Naperville restaurant...we love it. The food is incredible & the setting is amazing - especially the patio in the summer.
(5)
Matt T.
I have never really had a bad experience at Meson Sabika. It is a perfect summer date spot. I always ask for the patio. If there is ever a wait to be seated they have a small bar inside to grab a drink at. But getting a reservation is recommended. It is a popular spot all summer. This is a great choice if you want a fun romantic spot where you can talk casually and take your time eating. It is perfect if you plan on heading to downtown Naperville for drinks and dancing after. They have there own parking lot right on premises and so you don't have to worry about that before dinner. (It isn't walking distance too downtown though, you will have to move your car.) The Tapas selection is very good and everything tastes great. I highly recommend the Queso De Cabra - (Oven baked goat cheese with garlic bread). Expect diner for two with drinks to run you about $70. Not bad at all considering the quality of food and atmosphere.
(4)
Beth S.
I give this place 5 stars! YES!!! The location of this tapas-style restaurant is absolutely gorgeous. This is a great date spot. The restaurant is in a mansion, on some gorgeous grounds. I encourage you to take a walk prior to ordering, or afterwards. Very romantic and special. The food is delicious. Their garlic potato salad is a big fave with my friends and I. We get plates of it every time. My other recommendations are: bacon wrapped dates, escargot, chilled tiger shrimp (yum), and the stuffed mushroom caps. Even if you are not an adventurous eater, try this stuff out. The flavors are absolutely wonderful. Their Sangria is also highly recommended.
(5)
Kay R.
Amazing ambience - set in an old house that has been converted to a restaurant. Great food and sangrias! always a good time. One of the best restaurants in the western suburbs! Highly recommended!
(5)
Josh S.
You should probably eat here. At least once. Probably more. I took a date here recently and we enjoyed the entire experience, starting with the walk from the parking lot. The property itself is very unique and if I wasn't so eager to get out to the patio (it was the first nice weather weekend of the year) I would have explored a little bit. I did enjoy the fountains, landscaping and the feel of the place on the exterior and interior. Something is romantically different here. We were seated on the patio, which was candle lit and spaced out well enough for some privacy. Our server was attentive, made some wine suggestions and had a lot of helpers who gave us attention. Our wine glasses never got low before someone was refilling them and before you know it.....my date was extra smiley for some reason ;-) The tapas menu itself was pretty standard. Nothing too risky in my mind. I didn't see anything that made me say "oh weird, I'll have to try that". Bacon wrapped dates are played out, move on people. I will say that one of the hot tapas that we got is just 1 of the reasons that I will be going back to this place. I almost wanted to end the date early, so I wouldn't have to continue to share the dish. It's called Pipirrana De Buey. It reminded me of the show on the Food Network: The Best Thing I Ever Ate, because I was talking about it after every single bite. I've never had anything quite like it and it was definitely a guilty pleasure. The description in the menu does not begin to explain the awesomeness delivered in this small plate. Write down the name of it right now and when you go there, order it. For me, please. I would recommend this place for a nice lunch or dinner with someone special. It could be a date, your mom, or a close friend. It's versatile enough for all of your peeps. I'll check out their brunch someday this summer and spend some more time scoping the joint out. Property - 5 stars Staff - 4 stars Ambience - 4 stars Food - 4 stars Price - 5 stars
(4)
James R.
I went there last night with low expectations since no one in the USA seems to be able to get the tapas concept down. I was very happily surprised by the quality of the food, sangria, and service. A little more high brow than I would have preferred, but, still the best experience I have had in a restaurant in a long time. Had a very bad experience in a restaurant the night before, so this restored my passion for good food. Plus it was not as expensive as you might imagine.
(5)
Jennifer O.
We had a great lunch here last week. The staff was super friendly and knowledgable about the food. The prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is very charming. The sangria is a must have!
(5)
Angelina K.
My favorite tapas restaurant in the Chicago area. Every time I come here , it feels like holiday... I love the location, very cute restaurant, with great landscape. Very cozy inside, has that " old world" feel. Excellent tapas, so many great choices. I really like brunch there too... Excellent place...
(5)
Vick C.
I think, improvement is needed for Meson Sabika. This is a beautiful mansion link with a banquet hall, absolutely gorgeous! side walk along to the restaurant is so elegant. They provide you a romantic environment, I have no complaint of this, summer time they will open the patio, good time to have drink and good food with friends, just if you don't mind it's too loud. Tapas just standard, not good but not bad, no surprise. Service is kind of bad, last time I was waited in the line fro 20 minutes to be seated even I got on time on my reservation. Then another 20-30 minutes to catch the waiter to order the food. It was a nightmare! But it still a good place to go since the mansion is very nice, especially it's located in suburb area.
(3)
Matt Z.
EVERYTHING is amazing!!! The Baked Goat Cheese is insane, the bacon wrapped figs are to die for, the Scallops are awesome, the beef is delicious, I seriously might choose this restaurant if I only had one place to eat before i died. The Sangria is intoxicating!
(5)
Lee and Katey W.
I was very excited to try this place based on yelp reviews. It was as many have said in an interesting place and it felt like we were eating dinner at someones house with a bunch of strangers! The sangria was tasty and they had a nice variety of tapas. At the time, I really liked the food. Looking back on it, and after trying other tapas places, this place was just OK. It was priced well and I agree with other yelpers, a good date place in the suburbs. I would go back for an occasion but would hope for some new tapas. They didnt seem very fresh and I would have liked more authentic flavors.
(3)
Jaime C.
The ambiance, food and entertainment is first rate. My wife, friends and I have gone back four times since 2011. This is a wonderful experience.
(5)
Matt W.
I have eaten at many tapas restaurants in the Chicagoland area but none have come close to the quality of Meson Sabika. First of all, the place is very beautiful and has outdoor seating in what feels like a large garden or country club. The food is amazing. I had the flank steak with blue cheese, and it was very tender and delicious. The mahi-mahi with asparagus was cooked better then I have ever had it. The marinated shrimp came with three delectable dipping sauces. The lobster with citrus tasted great. The wine selection here is impressive. For under $20, you can get a wine flight of four tastings that are all delicious. The staff was very friendly, courteous and knowledgeable. Meson Sabika is a wonderful place for a romantic dinner, a family outing, a banquet, party or other special occasion. My only complaint: There were too many little bugs flying around outside! One ended up in my wine. At least he died happy. I look forward to going back to Meson Sabika, hopefully soon.
(5)
Gina G.
After all these years Meson is one of my fav tapas restaruant in the chicago area. I always try their bacon wrapped dates and the different cheeses. The jamon is also very tastey. I love not only the food but the restaruant itself and the setting it is in. the outdoor seating is great for a summer snack and the sangria is a must. Their seafood is also fresh and I suggest the grilled octopus. Service is average and they know the menu well. I always try to pick a few new dishes aside from my favs, just in case they don't fare well. This is a great place for larger groups and if you are planning on a l
(4)
Jill N.
This is a great place for a nice dinner out. LOVED the food. Try the Goat Cheese dip and the stuffed mushrooms for sure. The thing I didn't like is I made a reservation and they sat me outside. They never asked where I wanted to be seated. I didn't get seated till 15mins after my reservation and it took another ten mins for the waiter to come by and to get some water. WIth that said once the waiter did come and my water glass was full the evening was very enjoyable. If you love tapas you definitly need to try this place.
(4)
Becky B.
The food here is GREAT. Every tapa we ordered was better than we expected, from the cheese plate to some of the specials (we went months back so I don't remember everything we ordered). They have a great wine list and great service. The only weird thing is that the location is like an old mansion, so we weren't sure we were at the right place. We will DEFINITELY go back!
(5)
Bill D.
This place is pretty cool! It looks inside and out like an old mansion. If in Naperville and have a hankering for Spanish, GO! The Paella is great, cooked just right and full of great stuff. Service, for as busy as it was, was good and attentive. I had the chance to eat out side one warm Illinois night with a party of about 10 and the atmosphere was great. If back in the Naperville area again, I will go back.
(4)
Felicia S.
I have been to Meson Sabika numerous times over the years and have enjoyed it every time. I just visited a few days ago for my birthday and my entire family was there. The weather was perfect for eating outdoors and they have payed as much attention to detail on the outside as they have on the inside. A really beautiful location to enjoy the company and food. I always get the red sangria. Make sure you have a lot of ice -- it makes a difference and should be well-chilled (outside the ice melts quickly in the pitcher). We had a party of about 8, so we ordered quite a bit of food. Everything was delicious - in true tapas style. The service is hit or miss -- for example we ordered a final round of entrees before the server brought my special (complementary) birthday dessert -- a wonderful ice cream profiterole with chocolate sauce YUM! Unfortunately 2 of those final entrees came out AFTER dessert, and we were finished by then. Still, the service was good otherwise, and the decor and food were the same high quality we have come to expect at Meson Sabika. I'll keep going back & continue enjoying myself every time :-)
(5)
Heather S.
Excellent food and nice service. The service is very relaxed so don't be in a hurry. Was surprised by the excellent quality of food.
(4)
Shelly A.
Yummy blue sangria! Oh, and the food's good too. Just kidding, but for real, this place is great! A little pricey, but you kind of expect it in Naperville at a "dainty" location like this. A great place to hold special occasions, and literally, something for everyone. We had a great time and I would definitely go back the next time I'm in town.
(4)
Roz C.
Am I missing something? BF and I went in this past Sunday and the restaurant was bustling at 7pm. We thought this was a promising sign and were excited about trying tapas in the suburbs (we usually get tapas in the city). Our waiter was super friendly, but definitely cheesy. I mean, everything he said was full of BS and the boyfriend and I laughed every time he walked away. The tapas came out in a timely manner, but man...we should definitely stick to the city for tapas. We ordered: -the baked goat cheese: this was actually super-delicious. The red sauce was rich and the goat cheese was creamy. We really enjoyed this. And then... -the grilled chorizo: uh, hello? it tasted like eckrich farm sausage that you can get from the jewel-osco. AND it was totally BURNT. gross. -garlic tiger shrimp: these were okay. plain, but okay. -beef empanada: gross, gross, gross. the boyfriend actually gagged. the ground beef had a really weird taste and the empanada crust didn't make up for it either. -patatas bravas: along with the baked goat cheese, this is an always-order dish at tapas restaurants. we were really disappointed in these. they weren't crisp on the outside at all. the were soggy under the sauce and the manchego cheese and it ruined the texture. (best patatas bravas? cafe ba-ba-reeba!) the sauce had some kick, but left a strange aftertaste. For dessert, we had the bailey's chocolate cake. It was not good. The ice cream tasted freezer-burned and the strawberries promised from the menu? Well, there was one...on the side. Looking back, the boyfriend and I decided that we should have taken the environment as a sign. Meson Sabika is inside this old mansion and it was like two totally polar ideas competing against each other. Spanish food and random Victorian-inspired decor? So weird. Oh yeah, and the food was overpriced...smaller portions and bigger prices than tapas from the city? Huh? Needless to say, we won't be back.
(1)
LOIS B.
I have been here a number of times and leave just as hungry as when I arrive. This is not a place for a meal or to go hungry. Sorry, there are way too many better places to eat in Naperville. I avoid any affair held here.
(1)
Ben M.
Best Tapas in all of Chicago!!!! My wife and I have been close to ten times and never been disappointed. -The atmosphere is great (the restaurant is an old mansion) -The Garlic potato salad is one of my favorite dishes on the planet. Every time I go I take a huge container of this stuff home! - Great for a date night - Not the best for children, but it can work.
(5)
Stef F.
I got to pick dinner and I had a craving for Tapas. What better place to go than here??? I was a newbie here, and we had a great time. Overall, the grounds are lovely and enchanting (perfect for all those weddings they have) and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. While wines by the bottle can get pricey-- in the $$$ price range, I ordered the pomegranate sangria at $6.50. It was just okay. It didn't wow me. So, I had a mojito next at $8.95, which was pretty tasty. However, 2 drinks each for us came to $40 alone. Yikes. I need to drink at home more. i can't remember any of the fancy names... But here's the low down on what we ordered... and my star system to boot... ~Black bean soup with chorizo (4) ~White bean soup with serrano ham and bacon (4) (They forgot to bring these out originally, so we got the Gazpacho soup also to try for free) (Maybe that soup is good normally, but I'm not a fan of melon flavoring so it really wasn't my cup of tea) ~COLD TAPAS ~King crab with avocado (5) ~salmon with dill sauce something or other (4) ~Garlic potato salad (5) ~HOT TAPAS ~Grilled Squid with lemon sauce (1) ~Red peppers stuffed with cheese and black beans (5) ~Crab meat fritters with aioli (3) ~DESSERT ~Rice Pudding with citrus zest (4) ~Creme Brulee sorta dish with chocolate chunks (4) So, overall... Food was great and it was fun to try different things. My absolute favorite was the potato salad, it was so garlicky good. I also loved the stuffed red peppers, very Spanish inspired. My favorite favorite dessert in the whole wide world is creme brulee and I think this was called crema de chocolada?? Or something similar. Huge portion. Very good. Just wish the vanilla custard portion had been warm? It was cold and normally creme brulee is never like that. It at least is usually lukewarm. But ah well. Our server recommended the squid to us, asking if we liked calamari. Well, we love calamari--and agreed with his recommendation, but it was too rubbery and I couldn't eat it. I've had squid before that was more tender. And I about gagged at the mini squid and something that looked wormy/snail-like. When the pieces are breaded, I at least pretend. I was waiting to throw one of them at the fridge and watch it flip back and forth all sticky downward. Even my fiance about gagged and he eats anything. But the server graciously took it off our bill, even though it wasn't his fault and we never complained about it. We just wanted it off the table. lol. Which is why we ordered the dessert. :) Check it out. We ordered too much food. Expect to spend $$$, and now that I've been there once, I'll order less next time. I think 3 tapas each are more than enough to fill a person up. I think on avg. a couple would spend anywhere from $60-$120 on a dinner here, depending on what's ordered. And that's without tip. Or the expensive wine.
(4)
Kathleen M.
I really excellent meal in a beautiful setting. We had most of the recommended dishes: the garlic potato salad (loads of garlic!), bacon wrapped dates, serrano ham on toast points. All really good. We enjoyed everything we had. Service was attentive without being overbearing. Mojitos and sparkling sangria very refreshing. Highly recommended.
(4)
Jody Y.
The atomosphere was fun, but the food was fantastic. It didn't matter what Tapas we ordered; everyone raved about every item!!! I would go back in a heart beat. It looks like a nice place to eat outside once the weather warms up!!!
(5)
Candice G.
The food was still fantastic but the service was not the 5 stars it has ALWAYS been in the past. We went at about 7:30 on Friday night and wanted to sit on their patio outside. The hostesses told us that a table outside wouldn't be opening up until 8:30 but when walking past, we saw at least 25 open tables outside (they have a very large outside patio). I understand that they may not have had enough staff for the Al Fresco dining, but certainly not enough tables. We decided to wait at the bar and get some sangria but were notified less then 10 minutes later that a table was ready... along with several other couples who did not have reservations. I think they were trying to get more people to dine inside than out- I think the outside staff may be temporary employees and understandably they want to fill the inside restaurant for their own employees but I don't think giving an outrageous wait time is the right way to do it. Then, when we were brought out on the patio, the hostess had us doing a back and forth dance- up, down, across, and around the many open patio tables when deciding where to sit us. It was awkward, I had heels on, have bright orange hair, and really it was quite a funny scene for the rest of the patio diners to see us being walked backwards and forwards for several minutes. Not their most professional moment. Beyond that, the service was not very attentive and definitely not personable. We're used to 5 star, impeccable service and knowledge from the folks at Meson Sabika and this not simply did not meet our expectations. Also, they need to update their outside tables. They're all pretty rusted over and our table had a really old, smashed piece of gum stuck to it. We didn't complain or ask to be moved to one of the other 25 open outdoor tables but we did feel like it should have been obvious when the table was set up with place settings. We will be back and will most likely be upping the star rating but for the most recent experience, I can sadly only give a 3.
(3)
Bridget D.
Meson Sabika is my favorite restaurant in the suburbs! It's the best tapas place in the Chicagoland area. The old mansion is beautiful, the food is fresh and seasoned perfectly, the staff are professional, knowledgeable and courteous, and they have an excellent selection of Spanish wine and desserts. Don't miss the garlic patatas alioli, white sangria, croquetas, and dates with bacon.
(5)
Zee B.
Obsessed. The tapas are to die for - ALL of them. I've been here many times, but my most recent experience encouraged me to write a review. I had a New Years Dinner here with a few friends and we had one of the last reservations for the night. Tapas appetizers were amazing as usual. When it came time for the entrees we all ordered filet mignon. However, when we received it our side vegetables were not what was listed on the menu. We were literally given two slices of a potato and one cherry tomato. When I asked the waiter about it he apologized and said that the cooks probably ran out. I wasn't happy but didn't complain any further. Minutes later the manager came to our table and offered us other tapas and apologized for the inconvenience. I only asked for an alternative vegetable side which he immediately provided. What surprised all of us is that once we received our check we saw that two of our 4 meals were comped. That wasn't necessary at all, but the fact that it was done confirms why this place deserves a 5 star rating! Other than the mouth watering tapas, they truly care for their customers. I love this place!
(5)
Pete R.
This is a place that you MUST try if you like varying flavors and want to have a different dining experience. The tapas are great. i won't even go into all of the details as there are plenty of other reviews. I have about 20 or so that I rotate through. My wife and I usually pick 5 or so each visit. The only repeat every time is the garlic potato salad. And if you plan on enjoying the sangria that night, ask for a table downstairs. They catch up to you quick. Coming down the stairs on my last visit was an adventure. Go, have fun, and enjoy the grounds. Cool place.
(4)
Caitlin G.
I was very excited to try this place. The food was just okay, but the problem was with sound. It was so loud in there you could not have a conversation. It's a shame because it looks like a great place to go on a date to, but only go if you don't want to be heard.
(3)
Britney B.
I dined here with parents and had an excellent meal and charming experience. I've also attended a wedding hosted in this venue and it was beautiful. There front yard is green and colorful, and the vows were presented there. Then, everyone walked to the interior of Meson Sabika and ate promptly, followed by drinks and dancing. The food is delicious but not very memorable.
(4)
Carl A.
Have eaten here several times. A couple times with kids, others times for date night. Great value for money. Delicious little shareable samplings. Beautiful location inside and out.
(5)
margo f.
Have been here so often, I have lost count...and each time I love it still! My favorite tapas (small dishes) are the queso de cabra , a goat cheese in red pepper sauce, the pincho de solomillo with carmelized onions, the grilled calamari and the garlic potato salad. Of course don't ever, ever, leave here without trying their flan of the day! Really, make room for it . Atmosphere is pretty amazing too. If you can, try to make it on a Friday or Saturday night when the flamenco dancer and guitar player are there. Fun, somewhat festive place in an older, converted, beautifully renovated, mansion. Want to impress your boss or inlaws? This is the place to go. If you do go on a weekend night, be sure to call ahead. This place is a hot spot, especially during the summer with their outdoor brick patio dining. If you are traveling with kids, I would recommend coming for Sunday brunch. There are plenty of kidfriendly foods, but also some great items for adults to try. Price wise, this place is all over the map. You could easily do a simple lunch for two for under 30 dollars or go all out and spend 200 with their excellent wine choices. Save up if you must, but be sure to give this place a try. 5 stars all the way.
(5)
Louisa D.
So disappointing. Service was horribly slow. It took 45 minutes to bring out COLD tapas. I don't even know how long it would have taken to bring out hot tapas; hot tapas are what I really wanted too. What a shame, the cold tapas were good and so was the red sangria, but the wait was not worth it.
(1)
Dan N.
I really love this place. It may be the most charming building and grounds I have ever eaten in. The Old mansion and beautiful gardens greatly enhance the experience. Luckly the last time I was there was with a big group and I didn't have to pay so there were no limits and we got to order allot of food. Noting was jaw dropping but everything was good to great. This is simple food and it was all done very well no missteps that we seen. The most memorable were a few of the hot items the Beef tenderloin with Blue Cheese and the Montaditos de Cerdo (grilled Pork). On the cold side the King crab with avocado and toast points were awful tasty. The Menu is dived into Hot and Cold Tapas and works really well that way. I could see this being a bit of a let down if you dont go with a group and are able get several items to sample. Most items are like $5-$10 so its not a cheap night out but the food, atmosphere and fun are well worth it.. Try to sit outside, its a really special space.
(4)
Bobby C.
Year in, year out Meson Sabika is excellent at what they do. Hosein is the perfect restauranteur. He truly cares about his patrons and his product. Food is consistent. Decor is tasteful. The al fresco dining is beautiful. I am particular about Spanish wines and I have come to find the the wine list to be consistent and fairly-priced. Highly recommended.
(5)
Richie D.
Who would have guessed that such a restaurant would exist in Naperville?!?! Four of us celebrated Valentine's Day here last night and had an amazing time, even though I was very skeptical at first. Why skeptical?? Allow me to step on my soap box... 1) I've been to Spain several times and have experienced "tapas verdaderas." 2) Tapas are meant to be eaten in a more communal and laid back ambiance such as bars and pubs...not a ritzy restaurant (unless it's touristy, of course). Often they even come free in its homeland with a beer or glass of wine/champagne and aren't the price of an average American entree. 3) It's in the Chicago suburbs, not city. 4) Walking in made me want to walk right back out the door. You enter the gorgeous mansion's doors and your eyes focus on the painted ceilings and...You've entered the Playboy Mansion! The hostesses all looks like over-tanned whores with super short, bright pink skirts and revealing shirts. Arg! For such a fancy restaurant, I don't think it's necessary even if they all plan to spend their tip shares going out after work. Now on the other hands, I'll admit that I was BLOWN AWAY after being served (and not by those hostesses)! Here's a list of a few of our favorites... Recommended Tapas: *Well these are to be accompanied with red Sangria, of course... ~Pato Confitado (everyone's favorite dish that had a citrus kickin' gravy and caused the marinated duck to melt in your mouth) ~Patatas con Alioli (super garlic-y to perfection) ~Pincho de Solomillo (grilled steak kabobs with a delicious goat cheese/horseradish yogurt and marinated onions) ~Queso de Cabra (this was definitely a winner due to the garlic toast with a sweet tomato, goat cheese paste) ~Datiles con Tocino (the thought always turned my stomach upside down, but I sampled it and enjoyed the sweet flavor and crunchy texture) ~Vieiras al Albariño (the BEST scallops I've ever had and if I say that it means A LOT. Not my cup of tea usually, but they were perfectly buttery [lemon tomato butter sauce] with a good portion of thick cous cous balls) ~Tortilla Española (I'm usually not a fan due to its blandness, but I liked it more than in Spain itself due to its sherry vinaigrette and balanced mix between onions and potatoes) If you're still hungries: ~Jamon Serrano (not my favorite dish anywhere, but fairly good) ~Gambas al Ajillo (nice sized shrimp with a buttery lemon garlic sauce but nothing unique or out-of-this-world) I'd like to go back for Brunch (perhaps Easter?). This next time I'd definitely try out the Sangritini (Sangria Martini) due to its uniqueness and the fusion between two yummy yet dangerous things. Three Recommendations For Your Visit: ~Reservations practically required!! ~Dress is semi-business casual and up. Jeans are probably not acceptable (even though my entire party had jeans on yet we were only kept from being out of place by wealthy people's kids). ~Do NOT miss out on the desserts. All were amazing. Really there's no point in recommending any specific one because it would depend on your taste buds and you can't go wrong no matter what. Meson is a perfect place for a unique, cultural wedding that gets away from food that all tastes the same. Now, go, Go, GO see for yourself!
(5)
Gwin C.
Went there for Easter brunch with in-laws and family. Food was good in terms of selection. Well organized egg hunt for the kids. The service was a bit on the slow side but I think it was just our server as I watched other tables get better more prompt service. I'd recommend coming for their usual Sunday brunch which has better execution. Worth the $40 per person though!
(4)
Joseph R.
After reading some good reviews and following my love of Spanish food, I decided to take my wife for San Valentine's day to Meson Sabika. Unfortunately, my first time at M.S. was a bit disappointing. We arrive just before 9 pm. My first impression of the place was a good one. The restaurant is on a beautiful mansion built on 1847, definitely the perfect setup for a romantic night. Being Valentine's day it was pretty packed as expected. We had to wait around 15 minutes on the bar, which is pretty normal in our experience. Once on the table, our server went over the menu. Unfortunately, he was not very knowledgeable about it. He struggle a bit while trying to explain the different choices. I felt bad for the guy; maybe he was new on the job or something. We ordered the night special which included a combination of cold and hot tapas plus dessert. Our first tapa arrived around 20 minutes after we sat. It was a Crepe of spinach, goat cheese, almonds and apples. It sounded delicious but, to our disappointment, it was just OK. After around 20 minutes the server came back with about 4 tapa plates. Once again we were a little disappointed with the food. We're not picky eaters but, I sincerely didn't like it that much. We have had tapas in other places and with every tapa we just looked at each other thinking; "It's just Ok, had better". After that, there was a stretch of about 30 minutes of just waiting for the main course. The server never came to our table to explain the delay or to check on us. It was around 10:40 pm with the restaurant being mostly empty, when finally our course arrived. I immediately told the server to please box it up to go, including the dessert. He said sure and never apologize for the delay, he probably didn't even notice. Before leaving the restaurant, we made sure to talk to the manager about the experience. He apologized and we left the place. Around five minutes after, I received an email saying that my open table reservation was cancelled. I though it must have been an honest mistake. When I got home and I log in into my account and look for the reservation, I notice that because it was cancelled, I could not leave the review. The bottom line is this: Food was OK, Service was Bad, Ambiance was Good and the building was great. Would I return, probably not.
(2)
Amanda S.
Great ambiance, unique environment. Awesome for dates! The prices are a little high on some items, but the plating technique and presentation is worth it. I recommend the cous cous or scallops. The sangria is a must.
(5)
Yvette L.
We have celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary this past Spring at Meson Sabika. The wait staff remembered us and we received a champagne toast with cookies for dessert. This is our annual treat and we always order what was served at the reception in the pavilion. Thanks for making this our special place.
(5)
Yocelin S.
My husband and I celebrated our anniversary here and it was exactly what we expected. We made reservations through Open Table and were promptly seated upon arrival Friday night. We sat on the 2nd floor in a small corner with a window overlooking the courtyard. The property itself is lovely. The tapas were all amazing- the seafood was fresh, the duck confit was delightful, and the paella- I'm still savoring it now. The patatas bravas were so tasty- we got an extra plate to go. We will surely be back for special occasions. The prices were fair for the quality and service. Truly outstanding.
(5)
Judy H.
Came here yesterday with my fiance and future in-laws. Here's the quick synopsis: Service - good. Our waiter was very professional and pleasant. Thumbs up for that. Environment - okay. Beautiful mansion on the outside, but a little stuffy on the inside. I guess the grandma doily feel is the spin the place is going for, but didn't do much for me. Food: (1) Tostada con Centollo - tasty, but not impressive and too small to share beyond 2 people. Probably wouldn't get it again. (2) Patatas con Alioli - very, very garlicky, which we actually enjoyed, but a little heavy on the mayo for my taste. (3) Mariscos Paella - just okay. Ample amount of seafood, but the rice was a little mushy in texture for my liking. Didn't get a distinct saffron taste. The tomato and bell pepper taste was more overpowering. Probably would get it just to be full..by far largest portion. (4) Salteado de Hortalisas - actually enjoyed this quite a bit. Vegetables were cooked well - still tender and the sauce had a bit of heat, which I LOVE. (5) Vieras Albarino - 3 large, fresh scallops on a bed of cous cous. This one was delicious. Would recommend it. I think it had a touch of cumin in it so be wary for those who aren't a fan. (6) Cordero al Pastor - great flavor, but sadly the lamb was dry. Not juicy. The grilled onions and mushroom were good. Pricey - for what each tapas was priced, just expected a little bit more.
(3)
Jie S.
Pretty happy with this place for the Mother's Day brunch. Althought it was kind of on the expensive side, but having the chance to try out all the dishes with a fixed amoutng was quite a draw for the families. We made the reservation two months before the date. About one month before the date, we were not able to add 3 more people as they all booked. Quite a popular place. We don't see much garden estate type of restaurant around here. I won't be not surprised that this is the popular place for weddings and celebrations. We were seated out at the huge open pavilion. I'm usually not a fan for the buffet but this time I got some great suggestions on this place so I'm able to focus on the selected items along the huge buffet choices. Personal favorites are jumbo shrimp, bacon wrapped dates, and fresh fruits. Yes, I got the fruit listed as they were juicy and tasted excellent. Really, everything was really good. We, mothers got treated with mimosa and rose. Services were pretty good but not outstanding. Large crowd at the queuing line at the buffet table. I'd like to try the regular table service next time.
(4)
Sheila S.
The next best thing to hopping on a plane and heading to Southern Spain and most certainly the top restaurant in Naperville. To start off, ambiance is spot-on: a gorgeous historic mansion sets the scene and makes it perfect for nicer nights out with the family, a date with your significant other, or brunch with the ladies (or gents, I don't judge). Actually, I highly recommend the brunch for seasoned veterans looking to see another side of Mesón. There's a variety of shareable tapas, including some stellar hot ones like patatas bravas, queso de cabra, and champiñones. Bonus: the extensive menu marks vegetarian and gluten-free options. Portions are just right and just like sushi, you can always order a few more. Then there's dessert. Oh, don't even get me started... Although it's on the higher end of restaurants, it's not terribly pricey. My only complaint is service leaves a bit to be desired. It's not bad, just not at the level it should be for the type of place it is. But hey, I didn't buy my ticket to Spain, did I?
(4)
Kevin W.
Came here with family for Sunday Brunch, it's clear that this place is dedicated to good food and good service. Our server was extremely helpful and accommodating, offering to give a quick tour and constantly checking-in that everything was up to par. Very professional and explained the whole dining experience quite well. For Sunday Brunch, the food was exquisite, with variety and quality combined. There's something here for everyone, whether it's seafood, tapas samplers, breakfast food, even a kids table! There were over 20 dishes, all of which exceeded my expectations for a 'brunch buffet'. Everything was hot and ready, and I have no complaints! The atmosphere is great, interior is slightly stuffy, but everyone had a good time and we'd love to come back.
(5)
Janine K.
I wasn't going to let a little rain come between dinner reservations at this establishment this past weekend! They only had a reservation for 8pm, and that was fine. After the monsoon, the parking lot was rather flooded so there was a guy directing us where to park - why don't more places have this??? We made our way inside to a pretty packed place - including the wedding reception going on. We were seated upstairs, it was a little loud with conversations going on at the other tables, but we adapted quickly. My friend and I split a pitcher of red sangria - soooooo good!!! We ordered one warm tapas and two cold - after splitting three plates, we were surprisingly full, but had just enough room for dessert...two of them! :) I wasn't stuffed to the max, but pleasantly full, I'd say... it didn't even seem like that much food but I think the bread with our dishes filled us up enough. I seriously wanted one of every dessert on the menu...we settled on the white chocolate mousse and almond/pear pound cake to split - both were delicious! The service was great, the food was sooooo great... we cannot wait to come back here!!! On our way out we grabbed "to go" menus, this way we can plan ahead and not spend so much time going through the menu. I cannot wait to come back and dine outside, the grounds here are beautiful.
(4)
Kelly J.
Great food!! Unfortunately had 2 used utensils dropped on me with a white garlicky cream sauce. There was an apology but no napkins given for clean up. Human error, disappointing but highly recommend the food. Very busy
(4)
Jon P.
Meson Sabika simply dominates all other restaurants. The array of tapas is gargantguan, the wine list is expansive and totally Spanish, and the ambiance is perfection. We sat outside for dinner beneath a large flowering tree and just had the best weather and a great experience. You could easily forget you're in Naperville and think you're in the south of France!! They were absolutely crushed as they always are on summer nights so the service was just ok. Minor problem that was overshadowed by literally everything else being perfect! A "must eat" for any Yelpers from out of town visiting. You can thank me later!!
(5)
Judith S.
8/24/15 I have dined here before, but this time was disappointed. Our waiter was very disorganized. We had to ask for everything. He forgot to take the dessert order and never brought back to the table the leftover paella that we were taking home. The food was just OK, and didn't do justice to Spain. Not a great dining experience, and I won't return.
(2)
Heidi K.
I came here for Sunday brunch with my sister and her husband, my husband, my father and his wife. It was the Sunday after Christmas and we managed to snag a 10:30 a.m. reservation a few days prior so we arrived before things got crazy crowded. We arrived and were brought to a room upstairs, which seemed to be for people with small children (my one year old nephew was with us) as the downstairs rooms were full of adults and older children. We were seated at a table that had dead flowers (nice) and the room was ice cold. A basket of bread was brought out, but no butter. Eh..... Our waiter was very nice, but I cannot remember his name. He explained how everything worked, and then took our drink order (mimosa for me, Bloody Mary for the hubs) and omelet order (cheese and chorizo) and then we made our way downstairs to the buffet. Everyone raves about the bacon wrapped dates, but I was a bit skeptical at first. I've never tried dates, as I assumed they were like big raisins and I hate raisins. But I was brave and tried one. It was.... okay, I suppose. It was way too sweet; I could hardly detect the bacon on the thing. I felt like I was eating a sweet potato drenched in maple syrup. Oh well, I tried. The calamari was excellent, as was the ceviche (I had three large servings of it). I also probably consumed a pint of raspberries on my own. The bacon was cooked perfectly and I am not ashamed to admit that I consumed at least 15 pieces. Garlic potato salad= uh MAY zing! Soooo garlicky, and addictive! I tried the paella which was okay. Chorizo links, cheeses, a couscous dish, fresh fruit.... all great! I know there was plenty more that I tried but I can't remember it now. They also have a carving station but I didn't partake in that. There was just so much food to sample. The brunch is about $30 a person which is a fair price, given the variety of food and the quality of same. It was a nice time spent with family and I enjoyed the experience.
(3)
Victoria B.
Great place to celebrate an event or for date night. Pretty pricey but the food is worth it. Tapas style small plates rich and savory. Love the bacon wrapped dates always a crowd pleaser! The desert was ok we had the flan of the day which was orange flan yummy and bananas foster but it tasted kinda burnt Carmel sauce. We sat outside this time the chairs were sticky!!! Omg we had to move to another table because it's from the sap from the trees above! Service was nice and bus boys were always attentive to refill our water.
(4)
Jim L.
this place has amazing food. I am definitely a fan. Just not a fan of the prices but then again it is an upscale restaurant, not a fast food place. I would recommend this place for a great atmosphere and great food.
(4)
Ashley F.
Birthday dinner here was wonderful. I recommend a early reservation if you don't want to wait. If weather permits sit outside its beautiful. As far as the food try the goat cheese it's fabulous!
(4)
Cindy L.
I really wanted tapas and I usually find all the tapas places in the city, but I was meeting up with a friend in Naperville. I went on Yelp and found Meson Sabika and it sounded really great. We had a hard time finding the place but I'm so glad we eventually found it. The entrance was very pretty. There was a nice flower garden and mini fountain setup. It was raining the night we went. I wish I got some nice pictures of the outside. We were about 20 minutes late to our reservation, but they were so friendly - we were seated right away! The service was very good. I really liked their dishes too. There were some very unique dishes with great flavors. I loved the Datiles con Tocino (bacon wrapped dates)! I really liked the Vieras Albarino (sea scallops with couscous). The Gambas al Ajillo (shrimp) was tasty. The Calamares a la Plancha (squid) was good. Obviously I love seafood since that's the majority of what we ordered haha. For seafood, it is important that the sauces are flavorful because that helps to bring out the seafood. For meats, if it is seasoned too heavily it will be too salty and you cannot taste the natural meat flavor itself. I did order one other meat dish (besides the bacon wrapped dates) - the Chorizo y Morcilla. The chorizo on the plate was very, very salty...too salty, but I did like the blood sausage. We also ordered a salad - the Ensalada Gabriela (arugula and watercress salad with apples, pecans, raisins, with Muscatel sun dried tomato olive oil vinaigrette). Honestly, this salad was probably my favorite plate. The sea scallops were my second favorite. It was really delicious. I really could eat that all day. Pair your dishes with a glass of their sangria. For dessert, we ordered the Tarta de Chocolate y Caramelo. Overall, this was a very nice dinner. If I am ever back in Naperville, I would go back!
(4)
Marilynn P.
I truly love Meson Sabika! Although, I've been here several times and none of my experiences have been as good as my first time. The first time I went, we went during an off-peak hour in the middle of the day. Food was presented fresh & hot, and the service was impeccable! All the other times I've visited have been much busier. The food didn't taste as fresh/hot by the time it reached the table, and the service was good but not great. I recommend most of the hot tapas! The paella was good, but be prepared for a long wait.
(4)
Krista H.
Tapas has to be my favorite type of food especially when you can enjoy great tapas paired with killer sangria with great people! My favorites are the skirt steak with the peppers and onions the bacon wrapped dates baked goat cheese and basically everything else. If you live near Naperville you have to try it!
(5)
Eric Y.
I love tapas and chef Emilio always turns out a good product and a good time! I love the setting - a house dating back to 1847 with a beautiful yard and gardens and some very enticing vintage charm. There's a banquet hall addition too - it looks very inviting. I prefer the food and beverage program at Emilio's Tapas in Hillside - my favorite escargot tapa is not offered here (so sad) and the wine/sherry list is much more comprehensive at the other place. Nevertheless, dining here is a homey, low key experience filled with a lot of good times and plenty of good food.
(4)
Inshu K.
Have has numerous dinners here, brunches, birthday celebrations- consistently delicious !!
(5)
Justin E.
Sunday Brunch at Mesón Sabika is as good as it gets. Highly recommended... don't take my word for it though, give it a try yourself. Very busy, so you'll need reservations. About $35 a head... but the atmosphere and two rooms of delicious grub is well worth it.
(5)
Steve B.
Excellent food. So much fun. Loved the bacon date tapas. Slightly expensive but worth it. Charming location and view. I will be going back.
I live in the city and work out in Naperville and I am not a real foodie but I try to go to different restaurants and experiment with new foods. As part of my work gatherings, we often go to Meson Sabika and I think the entire experience is very good. I also go to two neighborhood tapas restuarants and Meson Sabika is way better than either of them - ba ba reba or iberico. The food is superior and the prices are very reasonable. I also love going to Tapas Gitana in Northfield (which is a notch above Meson Sabieka in my opinion) - I guess I am fond of Spanish little plates. I know there a lot of dining options in Naperville but if I lived out there, this would be one of my go to places.
(5)
Sara B.
Love the bacon wrapped date and patatas bravas! Very good sangria as well. The patio is great in the summer for relaxing with friends.
(5)
Chrissy W.
Bacon. Wrapped. Dates. All. Day. Long. We came for brunch and brunch we consumed. I seriously just want to eat my weight in bacon wrapped dates. Not joking. The cold food buffet was served on the patio (you know, before it was below zero with the wind chill), and it was amazing. Cheese. Veggies. Fruit. Amazing creations that made me immeasurably happy. The hot food buffet was pretty good, but the paella was AMAZING. Definitely a must-try on your brunchy visit. I didn't get anything from the carving station, but I was stuffed harder than a build-a-bear. The eggs benny was REALLY good (I think they use homemade English muffins and make those babies to order - yes with a perfectly poached egg). First glass of champagne/mimosa is free; second glass is half price. I switched to a bloody Mary and DAYUM, it was delicious. Let's talk ambiance here, people. Brunch in an old mansion? Did I mention the cool old mansion? Yeah. That. Get yourself over there. And make reservations because they get BUSY.
(5)
Brianna L.
I just can't say anything bad about this place.
(5)
Amy R.
I always feel super bogus giving a lower rating to a place that I notice ALL of my yelp fraaands adore. Like did I miss something? Am I culinarily inept? Come on the wrong night? Sigh. Well for me, Meson Sabika is a three star affair. I came here with ALL of my cousins for dinner on a weeknight and of course, we had a reservation (I have a very large family, plus now that we're marryin' age, we've doubled). We sat at a huge round table in one of the rooms of this enormous mansion, and I loved the beautiful interior, but it is BUSTLIN. I mean loud, crazy, bump my chair seventy times, crowded, bustlin'. Since we, also, were an enormous group, it's fine and I get it, but it's also overwhelming. We tried SO MUCH STUFF, and honestly not a lot stood out to me, I loved the baked goat cheese, but didn't love the red sauce it was baked in. The shrimp were good, but not great. Also, coming here with a large group is NOT a good choice - you get to sample maybe one or two bites of the teeny tiny tapas, and that's it. We even ordered 2-3 of some of the tapas, and it wasn't enough. I left honestly HUNGRY and hubs is not afraid to admit he made a Taco Bell run later that evening. Oops. Almost everyone at our table had sangria and loved it, but I don't really drink and I sat that out. Finally, it's crazy expensive. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to drop a ton of money on a delicious meal, but I need to leave satisfied and/or drunk, and I need to be impressed. Sadly, that didn't quite happen. I may try to come back with a smaller group and rock out small plates again, someday, but for now, Meson Sabika is just a-ok.
(3)
Katlyn E.
Amazing! After a long & arduous search, I have finally discovered THE Best Sunday brunch in Chicagoland. Service is excellent, the ambiance is UNPARALLELED, and the food blew me away. Definitely coming back with friends. (Thank you so much to management for fitting us in despite our incorrect reservation)
(5)
Ed B.
We have been here many times over the years but this is my first review of it. This place is 5 stars based on the quality of food, service and atmosphere but it is not a 5 star restaurant in the classic sense. It is located in an old mansion. The surrounding grounds and the building itself speak of a time gone by. The charm and class of this place truly gives a sense of comfort and relaxation as soon as you step out of your car. There is also a banquet hall for the Sunday brunch and weddings or special occasion. A beautiful room. There was a wedding taking place here yesterday.There was a horse drawn carriage giving rides around the grounds that just added even more class and charm to the happenings all around. Besides the charm of the place I can say that most of the rooms in the house where you dine are a bit small and can feel somewhat tight but as soon as you taste the food you forget about that. The service here is excellent. We like to dine outdoors here when the weather permits. The outdoor part of this establishment is huge and much more open so you are not at all cramped. Nearly all of it is shaded by huge old trees and umbrellas. Every time we come we are in a group of 4 to 10. It is always a party as it was again last night outside.You are never rushed here and the 3 hours we spend each time we come here just flies by. As for the food it is Spanish tapas style. So small portions to share.There is a large variety of fish, seafood, meat, and vegi. dishes to choose from. With all of the different things we have tried, and we have tried nearly everything, no one in any of our visits have ever complained or not like anything. The menu does change from time to time based on some seasonal things and items do come back. There are some of the signature items like figs wrapped in bacon and robust garlic potato salad which are always there. You have to try these. Figs wrapped in bacon? Yea they are awesome! There is a full bar, house made sangria's and a large list of after dinner drinks and coffees to accompany your top notch desert menu. I have left here many a time wishing I could get wheel barrow service back to my car. Yes just wheel me out and flip me into the seat until I come back again next time to do it all again!
(5)
Tina D.
This place is delicious, the service was great! My husband and I went for our anniversary and they gave us complementary champagne, which was very sweet. They seated us per our reservations and didn't make us wait and they seated us on the second floor overlooking the courtyard which gave the evening an extra romantic touch. They had many veggie options and were able to make the tapas spicy upon request. My husband liked all the meat dishes he got as well. Everything we ordered was great. The prickly pear and peach sangrias were amazing! I can't wait to go back and eat some more yummy tapas.
(5)
Kevin E.
This might be the only truly great restaurant in Naperville. I have nothing but praise for it.
(5)
Angela P.
Meson Sabika, I've seen it all! I've dined here with my husband a few times. I've attended one wedding indoors and one wedding outdoors. I've attended an office Christmas party. I've dined inside the beautiful mansion, and I've dined on their patio. The patio is gorgeous, but it can get nasty with mosquitoes in the evening. My feet and butt are proof. Most recently, I dined with four other friends. I've seen Meson's many faces, and they are all gorgeous, flawless faces on teeny tapas plates. Located in an old mansion, Meson offers an atmosphere that is like dining in someone's home. Someone's crowded, bustling, noisy home. It seems that no matter the time of the day, there is a crowd. Reservations can be made easily only a few days in advance. Reservations are a must, but they are not hard to come by. Meals must be started with the Queso de Cabra (goat cheese) and the Bacon Wrapped Dates. Must. I'm also a fan of the steak with blue cheese, the tiger shrimp, the chicken & chorizo skewers, and the apple & duck confit crepe. Chug a pitcher of that red sangria. Repeat. Naperville School District employees receive a 40% discount, and since I'm married to one, I'm wondering why we aren't here more often! (40% discount is NOT valid on private parties/weddings - I tried). Weddings are on the pricey side here (they charge $14/person on TOP of whatever food/drinks you are paying for, JUST to rent the space), but both I have attended were beautiful events with amazing food. This is a perfect date spot; we've celebrated a few anniversaries here. It's also a nice place to go with another couple. I don't think I would go back in a group of six, because some of the small plates are TOO small to share with a group that large. Perfect for two. Nice for four (you can try more things), but difficult with six.
(5)
Shana M.
When I want a fancy night out with a unique atmosphere I go to Meson Sabika. The restaurant itself is a old mansion. The staff is very knowledgable of the menu so definitely ask them for suggestions. I love the sangria, and bacon wrapped dates.
(5)
John S.
Not much to say about this place, it is obvious that it's excellent. My recommendation is to eat outside on the patio. I had no idea they had one until yesterday.
(5)
Nick B.
I was taken here for a Sunday brunch. All I can say was it was amazing and I left in a food coma. For the brunch you get to try a bunch of different hot and cold tapas. Also a free champagne drink to start brunch off wasn't bad either. I had 3 big plates of all different types of brunch tapas. Everything was amazing. You can't go wrong with anything you pick. The setting was nice, A manor restaurant. I wouldn't advise to bring children along as it does get rather cramped. Overall I cannot wait to go back for brunch. Amazing and words cannot describe how much your stomach will thank you.
(5)
Cash P.
My family loves this place! The food is scrumptious. Go with a group as tapas are ment to be shared or go to Sunday brunch so you can have a little of everything. Sunday brunch reminds me of the high end Las Vegas buffets. Holidays book up so make reservations. They offer kid friendly foods on the buffet presented on tables at child height. We love sitting outside on the patio during the summer. Their chocolate matini is creamy with just a slight sweetness. My mom says their sangria always reminds her of being in Spain. It is a little dryer than most American versions.
(5)
Joe Z.
How many more times do I have to rate Meson Sabika (happy to do it team). Awesome place, awesome food, awesome service and all in a atmosphere this is upscale and just nice. You want a place to take your mom (or other well heeled adult) then this is the place. The food is awesome and the presentation is as well. The plates are small-ish (ive been to places where they are even smaller) and well prepared. The hot comes hot and the cold comes cold. Caution on the garlic potato salad . . . they use a LOT of garlic so everyone at the table needs to take at least one bite so you're not killing each other later on. Good stuff, and that's not a complaint it's just how they make theirs and it's awesome. Favorite is the Skirt Steak with onions and blue cheese . . . . mouth watering to go get some right now. I've been there a ton of times and I'll be going back. Quality and consistency are top notch. Don't ever stop what you're doing Meson Sabika, I love ya.
(4)
L J.
We went to the Sunday brunch the first time we ever ate at this restaurant. All I can say is "WOW" Everything was delicious, service was great, gardens were beautiful. Can't wait to eat there again!
(5)
Jessica O.
First time eating at a tapas restaurant. Many options cold and hot. Ordered mostly hot ones. Lamb, beef, duck, shrimp and lobster They were all good but nothing outstanding. I think it was a good meal overall due to the variety of the dishes. The place is charming but since it's an older mansion/house the place has limited space so you are very close to other tables and it can get loud. The deserts and drinks were really good.
(3)
Bill O.
I really always considered tapas to be a casual meal, and I've always enjoyed the small portion/solid spicy red wine/sangria/uniqueness of it all. However after Saturday night's meal at Maison Sabika In Naperville, I realized that tapas can be elegant and is very well complemented by excellent customer service. After walking through the grounds of this 5 acre mansion dating back to the 1800s, we were immediately seated and introduced by our waiter, Kyle. Kyle was comprehensive in his explanations of the food And he selected a awesome glass of red wine that he explained very well. Later he told me that the wine representative for Maison was there yesterday, so he had fresh memory. He also let me know that they had Hendricks gin. Had a martini and had three awesome tapas: one. Garlic potato salad two. blood sausage and chorizo three. Skirt steak After celebrating my friends birthday that night at her selection of a unique restaurant that is Maison Sabika, our waiter Kyle approached myself and my wife and let us know that it was a pleasure to serve us. This really gave our visit the X factor makes me want to come back again. Nice job Kyle, and nice job Maison Sebeka.
(5)
Andrea M.
This is the best place to go sample a little bit of a lot of different especially tasty dishes. I love the tapas idea and I love the atmosphere. It looks like an old house (I think it is) and the servers are superb. You can NOT go wrong. It is a great place to go when you have a big group that would like to share their experience -everybody can eat EVERYTHING. Yum!
(5)
Terry I.
Have tried plenty of the menu dishes, come here many times and have never walked out disappointed by the food, service, or pricing. Great place to go to for any occasion.
(5)
Amanda C.
Delicious! We had a birthday day date. This has been the first time I made reservations online and they made our date perfect. I added it was a special occasion with us celebrating husbands birthday and they came out with a cream puff filled with vanilla ice cream and chocolate drizzle! We had bacon wrapped dates and the shrimp was amazing. We had other tapas dishes that were all perfectly made. Thank you Meson Sabika for making it a special day!
(5)
Ingrid B.
Yum. Yum. Yum. From beginning to end-olives to profiteroles (and everything in between)-it was sublime. Will return as often as I can.
(5)
Wendy P.
I really cannot understand the high ratings. I must have gone on a catastrophic night. The dining room was freezing cold. We ordered some cocktails which was for me a decent Manhattan and then we waited, swatting gnats while perusing the enormous menu, which seemed a bit too big for fine dining. We ordered the Cogollo de Tudelo, which was a disappointing mound of lettuce soaked in a bland creamy dressing with tiny bits of shriveled mushroom and slivers of heart of palm. This was accompanied by both the Pulpo ala Feira and the Piquillos de Mariscos. The pulpo was chewy, tough and overwhelmingly salty. while the Piquillos were doused in the same creamy dressing that coated the salad and the fishiness of the overpowered the sweet-hotness of the peppers. 0 for three at this point when we moved onto the hot tapas. By this time I had finished my drink but not before at least 5 gnats had met a grim watery death in my martini glass. We started with the Pipirrana de Buey, a skirt steak with blue cheese, ordered medium rare came well done, unseasoned and plastered in a 1/2 inch crust of blue cheese. This was followed by teeth-curlingly sweet Datiles, which lacked any heat or anything to balance the sugar. Finally the Montaditos de Cerdo, the pork medallions, which were another big mistake. The Patatas Bravas, the spicy potatoes were the only thing that reminded me of my time in Spain We left most of it, corked our wine and left before the open bottle before more gnats died. Really terrible and memorable for the wrong reasons.
(1)
Blondie B.
Food, Service, Quality, & Ambiance is what I am looking for in my ratings. This Restaurant is always a sure bet! Reservations are strongly encouraged. Food is always spot on perfectly cooked and presented, I have never sent back a dish. Service is mainly consistent, quick and very attentive. Truly authentic Spanish tapas with wonderful Paellas Mariscos. You will feel very at "home" here at Meson Sabika. Beautiful grounds, in a beautiful vintage home. Great restaurant and do not forget to have a Sangria!
(4)
Anna N.
An excellent tapas option for the western burbs. After moving from downtown Chicago I have yet to find a decent tapas option until Meson Sabika. They have a HUGE menu with a lot of great options to choose from. I suggest trying their specials since those were some of my faves. The inside is like an old home and cozy. Came here for my b-day dinner and was not disappointed. I love that they also provide bread for the table since so many tapas dishes have great sauces that I literally want to lick the plate clean and having bread helps me do so! Serving size was good and quality of food was appropriate for the price. My only complaint is that some of the dishes could have used a touch more salt, or I would have liked some salt at my table to do so myself, but that could just be me and my pregnancy preferences! I'm looking forward to coming back!
(5)
Alyssa J P.
A gorgeous restaurant with incredible sangria and a very vegan-friendly menu. Just ask for things on the vegetarian menu without the cheese or sauce. I was very pleasantly surprised about how vegan-friendly they are, actually, because sometimes fancy restaurants won't rise above pretentiousness to serve people with dietary restrictions. Great place to bring a date! Go in the summer or early autumn and dine on the patio.
(4)
Clarence S.
Service was impeccable, and at the same time didn't bother the table much. Bussers came consistently for water and bread. The food was spot on with the descriptions on the menu. In regards to the atmosphere, it was really clean and had an "at home" feel to it. I didn't feel "hovered over" by other customers. This place is a legitimate, traditional tapas restaurant. So if you're a fan of contemporary, fusion tapas restaurants like me, this is definitely a change of scenery. However, I directly compared the taste of the food to that of Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba's version of it downtown and I found Ba-Ba-Reeba's flavor to be a bit more enticing. For a restaurant in the suburbs, it was a great experience. I wouldn't mind staying there, chatting, and eating for at least two hours, and of course having a great time.
(4)
Jim C.
Such a quandary. When a reservation is made for a party of 25, is it unreasonable to expect decent service with adequate staffing? I don't think so. But apparently Meson Sabika does. Witness the dinner our party had after high school graduation. 25 people spanning 3 generations. We had one waitress who had never handled a group this size, a couple of random bus boys who picked up the dishes and filled water when the spirit seemed to moved them. And a kitchen that was painfully slow on getting the orders out and wrong dishes delivered regularly. But the food itself was awesome. Tasty, crunchy, interesting, flavorful and downright scrumptious. But it wasn't enough, for me anyway, to offset the annoyingly disinterested service. I would have at least expected the manager to pop in and make sure things were okay. He or she didn't. Although someone in my party said some manager type made an appearance before I arrived but I was there for at least 90 minutes. I guess my bottom line is its a good choice for a date but expect to wait given the service experience I had. For a large group though I'd look elsewhere despite the food.
(2)
Gary D.
I've been wanting to try this place since moving here 2 years ago and we used Naperville restaurant week as the excuse. It was fantastic. The setting is this old mansion that's been updated to a restaurant and it's very well done which really contributes to a great atmosphere. The service was impeccable even though the waiter was Spanish and didn't speak good English it just added more to the ambiance of a Spanish tapas establishment. The wine list is limited to Spanish wines only but after explaining what we liked in a wine the server suggested a Spanish wine which was close and good. The only reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 was we took advantage of the prix fixe menu for restaurant week and the selections were good, but not GREAT. I will definitely go again though as the regular prices were reasonable anyway. Besides how many places do you find that serve splits of cava!
(4)
Dauer H.
Absolutely delicious, just a bit hefty for my budget and a bit far out of the city, but if you want stellar Spanish food, this is the place to go! You'll never get comida this caliber in Cafe Iberico or Cafe Ba Ba Reba! Great atmosphere! Intimate yet cozy...def get the Montadita con Langosta (lobster in saffron sauce). Veggie selections compliment the seafood choices.
(4)
Alan L.
Totally did agree with these ratings. If you have ever had real Spanish tapas you will immediately understand that what is served here is not authentic. Like many ethnic restaurants it has been adjusted to cater to the tastes of the local customers, which does not reflect authenticity
(1)
Janelle C.
Meson Sabika never disappoints. I have been for birthday celebrations, Sunday brunch and lunch with mom. The food is always good, especially meat dishes. Meats are always flavorful and cooked to perfection. The most classic tapas are nowhere near as good as they are in Spain, but the best you'll find in Naperville. My faves are the bacon wrapped dates and duck confit. The wine list includes lots of good Spanish wines.
(4)
Jodi L.
Excellent dining. This is one of my absolute favorite tapas restaurants. The outdoor seating is so romantic and quaint and it's the perfect place for a date or an anniversary. Make sure you try the Sangria - it's the best drink on the menu. 5 stars!!!
(5)
Rupa N.
Delectable tapas meant to be shared, flowing Sangria, a boisterous crowd, and of course a beautiful setting in a renovated Naperville mansion originally built in 1847. Meson Sabika surely ranks as a must-visit in suburban Naperville. I've been here a few times and I "always" order the garlic potato salad. The price has gone up in recent years and the staff has tempered the garlic (shucks) but it's a cult classic to be sure! I always say - If you can get the taste of garlic out of your mouth in less than 24 hours.......................it isn't garlicky enough. Spanish wines are spectacular but we're really stuck on their red sangria. A pitcher goes for $27 but it pairs up really nicely with the food. I've sampled sangria in Barcelona and Seville and Meson's my favorite. A platter of bread along with a small bowl of marinated olives start the evening. We love the olives here and always order another bowl which is one of the cold tapas offerings. The bread isn't much to talk about but takes a life of its own when dipped in olive marinade! Their paellas are quite nice and filling but limits the number of tapas that can be ordered. This go-around, we noticed some nice daily specials that caught our eye so we decided to forego the paella. My favorite down-pat was a cold special of the day, a mushroom dish marinated in olive oil, topped with mozzarella cheese, accompanied by asparagus. So much going on in this dish. We also tried a hot tapas special, montaditos de sol, tender beef tenderloin wrapped in bacon accompanied by a sweet sauce accompanied by pears I think. The patatas bravas were too reminiscent of my favorite Barcelona to pass up, potatoes with spicy manchego cheese. Good dish but I wasn't in awe. The dud of the night were the veal meatballs. It was either the meatballs or the sausage dish and I opted for the former since it was a special of the night. This was a pretty bland dish. We were quite full but I convinced my husband to share Tarta de Chocolate y Caramelo with me. This was blissful, warm chocolate and caramel custard baked in a hazelnut tart crust with vanilla ice cream. Oh Yum. I've tried Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba for tapas in Chi-Town and it doesn't hold a candle to Meson.
(3)
Therese C.
Best place in the suburb for tapas! I have been enjoying Meson Sabika for 20 years from a quiet dinner for two to a large group with children on the patio. Good wine choices, consistent tapas favorites and always new plates to keep us coming back. I have not tried their brunch, but have heard only good reviews. I have ordered pans of paella for buffet dinner party at home. Never disappointed. Management and staff are proffessional and friendly. Always an enjoyable dinning experience.
(5)
Steven K.
Loved it. Party of five. We ordered salads, 5 cold tapas, 5 hot tapas, and 3 deserts. Plenty of food. Everything was excellent! Haven't traveled to Spain in over 10 years, but the food brought back some great memories. Good, well paced service. Unique atmosphere. It's in an elegant old mansion, and very american traditionally decorated. Two pitchers white sangraia added to the fun.
(5)
Charlie S.
Courteous, attentive service, great food and delicious sangria! What could be better?!?!
(4)
Ellen G.
Went here for brunch, which was disappointingly ordinary. Wanted true tapas. The paella was Spanish rice with some shrimp and scallops added. Sliced vegetables and prime rib as per most decent buffets. Dessert was standard from a commercial bakery and was a little stale.
(1)
Allison A.
My husband and I recently came here for our second wedding anniversary per suggestion from our friends. It was delicious! They were very gf friendly for me, which made my life a ton easier. Woo hoo! We sat outside on the patio and it was gorgeous. I would love to sit out there again. We started out with a pitcher of red sangria. That was great on a hot day. We also had the dates, potato salad, chicken skewer, seafood paella. My husband got a few items off the regular menus, which he really enjoyed as well. All of the food was great. My husband usually doesn't like tapas restaurants because he says he is never full after. Well we ordered a total of 6 things plus the paella and we were stuffed and even had some to take home. I am looking forward to going back with some friends to try even more things!
(4)
Suzanne Z.
I would like to give this place a better review and admit I need to go back. I've only been here for a wedding. We were in their side venue, so I didn't get to see the main house. I don't know if I recommend tapas for a wedding... everything I tried was good, but sharing small plates with a big table did not make for much of a meal! We left starving. I did enjoy their sangria, and the staff running the bars were fun and friendly. The room the wedding was in was nice and large with a dance floor area. I can't wait to go back and eat a full meal here, I will update my review then and will definitely give more stars, based on what I saw from everyone else!
(3)
Kaye D.
Having a reservation via open table led us to being immediately seated in the restaurant. With the restaurant being in a home/mansion from the 1850s, the ambiance is cute and quaint. It is as if you were invited over for dinner at the home. Our waiter was attentive and knowledgable in explaining certain tapas dishes beyond the description included in the menu. There was a generous selection of cold and hot tapas. We didn't feel rushed to order everything all at once, nor pressured to finishing our food quickly. Our current favorites are the bacon wrapped dates (datiles con tocino), stuffed mushroom caps (champiñones) and grilled lamb medallions with onions and mushrooms (cordero al pastor). The red sangria was pretty fanstastic. It was fruity, flavorful and you felt the kick of the alcohol without it being too overwhelming in each sip. We tried the banana mousse for dessert. It was pretty good - whipped and airy, along with tiny chocolate shavings. I'd have it again. The flavor choice for the mousse (the banana) was different from anything I've had as far as mousse is concerned. As far as prices go, they're pretty moderate. Each tapas dish ranges from about $5-$15 depending on what your stomach is craving. Overall, it was a relaxing and fun experience.
(4)
Maya T.
The place is beautiful. It's expensive... but I had a Groupon deal for the small plates during lunch. Good food.
(4)
Michelle S.
Meson Sabika is a beautiful place to have a wedding. The staff was top notch and the grounds were lovely. The owner even made a point of talking to us and wanted to make sure everything was just right. The food was delicious and the environment was better.
(5)
Michael Z.
Great food, Great experience. To start out we made reservations for 6 PM an got there about 5:50 PM they sat us right away which was nice. The waiter was very knowledgeable an provides a few suggestions. At first the pace of the meal was good, but then all of a sudden we had three things on our table at once. All in all this was a great meal. We will definitely be going back in the summer to enjoy the outdoor seating.
(4)
Mary B.
Omg had the best experience ever!! Went there for my friends bday! Sat outdoors ordered tapas and the food, atmosphere, hosts were all just amazing. Dessert is great too ordered creme brule and another chocolate dessert. I highly recommend this place for. Fun outdoor dinner In the summer. The inside looks like any restarAunt to go go, I think the outdoor seating just adds fun to the restaurant and gives it a funner experience. Def sit outdoors on. Nice summer evening
(5)
Michele F.
The food was yummo. The bacon wrapped dates were my favorite. I went with a large group and was surprised how inexpensive the evening was even with 2 glasses of sangria.
(5)
Julie H.
While the food was good, the accessibility was not. Ate on patio and after having to go thru the whole place to get there, the ramp to the patio was extremely steep and scary for anyone with a walker or wheelchair. The bathrooms might as well not have been marked accessible... my walker would not fit thru the stall door and a wheelchair would never fit. An older bldg. but still..
(2)
Kristen H.
What a disappointment! I had been literally dying for almost a month to dine here for my birthday, after reading all of the reviews and looking at how gorgeous the establishment is. I'm not sure if those pictures are photoshopped, because the outside exterior is beautiful but once you walk into the mansion, the inside is not attractive, just a standard crowded restaurant. I had made a reservation for fifteen people, however as in most birthdays, most people do not show up exactly at the reservation time. So, I arrived with four other people. Immediately, we were greeted by our waitress, who began automatically making rude and blunt comments about where was everyone else. I informed her that they were running late. Eventually 12 people came, so we only had three seats open, and she still began making comments, such as "that's all of the people who are going to be here?!". It was not as though I had reserved a table for fifteen and only three people were there. Don't worry, your food is incredibly expensive, that you will still receive a large tip! The sangria was watered down, there was way too much ice inside of it. For a well known and recognized establishment, you can afford to add the booze inside of the sangria. I ordered the escalvida con queso and salteado de hortalisas.. My escalvida was phenomenal but I could have made a better salteado de hortalisas at home with fresher vegetables. I would have given this restaurant a three stars, almost four for their food. Yet, our server obsessed with her tip and completely demonstrated this throughout our entire dining experience. At the beginning of our meal, I did ask about separate checks, and she stated that she would not be able to do that but could take up to as many payments as possible. I find this odd that a restaurant with this much money could not do so. I used to work at Bakers Square and we could do separate checks; I feel that some places do this in order to receive larger tips and bills. Well, of course between fifteen people and a bunch of tapas and drinks, we were short on our bill and were having difficulty in figuring out who owed what, and our waitress actually rolled her eyes. This ruined my dining experience and made me wish that I would have gone to Macarena Tapas in Naperville instead. I will not be returning, which is unfortunate because once you make a tapas fan of me, I will forever be a loyal and returning customer.
(2)
Hannah P.
I had a birthday dinner here 2 years ago and I loved it. My birthday is at the end of Sept so we got to sit outside on the deck. It was beautiful. There was a wedding going on in the front, so it was kind of crowded...but once that died down it was great. Food service could have been faster; it takes awhile for the next round of dishes to come out in some cases. But typically it was worth the wait...everything was delicious for the most part!! Obviously these are tapas style meals so you're not going to get a huge mouthful of everything; definitely "taster" size portions. The staff was courteous, the mansion itself is gorgeous. Definitely a place everyone should go at least once!
(4)
Kyle C.
Meson Sabika is a very interesting restaurant. They serve Spanish tapas which are pretty small plates that everyone is supposed to share. The food itself is not bad, but it is pretty pricey for what you get. The staff is very formal and not very personable or attentive, which I would expect at a higher end restaurant like this. The atmosphere is actually what really make this place as it is in an old mansion which is really cool. I would go for a nice light formal dinner, but anything else I might consider elsewhere.
(3)
Scott F.
Was there last night with a party of 8 for a friends girlfriends birthday. First let me start by saying I don't love tapas or necessarily hate tapas, but it is what it is; you go in hungry and u leave hungry with no money. The service was interesting. I understand the whole tapas dining experience being drinking, sharing plates and visiting with friends over a long period of time but it seemed our waiter would disappear for long periods of times. I noticed no one at our table had their water refilled including mine throughout a 2 1/2 hour dining experience. After we all decided what we wanted to taste the waiter pretty much took over the check and decided how, what and when we all would be tasting the foods without acknowledging anybody at the table. Very interesting. All said and done the service was below average. The food was mediocre. It was an interesting menu with lots of choices and on paper it all sounds really good. But upon receiving and tasting u can tell everything was prepared earlier in the afternoon and was just slopped on a plate with a few garnishes, also under seasoned (If u aren't going to have salt and pepper on the table the food that leaves your kitchen better be on point chefs) I think the people that rate this place so high and love it so much get caught up in its location, concept and the ambience of this restaurant and don't understand good, cooked to order, seasonally prepared dishes. If the service was exceptional for my experience I could look past the mediocre dishes and understand why people loved this place so much...but sadly it wasn't exceptional. Now I am in the food industry and am a chef so u can take my review for what it's worth to u. Oh and get some new flatware meson sabika.
(3)
Ellen M.
I've given Sabika a few more chances, and they deserve a ratings upgrade. I've been especially impressed with the Salpicon, a cold seafood dish with peppers and other vegetables - it's fresh and delicious, and with the exception of some wonderful aromatic oil, it's a low-sin food. The calabaza acorn squash soup was also amazing. Also, I thought I was losing my mind when I ordered the Pama sangria (pomegranate flavored), but it turned out I was perfectly sane. Delicious, inventive drink.
(4)
Anahita L.
My favorite Spanish restaurant when i am not in Barcelona ...I love the food ..the ambiance and the service ..
(5)
Agnes L.
Making the mood: Loved how the mansion setting created a more unique atmosphere. It felt cozy with different rooms and floors, yet formal with the linens, decor and on-point service. Savoring the food: Because it's tapas, my husband, friend and I enjoyed a wide variety of dishes and leisurely lingered. We didn't feel rushed and the server gave us honest suggestions. Overall, the quality and pacing of the food was just right. However, the combos of ingredients were nothing new/different compared to other tapas restaurants I've visited. My favs of the night were - *Jamon Serrano - little open-face sandwiches are always an addiction for me and the hubby *Datiles con Tocino - hard to go wrong with the sweet-savory combo of classic bacon- wrapped dates *Pippirana de Buey- hearty skirt steak with blue cheese on potato *Empanada de Buey - another hearty dish with beef in a puff pastry and a little slaw and sour cream on the side
(4)
Ryan M.
Best restaurant in the western suburbs... and this coming from a guy that doesn't usually enjoy tapas. We've been here dozens of times and always have a great experience. The food is consistently excellent. The service is usually good, but we've had some off nights. The ambiance is incredible. Outside of the city, it's hard to find restaurants with character. This place over-delivers. It's an old plantation style mansion with a cozy outdoor patio. We love going in the summer and sitting outside. They have an excellent Spanish wine list, and great assortment of cold and hot tapas. I also find Meson very reasonable for the value.
(5)
Oreste G.
I had my parents in town and was looking for something a little different. We sat on the back patio and had a wonderful evening. Drinks were mediocre, but all the tapas were excellent and the flan was exceptional.
(4)
Patrick L.
My dinner here was pretty good. I didn't try any of their specialty listings but we had a good variety if items. Everything was satisfactory. They menu is definitely large though so in fairness I think it takes a few times to get a good feel. Just didn't have my socks blow off by anything. On the plus side, all the food came quickly. On the down side, our waitress was a little hit & miss. I think she was being stretched a little thing over a few rooms. Definitely worth a try though. The food was good & the prices were right.
(3)
Jeff N.
The detail orientation was very admirable. Bianca was everywhere and directed the staff throughout the evening. The food was great. The service was very professional. The facility is beautiful and the landscaping Is perfect for picture taking. The wedding reception set up was exactly what we wanted.
(5)
Anita W.
Whether it was planning a huge baby shower or coming here for lunches and dinners, this place has always been a wonderful experience. The food has always been delightful and delicious. Sangria GREAT! The brunches are AWESOME! My experience with the staff has been extremely positive and attentive. One of my favorite places in the Western suburbs!
(5)
Cory H.
This taste of this place was one of a kind. My wife raves about it constantly and we finally went just so I didn't have to hear about it anymore. It was delicious. With just the two of us, there wasn't exactly enough food but we made it work. The service is excellent and very quick and the dessert was amazing. You wouldn't be able to share with more than two people and I would recommend ordering everything for yourself and only sharing if you absolutely have to.
(5)
Christina D.
Being a longtime Meson Sabika lover there is very little I do not like about this restaurant. Seeing as though my husband I love this place so much, it's where we got married several years ago. We've gone to other weddings subsequently and every time we're there it's incredible. The ambience is really what grabs your attention when you first walk in. The old historic plantation style home is so gorgeous. The landscaping and grounds of the restaurant are so beautiful. When you first walk in you're always greeted by the host. Next, the drinks are incredible. The key lime martini is to die for. I get it every time. On to the food. There's not one thing on the menu I don't enjoy. Queso de cabra, the datiles, pincho de pollo. I could go on. It's a staple of naperville and you must try it!
(5)
Hayley H.
I wish they would remodel, not only the interior, but also the menu. I know they have been serving tapas since before they were cool, but their stuff is a bit outdated. Who HASNT had a bacon wrapped date? I can go to any ol' tapas place and get that. With such a pricetag, it should have a little more ingenuity. And better desserts. Yuck. Plus, there are too many children. Sorry, but NYE is for grownups, not kids. Go home. Get a babysitter. So selling your prix fixe menu with a free kids food tag in it is silly. Also silly, having a "special menu" but really just adjusting the amounts each person gets. Instead of 3 scallops, you get 2. Nothing special. Nothing memorable. If modernized, this place has the bones to be a landmark. Not only in Naperville, but also in the entire Fox Valley Area. Currently, its below the radar because its mediocre. Meh. Will not return unless remodeled and revamped.
(3)
Chloe H.
This place has always been a special treat for me. It's not very close to where I live, but it is easier to drive to than somewhere in the city. I went here for the first time when I was in high school for a Spanish field trip. Since then, I have returned about every 6 months or so. There is something about the intimacy and feeling of comfort I get every time I go there that keeps me coming back. I do have to say though, the last time I went, the noise level was very high compared to prior visits. My sister and I were seated by a large AND lively group, so I'm not surprised. But I was shouting to her like I was at Fox & Hound. Anyway, despite the change in the usual ambiance, the waitstaff was attentive and food was served quickly. Here are some of my favorite foods there. Queso de Cabra: goat cheese over garlic bread; I am a sucker for goat cheese, and this does not disappoint. Vieras al Albarino: scallops served over couscous in an apple butter sauce; this is probably my #3 favorite food of all time. Calamares a la Plancha: squid in a delicious olive oil/lemon juice concoction; sometimes the simple stuff works best. Tostada con Ternera: a sort of bruschetta with tomatoes, olive oil, a pinch of spices, and thinly-sliced veal on top. There were too many tomatoes on for my liking, but those were easily scraped off and I enjoyed the rest. I usually like paella, but it was my least favorite dish here. the Paella Mariscos had mussels that were extremely gritty, and I could hear the sand grinding against my teeth. But despite this setback, I have enjoyed pretty much every dish I have tried there. I leave satisfied about eating 2-3 dishes.
(5)
Sanjeev m.
still a great setup, but not impressed with the food or service.
(2)
Lena K.
Food is pretty good but not great. Try the bacon wrapped dates , potato salad , and paella but be prepared to wait. I enjoy sitting outside in the summer. Service is ok- although on my last visit it was horrible but willing to try again!
(3)
Samantha B.
This place blew my mind. Its beautifully decorated, the service is amazing and the food was outstanding! I still dream about the bacon wrapped dates and stuffed mushrooms. This was just a really great tapas place. Went there with two of my girlfriends a few weeks back and we stayed there for over 2 and a half hours ordering different tapas and slamming pitchers of delicious sangria with fresh fruit. I only have two slight complaints...I went around noon on a Friday and it was extremely loud. The seating is pretty cramped so you have to yell over everyone else. Maybe it is more quiet on week days. Secondly, the prices were pretty expensive. The pitcher of sangria was 27 dollars (which we did not know until we received the bill)! It was good sangria...but not 27 dollars good. I guess teachers receive 30% off the bill and naperville teachers get 40% off. That was pretty cool because our bill total dropped immensely. Overall, great tapas. Will definitely go again.
(5)
Brian O.
Visited 4-5 times- exceptional small dishes & paella. Great white & red sangria. Terrific service. And, the atmosphere is among the best I've ever experienced (depending on the specific room you are placed in- this is essentially located in a mansion). Bacon wrapped dates are top notch. I'm not prone to hyperbole & tend to write long reviews for bad restaurants. It's funny how little you have to say in regard to the best restaurants. Be prepared to wait or get reservations well in advance- there is a reason this is so crowded- it excels in all regards.
(5)
Jonathan G.
Excellent food! The decor is nice and plenty of tables so no long waits. Very good sangria and the tapas menu has a great selection.
(5)
Chicago G.
People clearly come here for the atmosphere. Food is barely ok. Not at all worth the calories. Beautiful setting and beautiful patio. That's about it. If you have to eat here the best things to get are the skewers and the empanadas.
(1)
Tamara K.
I absolutely love Meson Sabika! This restaurant is one of the best if not the best in Naperville. The tapas are out of this world. I love coming on Sunday for their brunch where they have a buffet style selection of some of their best tapas and allow for your choice of omelet and mimosa. Great for special occasions as well! Famous for their garlic potato salad, and delicious paella.
(5)
Rachel K.
My family and I come here a few times a year and usually come on my birthday. This past week, we made reservations to celebrate my birthday and the meal started out wonderfully. The server started great, we put in our sangria and cold and hot tapas orders and that was when things went south. Cold tapas came out great and as expected. Hot tapas all came out except for one dish which we had to ask about repeatedly which ended up finally coming out about 20 minutes after we had finished our meal. My mom ordered a separate drink and after 20 minutes of not receiving it and after asking our server about it twice, my mom went to use the restroom and saw the server just then asking the bartender for the drink. She told her to not bother since we were done with our dinner. We weren't too mad- we were all servers at one point and understand that things get really busy but we were pretty annoyed when she came back up and blamed it on the bartender. Just apologize and don't throw your other coworkers under the bus when you clearly forgot. We then had to call her over because she for some reason didn't feel the need to come and speak to us anymore...we asked for a coffee, some waters, and two desserts to split. 30 minutes later...no waters (after asking her twice more) and no desserts. The manager then started making her away around to check on tables and came and asked us how we were doing. We said it had been great at the beginning but then turned bad and we just wanted our check so we could leave and to not bother with the desserts we ordered 30 minutes ago-she assured us she would remedy the situation and get our server to give us our check immediately. Server comes BACK into the room twice, goes to every table but ours and does not bring check so we get our jackets and go downstairs to get the manager. Normally we see the owners and say hello but they were not there tonight (maybe that explains the poor service). Both of the managers spoke to us and were finally able to get us our check. They didn't have any answers as to why our service was so horrible and just kept saying sorry and trying to give us a gift card that we didn't want. We paid and left and mailed the gift card back to the owners with a note as to why we will not be eating there again. Really disappointing as it had been one of our favorite restaurants.
(1)
Meera V.
Its an amazing place especially for a date! Its not just the food, but the ambience is awesome too. Apparently its located in an old house and its beautiful. We went in summers when the outdoors is open too. Its really nice and well maintained. Staff is nice too, service ia fast. Nice variety of wines. All in all a very good experience. One of the best restaurants I have been to so far!
(5)
Lorrie K.
One of my Favorite places. Even if the food wasn't great I'd go because of the great garden and beautiful building. Flamenco dancing and spanish guitar, tapas and sangria. It's a mini vacation. Try the bacon wrapped dates yumm.
(5)
Molly C.
Best service and food ever! My first time here and my server explained everything to me with was very nice. Alot of veggie options. Everything was amazing, I loved the olives that were on the table! The cake with caramel sauce was so good we took some Togo.it was effortless service with amazing food
(5)
Cori B.
Food was great! The dining room was a little small.
(4)
Iryna K.
The best haircut and style that I have ever had. I will be going back for sure. Everyone is so friendly and they really know what they're doing. I would highly recommend this salon to everyone! Thank you Brynn!
(5)
Alex P.
Great location, nice facility but food is so-so and prices are above average.
(3)
Brian G.
It's alright. Honestly, it's not the greatest and never will be, but it's alright. I'll go back if someone plans an event there but I won't go out of my way to come here. The food is bland - I said it, go ahead and mock me. It's bland. Perhaps I went on an off day for the chef or maybe I made poor choices, but the food is bland. I was looking for some pop - a zip and kick to my food. It all looked, smelled and tasted the same to me. No, I wasn't sick - I swear. The lay out is nice, the service was great overall and the options were plentiful. I simply did not like the food. Why else would you go to a place like this? It's not an upscale bar where you can relax with your friends with rough scotch or martini. It's simply a place to go and eat. So my rating of 3 is only due to the creativity and layout of Mason Sabika as well as to the fact that it's not some God awful chain that's on every main street corner. If this was based purely on food then they would have received a 1. I dread hearing that family and friends want to come here.
(3)
Victrix V.
It's pricey, and quite simple for a tapas restaurant, yet this place has ambience and freshly baked desserts to offer. Great sangria, delicious desserts and truly yummy but not amazing knocks your socks off tapas. Too basic, too small for the price, too uninspiring-- I get bored eating here...Meson Sabika sticks to what it knows! I've never had bad food here, but I've never been completely impressed...it's inconsistent for 5stars and worth a pondering for 4 stars at time as well! It's for sure worth a go to try:)
(4)
T H.
Meson Sabika is definitely one of my favorite restaurants. I had never had tapas before, and did not know what to expect. I wanted to try something different, so chose Meson Sabika for a friend's birthday luncheon. I was pleasantly surprised. Our waiter was very nice and very helpful. He suggested some dishes, and they were all fabulous. I have to say, the garlic potato salad was phenominal. I don't do seafood, but my friend was really happy with her choice of tiger shrimp something or other. If your looking for a nice, clean, inexpensive dinner, this is the place. I cant wait to go back!
(5)
Karen G.
awesome, but pricy as always!
(4)
Kate D.
Meson Sabika is okay. The mansion concept is cool, and I like having a solid tapas option in the western suburbs. Prior to last night, I had only been in the beautiful special event space for the Yelp Summer White Party in maybe 2009 or 2010. My book club dined in the main restaurant yesterday and I wasn't particularly impressed. The host staff were very friendly and attentive - they deserve 5 stars. We didn't eat a ton, but what we had was very good. Papas Bravas and Gambas Al Ajillo were particularly delicious. The menu is very heavy on goat cheese. I've never seen so many goat cheese-oriented dishes. They must buy it in bulk or something. Hey, I like goat cheese, so not a problem. The interior just feels cramped and musty to me. I feel like it's a family Thanksgiving dinner and Grandma had to set up tables in the spare room to accommodate everyone. Yes, they're doing the best with the space they have. But I wouldn't describe it as romantic simply due to the "eating in the living room" vibe. I'm sure I'll be back though, and I'll do what I can to end up on the patio. That may change my opinion of the ambiance. Our waiter, Chris, was inconsistent. Sure, he was attentive, but he lost any good will that garnered when it was time to pay. A member of our group is a Naperville teacher, which comes with a discount at Meson Sabika. When Chris presented the bill, he made a HUGE deal out of showing us the pre-discount check and instructed us to tip on that amount. WTF??? I get providing us with an extra check so we're aware of our pre-discount total, but what kind of presumptuous, patronizing waiter thinks it's okay to INSTRUCT diners how to tip him? His remarks were rude and unprofessional, and cost him that precious extra tip money. Yeah, I'll probably be back. I do want to give their patio a test drive. But it's just not the kind of place I'd go to for a special occasion.
(3)
Nicole L.
I've been here for 2 weddings and 2 dinners. The food is delicious and the decor is beautiful. The mansion rooms are quiet and intimate but it can be a little too intimate. We were bumping into each other when we were trying to manuever around the table. All in all though, great food and delicious sangria. =)
(4)
Alegna G.
Best sunday brunch ever! Well atleast that I've had. Amazing food, drinks, atmosphere. We sat outside on a gorgeous day. Beautiful outdoor patio. Our server was great. She was very friendly and attentive.
(5)
Kalena G.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in the area- especially in the summer. The restaurant is beautiful and it's great to sit outside here in the summer under the trellis and have some prickly pear sangria. Among my favorites are the bacon wrapped dates and the scallops.
(5)
Christopher B.
Had a lot of fun here! The Sangria was great! It helps if you love Tapas of course. I found the place to be very romantic...a great place for a date....or to get married!
(4)
Trisha B.
Beautiful mansion turned restaurant. Came here 6 yrs ago for a reception. Couldn't remember the food. But the food I had tonight was delicious. Tapas is the way to go for a couple girlfriends just relaxing and catching up. So many things to try. All dishes we tried were amazing. The taste was unique and made you wish there was more. The dessert we ordered was a simple pear pound cake served with ice cream. It sounds simple but it was decadent melt in your mouth delicious. And if you are into sangria, the mango sangria is amazing. There are many rooms filled with tables so plenty of seating. But make a reservation. We made a 6:30 reservation and the couple standing in front of us did not and there wasn't a table available until 9:30. The one negative thing I can say is that the room we were in was very loud and all the conversations were echoing. Tapas is a nice way to try different spanish dishes. But this is a bit pricey so plan on spending a bit more for dinner. A must try if you've never had tapas.
(4)
Max M.
3.5 Stars The drapes don't match the carpeting. Beautiful Victorian Mansion serving Tapas. Hmmmmm. Tapas falls under the shared/small plates trend that is so popular these days. Part of what is fun about small plates is the pace and energy that is characteristic of this style of dining. This is where there is a slight disconnect for me kinda like serving champagne from a food truck or serving whole roasted chicken at your local town's watering hole. For me, it's often about the food though. If this had been the best tapas I've ever had, then I wouldn't care if you served me in a laundromat. Alas, the food was respectable but it definitely didn't take me to Spain. There's no doubt that the venue is unique and quite lovely, but they pack em in here and it feels, at times, like you're in a Cheesecake Factory in Colonial Virginia. It's still deserving of another try.
(3)
Rich P.
The food was decent but the service was very poor and the waiter was borderline rude! Also, I had made reservations for my girlfriends Birthday and they completely forgot to bring out the "Special Birthday Dessert" they promised me when I called to make the reservations and the waiter was clueless. I also called to complain since it was a special occasion and the Manager did apologize but never sent the gift certificate he "Promised he would send"! When I called to follow-up he claimed he placed it in the mail over a week prior but doesn't know why I didn't receive. So, I gave it another two weeks or so since he claimed he would resend but still never received! I mean I don't live out in the middle of nowhere (in fact, only about 10 miles away!) or anything and have no problem receiving all my other mail so not sure why he couldn't get it to my residence- or maybe because he never sent it! Also, when we sat at the bar for a few after dinner drinks the bartender was quite rude, didn't acknowledge us for at least 10 minutes and then didn't even speak a word to us and just about threw the drinks at us! I felt disrespected and don't deserve to be treated this way, have no desire to go back!!
(2)
Ryan N.
Moving from the city to the suburbs has its pluses and minuses, but the quality non-chain restaurant selection is definitely one of the largest minuses for my wife and I. Meson Sabika was a very pleasant surprise, and lived up to its Yelp reviews. Highly recommend their dates, empanada, and stuffed mushrooms. The lamb was also good, but we will probably try something else the next time we are there. Overall, one of the top 3 tapas restaurants I have been to. Only complaint is that the sangria was merely solid and did not stand out.
(5)
Joe I.
It's popular because of the location. The food is just ok. I suggest drinking Sangria and sitting outside in the warmer months.
(2)
Laura V.
Great atmosphere, love the variety of tasty food ! This wonderful restaurant values educators as well. If you are a teacher or Para-pro of the 2 area districts, you get a nice discount on your meal! At the time of posting, if you can show a pay stub or an ID you get 40% off your check for parties of four or less! Great food, great atmosphere, and the added perk of a nice discount are unbeatable! The outdoor dining is relaxing during summer months.
(5)
U J.
I have mixed feelings about Meson Sabika. Ideally I would love to love it, because their outdoor patio is fantastic, and everything about this place screams amazing. It's situated in an old mansion (supposedly haunted), it's gorgeous, and service has always been good. Foodwise though, there is nothing here that makes me want to go back for more. My husband and I have been here several times now due to living in Naperville, (and planning a wedding in Naperville a year ago, which meant lots of dinners out here during the process) and most recently last Friday night. We ordered 2 cold & 4 hot tapas and none of them were very good. Additionally, there is a chance that one of the appetizers had a piece of hair in it (I never say for certain as I understand it could have been my own too). Either way, my interest in this place has disappeared.
(3)
Casey W.
Delicious tapas in a gorgeous setting with a truly philanthropic owner. Definitely check it out in the summertime patio area!
(5)
Erin K.
Just fantastic...my friends wanted to lunch here to celebrate the start of summer. Having been for the Yelp event a few years back, I thought I might be let down to just have a few people at a patio table...how I was wrong! I really hadn't been to the patio side and in the shade of an umbrella it was a perfect afternoon setting. There were others there but it wasn't crowded. As I remembered, the food was amazing. There were even choices that pleased both my meat loving friends and my vegetarian friend. We eight tapas between us, a pitcher of sangria and 2 amazing chocolate raspberry desserts. I would easily recommend anything we tried. This maybe my go-to place for special get-togethers...just beautiful!
(5)
Sopla R.
You know how sometimes when you know you've not had stellar food? But you had a good overall experience? This was that for us. When you first arrive here you think. Southern plantation! You may also think you are in for an over the top experience to match those columns outside..and in a way you are.. Just not exactly in an authentic Spanish tapas culinary-way you'd think. The best way to describe this food? Decent banquet food. We tried 2 cold first. Carnes del Pueblo and Pulpo a la Feira. These were both underwhelming. We then ordered 4 more warm tapas. Our strategy after the cold because we thought maybe if we stuck to only the hot ones we'd have better luck. Most notable of the warm for us were : the Pipirrana de Buey and the Datiles con Tocino. Honestly, who can deny bacon wrapped dates? or any beef with blue cheese right? I forget what the other 2 were. Service. Both at the bar and table side were friendly and attentive enough..we asked (he didn't automatically offer up) what the specialties were since we'd never been) and then he took his ink pen and quickly told us/ ran down the menu and starred the ones he liked) it made me laugh that he did that. They were ready to refill (this time without asking) all non alcoholic beverages as well. he also recommend a decent Spanish wine by the glass so beverage wise our experience rocked! Conclusion: We enjoyed the kitchy ness/decor/ which can actually feel somewhat romantic with the fireplace and cozy rooms. I'd recommend coming here for the overall experience to try it at least once. Also, if I were ever in the area in the summertime I would def come back on a hot day and enjoy some sangria on that massive outdoor patio!
(3)
Mallory L.
If you live in Naperville and haven't dined at Meson Sabika, it's a must have for dining. The tapas are amazing and the sangria is always a great pair with the meal. My favorite dishes are the Pato Confitado, Pipirrana de Buey, Salmón Curado con Queso and the Patatas Bravas are among my favorites.
(5)
Rose D.
This is my favorite place to go for a special occasion night out. The food, and I've tried just about all of those tapas, is amazing! Add a pitcher of sangria & you are set! It will be difficult, but try your best to not stuff yourself and save room for a dessert or two to share. So worth it! I really love the look of this place. A nice stately white house, big columns, lovely landscaping set back from the road. When we take friends here for the first time they usually miss it because it was a home at one time and doesn't look like your typical restaurant. If you can, don't let them seat you upstairs. I understand the place gets busy & there may not be a choice but it's definitely not as nice as the main dining area & patio. When it's nice out I like to sit on the patio under the twinkle lights. The last couple of times we've been here the volume of the patrons chatter was LOUD, though. I'm used to this place having more of a romantic atmosphere so I'm not sure if it's just the Friday nights we've been here when it's loud or if that is the new vibe of the place.
(5)
Cass V.
We went here for Sunday brunch, first impression a bit mared by the fact they sat us between a walkway at a table for 6, there was 4 of us, normally no big deal except for the fact people had to keep squeezing past us to get to the buffet. We were moved to a second room that was much roomier. So on to the food, we started with the cava mimosas, I had the chorizo Benedict, which I was not a fan of, didn't care for the conistency of the bread they used it was really mushy, I would have prefered on traditional English muffin; Good: Spanish olives, garlic potato salad, tuna cannelloni,bacon wrapped dates, mushroom cap w/Spanish cheses, tiger shrimp Not so much: paella, mussels, grilled squid- very overdone The dessert were okay none were really noteworthy, tried: profiteroles, orange flan, hazelnut mousse, and some type of coder cake which b/ t all deserts was probably the best.
It was ok... ordered half a dozen tapas at lunch - cured meats and cheese were good... crab was nice but all just kinda ok. Went back for dinner, order sangria and a dozen plus tapas - kinda the same... best in Naperville whatever that means
(3)
Raymond M.
Wow didn't expect a place like this in Naperville! An old mansion renovated to be a tapas restaurant and one of the best looking bars in Chicagoland. We held a colleagues Bday here which she requested and now I feel the need to bring my wife so I don't talk about it without making her jealous. Considering my wife and I lived off of tapas on our honeymoon and I feel the need to bring her here is telling to say the least. Cannot wait to come back (with the Mrs. of course!)
(5)
Howard L.
We returned here for a family holiday lunch, and this cozy, quaint place makes that easy to become a tradition for us. The food was for the most part good as usual, particularly the beef tenderloin tapas and lunch entree we had. The bacon wrapped dates and beef tenderloin dishes were the highlights - the "sliders" lunch entree (bocadillo de solomillo) as well as the tenderloin with sweet potato (solomillos con moniato). The latter dish was pricey at $16.95, but very good. The garlic potato salad was also quite good and refreshing. The valenciana paella (chicken, shrimp, mussels, clams) was a bit off - as the rice was overcooked, and the dish on the salty, soggy side. We also had the garlic bread with goat cheese, but it was pretty skimpy on the goat cheese. The service was also a bit off today. It was on slow side, and water service was dismal as I had to ask for more water once, and gave up another time, which is unusual in my experience here. Overall - about 4 stars for today's lunch.
(4)
Cristie F.
Meson Sabika is the hidden gem of Naperville. And although it has been some time since I have dined there, it's always at the forefront of my mind when deciding on where to have dinner. Unfortunately I always opt for something in the 'hood instead. ((Gas is, what? $4.55+ a gallon right now?! Sheesh....)) Meson Sabika resides in the Willoway Mansion that was built way back in 1847. So yes, it's historic, vintage, and down right gorgeous. I love the entire feel of the place. There isn't that feel of dining in a restaurant where you're just another patron there to eat. At Meson Sabika, you're treated as if you're a special guest in their home. In my experience, service has always been exceptional. The food is no different. Served tapas style, you have your option of cold or hot tapas, soups and salads, or paella. Everything is delish, and the staff as always been accommodating to my dietary needs. But, before you dig in and start to order half the menu, a pitcher of sangria is a must. You have your choice of the classic Red or White, Cava, Pomegranate, Mango, Strawberry, or Pear. Not that the other flavors aren't good, but I'm a big fan of the classic red. As for the tapas, here's a few of my faves... :: Quesos Españoles ((Assortment of Spanish cheeses and apples)) :: Berenjena Con Queso ((Chilled grilled eggplant and goat cheese)) :: Patatas con Alioi ((Robust garlic potato salad)) :: Empanada De Buey ((Beef puff pastry)) :: Pipirrana De Buey ((Skirt steak with Cabrales blue cheese sauce)) :: Champiñones ((Stuffed mushroom caps)) :: Solomillos Con Moniato ((Grilled beef tenderloins with sweet potato, cherry tomatoes & red wine sauce)) ::Crepe Rellena ((Crepe of spinach, goat cheese, almonds and apples)) :: Datiles Con Tocino ((Roasted dates wrapped in bacon)) :: Vegetariana Paella And let's not forget about the desserts....Mousse De Abellanas ((Hazelnut mousse served on top of cocoa sponge cake with strawberry sauce)) -- Swoon. The desserts are decadent and to die for. Meson Sabika is also a hot spot for weddings. I've never been to one there, but friends of mine who have, have done nothing but rave how gorgeous it was and how wonderful the food was. I can only imagine how picturesque it must be in the spring and summer with the gorgeous greenery and flowers. ((And if I were dumb enough to get married again locally...chances are, it would be here...)) I love Meson Sabika, and I miss it. So, with all that being said, I think it's time I make myself a reservation.
(5)
Arnaud L.
Great food. Decent wines. Better to go there with many friends to share many courses. I will go back there for sure
(4)
Rashi B.
LOVE this place. Every time the whole family is in town, we inevitably end up at Meson Sabika at least once! Love the live music and dancer and bar none best tapas around! Love love love!!
(5)
Vivek N.
The choices are great, grilled chicken and bacon was excellent. Best shrimp in quite sometime! Excellent ambiance.
(4)
Kari S.
Soooo good. One of only three restaurants where we know we are going to eat a LOT and be okay with that. The Queso de Cabra is our FAVORITE, as is the sangria. They change their menu every few months, keeping the staple items and replacing a few others. Their Sunday brunch is also very good.
(5)
Francine M.
Love Meson Sabika. Teo knows everything you need to know about wines. Love this restaurant!!!
(4)
Varjawan S.
A big white mansion with different rooms and many tables in every room. Overall the tapas dishes were ok, my favorite were the bacon wrapped dates and the pork. The service is good, but the place was very noisy considering the number of people packed in a room.
(3)
Kevin R.
Beautiful location, which makes it a fantastic date spot. Other than that the food is fairly average. I prefer the Tapas at Macarena in Naperville..
(3)
J. R.
I was here with a large group for a birthday celebration. (My first visit.). We had a variety of tapas and most were good. I particularly liked the chef special tenderloin with grilled asparagus wrapped in jambon (ham). The scallops were excellent, served with aioli. The chorizo was not liked by our group and the pork tenderloins on croutons were disappointing, but the spicy potatoes were good, the paella was OK (Valencia?), and the stuffed mushrooms were good. The bacon-wrapped dates were excellent! The kids with us enjoyed the kids meal and the regular tenderloin (with sweet potato puree) was excellent. The sangria wasn't bad and the Spanish beers were a nice touch. I would come back again for a special occasion!
(4)
Teddy B.
I'm no stranger to Spanish food... even Valencian in specific. And while I have not had the paella here -- a Valencian classic -- I've had a number of their tapas here and similar ones at other Spanish restaurants around the U.S. On the plus side, the place is white-tablecloth nice. Good, attentive service and a historic, somewhat elegant location. A decent selection of wines and OK sangria options. As for the food, I expected better. I've had better. But it's still quite good. Flavorful plates, but nothing overly memorable. Disappointed by the classic patatas bravas, as by using a sauce on it the fried potatoes lose all their crunchy texture (why do restaurants sabotage themselves like this?). And for a Valencian place, I'm surprised their desserts offered nothing in the way of the finer Valencian pastries. Maybe that's more for breakfast, but they seem to lose the plot a little at the final course.
(3)
Justin L.
Food and service were both excellent, especially considering the group of close to 20. Service... for a group of our size, they were very accommodating. They put us in a private dining room upstairs, and our waitress was always available and the flow of food was fairly constant. There were a few slip-ups with some dishes coming out much later for our group, but with tapas style, the impact was low. Food... very good food, though I'll admit that I lowered my expectations a bit from what I've experienced over six weeks in Spain. The more noteworthy items: bacon wrapped dates and a seafood and mayo mix on bread (can't remember the name). The items I thought were less impressive: their paella valenciana and the potato bravas were good, but a bit of a let down. Venue... great venue! I love the old style home conversion. The upstairs dining was private, quiet and intimate (probably better for the other patrons to be away from us). Overall... definitely a great pick for tapas in the suburbs, will need to go once or twice more for a better impression!
(4)
Chuck Z.
Liked this place so much we had or wedding reception here! Always a great staff and consistent food. My family and I enjoy coming and is a great time.
(4)
Sara L.
The grounds are outstanding. One of the most aesthetically pleasing restaurants it have ever been to. We were seated in the room marked Granada and had a great table. Our server was attentive and friendly even though she was super busy. We started off with some cava and tapas. The cava was amazing but the salmon I ordered was very fishy and less than fresh. My husband was very happy with his ham/cheese platter. Then came the patatas bravas. They were pretty good. Finally the dish I had been waiting for, mariscos paella. All of the shell fish was way over cooked and of very poor quality in the first place. The rice was ok, but reminded me of a paella you would make out of a box and not so much of the real authentic Spanish dish. Last came our dessert. This was the highlight of the meal. We ordered two cappuccinos, the banana Carmel sauce and vanilla ice cream, and hot chocolate cake w caramel ice cream. This course was the highlight of our meal by a mile. Overall, it seems like they need a new fish guy because their seafood is disappointing, but I would definitely go back for cava and dessert!
(3)
Osiris V.
For my food review of this place please visit yelp.com/biz/yelp-eats-2… Any who, this place is lovely: a big mansion transformed into a restaurant/banquet. When we went there was a wedding reception taking place. Very cute. We got sat outside without being asked which was kind of a bummer because we were the appetizer for many different bugs in the hot humid weather that day. Although the trees outside were amazing, it gave the place an even greater WOW factor. They have a LARGE patio area. The food was great and the drinks were spectacular.
(4)
Panda B.
What a gorgeous place! It's like a plantation where the restaurant is on the right and a detached private dining area on the left for special event. Their patio up front is beautiful, especially if they have blooming flowers and a few elegant decors. Though, the place can be easily missed since they only have a tiny sign very low to the ground. The food was delicious. We liked all the tapas we ordered. We ordered about 3 per person like the waitress suggested. It was way too much food, and felt extremely stuffed afterward lol. My favorite was the duck special and least was the crab cake special. Also, it was my first paella, and I loved it! It had loads of seafood and good sauce. They also had a huge wine list, and what the waitress suggested hit the spot. Overall, I enjoyed this place and do recommend for others to try.
(5)
Jennifer E.
Just celebrated my grandma's birthday here yesterday (Feb. 24th) and it was just perfect. The food at brunch was phenomenal and the service was impeccable. They catered to every single age group even my picky little niece and nephew. I want to throw another party just so I can go back :)
(5)
Elizabeth O.
As I've grown older, I've realized the importance of making sure that moral, good people are supported by the community, and that greedy, immoral people are not. I'm writing this review to ask you, the reader, not to support what I feel is a terrible restaurant. I got engaged over the holidays and, in a rush to try to marry this year, found that there were only two places left available in the area: Meson Sabika being one of them. I researched their events online, inquired about availability for my event, and confirmed pricing using their online pricing guide. The event coordinator, Katie, confirmed the pricing advertised online in an email, also confirmed availability, said I could have the venue and set up an appointment to contract. I was incredibly excited. I took off work for this, and went over. Upon arriving, Katie informed me that the owner had over doubled the cost of my event... it went from a $5500 minimum and $8 pp fee to $13,000. I tried to remain polite and work this out, but this remained firm (slipping only to $10,000 + tax + gratuity in verbiage, which is practically the same thing). Katie tried telling me that this was because the restaurant is closed on Sundays, and the cost was for the place to be open only for me. As you can see online, this is false. She admitted to lying, later, "because she was told to". But it gets better. To add insult to injury, Julie, another event manager, called me back after I'd left and said she'd heard my story via voice mail. She was profoundly sorry that I'd been mislead both in writing and verbally. She said to "go home, drink a margarita, and rest assured this would be taken care of" -- I'd hear from her the next day to get this squared away. Again, I was relieved and very happy. I didn't hear from Julie. About 3pm I called and left a voice mail, which Katie responded to. She held firm with the near doubling of the cost of my event. She then asked if I'd like to speak to the owner. I barely got to speak, as he yelled at me, and told me that "it's like a car dealer... car dealers can advertise a $120,000 car for $40,000, but that doesn't mean they have to sell it for that price." Terrible, In the meantime, the other venue got booked. There are no reception halls left to have my wedding at, and they've turned a time that should be happy and exciting into a major downer. Why? Greed? Bait and switch? Just terrible.
(1)
Jeremy L.
Really nice spot for an intimate dinner or a large group. Love the feel of eating in at someones house. Used OpenTable for reservations, party of eight, no wait. The service was great and the food really good. Some of our highlights included the Piprrana de Buey (skirt steak), Empanada de Buey (beef filled pastry), Gambas con Guindillas (shrimp) and queso de cabra (goat cheese with garlic bread). If you debate between red and white sangria, go with the red sangria. Happy eats!
(4)
Angie E.
Beautiful place. Tapas style, wonderful service- the host asked if we were there for an occasion and we were, so they served us complimentary drinks! The tapas were all really nice- baked goat cheese, beef tenderloin, empanadas, lamb loin... But the best was definitely the flan- today's flavor was orange flan, simply beautiful. And we also got the cream cheese pound cake with berries- very very rich and delicious. Of course the atmosphere was perfect, romantic, elegant just like people said. Will definitely be back during the summer so we can try the patio! Also- we were STUFFED and our bill didn't even exceed $80!! No complaints.
(5)
Michelle C.
Wow-ee! This place is the bee's knees! A group of us came here for my friend's birthday last night (Friday). We had reserved a table ahead of time (thankfully, the place was packed!) and were seated right away. Our waiter came over pretty quickly and took our drink order and the staff made sure we had ice water refreshed all night (a huge plus when you're drinking all night!). Our waiter was a young guy and and did a great job in being attentive to our table, plus he was funny and really accommodating. However, when we would ask him direct questions about wine or the menu, he would give, "It's all good" and "I don't have a favorite" type of answers. I tried to ask for a recommendation on a sweet white or blush wine and it took me probing him for recommendations and suggestions until he finally suggested that he bring out two wine samples for me to try. The same thing happened when we asked him for suggestions on dishes he liked, or that were good to try. "I like everything" was his typical answer. What we really wanted was an idea of what's a hit and what's a miss. The food...INCREDIBLE! By the end of the night, we felt like we'd ordered almost everything on the menu. We got the garlic potato salad, Atlantic salmon, shrimp with couscous, lamb chops, squid, Spanish cheeses, ...and I'm sure there's even some I'm forgetting! Absolutely everything we tried was delicious! We were "mmm" -ing and "ahhh" -ing all night long. The waiter was sweet enough to bring out a dessert (comp'd) for my friend to celebrate her birthday. He even joined in when we sang Happy Birthday to her (made up for all his earlier shortcomings). Near the end of our meal, the entertainment came around. A man playing a guitar and a woman who was dancing with finger noise makers (I wish I knew the proper names for it!) made a great addition and a nice break from the night of stuffing ourselves! The entire place is beautiful, the service is really wonderful and I love the ambiance. I would return here in a heartbeat!
(5)
Tiff T.
I have never had tapas before and already love it due to visiting this gorgeous place. I've driven by this place several times and had no clue what a gem this place really is. Great service, atmosphere, and food! Would love to come again, either with friends, family, or significant other. Would also make a perfect wedding reception, birthday celebration, girls night out or brunch, or just a celebration of any kind.
(5)
Benjamin T.
Naperville has a ton of restaurants, but so many of them are chains. Meson Sabika has individuality and is one of only a few tapas options west of Cafe Ba Ba Reeba. After attending CYSO's "touring" concert (a stellar Also Sprach Zarathustra included), this was a good post-music dinner. We shared a 5-glass sherry flight, sangria, and Salteado de Hortalisas, Pipirrana de Buey and a few others. No paella - I've had some good ones, including in Andalucia -- but often feel that rice is not as festive a dish as enthusiasts claim. Anyhow, Sabika is a good choice for tapas, solid if not spectacular. I would definitely return.
(4)
Davin L.
Wow. Just wow. Beautiful decor, excellent cuisine, generous portions, and all the ambience you can handle? What's not to like about this place? Even though it was over an hour out of my way, I'm definitely coming back so I can try the paella. I recommend the Croquetas de Jamon y Pollo (ham and chicken croquettes) and Vieiras Al Albariño (grilled scallops over Mediterranean couscous with apple and tomato butter sauce).
I have been wanting to try this place since I moved to Naperville over 2 years ago. All I can say is wow. The place is beautiful. The staff was friendly and the food delicious. The Cava Sangria was delicious. I highly recommend this place. I can't wait to go back during the summer.
(4)
Joyce A.
This restaurant was mentioned in a Yelp email recently- and I checked it out...glad I did! I was looking for a special place to celebrate John's birthday. The setting was certainly different- a beautiful mansion from 1847- we came prepared with a camera to take pictures of both the grounds and the interior - and were very happy that we came prepared. I chose the Sunday brunch so we could pick and choose from many of their offerings- and tapas style- try a little of this and that.. ****Newflash****the paella with shrimp and mussels was BETTER than what we ate in Mijas Pueblo in Spain last year! Big yummy shrimp - and lots of them. Everything we tried was very well made, presented and prepared. Also lots of fresh fruit and shelled pistachio nuts for dessert.. We also ordered from the dessert menu- but frankly, it wasn't necessary after the food and fruit and nuts! And this from a sugar addict..... To sum it up: picturesque, lovely setting, great food well presented and good service, too- it gets my 5* s and a 25% tip!
(5)
Rex L.
One of my favorite places. I have been going here for years and I'm surprised I haven't reviewed it. Overall, it's a great experience, it just misses a little on different points each time, otherwise it would be a 5 star. This time the service was a little off, the salad wasn't very good but the rest of the food and drinks were great. The toast points with crab meat and the grilled pork medallions were my favorite. The tuna cannelonis are always good. We had a pitcher of sangria and finished it with dessert and a sherry flight. Get the Sherry flight and with dessert...you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Dee C.
Pasta con Hortalizas: vegetarian pasta with tomato goat cheese sauce....tasted great. Was one of my favorite. Pastel de cafe: espresso soaked layers of almond cake, coffee butter cream, and white and dark chocolate mousse topped with chocolate glaze, served with raspberry sauce. It was very good, but it was also very rich. platano con gelato: sauteed banana with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. This was good. I love anything with ice cream anyways Queso de cabra: oven baked goat cheese in tomato basil sauce with garlic bread....also one of my favorite....I wish they have more bread than 5 pieces. Crepe rellena: crepe of goat cheese, spinach, pine nuts, and apples. This was something different from the ordinary. It was different. That's all I can say about it. Patatas bravas: spicy potatoes topped with Machengo cheese: good....but I wish there was more sauce to it because it was a little dry Vegetariana paellas: seasonal vegetables. Our had squash, artichoke hearts, green beans, and green peas. It was different than the paellas I have had in the past. I liked it.. Red sangria was GREAT. Nice and strong...just the way I like it! Totally coming again!
(5)
Eleonora P.
Really good food and service. Perfect for sharing different dishes, good quality ingredients and good wine.
(3)
Carlos B.
I went to this establishment last Friday and I must admit my expectations were high, considering the restaurant is in a fancy mansion with perfectly manicured gardens. We had a party of about 12 people. I ordered a pitcher of sangria and it was very water down and it lack that thickness you are supposed to get from a traditional Spanish sangria. My pulpo a la feira and croquetas de Jamon were bland. The queso de cabra was okay although the bread should have been a little crispier and more toasted. I definitely recommend the datiles con tocino. They are amazing! The dates are sweet and the bacon is crispy and both favors go well together. The pipirrana de buey was okay but some pieces were chewy. Our waitress Davy was kind and very enthusiastic at first but then as the night proceeded, she seemed to be annoyed by us asking for bread. After that she did not come to our table as often to see if everything was okay. She seemed to be annoyed by people asking her questions about the food. Also she got annoyed when one of our friends came late and wanted to order. I traveled all the way there from Wilmette , IL and I would definitely not go back to that place. I was not satisfied and wasted money on bland food and bad service.
(1)
Ray K.
What happens when you combine a passion for service, attention to detail and a love of spanish cuisine? Meson Sabika. Very knowledgeable and friendly servers, willing to offer their suggestions of menu favorites - and a great selection of gluten free items too! We love going here for the incredible variety and great food and service - kudos to the management and all who work there!
(5)
Kristin C.
Meson Sabika is one of my favorites. The sangria is the best around. Love their outdoor dining patio.
(5)
Jennifer S.
We attended the Duncan-Rotter Wedding at Meson Sabika on Saturday July 23, 2011. The ceremony was held outside on the cobblestone/brick patio and it was beautiful! Someone was thoughtful enough to put large pitchers of ice water out on a side table that were definitely appreciated by the guests in attendance. I wish someone (a Meson Sabika employee) would have suggested a place indoors that the twenty-some of us standing outside in the sweltering heat could have waited for the forty-five minutes before the ceremony. It was a hot one and it didn't look like there was anywhere to go and wait inside. After the perfect ceremony, we moved the party into a large, beautifully decorated banquet room. It didn't feel "banquety" though. There were large windows all around. The material draped across the ceiling (which I think is there permanently) helped to make the room feel very majestic and special. There was plenty of room between the tables and the open feeling encouraged guests to walk around and mingle during the cocktail hour. The wedding cup"cakes" were setup on a tiered table in the middle of the dance floor bringing the whole room together. The staff was very discreet. They weren't overbearing and whisked in and out without causing a ruckus. I appreciate when staff members move about swiftly and quietly. No one is there to see them and they did their job quite nicely. On to the food... There were four butler-served apps. A grape tomato and fresh mozzarella ball on a skewer, crostini with a goat cheese spread, crostini with an olive tapanade and cold veal and finally, a bacon-wrapped date with a spicy sauce. My hubby and sister tried the tomato and mozzarella and the goat cheese crostini. They were fans of both. I loved the cold veal on the crostini with the olive tapanade! I have never tried anything like it before and found it to be refreshing with some interesting textures. After many years of bacon-wrapped water chestnuts, I found the date concept to be a bit mushy for my liking. The sauce was perfect though! Once we sat down, there was warm bread served followed by a cold appetizer. It was a tuna cannelloni. Yum! YUM! YUM!!! Tuna wrapped in pasta covered in a cold white cream sauce. It's one of those things that I would probably never order if I saw it on a menu, but it was sooooo good that I will be searching it out again in the near future. A simple salad with candied walnuts followed. I stole/borrowed the hubby's walnuts...it's a good thing that he loves me because those were really good and I don't think he would have shared if he knew what he was missing. Finally, we moved on to the main course. A large chicken breast covered in a spicy sauce with asparagus and red peppers accompanied by a potato-onion cake. Favorites included the potato mixed in the spicy sauce. I would order this again without hesitation. Meson Sabika is a beautiful facility with a stellar staff. Don't hesitate to visit the next time that you are in Naperville! p.s. Congratulations Kate & Landan Rotter! Here's my Yelp shoutout to the supercouple of 2011!!!
(4)
Jennifer Z.
One of my favorite restaurants to visit whenever I'm back home in Chicago. Having grown up in the surrounding area, I remember plenty of trips there for special occasions (graduations, birthdays, etc). The location, decoration and service always make you feel like a valued guest. I think I recognized it on TV once in a reality show on TLC I think- because their banquet/catering hall right next to the restaurant is quite popular especially for weddings. I've tried quite a number of dishes on their menu over the past 10 years and my favorites are below: Jamón Serrano - I seriously CANNOT get enough. Having made a trip to Barcelona this past summer I can honestly stay...this ham is quite comparable with other I've had while I was in Spain. I have to admit- usually one order is not enough for me- especially when eating with large parties as there's only 4 "portions" with each order. Datiles Con Tocino - I love the great blend of sweetness and saltiness in this dish. So delicious! Calamares A La Plancha - The squid is seriously so tender and I love the flavor. Much better than fried calamari you can get at other places. The garlic lemon olive oil is also absolute amazing. Tilapia Marinada - SOO fresh and tender. Always a must every time we come. A pitcher of sangria is also a must every time we come :)
(5)
Sarah D.
I normally enjoy this restaurant, It is fun and I like Tapas. However, I recently attended a wedding reception there. They ran out of everything, even coffee. There wasn't enough staff to service the event. Plus they were rude. We even cleared our own tables. The food was mediocre at best. The setting is beautiful even if all they give you is a salad fork, knife and napkin as a place setting for the entire meal. Serving utensils were sparse also at the buffets. No large spoons, just prongs to be shared among 4-5 dishes. I am not making this up. We just laughed. What were we going to do other than cry for the family who had to pay for this?
(1)
brian l.
Love it here. The place seems like a big old house with a big reception hall added on the side. The food is tapas style and I have only had good experiences with the food. Beer selection is just okay.
(4)
Montrew N.
Went for our anniversary. It was fun! Pomegranate sangria was good. We rely liked the escargot and scallop dishes. Beef tenderloin was good but salty. The spicy potatoes and grilled veggies complimented nicely. Lots of yummy garlic. The server was good. Would go again. Lots of good flavors. I didn't like the cheesecake. Tasted like the box if that makes sense... And I like any cheesecake. But the hubs ate it?
(4)
Patrick T.
Went here for dinner and had the Paella and the Gambas Marinadas, a couple of hot and cold tapas. The food is nothing to rave about, unless you make it a point to write about uninspired dishes. Nothing was bad - it just wasn't great. The ambiance, however, is gorgeous, unique, and quaint. Service was good, and as most everyone mentioned - sangria was really good too.
(3)
Melissa E.
This is one of my very favorite restaurants. The shrimp in garlic butter is divine, and I always get the goat cheese. I had the rehearsal dinner for my wedding here, and I got a lot of compliments about the beautiful decor and the delicious food. I spent a month in Spain a few years ago, so I'm very familiar with tapas. This place is the most authentic Spanish restaurant I've been to in the states. The servers are always accommodating and friendly, even when I have my young children with me. My older son asks for this place by name: "Mommy, can we go to Messabica?" (That's how he says it.) His favorite is the sirloin beef tips. My husband loves the potato salad, and orders it every time, but I think it has way too much garlic.
(5)
Shradha A.
Beautiful mansion!! Great event coordinator! Good food! Helpful staff! Clean bathrooms! Flexible bar! Elegant decor! Private parking lot! Great picture opps! Great venue for hosting an event! Highly recommend!!
(5)
Donna P.
Definitely a unique location. The food was pretty good. Nothing special. We tried several dishes and the stuffed mushrooms were the tastiest. I recommend coming once to experience the atmosphere of the old mansion.
(3)
H J.
Service was great! Group of six and we literally ordered about three different plates each. The lamb was exceptional! Great tasting experience. We also ordered a main dish for everyone to share and it was also delicious.
(4)
Mayra K.
We came to Meson Zabika for brunch celebrating my birthday and it was excellent!! The food, the service everything was excellent!! We were not disappointed at all, we are even thinking about having our son's First Communion here!! We will definitely be back ;0)
(5)
Jimma J.
By far, the best tapas I've ever had! There is dedication and effort put into every dish that comes out of the kitchen. I've come here always for special events and the servers really care and make the experience well worth it. that being said, you have to expect to spend quite a bit of money while dining here. There are so many good dishes that I don't even know where to begin on recommending dishes. Just try what sounds good and you won't be disappointed. The restaurant was made into an old mansion and they've done well to preserve the old estate and property so it's very unique and intimate. Weather permitting, eating outdoors is also a really good treat as well. Well worth the price.
(5)
Katie B.
Always a favorite: sit on the patio (although indoors is beautiful and unique), order a sangria on a warm summer evening... And don't forget the bacon wrapped dates! Seriously, I LOVE this place. Best tapas around. The ambiance is intimate and inviting, the service is impeccable, the food---well, if I were to have a "last meal", this just might be it. Sit on the patio if you can! This is a accommodates to weddings, receptions, dinner parties, a great date destination or time out with the girls.
(5)
Miss B.
Been here a couple times. The first time the service was great, and the food was delicious. Went here a second time, the food wasn't as good, and the server was kind of a jerk and not that great anyway. Asked repeatedly for things, and never got them. This place is very expensive in my opinion. The grounds and the building are very nice, but there's nothing that's special about this place. Definitely a place for an older crowd, and good if you have upwards of $100 to blow on some small plates of food for 2-3 people. Not too impressive.
(2)
Irene S.
This is one if my favorite restaurants. Consistently high quality food. Great wine list and the service is always friendly.
(5)
Lourdes A.
This is my favorite place when I travel to the area. The food and service are always great. The space is different for a tapas/Spanish place but I like it. It is definitely one of the best tapas places I've been to.
(5)
Julie C.
The ambiance and beauty of this location is a huge smile. Not only the quantity of selections but the quality of the food is top-notch. Shared stuffed mushrooms, wonderful paella, a crepe with goat cheese, spinach, pine nuts and apples were out of this world. The roasted red peppers stuffed with three kinds of cheeses and served in a black bean sauce will be remembered, eternally!!! Our food was served quickly, our soiled dishes removed just as quickly but was at odds with how quickly these chores were undertaken while we had to beg for water and drink replacements. Loved our waitperson. She was kind, friendly and very professional. The noise level on this Saturday night was very, very high was seemed a contrast to the mellow and gentle environment we experienced (there were five of us). Am returning Sunday night for Mother's Day brunch!!!
(5)
Donna R.
Best place for tapas! And amazing atmosphere as well!! Great for a date night or in the summer with friends on their etheral patio.
(5)
Mary C.
Knowledgeable wait staff and very attentive. Party of 6, and we were not rushed. We were given opportunity to order various tapas share eat and then sample more. Prices were very reasonable and a variety of choices both hot and cold tapas. Food presentation and taste was excellent. We sat outside on a beautiful summer evening and would recommend requesting the patio if weather permits. Will go again.
(5)
Monika D.
I sincerely love this place. Food is outstanding. From the Spanish olives or shrimp to their goat cheese in roasted tomato sauce to their paella. You will not be disappointed. Waiters are always friendly, very knowledgable and happy to provide explanations of the menu or make suggestions. The servers are constantly refilling your water and clearing the tables. Service is always impressive. At every one of my visits a manager has always come to our table to ask about our meal. The location and facility is breathless especially in the summer. Ample parking. Cannot rave more about this restaurant.
(5)
Kendra W.
Meson Sabika -- the perfect way to enjoy a warm summer evening!! The mansion-converted restaurant is tucked away in the green backroads of Naperville and really reminded me of the victorian houses/restaurants in New Orleans' Garden District. The place was popular even on a Tuesday evening (but not packed). My friend and I were grateful for the temporary sun and warmth during an otherwise volatile-weather week, so we sat outside. It was perfect...but shortlived! Within seconds after getting our first tapas, it started POURING dogsh*t. The waiter quickly helped us moved inside. Anyway, both the outdoor and indoor seating has it benefits. The inside, though cramped and a bit musky, feel exactly as a victorian home would. The server was nice and was happy to recommend her personal favorites, which we ordered: --Pitcher of Sangria ($24.95) -- Sangria was so so. Pitcher was more than enough for the two of us. --Patatas con Alioi ($5.95) - their famous potato salad...OMG so spicy!!! I would not get it again b/c it 'scompletely overbearing -- but others seem to like it, *cough* masochists *cough*! --Pipirrana De Buey - ($8.50) Our favorite dish. Beef was super tender and well marinated. If you don't like blue cheese -- dont worry, it is not apparent. --Buñuelos De Cangrejo - ($7.95) Crabmeat fritters -- good portion size and lots of crab meat. I do think they over-flavored it as it was hard to taste the natural sweetness...but yummy nonetheless --Queso De Cabra - ($7.95) -- Baked goat cheese. Cheese was of very good quality, but it dish was more of a tangy tomatoe sauce in a bowl with a dollap of fluffy goat cheese...not what i expected but good. I really enjoyed my meal at Meson Sabika. I think food could be improved in ways -- but as a package -- 5 stars!
(5)
Anton E.
I have been to this restaurant at least seven or eight times but the last few were very disappointing. Service was very slow but more importantly the food dishes were less than spectacular. Had marinated Artichokes that were so hard and old they were completely indelible. Hot dishes were cold, poor plating, and overall lack of care to the food was most prominent. Sad to say one of my favorite restaurants in Naperville I will not be visiting again.
(1)
Pat F.
Great place to grab a few tasty bites. I remember loving their mothers day brunch as a kid. Also, their outside seating is great during the summer months.
(3)
Kevin C.
My family likes to come here for special occasions, because raping buffets is kind of an ongoing hobby for my parents. We come here for Sunday brunch, which comes with a mimosa, an omelet, and as much cheese as you can stuff into that fat face of yours. Meson Sabika offers a huge variety of food, but it's a buffet so the quality can really vary from dish to dish. There's a huge meat/cheese/fruit station, a bunch of hot food stations, and usually some kind of roast that's carved for you by a glowering chef with very sharp knives. This place earns a fourth star because they offer these gay little crab cakes that taste so good that I'm guaranteed to leave the restaurant feeling terrible and too full of seafood and mayonnaise. Eating 49 tiny crab cakes is not what normal, well-adjusted people do, but it's what happens when I go here.
(4)
Jacob J.
Thanks to Jo C. for sharing the experience on her big birfday. Four awesome people shared six flights of cold and warm tapas and eagerly downed them with fruity sangria pitchers. Four merry gentle people shared four additional flights of yummy tapas and downed them with more smile inducing delight. At the end, a couple more glasses of sangria and two flights of desserts. Whew, what a grand ride. Bacon wrapped dates is a must. I can't remember much of what else was eaten but we covered many spectrum's, the sangria induced a nice buzz-worthy feeling. What a grand spot to have tapas and drinks at. A mansion which once served as a family's estate is now a place to house cheers and smiles across many faces. This is that place to take your date to impress her or that place you take your S.O's parent's to pop a question. Or a place to check out the hotties at the next table, cuz' come on now, how often does a group of well dressed dudes go out for a night of great tapas. Dudes, it's worth a bookmark. Service could have been better, maybe it was too busy. I'd be willing to check them out again on a weeknight instead.
(4)
Rebecca L.
Really a 3 on the food scale but a bump for being a gorgeous place with friendly staff. June 15 2012-rehearsal dinner for my best friend's wedding. We were a party of about 20 people and I would say they did a fairly decent job of serving us once the food started coming out. Took a bit long to get going but it was Friday night, they were busy and we were a big party--my sangria came promptly and much is forgiven upon its arrival. We had a pretty fair selection from the whole menu and I have to say that it was all good. Nothing really stands out as being amazing other than the seafood salad. The bacon wrapped dates were good, but lets be honest--who has met a bacon wrapped date that they don't like? The bacon does all the work so I can't hand out extra stars for that. All in all on the tapas scale I would say this was as good as Babareeba and though not the best I have ever had--nothing was bad. But no awesome "I have to eat that again" surprises. Extra: they had several fun sangria options. I went with the classic red as I don't like super sweet wine. Others got the pear and raved. Also-maybe because we were a wedding party--there was a dancer and guitar player and they were pretty cool. It added to the event. Note on price: I have no idea how much this place costs because of it being covered by the family---if the tapas are around $9-$15 a plate-they are at the right price point (obvious upgrade on better cuts/types meats/seafood). If the sangria was $8 or less it was rightly priced as well.
(4)
JoLynn W.
Meson Sabika is one of Naperville's hidden gems! The staff has mastered the art of being friendly without being overly chatty, and they maintain a humble presence which adds to the fine dining experience. This is a great location for special occasions. Weekends can get a little loud, so I recommend week nights for a more intimate setting. Meson Sabika is a little pricey, but it's totally worth it.
(4)
Damon B.
I went for dinner on a Thursday. I'm sorry to say that the food had me so high I can barely remember what I ate! FREAKIN DELICIOUS! We had several cold dishes as well as a couple warm. The potatoes with garlic are great, as is the salmon and toast points. Ugh... I wish I were there right now. Are they open for lunch? Anyway, served Tapas style, not one item was not followed by a euphoric groan of pleasure. It isn't inexpensive, but not over priced either. It's great for special occasions.
(4)
Brianna R.
We came for the Mother's Day brunch buffet, it was delicious! They showcased all of their most popular tapas-hot and cold. Everything was the right temperature and they were grilling salmon, chicken, and steak outside. It was a great experience and we'll be back next year.
(5)
Ann B.
It's expensive but perfect for a special occasion. I love their menu and haven't found anything I didn't care for. All of the dishes are beautiful and delicious. If you join their mailing list they frequently send coupons for $10 off lunch which makes me love them even more :)
(5)
Bonna M.
Our first visit to Meson Sabika was a good experience! We'd heard from a lot of people how wonderful their food is and how beautiful the restaurant is and we couldn't agree more. I was a little concerned that my 9 year old wouldn't find anything to eat but he really liked the dates wrapped in bacon, the bread and butter, the calamari and of course the desserts. My husband and I both ordered a glass of sangria. He got the red and I ordered the white. He really liked his sangria but I wasn't wild about mine. My daughter ordered the non-alcoholic sangria which was absolutely awesome. For one of our cold appetizers we ordered the Tortilla Española which is almost like a cold quiche with potatoes, onions and egg. They top it with some sauce and it's served with greens. We really enjoyed it. We also ordered the toast points with king crab and avocado which was a big hit. My husband is crazy about Paella so we ordered the seafood paella which had clams, mussels, scallops and shrimp. He really enjoyed it, my daughter and I liked it but I'm not sure I would order it again (my husband would). I think I really liked the smaller plates better. For dessert we ordered the vanilla flan and the chocolate cake with caramel ice cream---yummy!!!! It is really a beautiful place and can be as reasonable or expensive as you want to make it. We will return soon.
(4)
Chirag K.
Fantastic food. Sangria, paella, shrimp marinadas, scallops hot tapas were fabulous. Not over the top costly. Will come back for sure and leave some space for dessert :)
(4)
Wanda S.
Lovely and large outdoor dining area. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Menu is lots of fun, especially for sharing. Great for our special occasion.
(5)
Zoe E.
We had a rare Sunday morning free with no obligations so my husband and I looked at each other and thought: BRUNCH!!! And since we heard great things about Meson Sabika's brunch, we decided this was the perfect opportunity to try it. I had been here before several times for dinner with girlfriends. This was the first time with my husband and three little ones. First of all, the restaurant and the setting is really quite lovely. You can see why it's a popular venue for special events and weddings. It's a Victorian mansion that was converted to a restaurant and you really feel like you're having a meal inside someone's home. The host and wait staff were really friendly and attentive. We were seated upstairs, which was kind of a bummer considering the fact that brunch was served on the first floor and I was nursing a broken foot. But, this was a last minute reservation, so we had to just deal with it. I do have to say that our waiter saw me limping down the hall and was kind enough to show me an alternate route down to the first floor rather than the main steep flight of stairs. How nice! Onto the food... Mimosas / champagne, made-to-order omelets and desserts were all part of the brunch package. After placing our respective drink and omelet orders, we headed down stairs. I have to say that I was quite impressed with the spread they offered. In addition to a few traditional brunch items, there was a wide selection of hot and cold tapas. The hot stuff was indoors while the cold stuff was displayed in the adjacent outdoor patio area. There's even a small table set aside at the end of the hot tapas selections for the "ninos". Cute! I intentionally skipped the traditional offerings and many of the pasta selections and went straight to the Spanish food b/c, c'mon, that's what we were here for! Some of the hot tapas I sampled included: seafood and chicken paella, bay scallops with mediterranean couscous, sausage empanadillas, tiger shrimp with alioli on toast points, bacon-wrapped dates, stuffed mushrooms (can't remember what they were stuffed with...). Cold selections I sampled: smoked salmon, salad of tricolored peppers and medley of seafood, cantaloupe wrapped with prosciutto, spanish olives. Back at our table, we were served our mimosas and omelets. We finished the meal with 2 desserts: profiteroles and a bittersweet chocolate terrine with raspberry coulis and candied walnuts. My children claimed they were too full to finish their meal but as soon as dessert showed up, they devoured most of it and left just a few spoonfuls for me and the hubs. The only thing that made me raise an eyebrow was that there was no waitstaff/attendant overseeing the cold selections in the outdoor patio area. What am I getting at? Although beautifully displayed on a lovely 70 degree day, the food was at the mercy of potential bugs (and birds!) that were flying around. (My husband: "Did you see the bird that was perched on the tree next to the table!") The only item I was a bit underwhelmed with was the chorizo and manchego cheese omelet. Otherwise, most of the food is really pretty tasty and our overall experience was very pleasant. We will most definitely make another visit here in the future and it is on our list of brunch options for the western suburbs.
(4)
Ke M.
This is a beautiful venue for literally any event. The food is delicious, there are a ton of options, and the staff does a great job whether its dinner for 2 or 20. The event planning team was very responsive and flexible and the price point is very good for the value you get. I would definitely go back again for dinner or the next event I need to plan.
(5)
Steve S.
For the food, I give it 3 stars but for the ambience of the restaurant, I give Meson Sabika 2 stars. Group of us went for a birthday and we each ordered a selection of tapas. Some were hits and some were misses. The queso de cabra was good but I have had better cheese dishes at non-Spanish tapas restaurants. The salmon creda was good, but once again, nothing spectacular. The pollo al curry was very popular. However, not a being fan of mayonaise based dishes, I opted not to try it. The highlights were the chicken tenderloin and skirt steak. Both had good flavor combinations. The roasted dates were the lowpoint though. They were way too sweet and just didn't work. While the food is decent, the whole restaurant is weird. It's like you're eating in your grandmother's house. We sat upstairs in a small room with four other tables. It was like we were sitting in the back room of an old house. And while it was still light out when we sat down, it became obvious the whole upstairs had really bad lighting. The whole place has the feel of your great aunt's favorite restaurant.
(3)
Egdbert D.
We went for the brunch and the food was ok. With all of the outstanding reviews, I was expecting more. There's a lot of variety but tasted like most buffet food. The sangria was underwhelming. It would behoove them to get some real utensils and not use the cheap stuff. The restaurant is unique though and set back from the road. It's a romantic setting in a large mansion, so it's worth checking out at least once.
(3)
Malynne S.
Why has it taken me this long to write a review about this place?! I give this place 10 stars if i could. Here's a break down: BRUNCH BUFFET: ***** STARS This has gotten very popular and morning bruch is very busy. They have a variety of cold and hot tapas and they also offer children breakfast buffet or eggs, bacon and pancakes. VENUE FOR PARTIES: ***** STARS I helped host a party at Meson Sabika. We were given the ground floor room in the front because it was a party for less than 50 guests. I decided to do the brunch buffet with drinks (mimosas and iced tea) and dessert. Everyone loved the food. We were able to put up some decoration and parking was plenty and free. We were accommodated well and service was great. OVERALL: EXCELLANT! NEVER A BAD EXPERIENCE
(5)
Linsey J.
Always a sure thing! Gone here for lunch a couple of times and the food is always spetacular! Fresh and unique. It's a tough place to beat. The olives they give you when you're first seated are SO GOOD! I wish I could buy some and bring them home. Marinated in some vinegar and spices. They're addictive. Sign up for their email list and you'll get $10 coupons each month.
(5)
Alison V.
Great tapas for the suburbs. I have been to Barcelona, and these don't hold a candle to the real deal, but they are tasty nonetheless. And the ambiance is great unless you sit in the bar, as I noticed a slightly musty odor there (the building is really old). I have had the following: Papas Bravas (Spicy potatoes topped with Manchego cheese) 4/5 Berenjena Con Queso (Chilled grilled eggplant and goat cheese) 4/5 Gambas Al Ajillo (Grilled tiger shrimp with garlic lemon butter) 4/5 Vegetarian Paella 3.5/5 Drinks: Red Sangria 3/5 White Sangria 2/5 Lemonade 2/5
(4)
Brandy W.
This place is a great place for dinner with friends--fancy style. It's a romantic place for couples, but when ordering tapas, I feel that life is so much richer when shared with friends (and your love). We went with two friends on a Wednesday evening and sat in the room on the right. It's a converted home/mansion and is really elegant. There were plenty of people there for a Wednesday! It was recommended by our friends who had previously been there. The exterior was full of gardens and a ballroom looking structure. It's obvious that the place is used a lot for weddings and other events. If I were getting married (again, that'll never happen... best husband ever!), I'd absolutely look into having my reception at this gorgeous location. The sangria were a bit weak. The fruit was small and I wouldn't consider it to be the best I've experienced... though I didn't even order one. They bought a pitcher for the table, but I only ate the tiny slivers of fruit from my husband's glass. The tapas were awesome. I think the amount was reasonable. We ordered about 2 tapas per person... about 1 cold and one hot. I also had the gazpacho which was excellent. I'm a vegetarian, so I had the spicy potatoes (hot), grilled vegetables + asparagus (cold) and the meat eaters had a variety of other items including a Spanish cheese/fruit plate. Overall, we were really pleased and content at the end of our meal. It's nice eating slowly as you go... that super full sensation just doesn't exist! I'd highly recommend this place. I'm excited to go back in a few months.
(5)
Velina L.
I love that the restaurant is actually in a mansion, with a nice little waterfall in the front. It makes you feel like you're in someone's house in the south. The menu is pretty extensive, including a good selection of vegetarian options and a pretty good list of Spanish wines, listed by region with a short description of the flavor profiles. They also offer wine flights as well as a sherry flight, if you want to try several. Overall the food was pretty good, and best shared with some friends. My favorites of the night were the skirt steak with cabrales cheese sauce, crab fritters with creamed leeks, and the morcilla sausage in the chorizo and morcilla plate (but I've always loved morcilla!). The scallops with couscous and stuffed piquillo peppers were pretty good as well but my least favorites of the night were the gambas al ajillo, the vegetarian paella (a little bland), and the sangria, although I have very high standards for sangria after having some amazing ones in Spain. For dessert, we shared a dessert platter, which included 5 desserts from their menu. I don't have a huge sweet tooth so it wasn't the highlight of my evening but I did think the flan and the almond cake were pretty good. Service was great, and they made some good recommendations for both food and beverage. I will definitely return.
(4)
Vivian H.
Came here with the boyfriend for a fancy Sunday brunch. There were SO many choices, with paella and cheeses and everything but I guess because it was largely a buffet style, they couldn't control the quality of the food as well, or the temperature. It was still good though :) It unfortunately started pouring while we were there and there were a lot of people seated outside, so they had to somehow fit everyone indoors, which took a long time. It was actually a fun experience and we got to meet some people and mill around picking at all the food.
(4)
Hans C.
Meson Sabika is a different dining experience. I don't know how else to explain it. It's a tapas restaurant and bar and banquet hall set in an old mansion in the middle of a Naperville neighborhood. The service and atmosphere are great. The food, in my opinion, is kind of hit-and-miss. Mostly hit, though. On my tapas gotta-try list: scallops, skirt steak with bleu cheese, stuffed mushrooms, spicy potatoes, and empanadas. Other tapas I tried were just so-so like the chicken skewer, which was kind of bland. The mariscos paella did not impress me at all. As a self-described master paella chef myself, I did not enjoy theirs. The rice was too wet for my liking, the mussels and clams were tiny, and the entire thing was way too salty and lacked the distinct saffron note which is the defining factor that separates paella from other rice dishes. The desserts I tried were okay, like the chocolate cake with caramel ice cream and the pumpkin cheesecake. I could see myself coming back here again to check out the dishes on the tapas menu I haven't tried yet.
(4)
Liz K.
First let me say that I have been to several tapas restaurants (my favorite food next to Mexican) and their sister site Tapas Valencia. This place is beautiful!!! It reminded me of an old plantation house. It is a mansion so there are many different rooms. Each room is different...we were in a darker room more intimate room. Because of the look of restaurant I had high hopes for food!! Service was great...as soon as I thought I wanted something or water....there it was (Surprisingly since it was a Saturday evening and the restaurant was jam packed). We wanted to order our tapas two at a time because in the past we order them all then they bring them all in and our table gets overwhelmingly crowded. Chicken Curry Salad: Great! Pisto Manchego: Refreshing cold vegetables Tortilla Espanola: I always order this and it was one of the best I have ever had! Bacon Dates: A must!! You cannot leave without ordering this! Stuff Mushrooms: Mushrooms were cooked just right. Crabmeat Fritters: a bit dry but the leaks were yum!!! Then of course we order the patatas bravas because it is our #1 tapas dish we like to compare. They were good...not our favorite but definitely second choice between the places we been. :-) Our Suburban Tapas hunt felt successful. Definitely plan on going back. And it really wasn't as expensive as I thought. We ordered a pitcher of sangria....peach...but we never tasted the peach. Then at the end of the pitcher we realized all the flavor was stuck in the bottom....so make sure to mix your pitcher up.
(4)
Allyson R.
Meson Sabika is absolutely charming! The ambiance and outdoor grounds are delightful and pleasant on a warm summer night. My party of seven and I enjoyed some celebratory sangria - try the prickly pear! We ordered a good number of various tapas which were all delightful, but none stuck out in my mind enough to recall the names. Of the seven or eight different items, all were quite tasty. One thing that is slightly inconvenient if you go with a larger group is that you cannot split the tab and do separate checks. The waitstaff was nice enough to handle a multitude of various credit cards, however. All the staff was polite and efficient with the water. I appreciate that we were not rushed out the door after paying and sat outside to chit-chat and enjoy the surroundings. All in all, the food was good, the drinks were fun, and the atmosphere was by far the most enjoyable aspect. I would return and definitely suggest a visit!
(4)
K M.
Mason Sabika is one of my favorite Naperville standards. They're tapas are among the best I've had at many restaurants, and who doesn't like a cool glass of Sangria? I've tried a number of dishes but some of my favorites are the goat cheese in tomato sauce - everyone loves it, the scallops with couscous, a crepe-like dough rolled with apples, cheese, and other goodies, and the bacon-wrapped dates are worth ordering 2. If you are thinking of doing a brunch, it's a great spread. The price is a bit high, but you'd pay the same for a lot less in many other local brunch venues. They offer breakfast and tapas along with a glass of champagne. All my favorites in one place! Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Paul K.
Simply put, not one bad dish. Olives in a vinegar, garlic, and cayenne pepper dresssing with bread to start. A wonderful selection of Granachas, Tempranillos, and Riojas. The bread was warm with the proper texture and delicious. Black bean soup with chorizo and shrimp bisque. Both were incredible. The toast point with king crab and avacado had just the write hint of vinegar for proper acidity. The must dish for me was the roasted dates wrapped with bacan in a tomato sauce that had a great cumin finish. My wife had the vegetarian pasta dish which was creamy and absolutely perfect. The potatoes with cheese was the heaviest dish and great as well. Desert was a chocolate lave cake and carmel ice cream. A great dish on cold evening. If you want to take that special someone for a great meal that won't break the bank, then this is the place for you. A wonderful setting with impeccable service, Meson Sabika is a must for all Tapas lovers!
(5)
Princess D.
I've been here a number of times over the years and this is one of my favorite places to get good Spanish cuisine. The ambience is wonderful and the restautant itself is very charming and clean. The food is consistently good and they have a wonderful selection of tapas (that can be shared) or individual entrees. The grilled calamari is cooked to perfection with just the right amount of seasoning that gives it a delicious flavor. The salmon a la plancha is delicious along with the jamon Serrano, salmon curado, Solomillos con Moniato, patatas bravas and mariscos paella. They also have a lovely lunch menu. The sangria is not the best, a little on the wishy washy side. I would opt with a glass of wine instead. This place will not disappoint you, from the attentive service to the delicious food.
(4)
Ailie T.
Meson Sabika is a great tapas place!! My boyfriend and I have been to many tapas places before, and this one stacks up well. The patio is great during the summer, and the building is very charming and pretty. The Datilles con Tocino (bacon wrapped dates) are amazing, as is the Queso de Cabra and stuffed Portabello mushrooms (forget exact name...). We also had the red wine sangria. It was good, but not GREAT.
(4)
Katherine B.
I love this place so much. The sangria is so good and their choice for different tapas is awesome. I'm never disappointed with what I get.
(5)
Lan T.
I ate lunch at Meson Sabika. I think it's oddly located for such a nice place. I'm not from the area, so you're driving from strip mall to strip mall, passing Walmart, Target, dozens of Starbucks and fast food places, and a hand full of Jewel-Oscos. You turn on some street where you expect to see more new homes being built and a ton of SUVs and minivans....yes...we are in the 'BURBS!!!! Then all of a sudden, you turn into a huge parking lot and you're warped into the 1920s or something. Meson Sabika is located in a historic mansion. I've been to Spain and so I was a tad confused because I knew we were going to a tapas place, but the location had more of a southern feel to it. It was really nice...the atmosphere was calm and relaxing. It was a nice day so I opted for the outdoor seating...not only because it was a nice day, but the inside had a weird old smell to it. The house is historic and beautiful, but it seemed to clash with the whole tapas menu. Anyway, we sat outside and we had our share of bees/flies/ant visitors. Not the restaurant's fault at all!!! On to the food! We ordered the grilled calamari, skirt steak, dates wrapped in bacon, patatas bravas, and SANGRIA! All of the dishes were really good! My favorites were the grilled calamari and the dates with bacon. Please note: they serve you all parts of the squid for the grilled calamari so if you're not used to seeing the tentacles, you might not enjoy it. It tastes good though! I've had better dates with bacon, but these were still very good. Let's just say that I might have had the BEST and these were a good runner up! Meson Sabika doesn't serve it with almonds in the middle (if you're familiar with the ones with almonds), but the restaurant definitely does the dish justice! I would order it again! The skirt steak was also very good. The only drawback to it is that when you see it, you think you're getting a lot of steak, but once you dig into it, you realize that the bottom of the bowl is filled with potatoes and onions. The steak is good, but I didn't expect to see a lot of "fillers" to make the dish look like it was "filled" with steak. I always order patatas bravas at all Spanish restaurants I visit because its the staple dish. ALL Spanish restaurants should serve it (aside from paella), so in my opinion, its a good side-by-side comparison. Therefore, we got the patatas bravas. The menu indicated that it came with spicy sauce. The sauce isn't that spicy....but then again, I LOVE spicy. So what's spicy to me, might be FLAMING to someone else. I thought the sauce was good on the patatas bravas, but I would of liked them to be a tad bit crisp. If the potatoes were crisp with the spicy sauce, that dish would have been a winner. Unfortunately, the potatoes weren't crisp. Overall, 4 stars. I would go back. For the suburbs of Chicago, this place did Spanish tapas some justice. I took one star off for the patatas bravas and the skirt steak. Oh! As for the service...the servers were nice. They were also very communicative to each other. I would hear them yelling to each other as to what tables they served and what they haven't done yet. For example, I would hear one server yell, "I served them water, they need bread and butter!" I think they should have tried to keep their voices down a bit because it made them seem a bit disorganized. I think its fine in a diner to yell across the room to your colleagues, but this was definitely not a diner. Either way, I'd go back. P.S. There were two of us, so the 4 dishes were definitely enough! Also we had the peach and pomegranate sangria. Both very good and each glass is strong enough for an afternoon buzz! Enjoy!
(4)
Robert S.
Ive been going to Meson Sabika for over 20 years. That said I can say that everything I'm going to write is the same now as it was when I first starting visiting this fine restaurant. This is the pinnacle of Spanish tapas fair. The food is generally always delicious. I say generally because once every 1 or 2 years the garlic potato salad is not as garlicky. Recently the Spanish olives did not taste the same as they always had? Why these inconsistencies exist I do not know, but other than that the food is is always great. You have to love being able to eat many different types of dishes until you find a favorite and even then there is always something new to try on your next visit. Also about the food I once entertained some customers from Argentina and brought them here for lunch. We ordered the paella and they all agreed that it was great. It does take a while for it to be prepared, so just relax and order a few pitchers of sangria or some of the other nicely prepared drinks. In the summer sit outside on the patio and pretend you are out of the country on vacation. In the colder seasons eat inside the restaurant, which I believe is a home that was built in 1914. While dinning outside is festive, dining inside is elegant. This is a place you take that special someone and not just any one. Speaking of which this place is great for Valentine's day, but make a reservation early and get ready for a romantic evening. And yes you can actually have a conversation here without shouting. A rare thing for a restaurant in Naperville. Finally brunch, generally served upstairs, I can tell you is buffet style with mimosas for everyone. There is a nice sampling of breakfast and other standard Meson fair. Beyond the inconsistencies with two of the dishes I will always recommend taking that special someone to Meson. Just remember it will be hard to top this with a better and more romantic place to dine.
(4)
Mike B.
Had our anniversary dinner at Meson Sabika. Restaurant was very busy but service was still quite good. Enjoyed a variety of tapas with our favorite being the bacon wrapped dates.
(4)
Michael M.
We were their for a wedding in their pavillion and I must say the food and service were excellent. The servers were unobtrusive, the bartenders were pleasant and even engaging which is unusual for a banquet bartender in my experience. The food was delicious from the hand-passed hors' douerves to the filet mignon which was nice and medium. A beautiful location to hold any private event and the staff adds to it.
(4)
Renee S.
This was my first experience with tapas & I had no idea what to expect...I was actually quite nervous about it upon reading the menu. I can sometimes have the appetite of a picky 4 year old. I was pleasantly surprised. Our waiter was incredibly helpful with suggestions & patient with us newbies. We ordered the empanada, stuffed mushrooms, beef tenderloin, & my husband got the calamari. Everything was excellent. And the restaurant itself is beautiful. I would definitely recommend & plan on going back again soon.
(4)
Rich P.
This place ROCKS! I have eaten here several times but just now getting around to a review. I suggest sitting outside on their beautiful patio and I also suggest a pitcher of Sangria. Everything we sampled on the menu was delicious. It's tapas so you can sample quite a bit. Service this last visit was good, not great and our waitress appologized for a couple little delays and blamed it on being short staffed becuase they are not fully staffed yet and had not planned on 80 degree days in March which I can fully understand. My past visits had flawless service. That being said the dealys were minimal and gave more time for enjoying the Sangria. Highly recomended
(4)
Steven M.
Aces to the brunch. The potato salad was with the price of admission. As was the prime rib. I went down the line of meats a couple of times. The duck was a bit dry, but the mimosa's took care of that. Everything was very fresh. They had the whole deal. Breakfast offerings, lunch and something for the kids. The service was poky at best. We had a table of three and the plates were piling up. We had to ask for them to be taken away and for more drinks? Otherwise great food at a great price.
(4)
Carolyn R.
Absolutely gorgeous historic home. Was there last Saturday for a Bachelorette group dinner with 12 other people. We all had a great time and left stuffed! Worth the drive out the Naperville (and being a true city gal I don't say that lightly).
(4)
Vince A.
This place is beautiful no doubt. When we walkedup there was wedding in progress in thegardens. Very nice setting for that. We stepped to our table and got a great garden view. Started with sangria and a glass of Rioja. Sangria was very light. Instead of going through the order - will break it down with the Good and Not So Good Good: Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese in Tomato/Red Pepper Sauce Beef Tenderloin on skewers Flourless Chocolate Cake Chorizo/Morcilla Not So Good: Garlic Potato Salad Rock Lobster on Squash (better eaten by itself) Definitely will be back.
(4)
Doug B.
Phenomenal food, prompt service and delicious sangria. Meson Sabika is at the top of our list for any date night. If dinning on a weekend evening would strongly recommend reservations as the restaurant can fill up quickly. One of the best dinning spots in the West Suburbs, without at doubt.
(5)
Robert D.
This is the best! If you like Tapas go! If you like paella order it! It takes about 40 minutes to get so order it first thing. Thats because they MAKE IT TO ORDER! Most places cook it ahead and reheat. The service is impeccable. You can see and taste the care and passion that goes into each dish. If you like garlic get the potato salad! Duck confit is awesome! Oven baked goat cheese with garlic bread! Imported Serrano ham on garlic toast points with tomato and Manchego cheese! Grilled eggplant stuffed with goat cheese and topped with Manchego cheese served with tomato concasse! The list goes on! Guys this is the date place! If you want to wow her taker her here!
(5)
David C.
The food and service are excellent. We tried several cold and hot options and they were all delicious. Make sure that you do make a reservation. We had one for our last visit but they were not that busy yet. About 20 minutes later it was packed so without a reservation you will be waiting. It was a great evening. I would highly recommend it. Also the red sangria is top notch.
(5)
Sue H.
Excellent service! This was the first time my husband and have been to Mason Sabika and Pete, our server, was great. He was timely, without being over the shoulder. He was very knowledgable of the menu and even took care of a plate my husband and I did not care for even though we told him it was our fault for ordering. I can't wait to go back and try more of their tapas! Next time we will bring friends so we can share the yumminess!
(5)
Michael B.
Ate there once years ago and loved the ambiance. I have heard the food isn't super awesome but it's a cute place. Made reservations for Monday night at 6:00. Drove an hour to get there, asked to sit outside, and was told that we would have to wait an hour. I understand that I didn't specifically make reservations for outside, but damn. They have all of that space, wtf. There was barely anyone inside, throw a table in one of the gardens, I'll eat there. We left and went to a place down the street and ate outside and enjoyed the evening.
(2)
Ashley A.
I've been coming here for a few years and just recently attended a wedding here. I love the location, ambiance, and food. And the service is usually very friendly. Being seated on a weekend evening is always cramped since it is always busy. It would be nice if they took a few tables out since I feel like someone is about to elbow me at any moment. The food is always DELICIOUS! Not a bad plate and their sangria is to die for. The food we had attending the wedding was equally delicious and fresh. I like to come here every now and again but it is hard to resist in the summer.
(4)
Michael J.
Without a doubt, one of the best restaurants that I've ever been to. My ONLY complaint, and I mean ONLY, is that it is EXTREMELY loud. If you are looking for intimate conversation over a meal, this is not the place. Both times that I have eaten here, the atmosphere has been the same: chaotic. Aside from the massive horde of people eating here on the weekends, they have an in-house Spanish style dancer who goes from room to room clapping some sort of noise maker. The food is out of this world, though. Just down some extra sangria to counteract the noise (it's delicious).
(5)
Hungry M.
A great place all the way around, but, I still miss Francois Sanchez in the kitchen.
(5)
Angela D.
Fantastic place. We went there for the first time last night, and everything was wonderful -- food, staff, ambience and prices. We were initially seated in the downstairs dining room, but it was very loud. When I explained to the hostess that I'm pregnant and a little ill, that the noise a bit overwhelming, they very graciously re-seated us in a cozy dining room upstairs. Our waiter was helpful in guiding us through our first tapas meal. Everything was fresh and delicious (try the lamb medallions!). We were stuffed when we left, and the bill was just under $80. I expected to pay more. The grounds and building are spectacular -- not a single complaint. Highly recommended. Enjoy when you go!
(5)
Drew C.
Homemade sangria and bacon-wrapped dates. The two reasons I have been coming here for years. I should probably try new things, but I can't help myself. Creature of habit. Always amiable service, too.
(5)
Rolly Z.
This place is amazing! We have been there a few times, including a wedding and the food and service is fantastic. The atmosphere of the place is great. A nice romantic setting. The tapas are fantastic. Try the beef tenderloin and the shrimp! Both the red and white Sangrias are very tasty. If you have not been, it is definitely worth a try!!
(5)
Aileen G.
I always have a good time at meson sabika. The mansion-turned-restaurant has its own large parking lot, a beautiful garden for outdoor seating, and a wonderful selection of tapas that are the perfect size so you can get all the choices you're deciding between. Some favorites: Bacon-wrapped dates: perfect ratio of bacon to dates so you can enjoy both the crunchy savory taste of bacon and sweet softness of dates in each bite. I hate it when one taste overpowers the other in some tapas places, but meson sabika always makes sure that doesn't happen. Rib eye: very juicy, tender, and surprisingly flavorful. Say goodbye to the salt shaker! The meat is marinated with all the flavors you'll ever crave in prime ribs. Coconut Flan: they have their "flan of the day" and I don't remember which day coconut flan day is, but if it is offered while you're there, I'd highly recommend it. The flan is soft with a very smooth texture, and the coconut flavor isn't overpowering at all--just enough to give it that special sweet taste. Come here for a casual summer date outdoors, you won't regret it!
(5)
Sade C.
Meson Sabika is one of my favorite restaurants & I love introducing it to friends who haven't experienced the joy of tapas before. The ambience is perfect for a romantic date, birthday celebration, or get-together with your friends. These are my must-haves: Pipirrana De Buey: skirt steak with Cabrales blue cheese sauce - my fave, & I don't even eat blue cheese. the steak is so tender, flavorful, & everyone always asks for another round of it. Gambas Al Ajillo: grilled tiger shrimp with garlic lemon butter - I wish there were more shrimp on the plate, & the butter sauce is delicious. Patatas Bravas: Spicy potatoes topped with Manchego cheese - Spicy, cheesy, creamy goodness. Don't forget to get a glass (or two) of sangria. A nice healthy buzz always makes the food even better.
(4)
Margaret S.
WONDERFUL!!! I had my daughters Bridal shower at Meson Sabika in the pavillion. Just a faboulous venue. The food was wonderful, the service was great, the staff was friendly and accommodating. Every guest was impressed with Meson Sabika. They made our special day a memorable event
(5)
Min C.
I've done studies. 90% of the time, it tastes good every time.
(5)
Britt B.
Let me just say that I'm not a big potato salad fan and I really do not like olives at all but I enjoyed both of those immensely. In fact, everything I put into my mouth here was quite amazing. I had the white sangria, which was perfect--light and not too fruity. I felt like I was back in Spain with the relaxed atmosphere.
(5)
John B.
Love this place. Great place for a date. Tapas are fresh and delicious. Dinner in a mansion, ya can't beat it. The variety of tapas is great. My favorite is the baked goat cheese and the bacon wrapped dates. Both are so flavorful and delicious it will be hard to not order them twice....seriously. I really want to try their paella but everytime I get in there I go right for the tapas and with all the variety of flavors it makes deciding painless. I also suggest getting the mango sangria...excellent. They have flamenco from what it seems on the weekend which is cool, it does make it difficult to converse while it goes on but hey when in Rome...I mean Spain wth.
(4)
Jenny R.
I went to MS for the first time this past weekend with 4 friends. The place is charming as balls, and it was so cozy. It felt like thanksgiving dinner (a spanish thanksgiving) with friends. We made a reservation but still had to wait about 10 minutes for our table (that is really my only complaint) Our server Bianca was super knowledgeable and willing to give honest opinions about which tapa was tastier when we were stuck between two options. She also suggested the spanish beer, Estrella which ended up being a hit at our table. Even I liked it, and I'm a beer snob. In the end, it seemed like we ordered the whole left side of the menu, we couldnt MOVE. The bacon wrapped dates and the spicy taters were some favorites of ours. (but bacon wrapped anything is pretty much a perfect little food group in itself to me.) We had a pitcher of red sangria, and enjoyed EVERY drop. Next time I'd like to try one of the flavored options when I make hubby take me there on a date. For dessert we had some chocolate cake with ice cream which was typical, no party in our mouths. HOWEVER, the caramelized banana dealy was HEAVENLY. Party in your mouth times 100. I am definitely going to return :)
(3)
Leang E.
I came here for a wedding, and it was fabulous. There were draped cloths that were hung from the ceiling and numerous chandeliers that made the place look simple and elegant. Sadly, I passed up on the sangria trying to stick to my no carb diet. After seeing the appetizers and what was on the menu I decided that I had to have a cheat day. The bacon wrapped dates and the croquettes were delicious, and so I had several. We also had the grilled duck medallions with apples, oven baked goat cheese, pincho de solomillo, and a puff pastry. I had chosen the white fish for my entree. If only all weddings could be so delicious! I will certainly not pass up any future opportunities to come here.
(4)
Richard O.
Very Impressive entrance mansion building with a banquet and a restaurant. A nicely decorated trail leads you to the entrance. I made a reservation for 7:00 on Sunday. When we arrived we were asked to wait at the bar until our table was ready. We waited ten minutes to get a table with a reservation. We were finally seated as we witnessed a couple groups just walk in and be seated right away. We waited about ten more minutes at the table before our server came by the table. He took our drink order and started walking away I had to keep him there and place our full order soup and 4 tapas knowing he might not come back for a while. The soup was very good I had the cream of broccoli arrived in a good portion and quite flavorful. Then 2 of our Tapas were brought out the steak strips in blue cheese and grilled shrimp in butter sauce. At this time we still did not have our coffee drink order I had to remind him to bring the drinks. After this point the service was Ok however I was still unpleased with how the service was from the hostess to the server below standard. The plates started building up quickly the table is small and they did not have anyone coming by to clear the table. Our server was not attentive enough. The remaining Tapas were mushroom caps and Chicken in garlic tomato sauce. The mushroom caps were just ok and the chicken was alright. Not too impressive with the presentation the taste was good. Overall I liked the food the atmosphere is great old school dining. The quality of the service was poor and they were understaffed there is no excuse for that no matter what economy we are in. They can make many improvements mainly providing an exceptional dining experience relative the image they present when you arrive at the restaurant.
(3)
Tony K.
Don't forget to order the figs wrapped in bacon
(5)
Jess F.
The good here is great, I'm not going to lie. Buuuut I went here with my parents after we dropped off my younger siblings at summer camp. My mom was really upset earlier that day because they've never been away from home. We went out to relax and were very very dissapointed. It was 6:00 on a friday and we didn't make a reservation. The place was empty but we were told there was an hour and a half wait.. really? But that we could eat at the bar if we didnt mind.So we sat at the bar for dinner, not thinking anything of it. The bartender was clearly pissed we were eating dinner at the bar and gave us so much attitude and was super super slow. When we ordered our last round of tapas the bartender (who could barely speak English) said ' I guess you Americans aren't so good in the kitchen' WTF, rude! My mom (who is a great cook and goes out to eat once a week max, usually cooking at home) broke down. She had already had a rough day and then this asshole pushed her over the edge. My dad spoke to the manager and all she did was shrug. Real professional. I won't be coming back.
(2)
Christina C.
Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmy! I went here the other day with my family for my birthday brunch. It was everything I expected and more. We started the brunch off with some mimosas, but I wasn't in the mood to drink any because I was hungover from the night before. LOL. I got the coffee which was absolutely delicious. I am pretty sure there is cocaine in their coffee cause I am not a coffee drinker and I loved their coffee. The food was delicious and fresh. I started off with the fresh fruits and cold tapas they had. I loved the garlic potato salad. ORGASMIC. The fruits were perfect. The shrimp and the sauce was good too. Next, moved onto the hot tapas. They all tasted good, but the BACON WRAPPED DATES were to die for. I tried the prime rib which was pretty good as well. If you have little ones, they have a table with hotdogs/hamburgers for them to eat. WARNING: stay away from the bread as it will fill you up to quickly! The only reason I gave this place 4 stars was because the dessert was very disappointing IMO. I got some kind of chocolate cake which was REALLY dry. I took two bites and I was done. The rest of the desserts were kind of really sad too. All in all, I would def go back here for their great food (minus dessert) and great service. Thank you Meson Sabika for a great birthday brunch!
(4)
Jaime S.
Came here for a 60th birthday party for a sunday brunch. The brunch buffet was my own worst enemy--I have no self control when it comes to buffets. I especially wore my tightest jeans to hope that they would restrict some of my eating, but, surprise surprise, they didnt. Some faves: Tomatoes with white anchovies(one of my friends works as a cook at the Penninsula and told me that white anchovies are AMAZING, as I was expecting the cheap kind that come on pizzas), Seafood Paella, and of course the desserts! Next time i'm around this area, I will see if I can stir others to come here with me!
(4)
Kasia L.
Have been here many times and love coming back. I love that it feels like your in a mansion with the different rooms and the house is beautiful. There is a wide variety of food and I enjoying trying something different each time.
(5)
Joe M.
We've been coming here for years, mostly for special occasions. Want to impress an out of towner, bring them here. Meson Sebika is an old mansion that has been converted into a tapas (Spanish small plates, appetizers) restaurant. The decor is amazing and the entire place is an experience. I recommend going with friends to sample each others plates. Tapas are served hot and cold which is reflected in the menu. Some standouts are the garlic potatoes, the dates wrapped in bacon, beef with horseradish, and toast points with goat cheese. Their service is amazing and the staff is very knowledgeable about the food. Bring a date or a a group they're great for both. I also hear they do an amazing brunch and special events sadly I haven't been to either.
(5)
Christopher A.
Best sangria in town! This is a tapas restaurant so small portions are to be expected. The genius of this place is their consistentcy, they offer numerous hot and cold tapas, and there all great! Most restaurants struggle to pull off a few good dishes, this place is killing it 10 fold.
(5)
Shannon M.
I chose this as the place to go for my family birthday dinner; my parents aren't the most adventurous eaters, but after I explained the tapas concept and they looked at the menu, they agreed, and I'm happy to say that we all enjoyed a very nice meal. The restaurant itself is beautiful, in a mansion just west of downtown Naperville. Our initial concern was getting to the front door, because it was snowing and my grandmother was with us, and it wasn't evident that you could drive up to the front door, so she ended up having to arduously walk from the parking lot at the side to the front. (After dinner we learned that we could drive up, which made it easier). When we got inside, there was a lot of water (melted snow) on the wood floor inside the door -- again, a hazard for Grandma. This is inevitable in the winter, but needs to be kept on top of anywhere for everyone's safety. Once we got settled into one of the small, dimly lit dining rooms, things began to smooth out. We had already looked at the menu online and had an idea of what we wanted to order, and with the help of our smooth, Antonio Banderas-esque server, we got the dishes rolling. Everyone started with white sangria (light and fruity, with apples and citrus), then the Sopa Aromatica, onion soup; served in a shallow trencher, it had a strange funk to it and did not come with the advertised cheese and croutons. Certainly not the best onion soup I ever had. After that, the plates of tapas started arriving. The flow was good; we ordered 7 items for the table, and they came in two "flights" (3 and 4), so we weren't overloaded or lacking dishes at any given time. The surprise favorite of the night were the bacon-wrapped dates (which I only ordered because everyone on Yelp recommended them, so thanks!). The gorgeous smoky bacon married beautifully to the sweet dates, which had a lusciously soft texture, yielding voluptuously to the bite. Another favorite was the Pipirrana de Buey -- skirt steak is often chewy or charred beyond recognition; this was not, and the salty Cabarales blue cheese sauce offset the grilled beef superbly. We also liked the Pincho de Solomillo -- the beef tenderlion was tender and flavorful, though the horseradish threatened to overpower the beef's flavor. The rest of the dishes were fine (nothing was bad) but not outstanding: Gambas al Ajillo (the lemon-garlic-butter shrimp were tasty and not tough or overcooked, but just not thrilling); Patatas Bravas (despite spices and cheese topping, these potatoes seemed to be lacking some element. Salt? One would think cheese would provide that, but something still seemed to be missing); Crepa Rellena (the crepe was light and crisp, but its filling of goat cheese, spinach, pine nuts and apple seemed homogenous; one could not discern the separate elements); and Pechuga de Pollo (the least exciting dish. Just grilled chicken. Nothing wrong with it, but nothing special. Did not detect the advertised herbed white wine sauce). Desserts did not wow me; we split two from the specials menu. The ginger-spiced cheesecake tasted like pumpkin (maybe because we're more accustomed to these spices as part of pumpkin pie?). The hazelnut sponge cake supposedly soaked in Frangelico was dry and the layers instantly fell apart, and the fruit coulis on the plate didn't seem to go with the flavors of the cake (the menu said there would be a caramel cream, but I didn't detect that anywhere). Our server stayed on top of our needs, and extra kudos to the bussers, who worked efficiently to remove emptied plates as the rounds progressed. Overall, a nice special occasion destination.
(3)
Johnny C.
Went yesterday for the mother's day brunch. This place takes brunch to a new level. Yes, it was about $30 a person, but it was well worth it. They really amp it up for mother's day, and rightly so. The food was fantastic as usual, our server was accommodating, energetic, and punctual, and I love that they could accommodate all 8 and 1/2 of us. Kiddie food was out, and also delicious. If it were socially acceptable to bathe in their potato salad, I would. With little bacon wrapped dates floating on top. Don't wait til next year, go now.
(5)
David G.
It's hard to go wrong with a Zagat rated restaurant. I didn't know this restaurant was Zagat rated until I saw the sign on the way out. I had the: Jamón Serrano - Shaved imported Serrano Ham served atop thinly sliced tomatoes and toasted garlic bread. I should point out that the ham was actually served underneath the bread and tomatoes and not "atop" as the menu describes. Alcachofas Marinadas - Marinated fresh artichoke hearts topped with baked fennel, garlic and imported Cabrales blue cheese, drizzled with balsamic sherry vinaigrette. Crepe Rellena - Crepe filled with goat cheese, pine nuts, spinach and golden delicious apples, accompanied by a pimiento sauce. All the dishes were excellent. I think I might try to return on Sun to try the Sopa de Alubias - Spicy black bean soup with chorizo.
(5)
Al G.
Great potato salad and olives. Good atmosphere and service. Tried the cheese platter for the first time and it was very good. Sign up for the mailing list to receive coupons and special offers. Don't forget the sangria. Ref beats white!
(4)
Sue M.
We've found the food can be a little inconsistent but overall it's a fun place to go. Like the sangria. Do not pass up the profiteroles!!
(3)
Brian C.
Place is great food is great was able to try many things with great service and dinning in that old house was nice
(5)
Nick H.
Great Tapas! The bacon wrapped dates are a must. We always end up getting several for the table. It is a great place to go on a regular day but they really come into their own on Father's day and other holidays with a spectacular buffet.
(5)
Tom F.
The first thing you notice from the street is how massive the building and property looks.. great curbside appeal. The food is always top notch. What we enjoy is that there are so many great items and they are small enough portions to be able to enjoy 3 or 4 of the cold tapas before moving on to the hot tapas. Price here is unbelievably reasonable and service is absolutely terrific. You also have to try the Sunday brunch it's out of this world.... now that the weather is improving you can enjoy your brunch, lunch, dinner or just a relaxing cocktail outdoors... the side patio is tucked away surrounded by big old trees and flowers.
(5)
Kelly M.
We recently had our wedding in the pavilion and it was outstanding. From the very beginning of us choosing this venue to the time we left after the reception was over, everything was perfect. The food was delicious, the staff was fantastic and I cannot say enough about it. Highly recommend for dinner also.
(5)
Xaxa H.
Outstanding food every time! Only 4 stars because I always seem to get the same bitchy waiter. The garlic potato salad is fab and one of their more popular dishes!
(4)
Ashley V.
5 stars for the history 5 stars for the food 5 stars for the atmosphere. History When I was a kid my mom and dad used to go here on special occasions together. They always talked about how beautiful it was and they would stay out for long nights filled with sangria, paella and bacon- wrapped dates. They told me that tapas was very adult and I had to wait until my 13th birthday to experience this place. On my 13th birthday I got all gussied up and put on my best adult behavior for one of the most memorable meals. Thanks to Meson Sabika (formerly Emilio's back in the day) tapas is now my favorite type of food. Food I went back a few weeks ago for my dad's 50th b-day dinner and it is still absolutely amazing. The food was outstanding and the service was great. My recommendations for the classics we can't go there and not order. Goat cheese marinara (duh) Bacon Wrapped Dates (duh) Portobello Relleno Ternera Asada (cold thinly sliced veal MMMMM) Patatas Con Alioli (garlic potato salad ---will stay with you for a week) Cordero Al Pastor (grilled lamb in a rich flavorful sauce) I also recommend a pitcher (or two) of their red sangria. They look deceptively small but they seem never ending with the pours. Overall this is a must try for a special night out, a nice date or a great place to catch up with a group of friend or family. Bring your appetite, taste buds and try something different. You will not regret trying this place.
(5)
Andie W.
Besides entering into the parking lot, while walking up you feel as though you're having dinner at a friends house, a rich friend at that =P. As you enter, you truly feel as though there's a dinner party going on. We checked in with the hostess, and were directed towards the bar to enjoy cocktails as we wait for our table. The bar area was beautiful, it felt as though you were in Napa Valley, very old world. We were seated not too long after, and were shortly greeted by our waitress. She was knowledgeable, and didn't mind when we asked what tapas she would suggest. After our food arrived, we were didn't realize how much we ordered, I guess when you 're dealing with tapas you tend to think to order more because of the small quantity, I suggest ordering maybe two at a time. Everything was absolutely, amazingly delicious!! I totally recommend this place, especially if you plan to eat with several friends. Overall- Ambiance: A Cleanliness: A Food: A Prices: B Service: A ---------------------- Grade: A P.S. A wedding was going on while we enjoyed dinner in the outside tent, from the looks of it, it was very beautiful!
(5)
Ashley G.
This place is the best spot for tapas in Naperville hands down. I love tapas and have tried pretty much every tapas restaurant in the Naperville area. The food and sangria are wonderful every time I go there. If you are in the area I highly suggest this place. The only downside is that it can get a bit noisy if you are there on a busy night.
(4)
Amanda Z.
!Ay, que fantástico! Translation: This place is fantastic! This was one of my first tapas experiences (after Emilio's)...and I became hooked! I used to go to college nearby, and this was the place I used to go for special occasions. And thus where my love affair with sangria began... The food is wonderful and the ambiance is even better. The property is gorgeous. Indoor seating in an old-fashioned white mansion, private rooms for parties, patio...something for everyone here. The service is friendly and helpful without being intrusive. On weekends, they have flamenco dancers, which just adds to the experience. I recommend the Jamon Serrano, Quesos Espanoles, Patatas Con Alioli, Datiles Con Tocino, Pincho De Solomillo ...I could go on for days! I also had the opportunity to attend a dear friend's wedding here in February. The banquet area is a new addition (wasn't there when I first discovered this place ten years ago). What a gorgeous wedding! She had both the ceremony and the reception here...the passed hors d'oeurves were fantastic (but I learned my lesson as to eating anything veggie that you have to bite into...yikes! Watch out for the Tostado de Pisto Manchengo), the entrees were spectacular (marinated tilapia...mi versión del cielo!), and, as I experienced in the restaurant, the service was wonderful. I recommend a trip to the 'burbs for dinner here...!es una experiencia, no justo la cena!
(5)
Jennifer C.
Meson Sabika has such a wide variety of fantastic food. You can be adventurous or stick to your classic tapas favorites (love the dates and bacon!!) and either way you will be delighted. My new tastes for this visit were the Rollito De Buey-Beef tenderloin wrapped around with blue cheese, dates and portobello mushroom and the Gambas Marinadas-Marinated shrimp and a trio of sauces. Both were excellent cold tapas for a warm stormy evening. Thank you!
(4)
Sara D.
I've been here twice for dinner. The food is excellent and there's almost too much to choose from. It's great for a medium-sized group, although we kept running out of room for all the dishes.
(4)
Rahul I.
Went there on my wedding anniversary with my wife. Tapas are good.
(4)
Tracy V.
I've been to Meson Sabika three times now. Once for dinner and twice for brunch (one of these times was for a private party in the dining room). I love the goat cheese! Don't much care for the potato salad and I must say that I just don't get the bacon-wrapped dates. Service is good, food is good, drinks are good, atmosphere is good. I absolutely love the outdoor seating and view. Something that's helpful to note is that the stairs leading to the second floor are STEEP and can be hard to navigate when juggling brunch plates (or after a few too many glasses of sangria). If you're making reservations, ask to be seated on the first floor if the stairs are a concern for anyone in your party. The staff is very accomodating. I'll definitely be back for tapas!
(4)
Jennie P.
I held my wedding reception here just last month and it was AMAZING. Not because it was my big day so of course I think it was wonderful but because Meson Sabika was top notch. We held the reception in the Pavilion and it was beautiful inside. The staff at Meson was incredibly helpful, polite, generous, and accommodating to our families/friends and my husband and I. Our final meeting before the event was very friendly and clear and I left without a worry. It's stressful to leave your reception in other people's hands and hope for the best because you're too busy that day to run over and take care of things, and we couldn't have been more pleased. The food was SO good and people are STILL talking about it. The staff was very responsive to my e-mails, questions, and concerns. 5 stars all the way and highly recommend if you're looking for a unique/whimsical feeling venue to hold your wedding reception.
(5)
Hector C.
Come with a thick wallet! Leave a happy camper. All the tappas are great here. Don't come with a picky person though, they might not enjoy the food. The service is always great here and the food comes out quick. The sangria and flan a must to top off the dinner.
(4)
Mike R.
I have eaten here many times always good. This place is one of Napervilles best places to eat
(5)
Seven S.
Well, I could change my review after each visit. Meson is a hit or a miss. Food is always good. Service ranges from great to you better fuckin help yourself. Not sure what's up with that. Wine is pricey. Tapas are tasteee and priced fair. Sit on the patio during the summer and sip some sangria with friends, or people who you thought were your friends. Getting married soon? They have added a pavilion for events - which takes away from the Historic Mansion. Try talking your bride who dreamed of having her day in the mansion - to now having it some modern pavillion that overlooks the, um, parking lot. See you in divorce court within two years buddy!
(3)
Karla W.
Love this restaurant! Atmosphere: excellent. Set in an old mansion with individual rooms. Unique. Beautiful. Food: Amazing. A great mix of cold and hot tapas. Favorite dishes: Garlic potato salad, tuna cannelloni, spicy potatoes, bacon wrapped dates, tomato with goat cheese. I have eaten here several times but had the Sunday brunch this morning for the first time. An excellent assortment of tapas and non tapas dishes. Wonderful. Highly recommend
(5)
Rich K.
Love this place. I have gotten drunk here so many times I have a hard time remembering what I ate. The sangria is the strongest I have had in the state.
(4)
Valoria R.
Went to buy a gift certificate for my coworker cause it's his fav place and then I got hooked! Beautiful mansion and setting. Fantastic bar. Nice wait staff. Good food. Best tappas I've tasted. Stuffed mushroom caps are the bees knees.
(5)
Crystal L.
Before diving into my food critique, I want to mention that the mansion and grounds are quite beautiful. It's perfect for weddings and receptions. In fact during our visit there was a reception being held in the pavilion. I had heard good things the sangrias here. I ordered the red and my friend ordered the white and both were pretty strong. I think sangria at Olive garden is better. For the tapas the three of us shared the following: Crepe Rellena - I'd give it 3 stars Pipirrana De Buey (strips of skirt steak) - 3 star Pasta Con Hortalizas - 4 star Buuelos De Cangrejo (crabmeat fritters) - 3 star Berenjena con Queso (eggplant topped with goat cheese) - 2 star For dessert: Platano Con Helado (banana with pistachios & ice cream) - 3 star Crema De Chocolate (creme brulee with chocolate) - 4 star Pera De La Abuela (poached pear with cinnamon) - 2 star Overall, I just didn't think the food was particular tasty. The tapas portions were very small too. I've been to other tapas places that served more.
(3)
Erik M.
The brunch was great. Very high quality food, salmon, prime rib. Great ambiance. The brunch is every week and well worth it.
(5)
Nicole V.
When the special man in my life suggested we go to brunch in Naperville for Spanish tapas with his Madre, I was not sure what to expect. He said the food would be delicious and that they offer an incredible buffet at Meson Sabika, but I couldn't get that typical suburban dining experience (I am accustomed to having) out of my mind. I was so wrong! First of all, this place is a mansion! I had no idea as we rolled up to what looked like a miniature White House, that this was what I had in store! The grounds are so pretty and the house so regal looking. As you enter there is a warm buzz in the main hallway where the staff greets you before escorting you off to one of the many rooms in the mansion where your table is waiting. We were brought up the stairs to the second level and then over to one of the rooms in the back. I was peeking into all of the different spaces as we were led to our table. Each room has its own atmosphere, very formal without being pretentious and the decor is slightly old world Spain but with chandeliers and other sweet little charms to add a bit of sparkle. But enough about the decor, upon being seated we were given the brunch menu. I looked it over, and for a reasonable price you are able to get unlimited hot and cold tapas (including prime rib), a mimosa, an omelet and a dessert (if you so choose)! As we ventured down to the buffet all of us were overwhelmed with the options. The good news, all of the dishes were described on little cards. We all started with a plate of cold tapas and then came back for a second round of hot tapas. Some of my favorites; apple pork medallions, garlic potato salad, bacon wrapped dates, stuffed mushrooms, paella to name a few. We opted out of the omelet and decided to instead save room to indulge in dessert. Each of us ordered a different dessert; flour-less chocolate cake w/raspberry sauce, puff pastries filled w/ice cream covered in bittersweet chocolate and a chocolate pecan caramel pie also paired w/raspberry sauce. All three were delicious! The uniqueness of the space combined with the quality of the food makes this place a definite new favorite on my list. I have already recommended it to my family and friends and I'm looking forward to my next visit!
(5)
Michael W.
Nothing anyone can place before you on a plate inside can top this tapas lush layout with towering trees and verdant views. Yet the food is worthy of taking a break from the natural beauty of this wonder of suburbia. Meson Sabika never fails to attract couples and good friends who love little bites of heaven and embrace the Sangria. Oh Lord, let the fruity blood wash over me. Over years I've been to Meson with a variety of people always leaving full and happy and sometimes falling back drunk from the drink of the gods. This is probably a great second date spot. The food is decent but on the pricey side. Is that a surprise given your dining on a plantation flying the colors of Spain in Wonder bread Naperville? Speaking of wonderment, just when did the Spanish conquer the Western suburbs? And why did they build so many strip malls?
(4)
Brett C.
My wife and I were just married here! We got married in the rose garden in front of the mansion, which is beautifully landscaped with eye-popping greenery, elegant fountains and nice little coy pond that we took pictures by. We were going to head to downtown Naperville for pictures, but we couldn't bear to leave this abundance of beauty. There couldn't have been a better place to capture our wedding day. The newly constructed pavilion, where are reception was couldn't have turned out any better. The window covered perimeter made our reception feel open, and allowed the art of the outside landscape to seep in. We had a vegetarian/Vegan wedding, and the staff was more than happy to accommodate both. I've never heard people rave about food at a wedding, but we received so many compliments about the paella, stuffed mushrooms, epanads, ok really everything. The staff even went out of their way at the reception to make something custom for me to eat, which I didn't ask them to do. I had a delectable marinated portobello mushroom dish with an almond sauce with roasted peppers and water chestnuts. Totally unexpected, much appreciated. I expect nothing less of the restaurant itself. The staff and food are worth making the trip out to no matter where in the Chicago area you are from. Highly recommended!
(5)
Kata T.
Definitely one of my favorite (if not overall) restaurants not only in Naperville but in the entire Chicago area. I developed a love of tapas while studying abroad in Spain in college and can definitely recommend Meson Sabika as having pretty authentic tapas fare. The red sangria is great (not overly sweet, which is a fault I usually find elsewhere), and I've yet to try anything that I didn't think was at least great. My favorite dishes are always well prepared, and the tortilla and patatas alioli taste just as they did in Spain! I also love the queso de cabra. Meson being my favorite place, I've been there numerous times with various people and have yet to hear anything negative from anyone in my group about the food. Another great thing I love about Meson is that in keeping with Spanish tradition, I've never felt rushed - we've stayed there many times for much longer than we would have felt comfortable in a more typical restaurant, leisurely ordering tapa after tapa as we felt like trying something else. It is a rather elegant atmosphere (with prices to match), but I ranked its attire as "casual" only because I typically go after work or even in jeans and have never felt out of place. When the weather's warm, I recommend eating out on the patio for an even more enjoyable experience. And if I remember correctly, on Friday (and Saturday?) evenings, they have a flamenco guitarrist and dancer. After talking so much about Meson, now I want to go!
(5)
Jason P.
Wow. It's a good thing the food is so good, because it makes up for the fact that the bar is so tiny and uninviting. We came here on the Saturday before Valentine's day and it was packed. We had 8:00 reservations, arrived at about 5 to, and were seated by about 5 after. During that 10-minute gap we were told to wait in the bar, down the hall, to the right. So we headed down the hall, to the right, and stood around because the bar seems like it was pretty much an after thought when they finished the restaurant. There are probably 3 or 4 tiny little tables, enough counter space for maybe 15 people, and then a common walkway that most everyone else waiting for their table is forced to mill around in. Would have liked to have had a drink while waiting, but the area was so poorly designed, that I didn't feel like fighting the crowds to get one, and then stand in a high-traffic area while drinking your beverage. So yes, that was a minor annoyance, but if you put a lot of stock in that sort of thing, deduct as many stars as you wish. I, personally, am more concerned with the food and the service, both of which were fabulous. Knowing they were going to be busy this weekend, they had a special Valentine's dinner that they were pushing in addition to the regular menu. It seemed like a decent deal, but we had a good idea of what we wanted, and it wasn't on the special, so we just ordered from the menu. And we ordered. And we ordered some more. In all, we had the following: Bacon Wrapped Dates (amazing, actually had two orders) Chicken and Chorizo with Cumin-Garlic Mayo (another amazing dish, the mayo is great on both the chicken and the sausage) Scallops on CousCous (very good, nice, large scallops, plump, substantial couscous) Grilled Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce (another very good seafood selection, creamy sauce over 5 or 6 large shrimp) Lamb Medalions (good, but could have been skipped) Chorizo and Morcillo(sp?) Sausages (chorizo was great, the other sausages were also very good, with a bit of a curry flavor, a little cinnamony) Spicy Potatoes with Manchego (addictive taste, but wished they were a little crunchier) Baked Goat Cheese with Garlic Bread (standard dish, good, but nothing remarkable). For dessert we ordered the creme chocolate (creme brulee with a chocolate bottom), and the warm, soft-centered chocolate cake with caramel ice cream. Both were outstanding. The service, especially for being Valentine's weekend, was top notch. Our server never missed a beat, and even when we thought he had passed us up, he would circle back around and make sure we had everything we needed. We absolutely gorged ourselves (just look at what we ate) and each had two drinks (champagne for my wife, white sangria for me), followed by a couple of diet cokes. The total damage, before tip, was about $120. Considering how much we ate, the quality of the food, and the caliber of the service and the location, and I would consider that a great deal. I would much rather pay that, for everything we ate, than double that at a place like Morton's.
(5)
John O.
Great food! Great environment! A beautiful house and yard but a little pricy. They've got good stuff to choose from and it serves up a good dish or should I say dishes. When your restaurant is on a large lot of land (I'm sure it's not cheap to finance) it's gonna raise the price of the food. I've been there for a wedding too and that I was impressed from. Would I go back? It wouldn't be my first pick but I'd go if someone else suggested it and maybe if they were paying too.
(4)
Malea I.
I have been here several times with large groups and for intimate dinners and have really enjoyed myself with both. Last night my husband and I went in for a nice dinner. The place is beautiful! We sat next to a fire place and the details of the room are amazing. We had several tapas which were all good. Our favorites are the goat cheese and tomato sauce, the bacon wrapped dates, and we tried a cheese and meat tray with toast points that was fantastic. My husband and I are normally chocolate lovers, but have found the dessert menu lacking a bit. But I ventured out and tried the tart of the day which was a rum/caramel flavored tart with an almond crust that was very good. I only have one complaint about the restaurant. I have found that the tables are very close, and the waiters are still using trays. At one point last night the waiter for the table behind me was inches from my head with his tray. He did not say anything and if I would have moved it would have been a mess. The waiter behind my husband was the same way.
(4)
Mary J.
UPDATE 6/23/07 They have remodeled and built a pavillon/banquet area. The pavillon (as our server called it) is a separate building right next to the restaurant. According to him, the neighbors were complaining about the noise from the tent. The building looks very nice and there is some new landscaping in front which includes some fountains. Inside the restaurant, the walls have been painted and new window treatments have been added. It was raining last night so we didn't get to sit on the patio, so I can't tell you what's changed out there. You have to eat on the patio! I've always had a good time here. This restaurant is housed in an old mansion and it just adds to the dining experience. I've eaten in all the rooms - upstairs and downstairs and the patio is the best! If you've never had tapas before, it's like eating a lot of appetizers at a cocktail party. You order stuff and pass around the dishes. Get some sangria to go with it. My only complaint about this place is when you walk in. Even if you have a reservation, the person behind the desk is always on the phone and you have to wait to talk to them. They really need 2 people working the front desk. If you have to wait, they have a good bar and sometimes on the weekends they will have a server walking around with tapas for you to sample. They also have a flamenco dancer on certain weekend nights. They do have lots of receptions here in the summer. They'll put a tent on the front lawn and it seems like most of the staff is dedicated to the private party. Not a problem in the summer when you're hanging on the patio!
(4)
Lisa K.
Meson has beautiful landscaping, I would love to take a visit in the summertime and walk around the grounds. I went on a Saturday night so it was very crowded and loud. The Victorian mansion that it was in, had various small rooms where people were seated. I think the ambiance just doesn't match the food. It puts me in a certain mood, I think more of a tea house than tapas from the decor. The food was OK, pretty much like an average tapas restaurant anywhere you go. I think the prices are over rated for what you get. The food doesn't stand out to me and make me think WOW! That was great. I might go to check out the yard but I have better tapas in the city without the drive.
(3)
Melie M.
MMmmmm...tons of tiny tapas and delicious sangria. What's not to love? This is such a beautiful restaurant...especially in the summer when you can take advantage of the outdoor seating and ambiance. The indoor bar is pretty small and tends to get very crowded when people are waiting for a table. We shared a number of lovely dishes, including the bacon wrapped dates and stuffed mushrooms. I also had both the white and red sangria, ya know just to mix things up. I would absolutely recommend Meson..however, be sure and make reservations in the summer or you'll be sharing a stool in the tiny, hot indoor bar.
(4)
Chad P.
Food was great, very nice looking inside and out, sangria was flowing good! Prices are very reasonable, if you dint order 10 things for 2 people like I did!
(4)
Lori H.
Love the sangria...love the goat cheese dish, and crema de chocolate. Backyard area is beautiful in the summer. Little pricey but good and avoid the second floor (short ceiling).
(4)
Teri C.
We recently used Meson Sabika as our wedding venue. The space is absolutely beautiful and the service is wonderful. The waitresses really hustled! They even brought the appetizers outside to make sure the bridal party got some. The food was amazing. Coming from an Italian family and marrying into a Greek family one of the biggest concerns with serving tapas was the quantity of food. Rest assure there was plenty! Everybody loved the food and were happily full at the end of the night. I would definitely recommend Meson Sabika.
(5)
Christian C.
Sunday brunch is the best Mediterranean flavors and traditional breakfast dishes the Sunday brunch at meson Sabika is a must try, my company had there Christmas party there too and the food was just as good I would recommend it to everyone
(5)
Hyunsoo S.
Had our wedding here 6/23/12. Everything was great from Lauren (event planner) to the staff working our wedding. The venue is beautiful, the food is amazing and we couldn't have asked for a better set up for our reception. Highly recommend for a wedding.
(5)
Joe B.
Excellent menu selection...something for everyone. Very good service and atmosphere. Highly recommended.
(5)
Kristen J.
We love Meson Sabika. The food is authentic with a twist and its one of our favorite local restaurants to have a date night at. Our favorite dish is this squid heavenly buttery tapa they have...it is so fabulous we usually order it twice! Their desserts are also very good and the service is wonderful, they keep the food coming as dinner goes on. We have yet to go there for brunch, but we've heard lots of good things. We also had our wedding reception there--but I think this is where you review the restaurant itself not the venue?!
(4)
Jillian D.
i never thought i would pair the words "quaint" and "mansion" in the same sentence, but here i go... this past friday, i had the pleasure of dining at meson sabika with my mom and brother. i had driven past the old manse many times over the years, never realizing the charm and wonders within. outside, it's palatial, set back from naperville road upon a large green lawn. once inside, it transforms into a charming home, with intimate rooms throughout, named after the regions of spain. we ascended the stairs to dine in andalucia (which just so happens to be my favorite region of spain. coincidence?). for the majority of the meal, we had the room to ourselves. quaint, like i said. our waiter was very sweet and, in the european tradition, allowed us to savor our food, never rushed us and truly helped us relax and enjoy the evening. the menu, while featuring the gold standards of tapas (marinated olives; tortilla; bacon wrapped dates; queso de cabra), introduced me to new flavors that equally pleased the palette. one of the hot tapas in particular truly stood out - piquillo peppers stuffed with goat cheese atop a black bean puree. omg!! the sangria was nothing special. although they do offer an array of exciting flavors (we stuck to a pitcher of the red). the dessert menu is more extensive than any tapas restaurant i've visited before. the only problem was, after ordering round after round of rich and delicious tapas, i had no room to sample the sweet stuff! maybe next time.
(5)
Tina E.
Why it's taken me so long to write also I'll never know. I think it's because words can't not explain how good it was. I've had this place on my to-do list for a couple of yrs now. I was shopping in downtown Naperville and it's really just around the corner. Here's the picks:Crabmeat fritters,Empanada,Ensalda de Pollo,& tarta de pera for dessert. All were excellent! I was blown away by the chicken salad and still dream of it nightly.Can I buy it by the pound? I took off 1 star only because they passed me around on the phone. This was my 1st Tapas experience and certainly won't be my last.
(4)
Yvonne M.
I used to love Meson Sabika, years ago... I still come here a couple of times a year, when I can afford to spend (at a minimum of) $120 for two people for dinner including drinks. There is a lot to consider when rating Meson Sabika. Ambiance--the outside and inside of Meson Sabika is positively wonderful. Everything looks beautiful! Service--this is a mixed bag. Some times when I have gone there, I have had outstanding service but more frequently, I have a waiter who is dry, not at all friendly and short. Food--Food is also a mixed bag. I've been there several times and found all of the food outstanding! But then again, I've also been there when everything was mediocre at best. One are of complaint is the small portions... I realize these are tapas but when you're spending almost $10 a plate, you expect a bit more than a tablespoon of goat cheese. Value--the price of everything is, quite frankly, high! Tapas are great unless they're $10 a pop and you need 10 of them to get even remotely filled up. If the prices were dropped a tad, I'd be more inclined to dine there more frequently.
(3)
Matt P.
Attended a wedding reception at this fine restaurant ... great tapas, and the lamb chops are to die for. I'm typically not a big fan of tapas, because I never feel I get enough to eat, but like most GOOD tapas restaurants, it has fine Spanish wine and beer selection ... so what you don't eat, you just drink to fill up.
(5)
Bruce B.
I've gone to Meson Sabika many times and have found it to be quite enjoyable. Yesterday I took my wife to Meson for her Birthday dinner date. I was not impressed. I foudn the tapas selections to be bland as best. To start we had the garlic potatoe salad. I had difficulty determining where my fork ended and the potatoe began, flavorwise. It was so bland, my wife asked for salt and pepper to tivk it up. It was followed by the Tuna filled cannelloni with creamy white wine vinaigrette. I felt that, again the delicacy of this dish was totally lost. Reluctantly, we ordered two hot tapas. We ordered one of the specials, a chicken croquette with ham. Again, the two were indiscernable, taste wise. The sauce was well adequate but I wasn't sure what it was supposed to do to the dish. Finally we decided upon the date wrapped with bacon. Far too sweet. Yikes! Our dessert was a Flan and it was good. Will we go again? maybe. BTW, the server was prompt efficient, attentiive and knowledgeable. It was a very disappointing experience.
(2)
Jeff M.
Went on date night with my wife and had a wonderful meal as usual. We had our wedding reception here in '06, so it is always a fun night out for us. Tonight may have been my favorite tapas combination yet, but I think I say that every time I leave there. Our waitress tonight was especially knowledgeable and picked out a great bottle of wine for us. Highlights tonight were the serrano wrapped asparagus over grilled tomato with melon relish and the cheesecake with almonds, bittersweet chocolate, and caramel. Mmm.
(5)
Kathy O.
I had been to Meson Sabika like ten years ago with friends. It was delicious then, but thought I would treat my family and go there again now,. Still very impressed. The atmosphere is comfortable. The service is great, smiles everywhere you look! Had the Pomegranite Sangria this time and it was so good! Had so many different tapas, all hot except the salad and dessert was like a banana foster but even better. We left with filled tummies and happy faces! Definitely will be going back again!
(5)
Tiffany D.
Delicious! Came here two weeks with ex (then boyfriend) & family for his brother's birthday :] It was absolutely DELICIOUS!!! i swear we had, like, half the menu!!!! :] MUST. TRY. EVERYTHING!!!!! The meats are tender and delicious.. and I even LOVED the lamb :] The place is gorgeous and the staff is really really nice...
(4)
John O.
Very inconsistent. Sometimes the food and service are very good, other times not so much. That said, great venue for outside dining on a summer night with a pitcher of Sangria.
(2)
Chris M.
I've been here several times over the years and they have never disappointed. Love the bacon wrapped dates! Perfect date setting.
(5)
Jenny M.
4.5 stars overall (5 stars for the tapas & service; 2 stars for the paella) Meson Sabika was the first place the hubby & I managed to go to alone since our daughter was born (thanks mom & dad for babysitting!) We love tapas, so we're excited that Naperville has such a fabulous option. We've spent the last year living in SF & downtown Chicago, so I was shocked when I was able to make a dinner reservation on a Saturday at 7:30pm one week in advance. I hope this is this case all the time! Service is great even at peak busy hours. The service team constantly refilled our drinks & replenished our plates & silverware throughout our meal. It was taking longer for the cold tapas to be prepared so our server sent our warm tapas out first, which was fine with us. Better that than to have all our tapas arrive at the same time or to sit without food! For our tapas, we ordered the Spanish hummus, bacon wrapped dates, the pork tenderloin, chicken & serrano ham croquettes, & crab fritters. We were pleasantly surprised at the size of the tapas, which was much larger than what you get at Cafe Bababareeba. All the tapas were delicious, especially the bacon wrapped dates, but what doesn't taste good wrapped in bacon? Unfortunately, our paella didn't wow us. Flavor-wise, the paella was okay, maybe a little bit more saffron than necessary, but it was fine. We were sadly missing the yummy crunchy rice bits that you associate with paella. Maybe the paella needed to be cooked longer in the pan? It was more of a glorified rice pilaf than a paella. When we visit next time, and there will definitely be a next time, we plan on just ordering tapas!
(4)
Vamshi N.
Superb place!!! Great food!!!! great ambience!! Great service!!! Will go again- What I have tried there?the tiger shrimp ,chicken casserole, dates with bacon, the saffron rice with veggies and chicken. All good food
(4)
Jamie H.
Awhile back, my sister had her wedding rehearsal dinner at Meson Sabika. Personally, I didn't care much for the paella, the sangria was a bit dry and overly fruity. For years, I've driven by wondering what the inside looks like. I don't think I'll go back unless there's an event or something.
(3)
Jay m.
Great atmosphere, yet outside was not romantic. New server was humble and learning. Food was spectacular and very reminiscent of the real thing. See you again soon.
(4)
Aunkur A.
The estate is absolutely gorgeous. It's a great place to eat a nice outdoor summer dinner. The food is another story. Maybe I'm a bit of a snob after 10 years of living in San Francisco but the tapas really can't hold a candle to some of the hole in the wall places you find in SF. They were good, but not commensurate with the ambiance of the setting. Disappointed.
(2)
Liz L.
Great place, amazing food, beautiful surroundings. The online menu is not inclusive, so don't judge the menu by what you see on their website. The actual menu in the restaurant is extensive and they are extremely observant if you have any allergies or sensitivities. This is well worth the often-congested Naperville area traffic. Reservations are necessary even on non-weekend days, though.
(5)
Brianna N.
WOW! After recommendations by friends, my boyfriend and I decided to check out Meson Sabika on a Thursday evening in May. I'm glad we made the trip because the food was excellent and the atmosphere delightful! We were seated in the main dining room of this old Spanish-style mansion at a table for two in a corner nook by a window overlooking the gardens. Talk about ambiance! The lighting was warm and the noise level very conducive to intimate conversation. (Although, I would also love to check out the outdoor patios now that the weather is warmer.) Our wait staff was extremely friendly and allowed us to order and eat our tapas at our own pace. We enjoyed a pitcher of sangria, patatas con aioli (a garlicky potato salad), gambas al ajillo (lemony garlic grilled shrimp), pincho de solomillo (tenderloin with caramelized onions and creamy horseradish sauce) - but my personal favorite was the queso de cabra (baked goat cheese with a tomato basil sauce and charred bread - MMMM, my mouth waters just thinking about it!!) and the dessert liquor called Liquor 43...our waitress gave us not only some in our coffee, but also on the side! Aye aye aye! I will definitely be going back to this quaint Spanish gem...it'd be a great place for another romantic evening or intimate gathering of friends! Enjoy.
(5)
Roberta T.
My favorite place. I take clients here, I eat here for pure enjoyment, I would eat here every day if I could. Phenomenal food- everything has so. Much. Flavor. Beautiful venue, friendly service...and the Sunday buffet????? OMG. Don't think. Just go...after a two day fast. Eat, talk, enjoy...this is what fine dining is supposed to be!!!
(5)
D H.
Everything a wonderful dining experience should be-great food, beautiful ambiance, lovely music. Hands down bar none, best tapas ever. I had the beef tenderloin and the spicy potatoes both of which were delicious.
(5)
Teek S.
OMG everything is excellent. First time Tapas diner and my experience was great. Great place to have events at also. Will definitely become a regular dining location for me.
(5)
Tricia D.
i've found the offerings at Meson Sabika to be hit or miss. Likes: the veal served on toasted crostinis, solomillo with horseradish sauce, garlic shrimp, and sangria! Dislikes: the croquetas which taste like mini hot pockets(!) and the fact that the bacon wrapped dates are inconsistent. I like the dates prepared with crispy bacon, rather than soggy bacon which is too similar in texture to the dates. I'll come back from time to time, but I'll no longer say MS is my fave restaurant in Naperville.
(3)
Christopher K.
After years of driving past this place I finally went. Look, this is a tapas place, so I am not going to fill this 176th review of the restaurant with a long list of what we ate. Order what looks good to you, the squid was good, let's leave it at that. The food was great and we were pleased with everything we ordered. It was one of our 100 degree Chicago days, so too hot for outdoor seating, but we were seated upstairs where it was warm and they had fans going. It was a pretty authentic Spanish experience if you ask me with the heat and the incredably helpful friendly server who worked us through a long slow evening. We rolled the dice on a pitcher of the mango sangria and were completely happy. So get out there this summer and enjoy a warm night with food and drink perfectly suited for the climate. $60 for two without tip and including the pitcher of sangria. Seemed busy for a weeknight, so I would recommend reservations.
(4)
Tak-seng L.
Been here twice now and going this coming Sunday for Easter (should be INSANE then). Once for their brunch and once for dinner. Both times everything was amazing. This place really has it all: food, unique layout (used to be a home...which is crazy to think about), staff that works hard and is helpful/friendly. Dinner was really flavorful and the portions were more than enough. The brunch buffet though...that's another matter. I was impressed with what I saw inside but when I stepped out to see what else they had I about crapped myself. I mean wow...some really good stuff! I could go into a lot of details but really, you just have to check it out. My only suggestion is try to be laid back if it's really busy. Especially if you're upstairs cuz the servers and runners are literally running their asses off.
(5)
Andrea R.
I'm not such a fan of bridal showers, but if all the showers I attended took place at a gorgeous restaurant like Meson Sabika I'd be happy to go to one every weekend. Oh wait, I pretty much do go to one every weekend...but this was a good one! The mansion this restaurant is located within is absolutely gorgeous! We were in one of the private rooms, which was the perfect size for the 20 or so people I was lunching with. It was a little cramped while we mingled and sipped some very tasty sangria, but as soon as we sat down it really was the perfect size. There was a set menu: salad, choice of salmon or filet, and some sort of banana dessert. The salad wasn't anything special, but the rest of the meal was delicious! The salmon had a huge chunk of goat cheese on top of it, which makes any dish tasty! And as for dessert they topped a banana with lots of caramel sauce and ice cream...making this healthy fruit oh so fattening and delicious! I'll admit I don't make it out to the burbs too often, but knowing there are places like Meson Sabika out there almost makes me want to broaden my horizons.
(4)
Courtney S.
Took my mom here for her birthday (and first experience with tapas!) and she adored it. Although it was early in the afternoon and on a weekday, the service couldn't have been better. The waiter was overly attentive and accommodating: he noticed I wasn't touching my food and practically insisted on making me a fresh, CUSTOM dish! It's rather pricey, but for special occasions, you can't go wrong. The grounds are stunning: the stately mansion is filled with nooks and crannies, details and hidden gems. The fountain especially is breathtaking.
(4)
Tom H.
Can't say anything bad about this place. I keep going back... The Sangria, the bacon-wrapped dates, the garlic potato salad, the chicken, beef and steak all exceptional. The setting & ambiance very relaxed. As a side-note, my younger brother had his wedding reception here and the food was stellar and had people raving. The room was very nice and the large numerous windows made for a memorable and elegant evening!
(4)
Jaded C.
I'm very biased as I've been coming here for years now and almost had my wedding reception here a couple of years ago in the recently built pavilion. I've also have come here almost every year on Valentine's Day for the past several years, so there's more of an emotional investment for me when it comes to this place. I can simply be satisfied by this joint just eating their Patatas Con Alioli all day, the best I've tasted in Chicagoland. Cant get enough of that tangy garlicy goodness!!! I wonder if they still have that Spanish dancer performing through the rooms on the weekends....
(5)
Jordan T.
I have to say that Meson is a certain type of dining experience that you have to be in the mood for. The food, generally speaking, is wonderful. But, I always feel a bit ackward given that the establishment is a mansion turned restaurant. It's actually not my favorite Tapas place in Naperville. I think it's actually a bit over-priced for what it is and the service has been slow the past two times we've been there. If you want really good tapas, a trendy establishment, great sangria for a good price go to Tango. If you feel like eating good spanish food in what feels like someone else's home go to Meson.
(3)
Mia L.
The restaurant setting is in this mansion that reminded me of a wedding reception hall. It was nice and elegant with an old-world feel. It was refreshingly different from the trendy tapas cafes in Chicago. The food was excellent. The Salmon Curado really stood out. I loved it. The service was great, considering that we were one of the two couples there for lunch haha. Overall, I had a great experience here!
(4)
David L.
I'm one who enjoys quality and quantity so when my wife suggested going to a tapas restaurant, my first thought was that I better eat before we go! To my surprise, the food was reasonably priced, very tasty and if you order right you will be very satisfied and not have to spend a lot of money. We sat outside on a cool Saturday night in early October and it was very pleasant. The wait staff was good, not great but overall we had a nice experience and we'll be back.
(4)
Michelle K.
My boyfriend took me here last Saturday night and we had a fantastic experience - Meson Sabika continues to be one of my favorite restaurants in Naperville! We started the night off with a pitcher of red sangria and two cups of the Crema de Gambas, a creamy shrimp bisque. Very satisfying. Then we tried that night's cold tapas special, the Tostadas con Caviar, toast points spread with cream cheese and sour cream and topped with three different types of caviar: flying fish, salmon, and what our server said was "squid ink caviar," or something similar, which I haven't ever heard of before. They were all good, although the salmon roe was a bit fishy. We ordered my favorite, the Datiles con Tocino (bacon-wrapped dates - I would eat this every day if I could), followed by the Vieras al Albarino: grilled sea scallops served over Mediterranean couscous with apple and tomato butter sauce. This dish was very light and mild; the scallops were perfectly cooked and the apple pieces were a sweet and delightful textural contrast to the couscous. We finished the meal with the Brazo de Chocolate, a chocolate sponge cake rolled around strawberry mousse (delicious), and the Platano con Helado, a sauteed banana over caramel sauce, sprinkled with crushed pistachios and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a chocolate dish. A perfect way to cap off the evening! I've always had good service here, and this time was no different. We never had a finished plate sitting in front of us for very long, our water glasses were never low, etc. etc. I can't wait to be back!
(5)
Travis B.
great food and service. a true taste of Spain. A must for any foodie or group dinner.
(4)
Sara D.
I had a really tasty meal here over the weekend - perfect weather, too. We ate outside in the garden/patio area and shared about 7 or 8 dishes, including: Tostada de Centollo (crab on toast), garlic potato salad, crab fritters, chicken casserole, Solomillos Con Moniato (grilled beef with sweet potatoes and red wine sauce), and bacon wrapped dates. While I thoroughly enjoyed all of the dishes, probably the winner was the grilled beef, and my least favorite was the crab fritters. Despite the fact that the crab fritters were cooked perfectly, there was an unusual spice that I wasn't fond of. The raspberry mojitos were done just right - not too sweet or minty, just the perfect amount of both. We will definitely come back for another meal or to try the Sunday brunch.
(4)
iddells E.
Such a beautiful, elegant mansion-turned-restaurant. I went here with the family and boyfriend yesterday for Sunday brunch. It was a buffet brunch serving hot and cold tapas....there was also a cute little table, about 2 feet high, with more kid-friendly options. The tapas selection is quite extensive and is a great way to sample the many different kinds of tapas for only $26.95 a person!! Also included in the buffet is your choice of omelette and dessert, both of which you order. The food was delicious. The hot tapas follow the cold tapas, so be careful not to get that much food in the beginning, otherwise, you'd be stuffed and realize that you've only tried half of the tapas...like me! The service was great. The servers are friendly and attentive....never was there a moment when my glass of water was half full. Definitely make reservations!! I think they have a mother's day special coming up. If you want to spoil and amaze your mother, this place would definitely be it!!
(5)
Carly H.
I had my wedding at Meson Sabika and I give the planning committee and all the help Patti was on the big day deserves 5 Stars - they simply went above and beyond to make my wedding a success!. I could have not asked for a better location( ok if they could but this smack in the middle of the city then the would be AMAZING!!) With great entrees, appetizers, and drinks, we had all our guest say how great of a time they had. And as a bride with way too much on her plate ( planned/had the wedding in 5mo after the engagement i appreciated all the HELP that they were. Noushin was an angel sent from above to help me overcome anything that came up that day, Had it not been for her I probably would have not been able to have the blast that i did at the reception. David, her husband and former employee at Meson, was also very amazing. He was just simply there to hear our all my concerns and or ideas. He also had good contacts and vendor information. I LOVE the Meson Sabika Team.. simply AMAZING! I will recommend you to everyone I every meet. I was unable to eat the h'orderves when they were being passed around because I did not feel well , but Patti brought be an individual serving of each..WOW-- They all tasted marvelous, they took all my suggestions from the 2 tastings that I did ( 1 for entrees and the other to finalize the h'orderves, I wish they would have not charged me for it ( ~150+ just in h'orderves jeez!! but what can you do!! ).. I only had one little gripe.. I thought the chicken was too dry - had amazing sauce to make it less, but still would have liked for it to have been cooked right... :'( LOVE YOU: Patti, Noushin, and David XO Carly and Kevin June 4th 2011XO
(5)
Cynthia C.
If you love tapas you will love this place . If you never ate at a tapas restaurant they will explain it to you after you are seated. We went there with a group of six and seated upstairs. Our waiter was so helpful and answered every question we had about our selections. The manager came around to each table to ask if everything was to our satisfaction. The food awesome, we had about 20 items and I loved each and everyone. The scallops were out of this world. So if you're looking for a place to go with friends and have a good time make this a must.
(5)
Jessica D.
ALthough this started as a very high end restaurant, with adorable surroundings (especially the outdoor seating area on a cool Spring or Summer day), it has become obnoxiously busy during special brunches and some evenings. However, the reedeeming qualities are above average service, excellent dishes, and the fun concept of tapas and an old, well-maintained mansion. If that doesn't cinch it for you, try the desserts and wine sangria -- musts!
(3)
Jack C.
This place is awesome! Granted, the environment doesn't scream Spanish Tapas, but the food is some of the best in Naperville and there's always a lively crowd. Service can be spotty depending on how busy they are, but has never deterred me from enjoying this place. Sitting outside on their patio in the summer is a special treat... I'm not a Sangria fan but love it here, and bacon wrapped dates are to die for.
(5)
Mehran M.
We went to this place with clients a few months ago - and I've been back twice since. I don't even live in the Chicago area! I have to say that my first experience there was definitely the best, although the rest have continued to impress. The chefs do a great job of creating interesting dishes with high quality ingredients. My meals there have helped me appreciate the term "dining experience". Not only was the food itself good, but I really appreciated the order in which they brought the foods out. It was not as if they brought out foods in the order they were ready, but it really seemed like they took an effort to consider the sequence and pairing of the various foods. The service was very personal, although given the size of the restaurant, and the number of staff working, I can understand some people not having as nice an experience as we did. The following two meals there were great as well - although we over-ordered to the point of excess on the third visit. My recommendation is to order about 3 tapas per person at the table to start, and then add a few more at a time. Don't overdo it. And remember to share!
(5)
Chris W.
Over rated and a bit over priced for the portion size. The quality of the food made me feel like it was on a buffet in the back room and they just brought it out. Not overly fresh.
(2)
Mike G.
Bacon wrapped dates, Steak, Lamb, spicy potato's, sangria are a few of my favorite items on the menu. This place is awesome inside. Watch out or you'll pass it up buried behind those trees. But once in the parking lot, WOW, what a place. I went there with a group of friends. There were 5 total. We were seated pretty fast and was seated in a room upstairs. It reminded me of someone's bedroom. Interesting, but very cool. The wait staff was very good. Helpful, and recommended a few things to us. The sangria was delicious. I am an ice chewer and I even loved the ice they used. We has about 3 rounds of orders until we were pretty full. I think in total, we had about 11-13 tapas served. There was not one tapas I didn't like. The ones mentioned about really stuck out in my head as the winners though. Price was lower than I expected. There were two couples and a friend. The bill was split 3/2 and I paid $60 for My fiance and I including tip.
(4)
Brian M.
Went here a few weeks ago for a dinner celebrating a friends birthday. Just so happened she was a teacher in the naperville district, giving us 40% off our bill. That is one of the nicest things I've heard for a discount for teachers. Had a few of their tapas and a paella, along with a couple deserts. The good: the Paella, we ordered the chicken and shrimp Paella, this was really packed with flavor but a little dry, it was still good, but not great. The great: Pretty much everything else, bacon wrapped dates, skirt steak with blue cheese, goat cheese marinara, desert profiterole, and the chocolate hazelnut pie. I would go here every week if it I lived in the area, it was a great night there. It reminded slightly of a lower end Girl and the Goat, the menu wasn't as explorative but almost as good with a more traditional spanish twist.
(5)
Dora W.
(Food - 5 stars, Service/Overall Experience - 3 stars) I've been to Meson Sabika several times now over the past few years. It really is the food that keeps me coming back, despite some complaints I have about the overall experience. All of the tapas I've tried have been simply delicious, and I love that there are so many vegetarian options. Sometimes when I dine at Meson, the experience is perfect. Last year, for example, we had flawless service and our meal was enhanced by the Spanish guitar and flamenco duo performing that night. Other times, there are some minor issues, probably caused by the size of the restaurant/large number of patrons. My most recent trip to Meson was this past weekend for an anniversary dinner for two. We were initially seated in the middle section of a very tightly packed downstairs room. Within a couple minutes of sitting down, I was bumped into by two different people (both MS staff, neither of which apologized). I hadn't had to sit in that area before, and it was clearly not the best place to be. I wouldn't normally ask to be re-seated, but I did feel like this was going to put a damper on our evening. The hostess was very accomodating and re-seated us upstairs. There were a couple of other missteps. We ended up with red sangria instead of the white that we ordered and one of our plates was cleared away in a flash before we'd finished eating the food. Our server, who was very friendly, got us a complimentary replacement dish. We decided to stick with the red sangria, because it still tasted good and I had honestly hit my complaint threshold for the evening. ;) Now that I've vented a bit, let me get to the good stuff! I'm a vegetarian, so I can only speak to those dishes. My favorites are the pimientos del piquillo (the black bean sauce is to die for!), queso de cabra (best tomato sauce I've tasted), and the crepe rellena. On our most recent visit, we tried a new special - a hummus-esc garbanzo bean spread (very mild flavor, but tasty). The vegetarian paella is also good.
(4)
Scott S.
Caveat: I only dined here once, and that was 12 years ago. This review is, therefore, dated. Emilio's Meson Sabika is a charming, quaint tapas restaurant set in an old Naperville mansion. The setting can be very romantic - I had a wonderful date here and she absolutely loved the experience. The flavors of the various tapas were anywhere from good to sublime - I was stunned at how good a *Naperville* restaurant could be! (Note that this was back when Naperville was still a combination commuter suburb and farm community.) The selections weren't lofty experiments in nouveaux tapas - more fundamental, traditional tapas - but done with an excellent touch and great flavor profiles. The sangria was very refreshing as well. Since at the time I lived in Naperville, finding this place was akin to a coup. Even now with the entrance of Hugo's Frog Bar and other great restaurants, I wouldn't hesitate to try it again.
(4)
Carina M.
Loved this place. After moving to the burbs I was worried we would need to make the trek to cafe babareeba for my tapas fix, luckily we spotted this place. I'm in love with this place and we will be back. Bacon wrapped dates, patatas bravas, Spanish olives and sausages. Yum!
(5)
E B.
I don't get the five star reviews as we thought it was ok. We went through about ten dishes between a group of four. The bacon dates and empanadas were good. The paella was pretty bad and the garlic potato salad was so overpowering that it killed the palette. It was reasonably priced and the service was excellent.
(2)
Bob S.
location and style were very good, food was just okay. After all the raves on food maybe my expectation was too high. The bar was great!
(3)
Patty S.
Great place for Tapas and Sunday Brunch! Last night was my third time coming to Meson Sabika and my husband, baby and I had a great time catching up with friends on the outside patio. If I had to name a few of their best things on the Tapas menu, one would definitely be the dates wrapped in bacon...the perfect amount of sweet with salt. Another would be the eggplant and goat cheese...this dish was so light, but had many flavors. You could taste the gently sauteed bell peppers inside the delicately wrapped eggplant. Lastly, I really enjoyed the mushroom caps. The paella was delicious and the one serving fed 6 people for one round of tapas. You could really taste the saffron in the dish. And it isn't the saffron that you buy at the supermarket. It is the real-deal! I had the warm chocolate cake with caramel ice cream for dessert. One of the best desserts I had in a long time. Hot chocolate sauce oozed out of the cake and helped to melt the ice cream. I topped it off with a decaf espresso and we called it a night. The reason I gave it four stars and not five is for the slow service. It was a pretty normal hot Chicago night and although we ordered pitchers of Sangria, our water was barely replenished. We asked for knives multiple times and only got them some of the time. We noticed that the tables around us were also asking for water and knives, so it just wasn't our party. I must mention that I did spot actress Amy Adams at the restaurant! So, look out...you, too, may spot some Hollywood Heroes here. Clearly, the word has gotten out how good this place is!
(4)
lauren f.
I just got back from brunch at Meson Sabika. We ate oustide and it was so beautiful, I felt like I was on vacation in Spain. The variety of tapas is fantastic, both cold and hot. I love that the items are all listed in Spanish with translations underneath. The wait staff was friendly, professional and attentive. I highly recommend the experience!
(5)
Chester R.
the patio is the place....the inside looks so so. pretty good food....a tad overpriced.
(4)
Paul M.
The bacon wrapped figs are the best
(4)
Gina D.
Excellent food. Great variety of small plates. Haven't had one I didn't like. And most are wonderful. Service is exceptional especially since you may be ordering rounds of small plates as well as rounds of small plates. One complaint it is too noisy.
(4)
Christine O.
I came here for the first time last week with an old college friend who was in town on a business trip. We had a lot of seafood and loved every bit of it: scallops, salmon, squid.. we also had a delicious eggplant dish. The house is lovely and regal - I only wish I had thought to make a reservation so we could have sat out on the famed patio. Who knew even Tuesdays are fully booked outside!
(5)
Mohit S.
Excellent Spanish restaurant. Tapas are amazing!!! Good service. Clean facility. Sangria is fantastic. Paella is a big portion, i wish the waiter explained how big the portion was, since i had already tried three tapas prior to ordering. Overall nice date place for couples.
(4)
Laura C.
My sons treated me to the phenomenal treat of Meson Sabika for an early Mother's Day gift. Despite having a reservation, our seating was delayed, but this was understandable for a busy Saturday night before Mother's Day. I was impressed that we received a complimentary order of bacon wrapped dates to tide us over until dinner. That's customer service! The Pipirrana de Buey (skirt steak with Cabrales blue cheese sauce) and the Champiñones (stuffed mushroom caps filled with spinach and cheese with tomato basil sauce) were my favorite highlights.
(5)
Glenn D.
On a beautiful Summer day (or evening for that matter), there is no better place in the western suburbs than the patio at Mason Sabika. Amazing tapas, great sangria, sunshine, and more sangria....
(5)
Nadia S.
I am so glad to report that since my last visit a few years ago, Meson Sabika has definitely improved! The food was SO much better, and so was the ambiance! Maybe our seating time last time was too early, but this time we went a bit later in the evening and sat out on the patio. Was perfect. I remember having bad service last time I came, but this time, our server Katelyn was AMAZING. And I couldn't believe that she had just started working there at the time we went which was a few months ago. She gave great recommendations, super friendly, and overall helped me change my mind about my previous 2 star rating :) Perfect place to bring out of towners- will def be back !
(5)
Bianca Z.
Came here with my family for an anniversary dinner and, generally, had a good time. For a tapas place, the portions are decent. We were six in the group and ordered 5 plates and a paella valenciana for two. I'm a sucker for cheesy things so I loved the atmosphere. Try the Skirt Steak with Blue Cheese and Pollo a la Gabardine Skip the Salmon a la Plancha (there are better options)
(3)
Gina G.
After all these years Meson is one of my fav tapas restaruant in the chicago area. I always try their bacon wrapped dates and the different cheeses. The jamon is also very tastey. I love not only the food but the restaruant itself and the setting it is in. the outdoor seating is great for a summer snack and the sangria is a must. Their seafood is also fresh and I suggest the grilled octopus. Service is average and they know the menu well. I always try to pick a few new dishes aside from my favs, just in case they don't fare well. This is a great place for larger groups and if you are planning on a l
(4)
Jill N.
This is a great place for a nice dinner out. LOVED the food. Try the Goat Cheese dip and the stuffed mushrooms for sure. The thing I didn't like is I made a reservation and they sat me outside. They never asked where I wanted to be seated. I didn't get seated till 15mins after my reservation and it took another ten mins for the waiter to come by and to get some water. WIth that said once the waiter did come and my water glass was full the evening was very enjoyable. If you love tapas you definitly need to try this place.
(4)
Jon P.
Meson Sabika simply dominates all other restaurants. The array of tapas is gargantguan, the wine list is expansive and totally Spanish, and the ambiance is perfection. We sat outside for dinner beneath a large flowering tree and just had the best weather and a great experience. You could easily forget you're in Naperville and think you're in the south of France!! They were absolutely crushed as they always are on summer nights so the service was just ok. Minor problem that was overshadowed by literally everything else being perfect! A "must eat" for any Yelpers from out of town visiting. You can thank me later!!
(5)
Michael Z.
Great food, Great experience. To start out we made reservations for 6 PM an got there about 5:50 PM they sat us right away which was nice. The waiter was very knowledgeable an provides a few suggestions. At first the pace of the meal was good, but then all of a sudden we had three things on our table at once. All in all this was a great meal. We will definitely be going back in the summer to enjoy the outdoor seating.
(4)
Lena K.
Food is pretty good but not great. Try the bacon wrapped dates , potato salad , and paella but be prepared to wait. I enjoy sitting outside in the summer. Service is ok- although on my last visit it was horrible but willing to try again!
(3)
Kari S.
Soooo good. One of only three restaurants where we know we are going to eat a LOT and be okay with that. The Queso de Cabra is our FAVORITE, as is the sangria. They change their menu every few months, keeping the staple items and replacing a few others. Their Sunday brunch is also very good.
(5)
Francine M.
Love Meson Sabika. Teo knows everything you need to know about wines. Love this restaurant!!!
(4)
Varjawan S.
A big white mansion with different rooms and many tables in every room. Overall the tapas dishes were ok, my favorite were the bacon wrapped dates and the pork. The service is good, but the place was very noisy considering the number of people packed in a room.
(3)
Kevin R.
Beautiful location, which makes it a fantastic date spot. Other than that the food is fairly average. I prefer the Tapas at Macarena in Naperville..
(3)
Ann B.
It's expensive but perfect for a special occasion. I love their menu and haven't found anything I didn't care for. All of the dishes are beautiful and delicious. If you join their mailing list they frequently send coupons for $10 off lunch which makes me love them even more :)
(5)
Doug B.
Phenomenal food, prompt service and delicious sangria. Meson Sabika is at the top of our list for any date night. If dinning on a weekend evening would strongly recommend reservations as the restaurant can fill up quickly. One of the best dinning spots in the West Suburbs, without at doubt.
(5)
Robert D.
This is the best! If you like Tapas go! If you like paella order it! It takes about 40 minutes to get so order it first thing. Thats because they MAKE IT TO ORDER! Most places cook it ahead and reheat. The service is impeccable. You can see and taste the care and passion that goes into each dish. If you like garlic get the potato salad! Duck confit is awesome! Oven baked goat cheese with garlic bread! Imported Serrano ham on garlic toast points with tomato and Manchego cheese! Grilled eggplant stuffed with goat cheese and topped with Manchego cheese served with tomato concasse! The list goes on! Guys this is the date place! If you want to wow her taker her here!
(5)
Johnny C.
Went yesterday for the mother's day brunch. This place takes brunch to a new level. Yes, it was about $30 a person, but it was well worth it. They really amp it up for mother's day, and rightly so. The food was fantastic as usual, our server was accommodating, energetic, and punctual, and I love that they could accommodate all 8 and 1/2 of us. Kiddie food was out, and also delicious. If it were socially acceptable to bathe in their potato salad, I would. With little bacon wrapped dates floating on top. Don't wait til next year, go now.
(5)
Jack C.
This place is awesome! Granted, the environment doesn't scream Spanish Tapas, but the food is some of the best in Naperville and there's always a lively crowd. Service can be spotty depending on how busy they are, but has never deterred me from enjoying this place. Sitting outside on their patio in the summer is a special treat... I'm not a Sangria fan but love it here, and bacon wrapped dates are to die for.
(5)
Joanne W.
I went here a couple weeks ago on a date. We both enjoyed it. We had the assorted spanish cheeses & apples - cannot go wrong with that. Bacon wrapped dates with a smokey red pepper sauce - very tasty. We had a shrimp dish with a cream sauce with mushrooms which we both enjoyed. We also had a beef empanada - it was good but not my fav. We wanted to get the duck breast but they were out of it. We had red sangria and I have to say that was the one thing I was disappointed with. It was too dry or something (my date agreed). Next time I'd probably try the peach sangria. All in all a good place. Nice atmosphere and I thought the service was good....oh and a good date place too :)
(3)
Caroline I.
I wish I could give 4.5 stars. The food is excellent, probably the best tapas I've had, the outdoor patio is fantastic (be sure to make a reservation), the wine list is ok in my opinion, but I think the beer list has a good selection of Spanish beers. Service is typically good, but a few times I've gone it's been spotty.
(4)
Fred H.
This is where my wife and I went for our 30th anniversary. The small rooms in this large house turned into a restaurant provide you an intimate experience. We are not so familiar with tapas cuisine, but enjoyed it thoroughly. Since the portions are small, you can try a lot of different dishes. Your favorite may be different than mine, depending on your tastes, but with so many choices you will find a lot to enjoy. It is a great place for a very special meal.
(5)
Grace G.
This will be one of very few BAD reviews that I give. Meson gets a bad review from me because not only did they insult me, after they contacted me to apologize and offer a night on them on my voice mail, when I tried to contact them about the message, I never heard from them again. Let me start from the beginning. We've been hearing so much about Meson that I begged my husband to take me there. So we went one night, we had reservations but when we got there, we had to wait. While I have no problem waiting, I didn't understand it when there were so many empty tables on the way to the waiting bar. We waited over a half an hour, which in my opinion, unless it's a weekend night, there is no excuse for a half an hour wait for two with reservations. That was the first strike. We finally got seated on the 2nd floor. There was a flamenco show going on which I was excited about until we got into the room and it was kinda loud. But it was a good show and it didn't last long in our room. We started out with very simple tapas, I remember one was the goat cheese. I went to drink out of my water glass, and cut my lip. I looked at my glass and saw a crack on the lip of the glass. I ran to the bathroom not knowing how deep the cut was. It wasn't bad, but it bled a little. It stopped after a few minutes. When I got back to the table, I noted that my glass had been changed. I asked my hub what happened to the glass and he told me that the busboy took it when he told him that it was cracked. I got a little irritated at my hub for letting the glass go, but didn't think anything of it until the manager came by. He sat down at the table and apologized for what happened, and then he asked me exactly what happened. When I told him that when I took a drink of water and I cut my lip on the edge of the glass, he told me that he had the glass that I drank out of and there were no cracks in the glass. I kinda blinked and asked him if he was implying that I was lying, and he said no, he believed that I cut my lip on something, just not the glass that I claimed. I was shocked. He said that he would comp our drinks and provide dessert. I was so pissed, I dragged (yes dragged) my husband out of the restaurant. I was on the second floor, so you can imagine. I was literally stomping out and I was wishing someone would stop me. No one did, thank their lucky stars. To make matters worse, I called Meson the next day and explained to them that I was so looking forward to trying their restaurant, but the experience of being accused as a liar for physically harming myself and then blaming it on the establishment really put me off. I provided the name of the manager and told them where they could contact me. I got a phone call from someone at Meson who apologized for the manager, claiming that he was just a temporary, and that I should contact someone whose name begins with an O for a complimentary meal for me and guest. Well, I called back and I left 2 messages for this person and I never heard from Meson again. Needless to say, I never got an opportunity to actually taste Meson's tapas. I do have to say that hub and I and a friend went there for brunch, and were not impressed. We were told by our wait staff that brunch was a compilation of leftovers from the past week. We didn't need to hear that. Anyway, I did hear great things about Meson, but I don't think I'll be going back anytime soon. There are too many OTHER tapas restaurants that make the grade for me. When Emilio sold Meson, he didn't sell his classiness and his concern for his patrons. Too bad. I liked the layout of Meson. Something tells me that given a chance, it would have been a decent experience. But who likes to be accused for causing their own physical damage? Especially when we hadn't had dinner yet? I mean I could understand a manager being wary about someone accusing of being cut on a glass AFTER dinner, but not before we had even ordered. I can't believe it...I'm still steamed about this and this happened in November 2004.
(1)
Neil B.
Best restaurant in the area hands down
(5)
Sam S.
Ok Nothing special.
(3)
Diana B.
My grandmother is handicapped. We made a specific reservation on handicapped. After waiting getting the whole family together. They were rude and made excuses why they no longer could serve us and accept our reservations. I dont know there food. But their manners and hospitality is unbelievable.
(1)
Fred C.
We ate there a few weeks ago the food was definitely amazing . It's a great looking place, nice and cozy , the staff is very attentive,and we will definitely go back soon
(5)
Harold D.
Four of us went for dinner with no reservations We found space in the bar. Tapas were great we loved king crab on toast point, the roasted goat cheese and a steak with dates, if you wan Palella order it early (45min.) great wine selection. Great night
(5)
Becky B.
The food here is GREAT. Every tapa we ordered was better than we expected, from the cheese plate to some of the specials (we went months back so I don't remember everything we ordered). They have a great wine list and great service. The only weird thing is that the location is like an old mansion, so we weren't sure we were at the right place. We will DEFINITELY go back!
(5)
Lisa T.
Great atmosphere, location, parking, service and Sangria's! I have dined here once and can't wait to go back. The food was delicious. The duck was my favorite item I tried. I advise all to sit outside if possible, it's beautiful!
(5)
Ellen E.
This is my favorite restaurant in terms of quality of food. Do not miss the Patatas con Aioli (garlicky potato salad). Tilapia is also a dish that I order every time. I also love the Champinones Rellenos (stuffed mushrooms). I have never been to another tapas retaurant that has equaled Meson Sabika.
(5)
Christine B.
The food was amazing, so tasty and full of flavor. I didn't care for the Sangria. It wasn't very sweet so I was let down because other reviews raved over it. The folks who bring the food out need better training because they constantly got our dishes mixed up as to which person it went to. Our waiter was nice given that he was new. The decor though on the inside has got to go. It is so ugly and outdated. They could really make it into a spanish mansion but keep some of the original charm like the light fixtures. I also wish that they would enforce a dress code. It's a very nice restaurant and we saw a group of teenageers come in wearing gym shorts and gym shoes. Anything with goat cheese is a must order. Also, the salmon was very fresh. I don't even like salmon but tried my friend's dish that had salmon in it and it wasn't fishy. Very fresh food and a great place for a special occassion. It was very affordable too. We had plenty of drinks, and several dishes and the bill was only a little over $100 which is good for everything that we got. I was surprised at the affordability of it.
(4)
Nari H.
Delicious! Love the goat cheese with their bread. Pretty sweet atmosphere with good service and the food is really really good. I've been a few times and I am never disappointed.
(4)
C C.
One of my favorite restaurants in Naperville!! Great food, great service, and great ambience. My favorite time to go is Sunday Brunch, the selection and quality of food is amazing. It is a buffet style and you can also choose to order some yummy extras from your server. Mostly omelets I believe. If you get the coupon while dining during dinner time, then its even better! I haven't had anything bad at Meson Sabika, even the drinks! I wish I could go there more often, but I would be completely broke! Hopefully I can go back and enjoy more of their yummy food some time soon!
(5)
B B.
I have dined at several Tapas restaurants in the area. Do they have a decent product? I would have to say "Yes" if it is served properly by an attentive staff. The bread basket consisted of 7 small pieces of bread not much to work with for two adults who ordered 5 tapas from the onset. Drinks took way too long and quite frankly I grew tired of begging for bread. We told the server that we had just recived our meal and had no bread. He told us that he would take care of it. He then proceeded to the next table and took a large order from 5 adults. i had to beg another server for bread. It took 15 minutes for the first glass of wine to arrive and the second glass took 20 minutes.
(2)
Mary B.
Omg had the best experience ever!! Went there for my friends bday! Sat outdoors ordered tapas and the food, atmosphere, hosts were all just amazing. Dessert is great too ordered creme brule and another chocolate dessert. I highly recommend this place for. Fun outdoor dinner In the summer. The inside looks like any restarAunt to go go, I think the outdoor seating just adds fun to the restaurant and gives it a funner experience. Def sit outdoors on. Nice summer evening
(5)
Michele F.
The food was yummo. The bacon wrapped dates were my favorite. I went with a large group and was surprised how inexpensive the evening was even with 2 glasses of sangria.
(5)
Vivian H.
Came here with the boyfriend for a fancy Sunday brunch. There were SO many choices, with paella and cheeses and everything but I guess because it was largely a buffet style, they couldn't control the quality of the food as well, or the temperature. It was still good though :) It unfortunately started pouring while we were there and there were a lot of people seated outside, so they had to somehow fit everyone indoors, which took a long time. It was actually a fun experience and we got to meet some people and mill around picking at all the food.
(4)
David C.
The food and service are excellent. We tried several cold and hot options and they were all delicious. Make sure that you do make a reservation. We had one for our last visit but they were not that busy yet. About 20 minutes later it was packed so without a reservation you will be waiting. It was a great evening. I would highly recommend it. Also the red sangria is top notch.
(5)
Sue H.
Excellent service! This was the first time my husband and have been to Mason Sabika and Pete, our server, was great. He was timely, without being over the shoulder. He was very knowledgable of the menu and even took care of a plate my husband and I did not care for even though we told him it was our fault for ordering. I can't wait to go back and try more of their tapas! Next time we will bring friends so we can share the yumminess!
(5)
E B.
I don't get the five star reviews as we thought it was ok. We went through about ten dishes between a group of four. The bacon dates and empanadas were good. The paella was pretty bad and the garlic potato salad was so overpowering that it killed the palette. It was reasonably priced and the service was excellent.
(2)
Bob S.
location and style were very good, food was just okay. After all the raves on food maybe my expectation was too high. The bar was great!
(3)
Judith S.
8/24/15 I have dined here before, but this time was disappointed. Our waiter was very disorganized. We had to ask for everything. He forgot to take the dessert order and never brought back to the table the leftover paella that we were taking home. The food was just OK, and didn't do justice to Spain. Not a great dining experience, and I won't return.
(2)
Inshu K.
Have has numerous dinners here, brunches, birthday celebrations- consistently delicious !!
(5)
Justin E.
Sunday Brunch at Mesón Sabika is as good as it gets. Highly recommended... don't take my word for it though, give it a try yourself. Very busy, so you'll need reservations. About $35 a head... but the atmosphere and two rooms of delicious grub is well worth it.
(5)
Andrea M.
This is the best place to go sample a little bit of a lot of different especially tasty dishes. I love the tapas idea and I love the atmosphere. It looks like an old house (I think it is) and the servers are superb. You can NOT go wrong. It is a great place to go when you have a big group that would like to share their experience -everybody can eat EVERYTHING. Yum!
(5)
Terry I.
Have tried plenty of the menu dishes, come here many times and have never walked out disappointed by the food, service, or pricing. Great place to go to for any occasion.
(5)
Julie H.
While the food was good, the accessibility was not. Ate on patio and after having to go thru the whole place to get there, the ramp to the patio was extremely steep and scary for anyone with a walker or wheelchair. The bathrooms might as well not have been marked accessible... my walker would not fit thru the stall door and a wheelchair would never fit. An older bldg. but still..
(2)
Iryna K.
The best haircut and style that I have ever had. I will be going back for sure. Everyone is so friendly and they really know what they're doing. I would highly recommend this salon to everyone! Thank you Brynn!
(5)
Alex P.
Great location, nice facility but food is so-so and prices are above average.
(3)
Angie E.
Beautiful place. Tapas style, wonderful service- the host asked if we were there for an occasion and we were, so they served us complimentary drinks! The tapas were all really nice- baked goat cheese, beef tenderloin, empanadas, lamb loin... But the best was definitely the flan- today's flavor was orange flan, simply beautiful. And we also got the cream cheese pound cake with berries- very very rich and delicious. Of course the atmosphere was perfect, romantic, elegant just like people said. Will definitely be back during the summer so we can try the patio! Also- we were STUFFED and our bill didn't even exceed $80!! No complaints.
(5)
Alison V.
Great tapas for the suburbs. I have been to Barcelona, and these don't hold a candle to the real deal, but they are tasty nonetheless. And the ambiance is great unless you sit in the bar, as I noticed a slightly musty odor there (the building is really old). I have had the following: Papas Bravas (Spicy potatoes topped with Manchego cheese) 4/5 Berenjena Con Queso (Chilled grilled eggplant and goat cheese) 4/5 Gambas Al Ajillo (Grilled tiger shrimp with garlic lemon butter) 4/5 Vegetarian Paella 3.5/5 Drinks: Red Sangria 3/5 White Sangria 2/5 Lemonade 2/5
(4)
Michael B.
Ate there once years ago and loved the ambiance. I have heard the food isn't super awesome but it's a cute place. Made reservations for Monday night at 6:00. Drove an hour to get there, asked to sit outside, and was told that we would have to wait an hour. I understand that I didn't specifically make reservations for outside, but damn. They have all of that space, wtf. There was barely anyone inside, throw a table in one of the gardens, I'll eat there. We left and went to a place down the street and ate outside and enjoyed the evening.
(2)
Ashley A.
I've been coming here for a few years and just recently attended a wedding here. I love the location, ambiance, and food. And the service is usually very friendly. Being seated on a weekend evening is always cramped since it is always busy. It would be nice if they took a few tables out since I feel like someone is about to elbow me at any moment. The food is always DELICIOUS! Not a bad plate and their sangria is to die for. The food we had attending the wedding was equally delicious and fresh. I like to come here every now and again but it is hard to resist in the summer.
(4)
Jaded C.
I'm very biased as I've been coming here for years now and almost had my wedding reception here a couple of years ago in the recently built pavilion. I've also have come here almost every year on Valentine's Day for the past several years, so there's more of an emotional investment for me when it comes to this place. I can simply be satisfied by this joint just eating their Patatas Con Alioli all day, the best I've tasted in Chicagoland. Cant get enough of that tangy garlicy goodness!!! I wonder if they still have that Spanish dancer performing through the rooms on the weekends....
(5)
Melie M.
MMmmmm...tons of tiny tapas and delicious sangria. What's not to love? This is such a beautiful restaurant...especially in the summer when you can take advantage of the outdoor seating and ambiance. The indoor bar is pretty small and tends to get very crowded when people are waiting for a table. We shared a number of lovely dishes, including the bacon wrapped dates and stuffed mushrooms. I also had both the white and red sangria, ya know just to mix things up. I would absolutely recommend Meson..however, be sure and make reservations in the summer or you'll be sharing a stool in the tiny, hot indoor bar.
(4)
Chad P.
Food was great, very nice looking inside and out, sangria was flowing good! Prices are very reasonable, if you dint order 10 things for 2 people like I did!
(4)
Lori H.
Love the sangria...love the goat cheese dish, and crema de chocolate. Backyard area is beautiful in the summer. Little pricey but good and avoid the second floor (short ceiling).
(4)
Melissa M.
This place is beautiful. I have been to weddings, showers, birthday parties, and many regular nights out to dinner and I am rarely disappointed. The only time I'm disappointed is when I order something I don't like because of my own personal tastes. I try a few different things each time I go and sometimes that backfires but mostly it's great. The martinis and sangria are great... I love the olives and bread they give you. Definitely try the bacon dates and my favorite is the steak with horseradish sour cream... so good!
(4)
Anpan W.
Do not drive out to Naperville for this place. If you already live in or near Naperthrill, well, I am sorry. And it is not inexpensive. Why no love for Sabika--bc of the blandness.
(2)
David G.
Went for rehearsal dinner. Beautiful atmosphere for outside seating, surrounded by trees well lit-up at night. Great food, and and very cool building. Food and service were also very good.
(4)
Morris N.
We never tasted the food and probably never will. We were having a late Sunday lunch. I saw the great yelp reviews and decided to try this place. The sign outside showed they were open until 2pm for lunch so we went in which was 1:20pm at that time. The hostess told us they were closing in ten minutes and seemed more interested in getting off work than serving customers. They may have a nice setup but I wasn't impressed with the customer service.
(1)
Jen M.
This is a tapas restaurant, so the menu is slightly different. Tapas are a Spanish tradition - essentially small plates meant to be shared. The menu is divided into cold and hot tapas. With a group of 4, we normally order 2 cold and 2 hot. Food - Diverse menu to accommodate picky and plain eaters. Fresh ingredients, cooked well. Nice presentation. Price - Expensive. You are paying for the experience and atmosphere. Atmosphere - Romantic and family oriented at same time. Cramped. In an old house. Service - Excellent!
(4)
Tracie S.
My favorite! Spanish tapas done right. There's nothing better than sitting outside on a summer night at Meson Sabika drinking sangria and eating Spanish tapas!
(5)
Bill D.
This place is pretty cool! It looks inside and out like an old mansion. If in Naperville and have a hankering for Spanish, GO! The Paella is great, cooked just right and full of great stuff. Service, for as busy as it was, was good and attentive. I had the chance to eat out side one warm Illinois night with a party of about 10 and the atmosphere was great. If back in the Naperville area again, I will go back.
(4)
Justin C.
Food is fantastic, prices are reasonable, service is great! I've eaten here dozens of times and I never had a dish I didn't like,
(5)
Florence G.
The restaurant doesn't look like a tapas joint but after you sit down it doesn't matter at all. Great service from the time you check in at the front desk to the time you walk out the door. Many options on the menu that is sure to please anyone in your party. Some of our favorite dishes of the night was the shrimp with spinach, peppered beef tenderloin and grilled squid. One cool feature that I have not seen at other tapas restaurants is that they leave a stack of plates on your table so you can easily change plates so you don't mix flavors. It's a must try if you are in the suburbs.
(5)
Carina M.
Loved this place. After moving to the burbs I was worried we would need to make the trek to cafe babareeba for my tapas fix, luckily we spotted this place. I'm in love with this place and we will be back. Bacon wrapped dates, patatas bravas, Spanish olives and sausages. Yum!
(5)
Ashley G.
This place is the best spot for tapas in Naperville hands down. I love tapas and have tried pretty much every tapas restaurant in the Naperville area. The food and sangria are wonderful every time I go there. If you are in the area I highly suggest this place. The only downside is that it can get a bit noisy if you are there on a busy night.
(4)
Steve B.
Excellent food. So much fun. Loved the bacon date tapas. Slightly expensive but worth it. Charming location and view. I will be going back.
(5)
Yvette L.
We have celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary this past Spring at Meson Sabika. The wait staff remembered us and we received a champagne toast with cookies for dessert. This is our annual treat and we always order what was served at the reception in the pavilion. Thanks for making this our special place.
(5)
Yocelin S.
My husband and I celebrated our anniversary here and it was exactly what we expected. We made reservations through Open Table and were promptly seated upon arrival Friday night. We sat on the 2nd floor in a small corner with a window overlooking the courtyard. The property itself is lovely. The tapas were all amazing- the seafood was fresh, the duck confit was delightful, and the paella- I'm still savoring it now. The patatas bravas were so tasty- we got an extra plate to go. We will surely be back for special occasions. The prices were fair for the quality and service. Truly outstanding.
(5)
Judy H.
Came here yesterday with my fiance and future in-laws. Here's the quick synopsis: Service - good. Our waiter was very professional and pleasant. Thumbs up for that. Environment - okay. Beautiful mansion on the outside, but a little stuffy on the inside. I guess the grandma doily feel is the spin the place is going for, but didn't do much for me. Food: (1) Tostada con Centollo - tasty, but not impressive and too small to share beyond 2 people. Probably wouldn't get it again. (2) Patatas con Alioli - very, very garlicky, which we actually enjoyed, but a little heavy on the mayo for my taste. (3) Mariscos Paella - just okay. Ample amount of seafood, but the rice was a little mushy in texture for my liking. Didn't get a distinct saffron taste. The tomato and bell pepper taste was more overpowering. Probably would get it just to be full..by far largest portion. (4) Salteado de Hortalisas - actually enjoyed this quite a bit. Vegetables were cooked well - still tender and the sauce had a bit of heat, which I LOVE. (5) Vieras Albarino - 3 large, fresh scallops on a bed of cous cous. This one was delicious. Would recommend it. I think it had a touch of cumin in it so be wary for those who aren't a fan. (6) Cordero al Pastor - great flavor, but sadly the lamb was dry. Not juicy. The grilled onions and mushroom were good. Pricey - for what each tapas was priced, just expected a little bit more.
(3)
Jie S.
Pretty happy with this place for the Mother's Day brunch. Althought it was kind of on the expensive side, but having the chance to try out all the dishes with a fixed amoutng was quite a draw for the families. We made the reservation two months before the date. About one month before the date, we were not able to add 3 more people as they all booked. Quite a popular place. We don't see much garden estate type of restaurant around here. I won't be not surprised that this is the popular place for weddings and celebrations. We were seated out at the huge open pavilion. I'm usually not a fan for the buffet but this time I got some great suggestions on this place so I'm able to focus on the selected items along the huge buffet choices. Personal favorites are jumbo shrimp, bacon wrapped dates, and fresh fruits. Yes, I got the fruit listed as they were juicy and tasted excellent. Really, everything was really good. We, mothers got treated with mimosa and rose. Services were pretty good but not outstanding. Large crowd at the queuing line at the buffet table. I'd like to try the regular table service next time.
(4)
Sheila S.
The next best thing to hopping on a plane and heading to Southern Spain and most certainly the top restaurant in Naperville. To start off, ambiance is spot-on: a gorgeous historic mansion sets the scene and makes it perfect for nicer nights out with the family, a date with your significant other, or brunch with the ladies (or gents, I don't judge). Actually, I highly recommend the brunch for seasoned veterans looking to see another side of Mesón. There's a variety of shareable tapas, including some stellar hot ones like patatas bravas, queso de cabra, and champiñones. Bonus: the extensive menu marks vegetarian and gluten-free options. Portions are just right and just like sushi, you can always order a few more. Then there's dessert. Oh, don't even get me started... Although it's on the higher end of restaurants, it's not terribly pricey. My only complaint is service leaves a bit to be desired. It's not bad, just not at the level it should be for the type of place it is. But hey, I didn't buy my ticket to Spain, did I?
(4)
Kevin W.
Came here with family for Sunday Brunch, it's clear that this place is dedicated to good food and good service. Our server was extremely helpful and accommodating, offering to give a quick tour and constantly checking-in that everything was up to par. Very professional and explained the whole dining experience quite well. For Sunday Brunch, the food was exquisite, with variety and quality combined. There's something here for everyone, whether it's seafood, tapas samplers, breakfast food, even a kids table! There were over 20 dishes, all of which exceeded my expectations for a 'brunch buffet'. Everything was hot and ready, and I have no complaints! The atmosphere is great, interior is slightly stuffy, but everyone had a good time and we'd love to come back.
(5)
Teri C.
We recently used Meson Sabika as our wedding venue. The space is absolutely beautiful and the service is wonderful. The waitresses really hustled! They even brought the appetizers outside to make sure the bridal party got some. The food was amazing. Coming from an Italian family and marrying into a Greek family one of the biggest concerns with serving tapas was the quantity of food. Rest assure there was plenty! Everybody loved the food and were happily full at the end of the night. I would definitely recommend Meson Sabika.
(5)
Christian C.
Sunday brunch is the best Mediterranean flavors and traditional breakfast dishes the Sunday brunch at meson Sabika is a must try, my company had there Christmas party there too and the food was just as good I would recommend it to everyone
(5)
Hyunsoo S.
Had our wedding here 6/23/12. Everything was great from Lauren (event planner) to the staff working our wedding. The venue is beautiful, the food is amazing and we couldn't have asked for a better set up for our reception. Highly recommend for a wedding.
(5)
Ryan N.
Moving from the city to the suburbs has its pluses and minuses, but the quality non-chain restaurant selection is definitely one of the largest minuses for my wife and I. Meson Sabika was a very pleasant surprise, and lived up to its Yelp reviews. Highly recommend their dates, empanada, and stuffed mushrooms. The lamb was also good, but we will probably try something else the next time we are there. Overall, one of the top 3 tapas restaurants I have been to. Only complaint is that the sangria was merely solid and did not stand out.
(5)
Joe I.
It's popular because of the location. The food is just ok. I suggest drinking Sangria and sitting outside in the warmer months.
(2)
Jennifer E.
Just celebrated my grandma's birthday here yesterday (Feb. 24th) and it was just perfect. The food at brunch was phenomenal and the service was impeccable. They catered to every single age group even my picky little niece and nephew. I want to throw another party just so I can go back :)
(5)
Rex L.
One of my favorite places. I have been going here for years and I'm surprised I haven't reviewed it. Overall, it's a great experience, it just misses a little on different points each time, otherwise it would be a 5 star. This time the service was a little off, the salad wasn't very good but the rest of the food and drinks were great. The toast points with crab meat and the grilled pork medallions were my favorite. The tuna cannelonis are always good. We had a pitcher of sangria and finished it with dessert and a sherry flight. Get the Sherry flight and with dessert...you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Amanda C.
Delicious! We had a birthday day date. This has been the first time I made reservations online and they made our date perfect. I added it was a special occasion with us celebrating husbands birthday and they came out with a cream puff filled with vanilla ice cream and chocolate drizzle! We had bacon wrapped dates and the shrimp was amazing. We had other tapas dishes that were all perfectly made. Thank you Meson Sabika for making it a special day!
(5)
Lance C.
Outstanding! The food, the service was all impeccable. If I were to complain and I'm not it would be about the size of our dining space but I don't mind being a bit cramped if quality is to be received at this high of a standard otherwise. I would recommend this gem ten times over. The first tapas bar that actually reminded me of my trip to Spain. Best Tapas place in Chicagoland and a great date night intimate location.
Very unique style of dining, being it tapas style. It was nice to order a few different plates and share them. They are in small portions perfectly sized for sharing, but not too much where there are leftovers. There are cold and hot tapas and our waiter informed us that the hot ones are a little heavier. Our cold tapas plate turned out to be the heaviest and the only one where there were leftovers. Overall a great restaurant and definitely a place I would visit again
(5)
Ryan M.
Best restaurant in the western suburbs... and this coming from a guy that doesn't usually enjoy tapas. We've been here dozens of times and always have a great experience. The food is consistently excellent. The service is usually good, but we've had some off nights. The ambiance is incredible. Outside of the city, it's hard to find restaurants with character. This place over-delivers. It's an old plantation style mansion with a cozy outdoor patio. We love going in the summer and sitting outside. They have an excellent Spanish wine list, and great assortment of cold and hot tapas. I also find Meson very reasonable for the value.
(5)
Rich P.
This place ROCKS! I have eaten here several times but just now getting around to a review. I suggest sitting outside on their beautiful patio and I also suggest a pitcher of Sangria. Everything we sampled on the menu was delicious. It's tapas so you can sample quite a bit. Service this last visit was good, not great and our waitress appologized for a couple little delays and blamed it on being short staffed becuase they are not fully staffed yet and had not planned on 80 degree days in March which I can fully understand. My past visits had flawless service. That being said the dealys were minimal and gave more time for enjoying the Sangria. Highly recomended
(4)
Nora X.
Delicious tapas! I've only come a few times with friends after I've skipped enough starbucks/jamba juices to have some cash. It's certainly not cheap, esp in the mindset of a college student, but boy is it good. Service was a little sketch, and our waiter was a little pushy. But the paella is soo yummy.
(4)
Jordan T.
I have to say that Meson is a certain type of dining experience that you have to be in the mood for. The food, generally speaking, is wonderful. But, I always feel a bit ackward given that the establishment is a mansion turned restaurant. It's actually not my favorite Tapas place in Naperville. I think it's actually a bit over-priced for what it is and the service has been slow the past two times we've been there. If you want really good tapas, a trendy establishment, great sangria for a good price go to Tango. If you feel like eating good spanish food in what feels like someone else's home go to Meson.
(3)
Ingrid B.
Yum. Yum. Yum. From beginning to end-olives to profiteroles (and everything in between)-it was sublime. Will return as often as I can.
(5)
Clarence S.
Service was impeccable, and at the same time didn't bother the table much. Bussers came consistently for water and bread. The food was spot on with the descriptions on the menu. In regards to the atmosphere, it was really clean and had an "at home" feel to it. I didn't feel "hovered over" by other customers. This place is a legitimate, traditional tapas restaurant. So if you're a fan of contemporary, fusion tapas restaurants like me, this is definitely a change of scenery. However, I directly compared the taste of the food to that of Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba's version of it downtown and I found Ba-Ba-Reeba's flavor to be a bit more enticing. For a restaurant in the suburbs, it was a great experience. I wouldn't mind staying there, chatting, and eating for at least two hours, and of course having a great time.
(4)
Oreste G.
I had my parents in town and was looking for something a little different. We sat on the back patio and had a wonderful evening. Drinks were mediocre, but all the tapas were excellent and the flan was exceptional.
(4)
Patrick L.
My dinner here was pretty good. I didn't try any of their specialty listings but we had a good variety if items. Everything was satisfactory. They menu is definitely large though so in fairness I think it takes a few times to get a good feel. Just didn't have my socks blow off by anything. On the plus side, all the food came quickly. On the down side, our waitress was a little hit & miss. I think she was being stretched a little thing over a few rooms. Definitely worth a try though. The food was good & the prices were right.
(3)
Jeff N.
The detail orientation was very admirable. Bianca was everywhere and directed the staff throughout the evening. The food was great. The service was very professional. The facility is beautiful and the landscaping Is perfect for picture taking. The wedding reception set up was exactly what we wanted.
(5)
Anita W.
Whether it was planning a huge baby shower or coming here for lunches and dinners, this place has always been a wonderful experience. The food has always been delightful and delicious. Sangria GREAT! The brunches are AWESOME! My experience with the staff has been extremely positive and attentive. One of my favorite places in the Western suburbs!
(5)
Laura V.
Great atmosphere, love the variety of tasty food ! This wonderful restaurant values educators as well. If you are a teacher or Para-pro of the 2 area districts, you get a nice discount on your meal! At the time of posting, if you can show a pay stub or an ID you get 40% off your check for parties of four or less! Great food, great atmosphere, and the added perk of a nice discount are unbeatable! The outdoor dining is relaxing during summer months.
(5)
Miss B.
Been here a couple times. The first time the service was great, and the food was delicious. Went here a second time, the food wasn't as good, and the server was kind of a jerk and not that great anyway. Asked repeatedly for things, and never got them. This place is very expensive in my opinion. The grounds and the building are very nice, but there's nothing that's special about this place. Definitely a place for an older crowd, and good if you have upwards of $100 to blow on some small plates of food for 2-3 people. Not too impressive.
(2)
Steven M.
Aces to the brunch. The potato salad was with the price of admission. As was the prime rib. I went down the line of meats a couple of times. The duck was a bit dry, but the mimosa's took care of that. Everything was very fresh. They had the whole deal. Breakfast offerings, lunch and something for the kids. The service was poky at best. We had a table of three and the plates were piling up. We had to ask for them to be taken away and for more drinks? Otherwise great food at a great price.
(4)
Carolyn R.
Absolutely gorgeous historic home. Was there last Saturday for a Bachelorette group dinner with 12 other people. We all had a great time and left stuffed! Worth the drive out the Naperville (and being a true city gal I don't say that lightly).
(4)
Margaret S.
WONDERFUL!!! I had my daughters Bridal shower at Meson Sabika in the pavillion. Just a faboulous venue. The food was wonderful, the service was great, the staff was friendly and accommodating. Every guest was impressed with Meson Sabika. They made our special day a memorable event
(5)
Min C.
I've done studies. 90% of the time, it tastes good every time.
(5)
Britt B.
Let me just say that I'm not a big potato salad fan and I really do not like olives at all but I enjoyed both of those immensely. In fact, everything I put into my mouth here was quite amazing. I had the white sangria, which was perfect--light and not too fruity. I felt like I was back in Spain with the relaxed atmosphere.
(5)
John B.
Love this place. Great place for a date. Tapas are fresh and delicious. Dinner in a mansion, ya can't beat it. The variety of tapas is great. My favorite is the baked goat cheese and the bacon wrapped dates. Both are so flavorful and delicious it will be hard to not order them twice....seriously. I really want to try their paella but everytime I get in there I go right for the tapas and with all the variety of flavors it makes deciding painless. I also suggest getting the mango sangria...excellent. They have flamenco from what it seems on the weekend which is cool, it does make it difficult to converse while it goes on but hey when in Rome...I mean Spain wth.
(4)
David L.
I'm one who enjoys quality and quantity so when my wife suggested going to a tapas restaurant, my first thought was that I better eat before we go! To my surprise, the food was reasonably priced, very tasty and if you order right you will be very satisfied and not have to spend a lot of money. We sat outside on a cool Saturday night in early October and it was very pleasant. The wait staff was good, not great but overall we had a nice experience and we'll be back.
(4)
Joe B.
Excellent menu selection...something for everyone. Very good service and atmosphere. Highly recommended.
(5)
David R.
Great setting.. service..not so good, food..just ok. Went here with a party of 8 people, and the waiter brought out a stack of plates.. distributed them and left. They were dirty! I mean... visibly dirty (still had crusted food on them). We re-stacked them and asked for new ones, only to have the manager come over to question as to why we needed new dishes! when we showed them to him.. he apologized, but.. we never saw him again. food wasn't anything special compared to other tapas restaurants i've been to, but higher priced. drinks were small and weak. Sngria was ok.. same as anywhere... presentation bland! for the cost and experience, will not return.
(2)
James D.
Tapas is a great option for a group of friends/colleagues to share great food and try different things and this is the best place in the area for Tapas. The mansion is great and the atmosphere is comfortable and cozy. While there are issues with the consistency of the wait staff, the food has always been enjoyable and the specials are worth trying. If Tapas is too intimidating for you, ask for help and sit back and enjoy. Lastly, this place is much more fun for 4 or more people so grab a group and have a great time.
(4)
Janine K.
I wasn't going to let a little rain come between dinner reservations at this establishment this past weekend! They only had a reservation for 8pm, and that was fine. After the monsoon, the parking lot was rather flooded so there was a guy directing us where to park - why don't more places have this??? We made our way inside to a pretty packed place - including the wedding reception going on. We were seated upstairs, it was a little loud with conversations going on at the other tables, but we adapted quickly. My friend and I split a pitcher of red sangria - soooooo good!!! We ordered one warm tapas and two cold - after splitting three plates, we were surprisingly full, but had just enough room for dessert...two of them! :) I wasn't stuffed to the max, but pleasantly full, I'd say... it didn't even seem like that much food but I think the bread with our dishes filled us up enough. I seriously wanted one of every dessert on the menu...we settled on the white chocolate mousse and almond/pear pound cake to split - both were delicious! The service was great, the food was sooooo great... we cannot wait to come back here!!! On our way out we grabbed "to go" menus, this way we can plan ahead and not spend so much time going through the menu. I cannot wait to come back and dine outside, the grounds here are beautiful.
(4)
Kelly J.
Great food!! Unfortunately had 2 used utensils dropped on me with a white garlicky cream sauce. There was an apology but no napkins given for clean up. Human error, disappointing but highly recommend the food. Very busy
(4)
Heidi K.
I came here for Sunday brunch with my sister and her husband, my husband, my father and his wife. It was the Sunday after Christmas and we managed to snag a 10:30 a.m. reservation a few days prior so we arrived before things got crazy crowded. We arrived and were brought to a room upstairs, which seemed to be for people with small children (my one year old nephew was with us) as the downstairs rooms were full of adults and older children. We were seated at a table that had dead flowers (nice) and the room was ice cold. A basket of bread was brought out, but no butter. Eh..... Our waiter was very nice, but I cannot remember his name. He explained how everything worked, and then took our drink order (mimosa for me, Bloody Mary for the hubs) and omelet order (cheese and chorizo) and then we made our way downstairs to the buffet. Everyone raves about the bacon wrapped dates, but I was a bit skeptical at first. I've never tried dates, as I assumed they were like big raisins and I hate raisins. But I was brave and tried one. It was.... okay, I suppose. It was way too sweet; I could hardly detect the bacon on the thing. I felt like I was eating a sweet potato drenched in maple syrup. Oh well, I tried. The calamari was excellent, as was the ceviche (I had three large servings of it). I also probably consumed a pint of raspberries on my own. The bacon was cooked perfectly and I am not ashamed to admit that I consumed at least 15 pieces. Garlic potato salad= uh MAY zing! Soooo garlicky, and addictive! I tried the paella which was okay. Chorizo links, cheeses, a couscous dish, fresh fruit.... all great! I know there was plenty more that I tried but I can't remember it now. They also have a carving station but I didn't partake in that. There was just so much food to sample. The brunch is about $30 a person which is a fair price, given the variety of food and the quality of same. It was a nice time spent with family and I enjoyed the experience.
(3)
Victoria B.
Great place to celebrate an event or for date night. Pretty pricey but the food is worth it. Tapas style small plates rich and savory. Love the bacon wrapped dates always a crowd pleaser! The desert was ok we had the flan of the day which was orange flan yummy and bananas foster but it tasted kinda burnt Carmel sauce. We sat outside this time the chairs were sticky!!! Omg we had to move to another table because it's from the sap from the trees above! Service was nice and bus boys were always attentive to refill our water.
(4)
Jim L.
this place has amazing food. I am definitely a fan. Just not a fan of the prices but then again it is an upscale restaurant, not a fast food place. I would recommend this place for a great atmosphere and great food.
(4)
Ashley F.
Birthday dinner here was wonderful. I recommend a early reservation if you don't want to wait. If weather permits sit outside its beautiful. As far as the food try the goat cheese it's fabulous!
(4)
Cindy L.
I really wanted tapas and I usually find all the tapas places in the city, but I was meeting up with a friend in Naperville. I went on Yelp and found Meson Sabika and it sounded really great. We had a hard time finding the place but I'm so glad we eventually found it. The entrance was very pretty. There was a nice flower garden and mini fountain setup. It was raining the night we went. I wish I got some nice pictures of the outside. We were about 20 minutes late to our reservation, but they were so friendly - we were seated right away! The service was very good. I really liked their dishes too. There were some very unique dishes with great flavors. I loved the Datiles con Tocino (bacon wrapped dates)! I really liked the Vieras Albarino (sea scallops with couscous). The Gambas al Ajillo (shrimp) was tasty. The Calamares a la Plancha (squid) was good. Obviously I love seafood since that's the majority of what we ordered haha. For seafood, it is important that the sauces are flavorful because that helps to bring out the seafood. For meats, if it is seasoned too heavily it will be too salty and you cannot taste the natural meat flavor itself. I did order one other meat dish (besides the bacon wrapped dates) - the Chorizo y Morcilla. The chorizo on the plate was very, very salty...too salty, but I did like the blood sausage. We also ordered a salad - the Ensalada Gabriela (arugula and watercress salad with apples, pecans, raisins, with Muscatel sun dried tomato olive oil vinaigrette). Honestly, this salad was probably my favorite plate. The sea scallops were my second favorite. It was really delicious. I really could eat that all day. Pair your dishes with a glass of their sangria. For dessert, we ordered the Tarta de Chocolate y Caramelo. Overall, this was a very nice dinner. If I am ever back in Naperville, I would go back!
(4)
Marilynn P.
I truly love Meson Sabika! Although, I've been here several times and none of my experiences have been as good as my first time. The first time I went, we went during an off-peak hour in the middle of the day. Food was presented fresh & hot, and the service was impeccable! All the other times I've visited have been much busier. The food didn't taste as fresh/hot by the time it reached the table, and the service was good but not great. I recommend most of the hot tapas! The paella was good, but be prepared for a long wait.
(4)
Krista H.
Tapas has to be my favorite type of food especially when you can enjoy great tapas paired with killer sangria with great people! My favorites are the skirt steak with the peppers and onions the bacon wrapped dates baked goat cheese and basically everything else. If you live near Naperville you have to try it!
(5)
Eric Y.
I love tapas and chef Emilio always turns out a good product and a good time! I love the setting - a house dating back to 1847 with a beautiful yard and gardens and some very enticing vintage charm. There's a banquet hall addition too - it looks very inviting. I prefer the food and beverage program at Emilio's Tapas in Hillside - my favorite escargot tapa is not offered here (so sad) and the wine/sherry list is much more comprehensive at the other place. Nevertheless, dining here is a homey, low key experience filled with a lot of good times and plenty of good food.
I live in the city and work out in Naperville and I am not a real foodie but I try to go to different restaurants and experiment with new foods. As part of my work gatherings, we often go to Meson Sabika and I think the entire experience is very good. I also go to two neighborhood tapas restuarants and Meson Sabika is way better than either of them - ba ba reba or iberico. The food is superior and the prices are very reasonable. I also love going to Tapas Gitana in Northfield (which is a notch above Meson Sabieka in my opinion) - I guess I am fond of Spanish little plates. I know there a lot of dining options in Naperville but if I lived out there, this would be one of my go to places.
(5)
Sara B.
Love the bacon wrapped date and patatas bravas! Very good sangria as well. The patio is great in the summer for relaxing with friends.
(5)
Chrissy W.
Bacon. Wrapped. Dates. All. Day. Long. We came for brunch and brunch we consumed. I seriously just want to eat my weight in bacon wrapped dates. Not joking. The cold food buffet was served on the patio (you know, before it was below zero with the wind chill), and it was amazing. Cheese. Veggies. Fruit. Amazing creations that made me immeasurably happy. The hot food buffet was pretty good, but the paella was AMAZING. Definitely a must-try on your brunchy visit. I didn't get anything from the carving station, but I was stuffed harder than a build-a-bear. The eggs benny was REALLY good (I think they use homemade English muffins and make those babies to order - yes with a perfectly poached egg). First glass of champagne/mimosa is free; second glass is half price. I switched to a bloody Mary and DAYUM, it was delicious. Let's talk ambiance here, people. Brunch in an old mansion? Did I mention the cool old mansion? Yeah. That. Get yourself over there. And make reservations because they get BUSY.
(5)
Brianna L.
I just can't say anything bad about this place.
(5)
Amy R.
I always feel super bogus giving a lower rating to a place that I notice ALL of my yelp fraaands adore. Like did I miss something? Am I culinarily inept? Come on the wrong night? Sigh. Well for me, Meson Sabika is a three star affair. I came here with ALL of my cousins for dinner on a weeknight and of course, we had a reservation (I have a very large family, plus now that we're marryin' age, we've doubled). We sat at a huge round table in one of the rooms of this enormous mansion, and I loved the beautiful interior, but it is BUSTLIN. I mean loud, crazy, bump my chair seventy times, crowded, bustlin'. Since we, also, were an enormous group, it's fine and I get it, but it's also overwhelming. We tried SO MUCH STUFF, and honestly not a lot stood out to me, I loved the baked goat cheese, but didn't love the red sauce it was baked in. The shrimp were good, but not great. Also, coming here with a large group is NOT a good choice - you get to sample maybe one or two bites of the teeny tiny tapas, and that's it. We even ordered 2-3 of some of the tapas, and it wasn't enough. I left honestly HUNGRY and hubs is not afraid to admit he made a Taco Bell run later that evening. Oops. Almost everyone at our table had sangria and loved it, but I don't really drink and I sat that out. Finally, it's crazy expensive. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to drop a ton of money on a delicious meal, but I need to leave satisfied and/or drunk, and I need to be impressed. Sadly, that didn't quite happen. I may try to come back with a smaller group and rock out small plates again, someday, but for now, Meson Sabika is just a-ok.
(3)
Katlyn E.
Amazing! After a long & arduous search, I have finally discovered THE Best Sunday brunch in Chicagoland. Service is excellent, the ambiance is UNPARALLELED, and the food blew me away. Definitely coming back with friends. (Thank you so much to management for fitting us in despite our incorrect reservation)
(5)
Jody D.
Yes, there is great food in the suburbs! I love this restaurant. The food is amazing, the staff is great and the setting is wonderful. Everything you need for a fantastic night out. Start by ordering a few plates and then continue to add more. I think about the sea scallops with apple coucous for days after eating it....darn it, now I'm hungry again! I have given gift certificates to several family members and friends and they have all become regular customers.
(5)
Alexandria R.
This place has it all!! Great food, service, staff, owners, ambiance. They are always accommodating and never fail on providing delicious, authentic food. We even recently hosted my garden themed baby shower here. It was BEAUTIFUL. Their staff provided excellent service to our party and worked with us wonderfully! Love it here!!!!!
(5)
Ed B.
We have been here many times over the years but this is my first review of it. This place is 5 stars based on the quality of food, service and atmosphere but it is not a 5 star restaurant in the classic sense. It is located in an old mansion. The surrounding grounds and the building itself speak of a time gone by. The charm and class of this place truly gives a sense of comfort and relaxation as soon as you step out of your car. There is also a banquet hall for the Sunday brunch and weddings or special occasion. A beautiful room. There was a wedding taking place here yesterday.There was a horse drawn carriage giving rides around the grounds that just added even more class and charm to the happenings all around. Besides the charm of the place I can say that most of the rooms in the house where you dine are a bit small and can feel somewhat tight but as soon as you taste the food you forget about that. The service here is excellent. We like to dine outdoors here when the weather permits. The outdoor part of this establishment is huge and much more open so you are not at all cramped. Nearly all of it is shaded by huge old trees and umbrellas. Every time we come we are in a group of 4 to 10. It is always a party as it was again last night outside.You are never rushed here and the 3 hours we spend each time we come here just flies by. As for the food it is Spanish tapas style. So small portions to share.There is a large variety of fish, seafood, meat, and vegi. dishes to choose from. With all of the different things we have tried, and we have tried nearly everything, no one in any of our visits have ever complained or not like anything. The menu does change from time to time based on some seasonal things and items do come back. There are some of the signature items like figs wrapped in bacon and robust garlic potato salad which are always there. You have to try these. Figs wrapped in bacon? Yea they are awesome! There is a full bar, house made sangria's and a large list of after dinner drinks and coffees to accompany your top notch desert menu. I have left here many a time wishing I could get wheel barrow service back to my car. Yes just wheel me out and flip me into the seat until I come back again next time to do it all again!
(5)
Tina D.
This place is delicious, the service was great! My husband and I went for our anniversary and they gave us complementary champagne, which was very sweet. They seated us per our reservations and didn't make us wait and they seated us on the second floor overlooking the courtyard which gave the evening an extra romantic touch. They had many veggie options and were able to make the tapas spicy upon request. My husband liked all the meat dishes he got as well. Everything we ordered was great. The prickly pear and peach sangrias were amazing! I can't wait to go back and eat some more yummy tapas.
(5)
Kevin E.
This might be the only truly great restaurant in Naperville. I have nothing but praise for it.
(5)
Angela P.
Meson Sabika, I've seen it all! I've dined here with my husband a few times. I've attended one wedding indoors and one wedding outdoors. I've attended an office Christmas party. I've dined inside the beautiful mansion, and I've dined on their patio. The patio is gorgeous, but it can get nasty with mosquitoes in the evening. My feet and butt are proof. Most recently, I dined with four other friends. I've seen Meson's many faces, and they are all gorgeous, flawless faces on teeny tapas plates. Located in an old mansion, Meson offers an atmosphere that is like dining in someone's home. Someone's crowded, bustling, noisy home. It seems that no matter the time of the day, there is a crowd. Reservations can be made easily only a few days in advance. Reservations are a must, but they are not hard to come by. Meals must be started with the Queso de Cabra (goat cheese) and the Bacon Wrapped Dates. Must. I'm also a fan of the steak with blue cheese, the tiger shrimp, the chicken & chorizo skewers, and the apple & duck confit crepe. Chug a pitcher of that red sangria. Repeat. Naperville School District employees receive a 40% discount, and since I'm married to one, I'm wondering why we aren't here more often! (40% discount is NOT valid on private parties/weddings - I tried). Weddings are on the pricey side here (they charge $14/person on TOP of whatever food/drinks you are paying for, JUST to rent the space), but both I have attended were beautiful events with amazing food. This is a perfect date spot; we've celebrated a few anniversaries here. It's also a nice place to go with another couple. I don't think I would go back in a group of six, because some of the small plates are TOO small to share with a group that large. Perfect for two. Nice for four (you can try more things), but difficult with six.
(5)
Shana M.
When I want a fancy night out with a unique atmosphere I go to Meson Sabika. The restaurant itself is a old mansion. The staff is very knowledgable of the menu so definitely ask them for suggestions. I love the sangria, and bacon wrapped dates.
(5)
John S.
Not much to say about this place, it is obvious that it's excellent. My recommendation is to eat outside on the patio. I had no idea they had one until yesterday.
(5)
Nick B.
I was taken here for a Sunday brunch. All I can say was it was amazing and I left in a food coma. For the brunch you get to try a bunch of different hot and cold tapas. Also a free champagne drink to start brunch off wasn't bad either. I had 3 big plates of all different types of brunch tapas. Everything was amazing. You can't go wrong with anything you pick. The setting was nice, A manor restaurant. I wouldn't advise to bring children along as it does get rather cramped. Overall I cannot wait to go back for brunch. Amazing and words cannot describe how much your stomach will thank you.
(5)
Cash P.
My family loves this place! The food is scrumptious. Go with a group as tapas are ment to be shared or go to Sunday brunch so you can have a little of everything. Sunday brunch reminds me of the high end Las Vegas buffets. Holidays book up so make reservations. They offer kid friendly foods on the buffet presented on tables at child height. We love sitting outside on the patio during the summer. Their chocolate matini is creamy with just a slight sweetness. My mom says their sangria always reminds her of being in Spain. It is a little dryer than most American versions.
(5)
Joe Z.
How many more times do I have to rate Meson Sabika (happy to do it team). Awesome place, awesome food, awesome service and all in a atmosphere this is upscale and just nice. You want a place to take your mom (or other well heeled adult) then this is the place. The food is awesome and the presentation is as well. The plates are small-ish (ive been to places where they are even smaller) and well prepared. The hot comes hot and the cold comes cold. Caution on the garlic potato salad . . . they use a LOT of garlic so everyone at the table needs to take at least one bite so you're not killing each other later on. Good stuff, and that's not a complaint it's just how they make theirs and it's awesome. Favorite is the Skirt Steak with onions and blue cheese . . . . mouth watering to go get some right now. I've been there a ton of times and I'll be going back. Quality and consistency are top notch. Don't ever stop what you're doing Meson Sabika, I love ya.
(4)
L J.
We went to the Sunday brunch the first time we ever ate at this restaurant. All I can say is "WOW" Everything was delicious, service was great, gardens were beautiful. Can't wait to eat there again!
(5)
Jessica O.
First time eating at a tapas restaurant. Many options cold and hot. Ordered mostly hot ones. Lamb, beef, duck, shrimp and lobster They were all good but nothing outstanding. I think it was a good meal overall due to the variety of the dishes. The place is charming but since it's an older mansion/house the place has limited space so you are very close to other tables and it can get loud. The deserts and drinks were really good.
(3)
Bill O.
I really always considered tapas to be a casual meal, and I've always enjoyed the small portion/solid spicy red wine/sangria/uniqueness of it all. However after Saturday night's meal at Maison Sabika In Naperville, I realized that tapas can be elegant and is very well complemented by excellent customer service. After walking through the grounds of this 5 acre mansion dating back to the 1800s, we were immediately seated and introduced by our waiter, Kyle. Kyle was comprehensive in his explanations of the food And he selected a awesome glass of red wine that he explained very well. Later he told me that the wine representative for Maison was there yesterday, so he had fresh memory. He also let me know that they had Hendricks gin. Had a martini and had three awesome tapas: one. Garlic potato salad two. blood sausage and chorizo three. Skirt steak After celebrating my friends birthday that night at her selection of a unique restaurant that is Maison Sabika, our waiter Kyle approached myself and my wife and let us know that it was a pleasure to serve us. This really gave our visit the X factor makes me want to come back again. Nice job Kyle, and nice job Maison Sebeka.
(5)
Jodi L.
Excellent dining. This is one of my absolute favorite tapas restaurants. The outdoor seating is so romantic and quaint and it's the perfect place for a date or an anniversary. Make sure you try the Sangria - it's the best drink on the menu. 5 stars!!!
(5)
Ellen G.
Went here for brunch, which was disappointingly ordinary. Wanted true tapas. The paella was Spanish rice with some shrimp and scallops added. Sliced vegetables and prime rib as per most decent buffets. Dessert was standard from a commercial bakery and was a little stale.
(1)
Mike C.
Great selection variety and great tasting food. My review would be five stars but it is a bit of a walk from the parking lot for cane users and limited handicap parking. Also, the tables tend to be a little too close and the restaurant a little too noisy for my taste.
(4)
Amy S.
Far exceeded any expectations any of us had in our party of four. Definitely sit outside if you can in this unique venue.
(5)
Derek B.
We wanted to get out and try something new that didn't disappoint - we found the right place. Made the reservation online which was easy. The host was very polite. The decor is dated but it adds to the restaurant. Our waiter was Mitchell who was great and had awesome recommendations. We split a pitcher of red sangria (not a huge pitcher, but very good) and it was a little pricey. It is a tapas style place so we tried 3 small cold and 3 small hot dishes and all were done very well. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Sibylla O.
We just had our Bridal Shower here the service was first class, the atmosphere lovely and the food excellent Just perfect!! I can highly recommend this place
(5)
Jacqueline D.
Pollo a la Gabardine - Sauteed & lightly breaded chicken breast, served with mushrooms & a goat cheese sauce -This item was ok, it taste just as it is, similar to a lightly breaded chicken strip Valenciana - Chicken, shrimp, mussels and clams - this was good, i had the mussels replaced with squid, though the squid was a bit tough Patatas con Alioli - Robust garlic potato salad I have had better tapas, maybe I should have tried more small plates. The service was great and the place was beautiful. There was a wedding taking place and everyone seem to be having a good time.
(3)
Cory H.
This taste of this place was one of a kind. My wife raves about it constantly and we finally went just so I didn't have to hear about it anymore. It was delicious. With just the two of us, there wasn't exactly enough food but we made it work. The service is excellent and very quick and the dessert was amazing. You wouldn't be able to share with more than two people and I would recommend ordering everything for yourself and only sharing if you absolutely have to.
(5)
Wendy P.
I really cannot understand the high ratings. I must have gone on a catastrophic night. The dining room was freezing cold. We ordered some cocktails which was for me a decent Manhattan and then we waited, swatting gnats while perusing the enormous menu, which seemed a bit too big for fine dining. We ordered the Cogollo de Tudelo, which was a disappointing mound of lettuce soaked in a bland creamy dressing with tiny bits of shriveled mushroom and slivers of heart of palm. This was accompanied by both the Pulpo ala Feira and the Piquillos de Mariscos. The pulpo was chewy, tough and overwhelmingly salty. while the Piquillos were doused in the same creamy dressing that coated the salad and the fishiness of the overpowered the sweet-hotness of the peppers. 0 for three at this point when we moved onto the hot tapas. By this time I had finished my drink but not before at least 5 gnats had met a grim watery death in my martini glass. We started with the Pipirrana de Buey, a skirt steak with blue cheese, ordered medium rare came well done, unseasoned and plastered in a 1/2 inch crust of blue cheese. This was followed by teeth-curlingly sweet Datiles, which lacked any heat or anything to balance the sugar. Finally the Montaditos de Cerdo, the pork medallions, which were another big mistake. The Patatas Bravas, the spicy potatoes were the only thing that reminded me of my time in Spain We left most of it, corked our wine and left before the open bottle before more gnats died. Really terrible and memorable for the wrong reasons.
(1)
Blondie B.
Food, Service, Quality, & Ambiance is what I am looking for in my ratings. This Restaurant is always a sure bet! Reservations are strongly encouraged. Food is always spot on perfectly cooked and presented, I have never sent back a dish. Service is mainly consistent, quick and very attentive. Truly authentic Spanish tapas with wonderful Paellas Mariscos. You will feel very at "home" here at Meson Sabika. Beautiful grounds, in a beautiful vintage home. Great restaurant and do not forget to have a Sangria!
(4)
Anna N.
An excellent tapas option for the western burbs. After moving from downtown Chicago I have yet to find a decent tapas option until Meson Sabika. They have a HUGE menu with a lot of great options to choose from. I suggest trying their specials since those were some of my faves. The inside is like an old home and cozy. Came here for my b-day dinner and was not disappointed. I love that they also provide bread for the table since so many tapas dishes have great sauces that I literally want to lick the plate clean and having bread helps me do so! Serving size was good and quality of food was appropriate for the price. My only complaint is that some of the dishes could have used a touch more salt, or I would have liked some salt at my table to do so myself, but that could just be me and my pregnancy preferences! I'm looking forward to coming back!
(5)
Alyssa J P.
A gorgeous restaurant with incredible sangria and a very vegan-friendly menu. Just ask for things on the vegetarian menu without the cheese or sauce. I was very pleasantly surprised about how vegan-friendly they are, actually, because sometimes fancy restaurants won't rise above pretentiousness to serve people with dietary restrictions. Great place to bring a date! Go in the summer or early autumn and dine on the patio.
(4)
Jim C.
Such a quandary. When a reservation is made for a party of 25, is it unreasonable to expect decent service with adequate staffing? I don't think so. But apparently Meson Sabika does. Witness the dinner our party had after high school graduation. 25 people spanning 3 generations. We had one waitress who had never handled a group this size, a couple of random bus boys who picked up the dishes and filled water when the spirit seemed to moved them. And a kitchen that was painfully slow on getting the orders out and wrong dishes delivered regularly. But the food itself was awesome. Tasty, crunchy, interesting, flavorful and downright scrumptious. But it wasn't enough, for me anyway, to offset the annoyingly disinterested service. I would have at least expected the manager to pop in and make sure things were okay. He or she didn't. Although someone in my party said some manager type made an appearance before I arrived but I was there for at least 90 minutes. I guess my bottom line is its a good choice for a date but expect to wait given the service experience I had. For a large group though I'd look elsewhere despite the food.
(2)
Gary D.
I've been wanting to try this place since moving here 2 years ago and we used Naperville restaurant week as the excuse. It was fantastic. The setting is this old mansion that's been updated to a restaurant and it's very well done which really contributes to a great atmosphere. The service was impeccable even though the waiter was Spanish and didn't speak good English it just added more to the ambiance of a Spanish tapas establishment. The wine list is limited to Spanish wines only but after explaining what we liked in a wine the server suggested a Spanish wine which was close and good. The only reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 was we took advantage of the prix fixe menu for restaurant week and the selections were good, but not GREAT. I will definitely go again though as the regular prices were reasonable anyway. Besides how many places do you find that serve splits of cava!
(4)
Dauer H.
Absolutely delicious, just a bit hefty for my budget and a bit far out of the city, but if you want stellar Spanish food, this is the place to go! You'll never get comida this caliber in Cafe Iberico or Cafe Ba Ba Reba! Great atmosphere! Intimate yet cozy...def get the Montadita con Langosta (lobster in saffron sauce). Veggie selections compliment the seafood choices.
(4)
Alan L.
Totally did agree with these ratings. If you have ever had real Spanish tapas you will immediately understand that what is served here is not authentic. Like many ethnic restaurants it has been adjusted to cater to the tastes of the local customers, which does not reflect authenticity
(1)
Janelle C.
Meson Sabika never disappoints. I have been for birthday celebrations, Sunday brunch and lunch with mom. The food is always good, especially meat dishes. Meats are always flavorful and cooked to perfection. The most classic tapas are nowhere near as good as they are in Spain, but the best you'll find in Naperville. My faves are the bacon wrapped dates and duck confit. The wine list includes lots of good Spanish wines.
(4)
Rupa N.
Delectable tapas meant to be shared, flowing Sangria, a boisterous crowd, and of course a beautiful setting in a renovated Naperville mansion originally built in 1847. Meson Sabika surely ranks as a must-visit in suburban Naperville. I've been here a few times and I "always" order the garlic potato salad. The price has gone up in recent years and the staff has tempered the garlic (shucks) but it's a cult classic to be sure! I always say - If you can get the taste of garlic out of your mouth in less than 24 hours.......................it isn't garlicky enough. Spanish wines are spectacular but we're really stuck on their red sangria. A pitcher goes for $27 but it pairs up really nicely with the food. I've sampled sangria in Barcelona and Seville and Meson's my favorite. A platter of bread along with a small bowl of marinated olives start the evening. We love the olives here and always order another bowl which is one of the cold tapas offerings. The bread isn't much to talk about but takes a life of its own when dipped in olive marinade! Their paellas are quite nice and filling but limits the number of tapas that can be ordered. This go-around, we noticed some nice daily specials that caught our eye so we decided to forego the paella. My favorite down-pat was a cold special of the day, a mushroom dish marinated in olive oil, topped with mozzarella cheese, accompanied by asparagus. So much going on in this dish. We also tried a hot tapas special, montaditos de sol, tender beef tenderloin wrapped in bacon accompanied by a sweet sauce accompanied by pears I think. The patatas bravas were too reminiscent of my favorite Barcelona to pass up, potatoes with spicy manchego cheese. Good dish but I wasn't in awe. The dud of the night were the veal meatballs. It was either the meatballs or the sausage dish and I opted for the former since it was a special of the night. This was a pretty bland dish. We were quite full but I convinced my husband to share Tarta de Chocolate y Caramelo with me. This was blissful, warm chocolate and caramel custard baked in a hazelnut tart crust with vanilla ice cream. Oh Yum. I've tried Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba for tapas in Chi-Town and it doesn't hold a candle to Meson.
(3)
Therese C.
Best place in the suburb for tapas! I have been enjoying Meson Sabika for 20 years from a quiet dinner for two to a large group with children on the patio. Good wine choices, consistent tapas favorites and always new plates to keep us coming back. I have not tried their brunch, but have heard only good reviews. I have ordered pans of paella for buffet dinner party at home. Never disappointed. Management and staff are proffessional and friendly. Always an enjoyable dinning experience.
(5)
Steven K.
Loved it. Party of five. We ordered salads, 5 cold tapas, 5 hot tapas, and 3 deserts. Plenty of food. Everything was excellent! Haven't traveled to Spain in over 10 years, but the food brought back some great memories. Good, well paced service. Unique atmosphere. It's in an elegant old mansion, and very american traditionally decorated. Two pitchers white sangraia added to the fun.
(5)
Charlie S.
Courteous, attentive service, great food and delicious sangria! What could be better?!?!
(4)
Allison A.
My husband and I recently came here for our second wedding anniversary per suggestion from our friends. It was delicious! They were very gf friendly for me, which made my life a ton easier. Woo hoo! We sat outside on the patio and it was gorgeous. I would love to sit out there again. We started out with a pitcher of red sangria. That was great on a hot day. We also had the dates, potato salad, chicken skewer, seafood paella. My husband got a few items off the regular menus, which he really enjoyed as well. All of the food was great. My husband usually doesn't like tapas restaurants because he says he is never full after. Well we ordered a total of 6 things plus the paella and we were stuffed and even had some to take home. I am looking forward to going back with some friends to try even more things!
(4)
Suzanne Z.
I would like to give this place a better review and admit I need to go back. I've only been here for a wedding. We were in their side venue, so I didn't get to see the main house. I don't know if I recommend tapas for a wedding... everything I tried was good, but sharing small plates with a big table did not make for much of a meal! We left starving. I did enjoy their sangria, and the staff running the bars were fun and friendly. The room the wedding was in was nice and large with a dance floor area. I can't wait to go back and eat a full meal here, I will update my review then and will definitely give more stars, based on what I saw from everyone else!
(3)
Kaye D.
Having a reservation via open table led us to being immediately seated in the restaurant. With the restaurant being in a home/mansion from the 1850s, the ambiance is cute and quaint. It is as if you were invited over for dinner at the home. Our waiter was attentive and knowledgable in explaining certain tapas dishes beyond the description included in the menu. There was a generous selection of cold and hot tapas. We didn't feel rushed to order everything all at once, nor pressured to finishing our food quickly. Our current favorites are the bacon wrapped dates (datiles con tocino), stuffed mushroom caps (champiñones) and grilled lamb medallions with onions and mushrooms (cordero al pastor). The red sangria was pretty fanstastic. It was fruity, flavorful and you felt the kick of the alcohol without it being too overwhelming in each sip. We tried the banana mousse for dessert. It was pretty good - whipped and airy, along with tiny chocolate shavings. I'd have it again. The flavor choice for the mousse (the banana) was different from anything I've had as far as mousse is concerned. As far as prices go, they're pretty moderate. Each tapas dish ranges from about $5-$15 depending on what your stomach is craving. Overall, it was a relaxing and fun experience.
(4)
Maya T.
The place is beautiful. It's expensive... but I had a Groupon deal for the small plates during lunch. Good food.
(4)
Michelle S.
Meson Sabika is a beautiful place to have a wedding. The staff was top notch and the grounds were lovely. The owner even made a point of talking to us and wanted to make sure everything was just right. The food was delicious and the environment was better.
(5)
Kristen H.
What a disappointment! I had been literally dying for almost a month to dine here for my birthday, after reading all of the reviews and looking at how gorgeous the establishment is. I'm not sure if those pictures are photoshopped, because the outside exterior is beautiful but once you walk into the mansion, the inside is not attractive, just a standard crowded restaurant. I had made a reservation for fifteen people, however as in most birthdays, most people do not show up exactly at the reservation time. So, I arrived with four other people. Immediately, we were greeted by our waitress, who began automatically making rude and blunt comments about where was everyone else. I informed her that they were running late. Eventually 12 people came, so we only had three seats open, and she still began making comments, such as "that's all of the people who are going to be here?!". It was not as though I had reserved a table for fifteen and only three people were there. Don't worry, your food is incredibly expensive, that you will still receive a large tip! The sangria was watered down, there was way too much ice inside of it. For a well known and recognized establishment, you can afford to add the booze inside of the sangria. I ordered the escalvida con queso and salteado de hortalisas.. My escalvida was phenomenal but I could have made a better salteado de hortalisas at home with fresher vegetables. I would have given this restaurant a three stars, almost four for their food. Yet, our server obsessed with her tip and completely demonstrated this throughout our entire dining experience. At the beginning of our meal, I did ask about separate checks, and she stated that she would not be able to do that but could take up to as many payments as possible. I find this odd that a restaurant with this much money could not do so. I used to work at Bakers Square and we could do separate checks; I feel that some places do this in order to receive larger tips and bills. Well, of course between fifteen people and a bunch of tapas and drinks, we were short on our bill and were having difficulty in figuring out who owed what, and our waitress actually rolled her eyes. This ruined my dining experience and made me wish that I would have gone to Macarena Tapas in Naperville instead. I will not be returning, which is unfortunate because once you make a tapas fan of me, I will forever be a loyal and returning customer.
(2)
Hannah P.
I had a birthday dinner here 2 years ago and I loved it. My birthday is at the end of Sept so we got to sit outside on the deck. It was beautiful. There was a wedding going on in the front, so it was kind of crowded...but once that died down it was great. Food service could have been faster; it takes awhile for the next round of dishes to come out in some cases. But typically it was worth the wait...everything was delicious for the most part!! Obviously these are tapas style meals so you're not going to get a huge mouthful of everything; definitely "taster" size portions. The staff was courteous, the mansion itself is gorgeous. Definitely a place everyone should go at least once!
(4)
Kyle C.
Meson Sabika is a very interesting restaurant. They serve Spanish tapas which are pretty small plates that everyone is supposed to share. The food itself is not bad, but it is pretty pricey for what you get. The staff is very formal and not very personable or attentive, which I would expect at a higher end restaurant like this. The atmosphere is actually what really make this place as it is in an old mansion which is really cool. I would go for a nice light formal dinner, but anything else I might consider elsewhere.
(3)
Scott F.
Was there last night with a party of 8 for a friends girlfriends birthday. First let me start by saying I don't love tapas or necessarily hate tapas, but it is what it is; you go in hungry and u leave hungry with no money. The service was interesting. I understand the whole tapas dining experience being drinking, sharing plates and visiting with friends over a long period of time but it seemed our waiter would disappear for long periods of times. I noticed no one at our table had their water refilled including mine throughout a 2 1/2 hour dining experience. After we all decided what we wanted to taste the waiter pretty much took over the check and decided how, what and when we all would be tasting the foods without acknowledging anybody at the table. Very interesting. All said and done the service was below average. The food was mediocre. It was an interesting menu with lots of choices and on paper it all sounds really good. But upon receiving and tasting u can tell everything was prepared earlier in the afternoon and was just slopped on a plate with a few garnishes, also under seasoned (If u aren't going to have salt and pepper on the table the food that leaves your kitchen better be on point chefs) I think the people that rate this place so high and love it so much get caught up in its location, concept and the ambience of this restaurant and don't understand good, cooked to order, seasonally prepared dishes. If the service was exceptional for my experience I could look past the mediocre dishes and understand why people loved this place so much...but sadly it wasn't exceptional. Now I am in the food industry and am a chef so u can take my review for what it's worth to u. Oh and get some new flatware meson sabika.
(3)
Ellen M.
I've given Sabika a few more chances, and they deserve a ratings upgrade. I've been especially impressed with the Salpicon, a cold seafood dish with peppers and other vegetables - it's fresh and delicious, and with the exception of some wonderful aromatic oil, it's a low-sin food. The calabaza acorn squash soup was also amazing. Also, I thought I was losing my mind when I ordered the Pama sangria (pomegranate flavored), but it turned out I was perfectly sane. Delicious, inventive drink.
(4)
Anahita L.
My favorite Spanish restaurant when i am not in Barcelona ...I love the food ..the ambiance and the service ..
(5)
Agnes L.
Making the mood: Loved how the mansion setting created a more unique atmosphere. It felt cozy with different rooms and floors, yet formal with the linens, decor and on-point service. Savoring the food: Because it's tapas, my husband, friend and I enjoyed a wide variety of dishes and leisurely lingered. We didn't feel rushed and the server gave us honest suggestions. Overall, the quality and pacing of the food was just right. However, the combos of ingredients were nothing new/different compared to other tapas restaurants I've visited. My favs of the night were - *Jamon Serrano - little open-face sandwiches are always an addiction for me and the hubby *Datiles con Tocino - hard to go wrong with the sweet-savory combo of classic bacon- wrapped dates *Pippirana de Buey- hearty skirt steak with blue cheese on potato *Empanada de Buey - another hearty dish with beef in a puff pastry and a little slaw and sour cream on the side
(4)
Christina D.
Being a longtime Meson Sabika lover there is very little I do not like about this restaurant. Seeing as though my husband I love this place so much, it's where we got married several years ago. We've gone to other weddings subsequently and every time we're there it's incredible. The ambience is really what grabs your attention when you first walk in. The old historic plantation style home is so gorgeous. The landscaping and grounds of the restaurant are so beautiful. When you first walk in you're always greeted by the host. Next, the drinks are incredible. The key lime martini is to die for. I get it every time. On to the food. There's not one thing on the menu I don't enjoy. Queso de cabra, the datiles, pincho de pollo. I could go on. It's a staple of naperville and you must try it!
(5)
Hayley H.
I wish they would remodel, not only the interior, but also the menu. I know they have been serving tapas since before they were cool, but their stuff is a bit outdated. Who HASNT had a bacon wrapped date? I can go to any ol' tapas place and get that. With such a pricetag, it should have a little more ingenuity. And better desserts. Yuck. Plus, there are too many children. Sorry, but NYE is for grownups, not kids. Go home. Get a babysitter. So selling your prix fixe menu with a free kids food tag in it is silly. Also silly, having a "special menu" but really just adjusting the amounts each person gets. Instead of 3 scallops, you get 2. Nothing special. Nothing memorable. If modernized, this place has the bones to be a landmark. Not only in Naperville, but also in the entire Fox Valley Area. Currently, its below the radar because its mediocre. Meh. Will not return unless remodeled and revamped.
(3)
Chloe H.
This place has always been a special treat for me. It's not very close to where I live, but it is easier to drive to than somewhere in the city. I went here for the first time when I was in high school for a Spanish field trip. Since then, I have returned about every 6 months or so. There is something about the intimacy and feeling of comfort I get every time I go there that keeps me coming back. I do have to say though, the last time I went, the noise level was very high compared to prior visits. My sister and I were seated by a large AND lively group, so I'm not surprised. But I was shouting to her like I was at Fox & Hound. Anyway, despite the change in the usual ambiance, the waitstaff was attentive and food was served quickly. Here are some of my favorite foods there. Queso de Cabra: goat cheese over garlic bread; I am a sucker for goat cheese, and this does not disappoint. Vieras al Albarino: scallops served over couscous in an apple butter sauce; this is probably my #3 favorite food of all time. Calamares a la Plancha: squid in a delicious olive oil/lemon juice concoction; sometimes the simple stuff works best. Tostada con Ternera: a sort of bruschetta with tomatoes, olive oil, a pinch of spices, and thinly-sliced veal on top. There were too many tomatoes on for my liking, but those were easily scraped off and I enjoyed the rest. I usually like paella, but it was my least favorite dish here. the Paella Mariscos had mussels that were extremely gritty, and I could hear the sand grinding against my teeth. But despite this setback, I have enjoyed pretty much every dish I have tried there. I leave satisfied about eating 2-3 dishes.
(5)
Sanjeev m.
still a great setup, but not impressed with the food or service.
(2)
Samantha B.
This place blew my mind. Its beautifully decorated, the service is amazing and the food was outstanding! I still dream about the bacon wrapped dates and stuffed mushrooms. This was just a really great tapas place. Went there with two of my girlfriends a few weeks back and we stayed there for over 2 and a half hours ordering different tapas and slamming pitchers of delicious sangria with fresh fruit. I only have two slight complaints...I went around noon on a Friday and it was extremely loud. The seating is pretty cramped so you have to yell over everyone else. Maybe it is more quiet on week days. Secondly, the prices were pretty expensive. The pitcher of sangria was 27 dollars (which we did not know until we received the bill)! It was good sangria...but not 27 dollars good. I guess teachers receive 30% off the bill and naperville teachers get 40% off. That was pretty cool because our bill total dropped immensely. Overall, great tapas. Will definitely go again.
(5)
Brian O.
Visited 4-5 times- exceptional small dishes & paella. Great white & red sangria. Terrific service. And, the atmosphere is among the best I've ever experienced (depending on the specific room you are placed in- this is essentially located in a mansion). Bacon wrapped dates are top notch. I'm not prone to hyperbole & tend to write long reviews for bad restaurants. It's funny how little you have to say in regard to the best restaurants. Be prepared to wait or get reservations well in advance- there is a reason this is so crowded- it excels in all regards.
(5)
Jonathan G.
Excellent food! The decor is nice and plenty of tables so no long waits. Very good sangria and the tapas menu has a great selection.
(5)
Chicago G.
People clearly come here for the atmosphere. Food is barely ok. Not at all worth the calories. Beautiful setting and beautiful patio. That's about it. If you have to eat here the best things to get are the skewers and the empanadas.
(1)
Tamara K.
I absolutely love Meson Sabika! This restaurant is one of the best if not the best in Naperville. The tapas are out of this world. I love coming on Sunday for their brunch where they have a buffet style selection of some of their best tapas and allow for your choice of omelet and mimosa. Great for special occasions as well! Famous for their garlic potato salad, and delicious paella.
(5)
Bob R.
Heard about Meson Sabika from a friend. Made a res. through Yelp. Showed 20 minutes early to see about getting seated early. Was shown to the bar and informed they would be back. Bar had very good energy, was able to step up and the bartender was right there even though the bar was very full. Shortly after, the young lady who showed us to the bar was walking through looking for us. Food was great, service was excellent will definitely be back!!
(4)
Rachel K.
My family and I come here a few times a year and usually come on my birthday. This past week, we made reservations to celebrate my birthday and the meal started out wonderfully. The server started great, we put in our sangria and cold and hot tapas orders and that was when things went south. Cold tapas came out great and as expected. Hot tapas all came out except for one dish which we had to ask about repeatedly which ended up finally coming out about 20 minutes after we had finished our meal. My mom ordered a separate drink and after 20 minutes of not receiving it and after asking our server about it twice, my mom went to use the restroom and saw the server just then asking the bartender for the drink. She told her to not bother since we were done with our dinner. We weren't too mad- we were all servers at one point and understand that things get really busy but we were pretty annoyed when she came back up and blamed it on the bartender. Just apologize and don't throw your other coworkers under the bus when you clearly forgot. We then had to call her over because she for some reason didn't feel the need to come and speak to us anymore...we asked for a coffee, some waters, and two desserts to split. 30 minutes later...no waters (after asking her twice more) and no desserts. The manager then started making her away around to check on tables and came and asked us how we were doing. We said it had been great at the beginning but then turned bad and we just wanted our check so we could leave and to not bother with the desserts we ordered 30 minutes ago-she assured us she would remedy the situation and get our server to give us our check immediately. Server comes BACK into the room twice, goes to every table but ours and does not bring check so we get our jackets and go downstairs to get the manager. Normally we see the owners and say hello but they were not there tonight (maybe that explains the poor service). Both of the managers spoke to us and were finally able to get us our check. They didn't have any answers as to why our service was so horrible and just kept saying sorry and trying to give us a gift card that we didn't want. We paid and left and mailed the gift card back to the owners with a note as to why we will not be eating there again. Really disappointing as it had been one of our favorite restaurants.
(1)
Meera V.
Its an amazing place especially for a date! Its not just the food, but the ambience is awesome too. Apparently its located in an old house and its beautiful. We went in summers when the outdoors is open too. Its really nice and well maintained. Staff is nice too, service ia fast. Nice variety of wines. All in all a very good experience. One of the best restaurants I have been to so far!
(5)
Lorrie K.
One of my Favorite places. Even if the food wasn't great I'd go because of the great garden and beautiful building. Flamenco dancing and spanish guitar, tapas and sangria. It's a mini vacation. Try the bacon wrapped dates yumm.
(5)
Molly C.
Best service and food ever! My first time here and my server explained everything to me with was very nice. Alot of veggie options. Everything was amazing, I loved the olives that were on the table! The cake with caramel sauce was so good we took some Togo.it was effortless service with amazing food
(5)
Cori B.
Food was great! The dining room was a little small.
(4)
Brian G.
It's alright. Honestly, it's not the greatest and never will be, but it's alright. I'll go back if someone plans an event there but I won't go out of my way to come here. The food is bland - I said it, go ahead and mock me. It's bland. Perhaps I went on an off day for the chef or maybe I made poor choices, but the food is bland. I was looking for some pop - a zip and kick to my food. It all looked, smelled and tasted the same to me. No, I wasn't sick - I swear. The lay out is nice, the service was great overall and the options were plentiful. I simply did not like the food. Why else would you go to a place like this? It's not an upscale bar where you can relax with your friends with rough scotch or martini. It's simply a place to go and eat. So my rating of 3 is only due to the creativity and layout of Mason Sabika as well as to the fact that it's not some God awful chain that's on every main street corner. If this was based purely on food then they would have received a 1. I dread hearing that family and friends want to come here.
(3)
Victrix V.
It's pricey, and quite simple for a tapas restaurant, yet this place has ambience and freshly baked desserts to offer. Great sangria, delicious desserts and truly yummy but not amazing knocks your socks off tapas. Too basic, too small for the price, too uninspiring-- I get bored eating here...Meson Sabika sticks to what it knows! I've never had bad food here, but I've never been completely impressed...it's inconsistent for 5stars and worth a pondering for 4 stars at time as well! It's for sure worth a go to try:)
(4)
T H.
Meson Sabika is definitely one of my favorite restaurants. I had never had tapas before, and did not know what to expect. I wanted to try something different, so chose Meson Sabika for a friend's birthday luncheon. I was pleasantly surprised. Our waiter was very nice and very helpful. He suggested some dishes, and they were all fabulous. I have to say, the garlic potato salad was phenominal. I don't do seafood, but my friend was really happy with her choice of tiger shrimp something or other. If your looking for a nice, clean, inexpensive dinner, this is the place. I cant wait to go back!
(5)
Karen G.
awesome, but pricy as always!
(4)
Mallory L.
If you live in Naperville and haven't dined at Meson Sabika, it's a must have for dining. The tapas are amazing and the sangria is always a great pair with the meal. My favorite dishes are the Pato Confitado, Pipirrana de Buey, Salmón Curado con Queso and the Patatas Bravas are among my favorites.
(5)
Rashi B.
LOVE this place. Every time the whole family is in town, we inevitably end up at Meson Sabika at least once! Love the live music and dancer and bar none best tapas around! Love love love!!
(5)
Vivek N.
The choices are great, grilled chicken and bacon was excellent. Best shrimp in quite sometime! Excellent ambiance.
(4)
Kate D.
Meson Sabika is okay. The mansion concept is cool, and I like having a solid tapas option in the western suburbs. Prior to last night, I had only been in the beautiful special event space for the Yelp Summer White Party in maybe 2009 or 2010. My book club dined in the main restaurant yesterday and I wasn't particularly impressed. The host staff were very friendly and attentive - they deserve 5 stars. We didn't eat a ton, but what we had was very good. Papas Bravas and Gambas Al Ajillo were particularly delicious. The menu is very heavy on goat cheese. I've never seen so many goat cheese-oriented dishes. They must buy it in bulk or something. Hey, I like goat cheese, so not a problem. The interior just feels cramped and musty to me. I feel like it's a family Thanksgiving dinner and Grandma had to set up tables in the spare room to accommodate everyone. Yes, they're doing the best with the space they have. But I wouldn't describe it as romantic simply due to the "eating in the living room" vibe. I'm sure I'll be back though, and I'll do what I can to end up on the patio. That may change my opinion of the ambiance. Our waiter, Chris, was inconsistent. Sure, he was attentive, but he lost any good will that garnered when it was time to pay. A member of our group is a Naperville teacher, which comes with a discount at Meson Sabika. When Chris presented the bill, he made a HUGE deal out of showing us the pre-discount check and instructed us to tip on that amount. WTF??? I get providing us with an extra check so we're aware of our pre-discount total, but what kind of presumptuous, patronizing waiter thinks it's okay to INSTRUCT diners how to tip him? His remarks were rude and unprofessional, and cost him that precious extra tip money. Yeah, I'll probably be back. I do want to give their patio a test drive. But it's just not the kind of place I'd go to for a special occasion.
(3)
Nicole L.
I've been here for 2 weddings and 2 dinners. The food is delicious and the decor is beautiful. The mansion rooms are quiet and intimate but it can be a little too intimate. We were bumping into each other when we were trying to manuever around the table. All in all though, great food and delicious sangria. =)
(4)
Alegna G.
Best sunday brunch ever! Well atleast that I've had. Amazing food, drinks, atmosphere. We sat outside on a gorgeous day. Beautiful outdoor patio. Our server was great. She was very friendly and attentive.
(5)
Kalena G.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in the area- especially in the summer. The restaurant is beautiful and it's great to sit outside here in the summer under the trellis and have some prickly pear sangria. Among my favorites are the bacon wrapped dates and the scallops.
(5)
Christopher B.
Had a lot of fun here! The Sangria was great! It helps if you love Tapas of course. I found the place to be very romantic...a great place for a date....or to get married!
(4)
Trisha B.
Beautiful mansion turned restaurant. Came here 6 yrs ago for a reception. Couldn't remember the food. But the food I had tonight was delicious. Tapas is the way to go for a couple girlfriends just relaxing and catching up. So many things to try. All dishes we tried were amazing. The taste was unique and made you wish there was more. The dessert we ordered was a simple pear pound cake served with ice cream. It sounds simple but it was decadent melt in your mouth delicious. And if you are into sangria, the mango sangria is amazing. There are many rooms filled with tables so plenty of seating. But make a reservation. We made a 6:30 reservation and the couple standing in front of us did not and there wasn't a table available until 9:30. The one negative thing I can say is that the room we were in was very loud and all the conversations were echoing. Tapas is a nice way to try different spanish dishes. But this is a bit pricey so plan on spending a bit more for dinner. A must try if you've never had tapas.
(4)
Max M.
3.5 Stars The drapes don't match the carpeting. Beautiful Victorian Mansion serving Tapas. Hmmmmm. Tapas falls under the shared/small plates trend that is so popular these days. Part of what is fun about small plates is the pace and energy that is characteristic of this style of dining. This is where there is a slight disconnect for me kinda like serving champagne from a food truck or serving whole roasted chicken at your local town's watering hole. For me, it's often about the food though. If this had been the best tapas I've ever had, then I wouldn't care if you served me in a laundromat. Alas, the food was respectable but it definitely didn't take me to Spain. There's no doubt that the venue is unique and quite lovely, but they pack em in here and it feels, at times, like you're in a Cheesecake Factory in Colonial Virginia. It's still deserving of another try.
(3)
Rich P.
The food was decent but the service was very poor and the waiter was borderline rude! Also, I had made reservations for my girlfriends Birthday and they completely forgot to bring out the "Special Birthday Dessert" they promised me when I called to make the reservations and the waiter was clueless. I also called to complain since it was a special occasion and the Manager did apologize but never sent the gift certificate he "Promised he would send"! When I called to follow-up he claimed he placed it in the mail over a week prior but doesn't know why I didn't receive. So, I gave it another two weeks or so since he claimed he would resend but still never received! I mean I don't live out in the middle of nowhere (in fact, only about 10 miles away!) or anything and have no problem receiving all my other mail so not sure why he couldn't get it to my residence- or maybe because he never sent it! Also, when we sat at the bar for a few after dinner drinks the bartender was quite rude, didn't acknowledge us for at least 10 minutes and then didn't even speak a word to us and just about threw the drinks at us! I felt disrespected and don't deserve to be treated this way, have no desire to go back!!
(2)
U J.
I have mixed feelings about Meson Sabika. Ideally I would love to love it, because their outdoor patio is fantastic, and everything about this place screams amazing. It's situated in an old mansion (supposedly haunted), it's gorgeous, and service has always been good. Foodwise though, there is nothing here that makes me want to go back for more. My husband and I have been here several times now due to living in Naperville, (and planning a wedding in Naperville a year ago, which meant lots of dinners out here during the process) and most recently last Friday night. We ordered 2 cold & 4 hot tapas and none of them were very good. Additionally, there is a chance that one of the appetizers had a piece of hair in it (I never say for certain as I understand it could have been my own too). Either way, my interest in this place has disappeared.
(3)
Casey W.
Delicious tapas in a gorgeous setting with a truly philanthropic owner. Definitely check it out in the summertime patio area!
(5)
Erin K.
Just fantastic...my friends wanted to lunch here to celebrate the start of summer. Having been for the Yelp event a few years back, I thought I might be let down to just have a few people at a patio table...how I was wrong! I really hadn't been to the patio side and in the shade of an umbrella it was a perfect afternoon setting. There were others there but it wasn't crowded. As I remembered, the food was amazing. There were even choices that pleased both my meat loving friends and my vegetarian friend. We eight tapas between us, a pitcher of sangria and 2 amazing chocolate raspberry desserts. I would easily recommend anything we tried. This maybe my go-to place for special get-togethers...just beautiful!
(5)
Sopla R.
You know how sometimes when you know you've not had stellar food? But you had a good overall experience? This was that for us. When you first arrive here you think. Southern plantation! You may also think you are in for an over the top experience to match those columns outside..and in a way you are.. Just not exactly in an authentic Spanish tapas culinary-way you'd think. The best way to describe this food? Decent banquet food. We tried 2 cold first. Carnes del Pueblo and Pulpo a la Feira. These were both underwhelming. We then ordered 4 more warm tapas. Our strategy after the cold because we thought maybe if we stuck to only the hot ones we'd have better luck. Most notable of the warm for us were : the Pipirrana de Buey and the Datiles con Tocino. Honestly, who can deny bacon wrapped dates? or any beef with blue cheese right? I forget what the other 2 were. Service. Both at the bar and table side were friendly and attentive enough..we asked (he didn't automatically offer up) what the specialties were since we'd never been) and then he took his ink pen and quickly told us/ ran down the menu and starred the ones he liked) it made me laugh that he did that. They were ready to refill (this time without asking) all non alcoholic beverages as well. he also recommend a decent Spanish wine by the glass so beverage wise our experience rocked! Conclusion: We enjoyed the kitchy ness/decor/ which can actually feel somewhat romantic with the fireplace and cozy rooms. I'd recommend coming here for the overall experience to try it at least once. Also, if I were ever in the area in the summertime I would def come back on a hot day and enjoy some sangria on that massive outdoor patio!
(3)
Rose D.
This is my favorite place to go for a special occasion night out. The food, and I've tried just about all of those tapas, is amazing! Add a pitcher of sangria & you are set! It will be difficult, but try your best to not stuff yourself and save room for a dessert or two to share. So worth it! I really love the look of this place. A nice stately white house, big columns, lovely landscaping set back from the road. When we take friends here for the first time they usually miss it because it was a home at one time and doesn't look like your typical restaurant. If you can, don't let them seat you upstairs. I understand the place gets busy & there may not be a choice but it's definitely not as nice as the main dining area & patio. When it's nice out I like to sit on the patio under the twinkle lights. The last couple of times we've been here the volume of the patrons chatter was LOUD, though. I'm used to this place having more of a romantic atmosphere so I'm not sure if it's just the Friday nights we've been here when it's loud or if that is the new vibe of the place.
(5)
Cass V.
We went here for Sunday brunch, first impression a bit mared by the fact they sat us between a walkway at a table for 6, there was 4 of us, normally no big deal except for the fact people had to keep squeezing past us to get to the buffet. We were moved to a second room that was much roomier. So on to the food, we started with the cava mimosas, I had the chorizo Benedict, which I was not a fan of, didn't care for the conistency of the bread they used it was really mushy, I would have prefered on traditional English muffin; Good: Spanish olives, garlic potato salad, tuna cannelloni,bacon wrapped dates, mushroom cap w/Spanish cheses, tiger shrimp Not so much: paella, mussels, grilled squid- very overdone The dessert were okay none were really noteworthy, tried: profiteroles, orange flan, hazelnut mousse, and some type of coder cake which b/ t all deserts was probably the best.
It was ok... ordered half a dozen tapas at lunch - cured meats and cheese were good... crab was nice but all just kinda ok. Went back for dinner, order sangria and a dozen plus tapas - kinda the same... best in Naperville whatever that means
(3)
Raymond M.
Wow didn't expect a place like this in Naperville! An old mansion renovated to be a tapas restaurant and one of the best looking bars in Chicagoland. We held a colleagues Bday here which she requested and now I feel the need to bring my wife so I don't talk about it without making her jealous. Considering my wife and I lived off of tapas on our honeymoon and I feel the need to bring her here is telling to say the least. Cannot wait to come back (with the Mrs. of course!)
(5)
Howard L.
We returned here for a family holiday lunch, and this cozy, quaint place makes that easy to become a tradition for us. The food was for the most part good as usual, particularly the beef tenderloin tapas and lunch entree we had. The bacon wrapped dates and beef tenderloin dishes were the highlights - the "sliders" lunch entree (bocadillo de solomillo) as well as the tenderloin with sweet potato (solomillos con moniato). The latter dish was pricey at $16.95, but very good. The garlic potato salad was also quite good and refreshing. The valenciana paella (chicken, shrimp, mussels, clams) was a bit off - as the rice was overcooked, and the dish on the salty, soggy side. We also had the garlic bread with goat cheese, but it was pretty skimpy on the goat cheese. The service was also a bit off today. It was on slow side, and water service was dismal as I had to ask for more water once, and gave up another time, which is unusual in my experience here. Overall - about 4 stars for today's lunch.
(4)
Cristie F.
Meson Sabika is the hidden gem of Naperville. And although it has been some time since I have dined there, it's always at the forefront of my mind when deciding on where to have dinner. Unfortunately I always opt for something in the 'hood instead. ((Gas is, what? $4.55+ a gallon right now?! Sheesh....)) Meson Sabika resides in the Willoway Mansion that was built way back in 1847. So yes, it's historic, vintage, and down right gorgeous. I love the entire feel of the place. There isn't that feel of dining in a restaurant where you're just another patron there to eat. At Meson Sabika, you're treated as if you're a special guest in their home. In my experience, service has always been exceptional. The food is no different. Served tapas style, you have your option of cold or hot tapas, soups and salads, or paella. Everything is delish, and the staff as always been accommodating to my dietary needs. But, before you dig in and start to order half the menu, a pitcher of sangria is a must. You have your choice of the classic Red or White, Cava, Pomegranate, Mango, Strawberry, or Pear. Not that the other flavors aren't good, but I'm a big fan of the classic red. As for the tapas, here's a few of my faves... :: Quesos Españoles ((Assortment of Spanish cheeses and apples)) :: Berenjena Con Queso ((Chilled grilled eggplant and goat cheese)) :: Patatas con Alioi ((Robust garlic potato salad)) :: Empanada De Buey ((Beef puff pastry)) :: Pipirrana De Buey ((Skirt steak with Cabrales blue cheese sauce)) :: Champiñones ((Stuffed mushroom caps)) :: Solomillos Con Moniato ((Grilled beef tenderloins with sweet potato, cherry tomatoes & red wine sauce)) ::Crepe Rellena ((Crepe of spinach, goat cheese, almonds and apples)) :: Datiles Con Tocino ((Roasted dates wrapped in bacon)) :: Vegetariana Paella And let's not forget about the desserts....Mousse De Abellanas ((Hazelnut mousse served on top of cocoa sponge cake with strawberry sauce)) -- Swoon. The desserts are decadent and to die for. Meson Sabika is also a hot spot for weddings. I've never been to one there, but friends of mine who have, have done nothing but rave how gorgeous it was and how wonderful the food was. I can only imagine how picturesque it must be in the spring and summer with the gorgeous greenery and flowers. ((And if I were dumb enough to get married again locally...chances are, it would be here...)) I love Meson Sabika, and I miss it. So, with all that being said, I think it's time I make myself a reservation.
(5)
Mary C.
Everything here is so good. Recommend the bacon wrapped dates, gambas marinadas, tostada con centollo, Pipirrana de Buey, potatas bravas and many more. The patio is great when it's warm and Sunday brunch is awesome. Favorite dinner place by far.
(5)
Katie D.
The ambiance is definately different and good. However, was not pleased with the spanish tapas, I can say there are definately some good tapas places and Meson Sabika does not stand out. The food was decent but little pricey. Overall, worth trying it.
(3)
Sharan K.
I have visited this place for their Sunday brunch buffet and it was a delightful experience. They featured champagne (or sparkling wine as the server likes to call it) or mimosa (which is champagne mixed with orange juice) - the first one is standard part of the brunch and subsequent ones are a little cheaper. Tea, coffee and juice are included with the buffet. The place was crowded and it was wise to make reservations prior. You get to choose one of 3 styles of omelet, one of 2 soups and 1 of 4 (or sometimes 5) desserts from the kitchen via your server. You get unlimited breads with butter on the table and of course they have a longish table with hot tapas choices {stuffed mushrooms, pork, beef, chicken, sausages, all with grilled vegetables} . There is another table with cold tapas {salmon, caprese topped with sardines, tuna filled cannellonis, etc) . They also have something more "American" traditional for the little ones like hamburgers and fries. Also added to the Sunday buffet are 3 seafood hot preparations and 3 meat preparations (beef, chicken and pork). There is even a carving station! Then there are several fruits, including papaya, watermelon, honeydew melon, strawberry, cantaloupes, etc. I almost forgot they always have the dates wrapped in bacon, drizzled with something, works like a dessert in itself! I think they call it Dátiles con Tocino. The placed is housed in a mansion and has a separate large hall (for banquets). They have very nice service and the little touches, which in my humble opinion - make this place classy. Such as a large mirror just outside the restrooms (signs marked Senores and Dames, make it easy to figure them out), so you can check yourself prior to returning to your table. Even the cups are curved in the right way, something I have not seen elsewhere, so when they touch your lips, it is easier to sip. The service is excellent over all. I shall be back for sure.
(5)
Olivia B.
The food was good. The experience was poor. We had a reservation but had to wait for a table. That's fine, though we passed a large room full of empty tables on the way to the bar... After 10 minutes, we realized most people at the bar were being seated in that room, our table included. Then a red flag went off: every table in that room was filled in about 15 minutes. My instinct was right...my table of 4 ordered 3 tapas dishes at a time and we unfortunately received one about every 20 minutes. That means we each had a bite of food, 2 bites tops, and then sat for 20 minutes. That being said, I was hungry! I've never eaten more bread in a meal than I did here. At least they kept the bread coming... And with the slow food service, the whole meal took a long time. The reservation was at 8 and we left at 10:30... Also, the menu is so large it was overwhelming. My table agreed it would be easier if these paper menus were similar to a sushi place, where you mark off what you want!
(3)
Michelle G.
We finally went here for Valentine's Day after living in the area for 12 years. The mansion is gorgeous - great ambiance (we ate upstairs). The menu was prix fixe but had a great variety. We loved the bacon-wrapped dates and ordered more. I'd love to come back in the summer to eat on the patio.
(5)
Dema A.
Been here twice so far and we love it. Definitely be back for more. All their tapas are delicious and you cannot go wrong with any of the warm tapas, we haven't tried any of the cold ones yet. Good wine selection and a great service.
(5)
Amy H.
Our wedding in June of this year was damn near perfect thanks to the hard work, attention to detail and genuine concern of Katie, our coordinator, and the day-of wedding staff at Meson Sabika. Not only were my husband and I tremendously happy with the venue itself which allowed us to have a lovely outdoor ceremony and an elegant reception, but the food could not have been better. Everyone we talk to post-wedding has complimented the food at our wedding and you would think at least one or two were just being nice had we not been equally impressed. The beef tenderloin was cooked perfectly, not dry or overdone like you often have at weddings. The quality of food was a huge deal for us when we were shopping for venues and MS did not disappoint. Our guests were also delighted to find sangria on every table and we were delighted to have a unique event. Thank you Meson Sabika!
(5)
Jaime R.
New Years dinner- 39.95 a person. Disappointing to say the least. The bacon wrapped dates were too sweet and not enough saltiness to balance. The salmon wrapped asparagus was good and the potato salad was the highlight (yes really the potato salad). The scallop and shrimp crouton was good although not memorable. For entree - dry medium to medium well filet fell flat but the lobster tail was done well. And the biggest disappointment was the dessert. We had a table of four and they brought out a random selection of dessert. I thought we were each going to get a dessert per the menu. In fact, we did not and only each got ONE dessert. This would have been ok (although the way the menu is printed - this is still highly misleading) if the server had asked us which dessert we all wanted. Instead we have two lactose intolerant people and got two cheesecakes and one sorbet for four people. What in the world?? Terrible I expect so much more than this from our regular Sunday brunch spot. Would never do their NYE again.
(1)
Sabrina C.
I really like this place. The restaurant is basically set up in a mansion - and the decor is far more Old World than Spanish... but it's great, and the people are wonderful and the menu is extensive and the food is awesome. (Phew.) They have a great mix of hot and cold appetizers - I wish I had written this review at the restaurant so I could have listed all the things we'd eaten (over a few trips there now, I'd say we've legitimately tried at least 2/3 of the menu.) I will say the cold potatoes with aioli were basically potato salad and just ok, but that's the only thing I haven't LOVED here. The bacon-wrapped dates are an absolute must. The shredded duck (a hot tapa) was also amazing. Skirt steak with blue cheese... yup. Killer. Reservations are definitely needed; I think most Napervillians realize that because there was literally no one waiting when we arrived, but they were PACKED. (One thing worth noting: While this didn't apply specifically to us nor impact our experience in any way, I did note the struggle another couple was having with the limited handicapped options. The second time we were there we also dined upstairs because the lower dining rooms were full - so I'd recommend letting them know in advance with your reservation that you may require additional assistance and a downstairs table. The bathrooms are NOT handicap friendly. Very small and narrow.)
(4)
Laura S.
This place is super cool. It's tucked away and you would never know it is a restaurant. There is a building for wedding receptions on-site that looks absolutely beautiful and the actual restaurant is in what seems to be an old house. There are tables set up in each room and it feels very authentic. The food was GREAT. Both the strawberry and peach sangria were wonderful. I don't think I tried anything that I didn't like. The Queso de Cabra was easily the best item on the menu (or best item we ordered!). Our waiter was very attentive. My only complaint is that our table was small and we felt packed in like sardines. Obviously this is not unique to just this restaurant, as most restaurants try to squeeze too many people in one place.
(5)
Beth M.
the lamb was unbelieveable and the outdoor space is quite pleasant. We weren't huge fans of the sangria.
(4)
Amanda S.
Ohhhh, tapas. Why are you so expensive? I first fell in love with tapas in Spain, where most are free (yes free!) when getting a drink. They are the perfect size for sampling and sharing. I went here on a Friday afternoon with some girlfriends and we put down. I was surprised at how loud it was, I don't know if it is the shape of the rooms and it effects the acoustics, either way it was loud. We chowed down on multiple tapas but my favorite was the goat cheese with tomatoes. I could have had that and bread all day. We also enjoyed a few pitchers of Sangria but man is that stuff pricey. It'll cost you $27 for a pitcher of that stuff, so don't get too hooked. It was good, but I don't think it's worth the price. The tapas are good it's worth going on a nice occasion because the building and grounds are beautiful, but for a better deal go to Macarena's tapas. They have just as good food AND a Groupon regularly!
(4)
Stefanie W.
Favorite place...so much so that we're at risk of over-dining here. Where do I begin? The Food ~ The big draw is the tapas but they have some fine paellas too. If you don't know, tapas are little plates. Each is like a little almost appetizer of a particular dish. Dinner for two might consist of 5-6 plates. I think I've eaten everything. All is good but there are just a couple that to me I'd say not worth it. My favorites are for cold dishes, the marinated shrimp with the trio of sauces, the garlic potato salad and the Spanish ham with cheese on toast points. That last one I never would have tried had it not been for the recommendation of our Spanish exchange student. Seemed too simple to be good. I was wrong. My favorite cold dishes are the bacon wrapped dates, the skirt steak with blue cheese and the sausage combination of chorizo and blood sausage (oh, quiet and try that one! You don't go to this place to bore your palate!) The dining experience... Nibbles on the table consist of marinated olives and bread and butter. A LOT of people love their sangria - and it IS good - but for the price ($25 a pitcher) I'd prefer to have a nice bottle of wine. Service is generally great. My preference is to come here with no more than four people because beyond that makes the dish sharing a bit much. Surprisingly this is a good place for kids because the kids meals are terrific without being horribly expensive. Nothing worse than going out for a nice meal and having to play $6.95 for frozen chicken fingers. Here they offer a nice skirt steak among other meals. Atmosphere ~ You have your choice between the various dining rooms, the bar and the patio. Meson Sabika has, by far, the BEST patio dining around. Just lovely. The bar is high energy and gives you a front row for the weekend entertainment. There are 3 tables for four and 2 for two in there as well as the bar seats. The dining rooms are all very nice with upstairs being quieter than down. Dress ~ I have seen everything from too casual to wedding attire but it tends to be on the nicer end of things.
(5)
Karen C.
Always a wonderful meal and event! The family is so giving....... Meson made our 2015 Distinguished Service Awards one of the best yet! Thanks for all you do! -The Naperville Jaycees
(5)
Jennifer N.
Excellent food and service! Their tapas menu is quite extensive. The atmosphere is wonderful and the setting is beautiful. This is the place to go for tapas in the suburbs!
(5)
Brittany B.
The ambiance and staff are great, but honestly the food is nothing to write home about. For the price of our dinner ($100 for two), I expected better.
(3)
Meghan M.
I love this place. It's great for a celebration with a big group, or an intimate dinner for two. My favorite dishes are the queso de cabre, bacon wrapped dates. They always have great service. The sangria pitchers are pricey, but very good. Overall, I would recommend this place for great food and awesome ambience.
(5)
Jean Z.
It is one of our favorite restaurants in Naperville. All the tapas are good to try. I also had an over 30 person birthday party. The food and service is very excellent.
(5)
Shin M.
I read that this place was in a really big mansion but when I got there, it wasn't as extravagant as I had expected. The inside just looked like each room was a really nice dining room. Nothing special. The staff were friendly but could have been friendlier... My friend and I came here and I THINK the following is what we ordered: Strawberry lemonade: It was OK, a little watered down. Too much ice. Queso de Cabra- (oven baked goat cheese with garlic bread) The oven baked goat cheese came in a tomato bisque-like soup with garlic bread on the side. I loooooved the goat cheese in the bisque-like soup. It was really creamy and delicious. However, I wasn't a big fan of the garlic bread. It had really hard, dry, and had crispy edges. Even the appearance of it was unsatisfying- it was green so it looked moldy even though it wasn't. Gambas con Espinacas- (Sauteed tiger shrimp atop spinach with a white wine honey pepper sauce) This was really tasty! The white wine honey pepper sauce made this dish delicious! FYI- there were two servings of this. Gambas al Ajillo- (Grilled tiger shrimp with garlic lemon butter) This was just OK. There were maybe 6 shrimp with garlic lemon butter drizzled over them. Nothing special. Vieras Albarino- (Grilled sea scallops served over Mediterranean couscous with apple and tomato butter sauce) As delicious as this sounds, it wasn't. This was my least favorite dish. The sea scallops were just tasteless. The couscous was also tasteless. There just wasn't enough sauce on the sea scallops or couscous. FYI this comes with 3 scallops. Cazuelita de Chocolate- (Soft-centered, warm chocolate cake served with caramel ice cream) This was very similar to a warm gooey brownie, but not as good as a brownie! Tarta de Chocolate y Caramelo- (Warm bittersweet chocolate and caramel custard baked in a hazelnut tart crust with vanilla ice cream) This sounded deeeelicious, but again, it failed to deliver. People should just stick to making lemon tarts- chocolate tarts do not work out. Overall, this place was okay. I would be willing to go back and try more dishes one day.
(3)
Brook B.
Yummy Sangria and great food. Perfect place for a girls night out. Have been here multiple times and have never been disappointed. Tip - bring a friend who is an educator with proof they are and you will receive a 40% discount on your bill.
(4)
Allison K.
After years of hearing that I HAD to go to Meson Sabika I finally tried it out this weekend! The servers are professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. Ben was a joy. Funny, handsome, and I wish I was 15 years younger! The food was spectacular (bacon wrapped dates, need I say more?) and each tapa I tried was better than the last. Try the spice and ice if you want to feel healthy while you get drunk.
(5)
yoku s.
The food is good, prepared well, and we've been customers for a long time. We recently did carry-out twice, and I found that experience to be confusing. Nobody updates me on where my order is / how long I have to wait. I literally stood there and people-watched until my order showed up. I also purchased gift certificates here when they offered $20 gift certificate for every $100 purchased. I did not know there would be a limited time to use it, and you cannot use multiple in one sitting. Restaurants really need to let people know these 'fine prints' beforehand.
(4)
Nicole S.
Okay.. so the reason I am giving only 3 stars is because although I went to Meson for dinner and it was AMAZING!!! I went back the next day for brunch and it was horrible. My husband and I went to Meson for dinner on a Saturday night and it was great. Our server was very nice, knowlegable of the menu, and made sure we had everything we needed. He also offered us discount coupons to return for the Sunday brunch which we were happy to accept. The next morning we grabbed our kids and headed to Meson. If I could give dinner 5 stars and brunch 1 star I would. The brunch was one word "gross". The food was not even mediocre it was just bad. After paying nearly $40 I left Meson hungry. I also didn't like that there were absolutely no menu options available and the only thing you could order custom was an omelette which was folded eggs with a couple of pieces of meat and a slice of cheese. It was a total dissapointment and definitely not what you would expect after having their amazing lunch or dinner menu. Meson needs to step it up fast!
(3)
Lindsay D.
I love everything about this place. Great food, amazing service and a nice ambiance- especially if you can get a spot outside. Keep up the great work, Meson Sebika!
(4)
Sam T.
Real tapas are free! While that culture will never fly in the United States, this place does have amazing Tapas dishes for a price. Food: Sangria - Refreshing Paella - I've had better but not bad Duck Confit - Best dish we order! Moist with a darker flavor. Lamb Medallions - Without the game taste. Done right. Bacon wrapped Dates - Interesting... Service: Friendly enough to give us a tour and recommendations. Fairly attentive staff. Environment: Felt like I was in a colonial mansion in the Mideast. Wait....that's exactly it..... Price: Didn't pay but it didn't look cheap. =) Food: 4 Service: 5 Environment: 4 Price: 3
(4)
Rick S.
All the food is phenomenal it's okay to try anything here. However getting everything off the menu will set you back. The service is impeccable! Wish we could dine here more often.
(5)
Michael S.
Amazing everything. Paella is worth the wait and come with an open mind as to what to order and eat. The more variety you can order the more you will enjoy the Tapas. Remember this is Tapas and small plates are the norm.
(5)
James N S.
We went Here for date night and it was wonderful. There was live music/dancing and it was so much fun. Food was excellent and service too. :)
(5)
Holland H.
My favorite was was the Montaditos de Cerdo (pork medallions). The frutas con mousse blanco was a great light dessert. Amazing food. Anything you order will not disappoint! We will be back!
(5)
Rosa C.
Great place to eat tapas and taste a little bit of everything. The service is good. Gourmet style, price is high.
I found this place on "Open Table" and decided to give it a try... absolutely loved it. have been there several times and it doesn't get any better. The ambiance of the old mansion, the bar, and the food is fantastic. The staff very friendly and the food fantastic. They have a great array of food choices for anyone from vegetarian, to gluten free to carnivore palate. The tapas are decent size and can be shared b/w 2-3 people. And most important, they taste delicious... especially when shared with great wine... I love this place :) and can't wait to go back.
(5)
Cathy R.
Monday night, my husband and I were in the mood to go out and came across yet another place we haven't visited in the neighboring burb - Meson Sabika. We haven't had tapas in a while since we moved out of the city, so we were excited. The place was beautiful, as most of the other reviews have commented. It was a mansion turned into a restaurant/banquet hall. The service was good, they were always attentive and made sure our water glasses were full (that's always a big deal for me). What we ordered: Pincho de Pollo - chicken tenderloin and chorizo with cumin garlic mayo - tender and flavorful. Would I order it again? Maybe...but there are so many other things on the menu to try.. Pipirrana de Buey - skirt steak with bleu cheese sauce. - A MUST. Definitely the winner of the night. So savory and delicious. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Calamares a la Plancha - grilled squid in garlic lemon olive oil - nice and clean taste. Can't really go wrong with it at all. Mariscos Paella - filled with a variety of seafood - loved the flavor and texture of the rice, but the seafood itself was slightly overcooked. Still very tasty, and honestly when you order a bunch of tapas and are still hungry, the paella will help to fill you up. We ordered one more tapa that I cannot seem to find on the online menu - smelt on a bed of tomatoes and lettuce with some avocado- the smelt was very good, but there was so little of it that we didn't think it was worth it. We were so full that we didn't have the chance to try dessert. We do plan on coming back to try many of the other options, as well as the sangria. Can't wait to visit again!
(4)
Derrick T.
It's late evening on a Monday, and the wife and I are looking for a meal we can enjoy together that's Paleo friendly. We pull up to a mansion of a place (literally, a mansion) that has phenomenal atmosphere, and super friendly staff even though we arrive 1 hr before they close. Eating out on Paleo is doable but difficult at times... especially as a foodie who appreciates things like rice (semi-Paleo), cheese (primal, not paleo), and cakes/tarts/flans (totally not Paleo). Regardless, Meson Sabika actually had some great paleo and primal options! 1. Started with olives, no bread. Simple, tasty, enjoyable! Green olives were great. 2. Skirt steak with blue cheese and onions - Holy smokes. This was the best tapas we had all night. Get this! (primal) 3. Pincho de Pollo - The sliced chorizo was delicious. The chicken, tender and good, but only one skewer (four bit sized pieces) and one slice of chorizo... tasty, but definitely won't fill you for the $7. (paleo, forgo the mayo) 4. Calamares la plancha - Grilled quite perfectly, and a respectable quantity. Worth getting, especially when you add a squeeze of lemon across the top for a little bit of acid. (paleo!) 5. Mariscos paellea - We ordered this to help fill our bellies up... seriously, at tapas, without a good rice dish, we typically find we have to spend a lot more to feel full. No different here. A huge plate of well seasoned paella for $15. (semi-paleo, depending on how your body reacts to the grain) 6. White smelt, tomato, avocado - This was one of their specials. The smelt was phenomenal, with two pieces per serving (3 servings). Each serving had a slice of tomato topped with two smelt, then covered with avocado... when it first showed up, we didn't even see the smelt (avocado cuts were large, smelt were small). While tasty and fun to try at least once, I don' t know that we'd re order this again... Verdict: It's not cheap, it can be affordable if you order the right things (paella, potato dishes, etc), but really the focus here is the quality of ingredients and the atmosphere. It's a beautiful spot for an evening out, date night, etc. with great service to back it up. The quality of ingredients are excellent, and at some point, we'll be back to try the sangria. Very tasty, and worth a revisit!
(4)
Rachael Z.
I have been here more times than I can count. With the exception of one horrendous experience (not worth exploiting, but bad enough to knock down a star), this is one of my favorites (if not THE favorite) in Naperville. Wonderful, fresh food and sangria. Beware: the sangria has brandy so it will knock you on your butt! I've been to weddings here and even my own bridal shower was here. Biggest piece of advice (other than reserving a table): do NOT leave without trying the bacon wrapped dates! Also: the brunch is incredible!
(4)
Harris N.
The venue is definitely first rate. It's an old mansion that has been renovated to be a restaurant. It's set on a large lot and has a room and the parking for large parties. Tables are small and the dining room is intimate. You'll need to make sure they keep clearing the table to make room for more food. The food is good, but not great. We had a lot of their tapas. Serrano Jamon, Tostada con Piquillo, Mariscos Paella, Gambas con Guindillas, Pato Confitado, Champiñones, Queso de Cabra, Patatas Bravas, Pincho de Solomillo and Cazuelita de Chocolate. Most of the tapas were well done with good taste. The Paella was a little soupy for Paella. It needed to be cooked a bit more.
(3)
Kristine H.
Best sangria in town! Excellent service, ambiance and food choices. Would visit again.
(5)
Katie L.
Hadn't visited here in a while, but came for Valentine's Day this year! We had a 9:30 reservation and were seated early, which pleasantly shocked me! They were offering a prefixed menu for the holiday in addition to the regular menu and it seemed like the better deal, so we went with that. It was $42.95 per person and offered 6 different kinds of tapas, some cold, some hot, filets and lobster tails, and two desserts! Definitely seemed worth the money for all of the variety for two people, and it allowed my husband to try a little bit of everything since it was his first time. Our favorite dishes were the potato salad, shrimp and scallop salad, bacon wrapped dates, filet, lobster, and the white sangria! Thanks for making our date night so special!
(5)
Heidi P.
I thought the food was fantastic and the old plantation house had a great feel.
(4)
Michael J.
Without a doubt, one of the best restaurants that I've ever been to. My ONLY complaint, and I mean ONLY, is that it is EXTREMELY loud. If you are looking for intimate conversation over a meal, this is not the place. Both times that I have eaten here, the atmosphere has been the same: chaotic. Aside from the massive horde of people eating here on the weekends, they have an in-house Spanish style dancer who goes from room to room clapping some sort of noise maker. The food is out of this world, though. Just down some extra sangria to counteract the noise (it's delicious).
(5)
Hungry M.
A great place all the way around, but, I still miss Francois Sanchez in the kitchen.
(5)
Clint K.
I probably should have written this review much sooner! I have been to Meson many times and their service and food never disappoint! My favorite hot tapas is Queso de Cabra and theirs is one of the best I have had at a Tapas restaurant. Never had issues with reservations and anyone I have brought has been extremely happy with the choice! Thank you Meson!
(5)
Bob Z.
Some friends and I met here for an after-work get together. The landscape and architecture is just beautiful. We came back during the holidays and they make it a magical view. The food is great. Lots of old and new flavors. The only down side is the rooms don't match the cuisine. The rooms have beautiful decor, but more old world ballroom feel. Service and food is awesome. We'll be back.
(4)
Stephanie R.
This place was great! Went here for a girls night, and we loved it! The food was incredible. I loved all of the different meats and the bacon wrapped dates! The sangria was okay, nothing to write home about. We enjoyed the Latin dancers, but they did make it hard to talk. It seemed like they moved around a bit, because they were only by our table for about fifteen minutes. Yes, it's expensive. But it's worth splurging on every so often. I will definitely be going back!
(5)
Eric S.
I hadn't been to Meson Sabika for several years, but their Sunday Brunch exceeded my memories as well as my expectations. The brunch buffet offerings were plentiful, varied, fresh, & flavorful. The service and ambiance were excellent as well.
(5)
Anonymous F.
Love this historic little scene. Tapas are amazing! dessert - best Cake i've ever had! cons- confined space, not for children/strollers. Almond cake was the best cake I've ever had in my entire life.
(5)
Jennifer L.
I had heard great things about Meson Sabika for a long time and I was really excited to finally get to try it, but was very disappointed by my experience here. I met a group of people here for a friend's birthday dinner. The first red flag was when our server (Davi) asked if everyone had arrived. When we said that most people had arrived and we might be expecting one or two more, she made a face and asked, "That's it?!" Lose the attitude, it's not like there were 3 people sitting at a table set for 14. She at least appeared to be organized in taking our multiple orders. My fiance and I ordered several dishes: tomate y queso, jamon serrano, empanada de buey, queso de cabra, and crepe rellena. The jamon serrano and queso de cabra were actually very good. It took 45 minutes for the empanada de buey to come out and it came only after we asked for it again. We also had a couple glasses of sangria, which were only okay. The best part of the night came when it was time to pay the bill. Davi claimed that she wasn't able to split checks (which was not indicated anywhere on the menu that I could see). Due to our own disorganization, we didn't keep good track of who ordered what, so it took us a long time to figure out our checks. We thought we had it all figured out, but it turned out we were still short. At one point, she walked in to check on us while we were still trying to sort out the issue, realized we weren't ready, and actually made a face, rolled her eyes, and walked out. Way to represent your restaurant! The food was okay, but not something worth coming back for another visit if this is the kind of service I can expect to receive. We had been considering planning our wedding at Meson Sabika, but immediately let go of that idea after this unfortunate visit.
(2)
Plumeria B.
One of my most favorite places to go when in Naperville. Outstanding food, service and atmosphere. Each time I visit I am never disappointed. Tapas is perfect and if you get a chance to indulge with the Sunday brunch do it! Don't be sour about crowds cause this place is always packed! No wonder! 5 Stars from me. :)
(5)
S P.
If you like tapas you'll love this place. Too many great dishes to elaborate. Just go there and you won't be disappointed. The service is also very good. Would've given 5 stars if the chairs weren't so uncomfortable. I know it's a strange detail to comment on, but they missed this detail.
(4)
Mo L.
The outdoor patio is really lovely. We went here for Fathers Day dinner and will definitely go back! Great red and white sangria. The tapas was delish! The shrimp in white wine sauce was great, baked goat cheese tasty, very nice kids meals. We will go back for sure. I definitely recommend asking to sit outside to get the full relaxed experience.
(4)
Rajani P.
Best place for a lazy Sunday brunch. It's not something I can afford to do a lot, but whenever I want to indulge myself, this is one of the places for me.
(5)
Charlotte W.
Big white mansion, crystal chandeliers, Spanish dancer and guitarist, lots of different dishes, classy bar, giant lovely patio, various dining rooms, Naperville... what can be better?! Love this place! If you're up for some variety in your diet, check out this Spanish tapas place for sure. Price of the food, which may seem a little on the higher side, is equal to the deliciousness and quality of the food. If you're the "I-want-my-food-to-stick-to-my-bones", this may not be the place for you since you order several small dishes for sharing (can become a bit more complicated with larger parties, but still manageable) rather than one big ol' half a cow. This is typically a place that I like to wear at least a nice pair of jeans, nice shirt, and a pair of heels, but there doesn't really seem to be a dress code, I've seen casual to wedding attire. Seriously people, it's in a mansion, get classy! In the summer, the patio is the best! Make reservations or you'll never see a seat! It is huge, with lights strung from the trees that overhang the tables. There is also a portion that is on the deck under roof cover but still open. Bar is nice for the best view of the entertainment, and is also busy usually. There is of course lots of dining room seating too, but I prefer either bar or patio. Service is generally good, and even if it's really busy and service is sketchy, I honestly don't care too much because it's a lovely atmosphere. Food is delicious! There is cold tapas, hot tapas, and complimentary Spanish olives and bread brought to the table. For the cold tapas, I love the Jumbo tiger shrimp which come with 3 sauces, the very garlicky potato salad, and as for the hot tapas, the skirt steak is the bleu cheese sauce with onion is good, the bacon-wrapped dates, and plenty other dishes as well. Desserts are phenomenal, though I was disappointed to find out that (at least for now) one of my favorites is off the menu (which does change). But still, get one! They do have kids meals which are a good price for some good options. Can't order myself a drink yet, but lots of wine selections, beer, mixed drinks, and their ever-popular sangria will no doubt suck me in in a few more months!
(5)
Erica H.
Great place for tapas. My favorites were the dates and mussels. Most of their menu is gluten free which is great for us Celiac folks. Will definitely return to try out more!
(4)
Claira V.
So many good things to try! Love the queso de Cabra,bacon wrapped dates,empanadas,chicken skewers, and tostada con centollo. It's a great place to share a meal with a date or a small group and share items.
(5)
Kathleen M.
I just had a glorious day with not one but two quilt activities. Can a day get any better? Yes, as a matter of fact it can. You can have an early dinner at Meson Sabika. In between my two slices of quilt heaven, I met a friend here at 4:15 and we basically had the place to ourselves and it is HUGE and gorgeous. We sat on the back porch and looked out over the lovely grounds. I had a great salad with hearts of palm, lettuce and other delicious ingredients plus the Gambas al ajillo. They were both incredible but very slow to come out. I imagine the kitchen was just getting going but it did take an awfully long time. We finished up by sharing the pear dessert which came out quickly and a Cappuccino which may have been the best I've ever had, it was a caffeine junky's dream. Plus, when the bill came my friend showed her Naperville School District Teacher I.D. and we got a very nice discount. How is that for showing teachers some love. It made me want to hug the waiter and find the owner and hug him or her. I have never seen such a wonderful gesture. Why has it taken me so long to come here? The return trip will be much quicker! Not only because one of my quilt fun activities is monthly but because I love this place as much as they love teachers. No more, I love it more!
(5)
Karli K.
Always a fave- I've moved but always go when back in naperville. Garlic potato salad!!!!! Olives, calamari, salmon-you name it it's great! Best thing is the beautiful home and property/restaurant. Consistently good and sangria is yummy too
(5)
Jaime G.
Dude. A tapas place in a mansion? In Naperville? Yes. So great here. Best is the bacon wrapped dates followed by the duck confit. For wine, try the Raimat Vina cab. Spanish wine that creamy and bold. For dessert, try the cazuelita de chocolate...a warm chocolate cake with caramel ice cream. Great for a special occasion and worth the trip to Naperville.
(5)
J.W. W.
This was the first place I went to when I came to Naperville and I have been back many times since. A unique experience.
(5)
Lori T.
I've been here several times. It is an amazing experience. The only bad thing about this place is that it has ruined tapas for me at every other place I've tried them. Definitely a gourmet food and because you are ordering small plates you can try so may different things. I would never say no to a trip to Meson Sabika. Just try everything - its all good.
(5)
Sacha T.
Service was great, food was pretty good well. I lived in Spain and found the seafood in the paella to be perfectly cooked but a bit bland in flavor (Usually can taste the garlic and saffron). Everything else was excellent. Croquettes were great, Morcilla Awesome, and Patatas Bravas very authentic. Overall a great meal.
(4)
Carol K.
As a girl who loves the "back story" of historic buildings, the building that houses Meson Sabika is rich in history. Located near downtown Naperville, originally, the Willoway House, a Georgian colonial, was built in 1847 and sits on 4 gorgeous acres. Tapas served in a historic house in Naperville? What is wrong with this picture?? Well, right or wrong, this place is lovely. From the time you pull into the lot- to making your way to the front of the mansion , to having a drink at the bar in the bar or outside at your table, this is a great experience. Perfect for that date night with someone special or a night out with the girls, the people here will take good are of you with a high level of service and great tasting food. On this visit- we sat outside and had appetizers and drinks before moving indoors to an upstairs dining area. We sampled an array of their offerings with each one being better than the one before it. And the servers were personable and friendly. While I don't get to Naperville very often- it will definitely go on my "visit again" list when I do. Perfect for everything from a date to a larger affair!
(4)
Rich P.
Excellent service, fantastic location and ambiance. An excellent Tapas restaurant comparable to that of Emilio's for those living in the southwest suburbs. Price is high but it coincides with the quality. Selections and freshness of the seafood were excellent. Great experience and worthwhile visit for special events.
(4)
Insun M.
Came here for my engagement party. For a big party they did not allow tapas but instead plated meals..which kind of defeats the entire point of going to Meson Sabika. Words of advice, don't come with large parties because the plated dishes were average. The best part of the meal were the tapas we ordered as a passed appetizer.
(3)
Julie T.
Wonderful New Year's Eve venue. Arrive at 10pm, great sampling of hot and cold tapas, all delicious but the bacon wrapped dates were outstanding. Filet and lobster were tender and tasty. Flamenco dancer added great atmosphere and celebratory feeling. Champagne and party hats at midnight. Service, food and atmosphere were fantastic and a great place to bring in the new year!
(5)
Basia C.
Very good food. I've always loved the way tapas is served, in many small sample plates. They have a great selection. Prices are very reasonable as well
(4)
Deanna D.
Meson Sabika is one of my favorite restaurants in the Chicago area. Probably the best al fresco dining in the 'burbs. Mouth-watering food. A menu of dishes with variety enough to please everyone in your group including those who are vegetarian, gluten-free, or paleo. Usually efficient, if not occasionally rushed, service on busy weekend nights. By this I mean that the servers seemed rushed, they do not rush diners. Unique atmosphere. The restaurant is in a restored mansion which dates from 1847 and is situated among century old oaks on four acres of land. Flamenco guitar and dancer on the weekends. Perfect sangria. My husband and I have been dining at Meson Sabika off and on for two decades. The restaurant has had its ups and downs in terms of food quality and service, but I'm happy to report Meson Sabika is currently as good as it's ever been. We can never pass up the Queso de Cabra (oven baked goat cheese in a pool of zesty tomato sauce served with garlic bread) or the Datiles con Tocino (Bacon-wrapped roasted dates in a -- I think -- roasted red bell pepper / butter sauce). I often have the latter for dessert! Other favorites include Gambas Marinadas (marinated shrimp with three sauces -- can I remember? -- cumin, mild garlic aioli, and slightly tomato-y salsa rosa), Salmón Curado (cured salmon with dill sour cream and toast points), Chorizo y Morcilla (grilled pork/smoked paprika sausage and grilled blood sausage), and of course Jamón Serrano (delectable dry-cured ham), Aceitunas Aliñadas (marinated Spanish olives which are sometimes complimentary), Quesos Espanoles (Spanish cheeses) and anything made or served with Cabrales blue cheese. We've had beef, duck, lamb, pork, chicken, fish, lobster, shrimp, cheese, artichoke, mushroom, and potato dishes. We've never been disappointed. We never leave room for dessert. Several varieties of paella are also available, but we love eating small plate style so much that we haven't tried the paella in many years. There are a variety of sangrias to choose from, but I am a traditionalist and prefer red. The only way to have as good or better traditional sangria is to make it yourself. Meson Sabika's red sangria does not taste watered-down, too sweet, or like a child's powdered fruit drink mix. Not the case at other restaurants. You can taste the wine, brandy, and fruit. If sangria is not your thing, Meson Sabika has a selection of Spanish wines including cava (sparkling wine). My knowledge of Spanish wines is limited, but the servers have never failed to make spot on recommendations for me. Do not miss the very large, oak tree shaded, red brick terrace in the warmer months. The furnishings are comfortable and the tables are comfortably spaced. It's really the perfect spot to spend a summer evening. Your food and wine will seem to taste even better on the terrace! Your experience inside will vary a bit by where you are seated. It is an old house after all so tables and chairs may be configured only so many ways. That is to say that seating can sometimes be cramped. In addition, to me some rooms feel more away from the heart of the restaurant than others. This does not deter me from eating in the mansion, I only wish to inform your expectations. My husband and I would dine at Meson Sabika much more frequently except that we cannot manage to rein in our spending when there. We tell ourselves that we will order only so many small plates and only one glass of sangria each. Lies! We can't do it and I doubt you can do it either. Just one more plate, you'll say, and we'll split it. We really should try the _____ while we're here. Just one more glass of wine to go with my plate of _____. Three digit dining. Know this going in and enjoy.
(5)
Lucas W.
I'm honestly surprised At the hype Meson Sabika gets. Yes, it's a gorgeous house, but that doesn't mean it has to be a great setting for a restaurant. Honestly the house is laid out somewhat strangely and you could end up sitting in some random room in the back or right next to the front doorway. And the carpet upstairs means anything that falls on the floor sticks on the floor. Most importantly: the food. I've had tapas in Spain and at a number of other restaurants in Chicago and I have to say, this was honestly bad tapas. One or two decent dishes - a good duck dish - but otherwise, nothing to really write home about. And some of the hot dishes came out cold - how do you let that happen? And as is all too often the case with Tapas, it's overpriced. The whole idea behind tapas is to try a number of small inexpensive dishes. But, like so many other places, they shrink the amount of food on offer but don't shrink the price. Hard to keep ordering dishes when I'm spending 10+ on each one. And that's not how tapas should be!
(2)
Jenn N.
We are fans of Meson Sabika but did try the New Years Eve dinner for the first time. It is a nice way to try some new things, but honestly I prefer just eating there instead. I love (love, love) the garlic potato salad and wished we had more than what they served. I did not like the bacon wrapped dates - but it did give me the chance to try them when I normally would not order it. They were so sweet and there was not enough salt on the bacon to counter. There were 3 cold and 3 hot tapas so not liking one out of nine is not bad. The entree was good- filet was cooked fine and so was the lobster. I too thought the dessert was per person, not per table. Nonetheless, we did forgot to make reservations until New Years Eve morning and so the fact that they had a spot and it is kid friendly (upstairs) for $39.95 for the adults (kids meal free) we were not disappointed just not blown away like we normally are. Still love it there but will opt for non fixed menu next time.
(4)
Matt W.
Service Excellent-food even better-have to try out their Sunday brunch for a good sample off items.
(5)
Mary S.
Ate here with my mom, sister and brother and had a great time. Our server was Caitlyn and she was VERY informative about all of the wines even though she is newly 21, as she informed us. I also learned that they have six different flavors of lemonade, but I chose the non-alcoholic sangria. Five stars for offering that! The four of us ordered 12 or so various dishes and each one was absolutely delightful. We ordered so many because my mom works for district 204 and they receive 40% off, excluding alcohol. It was a VERY nice treat. Of the dishes we had, the most memorable was the duck and lamb. Both were very tender. My only complaint is there being too many items on the menu. Weird complaint, I know but it just seemed a bit overwhelming. To end the evening, we shared three desserts, my favorite was the chocolate and carmel cake... I wish I remembered the name! I will be back, Mason Sabika!
(5)
Ellery R.
Meson Sabika or "Sambo," as my husband has taken to calling it for reasons unknown, is one of my favorite places to eat. Now usually, I get somewhat bored of repeat restaurant visits; I become disinterested in the entertainment, the manner of service, the menu starts to bore my stomach . . . but not here. I've dined at this tapas restaurant more than I could ever count. My husband even took me here the night we got engaged. Once seated you will be greeted by a server bringing bread, butter, and most importantly a complimentary small bowl of Spanish olives. These are excellent. The menu, you will notice if you frequently come here, changes everyday. Although I enjoy re-ordering the incredible dish I had my last visit, there's always something new for me to sample as well. The daily specials feature both hot and cold dishes. The wine list is also excellent. I'm partial to ordering by the bottle, but even a nice pitcher of sangria will set the evening off nicely. The service quality varies. In the dining room I find it to be adequate enough, when on the patio it's usually much slower, and in the bar if it is very busy it may take some time. But who's here to rush anyways? I find this is the only restaurant where I can receive bad service and still be completely satisfied. Maybe it's the wine . . . The atmosphere is excellent. This old white mansion still has a very housey feel to it which I find to be very romantic and cozy. If it is summer, sit on the patio for the most lovely of times. The bar area is probably my favorite if the patio is closed. Very woody and intimate. It's not unusual to see a lovely Spanish dancer whirling around on the hard wood floor as diners either casually take notice and appreciate (the regulars) or watch with delight as the live spanish guitarist accompanies her every move. The food itself is flavorful, unique, and delicious. I find that I try at least 3 new tapas dishes every time I'm here. It's hard to be disappointed (however last week I did order an asparagus and chicken casserole tapas dish and it was terrible, but they took care of it for me. Don't get that one). If you are not familiar with tapas style dining, get familiar. This should be the only way to eat. Once you have eaten far too much, overdo it. Dessert. Meson Sabika has a killer dessert. It doesn't really matter what you order, it will be good. Prices are somewhat high, however I find that the value matches the food quality. I rate this restaurant at five stars for its exceptional flavors, variety, atmosphere, and for all the good times I've had here.
(5)
Raphael D.
This place kicks ass and if you ever have to trek out to the Naperville area to meet people for dinner or drinks you should definitely make a reservation here. I'm a city guy but I made several trips there and had my 21st birthday dinner in a private room with 12 people and the service and food were delicious. Their sangria is a great balance and doesn't taste too sweet or sappy. Most people find morcilla (blood sausage) pretty gross but if you've ever wanted to try it their version is delicious and not too greasy. I always get the salmon on toasts points too. I recommend you stick to tapas on your first visit. The paella is good but pretty loaded.
(5)
Jeanne L.
The weekend brunch is soooo good! Great selection, and they have a huge selection of fresh fruit too that is always so sweet and ripe. All the food is great, and they have a little area for kiddies too that want french fries and burgers (though i've gone with adults who also wanted the french fries :p). Non-kiddies can of course, also partake in that area of the buffet. They have this shrimp toast thing that is just so good, and so many other great things. It's better in the summer since you can sit outside, but i've gone in the winter too and it was great. Seating is just a bit more limited, and you may have to be seated upstairs (I don't really like risking a food spill - I am a bit of a klutz). Your brunch comes with mimosas and a regular drink, made to order omelets (which are not that good - don't get them; the buffet is good enough already), and dessert at the end. I always get the profiterole (so good....). We'll be back again and again!
(5)
Ken J.
This is one of my favorite spots: the food is very tasty and the atmosphere is great. It is an old mansion from the 1800's. Years ago was called WIlloway Manor. It can get loud in the main dining rooms at peak times. I particularly like their seafood based tapas, the Gambas al Ajillo (grilled shrimp in lemon butter), and Calamares A La Plancha (grilled squid), I have these on every trip. The Red Sangria is made on site and is very good, better than the white. Service is most always good. Not a cheap place to go, but fun when you have a couple extra bucks in your pocket....
(5)
JR W.
This review is for their pavilion service. My friend had her wedding here recently, and the pavilion was really new and beautiful. The powder rooms and the waiting rooms for the wedding party were also clean and nice. The service was swift and continuous throughout the night. My only complaint is that they ran out of some sweets at the dessert table early on.
(4)
Alex A.
What?! I hadn't written a review for this place yet! Delicious Tapas food! Great service! My wife and I had our rehearsal dinner here, and everyone raved about the food. The food is fresh, and you can sense the delicate effort put into the preparation. The Queso de Cabra is my fav! This place has a lot of character, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a romantic dinner or even a feast for the family!
(5)
Tony K.
This place is freakin GREAT! Nice ambiance. Great service, very good food. Good parking. The only thing is, the prices are high. But Im still give 5 stars because the prices are still worth it. Fun AND romantic place. If you dont get laid after takinfg her here you are doing something VERY wrong.
(5)
Eric S.
The food was average but has nice ambiance. Came here for their Sunday brunch. The tapas served were average at best. Most of the meat appeared to be overcooked on their buffet line. However, the rice in the paella was under cooked.
(1)
Steve L.
Cant get better tapas. Service can sometimes be off and if its busy you might get stuck at a very small table. Those are the only reasons I don't give it five stars
(4)
Dana B.
I have been hearing about this place for quite sometime now and wanted to try it out myself. I made a reservation on open table and was seated exactly at that time. Our waitress, Susan, greeted us almost instantly. She was very nice and extremely knowledgeable about the menu. After looking over the menu for a few minutes, we placed our order. Susan assured us that our items would come out at separate time to fully enjoy them individually. We waited 50 minutes until our waitress came back to see how are food was....however, we never received anything yet. Once she went to go "check" on our order, we received all of our items at once about 10 minutes later. The food was all quite delicious but when you are so hungry it is hard to enjoy. I just thought it was funny that people that sat down way after us were almost finished with their meals before we received any of ours. I feel that first impressions are very important especially when it entails food service. It's hard to say if I will be coming back here again.
(2)
Anna H.
LOVE this place! great for date nights with your significant other and meeting up with girlfriends. =) Most of their dishes are small plates and portions intended for you to share. In some cases, if you have a big group, I would recommend ordering 2 of each of your favorite places. Dishes recommend: - garlic mashed potatoes (my favorite! gots to be a big garlic fan for this one though because . . . it's really garlic-y) - beef tenderloin - scallops - dates wrapped in bacon (SO GOOD!) - mushroom caps There's a lot more on the menu, but these are just some of my favorites. =) Also, if you come here on a date night or girls night, make sure to get the sangria. . . it's so YUMMY! On Sundays, they also have a buffet brunch with I think it's $30 per person or something like that? Included in that they give you free mimosas! yummy.
(5)
Gerry H.
Pardon the lack of profundity, but consistency is the key to restaurant success. I've dined at inumerable establishments that have been great on one occasion and terrible the next. I've been a fan of Meson Sebika since it was called Emilio's. The service is always excellent, and I'm in love with the consistently great food. It was my wife's birthday yesterday, and we haven't dined on tapas in some time, so she chose Meson Sabika. The one negative that I would report is the hostess' poor choice of table for us. In honor of the occasion, I asked for a very special table. She chose to seat us on the second floor, which required climbing a very narrow, steep stairway. No problem for us, but we have a three year old daughter. It was a little challenging. We pre-ordered a vegetarian paella, and it arrived 10 minutes after we were seated. It was very good, and honestly, it's the best value on the menu. Additionally, we partook of the pincho de solomillo, the queso de cabra, the entrecot de jamon, the calamares a la plancha, i.e. Brochette of beef tenderloin, goat cheese and garlic bread, ny strip with serrano ham wrapped asparagus, and grilled squid with lemon garlic olive oil respectively. Everything was delicious and beautifully presented. I chugged a few Spanish beers ( dark Alhambra), as I'm want to do. It's excellent and very reasonably priced. No dessert due to an extremely unruly daughter. This place is great, and you really get a good dining value. Also, you can't beat the cool setting.
(4)
Elizabeth W.
I think this restaurant is one of the better tapas places in the suburbs. I went for dinner with my husband recently and we ate the pork medallions which were very tasty and so tender for pork, the tortilla espanola a Spanish classic, the patatas con alioli which were awesome for those garlic lovers, and the duck with orange which was by far, the best tapa I had there. The meat fell off the bone, the sauce was simple and sweet, and the mushrooms were a perfect compliment to the dish! The wine list is vast, there were too many I wanted to try, and there is of course very good Sangria. The restaurant is in a charming mansion in Naperville and you can be seated either downstairs or upstairs. If your are claustrophobic the tables are very small and close together, but did not pose a problem for myself or my husband. Reservations are definitely needed but to my surprise, we were seated right when we came, a half hour before our reservation time. The service was excellent and our tapas came very quickly, we hardly ever had to wait for a bite of our food. The price is moderate and about $5-8 dollars per tapa. They also offer a brunch on Sunday that I am dying to try.
(4)
J W.
Our favorite Naperville restaurant...we love it. The food is incredible & the setting is amazing - especially the patio in the summer.
(5)
Matt T.
I have never really had a bad experience at Meson Sabika. It is a perfect summer date spot. I always ask for the patio. If there is ever a wait to be seated they have a small bar inside to grab a drink at. But getting a reservation is recommended. It is a popular spot all summer. This is a great choice if you want a fun romantic spot where you can talk casually and take your time eating. It is perfect if you plan on heading to downtown Naperville for drinks and dancing after. They have there own parking lot right on premises and so you don't have to worry about that before dinner. (It isn't walking distance too downtown though, you will have to move your car.) The Tapas selection is very good and everything tastes great. I highly recommend the Queso De Cabra - (Oven baked goat cheese with garlic bread). Expect diner for two with drinks to run you about $70. Not bad at all considering the quality of food and atmosphere.
(4)
Beth S.
I give this place 5 stars! YES!!! The location of this tapas-style restaurant is absolutely gorgeous. This is a great date spot. The restaurant is in a mansion, on some gorgeous grounds. I encourage you to take a walk prior to ordering, or afterwards. Very romantic and special. The food is delicious. Their garlic potato salad is a big fave with my friends and I. We get plates of it every time. My other recommendations are: bacon wrapped dates, escargot, chilled tiger shrimp (yum), and the stuffed mushroom caps. Even if you are not an adventurous eater, try this stuff out. The flavors are absolutely wonderful. Their Sangria is also highly recommended.
(5)
Kay R.
Amazing ambience - set in an old house that has been converted to a restaurant. Great food and sangrias! always a good time. One of the best restaurants in the western suburbs! Highly recommended!
(5)
Josh S.
You should probably eat here. At least once. Probably more. I took a date here recently and we enjoyed the entire experience, starting with the walk from the parking lot. The property itself is very unique and if I wasn't so eager to get out to the patio (it was the first nice weather weekend of the year) I would have explored a little bit. I did enjoy the fountains, landscaping and the feel of the place on the exterior and interior. Something is romantically different here. We were seated on the patio, which was candle lit and spaced out well enough for some privacy. Our server was attentive, made some wine suggestions and had a lot of helpers who gave us attention. Our wine glasses never got low before someone was refilling them and before you know it.....my date was extra smiley for some reason ;-) The tapas menu itself was pretty standard. Nothing too risky in my mind. I didn't see anything that made me say "oh weird, I'll have to try that". Bacon wrapped dates are played out, move on people. I will say that one of the hot tapas that we got is just 1 of the reasons that I will be going back to this place. I almost wanted to end the date early, so I wouldn't have to continue to share the dish. It's called Pipirrana De Buey. It reminded me of the show on the Food Network: The Best Thing I Ever Ate, because I was talking about it after every single bite. I've never had anything quite like it and it was definitely a guilty pleasure. The description in the menu does not begin to explain the awesomeness delivered in this small plate. Write down the name of it right now and when you go there, order it. For me, please. I would recommend this place for a nice lunch or dinner with someone special. It could be a date, your mom, or a close friend. It's versatile enough for all of your peeps. I'll check out their brunch someday this summer and spend some more time scoping the joint out. Property - 5 stars Staff - 4 stars Ambience - 4 stars Food - 4 stars Price - 5 stars
(4)
James R.
I went there last night with low expectations since no one in the USA seems to be able to get the tapas concept down. I was very happily surprised by the quality of the food, sangria, and service. A little more high brow than I would have preferred, but, still the best experience I have had in a restaurant in a long time. Had a very bad experience in a restaurant the night before, so this restored my passion for good food. Plus it was not as expensive as you might imagine.
(5)
Jennifer O.
We had a great lunch here last week. The staff was super friendly and knowledgable about the food. The prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is very charming. The sangria is a must have!
(5)
Angelina K.
My favorite tapas restaurant in the Chicago area. Every time I come here , it feels like holiday... I love the location, very cute restaurant, with great landscape. Very cozy inside, has that " old world" feel. Excellent tapas, so many great choices. I really like brunch there too... Excellent place...
(5)
Vick C.
I think, improvement is needed for Meson Sabika. This is a beautiful mansion link with a banquet hall, absolutely gorgeous! side walk along to the restaurant is so elegant. They provide you a romantic environment, I have no complaint of this, summer time they will open the patio, good time to have drink and good food with friends, just if you don't mind it's too loud. Tapas just standard, not good but not bad, no surprise. Service is kind of bad, last time I was waited in the line fro 20 minutes to be seated even I got on time on my reservation. Then another 20-30 minutes to catch the waiter to order the food. It was a nightmare! But it still a good place to go since the mansion is very nice, especially it's located in suburb area.
(3)
Matt Z.
EVERYTHING is amazing!!! The Baked Goat Cheese is insane, the bacon wrapped figs are to die for, the Scallops are awesome, the beef is delicious, I seriously might choose this restaurant if I only had one place to eat before i died. The Sangria is intoxicating!
(5)
Lee and Katey W.
I was very excited to try this place based on yelp reviews. It was as many have said in an interesting place and it felt like we were eating dinner at someones house with a bunch of strangers! The sangria was tasty and they had a nice variety of tapas. At the time, I really liked the food. Looking back on it, and after trying other tapas places, this place was just OK. It was priced well and I agree with other yelpers, a good date place in the suburbs. I would go back for an occasion but would hope for some new tapas. They didnt seem very fresh and I would have liked more authentic flavors.
(3)
Jaime C.
The ambiance, food and entertainment is first rate. My wife, friends and I have gone back four times since 2011. This is a wonderful experience.
(5)
Matt W.
I have eaten at many tapas restaurants in the Chicagoland area but none have come close to the quality of Meson Sabika. First of all, the place is very beautiful and has outdoor seating in what feels like a large garden or country club. The food is amazing. I had the flank steak with blue cheese, and it was very tender and delicious. The mahi-mahi with asparagus was cooked better then I have ever had it. The marinated shrimp came with three delectable dipping sauces. The lobster with citrus tasted great. The wine selection here is impressive. For under $20, you can get a wine flight of four tastings that are all delicious. The staff was very friendly, courteous and knowledgeable. Meson Sabika is a wonderful place for a romantic dinner, a family outing, a banquet, party or other special occasion. My only complaint: There were too many little bugs flying around outside! One ended up in my wine. At least he died happy. I look forward to going back to Meson Sabika, hopefully soon.
(5)
Felicia S.
I have been to Meson Sabika numerous times over the years and have enjoyed it every time. I just visited a few days ago for my birthday and my entire family was there. The weather was perfect for eating outdoors and they have payed as much attention to detail on the outside as they have on the inside. A really beautiful location to enjoy the company and food. I always get the red sangria. Make sure you have a lot of ice -- it makes a difference and should be well-chilled (outside the ice melts quickly in the pitcher). We had a party of about 8, so we ordered quite a bit of food. Everything was delicious - in true tapas style. The service is hit or miss -- for example we ordered a final round of entrees before the server brought my special (complementary) birthday dessert -- a wonderful ice cream profiterole with chocolate sauce YUM! Unfortunately 2 of those final entrees came out AFTER dessert, and we were finished by then. Still, the service was good otherwise, and the decor and food were the same high quality we have come to expect at Meson Sabika. I'll keep going back & continue enjoying myself every time :-)
(5)
Heather S.
Excellent food and nice service. The service is very relaxed so don't be in a hurry. Was surprised by the excellent quality of food.
(4)
Rong G.
The shrimp and Crab is delicious.
(4)
Shelly A.
Yummy blue sangria! Oh, and the food's good too. Just kidding, but for real, this place is great! A little pricey, but you kind of expect it in Naperville at a "dainty" location like this. A great place to hold special occasions, and literally, something for everyone. We had a great time and I would definitely go back the next time I'm in town.
(4)
Roz C.
Am I missing something? BF and I went in this past Sunday and the restaurant was bustling at 7pm. We thought this was a promising sign and were excited about trying tapas in the suburbs (we usually get tapas in the city). Our waiter was super friendly, but definitely cheesy. I mean, everything he said was full of BS and the boyfriend and I laughed every time he walked away. The tapas came out in a timely manner, but man...we should definitely stick to the city for tapas. We ordered: -the baked goat cheese: this was actually super-delicious. The red sauce was rich and the goat cheese was creamy. We really enjoyed this. And then... -the grilled chorizo: uh, hello? it tasted like eckrich farm sausage that you can get from the jewel-osco. AND it was totally BURNT. gross. -garlic tiger shrimp: these were okay. plain, but okay. -beef empanada: gross, gross, gross. the boyfriend actually gagged. the ground beef had a really weird taste and the empanada crust didn't make up for it either. -patatas bravas: along with the baked goat cheese, this is an always-order dish at tapas restaurants. we were really disappointed in these. they weren't crisp on the outside at all. the were soggy under the sauce and the manchego cheese and it ruined the texture. (best patatas bravas? cafe ba-ba-reeba!) the sauce had some kick, but left a strange aftertaste. For dessert, we had the bailey's chocolate cake. It was not good. The ice cream tasted freezer-burned and the strawberries promised from the menu? Well, there was one...on the side. Looking back, the boyfriend and I decided that we should have taken the environment as a sign. Meson Sabika is inside this old mansion and it was like two totally polar ideas competing against each other. Spanish food and random Victorian-inspired decor? So weird. Oh yeah, and the food was overpriced...smaller portions and bigger prices than tapas from the city? Huh? Needless to say, we won't be back.
(1)
LOIS B.
I have been here a number of times and leave just as hungry as when I arrive. This is not a place for a meal or to go hungry. Sorry, there are way too many better places to eat in Naperville. I avoid any affair held here.
(1)
Ben M.
Best Tapas in all of Chicago!!!! My wife and I have been close to ten times and never been disappointed. -The atmosphere is great (the restaurant is an old mansion) -The Garlic potato salad is one of my favorite dishes on the planet. Every time I go I take a huge container of this stuff home! - Great for a date night - Not the best for children, but it can work.
(5)
Pete R.
This is a place that you MUST try if you like varying flavors and want to have a different dining experience. The tapas are great. i won't even go into all of the details as there are plenty of other reviews. I have about 20 or so that I rotate through. My wife and I usually pick 5 or so each visit. The only repeat every time is the garlic potato salad. And if you plan on enjoying the sangria that night, ask for a table downstairs. They catch up to you quick. Coming down the stairs on my last visit was an adventure. Go, have fun, and enjoy the grounds. Cool place.
(4)
Caitlin G.
I was very excited to try this place. The food was just okay, but the problem was with sound. It was so loud in there you could not have a conversation. It's a shame because it looks like a great place to go on a date to, but only go if you don't want to be heard.
(3)
Stef F.
I got to pick dinner and I had a craving for Tapas. What better place to go than here??? I was a newbie here, and we had a great time. Overall, the grounds are lovely and enchanting (perfect for all those weddings they have) and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. While wines by the bottle can get pricey-- in the $$$ price range, I ordered the pomegranate sangria at $6.50. It was just okay. It didn't wow me. So, I had a mojito next at $8.95, which was pretty tasty. However, 2 drinks each for us came to $40 alone. Yikes. I need to drink at home more. i can't remember any of the fancy names... But here's the low down on what we ordered... and my star system to boot... ~Black bean soup with chorizo (4) ~White bean soup with serrano ham and bacon (4) (They forgot to bring these out originally, so we got the Gazpacho soup also to try for free) (Maybe that soup is good normally, but I'm not a fan of melon flavoring so it really wasn't my cup of tea) ~COLD TAPAS ~King crab with avocado (5) ~salmon with dill sauce something or other (4) ~Garlic potato salad (5) ~HOT TAPAS ~Grilled Squid with lemon sauce (1) ~Red peppers stuffed with cheese and black beans (5) ~Crab meat fritters with aioli (3) ~DESSERT ~Rice Pudding with citrus zest (4) ~Creme Brulee sorta dish with chocolate chunks (4) So, overall... Food was great and it was fun to try different things. My absolute favorite was the potato salad, it was so garlicky good. I also loved the stuffed red peppers, very Spanish inspired. My favorite favorite dessert in the whole wide world is creme brulee and I think this was called crema de chocolada?? Or something similar. Huge portion. Very good. Just wish the vanilla custard portion had been warm? It was cold and normally creme brulee is never like that. It at least is usually lukewarm. But ah well. Our server recommended the squid to us, asking if we liked calamari. Well, we love calamari--and agreed with his recommendation, but it was too rubbery and I couldn't eat it. I've had squid before that was more tender. And I about gagged at the mini squid and something that looked wormy/snail-like. When the pieces are breaded, I at least pretend. I was waiting to throw one of them at the fridge and watch it flip back and forth all sticky downward. Even my fiance about gagged and he eats anything. But the server graciously took it off our bill, even though it wasn't his fault and we never complained about it. We just wanted it off the table. lol. Which is why we ordered the dessert. :) Check it out. We ordered too much food. Expect to spend $$$, and now that I've been there once, I'll order less next time. I think 3 tapas each are more than enough to fill a person up. I think on avg. a couple would spend anywhere from $60-$120 on a dinner here, depending on what's ordered. And that's without tip. Or the expensive wine.
(4)
Kathleen M.
I really excellent meal in a beautiful setting. We had most of the recommended dishes: the garlic potato salad (loads of garlic!), bacon wrapped dates, serrano ham on toast points. All really good. We enjoyed everything we had. Service was attentive without being overbearing. Mojitos and sparkling sangria very refreshing. Highly recommended.
(4)
Jody Y.
The atomosphere was fun, but the food was fantastic. It didn't matter what Tapas we ordered; everyone raved about every item!!! I would go back in a heart beat. It looks like a nice place to eat outside once the weather warms up!!!
(5)
Candice G.
The food was still fantastic but the service was not the 5 stars it has ALWAYS been in the past. We went at about 7:30 on Friday night and wanted to sit on their patio outside. The hostesses told us that a table outside wouldn't be opening up until 8:30 but when walking past, we saw at least 25 open tables outside (they have a very large outside patio). I understand that they may not have had enough staff for the Al Fresco dining, but certainly not enough tables. We decided to wait at the bar and get some sangria but were notified less then 10 minutes later that a table was ready... along with several other couples who did not have reservations. I think they were trying to get more people to dine inside than out- I think the outside staff may be temporary employees and understandably they want to fill the inside restaurant for their own employees but I don't think giving an outrageous wait time is the right way to do it. Then, when we were brought out on the patio, the hostess had us doing a back and forth dance- up, down, across, and around the many open patio tables when deciding where to sit us. It was awkward, I had heels on, have bright orange hair, and really it was quite a funny scene for the rest of the patio diners to see us being walked backwards and forwards for several minutes. Not their most professional moment. Beyond that, the service was not very attentive and definitely not personable. We're used to 5 star, impeccable service and knowledge from the folks at Meson Sabika and this not simply did not meet our expectations. Also, they need to update their outside tables. They're all pretty rusted over and our table had a really old, smashed piece of gum stuck to it. We didn't complain or ask to be moved to one of the other 25 open outdoor tables but we did feel like it should have been obvious when the table was set up with place settings. We will be back and will most likely be upping the star rating but for the most recent experience, I can sadly only give a 3.
(3)
Bridget D.
Meson Sabika is my favorite restaurant in the suburbs! It's the best tapas place in the Chicagoland area. The old mansion is beautiful, the food is fresh and seasoned perfectly, the staff are professional, knowledgeable and courteous, and they have an excellent selection of Spanish wine and desserts. Don't miss the garlic patatas alioli, white sangria, croquetas, and dates with bacon.
(5)
Zee B.
Obsessed. The tapas are to die for - ALL of them. I've been here many times, but my most recent experience encouraged me to write a review. I had a New Years Dinner here with a few friends and we had one of the last reservations for the night. Tapas appetizers were amazing as usual. When it came time for the entrees we all ordered filet mignon. However, when we received it our side vegetables were not what was listed on the menu. We were literally given two slices of a potato and one cherry tomato. When I asked the waiter about it he apologized and said that the cooks probably ran out. I wasn't happy but didn't complain any further. Minutes later the manager came to our table and offered us other tapas and apologized for the inconvenience. I only asked for an alternative vegetable side which he immediately provided. What surprised all of us is that once we received our check we saw that two of our 4 meals were comped. That wasn't necessary at all, but the fact that it was done confirms why this place deserves a 5 star rating! Other than the mouth watering tapas, they truly care for their customers. I love this place!
(5)
margo f.
Have been here so often, I have lost count...and each time I love it still! My favorite tapas (small dishes) are the queso de cabra , a goat cheese in red pepper sauce, the pincho de solomillo with carmelized onions, the grilled calamari and the garlic potato salad. Of course don't ever, ever, leave here without trying their flan of the day! Really, make room for it . Atmosphere is pretty amazing too. If you can, try to make it on a Friday or Saturday night when the flamenco dancer and guitar player are there. Fun, somewhat festive place in an older, converted, beautifully renovated, mansion. Want to impress your boss or inlaws? This is the place to go. If you do go on a weekend night, be sure to call ahead. This place is a hot spot, especially during the summer with their outdoor brick patio dining. If you are traveling with kids, I would recommend coming for Sunday brunch. There are plenty of kidfriendly foods, but also some great items for adults to try. Price wise, this place is all over the map. You could easily do a simple lunch for two for under 30 dollars or go all out and spend 200 with their excellent wine choices. Save up if you must, but be sure to give this place a try. 5 stars all the way.
(5)
Louisa D.
So disappointing. Service was horribly slow. It took 45 minutes to bring out COLD tapas. I don't even know how long it would have taken to bring out hot tapas; hot tapas are what I really wanted too. What a shame, the cold tapas were good and so was the red sangria, but the wait was not worth it.
(1)
Dan N.
I really love this place. It may be the most charming building and grounds I have ever eaten in. The Old mansion and beautiful gardens greatly enhance the experience. Luckly the last time I was there was with a big group and I didn't have to pay so there were no limits and we got to order allot of food. Noting was jaw dropping but everything was good to great. This is simple food and it was all done very well no missteps that we seen. The most memorable were a few of the hot items the Beef tenderloin with Blue Cheese and the Montaditos de Cerdo (grilled Pork). On the cold side the King crab with avocado and toast points were awful tasty. The Menu is dived into Hot and Cold Tapas and works really well that way. I could see this being a bit of a let down if you dont go with a group and are able get several items to sample. Most items are like $5-$10 so its not a cheap night out but the food, atmosphere and fun are well worth it.. Try to sit outside, its a really special space.
(4)
Bobby C.
Year in, year out Meson Sabika is excellent at what they do. Hosein is the perfect restauranteur. He truly cares about his patrons and his product. Food is consistent. Decor is tasteful. The al fresco dining is beautiful. I am particular about Spanish wines and I have come to find the the wine list to be consistent and fairly-priced. Highly recommended.
(5)
Richie D.
Who would have guessed that such a restaurant would exist in Naperville?!?! Four of us celebrated Valentine's Day here last night and had an amazing time, even though I was very skeptical at first. Why skeptical?? Allow me to step on my soap box... 1) I've been to Spain several times and have experienced "tapas verdaderas." 2) Tapas are meant to be eaten in a more communal and laid back ambiance such as bars and pubs...not a ritzy restaurant (unless it's touristy, of course). Often they even come free in its homeland with a beer or glass of wine/champagne and aren't the price of an average American entree. 3) It's in the Chicago suburbs, not city. 4) Walking in made me want to walk right back out the door. You enter the gorgeous mansion's doors and your eyes focus on the painted ceilings and...You've entered the Playboy Mansion! The hostesses all looks like over-tanned whores with super short, bright pink skirts and revealing shirts. Arg! For such a fancy restaurant, I don't think it's necessary even if they all plan to spend their tip shares going out after work. Now on the other hands, I'll admit that I was BLOWN AWAY after being served (and not by those hostesses)! Here's a list of a few of our favorites... Recommended Tapas: *Well these are to be accompanied with red Sangria, of course... ~Pato Confitado (everyone's favorite dish that had a citrus kickin' gravy and caused the marinated duck to melt in your mouth) ~Patatas con Alioli (super garlic-y to perfection) ~Pincho de Solomillo (grilled steak kabobs with a delicious goat cheese/horseradish yogurt and marinated onions) ~Queso de Cabra (this was definitely a winner due to the garlic toast with a sweet tomato, goat cheese paste) ~Datiles con Tocino (the thought always turned my stomach upside down, but I sampled it and enjoyed the sweet flavor and crunchy texture) ~Vieiras al Albariño (the BEST scallops I've ever had and if I say that it means A LOT. Not my cup of tea usually, but they were perfectly buttery [lemon tomato butter sauce] with a good portion of thick cous cous balls) ~Tortilla Española (I'm usually not a fan due to its blandness, but I liked it more than in Spain itself due to its sherry vinaigrette and balanced mix between onions and potatoes) If you're still hungries: ~Jamon Serrano (not my favorite dish anywhere, but fairly good) ~Gambas al Ajillo (nice sized shrimp with a buttery lemon garlic sauce but nothing unique or out-of-this-world) I'd like to go back for Brunch (perhaps Easter?). This next time I'd definitely try out the Sangritini (Sangria Martini) due to its uniqueness and the fusion between two yummy yet dangerous things. Three Recommendations For Your Visit: ~Reservations practically required!! ~Dress is semi-business casual and up. Jeans are probably not acceptable (even though my entire party had jeans on yet we were only kept from being out of place by wealthy people's kids). ~Do NOT miss out on the desserts. All were amazing. Really there's no point in recommending any specific one because it would depend on your taste buds and you can't go wrong no matter what. Meson is a perfect place for a unique, cultural wedding that gets away from food that all tastes the same. Now, go, Go, GO see for yourself!
(5)
Gwin C.
Went there for Easter brunch with in-laws and family. Food was good in terms of selection. Well organized egg hunt for the kids. The service was a bit on the slow side but I think it was just our server as I watched other tables get better more prompt service. I'd recommend coming for their usual Sunday brunch which has better execution. Worth the $40 per person though!
(4)
Joseph R.
After reading some good reviews and following my love of Spanish food, I decided to take my wife for San Valentine's day to Meson Sabika. Unfortunately, my first time at M.S. was a bit disappointing. We arrive just before 9 pm. My first impression of the place was a good one. The restaurant is on a beautiful mansion built on 1847, definitely the perfect setup for a romantic night. Being Valentine's day it was pretty packed as expected. We had to wait around 15 minutes on the bar, which is pretty normal in our experience. Once on the table, our server went over the menu. Unfortunately, he was not very knowledgeable about it. He struggle a bit while trying to explain the different choices. I felt bad for the guy; maybe he was new on the job or something. We ordered the night special which included a combination of cold and hot tapas plus dessert. Our first tapa arrived around 20 minutes after we sat. It was a Crepe of spinach, goat cheese, almonds and apples. It sounded delicious but, to our disappointment, it was just OK. After around 20 minutes the server came back with about 4 tapa plates. Once again we were a little disappointed with the food. We're not picky eaters but, I sincerely didn't like it that much. We have had tapas in other places and with every tapa we just looked at each other thinking; "It's just Ok, had better". After that, there was a stretch of about 30 minutes of just waiting for the main course. The server never came to our table to explain the delay or to check on us. It was around 10:40 pm with the restaurant being mostly empty, when finally our course arrived. I immediately told the server to please box it up to go, including the dessert. He said sure and never apologize for the delay, he probably didn't even notice. Before leaving the restaurant, we made sure to talk to the manager about the experience. He apologized and we left the place. Around five minutes after, I received an email saying that my open table reservation was cancelled. I though it must have been an honest mistake. When I got home and I log in into my account and look for the reservation, I notice that because it was cancelled, I could not leave the review. The bottom line is this: Food was OK, Service was Bad, Ambiance was Good and the building was great. Would I return, probably not.
(2)
Amanda S.
Great ambiance, unique environment. Awesome for dates! The prices are a little high on some items, but the plating technique and presentation is worth it. I recommend the cous cous or scallops. The sangria is a must.
(5)
Arnaud L.
Great food. Decent wines. Better to go there with many friends to share many courses. I will go back there for sure
(4)
J. R.
I was here with a large group for a birthday celebration. (My first visit.). We had a variety of tapas and most were good. I particularly liked the chef special tenderloin with grilled asparagus wrapped in jambon (ham). The scallops were excellent, served with aioli. The chorizo was not liked by our group and the pork tenderloins on croutons were disappointing, but the spicy potatoes were good, the paella was OK (Valencia?), and the stuffed mushrooms were good. The bacon-wrapped dates were excellent! The kids with us enjoyed the kids meal and the regular tenderloin (with sweet potato puree) was excellent. The sangria wasn't bad and the Spanish beers were a nice touch. I would come back again for a special occasion!
(4)
Teddy B.
I'm no stranger to Spanish food... even Valencian in specific. And while I have not had the paella here -- a Valencian classic -- I've had a number of their tapas here and similar ones at other Spanish restaurants around the U.S. On the plus side, the place is white-tablecloth nice. Good, attentive service and a historic, somewhat elegant location. A decent selection of wines and OK sangria options. As for the food, I expected better. I've had better. But it's still quite good. Flavorful plates, but nothing overly memorable. Disappointed by the classic patatas bravas, as by using a sauce on it the fried potatoes lose all their crunchy texture (why do restaurants sabotage themselves like this?). And for a Valencian place, I'm surprised their desserts offered nothing in the way of the finer Valencian pastries. Maybe that's more for breakfast, but they seem to lose the plot a little at the final course.
(3)
Justin L.
Food and service were both excellent, especially considering the group of close to 20. Service... for a group of our size, they were very accommodating. They put us in a private dining room upstairs, and our waitress was always available and the flow of food was fairly constant. There were a few slip-ups with some dishes coming out much later for our group, but with tapas style, the impact was low. Food... very good food, though I'll admit that I lowered my expectations a bit from what I've experienced over six weeks in Spain. The more noteworthy items: bacon wrapped dates and a seafood and mayo mix on bread (can't remember the name). The items I thought were less impressive: their paella valenciana and the potato bravas were good, but a bit of a let down. Venue... great venue! I love the old style home conversion. The upstairs dining was private, quiet and intimate (probably better for the other patrons to be away from us). Overall... definitely a great pick for tapas in the suburbs, will need to go once or twice more for a better impression!
(4)
Chuck Z.
Liked this place so much we had or wedding reception here! Always a great staff and consistent food. My family and I enjoy coming and is a great time.
(4)
Sara L.
The grounds are outstanding. One of the most aesthetically pleasing restaurants it have ever been to. We were seated in the room marked Granada and had a great table. Our server was attentive and friendly even though she was super busy. We started off with some cava and tapas. The cava was amazing but the salmon I ordered was very fishy and less than fresh. My husband was very happy with his ham/cheese platter. Then came the patatas bravas. They were pretty good. Finally the dish I had been waiting for, mariscos paella. All of the shell fish was way over cooked and of very poor quality in the first place. The rice was ok, but reminded me of a paella you would make out of a box and not so much of the real authentic Spanish dish. Last came our dessert. This was the highlight of the meal. We ordered two cappuccinos, the banana Carmel sauce and vanilla ice cream, and hot chocolate cake w caramel ice cream. This course was the highlight of our meal by a mile. Overall, it seems like they need a new fish guy because their seafood is disappointing, but I would definitely go back for cava and dessert!
(3)
Osiris V.
For my food review of this place please visit yelp.com/biz/yelp-eats-2… Any who, this place is lovely: a big mansion transformed into a restaurant/banquet. When we went there was a wedding reception taking place. Very cute. We got sat outside without being asked which was kind of a bummer because we were the appetizer for many different bugs in the hot humid weather that day. Although the trees outside were amazing, it gave the place an even greater WOW factor. They have a LARGE patio area. The food was great and the drinks were spectacular.
(4)
Panda B.
What a gorgeous place! It's like a plantation where the restaurant is on the right and a detached private dining area on the left for special event. Their patio up front is beautiful, especially if they have blooming flowers and a few elegant decors. Though, the place can be easily missed since they only have a tiny sign very low to the ground. The food was delicious. We liked all the tapas we ordered. We ordered about 3 per person like the waitress suggested. It was way too much food, and felt extremely stuffed afterward lol. My favorite was the duck special and least was the crab cake special. Also, it was my first paella, and I loved it! It had loads of seafood and good sauce. They also had a huge wine list, and what the waitress suggested hit the spot. Overall, I enjoyed this place and do recommend for others to try.
(5)
Irene S.
This is one if my favorite restaurants. Consistently high quality food. Great wine list and the service is always friendly.
(5)
Lourdes A.
This is my favorite place when I travel to the area. The food and service are always great. The space is different for a tapas/Spanish place but I like it. It is definitely one of the best tapas places I've been to.
(5)
Elizabeth O.
As I've grown older, I've realized the importance of making sure that moral, good people are supported by the community, and that greedy, immoral people are not. I'm writing this review to ask you, the reader, not to support what I feel is a terrible restaurant. I got engaged over the holidays and, in a rush to try to marry this year, found that there were only two places left available in the area: Meson Sabika being one of them. I researched their events online, inquired about availability for my event, and confirmed pricing using their online pricing guide. The event coordinator, Katie, confirmed the pricing advertised online in an email, also confirmed availability, said I could have the venue and set up an appointment to contract. I was incredibly excited. I took off work for this, and went over. Upon arriving, Katie informed me that the owner had over doubled the cost of my event... it went from a $5500 minimum and $8 pp fee to $13,000. I tried to remain polite and work this out, but this remained firm (slipping only to $10,000 + tax + gratuity in verbiage, which is practically the same thing). Katie tried telling me that this was because the restaurant is closed on Sundays, and the cost was for the place to be open only for me. As you can see online, this is false. She admitted to lying, later, "because she was told to". But it gets better. To add insult to injury, Julie, another event manager, called me back after I'd left and said she'd heard my story via voice mail. She was profoundly sorry that I'd been mislead both in writing and verbally. She said to "go home, drink a margarita, and rest assured this would be taken care of" -- I'd hear from her the next day to get this squared away. Again, I was relieved and very happy. I didn't hear from Julie. About 3pm I called and left a voice mail, which Katie responded to. She held firm with the near doubling of the cost of my event. She then asked if I'd like to speak to the owner. I barely got to speak, as he yelled at me, and told me that "it's like a car dealer... car dealers can advertise a $120,000 car for $40,000, but that doesn't mean they have to sell it for that price." Terrible, In the meantime, the other venue got booked. There are no reception halls left to have my wedding at, and they've turned a time that should be happy and exciting into a major downer. Why? Greed? Bait and switch? Just terrible.
(1)
Jeremy L.
Really nice spot for an intimate dinner or a large group. Love the feel of eating in at someones house. Used OpenTable for reservations, party of eight, no wait. The service was great and the food really good. Some of our highlights included the Piprrana de Buey (skirt steak), Empanada de Buey (beef filled pastry), Gambas con Guindillas (shrimp) and queso de cabra (goat cheese with garlic bread). If you debate between red and white sangria, go with the red sangria. Happy eats!
(4)
Britney B.
I dined here with parents and had an excellent meal and charming experience. I've also attended a wedding hosted in this venue and it was beautiful. There front yard is green and colorful, and the vows were presented there. Then, everyone walked to the interior of Meson Sabika and ate promptly, followed by drinks and dancing. The food is delicious but not very memorable.
(4)
Carl A.
Have eaten here several times. A couple times with kids, others times for date night. Great value for money. Delicious little shareable samplings. Beautiful location inside and out.
(5)
Michelle C.
Wow-ee! This place is the bee's knees! A group of us came here for my friend's birthday last night (Friday). We had reserved a table ahead of time (thankfully, the place was packed!) and were seated right away. Our waiter came over pretty quickly and took our drink order and the staff made sure we had ice water refreshed all night (a huge plus when you're drinking all night!). Our waiter was a young guy and and did a great job in being attentive to our table, plus he was funny and really accommodating. However, when we would ask him direct questions about wine or the menu, he would give, "It's all good" and "I don't have a favorite" type of answers. I tried to ask for a recommendation on a sweet white or blush wine and it took me probing him for recommendations and suggestions until he finally suggested that he bring out two wine samples for me to try. The same thing happened when we asked him for suggestions on dishes he liked, or that were good to try. "I like everything" was his typical answer. What we really wanted was an idea of what's a hit and what's a miss. The food...INCREDIBLE! By the end of the night, we felt like we'd ordered almost everything on the menu. We got the garlic potato salad, Atlantic salmon, shrimp with couscous, lamb chops, squid, Spanish cheeses, ...and I'm sure there's even some I'm forgetting! Absolutely everything we tried was delicious! We were "mmm" -ing and "ahhh" -ing all night long. The waiter was sweet enough to bring out a dessert (comp'd) for my friend to celebrate her birthday. He even joined in when we sang Happy Birthday to her (made up for all his earlier shortcomings). Near the end of our meal, the entertainment came around. A man playing a guitar and a woman who was dancing with finger noise makers (I wish I knew the proper names for it!) made a great addition and a nice break from the night of stuffing ourselves! The entire place is beautiful, the service is really wonderful and I love the ambiance. I would return here in a heartbeat!
(5)
Tiff T.
I have never had tapas before and already love it due to visiting this gorgeous place. I've driven by this place several times and had no clue what a gem this place really is. Great service, atmosphere, and food! Would love to come again, either with friends, family, or significant other. Would also make a perfect wedding reception, birthday celebration, girls night out or brunch, or just a celebration of any kind.
(5)
Benjamin T.
Naperville has a ton of restaurants, but so many of them are chains. Meson Sabika has individuality and is one of only a few tapas options west of Cafe Ba Ba Reeba. After attending CYSO's "touring" concert (a stellar Also Sprach Zarathustra included), this was a good post-music dinner. We shared a 5-glass sherry flight, sangria, and Salteado de Hortalisas, Pipirrana de Buey and a few others. No paella - I've had some good ones, including in Andalucia -- but often feel that rice is not as festive a dish as enthusiasts claim. Anyhow, Sabika is a good choice for tapas, solid if not spectacular. I would definitely return.
(4)
Davin L.
Wow. Just wow. Beautiful decor, excellent cuisine, generous portions, and all the ambience you can handle? What's not to like about this place? Even though it was over an hour out of my way, I'm definitely coming back so I can try the paella. I recommend the Croquetas de Jamon y Pollo (ham and chicken croquettes) and Vieiras Al Albariño (grilled scallops over Mediterranean couscous with apple and tomato butter sauce).
I have been wanting to try this place since I moved to Naperville over 2 years ago. All I can say is wow. The place is beautiful. The staff was friendly and the food delicious. The Cava Sangria was delicious. I highly recommend this place. I can't wait to go back during the summer.
(4)
Joyce A.
This restaurant was mentioned in a Yelp email recently- and I checked it out...glad I did! I was looking for a special place to celebrate John's birthday. The setting was certainly different- a beautiful mansion from 1847- we came prepared with a camera to take pictures of both the grounds and the interior - and were very happy that we came prepared. I chose the Sunday brunch so we could pick and choose from many of their offerings- and tapas style- try a little of this and that.. ****Newflash****the paella with shrimp and mussels was BETTER than what we ate in Mijas Pueblo in Spain last year! Big yummy shrimp - and lots of them. Everything we tried was very well made, presented and prepared. Also lots of fresh fruit and shelled pistachio nuts for dessert.. We also ordered from the dessert menu- but frankly, it wasn't necessary after the food and fruit and nuts! And this from a sugar addict..... To sum it up: picturesque, lovely setting, great food well presented and good service, too- it gets my 5* s and a 25% tip!
(5)
Dee C.
Pasta con Hortalizas: vegetarian pasta with tomato goat cheese sauce....tasted great. Was one of my favorite. Pastel de cafe: espresso soaked layers of almond cake, coffee butter cream, and white and dark chocolate mousse topped with chocolate glaze, served with raspberry sauce. It was very good, but it was also very rich. platano con gelato: sauteed banana with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. This was good. I love anything with ice cream anyways Queso de cabra: oven baked goat cheese in tomato basil sauce with garlic bread....also one of my favorite....I wish they have more bread than 5 pieces. Crepe rellena: crepe of goat cheese, spinach, pine nuts, and apples. This was something different from the ordinary. It was different. That's all I can say about it. Patatas bravas: spicy potatoes topped with Machengo cheese: good....but I wish there was more sauce to it because it was a little dry Vegetariana paellas: seasonal vegetables. Our had squash, artichoke hearts, green beans, and green peas. It was different than the paellas I have had in the past. I liked it.. Red sangria was GREAT. Nice and strong...just the way I like it! Totally coming again!
(5)
Eleonora P.
Really good food and service. Perfect for sharing different dishes, good quality ingredients and good wine.
(3)
Carlos B.
I went to this establishment last Friday and I must admit my expectations were high, considering the restaurant is in a fancy mansion with perfectly manicured gardens. We had a party of about 12 people. I ordered a pitcher of sangria and it was very water down and it lack that thickness you are supposed to get from a traditional Spanish sangria. My pulpo a la feira and croquetas de Jamon were bland. The queso de cabra was okay although the bread should have been a little crispier and more toasted. I definitely recommend the datiles con tocino. They are amazing! The dates are sweet and the bacon is crispy and both favors go well together. The pipirrana de buey was okay but some pieces were chewy. Our waitress Davy was kind and very enthusiastic at first but then as the night proceeded, she seemed to be annoyed by us asking for bread. After that she did not come to our table as often to see if everything was okay. She seemed to be annoyed by people asking her questions about the food. Also she got annoyed when one of our friends came late and wanted to order. I traveled all the way there from Wilmette , IL and I would definitely not go back to that place. I was not satisfied and wasted money on bland food and bad service.
(1)
Ray K.
What happens when you combine a passion for service, attention to detail and a love of spanish cuisine? Meson Sabika. Very knowledgeable and friendly servers, willing to offer their suggestions of menu favorites - and a great selection of gluten free items too! We love going here for the incredible variety and great food and service - kudos to the management and all who work there!
(5)
Kristin C.
Meson Sabika is one of my favorites. The sangria is the best around. Love their outdoor dining patio.
(5)
Jennifer S.
We attended the Duncan-Rotter Wedding at Meson Sabika on Saturday July 23, 2011. The ceremony was held outside on the cobblestone/brick patio and it was beautiful! Someone was thoughtful enough to put large pitchers of ice water out on a side table that were definitely appreciated by the guests in attendance. I wish someone (a Meson Sabika employee) would have suggested a place indoors that the twenty-some of us standing outside in the sweltering heat could have waited for the forty-five minutes before the ceremony. It was a hot one and it didn't look like there was anywhere to go and wait inside. After the perfect ceremony, we moved the party into a large, beautifully decorated banquet room. It didn't feel "banquety" though. There were large windows all around. The material draped across the ceiling (which I think is there permanently) helped to make the room feel very majestic and special. There was plenty of room between the tables and the open feeling encouraged guests to walk around and mingle during the cocktail hour. The wedding cup"cakes" were setup on a tiered table in the middle of the dance floor bringing the whole room together. The staff was very discreet. They weren't overbearing and whisked in and out without causing a ruckus. I appreciate when staff members move about swiftly and quietly. No one is there to see them and they did their job quite nicely. On to the food... There were four butler-served apps. A grape tomato and fresh mozzarella ball on a skewer, crostini with a goat cheese spread, crostini with an olive tapanade and cold veal and finally, a bacon-wrapped date with a spicy sauce. My hubby and sister tried the tomato and mozzarella and the goat cheese crostini. They were fans of both. I loved the cold veal on the crostini with the olive tapanade! I have never tried anything like it before and found it to be refreshing with some interesting textures. After many years of bacon-wrapped water chestnuts, I found the date concept to be a bit mushy for my liking. The sauce was perfect though! Once we sat down, there was warm bread served followed by a cold appetizer. It was a tuna cannelloni. Yum! YUM! YUM!!! Tuna wrapped in pasta covered in a cold white cream sauce. It's one of those things that I would probably never order if I saw it on a menu, but it was sooooo good that I will be searching it out again in the near future. A simple salad with candied walnuts followed. I stole/borrowed the hubby's walnuts...it's a good thing that he loves me because those were really good and I don't think he would have shared if he knew what he was missing. Finally, we moved on to the main course. A large chicken breast covered in a spicy sauce with asparagus and red peppers accompanied by a potato-onion cake. Favorites included the potato mixed in the spicy sauce. I would order this again without hesitation. Meson Sabika is a beautiful facility with a stellar staff. Don't hesitate to visit the next time that you are in Naperville! p.s. Congratulations Kate & Landan Rotter! Here's my Yelp shoutout to the supercouple of 2011!!!
(4)
Vince A.
This place is beautiful no doubt. When we walkedup there was wedding in progress in thegardens. Very nice setting for that. We stepped to our table and got a great garden view. Started with sangria and a glass of Rioja. Sangria was very light. Instead of going through the order - will break it down with the Good and Not So Good Good: Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese in Tomato/Red Pepper Sauce Beef Tenderloin on skewers Flourless Chocolate Cake Chorizo/Morcilla Not So Good: Garlic Potato Salad Rock Lobster on Squash (better eaten by itself) Definitely will be back.
(4)
Jennifer Z.
One of my favorite restaurants to visit whenever I'm back home in Chicago. Having grown up in the surrounding area, I remember plenty of trips there for special occasions (graduations, birthdays, etc). The location, decoration and service always make you feel like a valued guest. I think I recognized it on TV once in a reality show on TLC I think- because their banquet/catering hall right next to the restaurant is quite popular especially for weddings. I've tried quite a number of dishes on their menu over the past 10 years and my favorites are below: Jamón Serrano - I seriously CANNOT get enough. Having made a trip to Barcelona this past summer I can honestly stay...this ham is quite comparable with other I've had while I was in Spain. I have to admit- usually one order is not enough for me- especially when eating with large parties as there's only 4 "portions" with each order. Datiles Con Tocino - I love the great blend of sweetness and saltiness in this dish. So delicious! Calamares A La Plancha - The squid is seriously so tender and I love the flavor. Much better than fried calamari you can get at other places. The garlic lemon olive oil is also absolute amazing. Tilapia Marinada - SOO fresh and tender. Always a must every time we come. A pitcher of sangria is also a must every time we come :)
(5)
Sarah D.
I normally enjoy this restaurant, It is fun and I like Tapas. However, I recently attended a wedding reception there. They ran out of everything, even coffee. There wasn't enough staff to service the event. Plus they were rude. We even cleared our own tables. The food was mediocre at best. The setting is beautiful even if all they give you is a salad fork, knife and napkin as a place setting for the entire meal. Serving utensils were sparse also at the buffets. No large spoons, just prongs to be shared among 4-5 dishes. I am not making this up. We just laughed. What were we going to do other than cry for the family who had to pay for this?
(1)
brian l.
Love it here. The place seems like a big old house with a big reception hall added on the side. The food is tapas style and I have only had good experiences with the food. Beer selection is just okay.
(4)
Montrew N.
Went for our anniversary. It was fun! Pomegranate sangria was good. We rely liked the escargot and scallop dishes. Beef tenderloin was good but salty. The spicy potatoes and grilled veggies complimented nicely. Lots of yummy garlic. The server was good. Would go again. Lots of good flavors. I didn't like the cheesecake. Tasted like the box if that makes sense... And I like any cheesecake. But the hubs ate it?
(4)
Patrick T.
Went here for dinner and had the Paella and the Gambas Marinadas, a couple of hot and cold tapas. The food is nothing to rave about, unless you make it a point to write about uninspired dishes. Nothing was bad - it just wasn't great. The ambiance, however, is gorgeous, unique, and quaint. Service was good, and as most everyone mentioned - sangria was really good too.
(3)
Melissa E.
This is one of my very favorite restaurants. The shrimp in garlic butter is divine, and I always get the goat cheese. I had the rehearsal dinner for my wedding here, and I got a lot of compliments about the beautiful decor and the delicious food. I spent a month in Spain a few years ago, so I'm very familiar with tapas. This place is the most authentic Spanish restaurant I've been to in the states. The servers are always accommodating and friendly, even when I have my young children with me. My older son asks for this place by name: "Mommy, can we go to Messabica?" (That's how he says it.) His favorite is the sirloin beef tips. My husband loves the potato salad, and orders it every time, but I think it has way too much garlic.
(5)
Shradha A.
Beautiful mansion!! Great event coordinator! Good food! Helpful staff! Clean bathrooms! Flexible bar! Elegant decor! Private parking lot! Great picture opps! Great venue for hosting an event! Highly recommend!!
(5)
Donna P.
Definitely a unique location. The food was pretty good. Nothing special. We tried several dishes and the stuffed mushrooms were the tastiest. I recommend coming once to experience the atmosphere of the old mansion.
(3)
H J.
Service was great! Group of six and we literally ordered about three different plates each. The lamb was exceptional! Great tasting experience. We also ordered a main dish for everyone to share and it was also delicious.
(4)
Mayra K.
We came to Meson Zabika for brunch celebrating my birthday and it was excellent!! The food, the service everything was excellent!! We were not disappointed at all, we are even thinking about having our son's First Communion here!! We will definitely be back ;0)
(5)
Jimma J.
By far, the best tapas I've ever had! There is dedication and effort put into every dish that comes out of the kitchen. I've come here always for special events and the servers really care and make the experience well worth it. that being said, you have to expect to spend quite a bit of money while dining here. There are so many good dishes that I don't even know where to begin on recommending dishes. Just try what sounds good and you won't be disappointed. The restaurant was made into an old mansion and they've done well to preserve the old estate and property so it's very unique and intimate. Weather permitting, eating outdoors is also a really good treat as well. Well worth the price.
(5)
Katie B.
Always a favorite: sit on the patio (although indoors is beautiful and unique), order a sangria on a warm summer evening... And don't forget the bacon wrapped dates! Seriously, I LOVE this place. Best tapas around. The ambiance is intimate and inviting, the service is impeccable, the food---well, if I were to have a "last meal", this just might be it. Sit on the patio if you can! This is a accommodates to weddings, receptions, dinner parties, a great date destination or time out with the girls.
(5)
Julie C.
The ambiance and beauty of this location is a huge smile. Not only the quantity of selections but the quality of the food is top-notch. Shared stuffed mushrooms, wonderful paella, a crepe with goat cheese, spinach, pine nuts and apples were out of this world. The roasted red peppers stuffed with three kinds of cheeses and served in a black bean sauce will be remembered, eternally!!! Our food was served quickly, our soiled dishes removed just as quickly but was at odds with how quickly these chores were undertaken while we had to beg for water and drink replacements. Loved our waitperson. She was kind, friendly and very professional. The noise level on this Saturday night was very, very high was seemed a contrast to the mellow and gentle environment we experienced (there were five of us). Am returning Sunday night for Mother's Day brunch!!!
(5)
Donna R.
Best place for tapas! And amazing atmosphere as well!! Great for a date night or in the summer with friends on their etheral patio.
(5)
Mary C.
Knowledgeable wait staff and very attentive. Party of 6, and we were not rushed. We were given opportunity to order various tapas share eat and then sample more. Prices were very reasonable and a variety of choices both hot and cold tapas. Food presentation and taste was excellent. We sat outside on a beautiful summer evening and would recommend requesting the patio if weather permits. Will go again.
(5)
Monika D.
I sincerely love this place. Food is outstanding. From the Spanish olives or shrimp to their goat cheese in roasted tomato sauce to their paella. You will not be disappointed. Waiters are always friendly, very knowledgable and happy to provide explanations of the menu or make suggestions. The servers are constantly refilling your water and clearing the tables. Service is always impressive. At every one of my visits a manager has always come to our table to ask about our meal. The location and facility is breathless especially in the summer. Ample parking. Cannot rave more about this restaurant.
(5)
Damon B.
I went for dinner on a Thursday. I'm sorry to say that the food had me so high I can barely remember what I ate! FREAKIN DELICIOUS! We had several cold dishes as well as a couple warm. The potatoes with garlic are great, as is the salmon and toast points. Ugh... I wish I were there right now. Are they open for lunch? Anyway, served Tapas style, not one item was not followed by a euphoric groan of pleasure. It isn't inexpensive, but not over priced either. It's great for special occasions.
(4)
Brianna R.
We came for the Mother's Day brunch buffet, it was delicious! They showcased all of their most popular tapas-hot and cold. Everything was the right temperature and they were grilling salmon, chicken, and steak outside. It was a great experience and we'll be back next year.
(5)
Kendra W.
Meson Sabika -- the perfect way to enjoy a warm summer evening!! The mansion-converted restaurant is tucked away in the green backroads of Naperville and really reminded me of the victorian houses/restaurants in New Orleans' Garden District. The place was popular even on a Tuesday evening (but not packed). My friend and I were grateful for the temporary sun and warmth during an otherwise volatile-weather week, so we sat outside. It was perfect...but shortlived! Within seconds after getting our first tapas, it started POURING dogsh*t. The waiter quickly helped us moved inside. Anyway, both the outdoor and indoor seating has it benefits. The inside, though cramped and a bit musky, feel exactly as a victorian home would. The server was nice and was happy to recommend her personal favorites, which we ordered: --Pitcher of Sangria ($24.95) -- Sangria was so so. Pitcher was more than enough for the two of us. --Patatas con Alioi ($5.95) - their famous potato salad...OMG so spicy!!! I would not get it again b/c it 'scompletely overbearing -- but others seem to like it, *cough* masochists *cough*! --Pipirrana De Buey - ($8.50) Our favorite dish. Beef was super tender and well marinated. If you don't like blue cheese -- dont worry, it is not apparent. --Buñuelos De Cangrejo - ($7.95) Crabmeat fritters -- good portion size and lots of crab meat. I do think they over-flavored it as it was hard to taste the natural sweetness...but yummy nonetheless --Queso De Cabra - ($7.95) -- Baked goat cheese. Cheese was of very good quality, but it dish was more of a tangy tomatoe sauce in a bowl with a dollap of fluffy goat cheese...not what i expected but good. I really enjoyed my meal at Meson Sabika. I think food could be improved in ways -- but as a package -- 5 stars!
(5)
Anton E.
I have been to this restaurant at least seven or eight times but the last few were very disappointing. Service was very slow but more importantly the food dishes were less than spectacular. Had marinated Artichokes that were so hard and old they were completely indelible. Hot dishes were cold, poor plating, and overall lack of care to the food was most prominent. Sad to say one of my favorite restaurants in Naperville I will not be visiting again.
(1)
Pat F.
Great place to grab a few tasty bites. I remember loving their mothers day brunch as a kid. Also, their outside seating is great during the summer months.
(3)
Kevin C.
My family likes to come here for special occasions, because raping buffets is kind of an ongoing hobby for my parents. We come here for Sunday brunch, which comes with a mimosa, an omelet, and as much cheese as you can stuff into that fat face of yours. Meson Sabika offers a huge variety of food, but it's a buffet so the quality can really vary from dish to dish. There's a huge meat/cheese/fruit station, a bunch of hot food stations, and usually some kind of roast that's carved for you by a glowering chef with very sharp knives. This place earns a fourth star because they offer these gay little crab cakes that taste so good that I'm guaranteed to leave the restaurant feeling terrible and too full of seafood and mayonnaise. Eating 49 tiny crab cakes is not what normal, well-adjusted people do, but it's what happens when I go here.
(4)
Jacob J.
Thanks to Jo C. for sharing the experience on her big birfday. Four awesome people shared six flights of cold and warm tapas and eagerly downed them with fruity sangria pitchers. Four merry gentle people shared four additional flights of yummy tapas and downed them with more smile inducing delight. At the end, a couple more glasses of sangria and two flights of desserts. Whew, what a grand ride. Bacon wrapped dates is a must. I can't remember much of what else was eaten but we covered many spectrum's, the sangria induced a nice buzz-worthy feeling. What a grand spot to have tapas and drinks at. A mansion which once served as a family's estate is now a place to house cheers and smiles across many faces. This is that place to take your date to impress her or that place you take your S.O's parent's to pop a question. Or a place to check out the hotties at the next table, cuz' come on now, how often does a group of well dressed dudes go out for a night of great tapas. Dudes, it's worth a bookmark. Service could have been better, maybe it was too busy. I'd be willing to check them out again on a weeknight instead.
(4)
Rebecca L.
Really a 3 on the food scale but a bump for being a gorgeous place with friendly staff. June 15 2012-rehearsal dinner for my best friend's wedding. We were a party of about 20 people and I would say they did a fairly decent job of serving us once the food started coming out. Took a bit long to get going but it was Friday night, they were busy and we were a big party--my sangria came promptly and much is forgiven upon its arrival. We had a pretty fair selection from the whole menu and I have to say that it was all good. Nothing really stands out as being amazing other than the seafood salad. The bacon wrapped dates were good, but lets be honest--who has met a bacon wrapped date that they don't like? The bacon does all the work so I can't hand out extra stars for that. All in all on the tapas scale I would say this was as good as Babareeba and though not the best I have ever had--nothing was bad. But no awesome "I have to eat that again" surprises. Extra: they had several fun sangria options. I went with the classic red as I don't like super sweet wine. Others got the pear and raved. Also-maybe because we were a wedding party--there was a dancer and guitar player and they were pretty cool. It added to the event. Note on price: I have no idea how much this place costs because of it being covered by the family---if the tapas are around $9-$15 a plate-they are at the right price point (obvious upgrade on better cuts/types meats/seafood). If the sangria was $8 or less it was rightly priced as well.
(4)
JoLynn W.
Meson Sabika is one of Naperville's hidden gems! The staff has mastered the art of being friendly without being overly chatty, and they maintain a humble presence which adds to the fine dining experience. This is a great location for special occasions. Weekends can get a little loud, so I recommend week nights for a more intimate setting. Meson Sabika is a little pricey, but it's totally worth it.
(4)
Zoe E.
We had a rare Sunday morning free with no obligations so my husband and I looked at each other and thought: BRUNCH!!! And since we heard great things about Meson Sabika's brunch, we decided this was the perfect opportunity to try it. I had been here before several times for dinner with girlfriends. This was the first time with my husband and three little ones. First of all, the restaurant and the setting is really quite lovely. You can see why it's a popular venue for special events and weddings. It's a Victorian mansion that was converted to a restaurant and you really feel like you're having a meal inside someone's home. The host and wait staff were really friendly and attentive. We were seated upstairs, which was kind of a bummer considering the fact that brunch was served on the first floor and I was nursing a broken foot. But, this was a last minute reservation, so we had to just deal with it. I do have to say that our waiter saw me limping down the hall and was kind enough to show me an alternate route down to the first floor rather than the main steep flight of stairs. How nice! Onto the food... Mimosas / champagne, made-to-order omelets and desserts were all part of the brunch package. After placing our respective drink and omelet orders, we headed down stairs. I have to say that I was quite impressed with the spread they offered. In addition to a few traditional brunch items, there was a wide selection of hot and cold tapas. The hot stuff was indoors while the cold stuff was displayed in the adjacent outdoor patio area. There's even a small table set aside at the end of the hot tapas selections for the "ninos". Cute! I intentionally skipped the traditional offerings and many of the pasta selections and went straight to the Spanish food b/c, c'mon, that's what we were here for! Some of the hot tapas I sampled included: seafood and chicken paella, bay scallops with mediterranean couscous, sausage empanadillas, tiger shrimp with alioli on toast points, bacon-wrapped dates, stuffed mushrooms (can't remember what they were stuffed with...). Cold selections I sampled: smoked salmon, salad of tricolored peppers and medley of seafood, cantaloupe wrapped with prosciutto, spanish olives. Back at our table, we were served our mimosas and omelets. We finished the meal with 2 desserts: profiteroles and a bittersweet chocolate terrine with raspberry coulis and candied walnuts. My children claimed they were too full to finish their meal but as soon as dessert showed up, they devoured most of it and left just a few spoonfuls for me and the hubs. The only thing that made me raise an eyebrow was that there was no waitstaff/attendant overseeing the cold selections in the outdoor patio area. What am I getting at? Although beautifully displayed on a lovely 70 degree day, the food was at the mercy of potential bugs (and birds!) that were flying around. (My husband: "Did you see the bird that was perched on the tree next to the table!") The only item I was a bit underwhelmed with was the chorizo and manchego cheese omelet. Otherwise, most of the food is really pretty tasty and our overall experience was very pleasant. We will most definitely make another visit here in the future and it is on our list of brunch options for the western suburbs.
(4)
Ke M.
This is a beautiful venue for literally any event. The food is delicious, there are a ton of options, and the staff does a great job whether its dinner for 2 or 20. The event planning team was very responsive and flexible and the price point is very good for the value you get. I would definitely go back again for dinner or the next event I need to plan.
(5)
Bonna M.
Our first visit to Meson Sabika was a good experience! We'd heard from a lot of people how wonderful their food is and how beautiful the restaurant is and we couldn't agree more. I was a little concerned that my 9 year old wouldn't find anything to eat but he really liked the dates wrapped in bacon, the bread and butter, the calamari and of course the desserts. My husband and I both ordered a glass of sangria. He got the red and I ordered the white. He really liked his sangria but I wasn't wild about mine. My daughter ordered the non-alcoholic sangria which was absolutely awesome. For one of our cold appetizers we ordered the Tortilla Española which is almost like a cold quiche with potatoes, onions and egg. They top it with some sauce and it's served with greens. We really enjoyed it. We also ordered the toast points with king crab and avocado which was a big hit. My husband is crazy about Paella so we ordered the seafood paella which had clams, mussels, scallops and shrimp. He really enjoyed it, my daughter and I liked it but I'm not sure I would order it again (my husband would). I think I really liked the smaller plates better. For dessert we ordered the vanilla flan and the chocolate cake with caramel ice cream---yummy!!!! It is really a beautiful place and can be as reasonable or expensive as you want to make it. We will return soon.
(4)
Steve S.
For the food, I give it 3 stars but for the ambience of the restaurant, I give Meson Sabika 2 stars. Group of us went for a birthday and we each ordered a selection of tapas. Some were hits and some were misses. The queso de cabra was good but I have had better cheese dishes at non-Spanish tapas restaurants. The salmon creda was good, but once again, nothing spectacular. The pollo al curry was very popular. However, not a being fan of mayonaise based dishes, I opted not to try it. The highlights were the chicken tenderloin and skirt steak. Both had good flavor combinations. The roasted dates were the lowpoint though. They were way too sweet and just didn't work. While the food is decent, the whole restaurant is weird. It's like you're eating in your grandmother's house. We sat upstairs in a small room with four other tables. It was like we were sitting in the back room of an old house. And while it was still light out when we sat down, it became obvious the whole upstairs had really bad lighting. The whole place has the feel of your great aunt's favorite restaurant.
(3)
Egdbert D.
We went for the brunch and the food was ok. With all of the outstanding reviews, I was expecting more. There's a lot of variety but tasted like most buffet food. The sangria was underwhelming. It would behoove them to get some real utensils and not use the cheap stuff. The restaurant is unique though and set back from the road. It's a romantic setting in a large mansion, so it's worth checking out at least once.
(3)
Malynne S.
Why has it taken me this long to write a review about this place?! I give this place 10 stars if i could. Here's a break down: BRUNCH BUFFET: ***** STARS This has gotten very popular and morning bruch is very busy. They have a variety of cold and hot tapas and they also offer children breakfast buffet or eggs, bacon and pancakes. VENUE FOR PARTIES: ***** STARS I helped host a party at Meson Sabika. We were given the ground floor room in the front because it was a party for less than 50 guests. I decided to do the brunch buffet with drinks (mimosas and iced tea) and dessert. Everyone loved the food. We were able to put up some decoration and parking was plenty and free. We were accommodated well and service was great. OVERALL: EXCELLANT! NEVER A BAD EXPERIENCE
(5)
Linsey J.
Always a sure thing! Gone here for lunch a couple of times and the food is always spetacular! Fresh and unique. It's a tough place to beat. The olives they give you when you're first seated are SO GOOD! I wish I could buy some and bring them home. Marinated in some vinegar and spices. They're addictive. Sign up for their email list and you'll get $10 coupons each month.
(5)
Brandy W.
This place is a great place for dinner with friends--fancy style. It's a romantic place for couples, but when ordering tapas, I feel that life is so much richer when shared with friends (and your love). We went with two friends on a Wednesday evening and sat in the room on the right. It's a converted home/mansion and is really elegant. There were plenty of people there for a Wednesday! It was recommended by our friends who had previously been there. The exterior was full of gardens and a ballroom looking structure. It's obvious that the place is used a lot for weddings and other events. If I were getting married (again, that'll never happen... best husband ever!), I'd absolutely look into having my reception at this gorgeous location. The sangria were a bit weak. The fruit was small and I wouldn't consider it to be the best I've experienced... though I didn't even order one. They bought a pitcher for the table, but I only ate the tiny slivers of fruit from my husband's glass. The tapas were awesome. I think the amount was reasonable. We ordered about 2 tapas per person... about 1 cold and one hot. I also had the gazpacho which was excellent. I'm a vegetarian, so I had the spicy potatoes (hot), grilled vegetables + asparagus (cold) and the meat eaters had a variety of other items including a Spanish cheese/fruit plate. Overall, we were really pleased and content at the end of our meal. It's nice eating slowly as you go... that super full sensation just doesn't exist! I'd highly recommend this place. I'm excited to go back in a few months.
(5)
Velina L.
I love that the restaurant is actually in a mansion, with a nice little waterfall in the front. It makes you feel like you're in someone's house in the south. The menu is pretty extensive, including a good selection of vegetarian options and a pretty good list of Spanish wines, listed by region with a short description of the flavor profiles. They also offer wine flights as well as a sherry flight, if you want to try several. Overall the food was pretty good, and best shared with some friends. My favorites of the night were the skirt steak with cabrales cheese sauce, crab fritters with creamed leeks, and the morcilla sausage in the chorizo and morcilla plate (but I've always loved morcilla!). The scallops with couscous and stuffed piquillo peppers were pretty good as well but my least favorites of the night were the gambas al ajillo, the vegetarian paella (a little bland), and the sangria, although I have very high standards for sangria after having some amazing ones in Spain. For dessert, we shared a dessert platter, which included 5 desserts from their menu. I don't have a huge sweet tooth so it wasn't the highlight of my evening but I did think the flan and the almond cake were pretty good. Service was great, and they made some good recommendations for both food and beverage. I will definitely return.
(4)
Hans C.
Meson Sabika is a different dining experience. I don't know how else to explain it. It's a tapas restaurant and bar and banquet hall set in an old mansion in the middle of a Naperville neighborhood. The service and atmosphere are great. The food, in my opinion, is kind of hit-and-miss. Mostly hit, though. On my tapas gotta-try list: scallops, skirt steak with bleu cheese, stuffed mushrooms, spicy potatoes, and empanadas. Other tapas I tried were just so-so like the chicken skewer, which was kind of bland. The mariscos paella did not impress me at all. As a self-described master paella chef myself, I did not enjoy theirs. The rice was too wet for my liking, the mussels and clams were tiny, and the entire thing was way too salty and lacked the distinct saffron note which is the defining factor that separates paella from other rice dishes. The desserts I tried were okay, like the chocolate cake with caramel ice cream and the pumpkin cheesecake. I could see myself coming back here again to check out the dishes on the tapas menu I haven't tried yet.
(4)
Tony K.
Don't forget to order the figs wrapped in bacon
(5)
Jess F.
The good here is great, I'm not going to lie. Buuuut I went here with my parents after we dropped off my younger siblings at summer camp. My mom was really upset earlier that day because they've never been away from home. We went out to relax and were very very dissapointed. It was 6:00 on a friday and we didn't make a reservation. The place was empty but we were told there was an hour and a half wait.. really? But that we could eat at the bar if we didnt mind.So we sat at the bar for dinner, not thinking anything of it. The bartender was clearly pissed we were eating dinner at the bar and gave us so much attitude and was super super slow. When we ordered our last round of tapas the bartender (who could barely speak English) said ' I guess you Americans aren't so good in the kitchen' WTF, rude! My mom (who is a great cook and goes out to eat once a week max, usually cooking at home) broke down. She had already had a rough day and then this asshole pushed her over the edge. My dad spoke to the manager and all she did was shrug. Real professional. I won't be coming back.
(2)
Liz K.
First let me say that I have been to several tapas restaurants (my favorite food next to Mexican) and their sister site Tapas Valencia. This place is beautiful!!! It reminded me of an old plantation house. It is a mansion so there are many different rooms. Each room is different...we were in a darker room more intimate room. Because of the look of restaurant I had high hopes for food!! Service was great...as soon as I thought I wanted something or water....there it was (Surprisingly since it was a Saturday evening and the restaurant was jam packed). We wanted to order our tapas two at a time because in the past we order them all then they bring them all in and our table gets overwhelmingly crowded. Chicken Curry Salad: Great! Pisto Manchego: Refreshing cold vegetables Tortilla Espanola: I always order this and it was one of the best I have ever had! Bacon Dates: A must!! You cannot leave without ordering this! Stuff Mushrooms: Mushrooms were cooked just right. Crabmeat Fritters: a bit dry but the leaks were yum!!! Then of course we order the patatas bravas because it is our #1 tapas dish we like to compare. They were good...not our favorite but definitely second choice between the places we been. :-) Our Suburban Tapas hunt felt successful. Definitely plan on going back. And it really wasn't as expensive as I thought. We ordered a pitcher of sangria....peach...but we never tasted the peach. Then at the end of the pitcher we realized all the flavor was stuck in the bottom....so make sure to mix your pitcher up.
(4)
Allyson R.
Meson Sabika is absolutely charming! The ambiance and outdoor grounds are delightful and pleasant on a warm summer night. My party of seven and I enjoyed some celebratory sangria - try the prickly pear! We ordered a good number of various tapas which were all delightful, but none stuck out in my mind enough to recall the names. Of the seven or eight different items, all were quite tasty. One thing that is slightly inconvenient if you go with a larger group is that you cannot split the tab and do separate checks. The waitstaff was nice enough to handle a multitude of various credit cards, however. All the staff was polite and efficient with the water. I appreciate that we were not rushed out the door after paying and sat outside to chit-chat and enjoy the surroundings. All in all, the food was good, the drinks were fun, and the atmosphere was by far the most enjoyable aspect. I would return and definitely suggest a visit!
(4)
Chirag K.
Fantastic food. Sangria, paella, shrimp marinadas, scallops hot tapas were fabulous. Not over the top costly. Will come back for sure and leave some space for dessert :)
(4)
Wanda S.
Lovely and large outdoor dining area. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Menu is lots of fun, especially for sharing. Great for our special occasion.
(5)
K M.
Mason Sabika is one of my favorite Naperville standards. They're tapas are among the best I've had at many restaurants, and who doesn't like a cool glass of Sangria? I've tried a number of dishes but some of my favorites are the goat cheese in tomato sauce - everyone loves it, the scallops with couscous, a crepe-like dough rolled with apples, cheese, and other goodies, and the bacon-wrapped dates are worth ordering 2. If you are thinking of doing a brunch, it's a great spread. The price is a bit high, but you'd pay the same for a lot less in many other local brunch venues. They offer breakfast and tapas along with a glass of champagne. All my favorites in one place! Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Paul K.
Simply put, not one bad dish. Olives in a vinegar, garlic, and cayenne pepper dresssing with bread to start. A wonderful selection of Granachas, Tempranillos, and Riojas. The bread was warm with the proper texture and delicious. Black bean soup with chorizo and shrimp bisque. Both were incredible. The toast point with king crab and avacado had just the write hint of vinegar for proper acidity. The must dish for me was the roasted dates wrapped with bacan in a tomato sauce that had a great cumin finish. My wife had the vegetarian pasta dish which was creamy and absolutely perfect. The potatoes with cheese was the heaviest dish and great as well. Desert was a chocolate lave cake and carmel ice cream. A great dish on cold evening. If you want to take that special someone for a great meal that won't break the bank, then this is the place for you. A wonderful setting with impeccable service, Meson Sabika is a must for all Tapas lovers!
(5)
Princess D.
I've been here a number of times over the years and this is one of my favorite places to get good Spanish cuisine. The ambience is wonderful and the restautant itself is very charming and clean. The food is consistently good and they have a wonderful selection of tapas (that can be shared) or individual entrees. The grilled calamari is cooked to perfection with just the right amount of seasoning that gives it a delicious flavor. The salmon a la plancha is delicious along with the jamon Serrano, salmon curado, Solomillos con Moniato, patatas bravas and mariscos paella. They also have a lovely lunch menu. The sangria is not the best, a little on the wishy washy side. I would opt with a glass of wine instead. This place will not disappoint you, from the attentive service to the delicious food.
(4)
Ailie T.
Meson Sabika is a great tapas place!! My boyfriend and I have been to many tapas places before, and this one stacks up well. The patio is great during the summer, and the building is very charming and pretty. The Datilles con Tocino (bacon wrapped dates) are amazing, as is the Queso de Cabra and stuffed Portabello mushrooms (forget exact name...). We also had the red wine sangria. It was good, but not GREAT.
(4)
Katherine B.
I love this place so much. The sangria is so good and their choice for different tapas is awesome. I'm never disappointed with what I get.
(5)
Lan T.
I ate lunch at Meson Sabika. I think it's oddly located for such a nice place. I'm not from the area, so you're driving from strip mall to strip mall, passing Walmart, Target, dozens of Starbucks and fast food places, and a hand full of Jewel-Oscos. You turn on some street where you expect to see more new homes being built and a ton of SUVs and minivans....yes...we are in the 'BURBS!!!! Then all of a sudden, you turn into a huge parking lot and you're warped into the 1920s or something. Meson Sabika is located in a historic mansion. I've been to Spain and so I was a tad confused because I knew we were going to a tapas place, but the location had more of a southern feel to it. It was really nice...the atmosphere was calm and relaxing. It was a nice day so I opted for the outdoor seating...not only because it was a nice day, but the inside had a weird old smell to it. The house is historic and beautiful, but it seemed to clash with the whole tapas menu. Anyway, we sat outside and we had our share of bees/flies/ant visitors. Not the restaurant's fault at all!!! On to the food! We ordered the grilled calamari, skirt steak, dates wrapped in bacon, patatas bravas, and SANGRIA! All of the dishes were really good! My favorites were the grilled calamari and the dates with bacon. Please note: they serve you all parts of the squid for the grilled calamari so if you're not used to seeing the tentacles, you might not enjoy it. It tastes good though! I've had better dates with bacon, but these were still very good. Let's just say that I might have had the BEST and these were a good runner up! Meson Sabika doesn't serve it with almonds in the middle (if you're familiar with the ones with almonds), but the restaurant definitely does the dish justice! I would order it again! The skirt steak was also very good. The only drawback to it is that when you see it, you think you're getting a lot of steak, but once you dig into it, you realize that the bottom of the bowl is filled with potatoes and onions. The steak is good, but I didn't expect to see a lot of "fillers" to make the dish look like it was "filled" with steak. I always order patatas bravas at all Spanish restaurants I visit because its the staple dish. ALL Spanish restaurants should serve it (aside from paella), so in my opinion, its a good side-by-side comparison. Therefore, we got the patatas bravas. The menu indicated that it came with spicy sauce. The sauce isn't that spicy....but then again, I LOVE spicy. So what's spicy to me, might be FLAMING to someone else. I thought the sauce was good on the patatas bravas, but I would of liked them to be a tad bit crisp. If the potatoes were crisp with the spicy sauce, that dish would have been a winner. Unfortunately, the potatoes weren't crisp. Overall, 4 stars. I would go back. For the suburbs of Chicago, this place did Spanish tapas some justice. I took one star off for the patatas bravas and the skirt steak. Oh! As for the service...the servers were nice. They were also very communicative to each other. I would hear them yelling to each other as to what tables they served and what they haven't done yet. For example, I would hear one server yell, "I served them water, they need bread and butter!" I think they should have tried to keep their voices down a bit because it made them seem a bit disorganized. I think its fine in a diner to yell across the room to your colleagues, but this was definitely not a diner. Either way, I'd go back. P.S. There were two of us, so the 4 dishes were definitely enough! Also we had the peach and pomegranate sangria. Both very good and each glass is strong enough for an afternoon buzz! Enjoy!
(4)
Robert S.
Ive been going to Meson Sabika for over 20 years. That said I can say that everything I'm going to write is the same now as it was when I first starting visiting this fine restaurant. This is the pinnacle of Spanish tapas fair. The food is generally always delicious. I say generally because once every 1 or 2 years the garlic potato salad is not as garlicky. Recently the Spanish olives did not taste the same as they always had? Why these inconsistencies exist I do not know, but other than that the food is is always great. You have to love being able to eat many different types of dishes until you find a favorite and even then there is always something new to try on your next visit. Also about the food I once entertained some customers from Argentina and brought them here for lunch. We ordered the paella and they all agreed that it was great. It does take a while for it to be prepared, so just relax and order a few pitchers of sangria or some of the other nicely prepared drinks. In the summer sit outside on the patio and pretend you are out of the country on vacation. In the colder seasons eat inside the restaurant, which I believe is a home that was built in 1914. While dinning outside is festive, dining inside is elegant. This is a place you take that special someone and not just any one. Speaking of which this place is great for Valentine's day, but make a reservation early and get ready for a romantic evening. And yes you can actually have a conversation here without shouting. A rare thing for a restaurant in Naperville. Finally brunch, generally served upstairs, I can tell you is buffet style with mimosas for everyone. There is a nice sampling of breakfast and other standard Meson fair. Beyond the inconsistencies with two of the dishes I will always recommend taking that special someone to Meson. Just remember it will be hard to top this with a better and more romantic place to dine.
(4)
Mike B.
Had our anniversary dinner at Meson Sabika. Restaurant was very busy but service was still quite good. Enjoyed a variety of tapas with our favorite being the bacon wrapped dates.
(4)
Michael M.
We were their for a wedding in their pavillion and I must say the food and service were excellent. The servers were unobtrusive, the bartenders were pleasant and even engaging which is unusual for a banquet bartender in my experience. The food was delicious from the hand-passed hors' douerves to the filet mignon which was nice and medium. A beautiful location to hold any private event and the staff adds to it.
(4)
Renee S.
This was my first experience with tapas & I had no idea what to expect...I was actually quite nervous about it upon reading the menu. I can sometimes have the appetite of a picky 4 year old. I was pleasantly surprised. Our waiter was incredibly helpful with suggestions & patient with us newbies. We ordered the empanada, stuffed mushrooms, beef tenderloin, & my husband got the calamari. Everything was excellent. And the restaurant itself is beautiful. I would definitely recommend & plan on going back again soon.
(4)
Angela D.
Fantastic place. We went there for the first time last night, and everything was wonderful -- food, staff, ambience and prices. We were initially seated in the downstairs dining room, but it was very loud. When I explained to the hostess that I'm pregnant and a little ill, that the noise a bit overwhelming, they very graciously re-seated us in a cozy dining room upstairs. Our waiter was helpful in guiding us through our first tapas meal. Everything was fresh and delicious (try the lamb medallions!). We were stuffed when we left, and the bill was just under $80. I expected to pay more. The grounds and building are spectacular -- not a single complaint. Highly recommended. Enjoy when you go!
(5)
Drew C.
Homemade sangria and bacon-wrapped dates. The two reasons I have been coming here for years. I should probably try new things, but I can't help myself. Creature of habit. Always amiable service, too.
(5)
Rolly Z.
This place is amazing! We have been there a few times, including a wedding and the food and service is fantastic. The atmosphere of the place is great. A nice romantic setting. The tapas are fantastic. Try the beef tenderloin and the shrimp! Both the red and white Sangrias are very tasty. If you have not been, it is definitely worth a try!!
(5)
Aileen G.
I always have a good time at meson sabika. The mansion-turned-restaurant has its own large parking lot, a beautiful garden for outdoor seating, and a wonderful selection of tapas that are the perfect size so you can get all the choices you're deciding between. Some favorites: Bacon-wrapped dates: perfect ratio of bacon to dates so you can enjoy both the crunchy savory taste of bacon and sweet softness of dates in each bite. I hate it when one taste overpowers the other in some tapas places, but meson sabika always makes sure that doesn't happen. Rib eye: very juicy, tender, and surprisingly flavorful. Say goodbye to the salt shaker! The meat is marinated with all the flavors you'll ever crave in prime ribs. Coconut Flan: they have their "flan of the day" and I don't remember which day coconut flan day is, but if it is offered while you're there, I'd highly recommend it. The flan is soft with a very smooth texture, and the coconut flavor isn't overpowering at all--just enough to give it that special sweet taste. Come here for a casual summer date outdoors, you won't regret it!
(5)
Sade C.
Meson Sabika is one of my favorite restaurants & I love introducing it to friends who haven't experienced the joy of tapas before. The ambience is perfect for a romantic date, birthday celebration, or get-together with your friends. These are my must-haves: Pipirrana De Buey: skirt steak with Cabrales blue cheese sauce - my fave, & I don't even eat blue cheese. the steak is so tender, flavorful, & everyone always asks for another round of it. Gambas Al Ajillo: grilled tiger shrimp with garlic lemon butter - I wish there were more shrimp on the plate, & the butter sauce is delicious. Patatas Bravas: Spicy potatoes topped with Manchego cheese - Spicy, cheesy, creamy goodness. Don't forget to get a glass (or two) of sangria. A nice healthy buzz always makes the food even better.
(4)
Jenny R.
I went to MS for the first time this past weekend with 4 friends. The place is charming as balls, and it was so cozy. It felt like thanksgiving dinner (a spanish thanksgiving) with friends. We made a reservation but still had to wait about 10 minutes for our table (that is really my only complaint) Our server Bianca was super knowledgeable and willing to give honest opinions about which tapa was tastier when we were stuck between two options. She also suggested the spanish beer, Estrella which ended up being a hit at our table. Even I liked it, and I'm a beer snob. In the end, it seemed like we ordered the whole left side of the menu, we couldnt MOVE. The bacon wrapped dates and the spicy taters were some favorites of ours. (but bacon wrapped anything is pretty much a perfect little food group in itself to me.) We had a pitcher of red sangria, and enjoyed EVERY drop. Next time I'd like to try one of the flavored options when I make hubby take me there on a date. For dessert we had some chocolate cake with ice cream which was typical, no party in our mouths. HOWEVER, the caramelized banana dealy was HEAVENLY. Party in your mouth times 100. I am definitely going to return :)
(3)
Leang E.
I came here for a wedding, and it was fabulous. There were draped cloths that were hung from the ceiling and numerous chandeliers that made the place look simple and elegant. Sadly, I passed up on the sangria trying to stick to my no carb diet. After seeing the appetizers and what was on the menu I decided that I had to have a cheat day. The bacon wrapped dates and the croquettes were delicious, and so I had several. We also had the grilled duck medallions with apples, oven baked goat cheese, pincho de solomillo, and a puff pastry. I had chosen the white fish for my entree. If only all weddings could be so delicious! I will certainly not pass up any future opportunities to come here.
(4)
Richard O.
Very Impressive entrance mansion building with a banquet and a restaurant. A nicely decorated trail leads you to the entrance. I made a reservation for 7:00 on Sunday. When we arrived we were asked to wait at the bar until our table was ready. We waited ten minutes to get a table with a reservation. We were finally seated as we witnessed a couple groups just walk in and be seated right away. We waited about ten more minutes at the table before our server came by the table. He took our drink order and started walking away I had to keep him there and place our full order soup and 4 tapas knowing he might not come back for a while. The soup was very good I had the cream of broccoli arrived in a good portion and quite flavorful. Then 2 of our Tapas were brought out the steak strips in blue cheese and grilled shrimp in butter sauce. At this time we still did not have our coffee drink order I had to remind him to bring the drinks. After this point the service was Ok however I was still unpleased with how the service was from the hostess to the server below standard. The plates started building up quickly the table is small and they did not have anyone coming by to clear the table. Our server was not attentive enough. The remaining Tapas were mushroom caps and Chicken in garlic tomato sauce. The mushroom caps were just ok and the chicken was alright. Not too impressive with the presentation the taste was good. Overall I liked the food the atmosphere is great old school dining. The quality of the service was poor and they were understaffed there is no excuse for that no matter what economy we are in. They can make many improvements mainly providing an exceptional dining experience relative the image they present when you arrive at the restaurant.
(3)
Christina C.
Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmy! I went here the other day with my family for my birthday brunch. It was everything I expected and more. We started the brunch off with some mimosas, but I wasn't in the mood to drink any because I was hungover from the night before. LOL. I got the coffee which was absolutely delicious. I am pretty sure there is cocaine in their coffee cause I am not a coffee drinker and I loved their coffee. The food was delicious and fresh. I started off with the fresh fruits and cold tapas they had. I loved the garlic potato salad. ORGASMIC. The fruits were perfect. The shrimp and the sauce was good too. Next, moved onto the hot tapas. They all tasted good, but the BACON WRAPPED DATES were to die for. I tried the prime rib which was pretty good as well. If you have little ones, they have a table with hotdogs/hamburgers for them to eat. WARNING: stay away from the bread as it will fill you up to quickly! The only reason I gave this place 4 stars was because the dessert was very disappointing IMO. I got some kind of chocolate cake which was REALLY dry. I took two bites and I was done. The rest of the desserts were kind of really sad too. All in all, I would def go back here for their great food (minus dessert) and great service. Thank you Meson Sabika for a great birthday brunch!
(4)
Jaime S.
Came here for a 60th birthday party for a sunday brunch. The brunch buffet was my own worst enemy--I have no self control when it comes to buffets. I especially wore my tightest jeans to hope that they would restrict some of my eating, but, surprise surprise, they didnt. Some faves: Tomatoes with white anchovies(one of my friends works as a cook at the Penninsula and told me that white anchovies are AMAZING, as I was expecting the cheap kind that come on pizzas), Seafood Paella, and of course the desserts! Next time i'm around this area, I will see if I can stir others to come here with me!
(4)
Kasia L.
Have been here many times and love coming back. I love that it feels like your in a mansion with the different rooms and the house is beautiful. There is a wide variety of food and I enjoying trying something different each time.
(5)
Joe M.
We've been coming here for years, mostly for special occasions. Want to impress an out of towner, bring them here. Meson Sebika is an old mansion that has been converted into a tapas (Spanish small plates, appetizers) restaurant. The decor is amazing and the entire place is an experience. I recommend going with friends to sample each others plates. Tapas are served hot and cold which is reflected in the menu. Some standouts are the garlic potatoes, the dates wrapped in bacon, beef with horseradish, and toast points with goat cheese. Their service is amazing and the staff is very knowledgeable about the food. Bring a date or a a group they're great for both. I also hear they do an amazing brunch and special events sadly I haven't been to either.
(5)
Christopher A.
Best sangria in town! This is a tapas restaurant so small portions are to be expected. The genius of this place is their consistentcy, they offer numerous hot and cold tapas, and there all great! Most restaurants struggle to pull off a few good dishes, this place is killing it 10 fold.
(5)
Shannon M.
I chose this as the place to go for my family birthday dinner; my parents aren't the most adventurous eaters, but after I explained the tapas concept and they looked at the menu, they agreed, and I'm happy to say that we all enjoyed a very nice meal. The restaurant itself is beautiful, in a mansion just west of downtown Naperville. Our initial concern was getting to the front door, because it was snowing and my grandmother was with us, and it wasn't evident that you could drive up to the front door, so she ended up having to arduously walk from the parking lot at the side to the front. (After dinner we learned that we could drive up, which made it easier). When we got inside, there was a lot of water (melted snow) on the wood floor inside the door -- again, a hazard for Grandma. This is inevitable in the winter, but needs to be kept on top of anywhere for everyone's safety. Once we got settled into one of the small, dimly lit dining rooms, things began to smooth out. We had already looked at the menu online and had an idea of what we wanted to order, and with the help of our smooth, Antonio Banderas-esque server, we got the dishes rolling. Everyone started with white sangria (light and fruity, with apples and citrus), then the Sopa Aromatica, onion soup; served in a shallow trencher, it had a strange funk to it and did not come with the advertised cheese and croutons. Certainly not the best onion soup I ever had. After that, the plates of tapas started arriving. The flow was good; we ordered 7 items for the table, and they came in two "flights" (3 and 4), so we weren't overloaded or lacking dishes at any given time. The surprise favorite of the night were the bacon-wrapped dates (which I only ordered because everyone on Yelp recommended them, so thanks!). The gorgeous smoky bacon married beautifully to the sweet dates, which had a lusciously soft texture, yielding voluptuously to the bite. Another favorite was the Pipirrana de Buey -- skirt steak is often chewy or charred beyond recognition; this was not, and the salty Cabarales blue cheese sauce offset the grilled beef superbly. We also liked the Pincho de Solomillo -- the beef tenderlion was tender and flavorful, though the horseradish threatened to overpower the beef's flavor. The rest of the dishes were fine (nothing was bad) but not outstanding: Gambas al Ajillo (the lemon-garlic-butter shrimp were tasty and not tough or overcooked, but just not thrilling); Patatas Bravas (despite spices and cheese topping, these potatoes seemed to be lacking some element. Salt? One would think cheese would provide that, but something still seemed to be missing); Crepa Rellena (the crepe was light and crisp, but its filling of goat cheese, spinach, pine nuts and apple seemed homogenous; one could not discern the separate elements); and Pechuga de Pollo (the least exciting dish. Just grilled chicken. Nothing wrong with it, but nothing special. Did not detect the advertised herbed white wine sauce). Desserts did not wow me; we split two from the specials menu. The ginger-spiced cheesecake tasted like pumpkin (maybe because we're more accustomed to these spices as part of pumpkin pie?). The hazelnut sponge cake supposedly soaked in Frangelico was dry and the layers instantly fell apart, and the fruit coulis on the plate didn't seem to go with the flavors of the cake (the menu said there would be a caramel cream, but I didn't detect that anywhere). Our server stayed on top of our needs, and extra kudos to the bussers, who worked efficiently to remove emptied plates as the rounds progressed. Overall, a nice special occasion destination.
(3)
Patty S.
Great place for Tapas and Sunday Brunch! Last night was my third time coming to Meson Sabika and my husband, baby and I had a great time catching up with friends on the outside patio. If I had to name a few of their best things on the Tapas menu, one would definitely be the dates wrapped in bacon...the perfect amount of sweet with salt. Another would be the eggplant and goat cheese...this dish was so light, but had many flavors. You could taste the gently sauteed bell peppers inside the delicately wrapped eggplant. Lastly, I really enjoyed the mushroom caps. The paella was delicious and the one serving fed 6 people for one round of tapas. You could really taste the saffron in the dish. And it isn't the saffron that you buy at the supermarket. It is the real-deal! I had the warm chocolate cake with caramel ice cream for dessert. One of the best desserts I had in a long time. Hot chocolate sauce oozed out of the cake and helped to melt the ice cream. I topped it off with a decaf espresso and we called it a night. The reason I gave it four stars and not five is for the slow service. It was a pretty normal hot Chicago night and although we ordered pitchers of Sangria, our water was barely replenished. We asked for knives multiple times and only got them some of the time. We noticed that the tables around us were also asking for water and knives, so it just wasn't our party. I must mention that I did spot actress Amy Adams at the restaurant! So, look out...you, too, may spot some Hollywood Heroes here. Clearly, the word has gotten out how good this place is!
(4)
lauren f.
I just got back from brunch at Meson Sabika. We ate oustide and it was so beautiful, I felt like I was on vacation in Spain. The variety of tapas is fantastic, both cold and hot. I love that the items are all listed in Spanish with translations underneath. The wait staff was friendly, professional and attentive. I highly recommend the experience!
(5)
Chester R.
the patio is the place....the inside looks so so. pretty good food....a tad overpriced.
(4)
Tricia D.
i've found the offerings at Meson Sabika to be hit or miss. Likes: the veal served on toasted crostinis, solomillo with horseradish sauce, garlic shrimp, and sangria! Dislikes: the croquetas which taste like mini hot pockets(!) and the fact that the bacon wrapped dates are inconsistent. I like the dates prepared with crispy bacon, rather than soggy bacon which is too similar in texture to the dates. I'll come back from time to time, but I'll no longer say MS is my fave restaurant in Naperville.
(3)
Tom H.
Can't say anything bad about this place. I keep going back... The Sangria, the bacon-wrapped dates, the garlic potato salad, the chicken, beef and steak all exceptional. The setting & ambiance very relaxed. As a side-note, my younger brother had his wedding reception here and the food was stellar and had people raving. The room was very nice and the large numerous windows made for a memorable and elegant evening!
(4)
Christopher K.
After years of driving past this place I finally went. Look, this is a tapas place, so I am not going to fill this 176th review of the restaurant with a long list of what we ate. Order what looks good to you, the squid was good, let's leave it at that. The food was great and we were pleased with everything we ordered. It was one of our 100 degree Chicago days, so too hot for outdoor seating, but we were seated upstairs where it was warm and they had fans going. It was a pretty authentic Spanish experience if you ask me with the heat and the incredably helpful friendly server who worked us through a long slow evening. We rolled the dice on a pitcher of the mango sangria and were completely happy. So get out there this summer and enjoy a warm night with food and drink perfectly suited for the climate. $60 for two without tip and including the pitcher of sangria. Seemed busy for a weeknight, so I would recommend reservations.
(4)
Tak-seng L.
Been here twice now and going this coming Sunday for Easter (should be INSANE then). Once for their brunch and once for dinner. Both times everything was amazing. This place really has it all: food, unique layout (used to be a home...which is crazy to think about), staff that works hard and is helpful/friendly. Dinner was really flavorful and the portions were more than enough. The brunch buffet though...that's another matter. I was impressed with what I saw inside but when I stepped out to see what else they had I about crapped myself. I mean wow...some really good stuff! I could go into a lot of details but really, you just have to check it out. My only suggestion is try to be laid back if it's really busy. Especially if you're upstairs cuz the servers and runners are literally running their asses off.
(5)
Andrea R.
I'm not such a fan of bridal showers, but if all the showers I attended took place at a gorgeous restaurant like Meson Sabika I'd be happy to go to one every weekend. Oh wait, I pretty much do go to one every weekend...but this was a good one! The mansion this restaurant is located within is absolutely gorgeous! We were in one of the private rooms, which was the perfect size for the 20 or so people I was lunching with. It was a little cramped while we mingled and sipped some very tasty sangria, but as soon as we sat down it really was the perfect size. There was a set menu: salad, choice of salmon or filet, and some sort of banana dessert. The salad wasn't anything special, but the rest of the meal was delicious! The salmon had a huge chunk of goat cheese on top of it, which makes any dish tasty! And as for dessert they topped a banana with lots of caramel sauce and ice cream...making this healthy fruit oh so fattening and delicious! I'll admit I don't make it out to the burbs too often, but knowing there are places like Meson Sabika out there almost makes me want to broaden my horizons.
(4)
Courtney S.
Took my mom here for her birthday (and first experience with tapas!) and she adored it. Although it was early in the afternoon and on a weekday, the service couldn't have been better. The waiter was overly attentive and accommodating: he noticed I wasn't touching my food and practically insisted on making me a fresh, CUSTOM dish! It's rather pricey, but for special occasions, you can't go wrong. The grounds are stunning: the stately mansion is filled with nooks and crannies, details and hidden gems. The fountain especially is breathtaking.
(4)
Michelle K.
My boyfriend took me here last Saturday night and we had a fantastic experience - Meson Sabika continues to be one of my favorite restaurants in Naperville! We started the night off with a pitcher of red sangria and two cups of the Crema de Gambas, a creamy shrimp bisque. Very satisfying. Then we tried that night's cold tapas special, the Tostadas con Caviar, toast points spread with cream cheese and sour cream and topped with three different types of caviar: flying fish, salmon, and what our server said was "squid ink caviar," or something similar, which I haven't ever heard of before. They were all good, although the salmon roe was a bit fishy. We ordered my favorite, the Datiles con Tocino (bacon-wrapped dates - I would eat this every day if I could), followed by the Vieras al Albarino: grilled sea scallops served over Mediterranean couscous with apple and tomato butter sauce. This dish was very light and mild; the scallops were perfectly cooked and the apple pieces were a sweet and delightful textural contrast to the couscous. We finished the meal with the Brazo de Chocolate, a chocolate sponge cake rolled around strawberry mousse (delicious), and the Platano con Helado, a sauteed banana over caramel sauce, sprinkled with crushed pistachios and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a chocolate dish. A perfect way to cap off the evening! I've always had good service here, and this time was no different. We never had a finished plate sitting in front of us for very long, our water glasses were never low, etc. etc. I can't wait to be back!
(5)
Travis B.
great food and service. a true taste of Spain. A must for any foodie or group dinner.
(4)
Sara D.
I had a really tasty meal here over the weekend - perfect weather, too. We ate outside in the garden/patio area and shared about 7 or 8 dishes, including: Tostada de Centollo (crab on toast), garlic potato salad, crab fritters, chicken casserole, Solomillos Con Moniato (grilled beef with sweet potatoes and red wine sauce), and bacon wrapped dates. While I thoroughly enjoyed all of the dishes, probably the winner was the grilled beef, and my least favorite was the crab fritters. Despite the fact that the crab fritters were cooked perfectly, there was an unusual spice that I wasn't fond of. The raspberry mojitos were done just right - not too sweet or minty, just the perfect amount of both. We will definitely come back for another meal or to try the Sunday brunch.
(4)
iddells E.
Such a beautiful, elegant mansion-turned-restaurant. I went here with the family and boyfriend yesterday for Sunday brunch. It was a buffet brunch serving hot and cold tapas....there was also a cute little table, about 2 feet high, with more kid-friendly options. The tapas selection is quite extensive and is a great way to sample the many different kinds of tapas for only $26.95 a person!! Also included in the buffet is your choice of omelette and dessert, both of which you order. The food was delicious. The hot tapas follow the cold tapas, so be careful not to get that much food in the beginning, otherwise, you'd be stuffed and realize that you've only tried half of the tapas...like me! The service was great. The servers are friendly and attentive....never was there a moment when my glass of water was half full. Definitely make reservations!! I think they have a mother's day special coming up. If you want to spoil and amaze your mother, this place would definitely be it!!
(5)
Carly H.
I had my wedding at Meson Sabika and I give the planning committee and all the help Patti was on the big day deserves 5 Stars - they simply went above and beyond to make my wedding a success!. I could have not asked for a better location( ok if they could but this smack in the middle of the city then the would be AMAZING!!) With great entrees, appetizers, and drinks, we had all our guest say how great of a time they had. And as a bride with way too much on her plate ( planned/had the wedding in 5mo after the engagement i appreciated all the HELP that they were. Noushin was an angel sent from above to help me overcome anything that came up that day, Had it not been for her I probably would have not been able to have the blast that i did at the reception. David, her husband and former employee at Meson, was also very amazing. He was just simply there to hear our all my concerns and or ideas. He also had good contacts and vendor information. I LOVE the Meson Sabika Team.. simply AMAZING! I will recommend you to everyone I every meet. I was unable to eat the h'orderves when they were being passed around because I did not feel well , but Patti brought be an individual serving of each..WOW-- They all tasted marvelous, they took all my suggestions from the 2 tastings that I did ( 1 for entrees and the other to finalize the h'orderves, I wish they would have not charged me for it ( ~150+ just in h'orderves jeez!! but what can you do!! ).. I only had one little gripe.. I thought the chicken was too dry - had amazing sauce to make it less, but still would have liked for it to have been cooked right... :'( LOVE YOU: Patti, Noushin, and David XO Carly and Kevin June 4th 2011XO
(5)
Cynthia C.
If you love tapas you will love this place . If you never ate at a tapas restaurant they will explain it to you after you are seated. We went there with a group of six and seated upstairs. Our waiter was so helpful and answered every question we had about our selections. The manager came around to each table to ask if everything was to our satisfaction. The food awesome, we had about 20 items and I loved each and everyone. The scallops were out of this world. So if you're looking for a place to go with friends and have a good time make this a must.
(5)
Jessica D.
ALthough this started as a very high end restaurant, with adorable surroundings (especially the outdoor seating area on a cool Spring or Summer day), it has become obnoxiously busy during special brunches and some evenings. However, the reedeeming qualities are above average service, excellent dishes, and the fun concept of tapas and an old, well-maintained mansion. If that doesn't cinch it for you, try the desserts and wine sangria -- musts!
(3)
Mia L.
The restaurant setting is in this mansion that reminded me of a wedding reception hall. It was nice and elegant with an old-world feel. It was refreshingly different from the trendy tapas cafes in Chicago. The food was excellent. The Salmon Curado really stood out. I loved it. The service was great, considering that we were one of the two couples there for lunch haha. Overall, I had a great experience here!
(4)
Mehran M.
We went to this place with clients a few months ago - and I've been back twice since. I don't even live in the Chicago area! I have to say that my first experience there was definitely the best, although the rest have continued to impress. The chefs do a great job of creating interesting dishes with high quality ingredients. My meals there have helped me appreciate the term "dining experience". Not only was the food itself good, but I really appreciated the order in which they brought the foods out. It was not as if they brought out foods in the order they were ready, but it really seemed like they took an effort to consider the sequence and pairing of the various foods. The service was very personal, although given the size of the restaurant, and the number of staff working, I can understand some people not having as nice an experience as we did. The following two meals there were great as well - although we over-ordered to the point of excess on the third visit. My recommendation is to order about 3 tapas per person at the table to start, and then add a few more at a time. Don't overdo it. And remember to share!
(5)
Chris W.
Over rated and a bit over priced for the portion size. The quality of the food made me feel like it was on a buffet in the back room and they just brought it out. Not overly fresh.
(2)
Mike G.
Bacon wrapped dates, Steak, Lamb, spicy potato's, sangria are a few of my favorite items on the menu. This place is awesome inside. Watch out or you'll pass it up buried behind those trees. But once in the parking lot, WOW, what a place. I went there with a group of friends. There were 5 total. We were seated pretty fast and was seated in a room upstairs. It reminded me of someone's bedroom. Interesting, but very cool. The wait staff was very good. Helpful, and recommended a few things to us. The sangria was delicious. I am an ice chewer and I even loved the ice they used. We has about 3 rounds of orders until we were pretty full. I think in total, we had about 11-13 tapas served. There was not one tapas I didn't like. The ones mentioned about really stuck out in my head as the winners though. Price was lower than I expected. There were two couples and a friend. The bill was split 3/2 and I paid $60 for My fiance and I including tip.
(4)
Brian M.
Went here a few weeks ago for a dinner celebrating a friends birthday. Just so happened she was a teacher in the naperville district, giving us 40% off our bill. That is one of the nicest things I've heard for a discount for teachers. Had a few of their tapas and a paella, along with a couple deserts. The good: the Paella, we ordered the chicken and shrimp Paella, this was really packed with flavor but a little dry, it was still good, but not great. The great: Pretty much everything else, bacon wrapped dates, skirt steak with blue cheese, goat cheese marinara, desert profiterole, and the chocolate hazelnut pie. I would go here every week if it I lived in the area, it was a great night there. It reminded slightly of a lower end Girl and the Goat, the menu wasn't as explorative but almost as good with a more traditional spanish twist.
(5)
Dora W.
(Food - 5 stars, Service/Overall Experience - 3 stars) I've been to Meson Sabika several times now over the past few years. It really is the food that keeps me coming back, despite some complaints I have about the overall experience. All of the tapas I've tried have been simply delicious, and I love that there are so many vegetarian options. Sometimes when I dine at Meson, the experience is perfect. Last year, for example, we had flawless service and our meal was enhanced by the Spanish guitar and flamenco duo performing that night. Other times, there are some minor issues, probably caused by the size of the restaurant/large number of patrons. My most recent trip to Meson was this past weekend for an anniversary dinner for two. We were initially seated in the middle section of a very tightly packed downstairs room. Within a couple minutes of sitting down, I was bumped into by two different people (both MS staff, neither of which apologized). I hadn't had to sit in that area before, and it was clearly not the best place to be. I wouldn't normally ask to be re-seated, but I did feel like this was going to put a damper on our evening. The hostess was very accomodating and re-seated us upstairs. There were a couple of other missteps. We ended up with red sangria instead of the white that we ordered and one of our plates was cleared away in a flash before we'd finished eating the food. Our server, who was very friendly, got us a complimentary replacement dish. We decided to stick with the red sangria, because it still tasted good and I had honestly hit my complaint threshold for the evening. ;) Now that I've vented a bit, let me get to the good stuff! I'm a vegetarian, so I can only speak to those dishes. My favorites are the pimientos del piquillo (the black bean sauce is to die for!), queso de cabra (best tomato sauce I've tasted), and the crepe rellena. On our most recent visit, we tried a new special - a hummus-esc garbanzo bean spread (very mild flavor, but tasty). The vegetarian paella is also good.
(4)
Scott S.
Caveat: I only dined here once, and that was 12 years ago. This review is, therefore, dated. Emilio's Meson Sabika is a charming, quaint tapas restaurant set in an old Naperville mansion. The setting can be very romantic - I had a wonderful date here and she absolutely loved the experience. The flavors of the various tapas were anywhere from good to sublime - I was stunned at how good a *Naperville* restaurant could be! (Note that this was back when Naperville was still a combination commuter suburb and farm community.) The selections weren't lofty experiments in nouveaux tapas - more fundamental, traditional tapas - but done with an excellent touch and great flavor profiles. The sangria was very refreshing as well. Since at the time I lived in Naperville, finding this place was akin to a coup. Even now with the entrance of Hugo's Frog Bar and other great restaurants, I wouldn't hesitate to try it again.
(4)
Chris M.
I've been here several times over the years and they have never disappointed. Love the bacon wrapped dates! Perfect date setting.
(5)
David G.
It's hard to go wrong with a Zagat rated restaurant. I didn't know this restaurant was Zagat rated until I saw the sign on the way out. I had the: Jamón Serrano - Shaved imported Serrano Ham served atop thinly sliced tomatoes and toasted garlic bread. I should point out that the ham was actually served underneath the bread and tomatoes and not "atop" as the menu describes. Alcachofas Marinadas - Marinated fresh artichoke hearts topped with baked fennel, garlic and imported Cabrales blue cheese, drizzled with balsamic sherry vinaigrette. Crepe Rellena - Crepe filled with goat cheese, pine nuts, spinach and golden delicious apples, accompanied by a pimiento sauce. All the dishes were excellent. I think I might try to return on Sun to try the Sopa de Alubias - Spicy black bean soup with chorizo.
(5)
Al G.
Great potato salad and olives. Good atmosphere and service. Tried the cheese platter for the first time and it was very good. Sign up for the mailing list to receive coupons and special offers. Don't forget the sangria. Ref beats white!
(4)
Sue M.
We've found the food can be a little inconsistent but overall it's a fun place to go. Like the sangria. Do not pass up the profiteroles!!
(3)
Brian C.
Place is great food is great was able to try many things with great service and dinning in that old house was nice
(5)
Nick H.
Great Tapas! The bacon wrapped dates are a must. We always end up getting several for the table. It is a great place to go on a regular day but they really come into their own on Father's day and other holidays with a spectacular buffet.
(5)
Tom F.
The first thing you notice from the street is how massive the building and property looks.. great curbside appeal. The food is always top notch. What we enjoy is that there are so many great items and they are small enough portions to be able to enjoy 3 or 4 of the cold tapas before moving on to the hot tapas. Price here is unbelievably reasonable and service is absolutely terrific. You also have to try the Sunday brunch it's out of this world.... now that the weather is improving you can enjoy your brunch, lunch, dinner or just a relaxing cocktail outdoors... the side patio is tucked away surrounded by big old trees and flowers.
(5)
Kelly M.
We recently had our wedding in the pavilion and it was outstanding. From the very beginning of us choosing this venue to the time we left after the reception was over, everything was perfect. The food was delicious, the staff was fantastic and I cannot say enough about it. Highly recommend for dinner also.
(5)
Xaxa H.
Outstanding food every time! Only 4 stars because I always seem to get the same bitchy waiter. The garlic potato salad is fab and one of their more popular dishes!
(4)
Ashley V.
5 stars for the history 5 stars for the food 5 stars for the atmosphere. History When I was a kid my mom and dad used to go here on special occasions together. They always talked about how beautiful it was and they would stay out for long nights filled with sangria, paella and bacon- wrapped dates. They told me that tapas was very adult and I had to wait until my 13th birthday to experience this place. On my 13th birthday I got all gussied up and put on my best adult behavior for one of the most memorable meals. Thanks to Meson Sabika (formerly Emilio's back in the day) tapas is now my favorite type of food. Food I went back a few weeks ago for my dad's 50th b-day dinner and it is still absolutely amazing. The food was outstanding and the service was great. My recommendations for the classics we can't go there and not order. Goat cheese marinara (duh) Bacon Wrapped Dates (duh) Portobello Relleno Ternera Asada (cold thinly sliced veal MMMMM) Patatas Con Alioli (garlic potato salad ---will stay with you for a week) Cordero Al Pastor (grilled lamb in a rich flavorful sauce) I also recommend a pitcher (or two) of their red sangria. They look deceptively small but they seem never ending with the pours. Overall this is a must try for a special night out, a nice date or a great place to catch up with a group of friend or family. Bring your appetite, taste buds and try something different. You will not regret trying this place.
(5)
Andie W.
Besides entering into the parking lot, while walking up you feel as though you're having dinner at a friends house, a rich friend at that =P. As you enter, you truly feel as though there's a dinner party going on. We checked in with the hostess, and were directed towards the bar to enjoy cocktails as we wait for our table. The bar area was beautiful, it felt as though you were in Napa Valley, very old world. We were seated not too long after, and were shortly greeted by our waitress. She was knowledgeable, and didn't mind when we asked what tapas she would suggest. After our food arrived, we were didn't realize how much we ordered, I guess when you 're dealing with tapas you tend to think to order more because of the small quantity, I suggest ordering maybe two at a time. Everything was absolutely, amazingly delicious!! I totally recommend this place, especially if you plan to eat with several friends. Overall- Ambiance: A Cleanliness: A Food: A Prices: B Service: A ---------------------- Grade: A P.S. A wedding was going on while we enjoyed dinner in the outside tent, from the looks of it, it was very beautiful!
(5)
Jason S.
Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. There is nothing better than the fantastic outdoor tapas patio on a nice summer evening. We went here with a large group of friends and had such a great night. The food was great. The ambiance and restaurant grounds were spectacular. The friends were perfect. We can't wait to return!
(5)
Kristen J.
We love Meson Sabika. The food is authentic with a twist and its one of our favorite local restaurants to have a date night at. Our favorite dish is this squid heavenly buttery tapa they have...it is so fabulous we usually order it twice! Their desserts are also very good and the service is wonderful, they keep the food coming as dinner goes on. We have yet to go there for brunch, but we've heard lots of good things. We also had our wedding reception there--but I think this is where you review the restaurant itself not the venue?!
(4)
Amanda Z.
!Ay, que fantástico! Translation: This place is fantastic! This was one of my first tapas experiences (after Emilio's)...and I became hooked! I used to go to college nearby, and this was the place I used to go for special occasions. And thus where my love affair with sangria began... The food is wonderful and the ambiance is even better. The property is gorgeous. Indoor seating in an old-fashioned white mansion, private rooms for parties, patio...something for everyone here. The service is friendly and helpful without being intrusive. On weekends, they have flamenco dancers, which just adds to the experience. I recommend the Jamon Serrano, Quesos Espanoles, Patatas Con Alioli, Datiles Con Tocino, Pincho De Solomillo ...I could go on for days! I also had the opportunity to attend a dear friend's wedding here in February. The banquet area is a new addition (wasn't there when I first discovered this place ten years ago). What a gorgeous wedding! She had both the ceremony and the reception here...the passed hors d'oeurves were fantastic (but I learned my lesson as to eating anything veggie that you have to bite into...yikes! Watch out for the Tostado de Pisto Manchengo), the entrees were spectacular (marinated tilapia...mi versión del cielo!), and, as I experienced in the restaurant, the service was wonderful. I recommend a trip to the 'burbs for dinner here...!es una experiencia, no justo la cena!
(5)
Jennifer C.
Meson Sabika has such a wide variety of fantastic food. You can be adventurous or stick to your classic tapas favorites (love the dates and bacon!!) and either way you will be delighted. My new tastes for this visit were the Rollito De Buey-Beef tenderloin wrapped around with blue cheese, dates and portobello mushroom and the Gambas Marinadas-Marinated shrimp and a trio of sauces. Both were excellent cold tapas for a warm stormy evening. Thank you!
(4)
Sara D.
I've been here twice for dinner. The food is excellent and there's almost too much to choose from. It's great for a medium-sized group, although we kept running out of room for all the dishes.
(4)
Rahul I.
Went there on my wedding anniversary with my wife. Tapas are good.
(4)
Tracy V.
I've been to Meson Sabika three times now. Once for dinner and twice for brunch (one of these times was for a private party in the dining room). I love the goat cheese! Don't much care for the potato salad and I must say that I just don't get the bacon-wrapped dates. Service is good, food is good, drinks are good, atmosphere is good. I absolutely love the outdoor seating and view. Something that's helpful to note is that the stairs leading to the second floor are STEEP and can be hard to navigate when juggling brunch plates (or after a few too many glasses of sangria). If you're making reservations, ask to be seated on the first floor if the stairs are a concern for anyone in your party. The staff is very accomodating. I'll definitely be back for tapas!
(4)
Jennie P.
I held my wedding reception here just last month and it was AMAZING. Not because it was my big day so of course I think it was wonderful but because Meson Sabika was top notch. We held the reception in the Pavilion and it was beautiful inside. The staff at Meson was incredibly helpful, polite, generous, and accommodating to our families/friends and my husband and I. Our final meeting before the event was very friendly and clear and I left without a worry. It's stressful to leave your reception in other people's hands and hope for the best because you're too busy that day to run over and take care of things, and we couldn't have been more pleased. The food was SO good and people are STILL talking about it. The staff was very responsive to my e-mails, questions, and concerns. 5 stars all the way and highly recommend if you're looking for a unique/whimsical feeling venue to hold your wedding reception.
(5)
Hector C.
Come with a thick wallet! Leave a happy camper. All the tappas are great here. Don't come with a picky person though, they might not enjoy the food. The service is always great here and the food comes out quick. The sangria and flan a must to top off the dinner.
(4)
Mike R.
I have eaten here many times always good. This place is one of Napervilles best places to eat
(5)
Seven S.
Well, I could change my review after each visit. Meson is a hit or a miss. Food is always good. Service ranges from great to you better fuckin help yourself. Not sure what's up with that. Wine is pricey. Tapas are tasteee and priced fair. Sit on the patio during the summer and sip some sangria with friends, or people who you thought were your friends. Getting married soon? They have added a pavilion for events - which takes away from the Historic Mansion. Try talking your bride who dreamed of having her day in the mansion - to now having it some modern pavillion that overlooks the, um, parking lot. See you in divorce court within two years buddy!
(3)
Karla W.
Love this restaurant! Atmosphere: excellent. Set in an old mansion with individual rooms. Unique. Beautiful. Food: Amazing. A great mix of cold and hot tapas. Favorite dishes: Garlic potato salad, tuna cannelloni, spicy potatoes, bacon wrapped dates, tomato with goat cheese. I have eaten here several times but had the Sunday brunch this morning for the first time. An excellent assortment of tapas and non tapas dishes. Wonderful. Highly recommend
(5)
Crystal L.
Before diving into my food critique, I want to mention that the mansion and grounds are quite beautiful. It's perfect for weddings and receptions. In fact during our visit there was a reception being held in the pavilion. I had heard good things the sangrias here. I ordered the red and my friend ordered the white and both were pretty strong. I think sangria at Olive garden is better. For the tapas the three of us shared the following: Crepe Rellena - I'd give it 3 stars Pipirrana De Buey (strips of skirt steak) - 3 star Pasta Con Hortalizas - 4 star Buuelos De Cangrejo (crabmeat fritters) - 3 star Berenjena con Queso (eggplant topped with goat cheese) - 2 star For dessert: Platano Con Helado (banana with pistachios & ice cream) - 3 star Crema De Chocolate (creme brulee with chocolate) - 4 star Pera De La Abuela (poached pear with cinnamon) - 2 star Overall, I just didn't think the food was particular tasty. The tapas portions were very small too. I've been to other tapas places that served more.
(3)
Erik M.
The brunch was great. Very high quality food, salmon, prime rib. Great ambiance. The brunch is every week and well worth it.
(5)
Nicole V.
When the special man in my life suggested we go to brunch in Naperville for Spanish tapas with his Madre, I was not sure what to expect. He said the food would be delicious and that they offer an incredible buffet at Meson Sabika, but I couldn't get that typical suburban dining experience (I am accustomed to having) out of my mind. I was so wrong! First of all, this place is a mansion! I had no idea as we rolled up to what looked like a miniature White House, that this was what I had in store! The grounds are so pretty and the house so regal looking. As you enter there is a warm buzz in the main hallway where the staff greets you before escorting you off to one of the many rooms in the mansion where your table is waiting. We were brought up the stairs to the second level and then over to one of the rooms in the back. I was peeking into all of the different spaces as we were led to our table. Each room has its own atmosphere, very formal without being pretentious and the decor is slightly old world Spain but with chandeliers and other sweet little charms to add a bit of sparkle. But enough about the decor, upon being seated we were given the brunch menu. I looked it over, and for a reasonable price you are able to get unlimited hot and cold tapas (including prime rib), a mimosa, an omelet and a dessert (if you so choose)! As we ventured down to the buffet all of us were overwhelmed with the options. The good news, all of the dishes were described on little cards. We all started with a plate of cold tapas and then came back for a second round of hot tapas. Some of my favorites; apple pork medallions, garlic potato salad, bacon wrapped dates, stuffed mushrooms, paella to name a few. We opted out of the omelet and decided to instead save room to indulge in dessert. Each of us ordered a different dessert; flour-less chocolate cake w/raspberry sauce, puff pastries filled w/ice cream covered in bittersweet chocolate and a chocolate pecan caramel pie also paired w/raspberry sauce. All three were delicious! The uniqueness of the space combined with the quality of the food makes this place a definite new favorite on my list. I have already recommended it to my family and friends and I'm looking forward to my next visit!
(5)
Michael W.
Nothing anyone can place before you on a plate inside can top this tapas lush layout with towering trees and verdant views. Yet the food is worthy of taking a break from the natural beauty of this wonder of suburbia. Meson Sabika never fails to attract couples and good friends who love little bites of heaven and embrace the Sangria. Oh Lord, let the fruity blood wash over me. Over years I've been to Meson with a variety of people always leaving full and happy and sometimes falling back drunk from the drink of the gods. This is probably a great second date spot. The food is decent but on the pricey side. Is that a surprise given your dining on a plantation flying the colors of Spain in Wonder bread Naperville? Speaking of wonderment, just when did the Spanish conquer the Western suburbs? And why did they build so many strip malls?
(4)
Jason P.
Wow. It's a good thing the food is so good, because it makes up for the fact that the bar is so tiny and uninviting. We came here on the Saturday before Valentine's day and it was packed. We had 8:00 reservations, arrived at about 5 to, and were seated by about 5 after. During that 10-minute gap we were told to wait in the bar, down the hall, to the right. So we headed down the hall, to the right, and stood around because the bar seems like it was pretty much an after thought when they finished the restaurant. There are probably 3 or 4 tiny little tables, enough counter space for maybe 15 people, and then a common walkway that most everyone else waiting for their table is forced to mill around in. Would have liked to have had a drink while waiting, but the area was so poorly designed, that I didn't feel like fighting the crowds to get one, and then stand in a high-traffic area while drinking your beverage. So yes, that was a minor annoyance, but if you put a lot of stock in that sort of thing, deduct as many stars as you wish. I, personally, am more concerned with the food and the service, both of which were fabulous. Knowing they were going to be busy this weekend, they had a special Valentine's dinner that they were pushing in addition to the regular menu. It seemed like a decent deal, but we had a good idea of what we wanted, and it wasn't on the special, so we just ordered from the menu. And we ordered. And we ordered some more. In all, we had the following: Bacon Wrapped Dates (amazing, actually had two orders) Chicken and Chorizo with Cumin-Garlic Mayo (another amazing dish, the mayo is great on both the chicken and the sausage) Scallops on CousCous (very good, nice, large scallops, plump, substantial couscous) Grilled Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce (another very good seafood selection, creamy sauce over 5 or 6 large shrimp) Lamb Medalions (good, but could have been skipped) Chorizo and Morcillo(sp?) Sausages (chorizo was great, the other sausages were also very good, with a bit of a curry flavor, a little cinnamony) Spicy Potatoes with Manchego (addictive taste, but wished they were a little crunchier) Baked Goat Cheese with Garlic Bread (standard dish, good, but nothing remarkable). For dessert we ordered the creme chocolate (creme brulee with a chocolate bottom), and the warm, soft-centered chocolate cake with caramel ice cream. Both were outstanding. The service, especially for being Valentine's weekend, was top notch. Our server never missed a beat, and even when we thought he had passed us up, he would circle back around and make sure we had everything we needed. We absolutely gorged ourselves (just look at what we ate) and each had two drinks (champagne for my wife, white sangria for me), followed by a couple of diet cokes. The total damage, before tip, was about $120. Considering how much we ate, the quality of the food, and the caliber of the service and the location, and I would consider that a great deal. I would much rather pay that, for everything we ate, than double that at a place like Morton's.
(5)
Valoria R.
Went to buy a gift certificate for my coworker cause it's his fav place and then I got hooked! Beautiful mansion and setting. Fantastic bar. Nice wait staff. Good food. Best tappas I've tasted. Stuffed mushroom caps are the bees knees.
(5)
Brett C.
My wife and I were just married here! We got married in the rose garden in front of the mansion, which is beautifully landscaped with eye-popping greenery, elegant fountains and nice little coy pond that we took pictures by. We were going to head to downtown Naperville for pictures, but we couldn't bear to leave this abundance of beauty. There couldn't have been a better place to capture our wedding day. The newly constructed pavilion, where are reception was couldn't have turned out any better. The window covered perimeter made our reception feel open, and allowed the art of the outside landscape to seep in. We had a vegetarian/Vegan wedding, and the staff was more than happy to accommodate both. I've never heard people rave about food at a wedding, but we received so many compliments about the paella, stuffed mushrooms, epanads, ok really everything. The staff even went out of their way at the reception to make something custom for me to eat, which I didn't ask them to do. I had a delectable marinated portobello mushroom dish with an almond sauce with roasted peppers and water chestnuts. Totally unexpected, much appreciated. I expect nothing less of the restaurant itself. The staff and food are worth making the trip out to no matter where in the Chicago area you are from. Highly recommended!
(5)
Kata T.
Definitely one of my favorite (if not overall) restaurants not only in Naperville but in the entire Chicago area. I developed a love of tapas while studying abroad in Spain in college and can definitely recommend Meson Sabika as having pretty authentic tapas fare. The red sangria is great (not overly sweet, which is a fault I usually find elsewhere), and I've yet to try anything that I didn't think was at least great. My favorite dishes are always well prepared, and the tortilla and patatas alioli taste just as they did in Spain! I also love the queso de cabra. Meson being my favorite place, I've been there numerous times with various people and have yet to hear anything negative from anyone in my group about the food. Another great thing I love about Meson is that in keeping with Spanish tradition, I've never felt rushed - we've stayed there many times for much longer than we would have felt comfortable in a more typical restaurant, leisurely ordering tapa after tapa as we felt like trying something else. It is a rather elegant atmosphere (with prices to match), but I ranked its attire as "casual" only because I typically go after work or even in jeans and have never felt out of place. When the weather's warm, I recommend eating out on the patio for an even more enjoyable experience. And if I remember correctly, on Friday (and Saturday?) evenings, they have a flamenco guitarrist and dancer. After talking so much about Meson, now I want to go!
(5)
John O.
Great food! Great environment! A beautiful house and yard but a little pricy. They've got good stuff to choose from and it serves up a good dish or should I say dishes. When your restaurant is on a large lot of land (I'm sure it's not cheap to finance) it's gonna raise the price of the food. I've been there for a wedding too and that I was impressed from. Would I go back? It wouldn't be my first pick but I'd go if someone else suggested it and maybe if they were paying too.
(4)
Rich K.
Love this place. I have gotten drunk here so many times I have a hard time remembering what I ate. The sangria is the strongest I have had in the state.
(4)
Malea I.
I have been here several times with large groups and for intimate dinners and have really enjoyed myself with both. Last night my husband and I went in for a nice dinner. The place is beautiful! We sat next to a fire place and the details of the room are amazing. We had several tapas which were all good. Our favorites are the goat cheese and tomato sauce, the bacon wrapped dates, and we tried a cheese and meat tray with toast points that was fantastic. My husband and I are normally chocolate lovers, but have found the dessert menu lacking a bit. But I ventured out and tried the tart of the day which was a rum/caramel flavored tart with an almond crust that was very good. I only have one complaint about the restaurant. I have found that the tables are very close, and the waiters are still using trays. At one point last night the waiter for the table behind me was inches from my head with his tray. He did not say anything and if I would have moved it would have been a mess. The waiter behind my husband was the same way.
(4)
Mary J.
UPDATE 6/23/07 They have remodeled and built a pavillon/banquet area. The pavillon (as our server called it) is a separate building right next to the restaurant. According to him, the neighbors were complaining about the noise from the tent. The building looks very nice and there is some new landscaping in front which includes some fountains. Inside the restaurant, the walls have been painted and new window treatments have been added. It was raining last night so we didn't get to sit on the patio, so I can't tell you what's changed out there. You have to eat on the patio! I've always had a good time here. This restaurant is housed in an old mansion and it just adds to the dining experience. I've eaten in all the rooms - upstairs and downstairs and the patio is the best! If you've never had tapas before, it's like eating a lot of appetizers at a cocktail party. You order stuff and pass around the dishes. Get some sangria to go with it. My only complaint about this place is when you walk in. Even if you have a reservation, the person behind the desk is always on the phone and you have to wait to talk to them. They really need 2 people working the front desk. If you have to wait, they have a good bar and sometimes on the weekends they will have a server walking around with tapas for you to sample. They also have a flamenco dancer on certain weekend nights. They do have lots of receptions here in the summer. They'll put a tent on the front lawn and it seems like most of the staff is dedicated to the private party. Not a problem in the summer when you're hanging on the patio!
(4)
Lisa K.
Meson has beautiful landscaping, I would love to take a visit in the summertime and walk around the grounds. I went on a Saturday night so it was very crowded and loud. The Victorian mansion that it was in, had various small rooms where people were seated. I think the ambiance just doesn't match the food. It puts me in a certain mood, I think more of a tea house than tapas from the decor. The food was OK, pretty much like an average tapas restaurant anywhere you go. I think the prices are over rated for what you get. The food doesn't stand out to me and make me think WOW! That was great. I might go to check out the yard but I have better tapas in the city without the drive.
(3)
Jillian D.
i never thought i would pair the words "quaint" and "mansion" in the same sentence, but here i go... this past friday, i had the pleasure of dining at meson sabika with my mom and brother. i had driven past the old manse many times over the years, never realizing the charm and wonders within. outside, it's palatial, set back from naperville road upon a large green lawn. once inside, it transforms into a charming home, with intimate rooms throughout, named after the regions of spain. we ascended the stairs to dine in andalucia (which just so happens to be my favorite region of spain. coincidence?). for the majority of the meal, we had the room to ourselves. quaint, like i said. our waiter was very sweet and, in the european tradition, allowed us to savor our food, never rushed us and truly helped us relax and enjoy the evening. the menu, while featuring the gold standards of tapas (marinated olives; tortilla; bacon wrapped dates; queso de cabra), introduced me to new flavors that equally pleased the palette. one of the hot tapas in particular truly stood out - piquillo peppers stuffed with goat cheese atop a black bean puree. omg!! the sangria was nothing special. although they do offer an array of exciting flavors (we stuck to a pitcher of the red). the dessert menu is more extensive than any tapas restaurant i've visited before. the only problem was, after ordering round after round of rich and delicious tapas, i had no room to sample the sweet stuff! maybe next time.
(5)
Tina E.
Why it's taken me so long to write also I'll never know. I think it's because words can't not explain how good it was. I've had this place on my to-do list for a couple of yrs now. I was shopping in downtown Naperville and it's really just around the corner. Here's the picks:Crabmeat fritters,Empanada,Ensalda de Pollo,& tarta de pera for dessert. All were excellent! I was blown away by the chicken salad and still dream of it nightly.Can I buy it by the pound? I took off 1 star only because they passed me around on the phone. This was my 1st Tapas experience and certainly won't be my last.
(4)
Yvonne M.
I used to love Meson Sabika, years ago... I still come here a couple of times a year, when I can afford to spend (at a minimum of) $120 for two people for dinner including drinks. There is a lot to consider when rating Meson Sabika. Ambiance--the outside and inside of Meson Sabika is positively wonderful. Everything looks beautiful! Service--this is a mixed bag. Some times when I have gone there, I have had outstanding service but more frequently, I have a waiter who is dry, not at all friendly and short. Food--Food is also a mixed bag. I've been there several times and found all of the food outstanding! But then again, I've also been there when everything was mediocre at best. One are of complaint is the small portions... I realize these are tapas but when you're spending almost $10 a plate, you expect a bit more than a tablespoon of goat cheese. Value--the price of everything is, quite frankly, high! Tapas are great unless they're $10 a pop and you need 10 of them to get even remotely filled up. If the prices were dropped a tad, I'd be more inclined to dine there more frequently.
(3)
Matt P.
Attended a wedding reception at this fine restaurant ... great tapas, and the lamb chops are to die for. I'm typically not a big fan of tapas, because I never feel I get enough to eat, but like most GOOD tapas restaurants, it has fine Spanish wine and beer selection ... so what you don't eat, you just drink to fill up.
(5)
Bruce B.
I've gone to Meson Sabika many times and have found it to be quite enjoyable. Yesterday I took my wife to Meson for her Birthday dinner date. I was not impressed. I foudn the tapas selections to be bland as best. To start we had the garlic potatoe salad. I had difficulty determining where my fork ended and the potatoe began, flavorwise. It was so bland, my wife asked for salt and pepper to tivk it up. It was followed by the Tuna filled cannelloni with creamy white wine vinaigrette. I felt that, again the delicacy of this dish was totally lost. Reluctantly, we ordered two hot tapas. We ordered one of the specials, a chicken croquette with ham. Again, the two were indiscernable, taste wise. The sauce was well adequate but I wasn't sure what it was supposed to do to the dish. Finally we decided upon the date wrapped with bacon. Far too sweet. Yikes! Our dessert was a Flan and it was good. Will we go again? maybe. BTW, the server was prompt efficient, attentiive and knowledgeable. It was a very disappointing experience.
(2)
Jeff M.
Went on date night with my wife and had a wonderful meal as usual. We had our wedding reception here in '06, so it is always a fun night out for us. Tonight may have been my favorite tapas combination yet, but I think I say that every time I leave there. Our waitress tonight was especially knowledgeable and picked out a great bottle of wine for us. Highlights tonight were the serrano wrapped asparagus over grilled tomato with melon relish and the cheesecake with almonds, bittersweet chocolate, and caramel. Mmm.
(5)
Kathy O.
I had been to Meson Sabika like ten years ago with friends. It was delicious then, but thought I would treat my family and go there again now,. Still very impressed. The atmosphere is comfortable. The service is great, smiles everywhere you look! Had the Pomegranite Sangria this time and it was so good! Had so many different tapas, all hot except the salad and dessert was like a banana foster but even better. We left with filled tummies and happy faces! Definitely will be going back again!
(5)
Tiffany D.
Delicious! Came here two weeks with ex (then boyfriend) & family for his brother's birthday :] It was absolutely DELICIOUS!!! i swear we had, like, half the menu!!!! :] MUST. TRY. EVERYTHING!!!!! The meats are tender and delicious.. and I even LOVED the lamb :] The place is gorgeous and the staff is really really nice...
(4)
John O.
Very inconsistent. Sometimes the food and service are very good, other times not so much. That said, great venue for outside dining on a summer night with a pitcher of Sangria.
(2)
Susi D.
you know, everyone i know says this place rocks. it is very beautiful, i will say. the grounds are lovely, the mansion is gorgeous. i think i just wasn't in the mood for tapas when i went though, because i just felt like meson sabika was going to change my life and it didn't. the food was perfectly fine, the wine was good, the service was nice. maybe i was just crabby? anyway i plan to go again because i left there feeling i should tell Meson Sabika "It's not you...its me........"
(3)
bob j.
good time great food, setting and service
(4)
Jenny M.
4.5 stars overall (5 stars for the tapas & service; 2 stars for the paella) Meson Sabika was the first place the hubby & I managed to go to alone since our daughter was born (thanks mom & dad for babysitting!) We love tapas, so we're excited that Naperville has such a fabulous option. We've spent the last year living in SF & downtown Chicago, so I was shocked when I was able to make a dinner reservation on a Saturday at 7:30pm one week in advance. I hope this is this case all the time! Service is great even at peak busy hours. The service team constantly refilled our drinks & replenished our plates & silverware throughout our meal. It was taking longer for the cold tapas to be prepared so our server sent our warm tapas out first, which was fine with us. Better that than to have all our tapas arrive at the same time or to sit without food! For our tapas, we ordered the Spanish hummus, bacon wrapped dates, the pork tenderloin, chicken & serrano ham croquettes, & crab fritters. We were pleasantly surprised at the size of the tapas, which was much larger than what you get at Cafe Bababareeba. All the tapas were delicious, especially the bacon wrapped dates, but what doesn't taste good wrapped in bacon? Unfortunately, our paella didn't wow us. Flavor-wise, the paella was okay, maybe a little bit more saffron than necessary, but it was fine. We were sadly missing the yummy crunchy rice bits that you associate with paella. Maybe the paella needed to be cooked longer in the pan? It was more of a glorified rice pilaf than a paella. When we visit next time, and there will definitely be a next time, we plan on just ordering tapas!
(4)
Vamshi N.
Superb place!!! Great food!!!! great ambience!! Great service!!! Will go again- What I have tried there?the tiger shrimp ,chicken casserole, dates with bacon, the saffron rice with veggies and chicken. All good food
(4)
Jamie H.
Awhile back, my sister had her wedding rehearsal dinner at Meson Sabika. Personally, I didn't care much for the paella, the sangria was a bit dry and overly fruity. For years, I've driven by wondering what the inside looks like. I don't think I'll go back unless there's an event or something.
(3)
Jay m.
Great atmosphere, yet outside was not romantic. New server was humble and learning. Food was spectacular and very reminiscent of the real thing. See you again soon.
(4)
Aunkur A.
The estate is absolutely gorgeous. It's a great place to eat a nice outdoor summer dinner. The food is another story. Maybe I'm a bit of a snob after 10 years of living in San Francisco but the tapas really can't hold a candle to some of the hole in the wall places you find in SF. They were good, but not commensurate with the ambiance of the setting. Disappointed.
(2)
Liz L.
Great place, amazing food, beautiful surroundings. The online menu is not inclusive, so don't judge the menu by what you see on their website. The actual menu in the restaurant is extensive and they are extremely observant if you have any allergies or sensitivities. This is well worth the often-congested Naperville area traffic. Reservations are necessary even on non-weekend days, though.
(5)
Brianna N.
WOW! After recommendations by friends, my boyfriend and I decided to check out Meson Sabika on a Thursday evening in May. I'm glad we made the trip because the food was excellent and the atmosphere delightful! We were seated in the main dining room of this old Spanish-style mansion at a table for two in a corner nook by a window overlooking the gardens. Talk about ambiance! The lighting was warm and the noise level very conducive to intimate conversation. (Although, I would also love to check out the outdoor patios now that the weather is warmer.) Our wait staff was extremely friendly and allowed us to order and eat our tapas at our own pace. We enjoyed a pitcher of sangria, patatas con aioli (a garlicky potato salad), gambas al ajillo (lemony garlic grilled shrimp), pincho de solomillo (tenderloin with caramelized onions and creamy horseradish sauce) - but my personal favorite was the queso de cabra (baked goat cheese with a tomato basil sauce and charred bread - MMMM, my mouth waters just thinking about it!!) and the dessert liquor called Liquor 43...our waitress gave us not only some in our coffee, but also on the side! Aye aye aye! I will definitely be going back to this quaint Spanish gem...it'd be a great place for another romantic evening or intimate gathering of friends! Enjoy.
(5)
Roberta T.
My favorite place. I take clients here, I eat here for pure enjoyment, I would eat here every day if I could. Phenomenal food- everything has so. Much. Flavor. Beautiful venue, friendly service...and the Sunday buffet????? OMG. Don't think. Just go...after a two day fast. Eat, talk, enjoy...this is what fine dining is supposed to be!!!
(5)
D H.
Everything a wonderful dining experience should be-great food, beautiful ambiance, lovely music. Hands down bar none, best tapas ever. I had the beef tenderloin and the spicy potatoes both of which were delicious.
(5)
Teek S.
OMG everything is excellent. First time Tapas diner and my experience was great. Great place to have events at also. Will definitely become a regular dining location for me.
(5)
K L.
In one word - awful. Our server was nice but way too busy. The food was warm, not hot. Each of our seven dishes were bland. Even the goat cheese lacked flavor. Every vegetable tasted like it was from a can. It was extremely loud to the point it was difficult to hold a conversation.
(1)
Matthew H.
This is my favorite restaurant in the world. Great Spanish style tapas, great service, great wine. That's it.
(5)
Rachel J.
Meson Sabika was a special place for me-----my then-boyfriend and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary there, and later made the decision to get married there. I booked the west side yard to have the ceremony, and the back patio for my reception/dinner. When I went to drop off a payment two weeks before my wedding day, I was totally horrified. The side yard where I was to be married was a giant mud pit, and under some major construction. All of the roses were gone---the archway was gone-----there was a 4 foot trench dug out, and nothing to block this ugly mess. It was the first thing a guest would see when they arrived. I was so sad. I had no chance of booking a new place for my ceremony, as I only had 2 weeks notice, and it was a June wedding. When I asked where (on Meson Sabika's property) I could get married instead, the event coordinator showed me the new archway, under a great big tree. It sounds nice, but it was about 15 feet from Aurora avenue, with no noise barriers--so instead of hearing the ceremony, you would hear cars and motorcycles go by. Bleck! I finally got them to agree to let me have the entire patio for no extra charge. They explained the layout, and how everything would work. The back half of the patio is totally shaded by a huge tree, so that is where I wanted to have the reception. I figured my short ceremony would be fine in the sun, as I kept it down to about 25 minutes. On my wedding day, about 10 minutes before I walked down the aisle, I was informed that I was getting married in the shade, and the reception was in the sun. There was nothing I could do, so I just rolled with it. Everything turned out nicely, and I enjoyed myself---but some of my guests got completely roasted in the sun!! I was very concerned about everyone's comfort, so that made me feel bad. I was never told about any of these little surprises until it was too late. The managers made an effort to hide from me every time I stopped by, called, or sent e-mails.
(2)
Mike T.
We taken family and friends to this restaurant and it is a great place to dine. It is a big place, with a separate party/reception room. I think it can seat quite a few people in various rooms. It is a strange place because it is like an old house converted into a restaurant, which makes it a unique place to eat. The tapas dishes are very good, lots of good cold and hot dishes to try. We enjoy the garlic shrimp very much. All of the other seafood tastes fresh as well. The last time we went, we were there for a friend's birthday and it is ideal for a fun group of people.
(4)
Michelle I.
This Spanish tapas restaurant is a definite treat! A great date place! Renowned for exemplary service, delightful ambiance, and distinctive Spanish cuisine, Mesn Sabika brings tapas to a new echelon. Opened in 1990 this four-acre estate, originally built in 1847, has been meticulously renovated and offers an unmatched dining experience. Dine indoors and enjoy the grace and charm reminiscent of a European villa with original oak woodwork, lace curtains, and hand painted ceramics. Or enjoy the ultimate alfresco experience on the brick terrace underneath the 150-year-old oak trees of the estate. A different spin on the everyday eating. Located near downtown Naperville. Try the Datiles Con Torino: Baked dates wrapped in bacon, served w/red pepper sauce, a definite must! You'll have more than one order!! Try their Sunday all-you-can-eat brunch- to die for! For $26 per person you can taste most of all the tapas that are normally on the menu, a great deal!
(5)
Jessica D.
I have lived in the Naperville area for over 5 years and had never once even pondered going here. Mostly it was because from the road it doesn't really look like a restaurant. We finally went with a couple friends who had good things to say and I am sold. It does get insanely busy, so make sure to have a reservation. Ours was at 8:30 and people were walking in and getting quoted an hour wait at 8:45. We finally got sat around 8:50, as there were 2 wedding receptions being held there which limited the amount of regular seating available. Our server was very polite and made sure to serve the ladies first, which is something you never really see anymore. The red sangria was very good and not overly sweet. The four of us polished off 2 pitchers. Don't be put off by the tiny ramekin of seasoned olives that are delivered to the table immediately. I typically don't care for olives, but I took a chance and tried one. The olives were extremely flavorful and not at all what I expected, just be careful of the pits. A member of our group is vegetarian and it was nice to see the generous selection of veggie entrees. The stuffed mushroom caps are a must for veggie and meat-eater alike. They also had a very good cold plate of eggplant rolls stuffed with diced peppers. My favorite veggie dish was the Piquillo peppers stuffed with goat cheese and topped with black bean sauce. As for meat dishes, the beef was phenomenal. I am normally put off by anything with bleu cheese, so when my friend ordered skirt steak with bleu cheese sauce, I just assumed I would pass. With some urging from my boyfriend, I took a small bite only to find that it was delicious. The steak was tender and juicy and the bleu cheese was a perfect compliment, and did not overpower the dish. The filet with sweet potatoes was also incredibly good. The filet was cooked to a perfect medium rare. Another unexpected surprise was the cured salmon with toast points. The salmon was shaved perfectly and paired with crispy toast topped with a dill sour cream sauce. The salmon was further complimented with a generous garnish of capers, red onion, and fresh chives. Somehow we also managed to get through dessert as well. We ordered and shared the chocolate cake with caramel ice cream, the pecan cheesecake, and the profiteroles. My boyfriend is not a chocolate lover, but loved the cake. I could not pick a favorite since they were all very good. Overall, the dishes seemed well thought out and were perfectly executed with high quality ingredients. My one small complaint was the noise level. Every surface around us was hard resulting in a low to moderate roar the entire time we were there. It will also get a little warm when they are busy. Very much worth the minor discomfort for such a great meal. The service was quick, friendly, and not overly attentive. I will definitely be back.
(5)
Jolene H.
This has got to be the most authentic and value-for-money Spanish tapas restaurant in the state of IL! Sabika is housed in an old white mansion, tables packed closely to one another, in a cosy, bustling environment. The service is great and the food, especially the seafood, is always fresh. (I've been there twice and have never been disappointed). Try the mussels and the prawns! And have a sangria with it. The meats are wonderfully cooked (not to raw, not overdone)- try the lamb. Although the food selection is quite limited compared to other places, its good enough for me that every thing I've ordered has been great. The total cost for 2 people and 2 very full stomachs came up to approx $70 (including drinks and tax). On Fridays they have Flamenco dancers to entertain you. Nice touch.
(5)
Justin W.
I love this place. My girlfriend loves this place. You'll love this place! They built this beautiful restaurant in a renovated mansion in Naperville. They've had tents in front for weddings, events, etc, but now they're even adding a permanent structure to replace that! Anyways, this place makes for a great date spot or a place for a large group of friends. With a date, you can share individual dishes, and the wait-staff *always* provides very informed and friendly service! If you go with a group, you can try many different things, but not feel compelled to commit to any one. Both times the bill exceeded $100 for two people, but with the experience and the quality, I gladly forked over that and a 25% tip. I went there this last Saturday and despite having to show up an hour late for the reservation (I estimated incorrectly due to my girlfriend working for her charity's telethon), the manager himself seated us within five minutes. I love them and I loved our server Patricia. Awesome, hands down.
(5)
andy p.
This place is a great place for drinks and tapas! I feell like we went with the right party for this place to accompany. We went with a rowdy group whome the restaurant accompanied by putting us ina room with a very similar type of aura. There was dancing provided by the "well-fed" spanish dancer singer group as well as great tapas!!!! I recommend the fish and the potatoes. The way to get the best is ask the waiter for his/her pics and i am sure you will find it. Place has amazing sangria and various spanish drinks as weell. Def must if your in the area and it is located in an old school mansion as well so take a camera great for pics!!!!!
(4)
Karan V.
One of the best dining experiences I have had in Naperville. It is one of the more unique places in town, and it does not disappoint. Walking onto the property, you feel like you went back in time 75 years when you see the mansion and the grounds. The outdoor seating area is also excellent, and very bustling on a Spring evening. The food and service were top notch. I highly recommend the bacon-wrapped dates for dessert, and any of the beef/pork dishes for dinner.
(5)
Rebecca K.
My favorite local restaurant. The old mansion is warm and welcoming and the food is delicious. I love it more with each visit
(5)
Pam N.
Wow, I can't believe no one has reviewed Meson Sabika yet! I would say the food is only worth 3-4 stars. The food itself is not better than anything you would find in the city. And personally, for authentic tapas and a wide selection I prefer Cafe Iberico or maybe Emilios. What is so great about this place: it's gorgeous! It's a huge, like, MANOR or some shit. Beautiful. They have outdoor patios, too (I can't wait to check it out in the summertime). The mansion really makes for a unique dining experience, but be aware... they really pack you in here! It's always busy; expect to wait. Not a quiet dining experience by any means. Once you are seated, the service is fantastic. I always end up here w/ a bunch of spanish-ignorant suburbanites, and yet somehow, the waitress manages to understand the orders of "Yeah, I want that one, with the shrimp... and there's some lemon kinda flavor... and maybe I think a sauce too..." And the food comes out quickly and well-timed-- key to tapas dining. Have to try: Datilos con Tocino (bacon-wrapped dates), grilled shrimp-lemon-butter thing, both types of potato salad (the traditional garlic one is spicy!) ... the tuna w/ angel hair pasta if they've got it (it's a special) .... and the banana mousse for dessert! here's the best thing about Meson Sabika: they have a teacher's discount. 40fucking%!! One of my boys has a teacher for a mommy, so she takes us here every time we visit.
(5)
Isabella W.
Love the food, the ambiance. Perfect tapas place for a big group. Worth the drive to the burbs. We went with a party of 7, of which 2 had never tried tapas before. Service was attentive and helpful. The Jamon Serrano cold tapa is delectable - even better than the standard prosciutto: they serve it with a piece of toast, garlic clove, and tomato. You rub the garlic & tomato onto the toast, and then place the jamon on top of the toast like an open-faced sandwich, with a drizzle of olive oil. DELICIOUS. The Queso de Cabra (goat cheese) with garlic bread was also amazing. These were the top two dishes of the night. We also tried the Valenciana paella (chicken, mussels, shrimp), and the Paella special (king crab), Championes Rellenos (stuffed mushroom caps) which was delish; the remaining sauce was also good for bread-dipping, mussels (which unfortunately had a LOT of sand in it), patatas bravas (have to always try the spicy potatoes), which was decent, but not as good as the ones at Bravo Tapas (in Wicker Park). We skipped on dessert and headed to Joy Yee's on Ogden for some bubble tea. Overall, a good dining experience, and I would go back again to try more dishes.
(4)
Eldhose S.
Not the best Tapas I've had but a close competitor to the best. Add in the ambience and suddenly you have a new winner. This was a unique experience. Excellent service and great food.
(4)
Char Y.
We had bacon wrapped dates, empanada de buey, pato confitado, crepe rellena, and patatas bravas. They were just ok, similar to Cafe Iberico downtown. However, our waiter forgot to give us our food so the whole meal took over 1 1/2 hour.
(2)
Amanda R.
Tonight was my first time going here but I will definitely be going back. First off, we had a reservation for 6pm on a Saturday (for 7 people). We were seated promptly. It wasn't too busy, just a few tables and some private events going on, but you could tell it picked up as the night went on, especially the bar area. We all decided to each order 3 plates we were interested in and passed those around as they came. The service was excellent. Our waiter was very helpful. We basically gave them a list of 20 or so tapas and they paced them out for us, cold tapas first. All of the waitstaff were very good about clearing plates and making room and refilling drinks. We never waited for anything. I can't remember everything that we had, but some of my favorites were the Jamon Serrano and the Tostada de Centollo (avocado & crab meat) from the cold tapas. On the hot tapas menu I liked the roasted dates wrapped in bacon, Queso de Cabra (oven baked goat cheese with garlic bread), brochette of beef tenderloin.and the grilled pork medallions. As far as atmosphere, it's an old Georgian mansion so it is very much set up like a house. We were eating in the main dining room. We didn't have enormous table space, but it definitely feels cozy in a good way. I would recommend this to anyone. Sidenote - The dress code is "upscale casual". We dressed nice, not super formal but not jeans. I don't think they're very strict about it because we did see people in jeans and casual clothing but don't be those guys! Dress up and make a night of it!
(5)
Ellen D.
the food was good. the service was ok. the sangria is a rip-off. they water it down and load your glass with ice so it looks large, but it is not. we ordered the pitcher of it, and it is heavy because it is all pottery. order wine instead. I thought I was drinking kool-aid. we may go back to try more food, but it is still over priced.
(2)
Sara S.
Best restaurant in Chicagoland! Excellent food! Love the patio!
(5)
Rachell E.
I recently went to Meson for the first time and I I must say I enjoyed the experience. With Meson, it is an experience, they should call the wait staff tour guides! The tapas that we chose were all fantastic. I'm a big fan of tapas and Meson is one of my new favorite restaurants. The WINE FLIGHT I had was AWESOME! The 'old mansion' feel was great, I felt like I was having dinner at a friends house. If you like tapas try Meson Sabika!
(4)
Lover Of Food And Culture Z.
This is one of my favorite places to eat! Good wine list and everything is super delicious...Love Tapas!
(5)
Jerry W.
My wife and I stopped for a week day lunch at Meson Sabika in Naperville. It is a beautiful old mansion. The building and grounds are well kept. The staff is very friendly. It was very clean, that is important in a restaurant and the decor was really nice. The food was very good. I would definitely go back for the food. Kuddos to the Chef! I just think the price tag was really high though. Especially in today's tight economic times, do they offer a stimulus menu (just kidding). I think we may go back for a special occasion but without our kids, too expensive.
(4)
Frank M.
I'm not even sure I know where to begin... Let's start with the positive; the grounds are lovely. Now, unfortunately, on to the food... I should have known when the hostess was escorting us to our table upstairs and we passed the kitchen and I caught a smell of the fish, I should have listened to my nose and hightailed it out of there. I mean honestly, this city is on a lake for gods sake! Why is decent fish so difficult up here??? But I digress; after being seated in an overheated section of the dining room, the real ordeal began... The meat and cheese plate was about the only thing edible (other than the bread) the entire meal. The baby artichokes were not cleaned properly; leaving the remnants of spines in my throat and I'm still not sure what the "creamy vinaigrette" actually was. The lamb medallions seemed to have been seared and left to finish cooking under the salamander; the accompanying mushrooms had been obviously frozen in a prepackaged assembly of hatred for fresh food, but this theme seemed to be the norm for this restaurant... the onions atop the mushrooms seemed to have been cooked with sugar leaving a very unpleasant taste in the mouth, but hey the artichokes need company right? the sauce swear to gods!) tasted like Campbell's cream of tomato soup with butter that was congealing and separating on the plate even as I watched it... To make matters worse, the sauce was also repeated in with the "cheese crepe" plate. I put the dish in parenthesis because using a store bought spring roll wrapper is not a crepe! nor should a crepe be crunchy!!! The grand finale, however, made the rest of the meal seem like Michelin Star quality in comparison... I am still trying to figure out just what the hell they did to the alleged duck confit other than serve it with a gelatinous mess of canned gravy!! By the end of the meal I felt like my palate had been mugged by a leering Murphy Artist with a dull Santoku in one hand and ladle of greasy canned sauce in the other... This place has as much in common with Spanish Tapas as Taco Bell has with Mexican food.. Actually I take that back, Taco Bell is better than this place...
(1)
Melissa H.
One of the best Paella I have had. This place is so good and its pretty inexpensive for its atmosphere. The mansion is really pretty but can be somewhat cramped, depending on the room you are in.
(4)
Eric H.
A fantastic place to take clients and friends. There's great variety on the menu and you can always find something to satisfy every one. The deserts are expecially good. The service quality has dropped a little since they changed owners (from Emilio's Meson Sabika), but the food is just as good. It's a little pricey and reservations are a challenge. But, you cannot go wrong here. I always take my special clients here. Especially local ones. (Sullivans gets old after a dozen times.) .
(4)
S K.
I could live on the bacon wrapped dates alone!
(4)
K G.
Make a reservation well in advance, especially in the winter! Everything is wonderful, I've tried almost everything on the menu. I love how you can eat some many different things in one dinner. The atmosphere in every part of this beautiful mansion is wonderful, any time of year. The service has always been great, even when we have really badly behaved children dining with us.
(5)
Wonton S.
I've been hesitant to try this place out because everyone I've spoke with said it was great but super expensive (I'm a little cheap:), but I was pleasantly surprised by the bill. The tapas are a little bit on the small size, but that makes the whole experience more fun, you can have lots of little tastes. The wine list is a little overwhelming, lots of Argentinian and Spanish selections. The best bet is to ask the waiter. We relied on him for lots during the meal. The service was amazing, the table was cleared and the attention was dolled out perfectly. I never felt rushed or neglected - my main complaint about the other big tapas restaurant in Naperville, Tango. I can't think of a single complaint about Mason Sabika, other than I can't eat there every night for dinner.
(5)
Justin H.
One of the top restaurants in the area. Amazing food, great drinks, beautiful building, flawless service. The only issue is that it is quite expensive, but probably worth it.
I've eaten tapas at a lot of places, but Meson Sabika had by far the best tapas I have ever had! I loved every single dish that we ordered. The menu was extensive. The stars of the show, for me, were the dates wrapped in bacon and the cheese stuffed peppers. But the beef skewer, chicken & chorizo skewer, and tortilla espanola were also delicious. I finished off the meal with some yummy profiteroles. The service was good, and the atmosphere was nice. We were in one of the side rooms, which was a little quieter and perfect for our anniversary dinner. The bigger, brighter room seemed a little more on the loud side. We also found the prices to be very reasonable. Most of the tapas was around $6. I highly recommend this place and can't wait to go back!
(5)
Darlene L.
This is a place I would like to return to during a week day. Our dinner for four at 7:00 P.M. on a Saturday resulted in a very noisy experience. First of all, we arrived on time for our reservation and were quickly escorted to a terrible table between the bar and door to the kitchen. When we asked for another table, the seater said they were fully booked, but she would check. She never returned. The door to the kitchen or outside was left open creating an unpleasant breeze throughout dinner. Ordered a red sangria to start; waiter brought white. He exchanged it recognizing his error but it took a while. The drink was good. Meanwhile we embarked on tapas heaven. We enjoyed a variety of small plates consisting of tuna, potatoes, chicken, paella, and a fabulous chicken salad. Gazpacho was also terrific. Waiter was a bit overwhelmed as he frantically moved about and had to be reminded to remove the extra charge for the white sangria off the bill-which he graciously did. Prices are reasonable and the place is a spiffed up old farmhouse. Good spot to try but avoid prime time weekends.
(4)
jamie p.
Ok has anyone who has ever eaten here had real tapas? For the price of this place take yourself out to the city and eat real tapas it will be a better experience then this place. First of all the "sangria" tasted like syrup, the steak dishes taste like they got the last of the meat from the butcher that was 1/2 price and the chicken was so overcooked it was like eating string. The dishes have no flavor, they are all bland, tapas is suppose to be a flavorful experience. Don't get me started on the empanadas...they were so hard you needed a steak knife to cut. And the atmosphere is so uppity, tapas is about talking and enjoying everyones company, this place feels like a library. The only good thing about this place is the grounds are absolutely beautiful its just such a shame they put this horrible restaurant on it. Do you self a favor go down the street to Macarena Tapas its half the price and 10 times better food! You wont be disappointed!
(1)
Joedel G.
We went to this restaurant on friday, it was a special day indeed because it was my wifes birthday. We've heard this place before but it was our first time to dine at Meson Sabika. Mmmm, what can I say, of course we tried the sangria as recommended by our server, very refreshing chilled wine with a very little kick. I tried the tostadas de caviar which is very good, it blended well with the mojito which my wife ordered, although she didn't like it 'cause it a little bit stronger as what she expected. We also tried a variety of hot Tapas like Salmón A La Plancha, Queso De Cabra ( my kids love this so much ), Patatas Bravas, grilled squid, vegetable paella, etc. We ended our dinner with two kinds of dessert, Flan Del Meson Sabika and Crema De Chocolate. One thing I've noticed though that our server did not take down his notes while we were ordering, so he had two mistakes, one was giving us baileys? instead of Mojito and we were served an extra paella, which we returned it of course. But it was really a great experience and despite of a little confusions, we gave our server a decent tip since he deserve it. Oh before I forget this retaurants structure is amazing, it's like a mansion converted into a restaurant, check the photos in their site. To complete the spanish ambience they have a Spanish guitarist with a flamenco dancer, Ole !!!... Strongly recommended.
(4)
Suzanne V.
My first Yelp event tonight...food, drink..service was great! Music was great! Beautiful night!!
(5)
Jen D.
I have been a patron of this establishment for better part of 15 years; well before it was called Meson Sabika. The tapas is excellent but I feel the need to post the lack of customer service we experienced along with the large error in our bill that remains uncorrected. When the large group of us paid the bill, I gave my debit card with instructions to charge $20 to the card. The receipt I signed appeared to say $20. Imagine my surprise when my bank alerted me that the ENTIRE BILL had been charged to my bank! I approached the manager who did not help and did not credit the amount because he didn't "have a code" to do so. I have never experienced such a shady exchange with any restaurant. He refused to assist in any way and offered no solution to credit me as deserved, he defended his wait staff and said, "he said he did not enter this amount". My bank has a cease charge and will be investigating Meson Sabika. I warn you to not hand your debit card over to this establishment. Meson Sabika has no problem taking my cash without my permission and I'm sure they will do the same to you.
(2)
Emi D.
They are in an old mansion and absolutely gorgeous. I recommend Sunday branch sitting patio under sunshine with good food. It is so beautiful time. The service and staff are great too.
(4)
Chris H.
Meson Sabika has jumped the shark. It's a shadow of what it used to be. 15 years in Naperville, going to Meson Sabika several times a year, and after tonight's visit we decided we're not going back. Had a reservation, seated right away, then waited almost 15 minutes for a server to come to our table. Finally flagged down the manager to get a server, and when he arrived at our table, he was literally dripping with sweat. Eww. The service was so slow, and the dining room so incredibly loud, a couple seated behind us canceled their order and walked out! The tapas are still good, but trust me when I tell you, they have gone downhill. My son's Ginger ale was delivered with a good-size bug floating in it, and we battled little gnats all through our meal...and we were seated inside. After the Ginger ale episode, the manager came over and gave a little speech about how the bug in the drink and the time we waited were "unacceptable," and "dessert was on them.". Well, the bill came (2 hours and 10 minutes later!) and guess what? Charged full price for everything. I made a comment to the manager on the way out, and he spoke to me as if I were an idiot, telling me that it listed the items that were comp'ed on the bottom of the receipt--as if I couldn't read. I replied that no, it said no such thing--because it didn't--and he smiled at me as if he were humoring a child (I'm about 20 yrs older than this schmo) and said he could check on it "if I wanted." I replied that all I wanted was to leave the place as soon as I could.
(2)
Shirley M.
Our family's first choice is Meson Sabika if we're looking for a special night out. We ask for Servers Patti, Max or Herbert when we dine there. We each have our favorite dishes but have found that the servers always make excellent recommendations when it comes to food or drinks. The owner appears to be a charitable individual ~ participating in fundraisers and hosting a special Thanksgiving dinner for people who need a place to gather on that holiday.
(5)
Mark S.
My wife loves this place. I balk because I go out to eat to get away from having to make decisions. I want to order and be done with it. But the food here is great. Go with a group so you can try lots of stuff and maybe no one will notice if you zone out on sangria and let others do the ordering.
(4)
Sheila Y.
I thought this place would be amazing and sadly it was not. I was also not super impressed by the decor, which I thought looked a bit shabby. I did not venture over to the bar which looked like it could be a great place to chill. I would definitely head back for that reason if the Sangria was a little bit tastier (amazingly the Sangria at Weber Grill is the best I have had so far...hands down). The group ordered up a ton of tapas and I will quickly touch on the ones I remember. Both of the soups (Gazpacho and Shrimp Bisque) were actually quite tasty. The Gazpacho had a great nuttiness imparted from ground almonds. We ordered four things off the specials of the day menu and I was disappointed that a few came out on top of mildly flavorfull tomatoes. The white smelts were decent and the asparagus wrapped in proscuitto was tasty. I think the grilled calamari was prepared nicely and the bacon wrapped figs was nice. One other general observation was that many of the dishes came to the table resting on a creamy tomato-based sauce which was special the first time around but after two or three lost its oomph. For dessert we had a poached pear and something chocolatey. Since I can't really remember them its a bad sign. Overall, this place is decent, but I will not be making a return trip with the precious Chicago time I have left.
(3)
Daniel W.
great place for Tapas and non-alcoholic Sangria (is that possible?). The atmosphere etc is great. very romantic.
(4)
charlotte s.
being that it's not in a big city, i'll give it a higher rating... but had this restaurant been in a metropolitan city, then they would have had to tweak their skills a bit more in order to survive... the family came here for new year's dinner which was a tasting menu. none of the dishes were particularly 'creative' or unique... felt very culinary school textbook-like... but at least everything was fresh... the servers and bussers seemed to try and do their best but there were still communication issues between them as they seemed to have a difficult time with the timing and coursing of each item in the tasting menu. the pacing was off and the food seemed to start overlapping each other with less and less time between the food. at one point we had two courses almost at the same time.... that should be a no no... if they saw the people still eating their food, they should just take the plate back... oh well... and i will not go into their inability of 'pre-setting' for each course... they had a flamenco dancer perform which was a nice attempt but with the bad acoustics as well as the genre of music, it didn't quite come out right... i know it's a tapas restaurant, but flamenco just didn't seem like the right kind of music to play for this atmosphere... the location where this restaurant is located is beautiful. an old house with beautiful grounds... the private party space next to the old house looked nice too but kinda interesting since the party had a DJ spinning... definitely a different vibe from our flamenco music... haha...
(4)
Nelson S.
This is a great place to go with friends, order a bunch of different tapas and pass it around. The masion is very romantic and has a very elegant touch to it. We had great service and was very happy with the experience. Always look forward to coming here!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Rong G.
The shrimp and Crab is delicious.
(4)K L.
In one word - awful. Our server was nice but way too busy. The food was warm, not hot. Each of our seven dishes were bland. Even the goat cheese lacked flavor. Every vegetable tasted like it was from a can. It was extremely loud to the point it was difficult to hold a conversation.
(1)Matthew H.
This is my favorite restaurant in the world. Great Spanish style tapas, great service, great wine. That's it.
(5)Joanne W.
I went here a couple weeks ago on a date. We both enjoyed it. We had the assorted spanish cheeses & apples - cannot go wrong with that. Bacon wrapped dates with a smokey red pepper sauce - very tasty. We had a shrimp dish with a cream sauce with mushrooms which we both enjoyed. We also had a beef empanada - it was good but not my fav. We wanted to get the duck breast but they were out of it. We had red sangria and I have to say that was the one thing I was disappointed with. It was too dry or something (my date agreed). Next time I'd probably try the peach sangria. All in all a good place. Nice atmosphere and I thought the service was good....oh and a good date place too :)
(3)Rachel J.
Meson Sabika was a special place for me-----my then-boyfriend and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary there, and later made the decision to get married there. I booked the west side yard to have the ceremony, and the back patio for my reception/dinner. When I went to drop off a payment two weeks before my wedding day, I was totally horrified. The side yard where I was to be married was a giant mud pit, and under some major construction. All of the roses were gone---the archway was gone-----there was a 4 foot trench dug out, and nothing to block this ugly mess. It was the first thing a guest would see when they arrived. I was so sad. I had no chance of booking a new place for my ceremony, as I only had 2 weeks notice, and it was a June wedding. When I asked where (on Meson Sabika's property) I could get married instead, the event coordinator showed me the new archway, under a great big tree. It sounds nice, but it was about 15 feet from Aurora avenue, with no noise barriers--so instead of hearing the ceremony, you would hear cars and motorcycles go by. Bleck! I finally got them to agree to let me have the entire patio for no extra charge. They explained the layout, and how everything would work. The back half of the patio is totally shaded by a huge tree, so that is where I wanted to have the reception. I figured my short ceremony would be fine in the sun, as I kept it down to about 25 minutes. On my wedding day, about 10 minutes before I walked down the aisle, I was informed that I was getting married in the shade, and the reception was in the sun. There was nothing I could do, so I just rolled with it. Everything turned out nicely, and I enjoyed myself---but some of my guests got completely roasted in the sun!! I was very concerned about everyone's comfort, so that made me feel bad. I was never told about any of these little surprises until it was too late. The managers made an effort to hide from me every time I stopped by, called, or sent e-mails.
(2)Mike T.
We taken family and friends to this restaurant and it is a great place to dine. It is a big place, with a separate party/reception room. I think it can seat quite a few people in various rooms. It is a strange place because it is like an old house converted into a restaurant, which makes it a unique place to eat. The tapas dishes are very good, lots of good cold and hot dishes to try. We enjoy the garlic shrimp very much. All of the other seafood tastes fresh as well. The last time we went, we were there for a friend's birthday and it is ideal for a fun group of people.
(4)Michelle I.
This Spanish tapas restaurant is a definite treat! A great date place! Renowned for exemplary service, delightful ambiance, and distinctive Spanish cuisine, Mesn Sabika brings tapas to a new echelon. Opened in 1990 this four-acre estate, originally built in 1847, has been meticulously renovated and offers an unmatched dining experience. Dine indoors and enjoy the grace and charm reminiscent of a European villa with original oak woodwork, lace curtains, and hand painted ceramics. Or enjoy the ultimate alfresco experience on the brick terrace underneath the 150-year-old oak trees of the estate. A different spin on the everyday eating. Located near downtown Naperville. Try the Datiles Con Torino: Baked dates wrapped in bacon, served w/red pepper sauce, a definite must! You'll have more than one order!! Try their Sunday all-you-can-eat brunch- to die for! For $26 per person you can taste most of all the tapas that are normally on the menu, a great deal!
(5)Jessica D.
I have lived in the Naperville area for over 5 years and had never once even pondered going here. Mostly it was because from the road it doesn't really look like a restaurant. We finally went with a couple friends who had good things to say and I am sold. It does get insanely busy, so make sure to have a reservation. Ours was at 8:30 and people were walking in and getting quoted an hour wait at 8:45. We finally got sat around 8:50, as there were 2 wedding receptions being held there which limited the amount of regular seating available. Our server was very polite and made sure to serve the ladies first, which is something you never really see anymore. The red sangria was very good and not overly sweet. The four of us polished off 2 pitchers. Don't be put off by the tiny ramekin of seasoned olives that are delivered to the table immediately. I typically don't care for olives, but I took a chance and tried one. The olives were extremely flavorful and not at all what I expected, just be careful of the pits. A member of our group is vegetarian and it was nice to see the generous selection of veggie entrees. The stuffed mushroom caps are a must for veggie and meat-eater alike. They also had a very good cold plate of eggplant rolls stuffed with diced peppers. My favorite veggie dish was the Piquillo peppers stuffed with goat cheese and topped with black bean sauce. As for meat dishes, the beef was phenomenal. I am normally put off by anything with bleu cheese, so when my friend ordered skirt steak with bleu cheese sauce, I just assumed I would pass. With some urging from my boyfriend, I took a small bite only to find that it was delicious. The steak was tender and juicy and the bleu cheese was a perfect compliment, and did not overpower the dish. The filet with sweet potatoes was also incredibly good. The filet was cooked to a perfect medium rare. Another unexpected surprise was the cured salmon with toast points. The salmon was shaved perfectly and paired with crispy toast topped with a dill sour cream sauce. The salmon was further complimented with a generous garnish of capers, red onion, and fresh chives. Somehow we also managed to get through dessert as well. We ordered and shared the chocolate cake with caramel ice cream, the pecan cheesecake, and the profiteroles. My boyfriend is not a chocolate lover, but loved the cake. I could not pick a favorite since they were all very good. Overall, the dishes seemed well thought out and were perfectly executed with high quality ingredients. My one small complaint was the noise level. Every surface around us was hard resulting in a low to moderate roar the entire time we were there. It will also get a little warm when they are busy. Very much worth the minor discomfort for such a great meal. The service was quick, friendly, and not overly attentive. I will definitely be back.
(5)Jolene H.
This has got to be the most authentic and value-for-money Spanish tapas restaurant in the state of IL! Sabika is housed in an old white mansion, tables packed closely to one another, in a cosy, bustling environment. The service is great and the food, especially the seafood, is always fresh. (I've been there twice and have never been disappointed). Try the mussels and the prawns! And have a sangria with it. The meats are wonderfully cooked (not to raw, not overdone)- try the lamb. Although the food selection is quite limited compared to other places, its good enough for me that every thing I've ordered has been great. The total cost for 2 people and 2 very full stomachs came up to approx $70 (including drinks and tax). On Fridays they have Flamenco dancers to entertain you. Nice touch.
(5)Justin W.
I love this place. My girlfriend loves this place. You'll love this place! They built this beautiful restaurant in a renovated mansion in Naperville. They've had tents in front for weddings, events, etc, but now they're even adding a permanent structure to replace that! Anyways, this place makes for a great date spot or a place for a large group of friends. With a date, you can share individual dishes, and the wait-staff *always* provides very informed and friendly service! If you go with a group, you can try many different things, but not feel compelled to commit to any one. Both times the bill exceeded $100 for two people, but with the experience and the quality, I gladly forked over that and a 25% tip. I went there this last Saturday and despite having to show up an hour late for the reservation (I estimated incorrectly due to my girlfriend working for her charity's telethon), the manager himself seated us within five minutes. I love them and I loved our server Patricia. Awesome, hands down.
(5)andy p.
This place is a great place for drinks and tapas! I feell like we went with the right party for this place to accompany. We went with a rowdy group whome the restaurant accompanied by putting us ina room with a very similar type of aura. There was dancing provided by the "well-fed" spanish dancer singer group as well as great tapas!!!! I recommend the fish and the potatoes. The way to get the best is ask the waiter for his/her pics and i am sure you will find it. Place has amazing sangria and various spanish drinks as weell. Def must if your in the area and it is located in an old school mansion as well so take a camera great for pics!!!!!
(4)Karan V.
One of the best dining experiences I have had in Naperville. It is one of the more unique places in town, and it does not disappoint. Walking onto the property, you feel like you went back in time 75 years when you see the mansion and the grounds. The outdoor seating area is also excellent, and very bustling on a Spring evening. The food and service were top notch. I highly recommend the bacon-wrapped dates for dessert, and any of the beef/pork dishes for dinner.
(5)Rebecca K.
My favorite local restaurant. The old mansion is warm and welcoming and the food is delicious. I love it more with each visit
(5)Ellen E.
This is my favorite restaurant in terms of quality of food. Do not miss the Patatas con Aioli (garlicky potato salad). Tilapia is also a dish that I order every time. I also love the Champinones Rellenos (stuffed mushrooms). I have never been to another tapas retaurant that has equaled Meson Sabika.
(5)Jason S.
Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. There is nothing better than the fantastic outdoor tapas patio on a nice summer evening. We went here with a large group of friends and had such a great night. The food was great. The ambiance and restaurant grounds were spectacular. The friends were perfect. We can't wait to return!
(5)Pam N.
Wow, I can't believe no one has reviewed Meson Sabika yet! I would say the food is only worth 3-4 stars. The food itself is not better than anything you would find in the city. And personally, for authentic tapas and a wide selection I prefer Cafe Iberico or maybe Emilios. What is so great about this place: it's gorgeous! It's a huge, like, MANOR or some shit. Beautiful. They have outdoor patios, too (I can't wait to check it out in the summertime). The mansion really makes for a unique dining experience, but be aware... they really pack you in here! It's always busy; expect to wait. Not a quiet dining experience by any means. Once you are seated, the service is fantastic. I always end up here w/ a bunch of spanish-ignorant suburbanites, and yet somehow, the waitress manages to understand the orders of "Yeah, I want that one, with the shrimp... and there's some lemon kinda flavor... and maybe I think a sauce too..." And the food comes out quickly and well-timed-- key to tapas dining. Have to try: Datilos con Tocino (bacon-wrapped dates), grilled shrimp-lemon-butter thing, both types of potato salad (the traditional garlic one is spicy!) ... the tuna w/ angel hair pasta if they've got it (it's a special) .... and the banana mousse for dessert! here's the best thing about Meson Sabika: they have a teacher's discount. 40fucking%!! One of my boys has a teacher for a mommy, so she takes us here every time we visit.
(5)Isabella W.
Love the food, the ambiance. Perfect tapas place for a big group. Worth the drive to the burbs. We went with a party of 7, of which 2 had never tried tapas before. Service was attentive and helpful. The Jamon Serrano cold tapa is delectable - even better than the standard prosciutto: they serve it with a piece of toast, garlic clove, and tomato. You rub the garlic & tomato onto the toast, and then place the jamon on top of the toast like an open-faced sandwich, with a drizzle of olive oil. DELICIOUS. The Queso de Cabra (goat cheese) with garlic bread was also amazing. These were the top two dishes of the night. We also tried the Valenciana paella (chicken, mussels, shrimp), and the Paella special (king crab), Championes Rellenos (stuffed mushroom caps) which was delish; the remaining sauce was also good for bread-dipping, mussels (which unfortunately had a LOT of sand in it), patatas bravas (have to always try the spicy potatoes), which was decent, but not as good as the ones at Bravo Tapas (in Wicker Park). We skipped on dessert and headed to Joy Yee's on Ogden for some bubble tea. Overall, a good dining experience, and I would go back again to try more dishes.
(4)Eldhose S.
Not the best Tapas I've had but a close competitor to the best. Add in the ambience and suddenly you have a new winner. This was a unique experience. Excellent service and great food.
(4)Char Y.
We had bacon wrapped dates, empanada de buey, pato confitado, crepe rellena, and patatas bravas. They were just ok, similar to Cafe Iberico downtown. However, our waiter forgot to give us our food so the whole meal took over 1 1/2 hour.
(2)Amanda R.
Tonight was my first time going here but I will definitely be going back. First off, we had a reservation for 6pm on a Saturday (for 7 people). We were seated promptly. It wasn't too busy, just a few tables and some private events going on, but you could tell it picked up as the night went on, especially the bar area. We all decided to each order 3 plates we were interested in and passed those around as they came. The service was excellent. Our waiter was very helpful. We basically gave them a list of 20 or so tapas and they paced them out for us, cold tapas first. All of the waitstaff were very good about clearing plates and making room and refilling drinks. We never waited for anything. I can't remember everything that we had, but some of my favorites were the Jamon Serrano and the Tostada de Centollo (avocado & crab meat) from the cold tapas. On the hot tapas menu I liked the roasted dates wrapped in bacon, Queso de Cabra (oven baked goat cheese with garlic bread), brochette of beef tenderloin.and the grilled pork medallions. As far as atmosphere, it's an old Georgian mansion so it is very much set up like a house. We were eating in the main dining room. We didn't have enormous table space, but it definitely feels cozy in a good way. I would recommend this to anyone. Sidenote - The dress code is "upscale casual". We dressed nice, not super formal but not jeans. I don't think they're very strict about it because we did see people in jeans and casual clothing but don't be those guys! Dress up and make a night of it!
(5)Ellen D.
the food was good. the service was ok. the sangria is a rip-off. they water it down and load your glass with ice so it looks large, but it is not. we ordered the pitcher of it, and it is heavy because it is all pottery. order wine instead. I thought I was drinking kool-aid. we may go back to try more food, but it is still over priced.
(2)Sara S.
Best restaurant in Chicagoland! Excellent food! Love the patio!
(5)Rachell E.
I recently went to Meson for the first time and I I must say I enjoyed the experience. With Meson, it is an experience, they should call the wait staff tour guides! The tapas that we chose were all fantastic. I'm a big fan of tapas and Meson is one of my new favorite restaurants. The WINE FLIGHT I had was AWESOME! The 'old mansion' feel was great, I felt like I was having dinner at a friends house. If you like tapas try Meson Sabika!
(4)Lover Of Food And Culture Z.
This is one of my favorite places to eat! Good wine list and everything is super delicious...Love Tapas!
(5)Jerry W.
My wife and I stopped for a week day lunch at Meson Sabika in Naperville. It is a beautiful old mansion. The building and grounds are well kept. The staff is very friendly. It was very clean, that is important in a restaurant and the decor was really nice. The food was very good. I would definitely go back for the food. Kuddos to the Chef! I just think the price tag was really high though. Especially in today's tight economic times, do they offer a stimulus menu (just kidding). I think we may go back for a special occasion but without our kids, too expensive.
(4)Christine B.
The food was amazing, so tasty and full of flavor. I didn't care for the Sangria. It wasn't very sweet so I was let down because other reviews raved over it. The folks who bring the food out need better training because they constantly got our dishes mixed up as to which person it went to. Our waiter was nice given that he was new. The decor though on the inside has got to go. It is so ugly and outdated. They could really make it into a spanish mansion but keep some of the original charm like the light fixtures. I also wish that they would enforce a dress code. It's a very nice restaurant and we saw a group of teenageers come in wearing gym shorts and gym shoes. Anything with goat cheese is a must order. Also, the salmon was very fresh. I don't even like salmon but tried my friend's dish that had salmon in it and it wasn't fishy. Very fresh food and a great place for a special occassion. It was very affordable too. We had plenty of drinks, and several dishes and the bill was only a little over $100 which is good for everything that we got. I was surprised at the affordability of it.
(4)Nari H.
Delicious! Love the goat cheese with their bread. Pretty sweet atmosphere with good service and the food is really really good. I've been a few times and I am never disappointed.
(4)Melissa M.
This place is beautiful. I have been to weddings, showers, birthday parties, and many regular nights out to dinner and I am rarely disappointed. The only time I'm disappointed is when I order something I don't like because of my own personal tastes. I try a few different things each time I go and sometimes that backfires but mostly it's great. The martinis and sangria are great... I love the olives and bread they give you. Definitely try the bacon dates and my favorite is the steak with horseradish sour cream... so good!
(4)Anpan W.
Do not drive out to Naperville for this place. If you already live in or near Naperthrill, well, I am sorry. And it is not inexpensive. Why no love for Sabika--bc of the blandness.
(2)Nora X.
Delicious tapas! I've only come a few times with friends after I've skipped enough starbucks/jamba juices to have some cash. It's certainly not cheap, esp in the mindset of a college student, but boy is it good. Service was a little sketch, and our waiter was a little pushy. But the paella is soo yummy.
(4)David R.
Great setting.. service..not so good, food..just ok. Went here with a party of 8 people, and the waiter brought out a stack of plates.. distributed them and left. They were dirty! I mean... visibly dirty (still had crusted food on them). We re-stacked them and asked for new ones, only to have the manager come over to question as to why we needed new dishes! when we showed them to him.. he apologized, but.. we never saw him again. food wasn't anything special compared to other tapas restaurants i've been to, but higher priced. drinks were small and weak. Sngria was ok.. same as anywhere... presentation bland! for the cost and experience, will not return.
(2)Paul M.
The bacon wrapped figs are the best
(4)Caroline I.
I wish I could give 4.5 stars. The food is excellent, probably the best tapas I've had, the outdoor patio is fantastic (be sure to make a reservation), the wine list is ok in my opinion, but I think the beer list has a good selection of Spanish beers. Service is typically good, but a few times I've gone it's been spotty.
(4)C C.
One of my favorite restaurants in Naperville!! Great food, great service, and great ambience. My favorite time to go is Sunday Brunch, the selection and quality of food is amazing. It is a buffet style and you can also choose to order some yummy extras from your server. Mostly omelets I believe. If you get the coupon while dining during dinner time, then its even better! I haven't had anything bad at Meson Sabika, even the drinks! I wish I could go there more often, but I would be completely broke! Hopefully I can go back and enjoy more of their yummy food some time soon!
(5)B B.
I have dined at several Tapas restaurants in the area. Do they have a decent product? I would have to say "Yes" if it is served properly by an attentive staff. The bread basket consisted of 7 small pieces of bread not much to work with for two adults who ordered 5 tapas from the onset. Drinks took way too long and quite frankly I grew tired of begging for bread. We told the server that we had just recived our meal and had no bread. He told us that he would take care of it. He then proceeded to the next table and took a large order from 5 adults. i had to beg another server for bread. It took 15 minutes for the first glass of wine to arrive and the second glass took 20 minutes.
(2)David G.
Went for rehearsal dinner. Beautiful atmosphere for outside seating, surrounded by trees well lit-up at night. Great food, and and very cool building. Food and service were also very good.
(4)Frank M.
I'm not even sure I know where to begin... Let's start with the positive; the grounds are lovely. Now, unfortunately, on to the food... I should have known when the hostess was escorting us to our table upstairs and we passed the kitchen and I caught a smell of the fish, I should have listened to my nose and hightailed it out of there. I mean honestly, this city is on a lake for gods sake! Why is decent fish so difficult up here??? But I digress; after being seated in an overheated section of the dining room, the real ordeal began... The meat and cheese plate was about the only thing edible (other than the bread) the entire meal. The baby artichokes were not cleaned properly; leaving the remnants of spines in my throat and I'm still not sure what the "creamy vinaigrette" actually was. The lamb medallions seemed to have been seared and left to finish cooking under the salamander; the accompanying mushrooms had been obviously frozen in a prepackaged assembly of hatred for fresh food, but this theme seemed to be the norm for this restaurant... the onions atop the mushrooms seemed to have been cooked with sugar leaving a very unpleasant taste in the mouth, but hey the artichokes need company right? the sauce swear to gods!) tasted like Campbell's cream of tomato soup with butter that was congealing and separating on the plate even as I watched it... To make matters worse, the sauce was also repeated in with the "cheese crepe" plate. I put the dish in parenthesis because using a store bought spring roll wrapper is not a crepe! nor should a crepe be crunchy!!! The grand finale, however, made the rest of the meal seem like Michelin Star quality in comparison... I am still trying to figure out just what the hell they did to the alleged duck confit other than serve it with a gelatinous mess of canned gravy!! By the end of the meal I felt like my palate had been mugged by a leering Murphy Artist with a dull Santoku in one hand and ladle of greasy canned sauce in the other... This place has as much in common with Spanish Tapas as Taco Bell has with Mexican food.. Actually I take that back, Taco Bell is better than this place...
(1)Melissa H.
One of the best Paella I have had. This place is so good and its pretty inexpensive for its atmosphere. The mansion is really pretty but can be somewhat cramped, depending on the room you are in.
(4)Eric H.
A fantastic place to take clients and friends. There's great variety on the menu and you can always find something to satisfy every one. The deserts are expecially good. The service quality has dropped a little since they changed owners (from Emilio's Meson Sabika), but the food is just as good. It's a little pricey and reservations are a challenge. But, you cannot go wrong here. I always take my special clients here. Especially local ones. (Sullivans gets old after a dozen times.) .
(4)S K.
I could live on the bacon wrapped dates alone!
(4)K G.
Make a reservation well in advance, especially in the winter! Everything is wonderful, I've tried almost everything on the menu. I love how you can eat some many different things in one dinner. The atmosphere in every part of this beautiful mansion is wonderful, any time of year. The service has always been great, even when we have really badly behaved children dining with us.
(5)Wonton S.
I've been hesitant to try this place out because everyone I've spoke with said it was great but super expensive (I'm a little cheap:), but I was pleasantly surprised by the bill. The tapas are a little bit on the small size, but that makes the whole experience more fun, you can have lots of little tastes. The wine list is a little overwhelming, lots of Argentinian and Spanish selections. The best bet is to ask the waiter. We relied on him for lots during the meal. The service was amazing, the table was cleared and the attention was dolled out perfectly. I never felt rushed or neglected - my main complaint about the other big tapas restaurant in Naperville, Tango. I can't think of a single complaint about Mason Sabika, other than I can't eat there every night for dinner.
(5)Justin H.
One of the top restaurants in the area. Amazing food, great drinks, beautiful building, flawless service. The only issue is that it is quite expensive, but probably worth it.
(5)Amanda G.
We met up with 6 friends at Mason Sabika for brunch. Being a Spanish Tapas restaurant, most of the offerings tended to lean that way. However, there were a few traditional favorites sprinkled in. Starting at the beginning, the cream of leek soup was surprisingly flavorful. Next was an astonishingly great selection of fresh and dried fruit, along with nuts. In the cold tapas line; the vegetable strata, lox, and tuna rolls were most notable, although the garlic potato salad and asparagus with feta are worth a mention. But the main attraction was the line of hot tapas. Dates wrapped in bacon; I had to go back twice for them. As well as twice for the stuffed mushrooms and the butter infused escargot canapés broiled with a dollop of hollandaise - Decadent! Scallops with couscous, paella, grilled calamari, and a shell fish mix in a béarnaise gave a great representation from the sea. Chorizo in a roasted pepper sauce, a Spanish stew and a lovely prime rib at the carving station represent the land. Several other things were very good as well, but not enough room here to talk about them all. Made to order omelets were available from our attentive and omnipresent waiter. So were choices in desserts. The selection of sweets was limited, but we didn't miss having more. There were enough choices and the quality was on the spot. I especially enjoyed the hazelnut mousse and the pear tart. My only recommendations for improvement would be to serve the caviar with salmon mousse on a crouton. There isn't enough sweetness in the mousse to balance the bitter endive it was served on. The prosciutto was wrapped around cantaloupe. I like the idea, but would have preferred a milder melon to showcase the ham. And perhaps with the escargot; back off on the butter just a little. The toast was fairly saturated. I would have liked a little more room around our table, but I understand why it was a bit tight. I would not have wanted to sacrifice the ambiance of this beautiful old building. All in all, everyone at our table was very happy and satisfied with the meal. Our group was so inspired; we have vowed to meet every second month to try a new brunch spot. It will be quite a challenge to find a better place than this, but we'll see.
(5)Neil B.
Best restaurant in the area hands down
(5)bob j.
good time great food, setting and service
(4)C G.
I've eaten tapas at a lot of places, but Meson Sabika had by far the best tapas I have ever had! I loved every single dish that we ordered. The menu was extensive. The stars of the show, for me, were the dates wrapped in bacon and the cheese stuffed peppers. But the beef skewer, chicken & chorizo skewer, and tortilla espanola were also delicious. I finished off the meal with some yummy profiteroles. The service was good, and the atmosphere was nice. We were in one of the side rooms, which was a little quieter and perfect for our anniversary dinner. The bigger, brighter room seemed a little more on the loud side. We also found the prices to be very reasonable. Most of the tapas was around $6. I highly recommend this place and can't wait to go back!
(5)Darlene L.
This is a place I would like to return to during a week day. Our dinner for four at 7:00 P.M. on a Saturday resulted in a very noisy experience. First of all, we arrived on time for our reservation and were quickly escorted to a terrible table between the bar and door to the kitchen. When we asked for another table, the seater said they were fully booked, but she would check. She never returned. The door to the kitchen or outside was left open creating an unpleasant breeze throughout dinner. Ordered a red sangria to start; waiter brought white. He exchanged it recognizing his error but it took a while. The drink was good. Meanwhile we embarked on tapas heaven. We enjoyed a variety of small plates consisting of tuna, potatoes, chicken, paella, and a fabulous chicken salad. Gazpacho was also terrific. Waiter was a bit overwhelmed as he frantically moved about and had to be reminded to remove the extra charge for the white sangria off the bill-which he graciously did. Prices are reasonable and the place is a spiffed up old farmhouse. Good spot to try but avoid prime time weekends.
(4)jamie p.
Ok has anyone who has ever eaten here had real tapas? For the price of this place take yourself out to the city and eat real tapas it will be a better experience then this place. First of all the "sangria" tasted like syrup, the steak dishes taste like they got the last of the meat from the butcher that was 1/2 price and the chicken was so overcooked it was like eating string. The dishes have no flavor, they are all bland, tapas is suppose to be a flavorful experience. Don't get me started on the empanadas...they were so hard you needed a steak knife to cut. And the atmosphere is so uppity, tapas is about talking and enjoying everyones company, this place feels like a library. The only good thing about this place is the grounds are absolutely beautiful its just such a shame they put this horrible restaurant on it. Do you self a favor go down the street to Macarena Tapas its half the price and 10 times better food! You wont be disappointed!
(1)Fred H.
This is where my wife and I went for our 30th anniversary. The small rooms in this large house turned into a restaurant provide you an intimate experience. We are not so familiar with tapas cuisine, but enjoyed it thoroughly. Since the portions are small, you can try a lot of different dishes. Your favorite may be different than mine, depending on your tastes, but with so many choices you will find a lot to enjoy. It is a great place for a very special meal.
(5)Grace G.
This will be one of very few BAD reviews that I give. Meson gets a bad review from me because not only did they insult me, after they contacted me to apologize and offer a night on them on my voice mail, when I tried to contact them about the message, I never heard from them again. Let me start from the beginning. We've been hearing so much about Meson that I begged my husband to take me there. So we went one night, we had reservations but when we got there, we had to wait. While I have no problem waiting, I didn't understand it when there were so many empty tables on the way to the waiting bar. We waited over a half an hour, which in my opinion, unless it's a weekend night, there is no excuse for a half an hour wait for two with reservations. That was the first strike. We finally got seated on the 2nd floor. There was a flamenco show going on which I was excited about until we got into the room and it was kinda loud. But it was a good show and it didn't last long in our room. We started out with very simple tapas, I remember one was the goat cheese. I went to drink out of my water glass, and cut my lip. I looked at my glass and saw a crack on the lip of the glass. I ran to the bathroom not knowing how deep the cut was. It wasn't bad, but it bled a little. It stopped after a few minutes. When I got back to the table, I noted that my glass had been changed. I asked my hub what happened to the glass and he told me that the busboy took it when he told him that it was cracked. I got a little irritated at my hub for letting the glass go, but didn't think anything of it until the manager came by. He sat down at the table and apologized for what happened, and then he asked me exactly what happened. When I told him that when I took a drink of water and I cut my lip on the edge of the glass, he told me that he had the glass that I drank out of and there were no cracks in the glass. I kinda blinked and asked him if he was implying that I was lying, and he said no, he believed that I cut my lip on something, just not the glass that I claimed. I was shocked. He said that he would comp our drinks and provide dessert. I was so pissed, I dragged (yes dragged) my husband out of the restaurant. I was on the second floor, so you can imagine. I was literally stomping out and I was wishing someone would stop me. No one did, thank their lucky stars. To make matters worse, I called Meson the next day and explained to them that I was so looking forward to trying their restaurant, but the experience of being accused as a liar for physically harming myself and then blaming it on the establishment really put me off. I provided the name of the manager and told them where they could contact me. I got a phone call from someone at Meson who apologized for the manager, claiming that he was just a temporary, and that I should contact someone whose name begins with an O for a complimentary meal for me and guest. Well, I called back and I left 2 messages for this person and I never heard from Meson again. Needless to say, I never got an opportunity to actually taste Meson's tapas. I do have to say that hub and I and a friend went there for brunch, and were not impressed. We were told by our wait staff that brunch was a compilation of leftovers from the past week. We didn't need to hear that. Anyway, I did hear great things about Meson, but I don't think I'll be going back anytime soon. There are too many OTHER tapas restaurants that make the grade for me. When Emilio sold Meson, he didn't sell his classiness and his concern for his patrons. Too bad. I liked the layout of Meson. Something tells me that given a chance, it would have been a decent experience. But who likes to be accused for causing their own physical damage? Especially when we hadn't had dinner yet? I mean I could understand a manager being wary about someone accusing of being cut on a glass AFTER dinner, but not before we had even ordered. I can't believe it...I'm still steamed about this and this happened in November 2004.
(1)Joedel G.
We went to this restaurant on friday, it was a special day indeed because it was my wifes birthday. We've heard this place before but it was our first time to dine at Meson Sabika. Mmmm, what can I say, of course we tried the sangria as recommended by our server, very refreshing chilled wine with a very little kick. I tried the tostadas de caviar which is very good, it blended well with the mojito which my wife ordered, although she didn't like it 'cause it a little bit stronger as what she expected. We also tried a variety of hot Tapas like Salmón A La Plancha, Queso De Cabra ( my kids love this so much ), Patatas Bravas, grilled squid, vegetable paella, etc. We ended our dinner with two kinds of dessert, Flan Del Meson Sabika and Crema De Chocolate. One thing I've noticed though that our server did not take down his notes while we were ordering, so he had two mistakes, one was giving us baileys? instead of Mojito and we were served an extra paella, which we returned it of course. But it was really a great experience and despite of a little confusions, we gave our server a decent tip since he deserve it. Oh before I forget this retaurants structure is amazing, it's like a mansion converted into a restaurant, check the photos in their site. To complete the spanish ambience they have a Spanish guitarist with a flamenco dancer, Ole !!!... Strongly recommended.
(4)Suzanne V.
My first Yelp event tonight...food, drink..service was great! Music was great! Beautiful night!!
(5)Jen D.
I have been a patron of this establishment for better part of 15 years; well before it was called Meson Sabika. The tapas is excellent but I feel the need to post the lack of customer service we experienced along with the large error in our bill that remains uncorrected. When the large group of us paid the bill, I gave my debit card with instructions to charge $20 to the card. The receipt I signed appeared to say $20. Imagine my surprise when my bank alerted me that the ENTIRE BILL had been charged to my bank! I approached the manager who did not help and did not credit the amount because he didn't "have a code" to do so. I have never experienced such a shady exchange with any restaurant. He refused to assist in any way and offered no solution to credit me as deserved, he defended his wait staff and said, "he said he did not enter this amount". My bank has a cease charge and will be investigating Meson Sabika. I warn you to not hand your debit card over to this establishment. Meson Sabika has no problem taking my cash without my permission and I'm sure they will do the same to you.
(2)Emi D.
They are in an old mansion and absolutely gorgeous. I recommend Sunday branch sitting patio under sunshine with good food. It is so beautiful time. The service and staff are great too.
(4)Chris H.
Meson Sabika has jumped the shark. It's a shadow of what it used to be. 15 years in Naperville, going to Meson Sabika several times a year, and after tonight's visit we decided we're not going back. Had a reservation, seated right away, then waited almost 15 minutes for a server to come to our table. Finally flagged down the manager to get a server, and when he arrived at our table, he was literally dripping with sweat. Eww. The service was so slow, and the dining room so incredibly loud, a couple seated behind us canceled their order and walked out! The tapas are still good, but trust me when I tell you, they have gone downhill. My son's Ginger ale was delivered with a good-size bug floating in it, and we battled little gnats all through our meal...and we were seated inside. After the Ginger ale episode, the manager came over and gave a little speech about how the bug in the drink and the time we waited were "unacceptable," and "dessert was on them.". Well, the bill came (2 hours and 10 minutes later!) and guess what? Charged full price for everything. I made a comment to the manager on the way out, and he spoke to me as if I were an idiot, telling me that it listed the items that were comp'ed on the bottom of the receipt--as if I couldn't read. I replied that no, it said no such thing--because it didn't--and he smiled at me as if he were humoring a child (I'm about 20 yrs older than this schmo) and said he could check on it "if I wanted." I replied that all I wanted was to leave the place as soon as I could.
(2)Shirley M.
Our family's first choice is Meson Sabika if we're looking for a special night out. We ask for Servers Patti, Max or Herbert when we dine there. We each have our favorite dishes but have found that the servers always make excellent recommendations when it comes to food or drinks. The owner appears to be a charitable individual ~ participating in fundraisers and hosting a special Thanksgiving dinner for people who need a place to gather on that holiday.
(5)Mark S.
My wife loves this place. I balk because I go out to eat to get away from having to make decisions. I want to order and be done with it. But the food here is great. Go with a group so you can try lots of stuff and maybe no one will notice if you zone out on sangria and let others do the ordering.
(4)James D.
Tapas is a great option for a group of friends/colleagues to share great food and try different things and this is the best place in the area for Tapas. The mansion is great and the atmosphere is comfortable and cozy. While there are issues with the consistency of the wait staff, the food has always been enjoyable and the specials are worth trying. If Tapas is too intimidating for you, ask for help and sit back and enjoy. Lastly, this place is much more fun for 4 or more people so grab a group and have a great time.
(4)Susi D.
you know, everyone i know says this place rocks. it is very beautiful, i will say. the grounds are lovely, the mansion is gorgeous. i think i just wasn't in the mood for tapas when i went though, because i just felt like meson sabika was going to change my life and it didn't. the food was perfectly fine, the wine was good, the service was nice. maybe i was just crabby? anyway i plan to go again because i left there feeling i should tell Meson Sabika "It's not you...its me........"
(3)Sheila Y.
I thought this place would be amazing and sadly it was not. I was also not super impressed by the decor, which I thought looked a bit shabby. I did not venture over to the bar which looked like it could be a great place to chill. I would definitely head back for that reason if the Sangria was a little bit tastier (amazingly the Sangria at Weber Grill is the best I have had so far...hands down). The group ordered up a ton of tapas and I will quickly touch on the ones I remember. Both of the soups (Gazpacho and Shrimp Bisque) were actually quite tasty. The Gazpacho had a great nuttiness imparted from ground almonds. We ordered four things off the specials of the day menu and I was disappointed that a few came out on top of mildly flavorfull tomatoes. The white smelts were decent and the asparagus wrapped in proscuitto was tasty. I think the grilled calamari was prepared nicely and the bacon wrapped figs was nice. One other general observation was that many of the dishes came to the table resting on a creamy tomato-based sauce which was special the first time around but after two or three lost its oomph. For dessert we had a poached pear and something chocolatey. Since I can't really remember them its a bad sign. Overall, this place is decent, but I will not be making a return trip with the precious Chicago time I have left.
(3)Daniel W.
great place for Tapas and non-alcoholic Sangria (is that possible?). The atmosphere etc is great. very romantic.
(4)charlotte s.
being that it's not in a big city, i'll give it a higher rating... but had this restaurant been in a metropolitan city, then they would have had to tweak their skills a bit more in order to survive... the family came here for new year's dinner which was a tasting menu. none of the dishes were particularly 'creative' or unique... felt very culinary school textbook-like... but at least everything was fresh... the servers and bussers seemed to try and do their best but there were still communication issues between them as they seemed to have a difficult time with the timing and coursing of each item in the tasting menu. the pacing was off and the food seemed to start overlapping each other with less and less time between the food. at one point we had two courses almost at the same time.... that should be a no no... if they saw the people still eating their food, they should just take the plate back... oh well... and i will not go into their inability of 'pre-setting' for each course... they had a flamenco dancer perform which was a nice attempt but with the bad acoustics as well as the genre of music, it didn't quite come out right... i know it's a tapas restaurant, but flamenco just didn't seem like the right kind of music to play for this atmosphere... the location where this restaurant is located is beautiful. an old house with beautiful grounds... the private party space next to the old house looked nice too but kinda interesting since the party had a DJ spinning... definitely a different vibe from our flamenco music... haha...
(4)Nelson S.
This is a great place to go with friends, order a bunch of different tapas and pass it around. The masion is very romantic and has a very elegant touch to it. We had great service and was very happy with the experience. Always look forward to coming here!
(4)Lisa T.
Great atmosphere, location, parking, service and Sangria's! I have dined here once and can't wait to go back. The food was delicious. The duck was my favorite item I tried. I advise all to sit outside if possible, it's beautiful!
(5)Sharan K.
I have visited this place for their Sunday brunch buffet and it was a delightful experience. They featured champagne (or sparkling wine as the server likes to call it) or mimosa (which is champagne mixed with orange juice) - the first one is standard part of the brunch and subsequent ones are a little cheaper. Tea, coffee and juice are included with the buffet. The place was crowded and it was wise to make reservations prior. You get to choose one of 3 styles of omelet, one of 2 soups and 1 of 4 (or sometimes 5) desserts from the kitchen via your server. You get unlimited breads with butter on the table and of course they have a longish table with hot tapas choices {stuffed mushrooms, pork, beef, chicken, sausages, all with grilled vegetables} . There is another table with cold tapas {salmon, caprese topped with sardines, tuna filled cannellonis, etc) . They also have something more "American" traditional for the little ones like hamburgers and fries. Also added to the Sunday buffet are 3 seafood hot preparations and 3 meat preparations (beef, chicken and pork). There is even a carving station! Then there are several fruits, including papaya, watermelon, honeydew melon, strawberry, cantaloupes, etc. I almost forgot they always have the dates wrapped in bacon, drizzled with something, works like a dessert in itself! I think they call it Dátiles con Tocino. The placed is housed in a mansion and has a separate large hall (for banquets). They have very nice service and the little touches, which in my humble opinion - make this place classy. Such as a large mirror just outside the restrooms (signs marked Senores and Dames, make it easy to figure them out), so you can check yourself prior to returning to your table. Even the cups are curved in the right way, something I have not seen elsewhere, so when they touch your lips, it is easier to sip. The service is excellent over all. I shall be back for sure.
(5)Olivia B.
The food was good. The experience was poor. We had a reservation but had to wait for a table. That's fine, though we passed a large room full of empty tables on the way to the bar... After 10 minutes, we realized most people at the bar were being seated in that room, our table included. Then a red flag went off: every table in that room was filled in about 15 minutes. My instinct was right...my table of 4 ordered 3 tapas dishes at a time and we unfortunately received one about every 20 minutes. That means we each had a bite of food, 2 bites tops, and then sat for 20 minutes. That being said, I was hungry! I've never eaten more bread in a meal than I did here. At least they kept the bread coming... And with the slow food service, the whole meal took a long time. The reservation was at 8 and we left at 10:30... Also, the menu is so large it was overwhelming. My table agreed it would be easier if these paper menus were similar to a sushi place, where you mark off what you want!
(3)Michelle G.
We finally went here for Valentine's Day after living in the area for 12 years. The mansion is gorgeous - great ambiance (we ate upstairs). The menu was prix fixe but had a great variety. We loved the bacon-wrapped dates and ordered more. I'd love to come back in the summer to eat on the patio.
(5)Dema A.
Been here twice so far and we love it. Definitely be back for more. All their tapas are delicious and you cannot go wrong with any of the warm tapas, we haven't tried any of the cold ones yet. Good wine selection and a great service.
(5)Sam S.
Ok Nothing special.
(3)Christine O.
I came here for the first time last week with an old college friend who was in town on a business trip. We had a lot of seafood and loved every bit of it: scallops, salmon, squid.. we also had a delicious eggplant dish. The house is lovely and regal - I only wish I had thought to make a reservation so we could have sat out on the famed patio. Who knew even Tuesdays are fully booked outside!
(5)Amy H.
Our wedding in June of this year was damn near perfect thanks to the hard work, attention to detail and genuine concern of Katie, our coordinator, and the day-of wedding staff at Meson Sabika. Not only were my husband and I tremendously happy with the venue itself which allowed us to have a lovely outdoor ceremony and an elegant reception, but the food could not have been better. Everyone we talk to post-wedding has complimented the food at our wedding and you would think at least one or two were just being nice had we not been equally impressed. The beef tenderloin was cooked perfectly, not dry or overdone like you often have at weddings. The quality of food was a huge deal for us when we were shopping for venues and MS did not disappoint. Our guests were also delighted to find sangria on every table and we were delighted to have a unique event. Thank you Meson Sabika!
(5)Jaime R.
New Years dinner- 39.95 a person. Disappointing to say the least. The bacon wrapped dates were too sweet and not enough saltiness to balance. The salmon wrapped asparagus was good and the potato salad was the highlight (yes really the potato salad). The scallop and shrimp crouton was good although not memorable. For entree - dry medium to medium well filet fell flat but the lobster tail was done well. And the biggest disappointment was the dessert. We had a table of four and they brought out a random selection of dessert. I thought we were each going to get a dessert per the menu. In fact, we did not and only each got ONE dessert. This would have been ok (although the way the menu is printed - this is still highly misleading) if the server had asked us which dessert we all wanted. Instead we have two lactose intolerant people and got two cheesecakes and one sorbet for four people. What in the world?? Terrible I expect so much more than this from our regular Sunday brunch spot. Would never do their NYE again.
(1)Sabrina C.
I really like this place. The restaurant is basically set up in a mansion - and the decor is far more Old World than Spanish... but it's great, and the people are wonderful and the menu is extensive and the food is awesome. (Phew.) They have a great mix of hot and cold appetizers - I wish I had written this review at the restaurant so I could have listed all the things we'd eaten (over a few trips there now, I'd say we've legitimately tried at least 2/3 of the menu.) I will say the cold potatoes with aioli were basically potato salad and just ok, but that's the only thing I haven't LOVED here. The bacon-wrapped dates are an absolute must. The shredded duck (a hot tapa) was also amazing. Skirt steak with blue cheese... yup. Killer. Reservations are definitely needed; I think most Napervillians realize that because there was literally no one waiting when we arrived, but they were PACKED. (One thing worth noting: While this didn't apply specifically to us nor impact our experience in any way, I did note the struggle another couple was having with the limited handicapped options. The second time we were there we also dined upstairs because the lower dining rooms were full - so I'd recommend letting them know in advance with your reservation that you may require additional assistance and a downstairs table. The bathrooms are NOT handicap friendly. Very small and narrow.)
(4)Morris N.
We never tasted the food and probably never will. We were having a late Sunday lunch. I saw the great yelp reviews and decided to try this place. The sign outside showed they were open until 2pm for lunch so we went in which was 1:20pm at that time. The hostess told us they were closing in ten minutes and seemed more interested in getting off work than serving customers. They may have a nice setup but I wasn't impressed with the customer service.
(1)Mike C.
Great selection variety and great tasting food. My review would be five stars but it is a bit of a walk from the parking lot for cane users and limited handicap parking. Also, the tables tend to be a little too close and the restaurant a little too noisy for my taste.
(4)Amy S.
Far exceeded any expectations any of us had in our party of four. Definitely sit outside if you can in this unique venue.
(5)Derek B.
We wanted to get out and try something new that didn't disappoint - we found the right place. Made the reservation online which was easy. The host was very polite. The decor is dated but it adds to the restaurant. Our waiter was Mitchell who was great and had awesome recommendations. We split a pitcher of red sangria (not a huge pitcher, but very good) and it was a little pricey. It is a tapas style place so we tried 3 small cold and 3 small hot dishes and all were done very well. We will definitely be back!
(5)Jody D.
Yes, there is great food in the suburbs! I love this restaurant. The food is amazing, the staff is great and the setting is wonderful. Everything you need for a fantastic night out. Start by ordering a few plates and then continue to add more. I think about the sea scallops with apple coucous for days after eating it....darn it, now I'm hungry again! I have given gift certificates to several family members and friends and they have all become regular customers.
(5)Alexandria R.
This place has it all!! Great food, service, staff, owners, ambiance. They are always accommodating and never fail on providing delicious, authentic food. We even recently hosted my garden themed baby shower here. It was BEAUTIFUL. Their staff provided excellent service to our party and worked with us wonderfully! Love it here!!!!!
(5)Laura S.
This place is super cool. It's tucked away and you would never know it is a restaurant. There is a building for wedding receptions on-site that looks absolutely beautiful and the actual restaurant is in what seems to be an old house. There are tables set up in each room and it feels very authentic. The food was GREAT. Both the strawberry and peach sangria were wonderful. I don't think I tried anything that I didn't like. The Queso de Cabra was easily the best item on the menu (or best item we ordered!). Our waiter was very attentive. My only complaint is that our table was small and we felt packed in like sardines. Obviously this is not unique to just this restaurant, as most restaurants try to squeeze too many people in one place.
(5)Beth M.
the lamb was unbelieveable and the outdoor space is quite pleasant. We weren't huge fans of the sangria.
(4)Amanda S.
Ohhhh, tapas. Why are you so expensive? I first fell in love with tapas in Spain, where most are free (yes free!) when getting a drink. They are the perfect size for sampling and sharing. I went here on a Friday afternoon with some girlfriends and we put down. I was surprised at how loud it was, I don't know if it is the shape of the rooms and it effects the acoustics, either way it was loud. We chowed down on multiple tapas but my favorite was the goat cheese with tomatoes. I could have had that and bread all day. We also enjoyed a few pitchers of Sangria but man is that stuff pricey. It'll cost you $27 for a pitcher of that stuff, so don't get too hooked. It was good, but I don't think it's worth the price. The tapas are good it's worth going on a nice occasion because the building and grounds are beautiful, but for a better deal go to Macarena's tapas. They have just as good food AND a Groupon regularly!
(4)Stefanie W.
Favorite place...so much so that we're at risk of over-dining here. Where do I begin? The Food ~ The big draw is the tapas but they have some fine paellas too. If you don't know, tapas are little plates. Each is like a little almost appetizer of a particular dish. Dinner for two might consist of 5-6 plates. I think I've eaten everything. All is good but there are just a couple that to me I'd say not worth it. My favorites are for cold dishes, the marinated shrimp with the trio of sauces, the garlic potato salad and the Spanish ham with cheese on toast points. That last one I never would have tried had it not been for the recommendation of our Spanish exchange student. Seemed too simple to be good. I was wrong. My favorite cold dishes are the bacon wrapped dates, the skirt steak with blue cheese and the sausage combination of chorizo and blood sausage (oh, quiet and try that one! You don't go to this place to bore your palate!) The dining experience... Nibbles on the table consist of marinated olives and bread and butter. A LOT of people love their sangria - and it IS good - but for the price ($25 a pitcher) I'd prefer to have a nice bottle of wine. Service is generally great. My preference is to come here with no more than four people because beyond that makes the dish sharing a bit much. Surprisingly this is a good place for kids because the kids meals are terrific without being horribly expensive. Nothing worse than going out for a nice meal and having to play $6.95 for frozen chicken fingers. Here they offer a nice skirt steak among other meals. Atmosphere ~ You have your choice between the various dining rooms, the bar and the patio. Meson Sabika has, by far, the BEST patio dining around. Just lovely. The bar is high energy and gives you a front row for the weekend entertainment. There are 3 tables for four and 2 for two in there as well as the bar seats. The dining rooms are all very nice with upstairs being quieter than down. Dress ~ I have seen everything from too casual to wedding attire but it tends to be on the nicer end of things.
(5)Karen C.
Always a wonderful meal and event! The family is so giving....... Meson made our 2015 Distinguished Service Awards one of the best yet! Thanks for all you do! -The Naperville Jaycees
(5)Jennifer N.
Excellent food and service! Their tapas menu is quite extensive. The atmosphere is wonderful and the setting is beautiful. This is the place to go for tapas in the suburbs!
(5)Brittany B.
The ambiance and staff are great, but honestly the food is nothing to write home about. For the price of our dinner ($100 for two), I expected better.
(3)Meghan M.
I love this place. It's great for a celebration with a big group, or an intimate dinner for two. My favorite dishes are the queso de cabre, bacon wrapped dates. They always have great service. The sangria pitchers are pricey, but very good. Overall, I would recommend this place for great food and awesome ambience.
(5)Jean Z.
It is one of our favorite restaurants in Naperville. All the tapas are good to try. I also had an over 30 person birthday party. The food and service is very excellent.
(5)Mary C.
Everything here is so good. Recommend the bacon wrapped dates, gambas marinadas, tostada con centollo, Pipirrana de Buey, potatas bravas and many more. The patio is great when it's warm and Sunday brunch is awesome. Favorite dinner place by far.
(5)Shin M.
I read that this place was in a really big mansion but when I got there, it wasn't as extravagant as I had expected. The inside just looked like each room was a really nice dining room. Nothing special. The staff were friendly but could have been friendlier... My friend and I came here and I THINK the following is what we ordered: Strawberry lemonade: It was OK, a little watered down. Too much ice. Queso de Cabra- (oven baked goat cheese with garlic bread) The oven baked goat cheese came in a tomato bisque-like soup with garlic bread on the side. I loooooved the goat cheese in the bisque-like soup. It was really creamy and delicious. However, I wasn't a big fan of the garlic bread. It had really hard, dry, and had crispy edges. Even the appearance of it was unsatisfying- it was green so it looked moldy even though it wasn't. Gambas con Espinacas- (Sauteed tiger shrimp atop spinach with a white wine honey pepper sauce) This was really tasty! The white wine honey pepper sauce made this dish delicious! FYI- there were two servings of this. Gambas al Ajillo- (Grilled tiger shrimp with garlic lemon butter) This was just OK. There were maybe 6 shrimp with garlic lemon butter drizzled over them. Nothing special. Vieras Albarino- (Grilled sea scallops served over Mediterranean couscous with apple and tomato butter sauce) As delicious as this sounds, it wasn't. This was my least favorite dish. The sea scallops were just tasteless. The couscous was also tasteless. There just wasn't enough sauce on the sea scallops or couscous. FYI this comes with 3 scallops. Cazuelita de Chocolate- (Soft-centered, warm chocolate cake served with caramel ice cream) This was very similar to a warm gooey brownie, but not as good as a brownie! Tarta de Chocolate y Caramelo- (Warm bittersweet chocolate and caramel custard baked in a hazelnut tart crust with vanilla ice cream) This sounded deeeelicious, but again, it failed to deliver. People should just stick to making lemon tarts- chocolate tarts do not work out. Overall, this place was okay. I would be willing to go back and try more dishes one day.
(3)Brook B.
Yummy Sangria and great food. Perfect place for a girls night out. Have been here multiple times and have never been disappointed. Tip - bring a friend who is an educator with proof they are and you will receive a 40% discount on your bill.
(4)Allison K.
After years of hearing that I HAD to go to Meson Sabika I finally tried it out this weekend! The servers are professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. Ben was a joy. Funny, handsome, and I wish I was 15 years younger! The food was spectacular (bacon wrapped dates, need I say more?) and each tapa I tried was better than the last. Try the spice and ice if you want to feel healthy while you get drunk.
(5)yoku s.
The food is good, prepared well, and we've been customers for a long time. We recently did carry-out twice, and I found that experience to be confusing. Nobody updates me on where my order is / how long I have to wait. I literally stood there and people-watched until my order showed up. I also purchased gift certificates here when they offered $20 gift certificate for every $100 purchased. I did not know there would be a limited time to use it, and you cannot use multiple in one sitting. Restaurants really need to let people know these 'fine prints' beforehand.
(4)Gina D.
Excellent food. Great variety of small plates. Haven't had one I didn't like. And most are wonderful. Service is exceptional especially since you may be ordering rounds of small plates as well as rounds of small plates. One complaint it is too noisy.
(4)Nicole S.
Okay.. so the reason I am giving only 3 stars is because although I went to Meson for dinner and it was AMAZING!!! I went back the next day for brunch and it was horrible. My husband and I went to Meson for dinner on a Saturday night and it was great. Our server was very nice, knowlegable of the menu, and made sure we had everything we needed. He also offered us discount coupons to return for the Sunday brunch which we were happy to accept. The next morning we grabbed our kids and headed to Meson. If I could give dinner 5 stars and brunch 1 star I would. The brunch was one word "gross". The food was not even mediocre it was just bad. After paying nearly $40 I left Meson hungry. I also didn't like that there were absolutely no menu options available and the only thing you could order custom was an omelette which was folded eggs with a couple of pieces of meat and a slice of cheese. It was a total dissapointment and definitely not what you would expect after having their amazing lunch or dinner menu. Meson needs to step it up fast!
(3)Lindsay D.
I love everything about this place. Great food, amazing service and a nice ambiance- especially if you can get a spot outside. Keep up the great work, Meson Sebika!
(4)Sam T.
Real tapas are free! While that culture will never fly in the United States, this place does have amazing Tapas dishes for a price. Food: Sangria - Refreshing Paella - I've had better but not bad Duck Confit - Best dish we order! Moist with a darker flavor. Lamb Medallions - Without the game taste. Done right. Bacon wrapped Dates - Interesting... Service: Friendly enough to give us a tour and recommendations. Fairly attentive staff. Environment: Felt like I was in a colonial mansion in the Mideast. Wait....that's exactly it..... Price: Didn't pay but it didn't look cheap. =) Food: 4 Service: 5 Environment: 4 Price: 3
(4)Rick S.
All the food is phenomenal it's okay to try anything here. However getting everything off the menu will set you back. The service is impeccable! Wish we could dine here more often.
(5)Michael S.
Amazing everything. Paella is worth the wait and come with an open mind as to what to order and eat. The more variety you can order the more you will enjoy the Tapas. Remember this is Tapas and small plates are the norm.
(5)Meghan H.
Wow. Best meal I've had out in a LONG time. Went here on a Friday afternoon around 4 PM for a "late lunch". Restaurant is in a cool old mansion. We were seated promptly and greeted promptly by our server. Started off with three tapas, including two chilled tapas and one hot. The chilled ones were Tostata con Centollo and Gambas Marinadas. Hot was Piperrana de Buey. They came out very quickly. Tostada con centollo is toast points with advocado relish and Alaskan King crab. Holy cow. I would eat this all day long. Two pieces come in an order, and we ordered a second order. Tons of crab on top. Gambas Marinadas was marinated shrimp with a trio of sauces. The marinated shrimp was awesome on its own. Five shrimp. Garlic sauce was the best. Also a cumin sauce and another sauce (not sure what). Piperrana de Buey was skirt steak sautéed with onions, peppers, and potatoes. With a blue cheese sauce, not my favorite, but good. On the second round, also got a baked goat cheese. Served with garlic bread. Good, but not amazing. Service was fantastic, drinks and wine were good. A bit pricey. Wanted to go back here again our short stay, but didn't make it. Highly recommend.
(5)E M.
I found this place on "Open Table" and decided to give it a try... absolutely loved it. have been there several times and it doesn't get any better. The ambiance of the old mansion, the bar, and the food is fantastic. The staff very friendly and the food fantastic. They have a great array of food choices for anyone from vegetarian, to gluten free to carnivore palate. The tapas are decent size and can be shared b/w 2-3 people. And most important, they taste delicious... especially when shared with great wine... I love this place :) and can't wait to go back.
(5)Cathy R.
Monday night, my husband and I were in the mood to go out and came across yet another place we haven't visited in the neighboring burb - Meson Sabika. We haven't had tapas in a while since we moved out of the city, so we were excited. The place was beautiful, as most of the other reviews have commented. It was a mansion turned into a restaurant/banquet hall. The service was good, they were always attentive and made sure our water glasses were full (that's always a big deal for me). What we ordered: Pincho de Pollo - chicken tenderloin and chorizo with cumin garlic mayo - tender and flavorful. Would I order it again? Maybe...but there are so many other things on the menu to try.. Pipirrana de Buey - skirt steak with bleu cheese sauce. - A MUST. Definitely the winner of the night. So savory and delicious. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Calamares a la Plancha - grilled squid in garlic lemon olive oil - nice and clean taste. Can't really go wrong with it at all. Mariscos Paella - filled with a variety of seafood - loved the flavor and texture of the rice, but the seafood itself was slightly overcooked. Still very tasty, and honestly when you order a bunch of tapas and are still hungry, the paella will help to fill you up. We ordered one more tapa that I cannot seem to find on the online menu - smelt on a bed of tomatoes and lettuce with some avocado- the smelt was very good, but there was so little of it that we didn't think it was worth it. We were so full that we didn't have the chance to try dessert. We do plan on coming back to try many of the other options, as well as the sangria. Can't wait to visit again!
(4)Derrick T.
It's late evening on a Monday, and the wife and I are looking for a meal we can enjoy together that's Paleo friendly. We pull up to a mansion of a place (literally, a mansion) that has phenomenal atmosphere, and super friendly staff even though we arrive 1 hr before they close. Eating out on Paleo is doable but difficult at times... especially as a foodie who appreciates things like rice (semi-Paleo), cheese (primal, not paleo), and cakes/tarts/flans (totally not Paleo). Regardless, Meson Sabika actually had some great paleo and primal options! 1. Started with olives, no bread. Simple, tasty, enjoyable! Green olives were great. 2. Skirt steak with blue cheese and onions - Holy smokes. This was the best tapas we had all night. Get this! (primal) 3. Pincho de Pollo - The sliced chorizo was delicious. The chicken, tender and good, but only one skewer (four bit sized pieces) and one slice of chorizo... tasty, but definitely won't fill you for the $7. (paleo, forgo the mayo) 4. Calamares la plancha - Grilled quite perfectly, and a respectable quantity. Worth getting, especially when you add a squeeze of lemon across the top for a little bit of acid. (paleo!) 5. Mariscos paellea - We ordered this to help fill our bellies up... seriously, at tapas, without a good rice dish, we typically find we have to spend a lot more to feel full. No different here. A huge plate of well seasoned paella for $15. (semi-paleo, depending on how your body reacts to the grain) 6. White smelt, tomato, avocado - This was one of their specials. The smelt was phenomenal, with two pieces per serving (3 servings). Each serving had a slice of tomato topped with two smelt, then covered with avocado... when it first showed up, we didn't even see the smelt (avocado cuts were large, smelt were small). While tasty and fun to try at least once, I don' t know that we'd re order this again... Verdict: It's not cheap, it can be affordable if you order the right things (paella, potato dishes, etc), but really the focus here is the quality of ingredients and the atmosphere. It's a beautiful spot for an evening out, date night, etc. with great service to back it up. The quality of ingredients are excellent, and at some point, we'll be back to try the sangria. Very tasty, and worth a revisit!
(4)Katie D.
The ambiance is definately different and good. However, was not pleased with the spanish tapas, I can say there are definately some good tapas places and Meson Sabika does not stand out. The food was decent but little pricey. Overall, worth trying it.
(3)Mohit S.
Excellent Spanish restaurant. Tapas are amazing!!! Good service. Clean facility. Sangria is fantastic. Paella is a big portion, i wish the waiter explained how big the portion was, since i had already tried three tapas prior to ordering. Overall nice date place for couples.
(4)Laura C.
My sons treated me to the phenomenal treat of Meson Sabika for an early Mother's Day gift. Despite having a reservation, our seating was delayed, but this was understandable for a busy Saturday night before Mother's Day. I was impressed that we received a complimentary order of bacon wrapped dates to tide us over until dinner. That's customer service! The Pipirrana de Buey (skirt steak with Cabrales blue cheese sauce) and the Champiñones (stuffed mushroom caps filled with spinach and cheese with tomato basil sauce) were my favorite highlights.
(5)Glenn D.
On a beautiful Summer day (or evening for that matter), there is no better place in the western suburbs than the patio at Mason Sabika. Amazing tapas, great sangria, sunshine, and more sangria....
(5)Harris N.
The venue is definitely first rate. It's an old mansion that has been renovated to be a restaurant. It's set on a large lot and has a room and the parking for large parties. Tables are small and the dining room is intimate. You'll need to make sure they keep clearing the table to make room for more food. The food is good, but not great. We had a lot of their tapas. Serrano Jamon, Tostada con Piquillo, Mariscos Paella, Gambas con Guindillas, Pato Confitado, Champiñones, Queso de Cabra, Patatas Bravas, Pincho de Solomillo and Cazuelita de Chocolate. Most of the tapas were well done with good taste. The Paella was a little soupy for Paella. It needed to be cooked a bit more.
(3)Kristine H.
Best sangria in town! Excellent service, ambiance and food choices. Would visit again.
(5)Katie L.
Hadn't visited here in a while, but came for Valentine's Day this year! We had a 9:30 reservation and were seated early, which pleasantly shocked me! They were offering a prefixed menu for the holiday in addition to the regular menu and it seemed like the better deal, so we went with that. It was $42.95 per person and offered 6 different kinds of tapas, some cold, some hot, filets and lobster tails, and two desserts! Definitely seemed worth the money for all of the variety for two people, and it allowed my husband to try a little bit of everything since it was his first time. Our favorite dishes were the potato salad, shrimp and scallop salad, bacon wrapped dates, filet, lobster, and the white sangria! Thanks for making our date night so special!
(5)Heidi P.
I thought the food was fantastic and the old plantation house had a great feel.
(4)Bob Z.
Some friends and I met here for an after-work get together. The landscape and architecture is just beautiful. We came back during the holidays and they make it a magical view. The food is great. Lots of old and new flavors. The only down side is the rooms don't match the cuisine. The rooms have beautiful decor, but more old world ballroom feel. Service and food is awesome. We'll be back.
(4)Stephanie R.
This place was great! Went here for a girls night, and we loved it! The food was incredible. I loved all of the different meats and the bacon wrapped dates! The sangria was okay, nothing to write home about. We enjoyed the Latin dancers, but they did make it hard to talk. It seemed like they moved around a bit, because they were only by our table for about fifteen minutes. Yes, it's expensive. But it's worth splurging on every so often. I will definitely be going back!
(5)Eric S.
I hadn't been to Meson Sabika for several years, but their Sunday Brunch exceeded my memories as well as my expectations. The brunch buffet offerings were plentiful, varied, fresh, & flavorful. The service and ambiance were excellent as well.
(5)Anonymous F.
Love this historic little scene. Tapas are amazing! dessert - best Cake i've ever had! cons- confined space, not for children/strollers. Almond cake was the best cake I've ever had in my entire life.
(5)Justin C.
Food is fantastic, prices are reasonable, service is great! I've eaten here dozens of times and I never had a dish I didn't like,
(5)Florence G.
The restaurant doesn't look like a tapas joint but after you sit down it doesn't matter at all. Great service from the time you check in at the front desk to the time you walk out the door. Many options on the menu that is sure to please anyone in your party. Some of our favorite dishes of the night was the shrimp with spinach, peppered beef tenderloin and grilled squid. One cool feature that I have not seen at other tapas restaurants is that they leave a stack of plates on your table so you can easily change plates so you don't mix flavors. It's a must try if you are in the suburbs.
(5)Jen M.
This is a tapas restaurant, so the menu is slightly different. Tapas are a Spanish tradition - essentially small plates meant to be shared. The menu is divided into cold and hot tapas. With a group of 4, we normally order 2 cold and 2 hot. Food - Diverse menu to accommodate picky and plain eaters. Fresh ingredients, cooked well. Nice presentation. Price - Expensive. You are paying for the experience and atmosphere. Atmosphere - Romantic and family oriented at same time. Cramped. In an old house. Service - Excellent!
(4)Jennifer L.
I had heard great things about Meson Sabika for a long time and I was really excited to finally get to try it, but was very disappointed by my experience here. I met a group of people here for a friend's birthday dinner. The first red flag was when our server (Davi) asked if everyone had arrived. When we said that most people had arrived and we might be expecting one or two more, she made a face and asked, "That's it?!" Lose the attitude, it's not like there were 3 people sitting at a table set for 14. She at least appeared to be organized in taking our multiple orders. My fiance and I ordered several dishes: tomate y queso, jamon serrano, empanada de buey, queso de cabra, and crepe rellena. The jamon serrano and queso de cabra were actually very good. It took 45 minutes for the empanada de buey to come out and it came only after we asked for it again. We also had a couple glasses of sangria, which were only okay. The best part of the night came when it was time to pay the bill. Davi claimed that she wasn't able to split checks (which was not indicated anywhere on the menu that I could see). Due to our own disorganization, we didn't keep good track of who ordered what, so it took us a long time to figure out our checks. We thought we had it all figured out, but it turned out we were still short. At one point, she walked in to check on us while we were still trying to sort out the issue, realized we weren't ready, and actually made a face, rolled her eyes, and walked out. Way to represent your restaurant! The food was okay, but not something worth coming back for another visit if this is the kind of service I can expect to receive. We had been considering planning our wedding at Meson Sabika, but immediately let go of that idea after this unfortunate visit.
(2)Plumeria B.
One of my most favorite places to go when in Naperville. Outstanding food, service and atmosphere. Each time I visit I am never disappointed. Tapas is perfect and if you get a chance to indulge with the Sunday brunch do it! Don't be sour about crowds cause this place is always packed! No wonder! 5 Stars from me. :)
(5)S P.
If you like tapas you'll love this place. Too many great dishes to elaborate. Just go there and you won't be disappointed. The service is also very good. Would've given 5 stars if the chairs weren't so uncomfortable. I know it's a strange detail to comment on, but they missed this detail.
(4)Mo L.
The outdoor patio is really lovely. We went here for Fathers Day dinner and will definitely go back! Great red and white sangria. The tapas was delish! The shrimp in white wine sauce was great, baked goat cheese tasty, very nice kids meals. We will go back for sure. I definitely recommend asking to sit outside to get the full relaxed experience.
(4)Rajani P.
Best place for a lazy Sunday brunch. It's not something I can afford to do a lot, but whenever I want to indulge myself, this is one of the places for me.
(5)Lance C.
Outstanding! The food, the service was all impeccable. If I were to complain and I'm not it would be about the size of our dining space but I don't mind being a bit cramped if quality is to be received at this high of a standard otherwise. I would recommend this gem ten times over. The first tapas bar that actually reminded me of my trip to Spain. Best Tapas place in Chicagoland and a great date night intimate location.
(5)TJ C.
My fiancé and I went there on a friday night. Good atmosphere. Service was great. Food was awesome. They have no problem offering suggestions and pairings. Very easy to make a reservation on open table as well.
(4)Nishu S.
Very unique style of dining, being it tapas style. It was nice to order a few different plates and share them. They are in small portions perfectly sized for sharing, but not too much where there are leftovers. There are cold and hot tapas and our waiter informed us that the hot ones are a little heavier. Our cold tapas plate turned out to be the heaviest and the only one where there were leftovers. Overall a great restaurant and definitely a place I would visit again
(5)Sibylla O.
We just had our Bridal Shower here the service was first class, the atmosphere lovely and the food excellent Just perfect!! I can highly recommend this place
(5)Jacqueline D.
Pollo a la Gabardine - Sauteed & lightly breaded chicken breast, served with mushrooms & a goat cheese sauce -This item was ok, it taste just as it is, similar to a lightly breaded chicken strip Valenciana - Chicken, shrimp, mussels and clams - this was good, i had the mussels replaced with squid, though the squid was a bit tough Patatas con Alioli - Robust garlic potato salad I have had better tapas, maybe I should have tried more small plates. The service was great and the place was beautiful. There was a wedding taking place and everyone seem to be having a good time.
(3)James N S.
We went Here for date night and it was wonderful. There was live music/dancing and it was so much fun. Food was excellent and service too. :)
(5)Holland H.
My favorite was was the Montaditos de Cerdo (pork medallions). The frutas con mousse blanco was a great light dessert. Amazing food. Anything you order will not disappoint! We will be back!
(5)Rosa C.
Great place to eat tapas and taste a little bit of everything. The service is good. Gourmet style, price is high.
(3)Nadia S.
I am so glad to report that since my last visit a few years ago, Meson Sabika has definitely improved! The food was SO much better, and so was the ambiance! Maybe our seating time last time was too early, but this time we went a bit later in the evening and sat out on the patio. Was perfect. I remember having bad service last time I came, but this time, our server Katelyn was AMAZING. And I couldn't believe that she had just started working there at the time we went which was a few months ago. She gave great recommendations, super friendly, and overall helped me change my mind about my previous 2 star rating :) Perfect place to bring out of towners- will def be back !
(5)Bianca Z.
Came here with my family for an anniversary dinner and, generally, had a good time. For a tapas place, the portions are decent. We were six in the group and ordered 5 plates and a paella valenciana for two. I'm a sucker for cheesy things so I loved the atmosphere. Try the Skirt Steak with Blue Cheese and Pollo a la Gabardine Skip the Salmon a la Plancha (there are better options)
(3)Diana B.
My grandmother is handicapped. We made a specific reservation on handicapped. After waiting getting the whole family together. They were rude and made excuses why they no longer could serve us and accept our reservations. I dont know there food. But their manners and hospitality is unbelievable.
(1)Fred C.
We ate there a few weeks ago the food was definitely amazing . It's a great looking place, nice and cozy , the staff is very attentive,and we will definitely go back soon
(5)Harold D.
Four of us went for dinner with no reservations We found space in the bar. Tapas were great we loved king crab on toast point, the roasted goat cheese and a steak with dates, if you wan Palella order it early (45min.) great wine selection. Great night
(5)Tracie S.
My favorite! Spanish tapas done right. There's nothing better than sitting outside on a summer night at Meson Sabika drinking sangria and eating Spanish tapas!
(5)Rachael Z.
I have been here more times than I can count. With the exception of one horrendous experience (not worth exploiting, but bad enough to knock down a star), this is one of my favorites (if not THE favorite) in Naperville. Wonderful, fresh food and sangria. Beware: the sangria has brandy so it will knock you on your butt! I've been to weddings here and even my own bridal shower was here. Biggest piece of advice (other than reserving a table): do NOT leave without trying the bacon wrapped dates! Also: the brunch is incredible!
(4)Charlotte W.
Big white mansion, crystal chandeliers, Spanish dancer and guitarist, lots of different dishes, classy bar, giant lovely patio, various dining rooms, Naperville... what can be better?! Love this place! If you're up for some variety in your diet, check out this Spanish tapas place for sure. Price of the food, which may seem a little on the higher side, is equal to the deliciousness and quality of the food. If you're the "I-want-my-food-to-stick-to-my-bones", this may not be the place for you since you order several small dishes for sharing (can become a bit more complicated with larger parties, but still manageable) rather than one big ol' half a cow. This is typically a place that I like to wear at least a nice pair of jeans, nice shirt, and a pair of heels, but there doesn't really seem to be a dress code, I've seen casual to wedding attire. Seriously people, it's in a mansion, get classy! In the summer, the patio is the best! Make reservations or you'll never see a seat! It is huge, with lights strung from the trees that overhang the tables. There is also a portion that is on the deck under roof cover but still open. Bar is nice for the best view of the entertainment, and is also busy usually. There is of course lots of dining room seating too, but I prefer either bar or patio. Service is generally good, and even if it's really busy and service is sketchy, I honestly don't care too much because it's a lovely atmosphere. Food is delicious! There is cold tapas, hot tapas, and complimentary Spanish olives and bread brought to the table. For the cold tapas, I love the Jumbo tiger shrimp which come with 3 sauces, the very garlicky potato salad, and as for the hot tapas, the skirt steak is the bleu cheese sauce with onion is good, the bacon-wrapped dates, and plenty other dishes as well. Desserts are phenomenal, though I was disappointed to find out that (at least for now) one of my favorites is off the menu (which does change). But still, get one! They do have kids meals which are a good price for some good options. Can't order myself a drink yet, but lots of wine selections, beer, mixed drinks, and their ever-popular sangria will no doubt suck me in in a few more months!
(5)Erica H.
Great place for tapas. My favorites were the dates and mussels. Most of their menu is gluten free which is great for us Celiac folks. Will definitely return to try out more!
(4)Claira V.
So many good things to try! Love the queso de Cabra,bacon wrapped dates,empanadas,chicken skewers, and tostada con centollo. It's a great place to share a meal with a date or a small group and share items.
(5)Bob R.
Heard about Meson Sabika from a friend. Made a res. through Yelp. Showed 20 minutes early to see about getting seated early. Was shown to the bar and informed they would be back. Bar had very good energy, was able to step up and the bartender was right there even though the bar was very full. Shortly after, the young lady who showed us to the bar was walking through looking for us. Food was great, service was excellent will definitely be back!!
(4)Kathleen M.
I just had a glorious day with not one but two quilt activities. Can a day get any better? Yes, as a matter of fact it can. You can have an early dinner at Meson Sabika. In between my two slices of quilt heaven, I met a friend here at 4:15 and we basically had the place to ourselves and it is HUGE and gorgeous. We sat on the back porch and looked out over the lovely grounds. I had a great salad with hearts of palm, lettuce and other delicious ingredients plus the Gambas al ajillo. They were both incredible but very slow to come out. I imagine the kitchen was just getting going but it did take an awfully long time. We finished up by sharing the pear dessert which came out quickly and a Cappuccino which may have been the best I've ever had, it was a caffeine junky's dream. Plus, when the bill came my friend showed her Naperville School District Teacher I.D. and we got a very nice discount. How is that for showing teachers some love. It made me want to hug the waiter and find the owner and hug him or her. I have never seen such a wonderful gesture. Why has it taken me so long to come here? The return trip will be much quicker! Not only because one of my quilt fun activities is monthly but because I love this place as much as they love teachers. No more, I love it more!
(5)Karli K.
Always a fave- I've moved but always go when back in naperville. Garlic potato salad!!!!! Olives, calamari, salmon-you name it it's great! Best thing is the beautiful home and property/restaurant. Consistently good and sangria is yummy too
(5)Jaime G.
Dude. A tapas place in a mansion? In Naperville? Yes. So great here. Best is the bacon wrapped dates followed by the duck confit. For wine, try the Raimat Vina cab. Spanish wine that creamy and bold. For dessert, try the cazuelita de chocolate...a warm chocolate cake with caramel ice cream. Great for a special occasion and worth the trip to Naperville.
(5)J.W. W.
This was the first place I went to when I came to Naperville and I have been back many times since. A unique experience.
(5)Lori T.
I've been here several times. It is an amazing experience. The only bad thing about this place is that it has ruined tapas for me at every other place I've tried them. Definitely a gourmet food and because you are ordering small plates you can try so may different things. I would never say no to a trip to Meson Sabika. Just try everything - its all good.
(5)Sacha T.
Service was great, food was pretty good well. I lived in Spain and found the seafood in the paella to be perfectly cooked but a bit bland in flavor (Usually can taste the garlic and saffron). Everything else was excellent. Croquettes were great, Morcilla Awesome, and Patatas Bravas very authentic. Overall a great meal.
(4)Carol K.
As a girl who loves the "back story" of historic buildings, the building that houses Meson Sabika is rich in history. Located near downtown Naperville, originally, the Willoway House, a Georgian colonial, was built in 1847 and sits on 4 gorgeous acres. Tapas served in a historic house in Naperville? What is wrong with this picture?? Well, right or wrong, this place is lovely. From the time you pull into the lot- to making your way to the front of the mansion , to having a drink at the bar in the bar or outside at your table, this is a great experience. Perfect for that date night with someone special or a night out with the girls, the people here will take good are of you with a high level of service and great tasting food. On this visit- we sat outside and had appetizers and drinks before moving indoors to an upstairs dining area. We sampled an array of their offerings with each one being better than the one before it. And the servers were personable and friendly. While I don't get to Naperville very often- it will definitely go on my "visit again" list when I do. Perfect for everything from a date to a larger affair!
(4)Rich P.
Excellent service, fantastic location and ambiance. An excellent Tapas restaurant comparable to that of Emilio's for those living in the southwest suburbs. Price is high but it coincides with the quality. Selections and freshness of the seafood were excellent. Great experience and worthwhile visit for special events.
(4)Insun M.
Came here for my engagement party. For a big party they did not allow tapas but instead plated meals..which kind of defeats the entire point of going to Meson Sabika. Words of advice, don't come with large parties because the plated dishes were average. The best part of the meal were the tapas we ordered as a passed appetizer.
(3)Julie T.
Wonderful New Year's Eve venue. Arrive at 10pm, great sampling of hot and cold tapas, all delicious but the bacon wrapped dates were outstanding. Filet and lobster were tender and tasty. Flamenco dancer added great atmosphere and celebratory feeling. Champagne and party hats at midnight. Service, food and atmosphere were fantastic and a great place to bring in the new year!
(5)Basia C.
Very good food. I've always loved the way tapas is served, in many small sample plates. They have a great selection. Prices are very reasonable as well
(4)Clint K.
I probably should have written this review much sooner! I have been to Meson many times and their service and food never disappoint! My favorite hot tapas is Queso de Cabra and theirs is one of the best I have had at a Tapas restaurant. Never had issues with reservations and anyone I have brought has been extremely happy with the choice! Thank you Meson!
(5)Deanna D.
Meson Sabika is one of my favorite restaurants in the Chicago area. Probably the best al fresco dining in the 'burbs. Mouth-watering food. A menu of dishes with variety enough to please everyone in your group including those who are vegetarian, gluten-free, or paleo. Usually efficient, if not occasionally rushed, service on busy weekend nights. By this I mean that the servers seemed rushed, they do not rush diners. Unique atmosphere. The restaurant is in a restored mansion which dates from 1847 and is situated among century old oaks on four acres of land. Flamenco guitar and dancer on the weekends. Perfect sangria. My husband and I have been dining at Meson Sabika off and on for two decades. The restaurant has had its ups and downs in terms of food quality and service, but I'm happy to report Meson Sabika is currently as good as it's ever been. We can never pass up the Queso de Cabra (oven baked goat cheese in a pool of zesty tomato sauce served with garlic bread) or the Datiles con Tocino (Bacon-wrapped roasted dates in a -- I think -- roasted red bell pepper / butter sauce). I often have the latter for dessert! Other favorites include Gambas Marinadas (marinated shrimp with three sauces -- can I remember? -- cumin, mild garlic aioli, and slightly tomato-y salsa rosa), Salmón Curado (cured salmon with dill sour cream and toast points), Chorizo y Morcilla (grilled pork/smoked paprika sausage and grilled blood sausage), and of course Jamón Serrano (delectable dry-cured ham), Aceitunas Aliñadas (marinated Spanish olives which are sometimes complimentary), Quesos Espanoles (Spanish cheeses) and anything made or served with Cabrales blue cheese. We've had beef, duck, lamb, pork, chicken, fish, lobster, shrimp, cheese, artichoke, mushroom, and potato dishes. We've never been disappointed. We never leave room for dessert. Several varieties of paella are also available, but we love eating small plate style so much that we haven't tried the paella in many years. There are a variety of sangrias to choose from, but I am a traditionalist and prefer red. The only way to have as good or better traditional sangria is to make it yourself. Meson Sabika's red sangria does not taste watered-down, too sweet, or like a child's powdered fruit drink mix. Not the case at other restaurants. You can taste the wine, brandy, and fruit. If sangria is not your thing, Meson Sabika has a selection of Spanish wines including cava (sparkling wine). My knowledge of Spanish wines is limited, but the servers have never failed to make spot on recommendations for me. Do not miss the very large, oak tree shaded, red brick terrace in the warmer months. The furnishings are comfortable and the tables are comfortably spaced. It's really the perfect spot to spend a summer evening. Your food and wine will seem to taste even better on the terrace! Your experience inside will vary a bit by where you are seated. It is an old house after all so tables and chairs may be configured only so many ways. That is to say that seating can sometimes be cramped. In addition, to me some rooms feel more away from the heart of the restaurant than others. This does not deter me from eating in the mansion, I only wish to inform your expectations. My husband and I would dine at Meson Sabika much more frequently except that we cannot manage to rein in our spending when there. We tell ourselves that we will order only so many small plates and only one glass of sangria each. Lies! We can't do it and I doubt you can do it either. Just one more plate, you'll say, and we'll split it. We really should try the _____ while we're here. Just one more glass of wine to go with my plate of _____. Three digit dining. Know this going in and enjoy.
(5)Lucas W.
I'm honestly surprised At the hype Meson Sabika gets. Yes, it's a gorgeous house, but that doesn't mean it has to be a great setting for a restaurant. Honestly the house is laid out somewhat strangely and you could end up sitting in some random room in the back or right next to the front doorway. And the carpet upstairs means anything that falls on the floor sticks on the floor. Most importantly: the food. I've had tapas in Spain and at a number of other restaurants in Chicago and I have to say, this was honestly bad tapas. One or two decent dishes - a good duck dish - but otherwise, nothing to really write home about. And some of the hot dishes came out cold - how do you let that happen? And as is all too often the case with Tapas, it's overpriced. The whole idea behind tapas is to try a number of small inexpensive dishes. But, like so many other places, they shrink the amount of food on offer but don't shrink the price. Hard to keep ordering dishes when I'm spending 10+ on each one. And that's not how tapas should be!
(2)Jenn N.
We are fans of Meson Sabika but did try the New Years Eve dinner for the first time. It is a nice way to try some new things, but honestly I prefer just eating there instead. I love (love, love) the garlic potato salad and wished we had more than what they served. I did not like the bacon wrapped dates - but it did give me the chance to try them when I normally would not order it. They were so sweet and there was not enough salt on the bacon to counter. There were 3 cold and 3 hot tapas so not liking one out of nine is not bad. The entree was good- filet was cooked fine and so was the lobster. I too thought the dessert was per person, not per table. Nonetheless, we did forgot to make reservations until New Years Eve morning and so the fact that they had a spot and it is kid friendly (upstairs) for $39.95 for the adults (kids meal free) we were not disappointed just not blown away like we normally are. Still love it there but will opt for non fixed menu next time.
(4)Matt W.
Service Excellent-food even better-have to try out their Sunday brunch for a good sample off items.
(5)Mary S.
Ate here with my mom, sister and brother and had a great time. Our server was Caitlyn and she was VERY informative about all of the wines even though she is newly 21, as she informed us. I also learned that they have six different flavors of lemonade, but I chose the non-alcoholic sangria. Five stars for offering that! The four of us ordered 12 or so various dishes and each one was absolutely delightful. We ordered so many because my mom works for district 204 and they receive 40% off, excluding alcohol. It was a VERY nice treat. Of the dishes we had, the most memorable was the duck and lamb. Both were very tender. My only complaint is there being too many items on the menu. Weird complaint, I know but it just seemed a bit overwhelming. To end the evening, we shared three desserts, my favorite was the chocolate and carmel cake... I wish I remembered the name! I will be back, Mason Sabika!
(5)Ellery R.
Meson Sabika or "Sambo," as my husband has taken to calling it for reasons unknown, is one of my favorite places to eat. Now usually, I get somewhat bored of repeat restaurant visits; I become disinterested in the entertainment, the manner of service, the menu starts to bore my stomach . . . but not here. I've dined at this tapas restaurant more than I could ever count. My husband even took me here the night we got engaged. Once seated you will be greeted by a server bringing bread, butter, and most importantly a complimentary small bowl of Spanish olives. These are excellent. The menu, you will notice if you frequently come here, changes everyday. Although I enjoy re-ordering the incredible dish I had my last visit, there's always something new for me to sample as well. The daily specials feature both hot and cold dishes. The wine list is also excellent. I'm partial to ordering by the bottle, but even a nice pitcher of sangria will set the evening off nicely. The service quality varies. In the dining room I find it to be adequate enough, when on the patio it's usually much slower, and in the bar if it is very busy it may take some time. But who's here to rush anyways? I find this is the only restaurant where I can receive bad service and still be completely satisfied. Maybe it's the wine . . . The atmosphere is excellent. This old white mansion still has a very housey feel to it which I find to be very romantic and cozy. If it is summer, sit on the patio for the most lovely of times. The bar area is probably my favorite if the patio is closed. Very woody and intimate. It's not unusual to see a lovely Spanish dancer whirling around on the hard wood floor as diners either casually take notice and appreciate (the regulars) or watch with delight as the live spanish guitarist accompanies her every move. The food itself is flavorful, unique, and delicious. I find that I try at least 3 new tapas dishes every time I'm here. It's hard to be disappointed (however last week I did order an asparagus and chicken casserole tapas dish and it was terrible, but they took care of it for me. Don't get that one). If you are not familiar with tapas style dining, get familiar. This should be the only way to eat. Once you have eaten far too much, overdo it. Dessert. Meson Sabika has a killer dessert. It doesn't really matter what you order, it will be good. Prices are somewhat high, however I find that the value matches the food quality. I rate this restaurant at five stars for its exceptional flavors, variety, atmosphere, and for all the good times I've had here.
(5)Raphael D.
This place kicks ass and if you ever have to trek out to the Naperville area to meet people for dinner or drinks you should definitely make a reservation here. I'm a city guy but I made several trips there and had my 21st birthday dinner in a private room with 12 people and the service and food were delicious. Their sangria is a great balance and doesn't taste too sweet or sappy. Most people find morcilla (blood sausage) pretty gross but if you've ever wanted to try it their version is delicious and not too greasy. I always get the salmon on toasts points too. I recommend you stick to tapas on your first visit. The paella is good but pretty loaded.
(5)Jeanne L.
The weekend brunch is soooo good! Great selection, and they have a huge selection of fresh fruit too that is always so sweet and ripe. All the food is great, and they have a little area for kiddies too that want french fries and burgers (though i've gone with adults who also wanted the french fries :p). Non-kiddies can of course, also partake in that area of the buffet. They have this shrimp toast thing that is just so good, and so many other great things. It's better in the summer since you can sit outside, but i've gone in the winter too and it was great. Seating is just a bit more limited, and you may have to be seated upstairs (I don't really like risking a food spill - I am a bit of a klutz). Your brunch comes with mimosas and a regular drink, made to order omelets (which are not that good - don't get them; the buffet is good enough already), and dessert at the end. I always get the profiterole (so good....). We'll be back again and again!
(5)Ken J.
This is one of my favorite spots: the food is very tasty and the atmosphere is great. It is an old mansion from the 1800's. Years ago was called WIlloway Manor. It can get loud in the main dining rooms at peak times. I particularly like their seafood based tapas, the Gambas al Ajillo (grilled shrimp in lemon butter), and Calamares A La Plancha (grilled squid), I have these on every trip. The Red Sangria is made on site and is very good, better than the white. Service is most always good. Not a cheap place to go, but fun when you have a couple extra bucks in your pocket....
(5)JR W.
This review is for their pavilion service. My friend had her wedding here recently, and the pavilion was really new and beautiful. The powder rooms and the waiting rooms for the wedding party were also clean and nice. The service was swift and continuous throughout the night. My only complaint is that they ran out of some sweets at the dessert table early on.
(4)Alex A.
What?! I hadn't written a review for this place yet! Delicious Tapas food! Great service! My wife and I had our rehearsal dinner here, and everyone raved about the food. The food is fresh, and you can sense the delicate effort put into the preparation. The Queso de Cabra is my fav! This place has a lot of character, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a romantic dinner or even a feast for the family!
(5)Tony K.
This place is freakin GREAT! Nice ambiance. Great service, very good food. Good parking. The only thing is, the prices are high. But Im still give 5 stars because the prices are still worth it. Fun AND romantic place. If you dont get laid after takinfg her here you are doing something VERY wrong.
(5)Eric S.
The food was average but has nice ambiance. Came here for their Sunday brunch. The tapas served were average at best. Most of the meat appeared to be overcooked on their buffet line. However, the rice in the paella was under cooked.
(1)Steve L.
Cant get better tapas. Service can sometimes be off and if its busy you might get stuck at a very small table. Those are the only reasons I don't give it five stars
(4)Dana B.
I have been hearing about this place for quite sometime now and wanted to try it out myself. I made a reservation on open table and was seated exactly at that time. Our waitress, Susan, greeted us almost instantly. She was very nice and extremely knowledgeable about the menu. After looking over the menu for a few minutes, we placed our order. Susan assured us that our items would come out at separate time to fully enjoy them individually. We waited 50 minutes until our waitress came back to see how are food was....however, we never received anything yet. Once she went to go "check" on our order, we received all of our items at once about 10 minutes later. The food was all quite delicious but when you are so hungry it is hard to enjoy. I just thought it was funny that people that sat down way after us were almost finished with their meals before we received any of ours. I feel that first impressions are very important especially when it entails food service. It's hard to say if I will be coming back here again.
(2)Anna H.
LOVE this place! great for date nights with your significant other and meeting up with girlfriends. =) Most of their dishes are small plates and portions intended for you to share. In some cases, if you have a big group, I would recommend ordering 2 of each of your favorite places. Dishes recommend: - garlic mashed potatoes (my favorite! gots to be a big garlic fan for this one though because . . . it's really garlic-y) - beef tenderloin - scallops - dates wrapped in bacon (SO GOOD!) - mushroom caps There's a lot more on the menu, but these are just some of my favorites. =) Also, if you come here on a date night or girls night, make sure to get the sangria. . . it's so YUMMY! On Sundays, they also have a buffet brunch with I think it's $30 per person or something like that? Included in that they give you free mimosas! yummy.
(5)Gerry H.
Pardon the lack of profundity, but consistency is the key to restaurant success. I've dined at inumerable establishments that have been great on one occasion and terrible the next. I've been a fan of Meson Sebika since it was called Emilio's. The service is always excellent, and I'm in love with the consistently great food. It was my wife's birthday yesterday, and we haven't dined on tapas in some time, so she chose Meson Sabika. The one negative that I would report is the hostess' poor choice of table for us. In honor of the occasion, I asked for a very special table. She chose to seat us on the second floor, which required climbing a very narrow, steep stairway. No problem for us, but we have a three year old daughter. It was a little challenging. We pre-ordered a vegetarian paella, and it arrived 10 minutes after we were seated. It was very good, and honestly, it's the best value on the menu. Additionally, we partook of the pincho de solomillo, the queso de cabra, the entrecot de jamon, the calamares a la plancha, i.e. Brochette of beef tenderloin, goat cheese and garlic bread, ny strip with serrano ham wrapped asparagus, and grilled squid with lemon garlic olive oil respectively. Everything was delicious and beautifully presented. I chugged a few Spanish beers ( dark Alhambra), as I'm want to do. It's excellent and very reasonably priced. No dessert due to an extremely unruly daughter. This place is great, and you really get a good dining value. Also, you can't beat the cool setting.
(4)Elizabeth W.
I think this restaurant is one of the better tapas places in the suburbs. I went for dinner with my husband recently and we ate the pork medallions which were very tasty and so tender for pork, the tortilla espanola a Spanish classic, the patatas con alioli which were awesome for those garlic lovers, and the duck with orange which was by far, the best tapa I had there. The meat fell off the bone, the sauce was simple and sweet, and the mushrooms were a perfect compliment to the dish! The wine list is vast, there were too many I wanted to try, and there is of course very good Sangria. The restaurant is in a charming mansion in Naperville and you can be seated either downstairs or upstairs. If your are claustrophobic the tables are very small and close together, but did not pose a problem for myself or my husband. Reservations are definitely needed but to my surprise, we were seated right when we came, a half hour before our reservation time. The service was excellent and our tapas came very quickly, we hardly ever had to wait for a bite of our food. The price is moderate and about $5-8 dollars per tapa. They also offer a brunch on Sunday that I am dying to try.
(4)J W.
Our favorite Naperville restaurant...we love it. The food is incredible & the setting is amazing - especially the patio in the summer.
(5)Matt T.
I have never really had a bad experience at Meson Sabika. It is a perfect summer date spot. I always ask for the patio. If there is ever a wait to be seated they have a small bar inside to grab a drink at. But getting a reservation is recommended. It is a popular spot all summer. This is a great choice if you want a fun romantic spot where you can talk casually and take your time eating. It is perfect if you plan on heading to downtown Naperville for drinks and dancing after. They have there own parking lot right on premises and so you don't have to worry about that before dinner. (It isn't walking distance too downtown though, you will have to move your car.) The Tapas selection is very good and everything tastes great. I highly recommend the Queso De Cabra - (Oven baked goat cheese with garlic bread). Expect diner for two with drinks to run you about $70. Not bad at all considering the quality of food and atmosphere.
(4)Beth S.
I give this place 5 stars! YES!!! The location of this tapas-style restaurant is absolutely gorgeous. This is a great date spot. The restaurant is in a mansion, on some gorgeous grounds. I encourage you to take a walk prior to ordering, or afterwards. Very romantic and special. The food is delicious. Their garlic potato salad is a big fave with my friends and I. We get plates of it every time. My other recommendations are: bacon wrapped dates, escargot, chilled tiger shrimp (yum), and the stuffed mushroom caps. Even if you are not an adventurous eater, try this stuff out. The flavors are absolutely wonderful. Their Sangria is also highly recommended.
(5)Kay R.
Amazing ambience - set in an old house that has been converted to a restaurant. Great food and sangrias! always a good time. One of the best restaurants in the western suburbs! Highly recommended!
(5)Josh S.
You should probably eat here. At least once. Probably more. I took a date here recently and we enjoyed the entire experience, starting with the walk from the parking lot. The property itself is very unique and if I wasn't so eager to get out to the patio (it was the first nice weather weekend of the year) I would have explored a little bit. I did enjoy the fountains, landscaping and the feel of the place on the exterior and interior. Something is romantically different here. We were seated on the patio, which was candle lit and spaced out well enough for some privacy. Our server was attentive, made some wine suggestions and had a lot of helpers who gave us attention. Our wine glasses never got low before someone was refilling them and before you know it.....my date was extra smiley for some reason ;-) The tapas menu itself was pretty standard. Nothing too risky in my mind. I didn't see anything that made me say "oh weird, I'll have to try that". Bacon wrapped dates are played out, move on people. I will say that one of the hot tapas that we got is just 1 of the reasons that I will be going back to this place. I almost wanted to end the date early, so I wouldn't have to continue to share the dish. It's called Pipirrana De Buey. It reminded me of the show on the Food Network: The Best Thing I Ever Ate, because I was talking about it after every single bite. I've never had anything quite like it and it was definitely a guilty pleasure. The description in the menu does not begin to explain the awesomeness delivered in this small plate. Write down the name of it right now and when you go there, order it. For me, please. I would recommend this place for a nice lunch or dinner with someone special. It could be a date, your mom, or a close friend. It's versatile enough for all of your peeps. I'll check out their brunch someday this summer and spend some more time scoping the joint out. Property - 5 stars Staff - 4 stars Ambience - 4 stars Food - 4 stars Price - 5 stars
(4)James R.
I went there last night with low expectations since no one in the USA seems to be able to get the tapas concept down. I was very happily surprised by the quality of the food, sangria, and service. A little more high brow than I would have preferred, but, still the best experience I have had in a restaurant in a long time. Had a very bad experience in a restaurant the night before, so this restored my passion for good food. Plus it was not as expensive as you might imagine.
(5)Jennifer O.
We had a great lunch here last week. The staff was super friendly and knowledgable about the food. The prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is very charming. The sangria is a must have!
(5)Angelina K.
My favorite tapas restaurant in the Chicago area. Every time I come here , it feels like holiday... I love the location, very cute restaurant, with great landscape. Very cozy inside, has that " old world" feel. Excellent tapas, so many great choices. I really like brunch there too... Excellent place...
(5)Vick C.
I think, improvement is needed for Meson Sabika. This is a beautiful mansion link with a banquet hall, absolutely gorgeous! side walk along to the restaurant is so elegant. They provide you a romantic environment, I have no complaint of this, summer time they will open the patio, good time to have drink and good food with friends, just if you don't mind it's too loud. Tapas just standard, not good but not bad, no surprise. Service is kind of bad, last time I was waited in the line fro 20 minutes to be seated even I got on time on my reservation. Then another 20-30 minutes to catch the waiter to order the food. It was a nightmare! But it still a good place to go since the mansion is very nice, especially it's located in suburb area.
(3)Matt Z.
EVERYTHING is amazing!!! The Baked Goat Cheese is insane, the bacon wrapped figs are to die for, the Scallops are awesome, the beef is delicious, I seriously might choose this restaurant if I only had one place to eat before i died. The Sangria is intoxicating!
(5)Lee and Katey W.
I was very excited to try this place based on yelp reviews. It was as many have said in an interesting place and it felt like we were eating dinner at someones house with a bunch of strangers! The sangria was tasty and they had a nice variety of tapas. At the time, I really liked the food. Looking back on it, and after trying other tapas places, this place was just OK. It was priced well and I agree with other yelpers, a good date place in the suburbs. I would go back for an occasion but would hope for some new tapas. They didnt seem very fresh and I would have liked more authentic flavors.
(3)Jaime C.
The ambiance, food and entertainment is first rate. My wife, friends and I have gone back four times since 2011. This is a wonderful experience.
(5)Matt W.
I have eaten at many tapas restaurants in the Chicagoland area but none have come close to the quality of Meson Sabika. First of all, the place is very beautiful and has outdoor seating in what feels like a large garden or country club. The food is amazing. I had the flank steak with blue cheese, and it was very tender and delicious. The mahi-mahi with asparagus was cooked better then I have ever had it. The marinated shrimp came with three delectable dipping sauces. The lobster with citrus tasted great. The wine selection here is impressive. For under $20, you can get a wine flight of four tastings that are all delicious. The staff was very friendly, courteous and knowledgeable. Meson Sabika is a wonderful place for a romantic dinner, a family outing, a banquet, party or other special occasion. My only complaint: There were too many little bugs flying around outside! One ended up in my wine. At least he died happy. I look forward to going back to Meson Sabika, hopefully soon.
(5)Gina G.
After all these years Meson is one of my fav tapas restaruant in the chicago area. I always try their bacon wrapped dates and the different cheeses. The jamon is also very tastey. I love not only the food but the restaruant itself and the setting it is in. the outdoor seating is great for a summer snack and the sangria is a must. Their seafood is also fresh and I suggest the grilled octopus. Service is average and they know the menu well. I always try to pick a few new dishes aside from my favs, just in case they don't fare well. This is a great place for larger groups and if you are planning on a l
(4)Jill N.
This is a great place for a nice dinner out. LOVED the food. Try the Goat Cheese dip and the stuffed mushrooms for sure. The thing I didn't like is I made a reservation and they sat me outside. They never asked where I wanted to be seated. I didn't get seated till 15mins after my reservation and it took another ten mins for the waiter to come by and to get some water. WIth that said once the waiter did come and my water glass was full the evening was very enjoyable. If you love tapas you definitly need to try this place.
(4)Becky B.
The food here is GREAT. Every tapa we ordered was better than we expected, from the cheese plate to some of the specials (we went months back so I don't remember everything we ordered). They have a great wine list and great service. The only weird thing is that the location is like an old mansion, so we weren't sure we were at the right place. We will DEFINITELY go back!
(5)Bill D.
This place is pretty cool! It looks inside and out like an old mansion. If in Naperville and have a hankering for Spanish, GO! The Paella is great, cooked just right and full of great stuff. Service, for as busy as it was, was good and attentive. I had the chance to eat out side one warm Illinois night with a party of about 10 and the atmosphere was great. If back in the Naperville area again, I will go back.
(4)Felicia S.
I have been to Meson Sabika numerous times over the years and have enjoyed it every time. I just visited a few days ago for my birthday and my entire family was there. The weather was perfect for eating outdoors and they have payed as much attention to detail on the outside as they have on the inside. A really beautiful location to enjoy the company and food. I always get the red sangria. Make sure you have a lot of ice -- it makes a difference and should be well-chilled (outside the ice melts quickly in the pitcher). We had a party of about 8, so we ordered quite a bit of food. Everything was delicious - in true tapas style. The service is hit or miss -- for example we ordered a final round of entrees before the server brought my special (complementary) birthday dessert -- a wonderful ice cream profiterole with chocolate sauce YUM! Unfortunately 2 of those final entrees came out AFTER dessert, and we were finished by then. Still, the service was good otherwise, and the decor and food were the same high quality we have come to expect at Meson Sabika. I'll keep going back & continue enjoying myself every time :-)
(5)Heather S.
Excellent food and nice service. The service is very relaxed so don't be in a hurry. Was surprised by the excellent quality of food.
(4)Shelly A.
Yummy blue sangria! Oh, and the food's good too. Just kidding, but for real, this place is great! A little pricey, but you kind of expect it in Naperville at a "dainty" location like this. A great place to hold special occasions, and literally, something for everyone. We had a great time and I would definitely go back the next time I'm in town.
(4)Roz C.
Am I missing something? BF and I went in this past Sunday and the restaurant was bustling at 7pm. We thought this was a promising sign and were excited about trying tapas in the suburbs (we usually get tapas in the city). Our waiter was super friendly, but definitely cheesy. I mean, everything he said was full of BS and the boyfriend and I laughed every time he walked away. The tapas came out in a timely manner, but man...we should definitely stick to the city for tapas. We ordered: -the baked goat cheese: this was actually super-delicious. The red sauce was rich and the goat cheese was creamy. We really enjoyed this. And then... -the grilled chorizo: uh, hello? it tasted like eckrich farm sausage that you can get from the jewel-osco. AND it was totally BURNT. gross. -garlic tiger shrimp: these were okay. plain, but okay. -beef empanada: gross, gross, gross. the boyfriend actually gagged. the ground beef had a really weird taste and the empanada crust didn't make up for it either. -patatas bravas: along with the baked goat cheese, this is an always-order dish at tapas restaurants. we were really disappointed in these. they weren't crisp on the outside at all. the were soggy under the sauce and the manchego cheese and it ruined the texture. (best patatas bravas? cafe ba-ba-reeba!) the sauce had some kick, but left a strange aftertaste. For dessert, we had the bailey's chocolate cake. It was not good. The ice cream tasted freezer-burned and the strawberries promised from the menu? Well, there was one...on the side. Looking back, the boyfriend and I decided that we should have taken the environment as a sign. Meson Sabika is inside this old mansion and it was like two totally polar ideas competing against each other. Spanish food and random Victorian-inspired decor? So weird. Oh yeah, and the food was overpriced...smaller portions and bigger prices than tapas from the city? Huh? Needless to say, we won't be back.
(1)LOIS B.
I have been here a number of times and leave just as hungry as when I arrive. This is not a place for a meal or to go hungry. Sorry, there are way too many better places to eat in Naperville. I avoid any affair held here.
(1)Ben M.
Best Tapas in all of Chicago!!!! My wife and I have been close to ten times and never been disappointed. -The atmosphere is great (the restaurant is an old mansion) -The Garlic potato salad is one of my favorite dishes on the planet. Every time I go I take a huge container of this stuff home! - Great for a date night - Not the best for children, but it can work.
(5)Stef F.
I got to pick dinner and I had a craving for Tapas. What better place to go than here??? I was a newbie here, and we had a great time. Overall, the grounds are lovely and enchanting (perfect for all those weddings they have) and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. While wines by the bottle can get pricey-- in the $$$ price range, I ordered the pomegranate sangria at $6.50. It was just okay. It didn't wow me. So, I had a mojito next at $8.95, which was pretty tasty. However, 2 drinks each for us came to $40 alone. Yikes. I need to drink at home more. i can't remember any of the fancy names... But here's the low down on what we ordered... and my star system to boot... ~Black bean soup with chorizo (4) ~White bean soup with serrano ham and bacon (4) (They forgot to bring these out originally, so we got the Gazpacho soup also to try for free) (Maybe that soup is good normally, but I'm not a fan of melon flavoring so it really wasn't my cup of tea) ~COLD TAPAS ~King crab with avocado (5) ~salmon with dill sauce something or other (4) ~Garlic potato salad (5) ~HOT TAPAS ~Grilled Squid with lemon sauce (1) ~Red peppers stuffed with cheese and black beans (5) ~Crab meat fritters with aioli (3) ~DESSERT ~Rice Pudding with citrus zest (4) ~Creme Brulee sorta dish with chocolate chunks (4) So, overall... Food was great and it was fun to try different things. My absolute favorite was the potato salad, it was so garlicky good. I also loved the stuffed red peppers, very Spanish inspired. My favorite favorite dessert in the whole wide world is creme brulee and I think this was called crema de chocolada?? Or something similar. Huge portion. Very good. Just wish the vanilla custard portion had been warm? It was cold and normally creme brulee is never like that. It at least is usually lukewarm. But ah well. Our server recommended the squid to us, asking if we liked calamari. Well, we love calamari--and agreed with his recommendation, but it was too rubbery and I couldn't eat it. I've had squid before that was more tender. And I about gagged at the mini squid and something that looked wormy/snail-like. When the pieces are breaded, I at least pretend. I was waiting to throw one of them at the fridge and watch it flip back and forth all sticky downward. Even my fiance about gagged and he eats anything. But the server graciously took it off our bill, even though it wasn't his fault and we never complained about it. We just wanted it off the table. lol. Which is why we ordered the dessert. :) Check it out. We ordered too much food. Expect to spend $$$, and now that I've been there once, I'll order less next time. I think 3 tapas each are more than enough to fill a person up. I think on avg. a couple would spend anywhere from $60-$120 on a dinner here, depending on what's ordered. And that's without tip. Or the expensive wine.
(4)Kathleen M.
I really excellent meal in a beautiful setting. We had most of the recommended dishes: the garlic potato salad (loads of garlic!), bacon wrapped dates, serrano ham on toast points. All really good. We enjoyed everything we had. Service was attentive without being overbearing. Mojitos and sparkling sangria very refreshing. Highly recommended.
(4)Jody Y.
The atomosphere was fun, but the food was fantastic. It didn't matter what Tapas we ordered; everyone raved about every item!!! I would go back in a heart beat. It looks like a nice place to eat outside once the weather warms up!!!
(5)Candice G.
The food was still fantastic but the service was not the 5 stars it has ALWAYS been in the past. We went at about 7:30 on Friday night and wanted to sit on their patio outside. The hostesses told us that a table outside wouldn't be opening up until 8:30 but when walking past, we saw at least 25 open tables outside (they have a very large outside patio). I understand that they may not have had enough staff for the Al Fresco dining, but certainly not enough tables. We decided to wait at the bar and get some sangria but were notified less then 10 minutes later that a table was ready... along with several other couples who did not have reservations. I think they were trying to get more people to dine inside than out- I think the outside staff may be temporary employees and understandably they want to fill the inside restaurant for their own employees but I don't think giving an outrageous wait time is the right way to do it. Then, when we were brought out on the patio, the hostess had us doing a back and forth dance- up, down, across, and around the many open patio tables when deciding where to sit us. It was awkward, I had heels on, have bright orange hair, and really it was quite a funny scene for the rest of the patio diners to see us being walked backwards and forwards for several minutes. Not their most professional moment. Beyond that, the service was not very attentive and definitely not personable. We're used to 5 star, impeccable service and knowledge from the folks at Meson Sabika and this not simply did not meet our expectations. Also, they need to update their outside tables. They're all pretty rusted over and our table had a really old, smashed piece of gum stuck to it. We didn't complain or ask to be moved to one of the other 25 open outdoor tables but we did feel like it should have been obvious when the table was set up with place settings. We will be back and will most likely be upping the star rating but for the most recent experience, I can sadly only give a 3.
(3)Bridget D.
Meson Sabika is my favorite restaurant in the suburbs! It's the best tapas place in the Chicagoland area. The old mansion is beautiful, the food is fresh and seasoned perfectly, the staff are professional, knowledgeable and courteous, and they have an excellent selection of Spanish wine and desserts. Don't miss the garlic patatas alioli, white sangria, croquetas, and dates with bacon.
(5)Zee B.
Obsessed. The tapas are to die for - ALL of them. I've been here many times, but my most recent experience encouraged me to write a review. I had a New Years Dinner here with a few friends and we had one of the last reservations for the night. Tapas appetizers were amazing as usual. When it came time for the entrees we all ordered filet mignon. However, when we received it our side vegetables were not what was listed on the menu. We were literally given two slices of a potato and one cherry tomato. When I asked the waiter about it he apologized and said that the cooks probably ran out. I wasn't happy but didn't complain any further. Minutes later the manager came to our table and offered us other tapas and apologized for the inconvenience. I only asked for an alternative vegetable side which he immediately provided. What surprised all of us is that once we received our check we saw that two of our 4 meals were comped. That wasn't necessary at all, but the fact that it was done confirms why this place deserves a 5 star rating! Other than the mouth watering tapas, they truly care for their customers. I love this place!
(5)Pete R.
This is a place that you MUST try if you like varying flavors and want to have a different dining experience. The tapas are great. i won't even go into all of the details as there are plenty of other reviews. I have about 20 or so that I rotate through. My wife and I usually pick 5 or so each visit. The only repeat every time is the garlic potato salad. And if you plan on enjoying the sangria that night, ask for a table downstairs. They catch up to you quick. Coming down the stairs on my last visit was an adventure. Go, have fun, and enjoy the grounds. Cool place.
(4)Caitlin G.
I was very excited to try this place. The food was just okay, but the problem was with sound. It was so loud in there you could not have a conversation. It's a shame because it looks like a great place to go on a date to, but only go if you don't want to be heard.
(3)Britney B.
I dined here with parents and had an excellent meal and charming experience. I've also attended a wedding hosted in this venue and it was beautiful. There front yard is green and colorful, and the vows were presented there. Then, everyone walked to the interior of Meson Sabika and ate promptly, followed by drinks and dancing. The food is delicious but not very memorable.
(4)Carl A.
Have eaten here several times. A couple times with kids, others times for date night. Great value for money. Delicious little shareable samplings. Beautiful location inside and out.
(5)margo f.
Have been here so often, I have lost count...and each time I love it still! My favorite tapas (small dishes) are the queso de cabra , a goat cheese in red pepper sauce, the pincho de solomillo with carmelized onions, the grilled calamari and the garlic potato salad. Of course don't ever, ever, leave here without trying their flan of the day! Really, make room for it . Atmosphere is pretty amazing too. If you can, try to make it on a Friday or Saturday night when the flamenco dancer and guitar player are there. Fun, somewhat festive place in an older, converted, beautifully renovated, mansion. Want to impress your boss or inlaws? This is the place to go. If you do go on a weekend night, be sure to call ahead. This place is a hot spot, especially during the summer with their outdoor brick patio dining. If you are traveling with kids, I would recommend coming for Sunday brunch. There are plenty of kidfriendly foods, but also some great items for adults to try. Price wise, this place is all over the map. You could easily do a simple lunch for two for under 30 dollars or go all out and spend 200 with their excellent wine choices. Save up if you must, but be sure to give this place a try. 5 stars all the way.
(5)Louisa D.
So disappointing. Service was horribly slow. It took 45 minutes to bring out COLD tapas. I don't even know how long it would have taken to bring out hot tapas; hot tapas are what I really wanted too. What a shame, the cold tapas were good and so was the red sangria, but the wait was not worth it.
(1)Dan N.
I really love this place. It may be the most charming building and grounds I have ever eaten in. The Old mansion and beautiful gardens greatly enhance the experience. Luckly the last time I was there was with a big group and I didn't have to pay so there were no limits and we got to order allot of food. Noting was jaw dropping but everything was good to great. This is simple food and it was all done very well no missteps that we seen. The most memorable were a few of the hot items the Beef tenderloin with Blue Cheese and the Montaditos de Cerdo (grilled Pork). On the cold side the King crab with avocado and toast points were awful tasty. The Menu is dived into Hot and Cold Tapas and works really well that way. I could see this being a bit of a let down if you dont go with a group and are able get several items to sample. Most items are like $5-$10 so its not a cheap night out but the food, atmosphere and fun are well worth it.. Try to sit outside, its a really special space.
(4)Bobby C.
Year in, year out Meson Sabika is excellent at what they do. Hosein is the perfect restauranteur. He truly cares about his patrons and his product. Food is consistent. Decor is tasteful. The al fresco dining is beautiful. I am particular about Spanish wines and I have come to find the the wine list to be consistent and fairly-priced. Highly recommended.
(5)Richie D.
Who would have guessed that such a restaurant would exist in Naperville?!?! Four of us celebrated Valentine's Day here last night and had an amazing time, even though I was very skeptical at first. Why skeptical?? Allow me to step on my soap box... 1) I've been to Spain several times and have experienced "tapas verdaderas." 2) Tapas are meant to be eaten in a more communal and laid back ambiance such as bars and pubs...not a ritzy restaurant (unless it's touristy, of course). Often they even come free in its homeland with a beer or glass of wine/champagne and aren't the price of an average American entree. 3) It's in the Chicago suburbs, not city. 4) Walking in made me want to walk right back out the door. You enter the gorgeous mansion's doors and your eyes focus on the painted ceilings and...You've entered the Playboy Mansion! The hostesses all looks like over-tanned whores with super short, bright pink skirts and revealing shirts. Arg! For such a fancy restaurant, I don't think it's necessary even if they all plan to spend their tip shares going out after work. Now on the other hands, I'll admit that I was BLOWN AWAY after being served (and not by those hostesses)! Here's a list of a few of our favorites... Recommended Tapas: *Well these are to be accompanied with red Sangria, of course... ~Pato Confitado (everyone's favorite dish that had a citrus kickin' gravy and caused the marinated duck to melt in your mouth) ~Patatas con Alioli (super garlic-y to perfection) ~Pincho de Solomillo (grilled steak kabobs with a delicious goat cheese/horseradish yogurt and marinated onions) ~Queso de Cabra (this was definitely a winner due to the garlic toast with a sweet tomato, goat cheese paste) ~Datiles con Tocino (the thought always turned my stomach upside down, but I sampled it and enjoyed the sweet flavor and crunchy texture) ~Vieiras al Albariño (the BEST scallops I've ever had and if I say that it means A LOT. Not my cup of tea usually, but they were perfectly buttery [lemon tomato butter sauce] with a good portion of thick cous cous balls) ~Tortilla Española (I'm usually not a fan due to its blandness, but I liked it more than in Spain itself due to its sherry vinaigrette and balanced mix between onions and potatoes) If you're still hungries: ~Jamon Serrano (not my favorite dish anywhere, but fairly good) ~Gambas al Ajillo (nice sized shrimp with a buttery lemon garlic sauce but nothing unique or out-of-this-world) I'd like to go back for Brunch (perhaps Easter?). This next time I'd definitely try out the Sangritini (Sangria Martini) due to its uniqueness and the fusion between two yummy yet dangerous things. Three Recommendations For Your Visit: ~Reservations practically required!! ~Dress is semi-business casual and up. Jeans are probably not acceptable (even though my entire party had jeans on yet we were only kept from being out of place by wealthy people's kids). ~Do NOT miss out on the desserts. All were amazing. Really there's no point in recommending any specific one because it would depend on your taste buds and you can't go wrong no matter what. Meson is a perfect place for a unique, cultural wedding that gets away from food that all tastes the same. Now, go, Go, GO see for yourself!
(5)Gwin C.
Went there for Easter brunch with in-laws and family. Food was good in terms of selection. Well organized egg hunt for the kids. The service was a bit on the slow side but I think it was just our server as I watched other tables get better more prompt service. I'd recommend coming for their usual Sunday brunch which has better execution. Worth the $40 per person though!
(4)Joseph R.
After reading some good reviews and following my love of Spanish food, I decided to take my wife for San Valentine's day to Meson Sabika. Unfortunately, my first time at M.S. was a bit disappointing. We arrive just before 9 pm. My first impression of the place was a good one. The restaurant is on a beautiful mansion built on 1847, definitely the perfect setup for a romantic night. Being Valentine's day it was pretty packed as expected. We had to wait around 15 minutes on the bar, which is pretty normal in our experience. Once on the table, our server went over the menu. Unfortunately, he was not very knowledgeable about it. He struggle a bit while trying to explain the different choices. I felt bad for the guy; maybe he was new on the job or something. We ordered the night special which included a combination of cold and hot tapas plus dessert. Our first tapa arrived around 20 minutes after we sat. It was a Crepe of spinach, goat cheese, almonds and apples. It sounded delicious but, to our disappointment, it was just OK. After around 20 minutes the server came back with about 4 tapa plates. Once again we were a little disappointed with the food. We're not picky eaters but, I sincerely didn't like it that much. We have had tapas in other places and with every tapa we just looked at each other thinking; "It's just Ok, had better". After that, there was a stretch of about 30 minutes of just waiting for the main course. The server never came to our table to explain the delay or to check on us. It was around 10:40 pm with the restaurant being mostly empty, when finally our course arrived. I immediately told the server to please box it up to go, including the dessert. He said sure and never apologize for the delay, he probably didn't even notice. Before leaving the restaurant, we made sure to talk to the manager about the experience. He apologized and we left the place. Around five minutes after, I received an email saying that my open table reservation was cancelled. I though it must have been an honest mistake. When I got home and I log in into my account and look for the reservation, I notice that because it was cancelled, I could not leave the review. The bottom line is this: Food was OK, Service was Bad, Ambiance was Good and the building was great. Would I return, probably not.
(2)Amanda S.
Great ambiance, unique environment. Awesome for dates! The prices are a little high on some items, but the plating technique and presentation is worth it. I recommend the cous cous or scallops. The sangria is a must.
(5)Yvette L.
We have celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary this past Spring at Meson Sabika. The wait staff remembered us and we received a champagne toast with cookies for dessert. This is our annual treat and we always order what was served at the reception in the pavilion. Thanks for making this our special place.
(5)Yocelin S.
My husband and I celebrated our anniversary here and it was exactly what we expected. We made reservations through Open Table and were promptly seated upon arrival Friday night. We sat on the 2nd floor in a small corner with a window overlooking the courtyard. The property itself is lovely. The tapas were all amazing- the seafood was fresh, the duck confit was delightful, and the paella- I'm still savoring it now. The patatas bravas were so tasty- we got an extra plate to go. We will surely be back for special occasions. The prices were fair for the quality and service. Truly outstanding.
(5)Judy H.
Came here yesterday with my fiance and future in-laws. Here's the quick synopsis: Service - good. Our waiter was very professional and pleasant. Thumbs up for that. Environment - okay. Beautiful mansion on the outside, but a little stuffy on the inside. I guess the grandma doily feel is the spin the place is going for, but didn't do much for me. Food: (1) Tostada con Centollo - tasty, but not impressive and too small to share beyond 2 people. Probably wouldn't get it again. (2) Patatas con Alioli - very, very garlicky, which we actually enjoyed, but a little heavy on the mayo for my taste. (3) Mariscos Paella - just okay. Ample amount of seafood, but the rice was a little mushy in texture for my liking. Didn't get a distinct saffron taste. The tomato and bell pepper taste was more overpowering. Probably would get it just to be full..by far largest portion. (4) Salteado de Hortalisas - actually enjoyed this quite a bit. Vegetables were cooked well - still tender and the sauce had a bit of heat, which I LOVE. (5) Vieras Albarino - 3 large, fresh scallops on a bed of cous cous. This one was delicious. Would recommend it. I think it had a touch of cumin in it so be wary for those who aren't a fan. (6) Cordero al Pastor - great flavor, but sadly the lamb was dry. Not juicy. The grilled onions and mushroom were good. Pricey - for what each tapas was priced, just expected a little bit more.
(3)Jie S.
Pretty happy with this place for the Mother's Day brunch. Althought it was kind of on the expensive side, but having the chance to try out all the dishes with a fixed amoutng was quite a draw for the families. We made the reservation two months before the date. About one month before the date, we were not able to add 3 more people as they all booked. Quite a popular place. We don't see much garden estate type of restaurant around here. I won't be not surprised that this is the popular place for weddings and celebrations. We were seated out at the huge open pavilion. I'm usually not a fan for the buffet but this time I got some great suggestions on this place so I'm able to focus on the selected items along the huge buffet choices. Personal favorites are jumbo shrimp, bacon wrapped dates, and fresh fruits. Yes, I got the fruit listed as they were juicy and tasted excellent. Really, everything was really good. We, mothers got treated with mimosa and rose. Services were pretty good but not outstanding. Large crowd at the queuing line at the buffet table. I'd like to try the regular table service next time.
(4)Sheila S.
The next best thing to hopping on a plane and heading to Southern Spain and most certainly the top restaurant in Naperville. To start off, ambiance is spot-on: a gorgeous historic mansion sets the scene and makes it perfect for nicer nights out with the family, a date with your significant other, or brunch with the ladies (or gents, I don't judge). Actually, I highly recommend the brunch for seasoned veterans looking to see another side of Mesón. There's a variety of shareable tapas, including some stellar hot ones like patatas bravas, queso de cabra, and champiñones. Bonus: the extensive menu marks vegetarian and gluten-free options. Portions are just right and just like sushi, you can always order a few more. Then there's dessert. Oh, don't even get me started... Although it's on the higher end of restaurants, it's not terribly pricey. My only complaint is service leaves a bit to be desired. It's not bad, just not at the level it should be for the type of place it is. But hey, I didn't buy my ticket to Spain, did I?
(4)Kevin W.
Came here with family for Sunday Brunch, it's clear that this place is dedicated to good food and good service. Our server was extremely helpful and accommodating, offering to give a quick tour and constantly checking-in that everything was up to par. Very professional and explained the whole dining experience quite well. For Sunday Brunch, the food was exquisite, with variety and quality combined. There's something here for everyone, whether it's seafood, tapas samplers, breakfast food, even a kids table! There were over 20 dishes, all of which exceeded my expectations for a 'brunch buffet'. Everything was hot and ready, and I have no complaints! The atmosphere is great, interior is slightly stuffy, but everyone had a good time and we'd love to come back.
(5)Janine K.
I wasn't going to let a little rain come between dinner reservations at this establishment this past weekend! They only had a reservation for 8pm, and that was fine. After the monsoon, the parking lot was rather flooded so there was a guy directing us where to park - why don't more places have this??? We made our way inside to a pretty packed place - including the wedding reception going on. We were seated upstairs, it was a little loud with conversations going on at the other tables, but we adapted quickly. My friend and I split a pitcher of red sangria - soooooo good!!! We ordered one warm tapas and two cold - after splitting three plates, we were surprisingly full, but had just enough room for dessert...two of them! :) I wasn't stuffed to the max, but pleasantly full, I'd say... it didn't even seem like that much food but I think the bread with our dishes filled us up enough. I seriously wanted one of every dessert on the menu...we settled on the white chocolate mousse and almond/pear pound cake to split - both were delicious! The service was great, the food was sooooo great... we cannot wait to come back here!!! On our way out we grabbed "to go" menus, this way we can plan ahead and not spend so much time going through the menu. I cannot wait to come back and dine outside, the grounds here are beautiful.
(4)Kelly J.
Great food!! Unfortunately had 2 used utensils dropped on me with a white garlicky cream sauce. There was an apology but no napkins given for clean up. Human error, disappointing but highly recommend the food. Very busy
(4)Jon P.
Meson Sabika simply dominates all other restaurants. The array of tapas is gargantguan, the wine list is expansive and totally Spanish, and the ambiance is perfection. We sat outside for dinner beneath a large flowering tree and just had the best weather and a great experience. You could easily forget you're in Naperville and think you're in the south of France!! They were absolutely crushed as they always are on summer nights so the service was just ok. Minor problem that was overshadowed by literally everything else being perfect! A "must eat" for any Yelpers from out of town visiting. You can thank me later!!
(5)Judith S.
8/24/15 I have dined here before, but this time was disappointed. Our waiter was very disorganized. We had to ask for everything. He forgot to take the dessert order and never brought back to the table the leftover paella that we were taking home. The food was just OK, and didn't do justice to Spain. Not a great dining experience, and I won't return.
(2)Heidi K.
I came here for Sunday brunch with my sister and her husband, my husband, my father and his wife. It was the Sunday after Christmas and we managed to snag a 10:30 a.m. reservation a few days prior so we arrived before things got crazy crowded. We arrived and were brought to a room upstairs, which seemed to be for people with small children (my one year old nephew was with us) as the downstairs rooms were full of adults and older children. We were seated at a table that had dead flowers (nice) and the room was ice cold. A basket of bread was brought out, but no butter. Eh..... Our waiter was very nice, but I cannot remember his name. He explained how everything worked, and then took our drink order (mimosa for me, Bloody Mary for the hubs) and omelet order (cheese and chorizo) and then we made our way downstairs to the buffet. Everyone raves about the bacon wrapped dates, but I was a bit skeptical at first. I've never tried dates, as I assumed they were like big raisins and I hate raisins. But I was brave and tried one. It was.... okay, I suppose. It was way too sweet; I could hardly detect the bacon on the thing. I felt like I was eating a sweet potato drenched in maple syrup. Oh well, I tried. The calamari was excellent, as was the ceviche (I had three large servings of it). I also probably consumed a pint of raspberries on my own. The bacon was cooked perfectly and I am not ashamed to admit that I consumed at least 15 pieces. Garlic potato salad= uh MAY zing! Soooo garlicky, and addictive! I tried the paella which was okay. Chorizo links, cheeses, a couscous dish, fresh fruit.... all great! I know there was plenty more that I tried but I can't remember it now. They also have a carving station but I didn't partake in that. There was just so much food to sample. The brunch is about $30 a person which is a fair price, given the variety of food and the quality of same. It was a nice time spent with family and I enjoyed the experience.
(3)Victoria B.
Great place to celebrate an event or for date night. Pretty pricey but the food is worth it. Tapas style small plates rich and savory. Love the bacon wrapped dates always a crowd pleaser! The desert was ok we had the flan of the day which was orange flan yummy and bananas foster but it tasted kinda burnt Carmel sauce. We sat outside this time the chairs were sticky!!! Omg we had to move to another table because it's from the sap from the trees above! Service was nice and bus boys were always attentive to refill our water.
(4)Jim L.
this place has amazing food. I am definitely a fan. Just not a fan of the prices but then again it is an upscale restaurant, not a fast food place. I would recommend this place for a great atmosphere and great food.
(4)Ashley F.
Birthday dinner here was wonderful. I recommend a early reservation if you don't want to wait. If weather permits sit outside its beautiful. As far as the food try the goat cheese it's fabulous!
(4)Cindy L.
I really wanted tapas and I usually find all the tapas places in the city, but I was meeting up with a friend in Naperville. I went on Yelp and found Meson Sabika and it sounded really great. We had a hard time finding the place but I'm so glad we eventually found it. The entrance was very pretty. There was a nice flower garden and mini fountain setup. It was raining the night we went. I wish I got some nice pictures of the outside. We were about 20 minutes late to our reservation, but they were so friendly - we were seated right away! The service was very good. I really liked their dishes too. There were some very unique dishes with great flavors. I loved the Datiles con Tocino (bacon wrapped dates)! I really liked the Vieras Albarino (sea scallops with couscous). The Gambas al Ajillo (shrimp) was tasty. The Calamares a la Plancha (squid) was good. Obviously I love seafood since that's the majority of what we ordered haha. For seafood, it is important that the sauces are flavorful because that helps to bring out the seafood. For meats, if it is seasoned too heavily it will be too salty and you cannot taste the natural meat flavor itself. I did order one other meat dish (besides the bacon wrapped dates) - the Chorizo y Morcilla. The chorizo on the plate was very, very salty...too salty, but I did like the blood sausage. We also ordered a salad - the Ensalada Gabriela (arugula and watercress salad with apples, pecans, raisins, with Muscatel sun dried tomato olive oil vinaigrette). Honestly, this salad was probably my favorite plate. The sea scallops were my second favorite. It was really delicious. I really could eat that all day. Pair your dishes with a glass of their sangria. For dessert, we ordered the Tarta de Chocolate y Caramelo. Overall, this was a very nice dinner. If I am ever back in Naperville, I would go back!
(4)Marilynn P.
I truly love Meson Sabika! Although, I've been here several times and none of my experiences have been as good as my first time. The first time I went, we went during an off-peak hour in the middle of the day. Food was presented fresh & hot, and the service was impeccable! All the other times I've visited have been much busier. The food didn't taste as fresh/hot by the time it reached the table, and the service was good but not great. I recommend most of the hot tapas! The paella was good, but be prepared for a long wait.
(4)Krista H.
Tapas has to be my favorite type of food especially when you can enjoy great tapas paired with killer sangria with great people! My favorites are the skirt steak with the peppers and onions the bacon wrapped dates baked goat cheese and basically everything else. If you live near Naperville you have to try it!
(5)Eric Y.
I love tapas and chef Emilio always turns out a good product and a good time! I love the setting - a house dating back to 1847 with a beautiful yard and gardens and some very enticing vintage charm. There's a banquet hall addition too - it looks very inviting. I prefer the food and beverage program at Emilio's Tapas in Hillside - my favorite escargot tapa is not offered here (so sad) and the wine/sherry list is much more comprehensive at the other place. Nevertheless, dining here is a homey, low key experience filled with a lot of good times and plenty of good food.
(4)Inshu K.
Have has numerous dinners here, brunches, birthday celebrations- consistently delicious !!
(5)Justin E.
Sunday Brunch at Mesón Sabika is as good as it gets. Highly recommended... don't take my word for it though, give it a try yourself. Very busy, so you'll need reservations. About $35 a head... but the atmosphere and two rooms of delicious grub is well worth it.
(5)Steve B.
Excellent food. So much fun. Loved the bacon date tapas. Slightly expensive but worth it. Charming location and view. I will be going back.
(5)Courtney H.
I was really disappointed with my visit here this past Friday evening. We made a reservation, which was good because they were packed. The restaurant itself is beautiful and there grounds look gorgeous even though it was snowy out. However, I just wasn't impressed with the food and I was surprised because people can't stop raving about this place. I started with the smoked salmon, since that is my favorite appetizer anywhere I go. It was ok..a bit too cold. And way too much cream cheese. Café BaBaReeba does this one better. I actually think everything here that can be pre-made is. The food comes out very fast and we asked for something to be made without nuts and were told it was already made so..yeah. The bacon wrapped dates were pretty good, except it came in a weird sauce. I tried my friend's goat cheese appetizer and that was tasty. We also got the pear, goat cheese and spinach empanada (the thing that came with the nuts). This literally had NO TASTE at all. We each took 1 bite and we were done. The garlic potato salad was good as well, but VERY garlicky. We would go back in the summer to try the brunch, and hopefully that changes my mind.
(2)Cynthia B.
I live in the city and work out in Naperville and I am not a real foodie but I try to go to different restaurants and experiment with new foods. As part of my work gatherings, we often go to Meson Sabika and I think the entire experience is very good. I also go to two neighborhood tapas restuarants and Meson Sabika is way better than either of them - ba ba reba or iberico. The food is superior and the prices are very reasonable. I also love going to Tapas Gitana in Northfield (which is a notch above Meson Sabieka in my opinion) - I guess I am fond of Spanish little plates. I know there a lot of dining options in Naperville but if I lived out there, this would be one of my go to places.
(5)Sara B.
Love the bacon wrapped date and patatas bravas! Very good sangria as well. The patio is great in the summer for relaxing with friends.
(5)Chrissy W.
Bacon. Wrapped. Dates. All. Day. Long. We came for brunch and brunch we consumed. I seriously just want to eat my weight in bacon wrapped dates. Not joking. The cold food buffet was served on the patio (you know, before it was below zero with the wind chill), and it was amazing. Cheese. Veggies. Fruit. Amazing creations that made me immeasurably happy. The hot food buffet was pretty good, but the paella was AMAZING. Definitely a must-try on your brunchy visit. I didn't get anything from the carving station, but I was stuffed harder than a build-a-bear. The eggs benny was REALLY good (I think they use homemade English muffins and make those babies to order - yes with a perfectly poached egg). First glass of champagne/mimosa is free; second glass is half price. I switched to a bloody Mary and DAYUM, it was delicious. Let's talk ambiance here, people. Brunch in an old mansion? Did I mention the cool old mansion? Yeah. That. Get yourself over there. And make reservations because they get BUSY.
(5)Brianna L.
I just can't say anything bad about this place.
(5)Amy R.
I always feel super bogus giving a lower rating to a place that I notice ALL of my yelp fraaands adore. Like did I miss something? Am I culinarily inept? Come on the wrong night? Sigh. Well for me, Meson Sabika is a three star affair. I came here with ALL of my cousins for dinner on a weeknight and of course, we had a reservation (I have a very large family, plus now that we're marryin' age, we've doubled). We sat at a huge round table in one of the rooms of this enormous mansion, and I loved the beautiful interior, but it is BUSTLIN. I mean loud, crazy, bump my chair seventy times, crowded, bustlin'. Since we, also, were an enormous group, it's fine and I get it, but it's also overwhelming. We tried SO MUCH STUFF, and honestly not a lot stood out to me, I loved the baked goat cheese, but didn't love the red sauce it was baked in. The shrimp were good, but not great. Also, coming here with a large group is NOT a good choice - you get to sample maybe one or two bites of the teeny tiny tapas, and that's it. We even ordered 2-3 of some of the tapas, and it wasn't enough. I left honestly HUNGRY and hubs is not afraid to admit he made a Taco Bell run later that evening. Oops. Almost everyone at our table had sangria and loved it, but I don't really drink and I sat that out. Finally, it's crazy expensive. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to drop a ton of money on a delicious meal, but I need to leave satisfied and/or drunk, and I need to be impressed. Sadly, that didn't quite happen. I may try to come back with a smaller group and rock out small plates again, someday, but for now, Meson Sabika is just a-ok.
(3)Katlyn E.
Amazing! After a long & arduous search, I have finally discovered THE Best Sunday brunch in Chicagoland. Service is excellent, the ambiance is UNPARALLELED, and the food blew me away. Definitely coming back with friends. (Thank you so much to management for fitting us in despite our incorrect reservation)
(5)Ed B.
We have been here many times over the years but this is my first review of it. This place is 5 stars based on the quality of food, service and atmosphere but it is not a 5 star restaurant in the classic sense. It is located in an old mansion. The surrounding grounds and the building itself speak of a time gone by. The charm and class of this place truly gives a sense of comfort and relaxation as soon as you step out of your car. There is also a banquet hall for the Sunday brunch and weddings or special occasion. A beautiful room. There was a wedding taking place here yesterday.There was a horse drawn carriage giving rides around the grounds that just added even more class and charm to the happenings all around. Besides the charm of the place I can say that most of the rooms in the house where you dine are a bit small and can feel somewhat tight but as soon as you taste the food you forget about that. The service here is excellent. We like to dine outdoors here when the weather permits. The outdoor part of this establishment is huge and much more open so you are not at all cramped. Nearly all of it is shaded by huge old trees and umbrellas. Every time we come we are in a group of 4 to 10. It is always a party as it was again last night outside.You are never rushed here and the 3 hours we spend each time we come here just flies by. As for the food it is Spanish tapas style. So small portions to share.There is a large variety of fish, seafood, meat, and vegi. dishes to choose from. With all of the different things we have tried, and we have tried nearly everything, no one in any of our visits have ever complained or not like anything. The menu does change from time to time based on some seasonal things and items do come back. There are some of the signature items like figs wrapped in bacon and robust garlic potato salad which are always there. You have to try these. Figs wrapped in bacon? Yea they are awesome! There is a full bar, house made sangria's and a large list of after dinner drinks and coffees to accompany your top notch desert menu. I have left here many a time wishing I could get wheel barrow service back to my car. Yes just wheel me out and flip me into the seat until I come back again next time to do it all again!
(5)Tina D.
This place is delicious, the service was great! My husband and I went for our anniversary and they gave us complementary champagne, which was very sweet. They seated us per our reservations and didn't make us wait and they seated us on the second floor overlooking the courtyard which gave the evening an extra romantic touch. They had many veggie options and were able to make the tapas spicy upon request. My husband liked all the meat dishes he got as well. Everything we ordered was great. The prickly pear and peach sangrias were amazing! I can't wait to go back and eat some more yummy tapas.
(5)Kevin E.
This might be the only truly great restaurant in Naperville. I have nothing but praise for it.
(5)Angela P.
Meson Sabika, I've seen it all! I've dined here with my husband a few times. I've attended one wedding indoors and one wedding outdoors. I've attended an office Christmas party. I've dined inside the beautiful mansion, and I've dined on their patio. The patio is gorgeous, but it can get nasty with mosquitoes in the evening. My feet and butt are proof. Most recently, I dined with four other friends. I've seen Meson's many faces, and they are all gorgeous, flawless faces on teeny tapas plates. Located in an old mansion, Meson offers an atmosphere that is like dining in someone's home. Someone's crowded, bustling, noisy home. It seems that no matter the time of the day, there is a crowd. Reservations can be made easily only a few days in advance. Reservations are a must, but they are not hard to come by. Meals must be started with the Queso de Cabra (goat cheese) and the Bacon Wrapped Dates. Must. I'm also a fan of the steak with blue cheese, the tiger shrimp, the chicken & chorizo skewers, and the apple & duck confit crepe. Chug a pitcher of that red sangria. Repeat. Naperville School District employees receive a 40% discount, and since I'm married to one, I'm wondering why we aren't here more often! (40% discount is NOT valid on private parties/weddings - I tried). Weddings are on the pricey side here (they charge $14/person on TOP of whatever food/drinks you are paying for, JUST to rent the space), but both I have attended were beautiful events with amazing food. This is a perfect date spot; we've celebrated a few anniversaries here. It's also a nice place to go with another couple. I don't think I would go back in a group of six, because some of the small plates are TOO small to share with a group that large. Perfect for two. Nice for four (you can try more things), but difficult with six.
(5)Shana M.
When I want a fancy night out with a unique atmosphere I go to Meson Sabika. The restaurant itself is a old mansion. The staff is very knowledgable of the menu so definitely ask them for suggestions. I love the sangria, and bacon wrapped dates.
(5)John S.
Not much to say about this place, it is obvious that it's excellent. My recommendation is to eat outside on the patio. I had no idea they had one until yesterday.
(5)Nick B.
I was taken here for a Sunday brunch. All I can say was it was amazing and I left in a food coma. For the brunch you get to try a bunch of different hot and cold tapas. Also a free champagne drink to start brunch off wasn't bad either. I had 3 big plates of all different types of brunch tapas. Everything was amazing. You can't go wrong with anything you pick. The setting was nice, A manor restaurant. I wouldn't advise to bring children along as it does get rather cramped. Overall I cannot wait to go back for brunch. Amazing and words cannot describe how much your stomach will thank you.
(5)Cash P.
My family loves this place! The food is scrumptious. Go with a group as tapas are ment to be shared or go to Sunday brunch so you can have a little of everything. Sunday brunch reminds me of the high end Las Vegas buffets. Holidays book up so make reservations. They offer kid friendly foods on the buffet presented on tables at child height. We love sitting outside on the patio during the summer. Their chocolate matini is creamy with just a slight sweetness. My mom says their sangria always reminds her of being in Spain. It is a little dryer than most American versions.
(5)Joe Z.
How many more times do I have to rate Meson Sabika (happy to do it team). Awesome place, awesome food, awesome service and all in a atmosphere this is upscale and just nice. You want a place to take your mom (or other well heeled adult) then this is the place. The food is awesome and the presentation is as well. The plates are small-ish (ive been to places where they are even smaller) and well prepared. The hot comes hot and the cold comes cold. Caution on the garlic potato salad . . . they use a LOT of garlic so everyone at the table needs to take at least one bite so you're not killing each other later on. Good stuff, and that's not a complaint it's just how they make theirs and it's awesome. Favorite is the Skirt Steak with onions and blue cheese . . . . mouth watering to go get some right now. I've been there a ton of times and I'll be going back. Quality and consistency are top notch. Don't ever stop what you're doing Meson Sabika, I love ya.
(4)L J.
We went to the Sunday brunch the first time we ever ate at this restaurant. All I can say is "WOW" Everything was delicious, service was great, gardens were beautiful. Can't wait to eat there again!
(5)Jessica O.
First time eating at a tapas restaurant. Many options cold and hot. Ordered mostly hot ones. Lamb, beef, duck, shrimp and lobster They were all good but nothing outstanding. I think it was a good meal overall due to the variety of the dishes. The place is charming but since it's an older mansion/house the place has limited space so you are very close to other tables and it can get loud. The deserts and drinks were really good.
(3)Bill O.
I really always considered tapas to be a casual meal, and I've always enjoyed the small portion/solid spicy red wine/sangria/uniqueness of it all. However after Saturday night's meal at Maison Sabika In Naperville, I realized that tapas can be elegant and is very well complemented by excellent customer service. After walking through the grounds of this 5 acre mansion dating back to the 1800s, we were immediately seated and introduced by our waiter, Kyle. Kyle was comprehensive in his explanations of the food And he selected a awesome glass of red wine that he explained very well. Later he told me that the wine representative for Maison was there yesterday, so he had fresh memory. He also let me know that they had Hendricks gin. Had a martini and had three awesome tapas: one. Garlic potato salad two. blood sausage and chorizo three. Skirt steak After celebrating my friends birthday that night at her selection of a unique restaurant that is Maison Sabika, our waiter Kyle approached myself and my wife and let us know that it was a pleasure to serve us. This really gave our visit the X factor makes me want to come back again. Nice job Kyle, and nice job Maison Sebeka.
(5)Andrea M.
This is the best place to go sample a little bit of a lot of different especially tasty dishes. I love the tapas idea and I love the atmosphere. It looks like an old house (I think it is) and the servers are superb. You can NOT go wrong. It is a great place to go when you have a big group that would like to share their experience -everybody can eat EVERYTHING. Yum!
(5)Terry I.
Have tried plenty of the menu dishes, come here many times and have never walked out disappointed by the food, service, or pricing. Great place to go to for any occasion.
(5)Amanda C.
Delicious! We had a birthday day date. This has been the first time I made reservations online and they made our date perfect. I added it was a special occasion with us celebrating husbands birthday and they came out with a cream puff filled with vanilla ice cream and chocolate drizzle! We had bacon wrapped dates and the shrimp was amazing. We had other tapas dishes that were all perfectly made. Thank you Meson Sabika for making it a special day!
(5)Ingrid B.
Yum. Yum. Yum. From beginning to end-olives to profiteroles (and everything in between)-it was sublime. Will return as often as I can.
(5)Wendy P.
I really cannot understand the high ratings. I must have gone on a catastrophic night. The dining room was freezing cold. We ordered some cocktails which was for me a decent Manhattan and then we waited, swatting gnats while perusing the enormous menu, which seemed a bit too big for fine dining. We ordered the Cogollo de Tudelo, which was a disappointing mound of lettuce soaked in a bland creamy dressing with tiny bits of shriveled mushroom and slivers of heart of palm. This was accompanied by both the Pulpo ala Feira and the Piquillos de Mariscos. The pulpo was chewy, tough and overwhelmingly salty. while the Piquillos were doused in the same creamy dressing that coated the salad and the fishiness of the overpowered the sweet-hotness of the peppers. 0 for three at this point when we moved onto the hot tapas. By this time I had finished my drink but not before at least 5 gnats had met a grim watery death in my martini glass. We started with the Pipirrana de Buey, a skirt steak with blue cheese, ordered medium rare came well done, unseasoned and plastered in a 1/2 inch crust of blue cheese. This was followed by teeth-curlingly sweet Datiles, which lacked any heat or anything to balance the sugar. Finally the Montaditos de Cerdo, the pork medallions, which were another big mistake. The Patatas Bravas, the spicy potatoes were the only thing that reminded me of my time in Spain We left most of it, corked our wine and left before the open bottle before more gnats died. Really terrible and memorable for the wrong reasons.
(1)Blondie B.
Food, Service, Quality, & Ambiance is what I am looking for in my ratings. This Restaurant is always a sure bet! Reservations are strongly encouraged. Food is always spot on perfectly cooked and presented, I have never sent back a dish. Service is mainly consistent, quick and very attentive. Truly authentic Spanish tapas with wonderful Paellas Mariscos. You will feel very at "home" here at Meson Sabika. Beautiful grounds, in a beautiful vintage home. Great restaurant and do not forget to have a Sangria!
(4)Anna N.
An excellent tapas option for the western burbs. After moving from downtown Chicago I have yet to find a decent tapas option until Meson Sabika. They have a HUGE menu with a lot of great options to choose from. I suggest trying their specials since those were some of my faves. The inside is like an old home and cozy. Came here for my b-day dinner and was not disappointed. I love that they also provide bread for the table since so many tapas dishes have great sauces that I literally want to lick the plate clean and having bread helps me do so! Serving size was good and quality of food was appropriate for the price. My only complaint is that some of the dishes could have used a touch more salt, or I would have liked some salt at my table to do so myself, but that could just be me and my pregnancy preferences! I'm looking forward to coming back!
(5)Alyssa J P.
A gorgeous restaurant with incredible sangria and a very vegan-friendly menu. Just ask for things on the vegetarian menu without the cheese or sauce. I was very pleasantly surprised about how vegan-friendly they are, actually, because sometimes fancy restaurants won't rise above pretentiousness to serve people with dietary restrictions. Great place to bring a date! Go in the summer or early autumn and dine on the patio.
(4)Clarence S.
Service was impeccable, and at the same time didn't bother the table much. Bussers came consistently for water and bread. The food was spot on with the descriptions on the menu. In regards to the atmosphere, it was really clean and had an "at home" feel to it. I didn't feel "hovered over" by other customers. This place is a legitimate, traditional tapas restaurant. So if you're a fan of contemporary, fusion tapas restaurants like me, this is definitely a change of scenery. However, I directly compared the taste of the food to that of Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba's version of it downtown and I found Ba-Ba-Reeba's flavor to be a bit more enticing. For a restaurant in the suburbs, it was a great experience. I wouldn't mind staying there, chatting, and eating for at least two hours, and of course having a great time.
(4)Jim C.
Such a quandary. When a reservation is made for a party of 25, is it unreasonable to expect decent service with adequate staffing? I don't think so. But apparently Meson Sabika does. Witness the dinner our party had after high school graduation. 25 people spanning 3 generations. We had one waitress who had never handled a group this size, a couple of random bus boys who picked up the dishes and filled water when the spirit seemed to moved them. And a kitchen that was painfully slow on getting the orders out and wrong dishes delivered regularly. But the food itself was awesome. Tasty, crunchy, interesting, flavorful and downright scrumptious. But it wasn't enough, for me anyway, to offset the annoyingly disinterested service. I would have at least expected the manager to pop in and make sure things were okay. He or she didn't. Although someone in my party said some manager type made an appearance before I arrived but I was there for at least 90 minutes. I guess my bottom line is its a good choice for a date but expect to wait given the service experience I had. For a large group though I'd look elsewhere despite the food.
(2)Gary D.
I've been wanting to try this place since moving here 2 years ago and we used Naperville restaurant week as the excuse. It was fantastic. The setting is this old mansion that's been updated to a restaurant and it's very well done which really contributes to a great atmosphere. The service was impeccable even though the waiter was Spanish and didn't speak good English it just added more to the ambiance of a Spanish tapas establishment. The wine list is limited to Spanish wines only but after explaining what we liked in a wine the server suggested a Spanish wine which was close and good. The only reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 was we took advantage of the prix fixe menu for restaurant week and the selections were good, but not GREAT. I will definitely go again though as the regular prices were reasonable anyway. Besides how many places do you find that serve splits of cava!
(4)Dauer H.
Absolutely delicious, just a bit hefty for my budget and a bit far out of the city, but if you want stellar Spanish food, this is the place to go! You'll never get comida this caliber in Cafe Iberico or Cafe Ba Ba Reba! Great atmosphere! Intimate yet cozy...def get the Montadita con Langosta (lobster in saffron sauce). Veggie selections compliment the seafood choices.
(4)Alan L.
Totally did agree with these ratings. If you have ever had real Spanish tapas you will immediately understand that what is served here is not authentic. Like many ethnic restaurants it has been adjusted to cater to the tastes of the local customers, which does not reflect authenticity
(1)Janelle C.
Meson Sabika never disappoints. I have been for birthday celebrations, Sunday brunch and lunch with mom. The food is always good, especially meat dishes. Meats are always flavorful and cooked to perfection. The most classic tapas are nowhere near as good as they are in Spain, but the best you'll find in Naperville. My faves are the bacon wrapped dates and duck confit. The wine list includes lots of good Spanish wines.
(4)Jodi L.
Excellent dining. This is one of my absolute favorite tapas restaurants. The outdoor seating is so romantic and quaint and it's the perfect place for a date or an anniversary. Make sure you try the Sangria - it's the best drink on the menu. 5 stars!!!
(5)Rupa N.
Delectable tapas meant to be shared, flowing Sangria, a boisterous crowd, and of course a beautiful setting in a renovated Naperville mansion originally built in 1847. Meson Sabika surely ranks as a must-visit in suburban Naperville. I've been here a few times and I "always" order the garlic potato salad. The price has gone up in recent years and the staff has tempered the garlic (shucks) but it's a cult classic to be sure! I always say - If you can get the taste of garlic out of your mouth in less than 24 hours.......................it isn't garlicky enough. Spanish wines are spectacular but we're really stuck on their red sangria. A pitcher goes for $27 but it pairs up really nicely with the food. I've sampled sangria in Barcelona and Seville and Meson's my favorite. A platter of bread along with a small bowl of marinated olives start the evening. We love the olives here and always order another bowl which is one of the cold tapas offerings. The bread isn't much to talk about but takes a life of its own when dipped in olive marinade! Their paellas are quite nice and filling but limits the number of tapas that can be ordered. This go-around, we noticed some nice daily specials that caught our eye so we decided to forego the paella. My favorite down-pat was a cold special of the day, a mushroom dish marinated in olive oil, topped with mozzarella cheese, accompanied by asparagus. So much going on in this dish. We also tried a hot tapas special, montaditos de sol, tender beef tenderloin wrapped in bacon accompanied by a sweet sauce accompanied by pears I think. The patatas bravas were too reminiscent of my favorite Barcelona to pass up, potatoes with spicy manchego cheese. Good dish but I wasn't in awe. The dud of the night were the veal meatballs. It was either the meatballs or the sausage dish and I opted for the former since it was a special of the night. This was a pretty bland dish. We were quite full but I convinced my husband to share Tarta de Chocolate y Caramelo with me. This was blissful, warm chocolate and caramel custard baked in a hazelnut tart crust with vanilla ice cream. Oh Yum. I've tried Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba for tapas in Chi-Town and it doesn't hold a candle to Meson.
(3)Therese C.
Best place in the suburb for tapas! I have been enjoying Meson Sabika for 20 years from a quiet dinner for two to a large group with children on the patio. Good wine choices, consistent tapas favorites and always new plates to keep us coming back. I have not tried their brunch, but have heard only good reviews. I have ordered pans of paella for buffet dinner party at home. Never disappointed. Management and staff are proffessional and friendly. Always an enjoyable dinning experience.
(5)Steven K.
Loved it. Party of five. We ordered salads, 5 cold tapas, 5 hot tapas, and 3 deserts. Plenty of food. Everything was excellent! Haven't traveled to Spain in over 10 years, but the food brought back some great memories. Good, well paced service. Unique atmosphere. It's in an elegant old mansion, and very american traditionally decorated. Two pitchers white sangraia added to the fun.
(5)Charlie S.
Courteous, attentive service, great food and delicious sangria! What could be better?!?!
(4)Ellen G.
Went here for brunch, which was disappointingly ordinary. Wanted true tapas. The paella was Spanish rice with some shrimp and scallops added. Sliced vegetables and prime rib as per most decent buffets. Dessert was standard from a commercial bakery and was a little stale.
(1)Allison A.
My husband and I recently came here for our second wedding anniversary per suggestion from our friends. It was delicious! They were very gf friendly for me, which made my life a ton easier. Woo hoo! We sat outside on the patio and it was gorgeous. I would love to sit out there again. We started out with a pitcher of red sangria. That was great on a hot day. We also had the dates, potato salad, chicken skewer, seafood paella. My husband got a few items off the regular menus, which he really enjoyed as well. All of the food was great. My husband usually doesn't like tapas restaurants because he says he is never full after. Well we ordered a total of 6 things plus the paella and we were stuffed and even had some to take home. I am looking forward to going back with some friends to try even more things!
(4)Suzanne Z.
I would like to give this place a better review and admit I need to go back. I've only been here for a wedding. We were in their side venue, so I didn't get to see the main house. I don't know if I recommend tapas for a wedding... everything I tried was good, but sharing small plates with a big table did not make for much of a meal! We left starving. I did enjoy their sangria, and the staff running the bars were fun and friendly. The room the wedding was in was nice and large with a dance floor area. I can't wait to go back and eat a full meal here, I will update my review then and will definitely give more stars, based on what I saw from everyone else!
(3)Kaye D.
Having a reservation via open table led us to being immediately seated in the restaurant. With the restaurant being in a home/mansion from the 1850s, the ambiance is cute and quaint. It is as if you were invited over for dinner at the home. Our waiter was attentive and knowledgable in explaining certain tapas dishes beyond the description included in the menu. There was a generous selection of cold and hot tapas. We didn't feel rushed to order everything all at once, nor pressured to finishing our food quickly. Our current favorites are the bacon wrapped dates (datiles con tocino), stuffed mushroom caps (champiñones) and grilled lamb medallions with onions and mushrooms (cordero al pastor). The red sangria was pretty fanstastic. It was fruity, flavorful and you felt the kick of the alcohol without it being too overwhelming in each sip. We tried the banana mousse for dessert. It was pretty good - whipped and airy, along with tiny chocolate shavings. I'd have it again. The flavor choice for the mousse (the banana) was different from anything I've had as far as mousse is concerned. As far as prices go, they're pretty moderate. Each tapas dish ranges from about $5-$15 depending on what your stomach is craving. Overall, it was a relaxing and fun experience.
(4)Maya T.
The place is beautiful. It's expensive... but I had a Groupon deal for the small plates during lunch. Good food.
(4)Michelle S.
Meson Sabika is a beautiful place to have a wedding. The staff was top notch and the grounds were lovely. The owner even made a point of talking to us and wanted to make sure everything was just right. The food was delicious and the environment was better.
(5)Michael Z.
Great food, Great experience. To start out we made reservations for 6 PM an got there about 5:50 PM they sat us right away which was nice. The waiter was very knowledgeable an provides a few suggestions. At first the pace of the meal was good, but then all of a sudden we had three things on our table at once. All in all this was a great meal. We will definitely be going back in the summer to enjoy the outdoor seating.
(4)Mary B.
Omg had the best experience ever!! Went there for my friends bday! Sat outdoors ordered tapas and the food, atmosphere, hosts were all just amazing. Dessert is great too ordered creme brule and another chocolate dessert. I highly recommend this place for. Fun outdoor dinner In the summer. The inside looks like any restarAunt to go go, I think the outdoor seating just adds fun to the restaurant and gives it a funner experience. Def sit outdoors on. Nice summer evening
(5)Michele F.
The food was yummo. The bacon wrapped dates were my favorite. I went with a large group and was surprised how inexpensive the evening was even with 2 glasses of sangria.
(5)Julie H.
While the food was good, the accessibility was not. Ate on patio and after having to go thru the whole place to get there, the ramp to the patio was extremely steep and scary for anyone with a walker or wheelchair. The bathrooms might as well not have been marked accessible... my walker would not fit thru the stall door and a wheelchair would never fit. An older bldg. but still..
(2)Kristen H.
What a disappointment! I had been literally dying for almost a month to dine here for my birthday, after reading all of the reviews and looking at how gorgeous the establishment is. I'm not sure if those pictures are photoshopped, because the outside exterior is beautiful but once you walk into the mansion, the inside is not attractive, just a standard crowded restaurant. I had made a reservation for fifteen people, however as in most birthdays, most people do not show up exactly at the reservation time. So, I arrived with four other people. Immediately, we were greeted by our waitress, who began automatically making rude and blunt comments about where was everyone else. I informed her that they were running late. Eventually 12 people came, so we only had three seats open, and she still began making comments, such as "that's all of the people who are going to be here?!". It was not as though I had reserved a table for fifteen and only three people were there. Don't worry, your food is incredibly expensive, that you will still receive a large tip! The sangria was watered down, there was way too much ice inside of it. For a well known and recognized establishment, you can afford to add the booze inside of the sangria. I ordered the escalvida con queso and salteado de hortalisas.. My escalvida was phenomenal but I could have made a better salteado de hortalisas at home with fresher vegetables. I would have given this restaurant a three stars, almost four for their food. Yet, our server obsessed with her tip and completely demonstrated this throughout our entire dining experience. At the beginning of our meal, I did ask about separate checks, and she stated that she would not be able to do that but could take up to as many payments as possible. I find this odd that a restaurant with this much money could not do so. I used to work at Bakers Square and we could do separate checks; I feel that some places do this in order to receive larger tips and bills. Well, of course between fifteen people and a bunch of tapas and drinks, we were short on our bill and were having difficulty in figuring out who owed what, and our waitress actually rolled her eyes. This ruined my dining experience and made me wish that I would have gone to Macarena Tapas in Naperville instead. I will not be returning, which is unfortunate because once you make a tapas fan of me, I will forever be a loyal and returning customer.
(2)Hannah P.
I had a birthday dinner here 2 years ago and I loved it. My birthday is at the end of Sept so we got to sit outside on the deck. It was beautiful. There was a wedding going on in the front, so it was kind of crowded...but once that died down it was great. Food service could have been faster; it takes awhile for the next round of dishes to come out in some cases. But typically it was worth the wait...everything was delicious for the most part!! Obviously these are tapas style meals so you're not going to get a huge mouthful of everything; definitely "taster" size portions. The staff was courteous, the mansion itself is gorgeous. Definitely a place everyone should go at least once!
(4)Kyle C.
Meson Sabika is a very interesting restaurant. They serve Spanish tapas which are pretty small plates that everyone is supposed to share. The food itself is not bad, but it is pretty pricey for what you get. The staff is very formal and not very personable or attentive, which I would expect at a higher end restaurant like this. The atmosphere is actually what really make this place as it is in an old mansion which is really cool. I would go for a nice light formal dinner, but anything else I might consider elsewhere.
(3)Scott F.
Was there last night with a party of 8 for a friends girlfriends birthday. First let me start by saying I don't love tapas or necessarily hate tapas, but it is what it is; you go in hungry and u leave hungry with no money. The service was interesting. I understand the whole tapas dining experience being drinking, sharing plates and visiting with friends over a long period of time but it seemed our waiter would disappear for long periods of times. I noticed no one at our table had their water refilled including mine throughout a 2 1/2 hour dining experience. After we all decided what we wanted to taste the waiter pretty much took over the check and decided how, what and when we all would be tasting the foods without acknowledging anybody at the table. Very interesting. All said and done the service was below average. The food was mediocre. It was an interesting menu with lots of choices and on paper it all sounds really good. But upon receiving and tasting u can tell everything was prepared earlier in the afternoon and was just slopped on a plate with a few garnishes, also under seasoned (If u aren't going to have salt and pepper on the table the food that leaves your kitchen better be on point chefs) I think the people that rate this place so high and love it so much get caught up in its location, concept and the ambience of this restaurant and don't understand good, cooked to order, seasonally prepared dishes. If the service was exceptional for my experience I could look past the mediocre dishes and understand why people loved this place so much...but sadly it wasn't exceptional. Now I am in the food industry and am a chef so u can take my review for what it's worth to u. Oh and get some new flatware meson sabika.
(3)Ellen M.
I've given Sabika a few more chances, and they deserve a ratings upgrade. I've been especially impressed with the Salpicon, a cold seafood dish with peppers and other vegetables - it's fresh and delicious, and with the exception of some wonderful aromatic oil, it's a low-sin food. The calabaza acorn squash soup was also amazing. Also, I thought I was losing my mind when I ordered the Pama sangria (pomegranate flavored), but it turned out I was perfectly sane. Delicious, inventive drink.
(4)Anahita L.
My favorite Spanish restaurant when i am not in Barcelona ...I love the food ..the ambiance and the service ..
(5)Agnes L.
Making the mood: Loved how the mansion setting created a more unique atmosphere. It felt cozy with different rooms and floors, yet formal with the linens, decor and on-point service. Savoring the food: Because it's tapas, my husband, friend and I enjoyed a wide variety of dishes and leisurely lingered. We didn't feel rushed and the server gave us honest suggestions. Overall, the quality and pacing of the food was just right. However, the combos of ingredients were nothing new/different compared to other tapas restaurants I've visited. My favs of the night were - *Jamon Serrano - little open-face sandwiches are always an addiction for me and the hubby *Datiles con Tocino - hard to go wrong with the sweet-savory combo of classic bacon- wrapped dates *Pippirana de Buey- hearty skirt steak with blue cheese on potato *Empanada de Buey - another hearty dish with beef in a puff pastry and a little slaw and sour cream on the side
(4)Ryan M.
Best restaurant in the western suburbs... and this coming from a guy that doesn't usually enjoy tapas. We've been here dozens of times and always have a great experience. The food is consistently excellent. The service is usually good, but we've had some off nights. The ambiance is incredible. Outside of the city, it's hard to find restaurants with character. This place over-delivers. It's an old plantation style mansion with a cozy outdoor patio. We love going in the summer and sitting outside. They have an excellent Spanish wine list, and great assortment of cold and hot tapas. I also find Meson very reasonable for the value.
(5)Oreste G.
I had my parents in town and was looking for something a little different. We sat on the back patio and had a wonderful evening. Drinks were mediocre, but all the tapas were excellent and the flan was exceptional.
(4)Patrick L.
My dinner here was pretty good. I didn't try any of their specialty listings but we had a good variety if items. Everything was satisfactory. They menu is definitely large though so in fairness I think it takes a few times to get a good feel. Just didn't have my socks blow off by anything. On the plus side, all the food came quickly. On the down side, our waitress was a little hit & miss. I think she was being stretched a little thing over a few rooms. Definitely worth a try though. The food was good & the prices were right.
(3)Jeff N.
The detail orientation was very admirable. Bianca was everywhere and directed the staff throughout the evening. The food was great. The service was very professional. The facility is beautiful and the landscaping Is perfect for picture taking. The wedding reception set up was exactly what we wanted.
(5)Anita W.
Whether it was planning a huge baby shower or coming here for lunches and dinners, this place has always been a wonderful experience. The food has always been delightful and delicious. Sangria GREAT! The brunches are AWESOME! My experience with the staff has been extremely positive and attentive. One of my favorite places in the Western suburbs!
(5)Cory H.
This taste of this place was one of a kind. My wife raves about it constantly and we finally went just so I didn't have to hear about it anymore. It was delicious. With just the two of us, there wasn't exactly enough food but we made it work. The service is excellent and very quick and the dessert was amazing. You wouldn't be able to share with more than two people and I would recommend ordering everything for yourself and only sharing if you absolutely have to.
(5)Christina D.
Being a longtime Meson Sabika lover there is very little I do not like about this restaurant. Seeing as though my husband I love this place so much, it's where we got married several years ago. We've gone to other weddings subsequently and every time we're there it's incredible. The ambience is really what grabs your attention when you first walk in. The old historic plantation style home is so gorgeous. The landscaping and grounds of the restaurant are so beautiful. When you first walk in you're always greeted by the host. Next, the drinks are incredible. The key lime martini is to die for. I get it every time. On to the food. There's not one thing on the menu I don't enjoy. Queso de cabra, the datiles, pincho de pollo. I could go on. It's a staple of naperville and you must try it!
(5)Hayley H.
I wish they would remodel, not only the interior, but also the menu. I know they have been serving tapas since before they were cool, but their stuff is a bit outdated. Who HASNT had a bacon wrapped date? I can go to any ol' tapas place and get that. With such a pricetag, it should have a little more ingenuity. And better desserts. Yuck. Plus, there are too many children. Sorry, but NYE is for grownups, not kids. Go home. Get a babysitter. So selling your prix fixe menu with a free kids food tag in it is silly. Also silly, having a "special menu" but really just adjusting the amounts each person gets. Instead of 3 scallops, you get 2. Nothing special. Nothing memorable. If modernized, this place has the bones to be a landmark. Not only in Naperville, but also in the entire Fox Valley Area. Currently, its below the radar because its mediocre. Meh. Will not return unless remodeled and revamped.
(3)Chloe H.
This place has always been a special treat for me. It's not very close to where I live, but it is easier to drive to than somewhere in the city. I went here for the first time when I was in high school for a Spanish field trip. Since then, I have returned about every 6 months or so. There is something about the intimacy and feeling of comfort I get every time I go there that keeps me coming back. I do have to say though, the last time I went, the noise level was very high compared to prior visits. My sister and I were seated by a large AND lively group, so I'm not surprised. But I was shouting to her like I was at Fox & Hound. Anyway, despite the change in the usual ambiance, the waitstaff was attentive and food was served quickly. Here are some of my favorite foods there. Queso de Cabra: goat cheese over garlic bread; I am a sucker for goat cheese, and this does not disappoint. Vieras al Albarino: scallops served over couscous in an apple butter sauce; this is probably my #3 favorite food of all time. Calamares a la Plancha: squid in a delicious olive oil/lemon juice concoction; sometimes the simple stuff works best. Tostada con Ternera: a sort of bruschetta with tomatoes, olive oil, a pinch of spices, and thinly-sliced veal on top. There were too many tomatoes on for my liking, but those were easily scraped off and I enjoyed the rest. I usually like paella, but it was my least favorite dish here. the Paella Mariscos had mussels that were extremely gritty, and I could hear the sand grinding against my teeth. But despite this setback, I have enjoyed pretty much every dish I have tried there. I leave satisfied about eating 2-3 dishes.
(5)Sanjeev m.
still a great setup, but not impressed with the food or service.
(2)Lena K.
Food is pretty good but not great. Try the bacon wrapped dates , potato salad , and paella but be prepared to wait. I enjoy sitting outside in the summer. Service is ok- although on my last visit it was horrible but willing to try again!
(3)Samantha B.
This place blew my mind. Its beautifully decorated, the service is amazing and the food was outstanding! I still dream about the bacon wrapped dates and stuffed mushrooms. This was just a really great tapas place. Went there with two of my girlfriends a few weeks back and we stayed there for over 2 and a half hours ordering different tapas and slamming pitchers of delicious sangria with fresh fruit. I only have two slight complaints...I went around noon on a Friday and it was extremely loud. The seating is pretty cramped so you have to yell over everyone else. Maybe it is more quiet on week days. Secondly, the prices were pretty expensive. The pitcher of sangria was 27 dollars (which we did not know until we received the bill)! It was good sangria...but not 27 dollars good. I guess teachers receive 30% off the bill and naperville teachers get 40% off. That was pretty cool because our bill total dropped immensely. Overall, great tapas. Will definitely go again.
(5)Brian O.
Visited 4-5 times- exceptional small dishes & paella. Great white & red sangria. Terrific service. And, the atmosphere is among the best I've ever experienced (depending on the specific room you are placed in- this is essentially located in a mansion). Bacon wrapped dates are top notch. I'm not prone to hyperbole & tend to write long reviews for bad restaurants. It's funny how little you have to say in regard to the best restaurants. Be prepared to wait or get reservations well in advance- there is a reason this is so crowded- it excels in all regards.
(5)Jonathan G.
Excellent food! The decor is nice and plenty of tables so no long waits. Very good sangria and the tapas menu has a great selection.
(5)Chicago G.
People clearly come here for the atmosphere. Food is barely ok. Not at all worth the calories. Beautiful setting and beautiful patio. That's about it. If you have to eat here the best things to get are the skewers and the empanadas.
(1)Tamara K.
I absolutely love Meson Sabika! This restaurant is one of the best if not the best in Naperville. The tapas are out of this world. I love coming on Sunday for their brunch where they have a buffet style selection of some of their best tapas and allow for your choice of omelet and mimosa. Great for special occasions as well! Famous for their garlic potato salad, and delicious paella.
(5)Rachel K.
My family and I come here a few times a year and usually come on my birthday. This past week, we made reservations to celebrate my birthday and the meal started out wonderfully. The server started great, we put in our sangria and cold and hot tapas orders and that was when things went south. Cold tapas came out great and as expected. Hot tapas all came out except for one dish which we had to ask about repeatedly which ended up finally coming out about 20 minutes after we had finished our meal. My mom ordered a separate drink and after 20 minutes of not receiving it and after asking our server about it twice, my mom went to use the restroom and saw the server just then asking the bartender for the drink. She told her to not bother since we were done with our dinner. We weren't too mad- we were all servers at one point and understand that things get really busy but we were pretty annoyed when she came back up and blamed it on the bartender. Just apologize and don't throw your other coworkers under the bus when you clearly forgot. We then had to call her over because she for some reason didn't feel the need to come and speak to us anymore...we asked for a coffee, some waters, and two desserts to split. 30 minutes later...no waters (after asking her twice more) and no desserts. The manager then started making her away around to check on tables and came and asked us how we were doing. We said it had been great at the beginning but then turned bad and we just wanted our check so we could leave and to not bother with the desserts we ordered 30 minutes ago-she assured us she would remedy the situation and get our server to give us our check immediately. Server comes BACK into the room twice, goes to every table but ours and does not bring check so we get our jackets and go downstairs to get the manager. Normally we see the owners and say hello but they were not there tonight (maybe that explains the poor service). Both of the managers spoke to us and were finally able to get us our check. They didn't have any answers as to why our service was so horrible and just kept saying sorry and trying to give us a gift card that we didn't want. We paid and left and mailed the gift card back to the owners with a note as to why we will not be eating there again. Really disappointing as it had been one of our favorite restaurants.
(1)Meera V.
Its an amazing place especially for a date! Its not just the food, but the ambience is awesome too. Apparently its located in an old house and its beautiful. We went in summers when the outdoors is open too. Its really nice and well maintained. Staff is nice too, service ia fast. Nice variety of wines. All in all a very good experience. One of the best restaurants I have been to so far!
(5)Lorrie K.
One of my Favorite places. Even if the food wasn't great I'd go because of the great garden and beautiful building. Flamenco dancing and spanish guitar, tapas and sangria. It's a mini vacation. Try the bacon wrapped dates yumm.
(5)Molly C.
Best service and food ever! My first time here and my server explained everything to me with was very nice. Alot of veggie options. Everything was amazing, I loved the olives that were on the table! The cake with caramel sauce was so good we took some Togo.it was effortless service with amazing food
(5)Cori B.
Food was great! The dining room was a little small.
(4)Iryna K.
The best haircut and style that I have ever had. I will be going back for sure. Everyone is so friendly and they really know what they're doing. I would highly recommend this salon to everyone! Thank you Brynn!
(5)Alex P.
Great location, nice facility but food is so-so and prices are above average.
(3)Brian G.
It's alright. Honestly, it's not the greatest and never will be, but it's alright. I'll go back if someone plans an event there but I won't go out of my way to come here. The food is bland - I said it, go ahead and mock me. It's bland. Perhaps I went on an off day for the chef or maybe I made poor choices, but the food is bland. I was looking for some pop - a zip and kick to my food. It all looked, smelled and tasted the same to me. No, I wasn't sick - I swear. The lay out is nice, the service was great overall and the options were plentiful. I simply did not like the food. Why else would you go to a place like this? It's not an upscale bar where you can relax with your friends with rough scotch or martini. It's simply a place to go and eat. So my rating of 3 is only due to the creativity and layout of Mason Sabika as well as to the fact that it's not some God awful chain that's on every main street corner. If this was based purely on food then they would have received a 1. I dread hearing that family and friends want to come here.
(3)Victrix V.
It's pricey, and quite simple for a tapas restaurant, yet this place has ambience and freshly baked desserts to offer. Great sangria, delicious desserts and truly yummy but not amazing knocks your socks off tapas. Too basic, too small for the price, too uninspiring-- I get bored eating here...Meson Sabika sticks to what it knows! I've never had bad food here, but I've never been completely impressed...it's inconsistent for 5stars and worth a pondering for 4 stars at time as well! It's for sure worth a go to try:)
(4)T H.
Meson Sabika is definitely one of my favorite restaurants. I had never had tapas before, and did not know what to expect. I wanted to try something different, so chose Meson Sabika for a friend's birthday luncheon. I was pleasantly surprised. Our waiter was very nice and very helpful. He suggested some dishes, and they were all fabulous. I have to say, the garlic potato salad was phenominal. I don't do seafood, but my friend was really happy with her choice of tiger shrimp something or other. If your looking for a nice, clean, inexpensive dinner, this is the place. I cant wait to go back!
(5)Karen G.
awesome, but pricy as always!
(4)Kate D.
Meson Sabika is okay. The mansion concept is cool, and I like having a solid tapas option in the western suburbs. Prior to last night, I had only been in the beautiful special event space for the Yelp Summer White Party in maybe 2009 or 2010. My book club dined in the main restaurant yesterday and I wasn't particularly impressed. The host staff were very friendly and attentive - they deserve 5 stars. We didn't eat a ton, but what we had was very good. Papas Bravas and Gambas Al Ajillo were particularly delicious. The menu is very heavy on goat cheese. I've never seen so many goat cheese-oriented dishes. They must buy it in bulk or something. Hey, I like goat cheese, so not a problem. The interior just feels cramped and musty to me. I feel like it's a family Thanksgiving dinner and Grandma had to set up tables in the spare room to accommodate everyone. Yes, they're doing the best with the space they have. But I wouldn't describe it as romantic simply due to the "eating in the living room" vibe. I'm sure I'll be back though, and I'll do what I can to end up on the patio. That may change my opinion of the ambiance. Our waiter, Chris, was inconsistent. Sure, he was attentive, but he lost any good will that garnered when it was time to pay. A member of our group is a Naperville teacher, which comes with a discount at Meson Sabika. When Chris presented the bill, he made a HUGE deal out of showing us the pre-discount check and instructed us to tip on that amount. WTF??? I get providing us with an extra check so we're aware of our pre-discount total, but what kind of presumptuous, patronizing waiter thinks it's okay to INSTRUCT diners how to tip him? His remarks were rude and unprofessional, and cost him that precious extra tip money. Yeah, I'll probably be back. I do want to give their patio a test drive. But it's just not the kind of place I'd go to for a special occasion.
(3)Nicole L.
I've been here for 2 weddings and 2 dinners. The food is delicious and the decor is beautiful. The mansion rooms are quiet and intimate but it can be a little too intimate. We were bumping into each other when we were trying to manuever around the table. All in all though, great food and delicious sangria. =)
(4)Alegna G.
Best sunday brunch ever! Well atleast that I've had. Amazing food, drinks, atmosphere. We sat outside on a gorgeous day. Beautiful outdoor patio. Our server was great. She was very friendly and attentive.
(5)Kalena G.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in the area- especially in the summer. The restaurant is beautiful and it's great to sit outside here in the summer under the trellis and have some prickly pear sangria. Among my favorites are the bacon wrapped dates and the scallops.
(5)Christopher B.
Had a lot of fun here! The Sangria was great! It helps if you love Tapas of course. I found the place to be very romantic...a great place for a date....or to get married!
(4)Trisha B.
Beautiful mansion turned restaurant. Came here 6 yrs ago for a reception. Couldn't remember the food. But the food I had tonight was delicious. Tapas is the way to go for a couple girlfriends just relaxing and catching up. So many things to try. All dishes we tried were amazing. The taste was unique and made you wish there was more. The dessert we ordered was a simple pear pound cake served with ice cream. It sounds simple but it was decadent melt in your mouth delicious. And if you are into sangria, the mango sangria is amazing. There are many rooms filled with tables so plenty of seating. But make a reservation. We made a 6:30 reservation and the couple standing in front of us did not and there wasn't a table available until 9:30. The one negative thing I can say is that the room we were in was very loud and all the conversations were echoing. Tapas is a nice way to try different spanish dishes. But this is a bit pricey so plan on spending a bit more for dinner. A must try if you've never had tapas.
(4)Max M.
3.5 Stars The drapes don't match the carpeting. Beautiful Victorian Mansion serving Tapas. Hmmmmm. Tapas falls under the shared/small plates trend that is so popular these days. Part of what is fun about small plates is the pace and energy that is characteristic of this style of dining. This is where there is a slight disconnect for me kinda like serving champagne from a food truck or serving whole roasted chicken at your local town's watering hole. For me, it's often about the food though. If this had been the best tapas I've ever had, then I wouldn't care if you served me in a laundromat. Alas, the food was respectable but it definitely didn't take me to Spain. There's no doubt that the venue is unique and quite lovely, but they pack em in here and it feels, at times, like you're in a Cheesecake Factory in Colonial Virginia. It's still deserving of another try.
(3)Rich P.
The food was decent but the service was very poor and the waiter was borderline rude! Also, I had made reservations for my girlfriends Birthday and they completely forgot to bring out the "Special Birthday Dessert" they promised me when I called to make the reservations and the waiter was clueless. I also called to complain since it was a special occasion and the Manager did apologize but never sent the gift certificate he "Promised he would send"! When I called to follow-up he claimed he placed it in the mail over a week prior but doesn't know why I didn't receive. So, I gave it another two weeks or so since he claimed he would resend but still never received! I mean I don't live out in the middle of nowhere (in fact, only about 10 miles away!) or anything and have no problem receiving all my other mail so not sure why he couldn't get it to my residence- or maybe because he never sent it! Also, when we sat at the bar for a few after dinner drinks the bartender was quite rude, didn't acknowledge us for at least 10 minutes and then didn't even speak a word to us and just about threw the drinks at us! I felt disrespected and don't deserve to be treated this way, have no desire to go back!!
(2)Ryan N.
Moving from the city to the suburbs has its pluses and minuses, but the quality non-chain restaurant selection is definitely one of the largest minuses for my wife and I. Meson Sabika was a very pleasant surprise, and lived up to its Yelp reviews. Highly recommend their dates, empanada, and stuffed mushrooms. The lamb was also good, but we will probably try something else the next time we are there. Overall, one of the top 3 tapas restaurants I have been to. Only complaint is that the sangria was merely solid and did not stand out.
(5)Joe I.
It's popular because of the location. The food is just ok. I suggest drinking Sangria and sitting outside in the warmer months.
(2)Laura V.
Great atmosphere, love the variety of tasty food ! This wonderful restaurant values educators as well. If you are a teacher or Para-pro of the 2 area districts, you get a nice discount on your meal! At the time of posting, if you can show a pay stub or an ID you get 40% off your check for parties of four or less! Great food, great atmosphere, and the added perk of a nice discount are unbeatable! The outdoor dining is relaxing during summer months.
(5)U J.
I have mixed feelings about Meson Sabika. Ideally I would love to love it, because their outdoor patio is fantastic, and everything about this place screams amazing. It's situated in an old mansion (supposedly haunted), it's gorgeous, and service has always been good. Foodwise though, there is nothing here that makes me want to go back for more. My husband and I have been here several times now due to living in Naperville, (and planning a wedding in Naperville a year ago, which meant lots of dinners out here during the process) and most recently last Friday night. We ordered 2 cold & 4 hot tapas and none of them were very good. Additionally, there is a chance that one of the appetizers had a piece of hair in it (I never say for certain as I understand it could have been my own too). Either way, my interest in this place has disappeared.
(3)Casey W.
Delicious tapas in a gorgeous setting with a truly philanthropic owner. Definitely check it out in the summertime patio area!
(5)Erin K.
Just fantastic...my friends wanted to lunch here to celebrate the start of summer. Having been for the Yelp event a few years back, I thought I might be let down to just have a few people at a patio table...how I was wrong! I really hadn't been to the patio side and in the shade of an umbrella it was a perfect afternoon setting. There were others there but it wasn't crowded. As I remembered, the food was amazing. There were even choices that pleased both my meat loving friends and my vegetarian friend. We eight tapas between us, a pitcher of sangria and 2 amazing chocolate raspberry desserts. I would easily recommend anything we tried. This maybe my go-to place for special get-togethers...just beautiful!
(5)Sopla R.
You know how sometimes when you know you've not had stellar food? But you had a good overall experience? This was that for us. When you first arrive here you think. Southern plantation! You may also think you are in for an over the top experience to match those columns outside..and in a way you are.. Just not exactly in an authentic Spanish tapas culinary-way you'd think. The best way to describe this food? Decent banquet food. We tried 2 cold first. Carnes del Pueblo and Pulpo a la Feira. These were both underwhelming. We then ordered 4 more warm tapas. Our strategy after the cold because we thought maybe if we stuck to only the hot ones we'd have better luck. Most notable of the warm for us were : the Pipirrana de Buey and the Datiles con Tocino. Honestly, who can deny bacon wrapped dates? or any beef with blue cheese right? I forget what the other 2 were. Service. Both at the bar and table side were friendly and attentive enough..we asked (he didn't automatically offer up) what the specialties were since we'd never been) and then he took his ink pen and quickly told us/ ran down the menu and starred the ones he liked) it made me laugh that he did that. They were ready to refill (this time without asking) all non alcoholic beverages as well. he also recommend a decent Spanish wine by the glass so beverage wise our experience rocked! Conclusion: We enjoyed the kitchy ness/decor/ which can actually feel somewhat romantic with the fireplace and cozy rooms. I'd recommend coming here for the overall experience to try it at least once. Also, if I were ever in the area in the summertime I would def come back on a hot day and enjoy some sangria on that massive outdoor patio!
(3)Mallory L.
If you live in Naperville and haven't dined at Meson Sabika, it's a must have for dining. The tapas are amazing and the sangria is always a great pair with the meal. My favorite dishes are the Pato Confitado, Pipirrana de Buey, Salmón Curado con Queso and the Patatas Bravas are among my favorites.
(5)Rose D.
This is my favorite place to go for a special occasion night out. The food, and I've tried just about all of those tapas, is amazing! Add a pitcher of sangria & you are set! It will be difficult, but try your best to not stuff yourself and save room for a dessert or two to share. So worth it! I really love the look of this place. A nice stately white house, big columns, lovely landscaping set back from the road. When we take friends here for the first time they usually miss it because it was a home at one time and doesn't look like your typical restaurant. If you can, don't let them seat you upstairs. I understand the place gets busy & there may not be a choice but it's definitely not as nice as the main dining area & patio. When it's nice out I like to sit on the patio under the twinkle lights. The last couple of times we've been here the volume of the patrons chatter was LOUD, though. I'm used to this place having more of a romantic atmosphere so I'm not sure if it's just the Friday nights we've been here when it's loud or if that is the new vibe of the place.
(5)Cass V.
We went here for Sunday brunch, first impression a bit mared by the fact they sat us between a walkway at a table for 6, there was 4 of us, normally no big deal except for the fact people had to keep squeezing past us to get to the buffet. We were moved to a second room that was much roomier. So on to the food, we started with the cava mimosas, I had the chorizo Benedict, which I was not a fan of, didn't care for the conistency of the bread they used it was really mushy, I would have prefered on traditional English muffin; Good: Spanish olives, garlic potato salad, tuna cannelloni,bacon wrapped dates, mushroom cap w/Spanish cheses, tiger shrimp Not so much: paella, mussels, grilled squid- very overdone The dessert were okay none were really noteworthy, tried: profiteroles, orange flan, hazelnut mousse, and some type of coder cake which b/ t all deserts was probably the best.
(3)Marta S.
I've been here twice, once for dinner and once for lunch and both times I was pleased. I enjoyed the sangria. I loved the scallop couscous tapas-they scallops were cooked perfectly. I also think the hazelnut dessert as well as the creme brûlée are delicious desserts. The chicken on a skewer was a little dry and not very impressive. Something's are alright, but the good things are delicious. Service was great too.
(4)JT L.
It was ok... ordered half a dozen tapas at lunch - cured meats and cheese were good... crab was nice but all just kinda ok. Went back for dinner, order sangria and a dozen plus tapas - kinda the same... best in Naperville whatever that means
(3)Raymond M.
Wow didn't expect a place like this in Naperville! An old mansion renovated to be a tapas restaurant and one of the best looking bars in Chicagoland. We held a colleagues Bday here which she requested and now I feel the need to bring my wife so I don't talk about it without making her jealous. Considering my wife and I lived off of tapas on our honeymoon and I feel the need to bring her here is telling to say the least. Cannot wait to come back (with the Mrs. of course!)
(5)Howard L.
We returned here for a family holiday lunch, and this cozy, quaint place makes that easy to become a tradition for us. The food was for the most part good as usual, particularly the beef tenderloin tapas and lunch entree we had. The bacon wrapped dates and beef tenderloin dishes were the highlights - the "sliders" lunch entree (bocadillo de solomillo) as well as the tenderloin with sweet potato (solomillos con moniato). The latter dish was pricey at $16.95, but very good. The garlic potato salad was also quite good and refreshing. The valenciana paella (chicken, shrimp, mussels, clams) was a bit off - as the rice was overcooked, and the dish on the salty, soggy side. We also had the garlic bread with goat cheese, but it was pretty skimpy on the goat cheese. The service was also a bit off today. It was on slow side, and water service was dismal as I had to ask for more water once, and gave up another time, which is unusual in my experience here. Overall - about 4 stars for today's lunch.
(4)Cristie F.
Meson Sabika is the hidden gem of Naperville. And although it has been some time since I have dined there, it's always at the forefront of my mind when deciding on where to have dinner. Unfortunately I always opt for something in the 'hood instead. ((Gas is, what? $4.55+ a gallon right now?! Sheesh....)) Meson Sabika resides in the Willoway Mansion that was built way back in 1847. So yes, it's historic, vintage, and down right gorgeous. I love the entire feel of the place. There isn't that feel of dining in a restaurant where you're just another patron there to eat. At Meson Sabika, you're treated as if you're a special guest in their home. In my experience, service has always been exceptional. The food is no different. Served tapas style, you have your option of cold or hot tapas, soups and salads, or paella. Everything is delish, and the staff as always been accommodating to my dietary needs. But, before you dig in and start to order half the menu, a pitcher of sangria is a must. You have your choice of the classic Red or White, Cava, Pomegranate, Mango, Strawberry, or Pear. Not that the other flavors aren't good, but I'm a big fan of the classic red. As for the tapas, here's a few of my faves... :: Quesos Españoles ((Assortment of Spanish cheeses and apples)) :: Berenjena Con Queso ((Chilled grilled eggplant and goat cheese)) :: Patatas con Alioi ((Robust garlic potato salad)) :: Empanada De Buey ((Beef puff pastry)) :: Pipirrana De Buey ((Skirt steak with Cabrales blue cheese sauce)) :: Champiñones ((Stuffed mushroom caps)) :: Solomillos Con Moniato ((Grilled beef tenderloins with sweet potato, cherry tomatoes & red wine sauce)) ::Crepe Rellena ((Crepe of spinach, goat cheese, almonds and apples)) :: Datiles Con Tocino ((Roasted dates wrapped in bacon)) :: Vegetariana Paella And let's not forget about the desserts....Mousse De Abellanas ((Hazelnut mousse served on top of cocoa sponge cake with strawberry sauce)) -- Swoon. The desserts are decadent and to die for. Meson Sabika is also a hot spot for weddings. I've never been to one there, but friends of mine who have, have done nothing but rave how gorgeous it was and how wonderful the food was. I can only imagine how picturesque it must be in the spring and summer with the gorgeous greenery and flowers. ((And if I were dumb enough to get married again locally...chances are, it would be here...)) I love Meson Sabika, and I miss it. So, with all that being said, I think it's time I make myself a reservation.
(5)Arnaud L.
Great food. Decent wines. Better to go there with many friends to share many courses. I will go back there for sure
(4)Rashi B.
LOVE this place. Every time the whole family is in town, we inevitably end up at Meson Sabika at least once! Love the live music and dancer and bar none best tapas around! Love love love!!
(5)Vivek N.
The choices are great, grilled chicken and bacon was excellent. Best shrimp in quite sometime! Excellent ambiance.
(4)Kari S.
Soooo good. One of only three restaurants where we know we are going to eat a LOT and be okay with that. The Queso de Cabra is our FAVORITE, as is the sangria. They change their menu every few months, keeping the staple items and replacing a few others. Their Sunday brunch is also very good.
(5)Francine M.
Love Meson Sabika. Teo knows everything you need to know about wines. Love this restaurant!!!
(4)Varjawan S.
A big white mansion with different rooms and many tables in every room. Overall the tapas dishes were ok, my favorite were the bacon wrapped dates and the pork. The service is good, but the place was very noisy considering the number of people packed in a room.
(3)Kevin R.
Beautiful location, which makes it a fantastic date spot. Other than that the food is fairly average. I prefer the Tapas at Macarena in Naperville..
(3)J. R.
I was here with a large group for a birthday celebration. (My first visit.). We had a variety of tapas and most were good. I particularly liked the chef special tenderloin with grilled asparagus wrapped in jambon (ham). The scallops were excellent, served with aioli. The chorizo was not liked by our group and the pork tenderloins on croutons were disappointing, but the spicy potatoes were good, the paella was OK (Valencia?), and the stuffed mushrooms were good. The bacon-wrapped dates were excellent! The kids with us enjoyed the kids meal and the regular tenderloin (with sweet potato puree) was excellent. The sangria wasn't bad and the Spanish beers were a nice touch. I would come back again for a special occasion!
(4)Teddy B.
I'm no stranger to Spanish food... even Valencian in specific. And while I have not had the paella here -- a Valencian classic -- I've had a number of their tapas here and similar ones at other Spanish restaurants around the U.S. On the plus side, the place is white-tablecloth nice. Good, attentive service and a historic, somewhat elegant location. A decent selection of wines and OK sangria options. As for the food, I expected better. I've had better. But it's still quite good. Flavorful plates, but nothing overly memorable. Disappointed by the classic patatas bravas, as by using a sauce on it the fried potatoes lose all their crunchy texture (why do restaurants sabotage themselves like this?). And for a Valencian place, I'm surprised their desserts offered nothing in the way of the finer Valencian pastries. Maybe that's more for breakfast, but they seem to lose the plot a little at the final course.
(3)Justin L.
Food and service were both excellent, especially considering the group of close to 20. Service... for a group of our size, they were very accommodating. They put us in a private dining room upstairs, and our waitress was always available and the flow of food was fairly constant. There were a few slip-ups with some dishes coming out much later for our group, but with tapas style, the impact was low. Food... very good food, though I'll admit that I lowered my expectations a bit from what I've experienced over six weeks in Spain. The more noteworthy items: bacon wrapped dates and a seafood and mayo mix on bread (can't remember the name). The items I thought were less impressive: their paella valenciana and the potato bravas were good, but a bit of a let down. Venue... great venue! I love the old style home conversion. The upstairs dining was private, quiet and intimate (probably better for the other patrons to be away from us). Overall... definitely a great pick for tapas in the suburbs, will need to go once or twice more for a better impression!
(4)Chuck Z.
Liked this place so much we had or wedding reception here! Always a great staff and consistent food. My family and I enjoy coming and is a great time.
(4)Sara L.
The grounds are outstanding. One of the most aesthetically pleasing restaurants it have ever been to. We were seated in the room marked Granada and had a great table. Our server was attentive and friendly even though she was super busy. We started off with some cava and tapas. The cava was amazing but the salmon I ordered was very fishy and less than fresh. My husband was very happy with his ham/cheese platter. Then came the patatas bravas. They were pretty good. Finally the dish I had been waiting for, mariscos paella. All of the shell fish was way over cooked and of very poor quality in the first place. The rice was ok, but reminded me of a paella you would make out of a box and not so much of the real authentic Spanish dish. Last came our dessert. This was the highlight of the meal. We ordered two cappuccinos, the banana Carmel sauce and vanilla ice cream, and hot chocolate cake w caramel ice cream. This course was the highlight of our meal by a mile. Overall, it seems like they need a new fish guy because their seafood is disappointing, but I would definitely go back for cava and dessert!
(3)Osiris V.
For my food review of this place please visit yelp.com/biz/yelp-eats-2… Any who, this place is lovely: a big mansion transformed into a restaurant/banquet. When we went there was a wedding reception taking place. Very cute. We got sat outside without being asked which was kind of a bummer because we were the appetizer for many different bugs in the hot humid weather that day. Although the trees outside were amazing, it gave the place an even greater WOW factor. They have a LARGE patio area. The food was great and the drinks were spectacular.
(4)Panda B.
What a gorgeous place! It's like a plantation where the restaurant is on the right and a detached private dining area on the left for special event. Their patio up front is beautiful, especially if they have blooming flowers and a few elegant decors. Though, the place can be easily missed since they only have a tiny sign very low to the ground. The food was delicious. We liked all the tapas we ordered. We ordered about 3 per person like the waitress suggested. It was way too much food, and felt extremely stuffed afterward lol. My favorite was the duck special and least was the crab cake special. Also, it was my first paella, and I loved it! It had loads of seafood and good sauce. They also had a huge wine list, and what the waitress suggested hit the spot. Overall, I enjoyed this place and do recommend for others to try.
(5)Jennifer E.
Just celebrated my grandma's birthday here yesterday (Feb. 24th) and it was just perfect. The food at brunch was phenomenal and the service was impeccable. They catered to every single age group even my picky little niece and nephew. I want to throw another party just so I can go back :)
(5)Elizabeth O.
As I've grown older, I've realized the importance of making sure that moral, good people are supported by the community, and that greedy, immoral people are not. I'm writing this review to ask you, the reader, not to support what I feel is a terrible restaurant. I got engaged over the holidays and, in a rush to try to marry this year, found that there were only two places left available in the area: Meson Sabika being one of them. I researched their events online, inquired about availability for my event, and confirmed pricing using their online pricing guide. The event coordinator, Katie, confirmed the pricing advertised online in an email, also confirmed availability, said I could have the venue and set up an appointment to contract. I was incredibly excited. I took off work for this, and went over. Upon arriving, Katie informed me that the owner had over doubled the cost of my event... it went from a $5500 minimum and $8 pp fee to $13,000. I tried to remain polite and work this out, but this remained firm (slipping only to $10,000 + tax + gratuity in verbiage, which is practically the same thing). Katie tried telling me that this was because the restaurant is closed on Sundays, and the cost was for the place to be open only for me. As you can see online, this is false. She admitted to lying, later, "because she was told to". But it gets better. To add insult to injury, Julie, another event manager, called me back after I'd left and said she'd heard my story via voice mail. She was profoundly sorry that I'd been mislead both in writing and verbally. She said to "go home, drink a margarita, and rest assured this would be taken care of" -- I'd hear from her the next day to get this squared away. Again, I was relieved and very happy. I didn't hear from Julie. About 3pm I called and left a voice mail, which Katie responded to. She held firm with the near doubling of the cost of my event. She then asked if I'd like to speak to the owner. I barely got to speak, as he yelled at me, and told me that "it's like a car dealer... car dealers can advertise a $120,000 car for $40,000, but that doesn't mean they have to sell it for that price." Terrible, In the meantime, the other venue got booked. There are no reception halls left to have my wedding at, and they've turned a time that should be happy and exciting into a major downer. Why? Greed? Bait and switch? Just terrible.
(1)Jeremy L.
Really nice spot for an intimate dinner or a large group. Love the feel of eating in at someones house. Used OpenTable for reservations, party of eight, no wait. The service was great and the food really good. Some of our highlights included the Piprrana de Buey (skirt steak), Empanada de Buey (beef filled pastry), Gambas con Guindillas (shrimp) and queso de cabra (goat cheese with garlic bread). If you debate between red and white sangria, go with the red sangria. Happy eats!
(4)Angie E.
Beautiful place. Tapas style, wonderful service- the host asked if we were there for an occasion and we were, so they served us complimentary drinks! The tapas were all really nice- baked goat cheese, beef tenderloin, empanadas, lamb loin... But the best was definitely the flan- today's flavor was orange flan, simply beautiful. And we also got the cream cheese pound cake with berries- very very rich and delicious. Of course the atmosphere was perfect, romantic, elegant just like people said. Will definitely be back during the summer so we can try the patio! Also- we were STUFFED and our bill didn't even exceed $80!! No complaints.
(5)Michelle C.
Wow-ee! This place is the bee's knees! A group of us came here for my friend's birthday last night (Friday). We had reserved a table ahead of time (thankfully, the place was packed!) and were seated right away. Our waiter came over pretty quickly and took our drink order and the staff made sure we had ice water refreshed all night (a huge plus when you're drinking all night!). Our waiter was a young guy and and did a great job in being attentive to our table, plus he was funny and really accommodating. However, when we would ask him direct questions about wine or the menu, he would give, "It's all good" and "I don't have a favorite" type of answers. I tried to ask for a recommendation on a sweet white or blush wine and it took me probing him for recommendations and suggestions until he finally suggested that he bring out two wine samples for me to try. The same thing happened when we asked him for suggestions on dishes he liked, or that were good to try. "I like everything" was his typical answer. What we really wanted was an idea of what's a hit and what's a miss. The food...INCREDIBLE! By the end of the night, we felt like we'd ordered almost everything on the menu. We got the garlic potato salad, Atlantic salmon, shrimp with couscous, lamb chops, squid, Spanish cheeses, ...and I'm sure there's even some I'm forgetting! Absolutely everything we tried was delicious! We were "mmm" -ing and "ahhh" -ing all night long. The waiter was sweet enough to bring out a dessert (comp'd) for my friend to celebrate her birthday. He even joined in when we sang Happy Birthday to her (made up for all his earlier shortcomings). Near the end of our meal, the entertainment came around. A man playing a guitar and a woman who was dancing with finger noise makers (I wish I knew the proper names for it!) made a great addition and a nice break from the night of stuffing ourselves! The entire place is beautiful, the service is really wonderful and I love the ambiance. I would return here in a heartbeat!
(5)Tiff T.
I have never had tapas before and already love it due to visiting this gorgeous place. I've driven by this place several times and had no clue what a gem this place really is. Great service, atmosphere, and food! Would love to come again, either with friends, family, or significant other. Would also make a perfect wedding reception, birthday celebration, girls night out or brunch, or just a celebration of any kind.
(5)Benjamin T.
Naperville has a ton of restaurants, but so many of them are chains. Meson Sabika has individuality and is one of only a few tapas options west of Cafe Ba Ba Reeba. After attending CYSO's "touring" concert (a stellar Also Sprach Zarathustra included), this was a good post-music dinner. We shared a 5-glass sherry flight, sangria, and Salteado de Hortalisas, Pipirrana de Buey and a few others. No paella - I've had some good ones, including in Andalucia -- but often feel that rice is not as festive a dish as enthusiasts claim. Anyhow, Sabika is a good choice for tapas, solid if not spectacular. I would definitely return.
(4)Davin L.
Wow. Just wow. Beautiful decor, excellent cuisine, generous portions, and all the ambience you can handle? What's not to like about this place? Even though it was over an hour out of my way, I'm definitely coming back so I can try the paella. I recommend the Croquetas de Jamon y Pollo (ham and chicken croquettes) and Vieiras Al Albariño (grilled scallops over Mediterranean couscous with apple and tomato butter sauce).
(5)April K.
I should have written this review months ago! My life has been crazy. Anyway this restaurant has hands-down the best tapas I've ever eaten. The thing about tapas is that sometimes you get tons of variety (which is awesome) but you forfeit some taste of quality. O'm usually super excited about the menu and then disappointed after the meal. So not the case with Meson Sabika. We had 2 soups. One with chicken and lemon one with potato and chorizo. Both were absolutely amazing. The cold tapas section yielded my least favorite menu items. The grilled eggplant w goat cheese was so/so, and same for the canneloni filled with tuna. BUT, the Tortilla espanola was amazing!! I want one right now just thinking about it! We had the Paella valenciana which was delicious. Soooo much meat and fish and really great flavor! For hot tapas we had: Pincho de pollo (SO tasty chicken skewers) Sautéed tiger shrimp with peppers and mushrooms (Not bad but I liked our other shrimp dish better.) Skirt steak with blue cheese sauce (Fantastic) Tiger shrimp w lemon butter (This is the shrimp dish I loved! Fabulous.) Pincho de Solomilli (Delicious beef dish) Bacon wrapped dates (MMMMMMMmm. I make some pretty damn tasty bacon wrapped dates at home and these were better than mine. Out of this world!) Parades bravas (Spicy potatoes with cheese - delicious) We also had a pasta with a goat cheese tomato sauce that was super tasty. For desserts they brought a plate of the best little almond butter cookies to our table for free, then I ordered a trio of sorbets... It was huge and it was tasty (that's what she said) but the best dessert was the definitely the platano con helado- it was not pretty (it kind of looks like a turd on a plate actually) but it was a party in my mouth for shizzle. Let's see, the service was good, especially since we had a pretty large party. They had those delicious after dinner mints that melt in your mouth which I took a whole handful of. The only downside was the atmosphere indoors. The grounds were beautiful but the layout in the room we were in was cold, impersonal, and I didn't care for the decor. Still I wish it was in Los Angeles. I'd be there constantly. I'm hoping to get the chance to go back when I'm back in Chicago over the holidays.
(5)Hilda C.
I have been wanting to try this place since I moved to Naperville over 2 years ago. All I can say is wow. The place is beautiful. The staff was friendly and the food delicious. The Cava Sangria was delicious. I highly recommend this place. I can't wait to go back during the summer.
(4)Joyce A.
This restaurant was mentioned in a Yelp email recently- and I checked it out...glad I did! I was looking for a special place to celebrate John's birthday. The setting was certainly different- a beautiful mansion from 1847- we came prepared with a camera to take pictures of both the grounds and the interior - and were very happy that we came prepared. I chose the Sunday brunch so we could pick and choose from many of their offerings- and tapas style- try a little of this and that.. ****Newflash****the paella with shrimp and mussels was BETTER than what we ate in Mijas Pueblo in Spain last year! Big yummy shrimp - and lots of them. Everything we tried was very well made, presented and prepared. Also lots of fresh fruit and shelled pistachio nuts for dessert.. We also ordered from the dessert menu- but frankly, it wasn't necessary after the food and fruit and nuts! And this from a sugar addict..... To sum it up: picturesque, lovely setting, great food well presented and good service, too- it gets my 5* s and a 25% tip!
(5)Rex L.
One of my favorite places. I have been going here for years and I'm surprised I haven't reviewed it. Overall, it's a great experience, it just misses a little on different points each time, otherwise it would be a 5 star. This time the service was a little off, the salad wasn't very good but the rest of the food and drinks were great. The toast points with crab meat and the grilled pork medallions were my favorite. The tuna cannelonis are always good. We had a pitcher of sangria and finished it with dessert and a sherry flight. Get the Sherry flight and with dessert...you won't be disappointed.
(4)Dee C.
Pasta con Hortalizas: vegetarian pasta with tomato goat cheese sauce....tasted great. Was one of my favorite. Pastel de cafe: espresso soaked layers of almond cake, coffee butter cream, and white and dark chocolate mousse topped with chocolate glaze, served with raspberry sauce. It was very good, but it was also very rich. platano con gelato: sauteed banana with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. This was good. I love anything with ice cream anyways Queso de cabra: oven baked goat cheese in tomato basil sauce with garlic bread....also one of my favorite....I wish they have more bread than 5 pieces. Crepe rellena: crepe of goat cheese, spinach, pine nuts, and apples. This was something different from the ordinary. It was different. That's all I can say about it. Patatas bravas: spicy potatoes topped with Machengo cheese: good....but I wish there was more sauce to it because it was a little dry Vegetariana paellas: seasonal vegetables. Our had squash, artichoke hearts, green beans, and green peas. It was different than the paellas I have had in the past. I liked it.. Red sangria was GREAT. Nice and strong...just the way I like it! Totally coming again!
(5)Eleonora P.
Really good food and service. Perfect for sharing different dishes, good quality ingredients and good wine.
(3)Carlos B.
I went to this establishment last Friday and I must admit my expectations were high, considering the restaurant is in a fancy mansion with perfectly manicured gardens. We had a party of about 12 people. I ordered a pitcher of sangria and it was very water down and it lack that thickness you are supposed to get from a traditional Spanish sangria. My pulpo a la feira and croquetas de Jamon were bland. The queso de cabra was okay although the bread should have been a little crispier and more toasted. I definitely recommend the datiles con tocino. They are amazing! The dates are sweet and the bacon is crispy and both favors go well together. The pipirrana de buey was okay but some pieces were chewy. Our waitress Davy was kind and very enthusiastic at first but then as the night proceeded, she seemed to be annoyed by us asking for bread. After that she did not come to our table as often to see if everything was okay. She seemed to be annoyed by people asking her questions about the food. Also she got annoyed when one of our friends came late and wanted to order. I traveled all the way there from Wilmette , IL and I would definitely not go back to that place. I was not satisfied and wasted money on bland food and bad service.
(1)Ray K.
What happens when you combine a passion for service, attention to detail and a love of spanish cuisine? Meson Sabika. Very knowledgeable and friendly servers, willing to offer their suggestions of menu favorites - and a great selection of gluten free items too! We love going here for the incredible variety and great food and service - kudos to the management and all who work there!
(5)Kristin C.
Meson Sabika is one of my favorites. The sangria is the best around. Love their outdoor dining patio.
(5)Jennifer S.
We attended the Duncan-Rotter Wedding at Meson Sabika on Saturday July 23, 2011. The ceremony was held outside on the cobblestone/brick patio and it was beautiful! Someone was thoughtful enough to put large pitchers of ice water out on a side table that were definitely appreciated by the guests in attendance. I wish someone (a Meson Sabika employee) would have suggested a place indoors that the twenty-some of us standing outside in the sweltering heat could have waited for the forty-five minutes before the ceremony. It was a hot one and it didn't look like there was anywhere to go and wait inside. After the perfect ceremony, we moved the party into a large, beautifully decorated banquet room. It didn't feel "banquety" though. There were large windows all around. The material draped across the ceiling (which I think is there permanently) helped to make the room feel very majestic and special. There was plenty of room between the tables and the open feeling encouraged guests to walk around and mingle during the cocktail hour. The wedding cup"cakes" were setup on a tiered table in the middle of the dance floor bringing the whole room together. The staff was very discreet. They weren't overbearing and whisked in and out without causing a ruckus. I appreciate when staff members move about swiftly and quietly. No one is there to see them and they did their job quite nicely. On to the food... There were four butler-served apps. A grape tomato and fresh mozzarella ball on a skewer, crostini with a goat cheese spread, crostini with an olive tapanade and cold veal and finally, a bacon-wrapped date with a spicy sauce. My hubby and sister tried the tomato and mozzarella and the goat cheese crostini. They were fans of both. I loved the cold veal on the crostini with the olive tapanade! I have never tried anything like it before and found it to be refreshing with some interesting textures. After many years of bacon-wrapped water chestnuts, I found the date concept to be a bit mushy for my liking. The sauce was perfect though! Once we sat down, there was warm bread served followed by a cold appetizer. It was a tuna cannelloni. Yum! YUM! YUM!!! Tuna wrapped in pasta covered in a cold white cream sauce. It's one of those things that I would probably never order if I saw it on a menu, but it was sooooo good that I will be searching it out again in the near future. A simple salad with candied walnuts followed. I stole/borrowed the hubby's walnuts...it's a good thing that he loves me because those were really good and I don't think he would have shared if he knew what he was missing. Finally, we moved on to the main course. A large chicken breast covered in a spicy sauce with asparagus and red peppers accompanied by a potato-onion cake. Favorites included the potato mixed in the spicy sauce. I would order this again without hesitation. Meson Sabika is a beautiful facility with a stellar staff. Don't hesitate to visit the next time that you are in Naperville! p.s. Congratulations Kate & Landan Rotter! Here's my Yelp shoutout to the supercouple of 2011!!!
(4)Jennifer Z.
One of my favorite restaurants to visit whenever I'm back home in Chicago. Having grown up in the surrounding area, I remember plenty of trips there for special occasions (graduations, birthdays, etc). The location, decoration and service always make you feel like a valued guest. I think I recognized it on TV once in a reality show on TLC I think- because their banquet/catering hall right next to the restaurant is quite popular especially for weddings. I've tried quite a number of dishes on their menu over the past 10 years and my favorites are below: Jamón Serrano - I seriously CANNOT get enough. Having made a trip to Barcelona this past summer I can honestly stay...this ham is quite comparable with other I've had while I was in Spain. I have to admit- usually one order is not enough for me- especially when eating with large parties as there's only 4 "portions" with each order. Datiles Con Tocino - I love the great blend of sweetness and saltiness in this dish. So delicious! Calamares A La Plancha - The squid is seriously so tender and I love the flavor. Much better than fried calamari you can get at other places. The garlic lemon olive oil is also absolute amazing. Tilapia Marinada - SOO fresh and tender. Always a must every time we come. A pitcher of sangria is also a must every time we come :)
(5)Sarah D.
I normally enjoy this restaurant, It is fun and I like Tapas. However, I recently attended a wedding reception there. They ran out of everything, even coffee. There wasn't enough staff to service the event. Plus they were rude. We even cleared our own tables. The food was mediocre at best. The setting is beautiful even if all they give you is a salad fork, knife and napkin as a place setting for the entire meal. Serving utensils were sparse also at the buffets. No large spoons, just prongs to be shared among 4-5 dishes. I am not making this up. We just laughed. What were we going to do other than cry for the family who had to pay for this?
(1)brian l.
Love it here. The place seems like a big old house with a big reception hall added on the side. The food is tapas style and I have only had good experiences with the food. Beer selection is just okay.
(4)Montrew N.
Went for our anniversary. It was fun! Pomegranate sangria was good. We rely liked the escargot and scallop dishes. Beef tenderloin was good but salty. The spicy potatoes and grilled veggies complimented nicely. Lots of yummy garlic. The server was good. Would go again. Lots of good flavors. I didn't like the cheesecake. Tasted like the box if that makes sense... And I like any cheesecake. But the hubs ate it?
(4)Patrick T.
Went here for dinner and had the Paella and the Gambas Marinadas, a couple of hot and cold tapas. The food is nothing to rave about, unless you make it a point to write about uninspired dishes. Nothing was bad - it just wasn't great. The ambiance, however, is gorgeous, unique, and quaint. Service was good, and as most everyone mentioned - sangria was really good too.
(3)Melissa E.
This is one of my very favorite restaurants. The shrimp in garlic butter is divine, and I always get the goat cheese. I had the rehearsal dinner for my wedding here, and I got a lot of compliments about the beautiful decor and the delicious food. I spent a month in Spain a few years ago, so I'm very familiar with tapas. This place is the most authentic Spanish restaurant I've been to in the states. The servers are always accommodating and friendly, even when I have my young children with me. My older son asks for this place by name: "Mommy, can we go to Messabica?" (That's how he says it.) His favorite is the sirloin beef tips. My husband loves the potato salad, and orders it every time, but I think it has way too much garlic.
(5)Shradha A.
Beautiful mansion!! Great event coordinator! Good food! Helpful staff! Clean bathrooms! Flexible bar! Elegant decor! Private parking lot! Great picture opps! Great venue for hosting an event! Highly recommend!!
(5)Donna P.
Definitely a unique location. The food was pretty good. Nothing special. We tried several dishes and the stuffed mushrooms were the tastiest. I recommend coming once to experience the atmosphere of the old mansion.
(3)H J.
Service was great! Group of six and we literally ordered about three different plates each. The lamb was exceptional! Great tasting experience. We also ordered a main dish for everyone to share and it was also delicious.
(4)Mayra K.
We came to Meson Zabika for brunch celebrating my birthday and it was excellent!! The food, the service everything was excellent!! We were not disappointed at all, we are even thinking about having our son's First Communion here!! We will definitely be back ;0)
(5)Jimma J.
By far, the best tapas I've ever had! There is dedication and effort put into every dish that comes out of the kitchen. I've come here always for special events and the servers really care and make the experience well worth it. that being said, you have to expect to spend quite a bit of money while dining here. There are so many good dishes that I don't even know where to begin on recommending dishes. Just try what sounds good and you won't be disappointed. The restaurant was made into an old mansion and they've done well to preserve the old estate and property so it's very unique and intimate. Weather permitting, eating outdoors is also a really good treat as well. Well worth the price.
(5)Katie B.
Always a favorite: sit on the patio (although indoors is beautiful and unique), order a sangria on a warm summer evening... And don't forget the bacon wrapped dates! Seriously, I LOVE this place. Best tapas around. The ambiance is intimate and inviting, the service is impeccable, the food---well, if I were to have a "last meal", this just might be it. Sit on the patio if you can! This is a accommodates to weddings, receptions, dinner parties, a great date destination or time out with the girls.
(5)Miss B.
Been here a couple times. The first time the service was great, and the food was delicious. Went here a second time, the food wasn't as good, and the server was kind of a jerk and not that great anyway. Asked repeatedly for things, and never got them. This place is very expensive in my opinion. The grounds and the building are very nice, but there's nothing that's special about this place. Definitely a place for an older crowd, and good if you have upwards of $100 to blow on some small plates of food for 2-3 people. Not too impressive.
(2)Irene S.
This is one if my favorite restaurants. Consistently high quality food. Great wine list and the service is always friendly.
(5)Lourdes A.
This is my favorite place when I travel to the area. The food and service are always great. The space is different for a tapas/Spanish place but I like it. It is definitely one of the best tapas places I've been to.
(5)Julie C.
The ambiance and beauty of this location is a huge smile. Not only the quantity of selections but the quality of the food is top-notch. Shared stuffed mushrooms, wonderful paella, a crepe with goat cheese, spinach, pine nuts and apples were out of this world. The roasted red peppers stuffed with three kinds of cheeses and served in a black bean sauce will be remembered, eternally!!! Our food was served quickly, our soiled dishes removed just as quickly but was at odds with how quickly these chores were undertaken while we had to beg for water and drink replacements. Loved our waitperson. She was kind, friendly and very professional. The noise level on this Saturday night was very, very high was seemed a contrast to the mellow and gentle environment we experienced (there were five of us). Am returning Sunday night for Mother's Day brunch!!!
(5)Donna R.
Best place for tapas! And amazing atmosphere as well!! Great for a date night or in the summer with friends on their etheral patio.
(5)Mary C.
Knowledgeable wait staff and very attentive. Party of 6, and we were not rushed. We were given opportunity to order various tapas share eat and then sample more. Prices were very reasonable and a variety of choices both hot and cold tapas. Food presentation and taste was excellent. We sat outside on a beautiful summer evening and would recommend requesting the patio if weather permits. Will go again.
(5)Monika D.
I sincerely love this place. Food is outstanding. From the Spanish olives or shrimp to their goat cheese in roasted tomato sauce to their paella. You will not be disappointed. Waiters are always friendly, very knowledgable and happy to provide explanations of the menu or make suggestions. The servers are constantly refilling your water and clearing the tables. Service is always impressive. At every one of my visits a manager has always come to our table to ask about our meal. The location and facility is breathless especially in the summer. Ample parking. Cannot rave more about this restaurant.
(5)Kendra W.
Meson Sabika -- the perfect way to enjoy a warm summer evening!! The mansion-converted restaurant is tucked away in the green backroads of Naperville and really reminded me of the victorian houses/restaurants in New Orleans' Garden District. The place was popular even on a Tuesday evening (but not packed). My friend and I were grateful for the temporary sun and warmth during an otherwise volatile-weather week, so we sat outside. It was perfect...but shortlived! Within seconds after getting our first tapas, it started POURING dogsh*t. The waiter quickly helped us moved inside. Anyway, both the outdoor and indoor seating has it benefits. The inside, though cramped and a bit musky, feel exactly as a victorian home would. The server was nice and was happy to recommend her personal favorites, which we ordered: --Pitcher of Sangria ($24.95) -- Sangria was so so. Pitcher was more than enough for the two of us. --Patatas con Alioi ($5.95) - their famous potato salad...OMG so spicy!!! I would not get it again b/c it 'scompletely overbearing -- but others seem to like it, *cough* masochists *cough*! --Pipirrana De Buey - ($8.50) Our favorite dish. Beef was super tender and well marinated. If you don't like blue cheese -- dont worry, it is not apparent. --Buñuelos De Cangrejo - ($7.95) Crabmeat fritters -- good portion size and lots of crab meat. I do think they over-flavored it as it was hard to taste the natural sweetness...but yummy nonetheless --Queso De Cabra - ($7.95) -- Baked goat cheese. Cheese was of very good quality, but it dish was more of a tangy tomatoe sauce in a bowl with a dollap of fluffy goat cheese...not what i expected but good. I really enjoyed my meal at Meson Sabika. I think food could be improved in ways -- but as a package -- 5 stars!
(5)Anton E.
I have been to this restaurant at least seven or eight times but the last few were very disappointing. Service was very slow but more importantly the food dishes were less than spectacular. Had marinated Artichokes that were so hard and old they were completely indelible. Hot dishes were cold, poor plating, and overall lack of care to the food was most prominent. Sad to say one of my favorite restaurants in Naperville I will not be visiting again.
(1)Pat F.
Great place to grab a few tasty bites. I remember loving their mothers day brunch as a kid. Also, their outside seating is great during the summer months.
(3)Kevin C.
My family likes to come here for special occasions, because raping buffets is kind of an ongoing hobby for my parents. We come here for Sunday brunch, which comes with a mimosa, an omelet, and as much cheese as you can stuff into that fat face of yours. Meson Sabika offers a huge variety of food, but it's a buffet so the quality can really vary from dish to dish. There's a huge meat/cheese/fruit station, a bunch of hot food stations, and usually some kind of roast that's carved for you by a glowering chef with very sharp knives. This place earns a fourth star because they offer these gay little crab cakes that taste so good that I'm guaranteed to leave the restaurant feeling terrible and too full of seafood and mayonnaise. Eating 49 tiny crab cakes is not what normal, well-adjusted people do, but it's what happens when I go here.
(4)Jacob J.
Thanks to Jo C. for sharing the experience on her big birfday. Four awesome people shared six flights of cold and warm tapas and eagerly downed them with fruity sangria pitchers. Four merry gentle people shared four additional flights of yummy tapas and downed them with more smile inducing delight. At the end, a couple more glasses of sangria and two flights of desserts. Whew, what a grand ride. Bacon wrapped dates is a must. I can't remember much of what else was eaten but we covered many spectrum's, the sangria induced a nice buzz-worthy feeling. What a grand spot to have tapas and drinks at. A mansion which once served as a family's estate is now a place to house cheers and smiles across many faces. This is that place to take your date to impress her or that place you take your S.O's parent's to pop a question. Or a place to check out the hotties at the next table, cuz' come on now, how often does a group of well dressed dudes go out for a night of great tapas. Dudes, it's worth a bookmark. Service could have been better, maybe it was too busy. I'd be willing to check them out again on a weeknight instead.
(4)Rebecca L.
Really a 3 on the food scale but a bump for being a gorgeous place with friendly staff. June 15 2012-rehearsal dinner for my best friend's wedding. We were a party of about 20 people and I would say they did a fairly decent job of serving us once the food started coming out. Took a bit long to get going but it was Friday night, they were busy and we were a big party--my sangria came promptly and much is forgiven upon its arrival. We had a pretty fair selection from the whole menu and I have to say that it was all good. Nothing really stands out as being amazing other than the seafood salad. The bacon wrapped dates were good, but lets be honest--who has met a bacon wrapped date that they don't like? The bacon does all the work so I can't hand out extra stars for that. All in all on the tapas scale I would say this was as good as Babareeba and though not the best I have ever had--nothing was bad. But no awesome "I have to eat that again" surprises. Extra: they had several fun sangria options. I went with the classic red as I don't like super sweet wine. Others got the pear and raved. Also-maybe because we were a wedding party--there was a dancer and guitar player and they were pretty cool. It added to the event. Note on price: I have no idea how much this place costs because of it being covered by the family---if the tapas are around $9-$15 a plate-they are at the right price point (obvious upgrade on better cuts/types meats/seafood). If the sangria was $8 or less it was rightly priced as well.
(4)JoLynn W.
Meson Sabika is one of Naperville's hidden gems! The staff has mastered the art of being friendly without being overly chatty, and they maintain a humble presence which adds to the fine dining experience. This is a great location for special occasions. Weekends can get a little loud, so I recommend week nights for a more intimate setting. Meson Sabika is a little pricey, but it's totally worth it.
(4)Damon B.
I went for dinner on a Thursday. I'm sorry to say that the food had me so high I can barely remember what I ate! FREAKIN DELICIOUS! We had several cold dishes as well as a couple warm. The potatoes with garlic are great, as is the salmon and toast points. Ugh... I wish I were there right now. Are they open for lunch? Anyway, served Tapas style, not one item was not followed by a euphoric groan of pleasure. It isn't inexpensive, but not over priced either. It's great for special occasions.
(4)Brianna R.
We came for the Mother's Day brunch buffet, it was delicious! They showcased all of their most popular tapas-hot and cold. Everything was the right temperature and they were grilling salmon, chicken, and steak outside. It was a great experience and we'll be back next year.
(5)Ann B.
It's expensive but perfect for a special occasion. I love their menu and haven't found anything I didn't care for. All of the dishes are beautiful and delicious. If you join their mailing list they frequently send coupons for $10 off lunch which makes me love them even more :)
(5)Bonna M.
Our first visit to Meson Sabika was a good experience! We'd heard from a lot of people how wonderful their food is and how beautiful the restaurant is and we couldn't agree more. I was a little concerned that my 9 year old wouldn't find anything to eat but he really liked the dates wrapped in bacon, the bread and butter, the calamari and of course the desserts. My husband and I both ordered a glass of sangria. He got the red and I ordered the white. He really liked his sangria but I wasn't wild about mine. My daughter ordered the non-alcoholic sangria which was absolutely awesome. For one of our cold appetizers we ordered the Tortilla Española which is almost like a cold quiche with potatoes, onions and egg. They top it with some sauce and it's served with greens. We really enjoyed it. We also ordered the toast points with king crab and avocado which was a big hit. My husband is crazy about Paella so we ordered the seafood paella which had clams, mussels, scallops and shrimp. He really enjoyed it, my daughter and I liked it but I'm not sure I would order it again (my husband would). I think I really liked the smaller plates better. For dessert we ordered the vanilla flan and the chocolate cake with caramel ice cream---yummy!!!! It is really a beautiful place and can be as reasonable or expensive as you want to make it. We will return soon.
(4)Chirag K.
Fantastic food. Sangria, paella, shrimp marinadas, scallops hot tapas were fabulous. Not over the top costly. Will come back for sure and leave some space for dessert :)
(4)Wanda S.
Lovely and large outdoor dining area. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Menu is lots of fun, especially for sharing. Great for our special occasion.
(5)Zoe E.
We had a rare Sunday morning free with no obligations so my husband and I looked at each other and thought: BRUNCH!!! And since we heard great things about Meson Sabika's brunch, we decided this was the perfect opportunity to try it. I had been here before several times for dinner with girlfriends. This was the first time with my husband and three little ones. First of all, the restaurant and the setting is really quite lovely. You can see why it's a popular venue for special events and weddings. It's a Victorian mansion that was converted to a restaurant and you really feel like you're having a meal inside someone's home. The host and wait staff were really friendly and attentive. We were seated upstairs, which was kind of a bummer considering the fact that brunch was served on the first floor and I was nursing a broken foot. But, this was a last minute reservation, so we had to just deal with it. I do have to say that our waiter saw me limping down the hall and was kind enough to show me an alternate route down to the first floor rather than the main steep flight of stairs. How nice! Onto the food... Mimosas / champagne, made-to-order omelets and desserts were all part of the brunch package. After placing our respective drink and omelet orders, we headed down stairs. I have to say that I was quite impressed with the spread they offered. In addition to a few traditional brunch items, there was a wide selection of hot and cold tapas. The hot stuff was indoors while the cold stuff was displayed in the adjacent outdoor patio area. There's even a small table set aside at the end of the hot tapas selections for the "ninos". Cute! I intentionally skipped the traditional offerings and many of the pasta selections and went straight to the Spanish food b/c, c'mon, that's what we were here for! Some of the hot tapas I sampled included: seafood and chicken paella, bay scallops with mediterranean couscous, sausage empanadillas, tiger shrimp with alioli on toast points, bacon-wrapped dates, stuffed mushrooms (can't remember what they were stuffed with...). Cold selections I sampled: smoked salmon, salad of tricolored peppers and medley of seafood, cantaloupe wrapped with prosciutto, spanish olives. Back at our table, we were served our mimosas and omelets. We finished the meal with 2 desserts: profiteroles and a bittersweet chocolate terrine with raspberry coulis and candied walnuts. My children claimed they were too full to finish their meal but as soon as dessert showed up, they devoured most of it and left just a few spoonfuls for me and the hubs. The only thing that made me raise an eyebrow was that there was no waitstaff/attendant overseeing the cold selections in the outdoor patio area. What am I getting at? Although beautifully displayed on a lovely 70 degree day, the food was at the mercy of potential bugs (and birds!) that were flying around. (My husband: "Did you see the bird that was perched on the tree next to the table!") The only item I was a bit underwhelmed with was the chorizo and manchego cheese omelet. Otherwise, most of the food is really pretty tasty and our overall experience was very pleasant. We will most definitely make another visit here in the future and it is on our list of brunch options for the western suburbs.
(4)Ke M.
This is a beautiful venue for literally any event. The food is delicious, there are a ton of options, and the staff does a great job whether its dinner for 2 or 20. The event planning team was very responsive and flexible and the price point is very good for the value you get. I would definitely go back again for dinner or the next event I need to plan.
(5)Steve S.
For the food, I give it 3 stars but for the ambience of the restaurant, I give Meson Sabika 2 stars. Group of us went for a birthday and we each ordered a selection of tapas. Some were hits and some were misses. The queso de cabra was good but I have had better cheese dishes at non-Spanish tapas restaurants. The salmon creda was good, but once again, nothing spectacular. The pollo al curry was very popular. However, not a being fan of mayonaise based dishes, I opted not to try it. The highlights were the chicken tenderloin and skirt steak. Both had good flavor combinations. The roasted dates were the lowpoint though. They were way too sweet and just didn't work. While the food is decent, the whole restaurant is weird. It's like you're eating in your grandmother's house. We sat upstairs in a small room with four other tables. It was like we were sitting in the back room of an old house. And while it was still light out when we sat down, it became obvious the whole upstairs had really bad lighting. The whole place has the feel of your great aunt's favorite restaurant.
(3)Egdbert D.
We went for the brunch and the food was ok. With all of the outstanding reviews, I was expecting more. There's a lot of variety but tasted like most buffet food. The sangria was underwhelming. It would behoove them to get some real utensils and not use the cheap stuff. The restaurant is unique though and set back from the road. It's a romantic setting in a large mansion, so it's worth checking out at least once.
(3)Malynne S.
Why has it taken me this long to write a review about this place?! I give this place 10 stars if i could. Here's a break down: BRUNCH BUFFET: ***** STARS This has gotten very popular and morning bruch is very busy. They have a variety of cold and hot tapas and they also offer children breakfast buffet or eggs, bacon and pancakes. VENUE FOR PARTIES: ***** STARS I helped host a party at Meson Sabika. We were given the ground floor room in the front because it was a party for less than 50 guests. I decided to do the brunch buffet with drinks (mimosas and iced tea) and dessert. Everyone loved the food. We were able to put up some decoration and parking was plenty and free. We were accommodated well and service was great. OVERALL: EXCELLANT! NEVER A BAD EXPERIENCE
(5)Linsey J.
Always a sure thing! Gone here for lunch a couple of times and the food is always spetacular! Fresh and unique. It's a tough place to beat. The olives they give you when you're first seated are SO GOOD! I wish I could buy some and bring them home. Marinated in some vinegar and spices. They're addictive. Sign up for their email list and you'll get $10 coupons each month.
(5)Alison V.
Great tapas for the suburbs. I have been to Barcelona, and these don't hold a candle to the real deal, but they are tasty nonetheless. And the ambiance is great unless you sit in the bar, as I noticed a slightly musty odor there (the building is really old). I have had the following: Papas Bravas (Spicy potatoes topped with Manchego cheese) 4/5 Berenjena Con Queso (Chilled grilled eggplant and goat cheese) 4/5 Gambas Al Ajillo (Grilled tiger shrimp with garlic lemon butter) 4/5 Vegetarian Paella 3.5/5 Drinks: Red Sangria 3/5 White Sangria 2/5 Lemonade 2/5
(4)Brandy W.
This place is a great place for dinner with friends--fancy style. It's a romantic place for couples, but when ordering tapas, I feel that life is so much richer when shared with friends (and your love). We went with two friends on a Wednesday evening and sat in the room on the right. It's a converted home/mansion and is really elegant. There were plenty of people there for a Wednesday! It was recommended by our friends who had previously been there. The exterior was full of gardens and a ballroom looking structure. It's obvious that the place is used a lot for weddings and other events. If I were getting married (again, that'll never happen... best husband ever!), I'd absolutely look into having my reception at this gorgeous location. The sangria were a bit weak. The fruit was small and I wouldn't consider it to be the best I've experienced... though I didn't even order one. They bought a pitcher for the table, but I only ate the tiny slivers of fruit from my husband's glass. The tapas were awesome. I think the amount was reasonable. We ordered about 2 tapas per person... about 1 cold and one hot. I also had the gazpacho which was excellent. I'm a vegetarian, so I had the spicy potatoes (hot), grilled vegetables + asparagus (cold) and the meat eaters had a variety of other items including a Spanish cheese/fruit plate. Overall, we were really pleased and content at the end of our meal. It's nice eating slowly as you go... that super full sensation just doesn't exist! I'd highly recommend this place. I'm excited to go back in a few months.
(5)Velina L.
I love that the restaurant is actually in a mansion, with a nice little waterfall in the front. It makes you feel like you're in someone's house in the south. The menu is pretty extensive, including a good selection of vegetarian options and a pretty good list of Spanish wines, listed by region with a short description of the flavor profiles. They also offer wine flights as well as a sherry flight, if you want to try several. Overall the food was pretty good, and best shared with some friends. My favorites of the night were the skirt steak with cabrales cheese sauce, crab fritters with creamed leeks, and the morcilla sausage in the chorizo and morcilla plate (but I've always loved morcilla!). The scallops with couscous and stuffed piquillo peppers were pretty good as well but my least favorites of the night were the gambas al ajillo, the vegetarian paella (a little bland), and the sangria, although I have very high standards for sangria after having some amazing ones in Spain. For dessert, we shared a dessert platter, which included 5 desserts from their menu. I don't have a huge sweet tooth so it wasn't the highlight of my evening but I did think the flan and the almond cake were pretty good. Service was great, and they made some good recommendations for both food and beverage. I will definitely return.
(4)Vivian H.
Came here with the boyfriend for a fancy Sunday brunch. There were SO many choices, with paella and cheeses and everything but I guess because it was largely a buffet style, they couldn't control the quality of the food as well, or the temperature. It was still good though :) It unfortunately started pouring while we were there and there were a lot of people seated outside, so they had to somehow fit everyone indoors, which took a long time. It was actually a fun experience and we got to meet some people and mill around picking at all the food.
(4)Hans C.
Meson Sabika is a different dining experience. I don't know how else to explain it. It's a tapas restaurant and bar and banquet hall set in an old mansion in the middle of a Naperville neighborhood. The service and atmosphere are great. The food, in my opinion, is kind of hit-and-miss. Mostly hit, though. On my tapas gotta-try list: scallops, skirt steak with bleu cheese, stuffed mushrooms, spicy potatoes, and empanadas. Other tapas I tried were just so-so like the chicken skewer, which was kind of bland. The mariscos paella did not impress me at all. As a self-described master paella chef myself, I did not enjoy theirs. The rice was too wet for my liking, the mussels and clams were tiny, and the entire thing was way too salty and lacked the distinct saffron note which is the defining factor that separates paella from other rice dishes. The desserts I tried were okay, like the chocolate cake with caramel ice cream and the pumpkin cheesecake. I could see myself coming back here again to check out the dishes on the tapas menu I haven't tried yet.
(4)Liz K.
First let me say that I have been to several tapas restaurants (my favorite food next to Mexican) and their sister site Tapas Valencia. This place is beautiful!!! It reminded me of an old plantation house. It is a mansion so there are many different rooms. Each room is different...we were in a darker room more intimate room. Because of the look of restaurant I had high hopes for food!! Service was great...as soon as I thought I wanted something or water....there it was (Surprisingly since it was a Saturday evening and the restaurant was jam packed). We wanted to order our tapas two at a time because in the past we order them all then they bring them all in and our table gets overwhelmingly crowded. Chicken Curry Salad: Great! Pisto Manchego: Refreshing cold vegetables Tortilla Espanola: I always order this and it was one of the best I have ever had! Bacon Dates: A must!! You cannot leave without ordering this! Stuff Mushrooms: Mushrooms were cooked just right. Crabmeat Fritters: a bit dry but the leaks were yum!!! Then of course we order the patatas bravas because it is our #1 tapas dish we like to compare. They were good...not our favorite but definitely second choice between the places we been. :-) Our Suburban Tapas hunt felt successful. Definitely plan on going back. And it really wasn't as expensive as I thought. We ordered a pitcher of sangria....peach...but we never tasted the peach. Then at the end of the pitcher we realized all the flavor was stuck in the bottom....so make sure to mix your pitcher up.
(4)Allyson R.
Meson Sabika is absolutely charming! The ambiance and outdoor grounds are delightful and pleasant on a warm summer night. My party of seven and I enjoyed some celebratory sangria - try the prickly pear! We ordered a good number of various tapas which were all delightful, but none stuck out in my mind enough to recall the names. Of the seven or eight different items, all were quite tasty. One thing that is slightly inconvenient if you go with a larger group is that you cannot split the tab and do separate checks. The waitstaff was nice enough to handle a multitude of various credit cards, however. All the staff was polite and efficient with the water. I appreciate that we were not rushed out the door after paying and sat outside to chit-chat and enjoy the surroundings. All in all, the food was good, the drinks were fun, and the atmosphere was by far the most enjoyable aspect. I would return and definitely suggest a visit!
(4)K M.
Mason Sabika is one of my favorite Naperville standards. They're tapas are among the best I've had at many restaurants, and who doesn't like a cool glass of Sangria? I've tried a number of dishes but some of my favorites are the goat cheese in tomato sauce - everyone loves it, the scallops with couscous, a crepe-like dough rolled with apples, cheese, and other goodies, and the bacon-wrapped dates are worth ordering 2. If you are thinking of doing a brunch, it's a great spread. The price is a bit high, but you'd pay the same for a lot less in many other local brunch venues. They offer breakfast and tapas along with a glass of champagne. All my favorites in one place! Can't wait to go back.
(5)Paul K.
Simply put, not one bad dish. Olives in a vinegar, garlic, and cayenne pepper dresssing with bread to start. A wonderful selection of Granachas, Tempranillos, and Riojas. The bread was warm with the proper texture and delicious. Black bean soup with chorizo and shrimp bisque. Both were incredible. The toast point with king crab and avacado had just the write hint of vinegar for proper acidity. The must dish for me was the roasted dates wrapped with bacan in a tomato sauce that had a great cumin finish. My wife had the vegetarian pasta dish which was creamy and absolutely perfect. The potatoes with cheese was the heaviest dish and great as well. Desert was a chocolate lave cake and carmel ice cream. A great dish on cold evening. If you want to take that special someone for a great meal that won't break the bank, then this is the place for you. A wonderful setting with impeccable service, Meson Sabika is a must for all Tapas lovers!
(5)Princess D.
I've been here a number of times over the years and this is one of my favorite places to get good Spanish cuisine. The ambience is wonderful and the restautant itself is very charming and clean. The food is consistently good and they have a wonderful selection of tapas (that can be shared) or individual entrees. The grilled calamari is cooked to perfection with just the right amount of seasoning that gives it a delicious flavor. The salmon a la plancha is delicious along with the jamon Serrano, salmon curado, Solomillos con Moniato, patatas bravas and mariscos paella. They also have a lovely lunch menu. The sangria is not the best, a little on the wishy washy side. I would opt with a glass of wine instead. This place will not disappoint you, from the attentive service to the delicious food.
(4)Ailie T.
Meson Sabika is a great tapas place!! My boyfriend and I have been to many tapas places before, and this one stacks up well. The patio is great during the summer, and the building is very charming and pretty. The Datilles con Tocino (bacon wrapped dates) are amazing, as is the Queso de Cabra and stuffed Portabello mushrooms (forget exact name...). We also had the red wine sangria. It was good, but not GREAT.
(4)Katherine B.
I love this place so much. The sangria is so good and their choice for different tapas is awesome. I'm never disappointed with what I get.
(5)Lan T.
I ate lunch at Meson Sabika. I think it's oddly located for such a nice place. I'm not from the area, so you're driving from strip mall to strip mall, passing Walmart, Target, dozens of Starbucks and fast food places, and a hand full of Jewel-Oscos. You turn on some street where you expect to see more new homes being built and a ton of SUVs and minivans....yes...we are in the 'BURBS!!!! Then all of a sudden, you turn into a huge parking lot and you're warped into the 1920s or something. Meson Sabika is located in a historic mansion. I've been to Spain and so I was a tad confused because I knew we were going to a tapas place, but the location had more of a southern feel to it. It was really nice...the atmosphere was calm and relaxing. It was a nice day so I opted for the outdoor seating...not only because it was a nice day, but the inside had a weird old smell to it. The house is historic and beautiful, but it seemed to clash with the whole tapas menu. Anyway, we sat outside and we had our share of bees/flies/ant visitors. Not the restaurant's fault at all!!! On to the food! We ordered the grilled calamari, skirt steak, dates wrapped in bacon, patatas bravas, and SANGRIA! All of the dishes were really good! My favorites were the grilled calamari and the dates with bacon. Please note: they serve you all parts of the squid for the grilled calamari so if you're not used to seeing the tentacles, you might not enjoy it. It tastes good though! I've had better dates with bacon, but these were still very good. Let's just say that I might have had the BEST and these were a good runner up! Meson Sabika doesn't serve it with almonds in the middle (if you're familiar with the ones with almonds), but the restaurant definitely does the dish justice! I would order it again! The skirt steak was also very good. The only drawback to it is that when you see it, you think you're getting a lot of steak, but once you dig into it, you realize that the bottom of the bowl is filled with potatoes and onions. The steak is good, but I didn't expect to see a lot of "fillers" to make the dish look like it was "filled" with steak. I always order patatas bravas at all Spanish restaurants I visit because its the staple dish. ALL Spanish restaurants should serve it (aside from paella), so in my opinion, its a good side-by-side comparison. Therefore, we got the patatas bravas. The menu indicated that it came with spicy sauce. The sauce isn't that spicy....but then again, I LOVE spicy. So what's spicy to me, might be FLAMING to someone else. I thought the sauce was good on the patatas bravas, but I would of liked them to be a tad bit crisp. If the potatoes were crisp with the spicy sauce, that dish would have been a winner. Unfortunately, the potatoes weren't crisp. Overall, 4 stars. I would go back. For the suburbs of Chicago, this place did Spanish tapas some justice. I took one star off for the patatas bravas and the skirt steak. Oh! As for the service...the servers were nice. They were also very communicative to each other. I would hear them yelling to each other as to what tables they served and what they haven't done yet. For example, I would hear one server yell, "I served them water, they need bread and butter!" I think they should have tried to keep their voices down a bit because it made them seem a bit disorganized. I think its fine in a diner to yell across the room to your colleagues, but this was definitely not a diner. Either way, I'd go back. P.S. There were two of us, so the 4 dishes were definitely enough! Also we had the peach and pomegranate sangria. Both very good and each glass is strong enough for an afternoon buzz! Enjoy!
(4)Robert S.
Ive been going to Meson Sabika for over 20 years. That said I can say that everything I'm going to write is the same now as it was when I first starting visiting this fine restaurant. This is the pinnacle of Spanish tapas fair. The food is generally always delicious. I say generally because once every 1 or 2 years the garlic potato salad is not as garlicky. Recently the Spanish olives did not taste the same as they always had? Why these inconsistencies exist I do not know, but other than that the food is is always great. You have to love being able to eat many different types of dishes until you find a favorite and even then there is always something new to try on your next visit. Also about the food I once entertained some customers from Argentina and brought them here for lunch. We ordered the paella and they all agreed that it was great. It does take a while for it to be prepared, so just relax and order a few pitchers of sangria or some of the other nicely prepared drinks. In the summer sit outside on the patio and pretend you are out of the country on vacation. In the colder seasons eat inside the restaurant, which I believe is a home that was built in 1914. While dinning outside is festive, dining inside is elegant. This is a place you take that special someone and not just any one. Speaking of which this place is great for Valentine's day, but make a reservation early and get ready for a romantic evening. And yes you can actually have a conversation here without shouting. A rare thing for a restaurant in Naperville. Finally brunch, generally served upstairs, I can tell you is buffet style with mimosas for everyone. There is a nice sampling of breakfast and other standard Meson fair. Beyond the inconsistencies with two of the dishes I will always recommend taking that special someone to Meson. Just remember it will be hard to top this with a better and more romantic place to dine.
(4)Mike B.
Had our anniversary dinner at Meson Sabika. Restaurant was very busy but service was still quite good. Enjoyed a variety of tapas with our favorite being the bacon wrapped dates.
(4)Michael M.
We were their for a wedding in their pavillion and I must say the food and service were excellent. The servers were unobtrusive, the bartenders were pleasant and even engaging which is unusual for a banquet bartender in my experience. The food was delicious from the hand-passed hors' douerves to the filet mignon which was nice and medium. A beautiful location to hold any private event and the staff adds to it.
(4)Renee S.
This was my first experience with tapas & I had no idea what to expect...I was actually quite nervous about it upon reading the menu. I can sometimes have the appetite of a picky 4 year old. I was pleasantly surprised. Our waiter was incredibly helpful with suggestions & patient with us newbies. We ordered the empanada, stuffed mushrooms, beef tenderloin, & my husband got the calamari. Everything was excellent. And the restaurant itself is beautiful. I would definitely recommend & plan on going back again soon.
(4)Rich P.
This place ROCKS! I have eaten here several times but just now getting around to a review. I suggest sitting outside on their beautiful patio and I also suggest a pitcher of Sangria. Everything we sampled on the menu was delicious. It's tapas so you can sample quite a bit. Service this last visit was good, not great and our waitress appologized for a couple little delays and blamed it on being short staffed becuase they are not fully staffed yet and had not planned on 80 degree days in March which I can fully understand. My past visits had flawless service. That being said the dealys were minimal and gave more time for enjoying the Sangria. Highly recomended
(4)Steven M.
Aces to the brunch. The potato salad was with the price of admission. As was the prime rib. I went down the line of meats a couple of times. The duck was a bit dry, but the mimosa's took care of that. Everything was very fresh. They had the whole deal. Breakfast offerings, lunch and something for the kids. The service was poky at best. We had a table of three and the plates were piling up. We had to ask for them to be taken away and for more drinks? Otherwise great food at a great price.
(4)Carolyn R.
Absolutely gorgeous historic home. Was there last Saturday for a Bachelorette group dinner with 12 other people. We all had a great time and left stuffed! Worth the drive out the Naperville (and being a true city gal I don't say that lightly).
(4)Vince A.
This place is beautiful no doubt. When we walkedup there was wedding in progress in thegardens. Very nice setting for that. We stepped to our table and got a great garden view. Started with sangria and a glass of Rioja. Sangria was very light. Instead of going through the order - will break it down with the Good and Not So Good Good: Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese in Tomato/Red Pepper Sauce Beef Tenderloin on skewers Flourless Chocolate Cake Chorizo/Morcilla Not So Good: Garlic Potato Salad Rock Lobster on Squash (better eaten by itself) Definitely will be back.
(4)Doug B.
Phenomenal food, prompt service and delicious sangria. Meson Sabika is at the top of our list for any date night. If dinning on a weekend evening would strongly recommend reservations as the restaurant can fill up quickly. One of the best dinning spots in the West Suburbs, without at doubt.
(5)Robert D.
This is the best! If you like Tapas go! If you like paella order it! It takes about 40 minutes to get so order it first thing. Thats because they MAKE IT TO ORDER! Most places cook it ahead and reheat. The service is impeccable. You can see and taste the care and passion that goes into each dish. If you like garlic get the potato salad! Duck confit is awesome! Oven baked goat cheese with garlic bread! Imported Serrano ham on garlic toast points with tomato and Manchego cheese! Grilled eggplant stuffed with goat cheese and topped with Manchego cheese served with tomato concasse! The list goes on! Guys this is the date place! If you want to wow her taker her here!
(5)David C.
The food and service are excellent. We tried several cold and hot options and they were all delicious. Make sure that you do make a reservation. We had one for our last visit but they were not that busy yet. About 20 minutes later it was packed so without a reservation you will be waiting. It was a great evening. I would highly recommend it. Also the red sangria is top notch.
(5)Sue H.
Excellent service! This was the first time my husband and have been to Mason Sabika and Pete, our server, was great. He was timely, without being over the shoulder. He was very knowledgable of the menu and even took care of a plate my husband and I did not care for even though we told him it was our fault for ordering. I can't wait to go back and try more of their tapas! Next time we will bring friends so we can share the yumminess!
(5)Michael B.
Ate there once years ago and loved the ambiance. I have heard the food isn't super awesome but it's a cute place. Made reservations for Monday night at 6:00. Drove an hour to get there, asked to sit outside, and was told that we would have to wait an hour. I understand that I didn't specifically make reservations for outside, but damn. They have all of that space, wtf. There was barely anyone inside, throw a table in one of the gardens, I'll eat there. We left and went to a place down the street and ate outside and enjoyed the evening.
(2)Ashley A.
I've been coming here for a few years and just recently attended a wedding here. I love the location, ambiance, and food. And the service is usually very friendly. Being seated on a weekend evening is always cramped since it is always busy. It would be nice if they took a few tables out since I feel like someone is about to elbow me at any moment. The food is always DELICIOUS! Not a bad plate and their sangria is to die for. The food we had attending the wedding was equally delicious and fresh. I like to come here every now and again but it is hard to resist in the summer.
(4)Michael J.
Without a doubt, one of the best restaurants that I've ever been to. My ONLY complaint, and I mean ONLY, is that it is EXTREMELY loud. If you are looking for intimate conversation over a meal, this is not the place. Both times that I have eaten here, the atmosphere has been the same: chaotic. Aside from the massive horde of people eating here on the weekends, they have an in-house Spanish style dancer who goes from room to room clapping some sort of noise maker. The food is out of this world, though. Just down some extra sangria to counteract the noise (it's delicious).
(5)Hungry M.
A great place all the way around, but, I still miss Francois Sanchez in the kitchen.
(5)Angela D.
Fantastic place. We went there for the first time last night, and everything was wonderful -- food, staff, ambience and prices. We were initially seated in the downstairs dining room, but it was very loud. When I explained to the hostess that I'm pregnant and a little ill, that the noise a bit overwhelming, they very graciously re-seated us in a cozy dining room upstairs. Our waiter was helpful in guiding us through our first tapas meal. Everything was fresh and delicious (try the lamb medallions!). We were stuffed when we left, and the bill was just under $80. I expected to pay more. The grounds and building are spectacular -- not a single complaint. Highly recommended. Enjoy when you go!
(5)Drew C.
Homemade sangria and bacon-wrapped dates. The two reasons I have been coming here for years. I should probably try new things, but I can't help myself. Creature of habit. Always amiable service, too.
(5)Rolly Z.
This place is amazing! We have been there a few times, including a wedding and the food and service is fantastic. The atmosphere of the place is great. A nice romantic setting. The tapas are fantastic. Try the beef tenderloin and the shrimp! Both the red and white Sangrias are very tasty. If you have not been, it is definitely worth a try!!
(5)Aileen G.
I always have a good time at meson sabika. The mansion-turned-restaurant has its own large parking lot, a beautiful garden for outdoor seating, and a wonderful selection of tapas that are the perfect size so you can get all the choices you're deciding between. Some favorites: Bacon-wrapped dates: perfect ratio of bacon to dates so you can enjoy both the crunchy savory taste of bacon and sweet softness of dates in each bite. I hate it when one taste overpowers the other in some tapas places, but meson sabika always makes sure that doesn't happen. Rib eye: very juicy, tender, and surprisingly flavorful. Say goodbye to the salt shaker! The meat is marinated with all the flavors you'll ever crave in prime ribs. Coconut Flan: they have their "flan of the day" and I don't remember which day coconut flan day is, but if it is offered while you're there, I'd highly recommend it. The flan is soft with a very smooth texture, and the coconut flavor isn't overpowering at all--just enough to give it that special sweet taste. Come here for a casual summer date outdoors, you won't regret it!
(5)Sade C.
Meson Sabika is one of my favorite restaurants & I love introducing it to friends who haven't experienced the joy of tapas before. The ambience is perfect for a romantic date, birthday celebration, or get-together with your friends. These are my must-haves: Pipirrana De Buey: skirt steak with Cabrales blue cheese sauce - my fave, & I don't even eat blue cheese. the steak is so tender, flavorful, & everyone always asks for another round of it. Gambas Al Ajillo: grilled tiger shrimp with garlic lemon butter - I wish there were more shrimp on the plate, & the butter sauce is delicious. Patatas Bravas: Spicy potatoes topped with Manchego cheese - Spicy, cheesy, creamy goodness. Don't forget to get a glass (or two) of sangria. A nice healthy buzz always makes the food even better.
(4)Margaret S.
WONDERFUL!!! I had my daughters Bridal shower at Meson Sabika in the pavillion. Just a faboulous venue. The food was wonderful, the service was great, the staff was friendly and accommodating. Every guest was impressed with Meson Sabika. They made our special day a memorable event
(5)Min C.
I've done studies. 90% of the time, it tastes good every time.
(5)Britt B.
Let me just say that I'm not a big potato salad fan and I really do not like olives at all but I enjoyed both of those immensely. In fact, everything I put into my mouth here was quite amazing. I had the white sangria, which was perfect--light and not too fruity. I felt like I was back in Spain with the relaxed atmosphere.
(5)John B.
Love this place. Great place for a date. Tapas are fresh and delicious. Dinner in a mansion, ya can't beat it. The variety of tapas is great. My favorite is the baked goat cheese and the bacon wrapped dates. Both are so flavorful and delicious it will be hard to not order them twice....seriously. I really want to try their paella but everytime I get in there I go right for the tapas and with all the variety of flavors it makes deciding painless. I also suggest getting the mango sangria...excellent. They have flamenco from what it seems on the weekend which is cool, it does make it difficult to converse while it goes on but hey when in Rome...I mean Spain wth.
(4)Jenny R.
I went to MS for the first time this past weekend with 4 friends. The place is charming as balls, and it was so cozy. It felt like thanksgiving dinner (a spanish thanksgiving) with friends. We made a reservation but still had to wait about 10 minutes for our table (that is really my only complaint) Our server Bianca was super knowledgeable and willing to give honest opinions about which tapa was tastier when we were stuck between two options. She also suggested the spanish beer, Estrella which ended up being a hit at our table. Even I liked it, and I'm a beer snob. In the end, it seemed like we ordered the whole left side of the menu, we couldnt MOVE. The bacon wrapped dates and the spicy taters were some favorites of ours. (but bacon wrapped anything is pretty much a perfect little food group in itself to me.) We had a pitcher of red sangria, and enjoyed EVERY drop. Next time I'd like to try one of the flavored options when I make hubby take me there on a date. For dessert we had some chocolate cake with ice cream which was typical, no party in our mouths. HOWEVER, the caramelized banana dealy was HEAVENLY. Party in your mouth times 100. I am definitely going to return :)
(3)Leang E.
I came here for a wedding, and it was fabulous. There were draped cloths that were hung from the ceiling and numerous chandeliers that made the place look simple and elegant. Sadly, I passed up on the sangria trying to stick to my no carb diet. After seeing the appetizers and what was on the menu I decided that I had to have a cheat day. The bacon wrapped dates and the croquettes were delicious, and so I had several. We also had the grilled duck medallions with apples, oven baked goat cheese, pincho de solomillo, and a puff pastry. I had chosen the white fish for my entree. If only all weddings could be so delicious! I will certainly not pass up any future opportunities to come here.
(4)Richard O.
Very Impressive entrance mansion building with a banquet and a restaurant. A nicely decorated trail leads you to the entrance. I made a reservation for 7:00 on Sunday. When we arrived we were asked to wait at the bar until our table was ready. We waited ten minutes to get a table with a reservation. We were finally seated as we witnessed a couple groups just walk in and be seated right away. We waited about ten more minutes at the table before our server came by the table. He took our drink order and started walking away I had to keep him there and place our full order soup and 4 tapas knowing he might not come back for a while. The soup was very good I had the cream of broccoli arrived in a good portion and quite flavorful. Then 2 of our Tapas were brought out the steak strips in blue cheese and grilled shrimp in butter sauce. At this time we still did not have our coffee drink order I had to remind him to bring the drinks. After this point the service was Ok however I was still unpleased with how the service was from the hostess to the server below standard. The plates started building up quickly the table is small and they did not have anyone coming by to clear the table. Our server was not attentive enough. The remaining Tapas were mushroom caps and Chicken in garlic tomato sauce. The mushroom caps were just ok and the chicken was alright. Not too impressive with the presentation the taste was good. Overall I liked the food the atmosphere is great old school dining. The quality of the service was poor and they were understaffed there is no excuse for that no matter what economy we are in. They can make many improvements mainly providing an exceptional dining experience relative the image they present when you arrive at the restaurant.
(3)Tony K.
Don't forget to order the figs wrapped in bacon
(5)Jess F.
The good here is great, I'm not going to lie. Buuuut I went here with my parents after we dropped off my younger siblings at summer camp. My mom was really upset earlier that day because they've never been away from home. We went out to relax and were very very dissapointed. It was 6:00 on a friday and we didn't make a reservation. The place was empty but we were told there was an hour and a half wait.. really? But that we could eat at the bar if we didnt mind.So we sat at the bar for dinner, not thinking anything of it. The bartender was clearly pissed we were eating dinner at the bar and gave us so much attitude and was super super slow. When we ordered our last round of tapas the bartender (who could barely speak English) said ' I guess you Americans aren't so good in the kitchen' WTF, rude! My mom (who is a great cook and goes out to eat once a week max, usually cooking at home) broke down. She had already had a rough day and then this asshole pushed her over the edge. My dad spoke to the manager and all she did was shrug. Real professional. I won't be coming back.
(2)Christina C.
Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmy! I went here the other day with my family for my birthday brunch. It was everything I expected and more. We started the brunch off with some mimosas, but I wasn't in the mood to drink any because I was hungover from the night before. LOL. I got the coffee which was absolutely delicious. I am pretty sure there is cocaine in their coffee cause I am not a coffee drinker and I loved their coffee. The food was delicious and fresh. I started off with the fresh fruits and cold tapas they had. I loved the garlic potato salad. ORGASMIC. The fruits were perfect. The shrimp and the sauce was good too. Next, moved onto the hot tapas. They all tasted good, but the BACON WRAPPED DATES were to die for. I tried the prime rib which was pretty good as well. If you have little ones, they have a table with hotdogs/hamburgers for them to eat. WARNING: stay away from the bread as it will fill you up to quickly! The only reason I gave this place 4 stars was because the dessert was very disappointing IMO. I got some kind of chocolate cake which was REALLY dry. I took two bites and I was done. The rest of the desserts were kind of really sad too. All in all, I would def go back here for their great food (minus dessert) and great service. Thank you Meson Sabika for a great birthday brunch!
(4)Jaime S.
Came here for a 60th birthday party for a sunday brunch. The brunch buffet was my own worst enemy--I have no self control when it comes to buffets. I especially wore my tightest jeans to hope that they would restrict some of my eating, but, surprise surprise, they didnt. Some faves: Tomatoes with white anchovies(one of my friends works as a cook at the Penninsula and told me that white anchovies are AMAZING, as I was expecting the cheap kind that come on pizzas), Seafood Paella, and of course the desserts! Next time i'm around this area, I will see if I can stir others to come here with me!
(4)Kasia L.
Have been here many times and love coming back. I love that it feels like your in a mansion with the different rooms and the house is beautiful. There is a wide variety of food and I enjoying trying something different each time.
(5)Joe M.
We've been coming here for years, mostly for special occasions. Want to impress an out of towner, bring them here. Meson Sebika is an old mansion that has been converted into a tapas (Spanish small plates, appetizers) restaurant. The decor is amazing and the entire place is an experience. I recommend going with friends to sample each others plates. Tapas are served hot and cold which is reflected in the menu. Some standouts are the garlic potatoes, the dates wrapped in bacon, beef with horseradish, and toast points with goat cheese. Their service is amazing and the staff is very knowledgeable about the food. Bring a date or a a group they're great for both. I also hear they do an amazing brunch and special events sadly I haven't been to either.
(5)Christopher A.
Best sangria in town! This is a tapas restaurant so small portions are to be expected. The genius of this place is their consistentcy, they offer numerous hot and cold tapas, and there all great! Most restaurants struggle to pull off a few good dishes, this place is killing it 10 fold.
(5)Shannon M.
I chose this as the place to go for my family birthday dinner; my parents aren't the most adventurous eaters, but after I explained the tapas concept and they looked at the menu, they agreed, and I'm happy to say that we all enjoyed a very nice meal. The restaurant itself is beautiful, in a mansion just west of downtown Naperville. Our initial concern was getting to the front door, because it was snowing and my grandmother was with us, and it wasn't evident that you could drive up to the front door, so she ended up having to arduously walk from the parking lot at the side to the front. (After dinner we learned that we could drive up, which made it easier). When we got inside, there was a lot of water (melted snow) on the wood floor inside the door -- again, a hazard for Grandma. This is inevitable in the winter, but needs to be kept on top of anywhere for everyone's safety. Once we got settled into one of the small, dimly lit dining rooms, things began to smooth out. We had already looked at the menu online and had an idea of what we wanted to order, and with the help of our smooth, Antonio Banderas-esque server, we got the dishes rolling. Everyone started with white sangria (light and fruity, with apples and citrus), then the Sopa Aromatica, onion soup; served in a shallow trencher, it had a strange funk to it and did not come with the advertised cheese and croutons. Certainly not the best onion soup I ever had. After that, the plates of tapas started arriving. The flow was good; we ordered 7 items for the table, and they came in two "flights" (3 and 4), so we weren't overloaded or lacking dishes at any given time. The surprise favorite of the night were the bacon-wrapped dates (which I only ordered because everyone on Yelp recommended them, so thanks!). The gorgeous smoky bacon married beautifully to the sweet dates, which had a lusciously soft texture, yielding voluptuously to the bite. Another favorite was the Pipirrana de Buey -- skirt steak is often chewy or charred beyond recognition; this was not, and the salty Cabarales blue cheese sauce offset the grilled beef superbly. We also liked the Pincho de Solomillo -- the beef tenderlion was tender and flavorful, though the horseradish threatened to overpower the beef's flavor. The rest of the dishes were fine (nothing was bad) but not outstanding: Gambas al Ajillo (the lemon-garlic-butter shrimp were tasty and not tough or overcooked, but just not thrilling); Patatas Bravas (despite spices and cheese topping, these potatoes seemed to be lacking some element. Salt? One would think cheese would provide that, but something still seemed to be missing); Crepa Rellena (the crepe was light and crisp, but its filling of goat cheese, spinach, pine nuts and apple seemed homogenous; one could not discern the separate elements); and Pechuga de Pollo (the least exciting dish. Just grilled chicken. Nothing wrong with it, but nothing special. Did not detect the advertised herbed white wine sauce). Desserts did not wow me; we split two from the specials menu. The ginger-spiced cheesecake tasted like pumpkin (maybe because we're more accustomed to these spices as part of pumpkin pie?). The hazelnut sponge cake supposedly soaked in Frangelico was dry and the layers instantly fell apart, and the fruit coulis on the plate didn't seem to go with the flavors of the cake (the menu said there would be a caramel cream, but I didn't detect that anywhere). Our server stayed on top of our needs, and extra kudos to the bussers, who worked efficiently to remove emptied plates as the rounds progressed. Overall, a nice special occasion destination.
(3)Johnny C.
Went yesterday for the mother's day brunch. This place takes brunch to a new level. Yes, it was about $30 a person, but it was well worth it. They really amp it up for mother's day, and rightly so. The food was fantastic as usual, our server was accommodating, energetic, and punctual, and I love that they could accommodate all 8 and 1/2 of us. Kiddie food was out, and also delicious. If it were socially acceptable to bathe in their potato salad, I would. With little bacon wrapped dates floating on top. Don't wait til next year, go now.
(5)David G.
It's hard to go wrong with a Zagat rated restaurant. I didn't know this restaurant was Zagat rated until I saw the sign on the way out. I had the: Jamón Serrano - Shaved imported Serrano Ham served atop thinly sliced tomatoes and toasted garlic bread. I should point out that the ham was actually served underneath the bread and tomatoes and not "atop" as the menu describes. Alcachofas Marinadas - Marinated fresh artichoke hearts topped with baked fennel, garlic and imported Cabrales blue cheese, drizzled with balsamic sherry vinaigrette. Crepe Rellena - Crepe filled with goat cheese, pine nuts, spinach and golden delicious apples, accompanied by a pimiento sauce. All the dishes were excellent. I think I might try to return on Sun to try the Sopa de Alubias - Spicy black bean soup with chorizo.
(5)Al G.
Great potato salad and olives. Good atmosphere and service. Tried the cheese platter for the first time and it was very good. Sign up for the mailing list to receive coupons and special offers. Don't forget the sangria. Ref beats white!
(4)Sue M.
We've found the food can be a little inconsistent but overall it's a fun place to go. Like the sangria. Do not pass up the profiteroles!!
(3)Brian C.
Place is great food is great was able to try many things with great service and dinning in that old house was nice
(5)Nick H.
Great Tapas! The bacon wrapped dates are a must. We always end up getting several for the table. It is a great place to go on a regular day but they really come into their own on Father's day and other holidays with a spectacular buffet.
(5)Tom F.
The first thing you notice from the street is how massive the building and property looks.. great curbside appeal. The food is always top notch. What we enjoy is that there are so many great items and they are small enough portions to be able to enjoy 3 or 4 of the cold tapas before moving on to the hot tapas. Price here is unbelievably reasonable and service is absolutely terrific. You also have to try the Sunday brunch it's out of this world.... now that the weather is improving you can enjoy your brunch, lunch, dinner or just a relaxing cocktail outdoors... the side patio is tucked away surrounded by big old trees and flowers.
(5)Kelly M.
We recently had our wedding in the pavilion and it was outstanding. From the very beginning of us choosing this venue to the time we left after the reception was over, everything was perfect. The food was delicious, the staff was fantastic and I cannot say enough about it. Highly recommend for dinner also.
(5)Xaxa H.
Outstanding food every time! Only 4 stars because I always seem to get the same bitchy waiter. The garlic potato salad is fab and one of their more popular dishes!
(4)Ashley V.
5 stars for the history 5 stars for the food 5 stars for the atmosphere. History When I was a kid my mom and dad used to go here on special occasions together. They always talked about how beautiful it was and they would stay out for long nights filled with sangria, paella and bacon- wrapped dates. They told me that tapas was very adult and I had to wait until my 13th birthday to experience this place. On my 13th birthday I got all gussied up and put on my best adult behavior for one of the most memorable meals. Thanks to Meson Sabika (formerly Emilio's back in the day) tapas is now my favorite type of food. Food I went back a few weeks ago for my dad's 50th b-day dinner and it is still absolutely amazing. The food was outstanding and the service was great. My recommendations for the classics we can't go there and not order. Goat cheese marinara (duh) Bacon Wrapped Dates (duh) Portobello Relleno Ternera Asada (cold thinly sliced veal MMMMM) Patatas Con Alioli (garlic potato salad ---will stay with you for a week) Cordero Al Pastor (grilled lamb in a rich flavorful sauce) I also recommend a pitcher (or two) of their red sangria. They look deceptively small but they seem never ending with the pours. Overall this is a must try for a special night out, a nice date or a great place to catch up with a group of friend or family. Bring your appetite, taste buds and try something different. You will not regret trying this place.
(5)Andie W.
Besides entering into the parking lot, while walking up you feel as though you're having dinner at a friends house, a rich friend at that =P. As you enter, you truly feel as though there's a dinner party going on. We checked in with the hostess, and were directed towards the bar to enjoy cocktails as we wait for our table. The bar area was beautiful, it felt as though you were in Napa Valley, very old world. We were seated not too long after, and were shortly greeted by our waitress. She was knowledgeable, and didn't mind when we asked what tapas she would suggest. After our food arrived, we were didn't realize how much we ordered, I guess when you 're dealing with tapas you tend to think to order more because of the small quantity, I suggest ordering maybe two at a time. Everything was absolutely, amazingly delicious!! I totally recommend this place, especially if you plan to eat with several friends. Overall- Ambiance: A Cleanliness: A Food: A Prices: B Service: A ---------------------- Grade: A P.S. A wedding was going on while we enjoyed dinner in the outside tent, from the looks of it, it was very beautiful!
(5)Ashley G.
This place is the best spot for tapas in Naperville hands down. I love tapas and have tried pretty much every tapas restaurant in the Naperville area. The food and sangria are wonderful every time I go there. If you are in the area I highly suggest this place. The only downside is that it can get a bit noisy if you are there on a busy night.
(4)Amanda Z.
!Ay, que fantástico! Translation: This place is fantastic! This was one of my first tapas experiences (after Emilio's)...and I became hooked! I used to go to college nearby, and this was the place I used to go for special occasions. And thus where my love affair with sangria began... The food is wonderful and the ambiance is even better. The property is gorgeous. Indoor seating in an old-fashioned white mansion, private rooms for parties, patio...something for everyone here. The service is friendly and helpful without being intrusive. On weekends, they have flamenco dancers, which just adds to the experience. I recommend the Jamon Serrano, Quesos Espanoles, Patatas Con Alioli, Datiles Con Tocino, Pincho De Solomillo ...I could go on for days! I also had the opportunity to attend a dear friend's wedding here in February. The banquet area is a new addition (wasn't there when I first discovered this place ten years ago). What a gorgeous wedding! She had both the ceremony and the reception here...the passed hors d'oeurves were fantastic (but I learned my lesson as to eating anything veggie that you have to bite into...yikes! Watch out for the Tostado de Pisto Manchengo), the entrees were spectacular (marinated tilapia...mi versión del cielo!), and, as I experienced in the restaurant, the service was wonderful. I recommend a trip to the 'burbs for dinner here...!es una experiencia, no justo la cena!
(5)Jennifer C.
Meson Sabika has such a wide variety of fantastic food. You can be adventurous or stick to your classic tapas favorites (love the dates and bacon!!) and either way you will be delighted. My new tastes for this visit were the Rollito De Buey-Beef tenderloin wrapped around with blue cheese, dates and portobello mushroom and the Gambas Marinadas-Marinated shrimp and a trio of sauces. Both were excellent cold tapas for a warm stormy evening. Thank you!
(4)Sara D.
I've been here twice for dinner. The food is excellent and there's almost too much to choose from. It's great for a medium-sized group, although we kept running out of room for all the dishes.
(4)Rahul I.
Went there on my wedding anniversary with my wife. Tapas are good.
(4)Tracy V.
I've been to Meson Sabika three times now. Once for dinner and twice for brunch (one of these times was for a private party in the dining room). I love the goat cheese! Don't much care for the potato salad and I must say that I just don't get the bacon-wrapped dates. Service is good, food is good, drinks are good, atmosphere is good. I absolutely love the outdoor seating and view. Something that's helpful to note is that the stairs leading to the second floor are STEEP and can be hard to navigate when juggling brunch plates (or after a few too many glasses of sangria). If you're making reservations, ask to be seated on the first floor if the stairs are a concern for anyone in your party. The staff is very accomodating. I'll definitely be back for tapas!
(4)Jennie P.
I held my wedding reception here just last month and it was AMAZING. Not because it was my big day so of course I think it was wonderful but because Meson Sabika was top notch. We held the reception in the Pavilion and it was beautiful inside. The staff at Meson was incredibly helpful, polite, generous, and accommodating to our families/friends and my husband and I. Our final meeting before the event was very friendly and clear and I left without a worry. It's stressful to leave your reception in other people's hands and hope for the best because you're too busy that day to run over and take care of things, and we couldn't have been more pleased. The food was SO good and people are STILL talking about it. The staff was very responsive to my e-mails, questions, and concerns. 5 stars all the way and highly recommend if you're looking for a unique/whimsical feeling venue to hold your wedding reception.
(5)Hector C.
Come with a thick wallet! Leave a happy camper. All the tappas are great here. Don't come with a picky person though, they might not enjoy the food. The service is always great here and the food comes out quick. The sangria and flan a must to top off the dinner.
(4)Mike R.
I have eaten here many times always good. This place is one of Napervilles best places to eat
(5)Seven S.
Well, I could change my review after each visit. Meson is a hit or a miss. Food is always good. Service ranges from great to you better fuckin help yourself. Not sure what's up with that. Wine is pricey. Tapas are tasteee and priced fair. Sit on the patio during the summer and sip some sangria with friends, or people who you thought were your friends. Getting married soon? They have added a pavilion for events - which takes away from the Historic Mansion. Try talking your bride who dreamed of having her day in the mansion - to now having it some modern pavillion that overlooks the, um, parking lot. See you in divorce court within two years buddy!
(3)Karla W.
Love this restaurant! Atmosphere: excellent. Set in an old mansion with individual rooms. Unique. Beautiful. Food: Amazing. A great mix of cold and hot tapas. Favorite dishes: Garlic potato salad, tuna cannelloni, spicy potatoes, bacon wrapped dates, tomato with goat cheese. I have eaten here several times but had the Sunday brunch this morning for the first time. An excellent assortment of tapas and non tapas dishes. Wonderful. Highly recommend
(5)Rich K.
Love this place. I have gotten drunk here so many times I have a hard time remembering what I ate. The sangria is the strongest I have had in the state.
(4)Valoria R.
Went to buy a gift certificate for my coworker cause it's his fav place and then I got hooked! Beautiful mansion and setting. Fantastic bar. Nice wait staff. Good food. Best tappas I've tasted. Stuffed mushroom caps are the bees knees.
(5)Crystal L.
Before diving into my food critique, I want to mention that the mansion and grounds are quite beautiful. It's perfect for weddings and receptions. In fact during our visit there was a reception being held in the pavilion. I had heard good things the sangrias here. I ordered the red and my friend ordered the white and both were pretty strong. I think sangria at Olive garden is better. For the tapas the three of us shared the following: Crepe Rellena - I'd give it 3 stars Pipirrana De Buey (strips of skirt steak) - 3 star Pasta Con Hortalizas - 4 star Buuelos De Cangrejo (crabmeat fritters) - 3 star Berenjena con Queso (eggplant topped with goat cheese) - 2 star For dessert: Platano Con Helado (banana with pistachios & ice cream) - 3 star Crema De Chocolate (creme brulee with chocolate) - 4 star Pera De La Abuela (poached pear with cinnamon) - 2 star Overall, I just didn't think the food was particular tasty. The tapas portions were very small too. I've been to other tapas places that served more.
(3)Erik M.
The brunch was great. Very high quality food, salmon, prime rib. Great ambiance. The brunch is every week and well worth it.
(5)Nicole V.
When the special man in my life suggested we go to brunch in Naperville for Spanish tapas with his Madre, I was not sure what to expect. He said the food would be delicious and that they offer an incredible buffet at Meson Sabika, but I couldn't get that typical suburban dining experience (I am accustomed to having) out of my mind. I was so wrong! First of all, this place is a mansion! I had no idea as we rolled up to what looked like a miniature White House, that this was what I had in store! The grounds are so pretty and the house so regal looking. As you enter there is a warm buzz in the main hallway where the staff greets you before escorting you off to one of the many rooms in the mansion where your table is waiting. We were brought up the stairs to the second level and then over to one of the rooms in the back. I was peeking into all of the different spaces as we were led to our table. Each room has its own atmosphere, very formal without being pretentious and the decor is slightly old world Spain but with chandeliers and other sweet little charms to add a bit of sparkle. But enough about the decor, upon being seated we were given the brunch menu. I looked it over, and for a reasonable price you are able to get unlimited hot and cold tapas (including prime rib), a mimosa, an omelet and a dessert (if you so choose)! As we ventured down to the buffet all of us were overwhelmed with the options. The good news, all of the dishes were described on little cards. We all started with a plate of cold tapas and then came back for a second round of hot tapas. Some of my favorites; apple pork medallions, garlic potato salad, bacon wrapped dates, stuffed mushrooms, paella to name a few. We opted out of the omelet and decided to instead save room to indulge in dessert. Each of us ordered a different dessert; flour-less chocolate cake w/raspberry sauce, puff pastries filled w/ice cream covered in bittersweet chocolate and a chocolate pecan caramel pie also paired w/raspberry sauce. All three were delicious! The uniqueness of the space combined with the quality of the food makes this place a definite new favorite on my list. I have already recommended it to my family and friends and I'm looking forward to my next visit!
(5)Michael W.
Nothing anyone can place before you on a plate inside can top this tapas lush layout with towering trees and verdant views. Yet the food is worthy of taking a break from the natural beauty of this wonder of suburbia. Meson Sabika never fails to attract couples and good friends who love little bites of heaven and embrace the Sangria. Oh Lord, let the fruity blood wash over me. Over years I've been to Meson with a variety of people always leaving full and happy and sometimes falling back drunk from the drink of the gods. This is probably a great second date spot. The food is decent but on the pricey side. Is that a surprise given your dining on a plantation flying the colors of Spain in Wonder bread Naperville? Speaking of wonderment, just when did the Spanish conquer the Western suburbs? And why did they build so many strip malls?
(4)Brett C.
My wife and I were just married here! We got married in the rose garden in front of the mansion, which is beautifully landscaped with eye-popping greenery, elegant fountains and nice little coy pond that we took pictures by. We were going to head to downtown Naperville for pictures, but we couldn't bear to leave this abundance of beauty. There couldn't have been a better place to capture our wedding day. The newly constructed pavilion, where are reception was couldn't have turned out any better. The window covered perimeter made our reception feel open, and allowed the art of the outside landscape to seep in. We had a vegetarian/Vegan wedding, and the staff was more than happy to accommodate both. I've never heard people rave about food at a wedding, but we received so many compliments about the paella, stuffed mushrooms, epanads, ok really everything. The staff even went out of their way at the reception to make something custom for me to eat, which I didn't ask them to do. I had a delectable marinated portobello mushroom dish with an almond sauce with roasted peppers and water chestnuts. Totally unexpected, much appreciated. I expect nothing less of the restaurant itself. The staff and food are worth making the trip out to no matter where in the Chicago area you are from. Highly recommended!
(5)Kata T.
Definitely one of my favorite (if not overall) restaurants not only in Naperville but in the entire Chicago area. I developed a love of tapas while studying abroad in Spain in college and can definitely recommend Meson Sabika as having pretty authentic tapas fare. The red sangria is great (not overly sweet, which is a fault I usually find elsewhere), and I've yet to try anything that I didn't think was at least great. My favorite dishes are always well prepared, and the tortilla and patatas alioli taste just as they did in Spain! I also love the queso de cabra. Meson being my favorite place, I've been there numerous times with various people and have yet to hear anything negative from anyone in my group about the food. Another great thing I love about Meson is that in keeping with Spanish tradition, I've never felt rushed - we've stayed there many times for much longer than we would have felt comfortable in a more typical restaurant, leisurely ordering tapa after tapa as we felt like trying something else. It is a rather elegant atmosphere (with prices to match), but I ranked its attire as "casual" only because I typically go after work or even in jeans and have never felt out of place. When the weather's warm, I recommend eating out on the patio for an even more enjoyable experience. And if I remember correctly, on Friday (and Saturday?) evenings, they have a flamenco guitarrist and dancer. After talking so much about Meson, now I want to go!
(5)Jason P.
Wow. It's a good thing the food is so good, because it makes up for the fact that the bar is so tiny and uninviting. We came here on the Saturday before Valentine's day and it was packed. We had 8:00 reservations, arrived at about 5 to, and were seated by about 5 after. During that 10-minute gap we were told to wait in the bar, down the hall, to the right. So we headed down the hall, to the right, and stood around because the bar seems like it was pretty much an after thought when they finished the restaurant. There are probably 3 or 4 tiny little tables, enough counter space for maybe 15 people, and then a common walkway that most everyone else waiting for their table is forced to mill around in. Would have liked to have had a drink while waiting, but the area was so poorly designed, that I didn't feel like fighting the crowds to get one, and then stand in a high-traffic area while drinking your beverage. So yes, that was a minor annoyance, but if you put a lot of stock in that sort of thing, deduct as many stars as you wish. I, personally, am more concerned with the food and the service, both of which were fabulous. Knowing they were going to be busy this weekend, they had a special Valentine's dinner that they were pushing in addition to the regular menu. It seemed like a decent deal, but we had a good idea of what we wanted, and it wasn't on the special, so we just ordered from the menu. And we ordered. And we ordered some more. In all, we had the following: Bacon Wrapped Dates (amazing, actually had two orders) Chicken and Chorizo with Cumin-Garlic Mayo (another amazing dish, the mayo is great on both the chicken and the sausage) Scallops on CousCous (very good, nice, large scallops, plump, substantial couscous) Grilled Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce (another very good seafood selection, creamy sauce over 5 or 6 large shrimp) Lamb Medalions (good, but could have been skipped) Chorizo and Morcillo(sp?) Sausages (chorizo was great, the other sausages were also very good, with a bit of a curry flavor, a little cinnamony) Spicy Potatoes with Manchego (addictive taste, but wished they were a little crunchier) Baked Goat Cheese with Garlic Bread (standard dish, good, but nothing remarkable). For dessert we ordered the creme chocolate (creme brulee with a chocolate bottom), and the warm, soft-centered chocolate cake with caramel ice cream. Both were outstanding. The service, especially for being Valentine's weekend, was top notch. Our server never missed a beat, and even when we thought he had passed us up, he would circle back around and make sure we had everything we needed. We absolutely gorged ourselves (just look at what we ate) and each had two drinks (champagne for my wife, white sangria for me), followed by a couple of diet cokes. The total damage, before tip, was about $120. Considering how much we ate, the quality of the food, and the caliber of the service and the location, and I would consider that a great deal. I would much rather pay that, for everything we ate, than double that at a place like Morton's.
(5)John O.
Great food! Great environment! A beautiful house and yard but a little pricy. They've got good stuff to choose from and it serves up a good dish or should I say dishes. When your restaurant is on a large lot of land (I'm sure it's not cheap to finance) it's gonna raise the price of the food. I've been there for a wedding too and that I was impressed from. Would I go back? It wouldn't be my first pick but I'd go if someone else suggested it and maybe if they were paying too.
(4)Malea I.
I have been here several times with large groups and for intimate dinners and have really enjoyed myself with both. Last night my husband and I went in for a nice dinner. The place is beautiful! We sat next to a fire place and the details of the room are amazing. We had several tapas which were all good. Our favorites are the goat cheese and tomato sauce, the bacon wrapped dates, and we tried a cheese and meat tray with toast points that was fantastic. My husband and I are normally chocolate lovers, but have found the dessert menu lacking a bit. But I ventured out and tried the tart of the day which was a rum/caramel flavored tart with an almond crust that was very good. I only have one complaint about the restaurant. I have found that the tables are very close, and the waiters are still using trays. At one point last night the waiter for the table behind me was inches from my head with his tray. He did not say anything and if I would have moved it would have been a mess. The waiter behind my husband was the same way.
(4)Mary J.
UPDATE 6/23/07 They have remodeled and built a pavillon/banquet area. The pavillon (as our server called it) is a separate building right next to the restaurant. According to him, the neighbors were complaining about the noise from the tent. The building looks very nice and there is some new landscaping in front which includes some fountains. Inside the restaurant, the walls have been painted and new window treatments have been added. It was raining last night so we didn't get to sit on the patio, so I can't tell you what's changed out there. You have to eat on the patio! I've always had a good time here. This restaurant is housed in an old mansion and it just adds to the dining experience. I've eaten in all the rooms - upstairs and downstairs and the patio is the best! If you've never had tapas before, it's like eating a lot of appetizers at a cocktail party. You order stuff and pass around the dishes. Get some sangria to go with it. My only complaint about this place is when you walk in. Even if you have a reservation, the person behind the desk is always on the phone and you have to wait to talk to them. They really need 2 people working the front desk. If you have to wait, they have a good bar and sometimes on the weekends they will have a server walking around with tapas for you to sample. They also have a flamenco dancer on certain weekend nights. They do have lots of receptions here in the summer. They'll put a tent on the front lawn and it seems like most of the staff is dedicated to the private party. Not a problem in the summer when you're hanging on the patio!
(4)Lisa K.
Meson has beautiful landscaping, I would love to take a visit in the summertime and walk around the grounds. I went on a Saturday night so it was very crowded and loud. The Victorian mansion that it was in, had various small rooms where people were seated. I think the ambiance just doesn't match the food. It puts me in a certain mood, I think more of a tea house than tapas from the decor. The food was OK, pretty much like an average tapas restaurant anywhere you go. I think the prices are over rated for what you get. The food doesn't stand out to me and make me think WOW! That was great. I might go to check out the yard but I have better tapas in the city without the drive.
(3)Melie M.
MMmmmm...tons of tiny tapas and delicious sangria. What's not to love? This is such a beautiful restaurant...especially in the summer when you can take advantage of the outdoor seating and ambiance. The indoor bar is pretty small and tends to get very crowded when people are waiting for a table. We shared a number of lovely dishes, including the bacon wrapped dates and stuffed mushrooms. I also had both the white and red sangria, ya know just to mix things up. I would absolutely recommend Meson..however, be sure and make reservations in the summer or you'll be sharing a stool in the tiny, hot indoor bar.
(4)Chad P.
Food was great, very nice looking inside and out, sangria was flowing good! Prices are very reasonable, if you dint order 10 things for 2 people like I did!
(4)Lori H.
Love the sangria...love the goat cheese dish, and crema de chocolate. Backyard area is beautiful in the summer. Little pricey but good and avoid the second floor (short ceiling).
(4)Teri C.
We recently used Meson Sabika as our wedding venue. The space is absolutely beautiful and the service is wonderful. The waitresses really hustled! They even brought the appetizers outside to make sure the bridal party got some. The food was amazing. Coming from an Italian family and marrying into a Greek family one of the biggest concerns with serving tapas was the quantity of food. Rest assure there was plenty! Everybody loved the food and were happily full at the end of the night. I would definitely recommend Meson Sabika.
(5)Christian C.
Sunday brunch is the best Mediterranean flavors and traditional breakfast dishes the Sunday brunch at meson Sabika is a must try, my company had there Christmas party there too and the food was just as good I would recommend it to everyone
(5)Hyunsoo S.
Had our wedding here 6/23/12. Everything was great from Lauren (event planner) to the staff working our wedding. The venue is beautiful, the food is amazing and we couldn't have asked for a better set up for our reception. Highly recommend for a wedding.
(5)Joe B.
Excellent menu selection...something for everyone. Very good service and atmosphere. Highly recommended.
(5)Kristen J.
We love Meson Sabika. The food is authentic with a twist and its one of our favorite local restaurants to have a date night at. Our favorite dish is this squid heavenly buttery tapa they have...it is so fabulous we usually order it twice! Their desserts are also very good and the service is wonderful, they keep the food coming as dinner goes on. We have yet to go there for brunch, but we've heard lots of good things. We also had our wedding reception there--but I think this is where you review the restaurant itself not the venue?!
(4)Jillian D.
i never thought i would pair the words "quaint" and "mansion" in the same sentence, but here i go... this past friday, i had the pleasure of dining at meson sabika with my mom and brother. i had driven past the old manse many times over the years, never realizing the charm and wonders within. outside, it's palatial, set back from naperville road upon a large green lawn. once inside, it transforms into a charming home, with intimate rooms throughout, named after the regions of spain. we ascended the stairs to dine in andalucia (which just so happens to be my favorite region of spain. coincidence?). for the majority of the meal, we had the room to ourselves. quaint, like i said. our waiter was very sweet and, in the european tradition, allowed us to savor our food, never rushed us and truly helped us relax and enjoy the evening. the menu, while featuring the gold standards of tapas (marinated olives; tortilla; bacon wrapped dates; queso de cabra), introduced me to new flavors that equally pleased the palette. one of the hot tapas in particular truly stood out - piquillo peppers stuffed with goat cheese atop a black bean puree. omg!! the sangria was nothing special. although they do offer an array of exciting flavors (we stuck to a pitcher of the red). the dessert menu is more extensive than any tapas restaurant i've visited before. the only problem was, after ordering round after round of rich and delicious tapas, i had no room to sample the sweet stuff! maybe next time.
(5)Tina E.
Why it's taken me so long to write also I'll never know. I think it's because words can't not explain how good it was. I've had this place on my to-do list for a couple of yrs now. I was shopping in downtown Naperville and it's really just around the corner. Here's the picks:Crabmeat fritters,Empanada,Ensalda de Pollo,& tarta de pera for dessert. All were excellent! I was blown away by the chicken salad and still dream of it nightly.Can I buy it by the pound? I took off 1 star only because they passed me around on the phone. This was my 1st Tapas experience and certainly won't be my last.
(4)Yvonne M.
I used to love Meson Sabika, years ago... I still come here a couple of times a year, when I can afford to spend (at a minimum of) $120 for two people for dinner including drinks. There is a lot to consider when rating Meson Sabika. Ambiance--the outside and inside of Meson Sabika is positively wonderful. Everything looks beautiful! Service--this is a mixed bag. Some times when I have gone there, I have had outstanding service but more frequently, I have a waiter who is dry, not at all friendly and short. Food--Food is also a mixed bag. I've been there several times and found all of the food outstanding! But then again, I've also been there when everything was mediocre at best. One are of complaint is the small portions... I realize these are tapas but when you're spending almost $10 a plate, you expect a bit more than a tablespoon of goat cheese. Value--the price of everything is, quite frankly, high! Tapas are great unless they're $10 a pop and you need 10 of them to get even remotely filled up. If the prices were dropped a tad, I'd be more inclined to dine there more frequently.
(3)Matt P.
Attended a wedding reception at this fine restaurant ... great tapas, and the lamb chops are to die for. I'm typically not a big fan of tapas, because I never feel I get enough to eat, but like most GOOD tapas restaurants, it has fine Spanish wine and beer selection ... so what you don't eat, you just drink to fill up.
(5)Bruce B.
I've gone to Meson Sabika many times and have found it to be quite enjoyable. Yesterday I took my wife to Meson for her Birthday dinner date. I was not impressed. I foudn the tapas selections to be bland as best. To start we had the garlic potatoe salad. I had difficulty determining where my fork ended and the potatoe began, flavorwise. It was so bland, my wife asked for salt and pepper to tivk it up. It was followed by the Tuna filled cannelloni with creamy white wine vinaigrette. I felt that, again the delicacy of this dish was totally lost. Reluctantly, we ordered two hot tapas. We ordered one of the specials, a chicken croquette with ham. Again, the two were indiscernable, taste wise. The sauce was well adequate but I wasn't sure what it was supposed to do to the dish. Finally we decided upon the date wrapped with bacon. Far too sweet. Yikes! Our dessert was a Flan and it was good. Will we go again? maybe. BTW, the server was prompt efficient, attentiive and knowledgeable. It was a very disappointing experience.
(2)Jeff M.
Went on date night with my wife and had a wonderful meal as usual. We had our wedding reception here in '06, so it is always a fun night out for us. Tonight may have been my favorite tapas combination yet, but I think I say that every time I leave there. Our waitress tonight was especially knowledgeable and picked out a great bottle of wine for us. Highlights tonight were the serrano wrapped asparagus over grilled tomato with melon relish and the cheesecake with almonds, bittersweet chocolate, and caramel. Mmm.
(5)Kathy O.
I had been to Meson Sabika like ten years ago with friends. It was delicious then, but thought I would treat my family and go there again now,. Still very impressed. The atmosphere is comfortable. The service is great, smiles everywhere you look! Had the Pomegranite Sangria this time and it was so good! Had so many different tapas, all hot except the salad and dessert was like a banana foster but even better. We left with filled tummies and happy faces! Definitely will be going back again!
(5)Tiffany D.
Delicious! Came here two weeks with ex (then boyfriend) & family for his brother's birthday :] It was absolutely DELICIOUS!!! i swear we had, like, half the menu!!!! :] MUST. TRY. EVERYTHING!!!!! The meats are tender and delicious.. and I even LOVED the lamb :] The place is gorgeous and the staff is really really nice...
(4)John O.
Very inconsistent. Sometimes the food and service are very good, other times not so much. That said, great venue for outside dining on a summer night with a pitcher of Sangria.
(2)Chris M.
I've been here several times over the years and they have never disappointed. Love the bacon wrapped dates! Perfect date setting.
(5)Jenny M.
4.5 stars overall (5 stars for the tapas & service; 2 stars for the paella) Meson Sabika was the first place the hubby & I managed to go to alone since our daughter was born (thanks mom & dad for babysitting!) We love tapas, so we're excited that Naperville has such a fabulous option. We've spent the last year living in SF & downtown Chicago, so I was shocked when I was able to make a dinner reservation on a Saturday at 7:30pm one week in advance. I hope this is this case all the time! Service is great even at peak busy hours. The service team constantly refilled our drinks & replenished our plates & silverware throughout our meal. It was taking longer for the cold tapas to be prepared so our server sent our warm tapas out first, which was fine with us. Better that than to have all our tapas arrive at the same time or to sit without food! For our tapas, we ordered the Spanish hummus, bacon wrapped dates, the pork tenderloin, chicken & serrano ham croquettes, & crab fritters. We were pleasantly surprised at the size of the tapas, which was much larger than what you get at Cafe Bababareeba. All the tapas were delicious, especially the bacon wrapped dates, but what doesn't taste good wrapped in bacon? Unfortunately, our paella didn't wow us. Flavor-wise, the paella was okay, maybe a little bit more saffron than necessary, but it was fine. We were sadly missing the yummy crunchy rice bits that you associate with paella. Maybe the paella needed to be cooked longer in the pan? It was more of a glorified rice pilaf than a paella. When we visit next time, and there will definitely be a next time, we plan on just ordering tapas!
(4)Vamshi N.
Superb place!!! Great food!!!! great ambience!! Great service!!! Will go again- What I have tried there?the tiger shrimp ,chicken casserole, dates with bacon, the saffron rice with veggies and chicken. All good food
(4)Jamie H.
Awhile back, my sister had her wedding rehearsal dinner at Meson Sabika. Personally, I didn't care much for the paella, the sangria was a bit dry and overly fruity. For years, I've driven by wondering what the inside looks like. I don't think I'll go back unless there's an event or something.
(3)Jay m.
Great atmosphere, yet outside was not romantic. New server was humble and learning. Food was spectacular and very reminiscent of the real thing. See you again soon.
(4)Aunkur A.
The estate is absolutely gorgeous. It's a great place to eat a nice outdoor summer dinner. The food is another story. Maybe I'm a bit of a snob after 10 years of living in San Francisco but the tapas really can't hold a candle to some of the hole in the wall places you find in SF. They were good, but not commensurate with the ambiance of the setting. Disappointed.
(2)Liz L.
Great place, amazing food, beautiful surroundings. The online menu is not inclusive, so don't judge the menu by what you see on their website. The actual menu in the restaurant is extensive and they are extremely observant if you have any allergies or sensitivities. This is well worth the often-congested Naperville area traffic. Reservations are necessary even on non-weekend days, though.
(5)Brianna N.
WOW! After recommendations by friends, my boyfriend and I decided to check out Meson Sabika on a Thursday evening in May. I'm glad we made the trip because the food was excellent and the atmosphere delightful! We were seated in the main dining room of this old Spanish-style mansion at a table for two in a corner nook by a window overlooking the gardens. Talk about ambiance! The lighting was warm and the noise level very conducive to intimate conversation. (Although, I would also love to check out the outdoor patios now that the weather is warmer.) Our wait staff was extremely friendly and allowed us to order and eat our tapas at our own pace. We enjoyed a pitcher of sangria, patatas con aioli (a garlicky potato salad), gambas al ajillo (lemony garlic grilled shrimp), pincho de solomillo (tenderloin with caramelized onions and creamy horseradish sauce) - but my personal favorite was the queso de cabra (baked goat cheese with a tomato basil sauce and charred bread - MMMM, my mouth waters just thinking about it!!) and the dessert liquor called Liquor 43...our waitress gave us not only some in our coffee, but also on the side! Aye aye aye! I will definitely be going back to this quaint Spanish gem...it'd be a great place for another romantic evening or intimate gathering of friends! Enjoy.
(5)Roberta T.
My favorite place. I take clients here, I eat here for pure enjoyment, I would eat here every day if I could. Phenomenal food- everything has so. Much. Flavor. Beautiful venue, friendly service...and the Sunday buffet????? OMG. Don't think. Just go...after a two day fast. Eat, talk, enjoy...this is what fine dining is supposed to be!!!
(5)D H.
Everything a wonderful dining experience should be-great food, beautiful ambiance, lovely music. Hands down bar none, best tapas ever. I had the beef tenderloin and the spicy potatoes both of which were delicious.
(5)Teek S.
OMG everything is excellent. First time Tapas diner and my experience was great. Great place to have events at also. Will definitely become a regular dining location for me.
(5)Tricia D.
i've found the offerings at Meson Sabika to be hit or miss. Likes: the veal served on toasted crostinis, solomillo with horseradish sauce, garlic shrimp, and sangria! Dislikes: the croquetas which taste like mini hot pockets(!) and the fact that the bacon wrapped dates are inconsistent. I like the dates prepared with crispy bacon, rather than soggy bacon which is too similar in texture to the dates. I'll come back from time to time, but I'll no longer say MS is my fave restaurant in Naperville.
(3)Christopher K.
After years of driving past this place I finally went. Look, this is a tapas place, so I am not going to fill this 176th review of the restaurant with a long list of what we ate. Order what looks good to you, the squid was good, let's leave it at that. The food was great and we were pleased with everything we ordered. It was one of our 100 degree Chicago days, so too hot for outdoor seating, but we were seated upstairs where it was warm and they had fans going. It was a pretty authentic Spanish experience if you ask me with the heat and the incredably helpful friendly server who worked us through a long slow evening. We rolled the dice on a pitcher of the mango sangria and were completely happy. So get out there this summer and enjoy a warm night with food and drink perfectly suited for the climate. $60 for two without tip and including the pitcher of sangria. Seemed busy for a weeknight, so I would recommend reservations.
(4)Tak-seng L.
Been here twice now and going this coming Sunday for Easter (should be INSANE then). Once for their brunch and once for dinner. Both times everything was amazing. This place really has it all: food, unique layout (used to be a home...which is crazy to think about), staff that works hard and is helpful/friendly. Dinner was really flavorful and the portions were more than enough. The brunch buffet though...that's another matter. I was impressed with what I saw inside but when I stepped out to see what else they had I about crapped myself. I mean wow...some really good stuff! I could go into a lot of details but really, you just have to check it out. My only suggestion is try to be laid back if it's really busy. Especially if you're upstairs cuz the servers and runners are literally running their asses off.
(5)Andrea R.
I'm not such a fan of bridal showers, but if all the showers I attended took place at a gorgeous restaurant like Meson Sabika I'd be happy to go to one every weekend. Oh wait, I pretty much do go to one every weekend...but this was a good one! The mansion this restaurant is located within is absolutely gorgeous! We were in one of the private rooms, which was the perfect size for the 20 or so people I was lunching with. It was a little cramped while we mingled and sipped some very tasty sangria, but as soon as we sat down it really was the perfect size. There was a set menu: salad, choice of salmon or filet, and some sort of banana dessert. The salad wasn't anything special, but the rest of the meal was delicious! The salmon had a huge chunk of goat cheese on top of it, which makes any dish tasty! And as for dessert they topped a banana with lots of caramel sauce and ice cream...making this healthy fruit oh so fattening and delicious! I'll admit I don't make it out to the burbs too often, but knowing there are places like Meson Sabika out there almost makes me want to broaden my horizons.
(4)Courtney S.
Took my mom here for her birthday (and first experience with tapas!) and she adored it. Although it was early in the afternoon and on a weekday, the service couldn't have been better. The waiter was overly attentive and accommodating: he noticed I wasn't touching my food and practically insisted on making me a fresh, CUSTOM dish! It's rather pricey, but for special occasions, you can't go wrong. The grounds are stunning: the stately mansion is filled with nooks and crannies, details and hidden gems. The fountain especially is breathtaking.
(4)Tom H.
Can't say anything bad about this place. I keep going back... The Sangria, the bacon-wrapped dates, the garlic potato salad, the chicken, beef and steak all exceptional. The setting & ambiance very relaxed. As a side-note, my younger brother had his wedding reception here and the food was stellar and had people raving. The room was very nice and the large numerous windows made for a memorable and elegant evening!
(4)Jaded C.
I'm very biased as I've been coming here for years now and almost had my wedding reception here a couple of years ago in the recently built pavilion. I've also have come here almost every year on Valentine's Day for the past several years, so there's more of an emotional investment for me when it comes to this place. I can simply be satisfied by this joint just eating their Patatas Con Alioli all day, the best I've tasted in Chicagoland. Cant get enough of that tangy garlicy goodness!!! I wonder if they still have that Spanish dancer performing through the rooms on the weekends....
(5)Jordan T.
I have to say that Meson is a certain type of dining experience that you have to be in the mood for. The food, generally speaking, is wonderful. But, I always feel a bit ackward given that the establishment is a mansion turned restaurant. It's actually not my favorite Tapas place in Naperville. I think it's actually a bit over-priced for what it is and the service has been slow the past two times we've been there. If you want really good tapas, a trendy establishment, great sangria for a good price go to Tango. If you feel like eating good spanish food in what feels like someone else's home go to Meson.
(3)Mia L.
The restaurant setting is in this mansion that reminded me of a wedding reception hall. It was nice and elegant with an old-world feel. It was refreshingly different from the trendy tapas cafes in Chicago. The food was excellent. The Salmon Curado really stood out. I loved it. The service was great, considering that we were one of the two couples there for lunch haha. Overall, I had a great experience here!
(4)David L.
I'm one who enjoys quality and quantity so when my wife suggested going to a tapas restaurant, my first thought was that I better eat before we go! To my surprise, the food was reasonably priced, very tasty and if you order right you will be very satisfied and not have to spend a lot of money. We sat outside on a cool Saturday night in early October and it was very pleasant. The wait staff was good, not great but overall we had a nice experience and we'll be back.
(4)Michelle K.
My boyfriend took me here last Saturday night and we had a fantastic experience - Meson Sabika continues to be one of my favorite restaurants in Naperville! We started the night off with a pitcher of red sangria and two cups of the Crema de Gambas, a creamy shrimp bisque. Very satisfying. Then we tried that night's cold tapas special, the Tostadas con Caviar, toast points spread with cream cheese and sour cream and topped with three different types of caviar: flying fish, salmon, and what our server said was "squid ink caviar," or something similar, which I haven't ever heard of before. They were all good, although the salmon roe was a bit fishy. We ordered my favorite, the Datiles con Tocino (bacon-wrapped dates - I would eat this every day if I could), followed by the Vieras al Albarino: grilled sea scallops served over Mediterranean couscous with apple and tomato butter sauce. This dish was very light and mild; the scallops were perfectly cooked and the apple pieces were a sweet and delightful textural contrast to the couscous. We finished the meal with the Brazo de Chocolate, a chocolate sponge cake rolled around strawberry mousse (delicious), and the Platano con Helado, a sauteed banana over caramel sauce, sprinkled with crushed pistachios and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a chocolate dish. A perfect way to cap off the evening! I've always had good service here, and this time was no different. We never had a finished plate sitting in front of us for very long, our water glasses were never low, etc. etc. I can't wait to be back!
(5)Travis B.
great food and service. a true taste of Spain. A must for any foodie or group dinner.
(4)Sara D.
I had a really tasty meal here over the weekend - perfect weather, too. We ate outside in the garden/patio area and shared about 7 or 8 dishes, including: Tostada de Centollo (crab on toast), garlic potato salad, crab fritters, chicken casserole, Solomillos Con Moniato (grilled beef with sweet potatoes and red wine sauce), and bacon wrapped dates. While I thoroughly enjoyed all of the dishes, probably the winner was the grilled beef, and my least favorite was the crab fritters. Despite the fact that the crab fritters were cooked perfectly, there was an unusual spice that I wasn't fond of. The raspberry mojitos were done just right - not too sweet or minty, just the perfect amount of both. We will definitely come back for another meal or to try the Sunday brunch.
(4)iddells E.
Such a beautiful, elegant mansion-turned-restaurant. I went here with the family and boyfriend yesterday for Sunday brunch. It was a buffet brunch serving hot and cold tapas....there was also a cute little table, about 2 feet high, with more kid-friendly options. The tapas selection is quite extensive and is a great way to sample the many different kinds of tapas for only $26.95 a person!! Also included in the buffet is your choice of omelette and dessert, both of which you order. The food was delicious. The hot tapas follow the cold tapas, so be careful not to get that much food in the beginning, otherwise, you'd be stuffed and realize that you've only tried half of the tapas...like me! The service was great. The servers are friendly and attentive....never was there a moment when my glass of water was half full. Definitely make reservations!! I think they have a mother's day special coming up. If you want to spoil and amaze your mother, this place would definitely be it!!
(5)Carly H.
I had my wedding at Meson Sabika and I give the planning committee and all the help Patti was on the big day deserves 5 Stars - they simply went above and beyond to make my wedding a success!. I could have not asked for a better location( ok if they could but this smack in the middle of the city then the would be AMAZING!!) With great entrees, appetizers, and drinks, we had all our guest say how great of a time they had. And as a bride with way too much on her plate ( planned/had the wedding in 5mo after the engagement i appreciated all the HELP that they were. Noushin was an angel sent from above to help me overcome anything that came up that day, Had it not been for her I probably would have not been able to have the blast that i did at the reception. David, her husband and former employee at Meson, was also very amazing. He was just simply there to hear our all my concerns and or ideas. He also had good contacts and vendor information. I LOVE the Meson Sabika Team.. simply AMAZING! I will recommend you to everyone I every meet. I was unable to eat the h'orderves when they were being passed around because I did not feel well , but Patti brought be an individual serving of each..WOW-- They all tasted marvelous, they took all my suggestions from the 2 tastings that I did ( 1 for entrees and the other to finalize the h'orderves, I wish they would have not charged me for it ( ~150+ just in h'orderves jeez!! but what can you do!! ).. I only had one little gripe.. I thought the chicken was too dry - had amazing sauce to make it less, but still would have liked for it to have been cooked right... :'( LOVE YOU: Patti, Noushin, and David XO Carly and Kevin June 4th 2011XO
(5)Cynthia C.
If you love tapas you will love this place . If you never ate at a tapas restaurant they will explain it to you after you are seated. We went there with a group of six and seated upstairs. Our waiter was so helpful and answered every question we had about our selections. The manager came around to each table to ask if everything was to our satisfaction. The food awesome, we had about 20 items and I loved each and everyone. The scallops were out of this world. So if you're looking for a place to go with friends and have a good time make this a must.
(5)Jessica D.
ALthough this started as a very high end restaurant, with adorable surroundings (especially the outdoor seating area on a cool Spring or Summer day), it has become obnoxiously busy during special brunches and some evenings. However, the reedeeming qualities are above average service, excellent dishes, and the fun concept of tapas and an old, well-maintained mansion. If that doesn't cinch it for you, try the desserts and wine sangria -- musts!
(3)Jack C.
This place is awesome! Granted, the environment doesn't scream Spanish Tapas, but the food is some of the best in Naperville and there's always a lively crowd. Service can be spotty depending on how busy they are, but has never deterred me from enjoying this place. Sitting outside on their patio in the summer is a special treat... I'm not a Sangria fan but love it here, and bacon wrapped dates are to die for.
(5)Mehran M.
We went to this place with clients a few months ago - and I've been back twice since. I don't even live in the Chicago area! I have to say that my first experience there was definitely the best, although the rest have continued to impress. The chefs do a great job of creating interesting dishes with high quality ingredients. My meals there have helped me appreciate the term "dining experience". Not only was the food itself good, but I really appreciated the order in which they brought the foods out. It was not as if they brought out foods in the order they were ready, but it really seemed like they took an effort to consider the sequence and pairing of the various foods. The service was very personal, although given the size of the restaurant, and the number of staff working, I can understand some people not having as nice an experience as we did. The following two meals there were great as well - although we over-ordered to the point of excess on the third visit. My recommendation is to order about 3 tapas per person at the table to start, and then add a few more at a time. Don't overdo it. And remember to share!
(5)Chris W.
Over rated and a bit over priced for the portion size. The quality of the food made me feel like it was on a buffet in the back room and they just brought it out. Not overly fresh.
(2)Mike G.
Bacon wrapped dates, Steak, Lamb, spicy potato's, sangria are a few of my favorite items on the menu. This place is awesome inside. Watch out or you'll pass it up buried behind those trees. But once in the parking lot, WOW, what a place. I went there with a group of friends. There were 5 total. We were seated pretty fast and was seated in a room upstairs. It reminded me of someone's bedroom. Interesting, but very cool. The wait staff was very good. Helpful, and recommended a few things to us. The sangria was delicious. I am an ice chewer and I even loved the ice they used. We has about 3 rounds of orders until we were pretty full. I think in total, we had about 11-13 tapas served. There was not one tapas I didn't like. The ones mentioned about really stuck out in my head as the winners though. Price was lower than I expected. There were two couples and a friend. The bill was split 3/2 and I paid $60 for My fiance and I including tip.
(4)Brian M.
Went here a few weeks ago for a dinner celebrating a friends birthday. Just so happened she was a teacher in the naperville district, giving us 40% off our bill. That is one of the nicest things I've heard for a discount for teachers. Had a few of their tapas and a paella, along with a couple deserts. The good: the Paella, we ordered the chicken and shrimp Paella, this was really packed with flavor but a little dry, it was still good, but not great. The great: Pretty much everything else, bacon wrapped dates, skirt steak with blue cheese, goat cheese marinara, desert profiterole, and the chocolate hazelnut pie. I would go here every week if it I lived in the area, it was a great night there. It reminded slightly of a lower end Girl and the Goat, the menu wasn't as explorative but almost as good with a more traditional spanish twist.
(5)Dora W.
(Food - 5 stars, Service/Overall Experience - 3 stars) I've been to Meson Sabika several times now over the past few years. It really is the food that keeps me coming back, despite some complaints I have about the overall experience. All of the tapas I've tried have been simply delicious, and I love that there are so many vegetarian options. Sometimes when I dine at Meson, the experience is perfect. Last year, for example, we had flawless service and our meal was enhanced by the Spanish guitar and flamenco duo performing that night. Other times, there are some minor issues, probably caused by the size of the restaurant/large number of patrons. My most recent trip to Meson was this past weekend for an anniversary dinner for two. We were initially seated in the middle section of a very tightly packed downstairs room. Within a couple minutes of sitting down, I was bumped into by two different people (both MS staff, neither of which apologized). I hadn't had to sit in that area before, and it was clearly not the best place to be. I wouldn't normally ask to be re-seated, but I did feel like this was going to put a damper on our evening. The hostess was very accomodating and re-seated us upstairs. There were a couple of other missteps. We ended up with red sangria instead of the white that we ordered and one of our plates was cleared away in a flash before we'd finished eating the food. Our server, who was very friendly, got us a complimentary replacement dish. We decided to stick with the red sangria, because it still tasted good and I had honestly hit my complaint threshold for the evening. ;) Now that I've vented a bit, let me get to the good stuff! I'm a vegetarian, so I can only speak to those dishes. My favorites are the pimientos del piquillo (the black bean sauce is to die for!), queso de cabra (best tomato sauce I've tasted), and the crepe rellena. On our most recent visit, we tried a new special - a hummus-esc garbanzo bean spread (very mild flavor, but tasty). The vegetarian paella is also good.
(4)Scott S.
Caveat: I only dined here once, and that was 12 years ago. This review is, therefore, dated. Emilio's Meson Sabika is a charming, quaint tapas restaurant set in an old Naperville mansion. The setting can be very romantic - I had a wonderful date here and she absolutely loved the experience. The flavors of the various tapas were anywhere from good to sublime - I was stunned at how good a *Naperville* restaurant could be! (Note that this was back when Naperville was still a combination commuter suburb and farm community.) The selections weren't lofty experiments in nouveaux tapas - more fundamental, traditional tapas - but done with an excellent touch and great flavor profiles. The sangria was very refreshing as well. Since at the time I lived in Naperville, finding this place was akin to a coup. Even now with the entrance of Hugo's Frog Bar and other great restaurants, I wouldn't hesitate to try it again.
(4)Carina M.
Loved this place. After moving to the burbs I was worried we would need to make the trek to cafe babareeba for my tapas fix, luckily we spotted this place. I'm in love with this place and we will be back. Bacon wrapped dates, patatas bravas, Spanish olives and sausages. Yum!
(5)E B.
I don't get the five star reviews as we thought it was ok. We went through about ten dishes between a group of four. The bacon dates and empanadas were good. The paella was pretty bad and the garlic potato salad was so overpowering that it killed the palette. It was reasonably priced and the service was excellent.
(2)Bob S.
location and style were very good, food was just okay. After all the raves on food maybe my expectation was too high. The bar was great!
(3)Patty S.
Great place for Tapas and Sunday Brunch! Last night was my third time coming to Meson Sabika and my husband, baby and I had a great time catching up with friends on the outside patio. If I had to name a few of their best things on the Tapas menu, one would definitely be the dates wrapped in bacon...the perfect amount of sweet with salt. Another would be the eggplant and goat cheese...this dish was so light, but had many flavors. You could taste the gently sauteed bell peppers inside the delicately wrapped eggplant. Lastly, I really enjoyed the mushroom caps. The paella was delicious and the one serving fed 6 people for one round of tapas. You could really taste the saffron in the dish. And it isn't the saffron that you buy at the supermarket. It is the real-deal! I had the warm chocolate cake with caramel ice cream for dessert. One of the best desserts I had in a long time. Hot chocolate sauce oozed out of the cake and helped to melt the ice cream. I topped it off with a decaf espresso and we called it a night. The reason I gave it four stars and not five is for the slow service. It was a pretty normal hot Chicago night and although we ordered pitchers of Sangria, our water was barely replenished. We asked for knives multiple times and only got them some of the time. We noticed that the tables around us were also asking for water and knives, so it just wasn't our party. I must mention that I did spot actress Amy Adams at the restaurant! So, look out...you, too, may spot some Hollywood Heroes here. Clearly, the word has gotten out how good this place is!
(4)lauren f.
I just got back from brunch at Meson Sabika. We ate oustide and it was so beautiful, I felt like I was on vacation in Spain. The variety of tapas is fantastic, both cold and hot. I love that the items are all listed in Spanish with translations underneath. The wait staff was friendly, professional and attentive. I highly recommend the experience!
(5)Chester R.
the patio is the place....the inside looks so so. pretty good food....a tad overpriced.
(4)Paul M.
The bacon wrapped figs are the best
(4)Gina D.
Excellent food. Great variety of small plates. Haven't had one I didn't like. And most are wonderful. Service is exceptional especially since you may be ordering rounds of small plates as well as rounds of small plates. One complaint it is too noisy.
(4)Christine O.
I came here for the first time last week with an old college friend who was in town on a business trip. We had a lot of seafood and loved every bit of it: scallops, salmon, squid.. we also had a delicious eggplant dish. The house is lovely and regal - I only wish I had thought to make a reservation so we could have sat out on the famed patio. Who knew even Tuesdays are fully booked outside!
(5)Mohit S.
Excellent Spanish restaurant. Tapas are amazing!!! Good service. Clean facility. Sangria is fantastic. Paella is a big portion, i wish the waiter explained how big the portion was, since i had already tried three tapas prior to ordering. Overall nice date place for couples.
(4)Laura C.
My sons treated me to the phenomenal treat of Meson Sabika for an early Mother's Day gift. Despite having a reservation, our seating was delayed, but this was understandable for a busy Saturday night before Mother's Day. I was impressed that we received a complimentary order of bacon wrapped dates to tide us over until dinner. That's customer service! The Pipirrana de Buey (skirt steak with Cabrales blue cheese sauce) and the Champiñones (stuffed mushroom caps filled with spinach and cheese with tomato basil sauce) were my favorite highlights.
(5)Glenn D.
On a beautiful Summer day (or evening for that matter), there is no better place in the western suburbs than the patio at Mason Sabika. Amazing tapas, great sangria, sunshine, and more sangria....
(5)Nadia S.
I am so glad to report that since my last visit a few years ago, Meson Sabika has definitely improved! The food was SO much better, and so was the ambiance! Maybe our seating time last time was too early, but this time we went a bit later in the evening and sat out on the patio. Was perfect. I remember having bad service last time I came, but this time, our server Katelyn was AMAZING. And I couldn't believe that she had just started working there at the time we went which was a few months ago. She gave great recommendations, super friendly, and overall helped me change my mind about my previous 2 star rating :) Perfect place to bring out of towners- will def be back !
(5)Bianca Z.
Came here with my family for an anniversary dinner and, generally, had a good time. For a tapas place, the portions are decent. We were six in the group and ordered 5 plates and a paella valenciana for two. I'm a sucker for cheesy things so I loved the atmosphere. Try the Skirt Steak with Blue Cheese and Pollo a la Gabardine Skip the Salmon a la Plancha (there are better options)
(3)Gina G.
After all these years Meson is one of my fav tapas restaruant in the chicago area. I always try their bacon wrapped dates and the different cheeses. The jamon is also very tastey. I love not only the food but the restaruant itself and the setting it is in. the outdoor seating is great for a summer snack and the sangria is a must. Their seafood is also fresh and I suggest the grilled octopus. Service is average and they know the menu well. I always try to pick a few new dishes aside from my favs, just in case they don't fare well. This is a great place for larger groups and if you are planning on a l
(4)Jill N.
This is a great place for a nice dinner out. LOVED the food. Try the Goat Cheese dip and the stuffed mushrooms for sure. The thing I didn't like is I made a reservation and they sat me outside. They never asked where I wanted to be seated. I didn't get seated till 15mins after my reservation and it took another ten mins for the waiter to come by and to get some water. WIth that said once the waiter did come and my water glass was full the evening was very enjoyable. If you love tapas you definitly need to try this place.
(4)Jon P.
Meson Sabika simply dominates all other restaurants. The array of tapas is gargantguan, the wine list is expansive and totally Spanish, and the ambiance is perfection. We sat outside for dinner beneath a large flowering tree and just had the best weather and a great experience. You could easily forget you're in Naperville and think you're in the south of France!! They were absolutely crushed as they always are on summer nights so the service was just ok. Minor problem that was overshadowed by literally everything else being perfect! A "must eat" for any Yelpers from out of town visiting. You can thank me later!!
(5)Michael Z.
Great food, Great experience. To start out we made reservations for 6 PM an got there about 5:50 PM they sat us right away which was nice. The waiter was very knowledgeable an provides a few suggestions. At first the pace of the meal was good, but then all of a sudden we had three things on our table at once. All in all this was a great meal. We will definitely be going back in the summer to enjoy the outdoor seating.
(4)Lena K.
Food is pretty good but not great. Try the bacon wrapped dates , potato salad , and paella but be prepared to wait. I enjoy sitting outside in the summer. Service is ok- although on my last visit it was horrible but willing to try again!
(3)Kari S.
Soooo good. One of only three restaurants where we know we are going to eat a LOT and be okay with that. The Queso de Cabra is our FAVORITE, as is the sangria. They change their menu every few months, keeping the staple items and replacing a few others. Their Sunday brunch is also very good.
(5)Francine M.
Love Meson Sabika. Teo knows everything you need to know about wines. Love this restaurant!!!
(4)Varjawan S.
A big white mansion with different rooms and many tables in every room. Overall the tapas dishes were ok, my favorite were the bacon wrapped dates and the pork. The service is good, but the place was very noisy considering the number of people packed in a room.
(3)Kevin R.
Beautiful location, which makes it a fantastic date spot. Other than that the food is fairly average. I prefer the Tapas at Macarena in Naperville..
(3)Ann B.
It's expensive but perfect for a special occasion. I love their menu and haven't found anything I didn't care for. All of the dishes are beautiful and delicious. If you join their mailing list they frequently send coupons for $10 off lunch which makes me love them even more :)
(5)Doug B.
Phenomenal food, prompt service and delicious sangria. Meson Sabika is at the top of our list for any date night. If dinning on a weekend evening would strongly recommend reservations as the restaurant can fill up quickly. One of the best dinning spots in the West Suburbs, without at doubt.
(5)Robert D.
This is the best! If you like Tapas go! If you like paella order it! It takes about 40 minutes to get so order it first thing. Thats because they MAKE IT TO ORDER! Most places cook it ahead and reheat. The service is impeccable. You can see and taste the care and passion that goes into each dish. If you like garlic get the potato salad! Duck confit is awesome! Oven baked goat cheese with garlic bread! Imported Serrano ham on garlic toast points with tomato and Manchego cheese! Grilled eggplant stuffed with goat cheese and topped with Manchego cheese served with tomato concasse! The list goes on! Guys this is the date place! If you want to wow her taker her here!
(5)Johnny C.
Went yesterday for the mother's day brunch. This place takes brunch to a new level. Yes, it was about $30 a person, but it was well worth it. They really amp it up for mother's day, and rightly so. The food was fantastic as usual, our server was accommodating, energetic, and punctual, and I love that they could accommodate all 8 and 1/2 of us. Kiddie food was out, and also delicious. If it were socially acceptable to bathe in their potato salad, I would. With little bacon wrapped dates floating on top. Don't wait til next year, go now.
(5)Jack C.
This place is awesome! Granted, the environment doesn't scream Spanish Tapas, but the food is some of the best in Naperville and there's always a lively crowd. Service can be spotty depending on how busy they are, but has never deterred me from enjoying this place. Sitting outside on their patio in the summer is a special treat... I'm not a Sangria fan but love it here, and bacon wrapped dates are to die for.
(5)Joanne W.
I went here a couple weeks ago on a date. We both enjoyed it. We had the assorted spanish cheeses & apples - cannot go wrong with that. Bacon wrapped dates with a smokey red pepper sauce - very tasty. We had a shrimp dish with a cream sauce with mushrooms which we both enjoyed. We also had a beef empanada - it was good but not my fav. We wanted to get the duck breast but they were out of it. We had red sangria and I have to say that was the one thing I was disappointed with. It was too dry or something (my date agreed). Next time I'd probably try the peach sangria. All in all a good place. Nice atmosphere and I thought the service was good....oh and a good date place too :)
(3)Caroline I.
I wish I could give 4.5 stars. The food is excellent, probably the best tapas I've had, the outdoor patio is fantastic (be sure to make a reservation), the wine list is ok in my opinion, but I think the beer list has a good selection of Spanish beers. Service is typically good, but a few times I've gone it's been spotty.
(4)Fred H.
This is where my wife and I went for our 30th anniversary. The small rooms in this large house turned into a restaurant provide you an intimate experience. We are not so familiar with tapas cuisine, but enjoyed it thoroughly. Since the portions are small, you can try a lot of different dishes. Your favorite may be different than mine, depending on your tastes, but with so many choices you will find a lot to enjoy. It is a great place for a very special meal.
(5)Grace G.
This will be one of very few BAD reviews that I give. Meson gets a bad review from me because not only did they insult me, after they contacted me to apologize and offer a night on them on my voice mail, when I tried to contact them about the message, I never heard from them again. Let me start from the beginning. We've been hearing so much about Meson that I begged my husband to take me there. So we went one night, we had reservations but when we got there, we had to wait. While I have no problem waiting, I didn't understand it when there were so many empty tables on the way to the waiting bar. We waited over a half an hour, which in my opinion, unless it's a weekend night, there is no excuse for a half an hour wait for two with reservations. That was the first strike. We finally got seated on the 2nd floor. There was a flamenco show going on which I was excited about until we got into the room and it was kinda loud. But it was a good show and it didn't last long in our room. We started out with very simple tapas, I remember one was the goat cheese. I went to drink out of my water glass, and cut my lip. I looked at my glass and saw a crack on the lip of the glass. I ran to the bathroom not knowing how deep the cut was. It wasn't bad, but it bled a little. It stopped after a few minutes. When I got back to the table, I noted that my glass had been changed. I asked my hub what happened to the glass and he told me that the busboy took it when he told him that it was cracked. I got a little irritated at my hub for letting the glass go, but didn't think anything of it until the manager came by. He sat down at the table and apologized for what happened, and then he asked me exactly what happened. When I told him that when I took a drink of water and I cut my lip on the edge of the glass, he told me that he had the glass that I drank out of and there were no cracks in the glass. I kinda blinked and asked him if he was implying that I was lying, and he said no, he believed that I cut my lip on something, just not the glass that I claimed. I was shocked. He said that he would comp our drinks and provide dessert. I was so pissed, I dragged (yes dragged) my husband out of the restaurant. I was on the second floor, so you can imagine. I was literally stomping out and I was wishing someone would stop me. No one did, thank their lucky stars. To make matters worse, I called Meson the next day and explained to them that I was so looking forward to trying their restaurant, but the experience of being accused as a liar for physically harming myself and then blaming it on the establishment really put me off. I provided the name of the manager and told them where they could contact me. I got a phone call from someone at Meson who apologized for the manager, claiming that he was just a temporary, and that I should contact someone whose name begins with an O for a complimentary meal for me and guest. Well, I called back and I left 2 messages for this person and I never heard from Meson again. Needless to say, I never got an opportunity to actually taste Meson's tapas. I do have to say that hub and I and a friend went there for brunch, and were not impressed. We were told by our wait staff that brunch was a compilation of leftovers from the past week. We didn't need to hear that. Anyway, I did hear great things about Meson, but I don't think I'll be going back anytime soon. There are too many OTHER tapas restaurants that make the grade for me. When Emilio sold Meson, he didn't sell his classiness and his concern for his patrons. Too bad. I liked the layout of Meson. Something tells me that given a chance, it would have been a decent experience. But who likes to be accused for causing their own physical damage? Especially when we hadn't had dinner yet? I mean I could understand a manager being wary about someone accusing of being cut on a glass AFTER dinner, but not before we had even ordered. I can't believe it...I'm still steamed about this and this happened in November 2004.
(1)Neil B.
Best restaurant in the area hands down
(5)Sam S.
Ok Nothing special.
(3)Diana B.
My grandmother is handicapped. We made a specific reservation on handicapped. After waiting getting the whole family together. They were rude and made excuses why they no longer could serve us and accept our reservations. I dont know there food. But their manners and hospitality is unbelievable.
(1)Fred C.
We ate there a few weeks ago the food was definitely amazing . It's a great looking place, nice and cozy , the staff is very attentive,and we will definitely go back soon
(5)Harold D.
Four of us went for dinner with no reservations We found space in the bar. Tapas were great we loved king crab on toast point, the roasted goat cheese and a steak with dates, if you wan Palella order it early (45min.) great wine selection. Great night
(5)Becky B.
The food here is GREAT. Every tapa we ordered was better than we expected, from the cheese plate to some of the specials (we went months back so I don't remember everything we ordered). They have a great wine list and great service. The only weird thing is that the location is like an old mansion, so we weren't sure we were at the right place. We will DEFINITELY go back!
(5)Lisa T.
Great atmosphere, location, parking, service and Sangria's! I have dined here once and can't wait to go back. The food was delicious. The duck was my favorite item I tried. I advise all to sit outside if possible, it's beautiful!
(5)Ellen E.
This is my favorite restaurant in terms of quality of food. Do not miss the Patatas con Aioli (garlicky potato salad). Tilapia is also a dish that I order every time. I also love the Champinones Rellenos (stuffed mushrooms). I have never been to another tapas retaurant that has equaled Meson Sabika.
(5)Christine B.
The food was amazing, so tasty and full of flavor. I didn't care for the Sangria. It wasn't very sweet so I was let down because other reviews raved over it. The folks who bring the food out need better training because they constantly got our dishes mixed up as to which person it went to. Our waiter was nice given that he was new. The decor though on the inside has got to go. It is so ugly and outdated. They could really make it into a spanish mansion but keep some of the original charm like the light fixtures. I also wish that they would enforce a dress code. It's a very nice restaurant and we saw a group of teenageers come in wearing gym shorts and gym shoes. Anything with goat cheese is a must order. Also, the salmon was very fresh. I don't even like salmon but tried my friend's dish that had salmon in it and it wasn't fishy. Very fresh food and a great place for a special occassion. It was very affordable too. We had plenty of drinks, and several dishes and the bill was only a little over $100 which is good for everything that we got. I was surprised at the affordability of it.
(4)Nari H.
Delicious! Love the goat cheese with their bread. Pretty sweet atmosphere with good service and the food is really really good. I've been a few times and I am never disappointed.
(4)C C.
One of my favorite restaurants in Naperville!! Great food, great service, and great ambience. My favorite time to go is Sunday Brunch, the selection and quality of food is amazing. It is a buffet style and you can also choose to order some yummy extras from your server. Mostly omelets I believe. If you get the coupon while dining during dinner time, then its even better! I haven't had anything bad at Meson Sabika, even the drinks! I wish I could go there more often, but I would be completely broke! Hopefully I can go back and enjoy more of their yummy food some time soon!
(5)B B.
I have dined at several Tapas restaurants in the area. Do they have a decent product? I would have to say "Yes" if it is served properly by an attentive staff. The bread basket consisted of 7 small pieces of bread not much to work with for two adults who ordered 5 tapas from the onset. Drinks took way too long and quite frankly I grew tired of begging for bread. We told the server that we had just recived our meal and had no bread. He told us that he would take care of it. He then proceeded to the next table and took a large order from 5 adults. i had to beg another server for bread. It took 15 minutes for the first glass of wine to arrive and the second glass took 20 minutes.
(2)Mary B.
Omg had the best experience ever!! Went there for my friends bday! Sat outdoors ordered tapas and the food, atmosphere, hosts were all just amazing. Dessert is great too ordered creme brule and another chocolate dessert. I highly recommend this place for. Fun outdoor dinner In the summer. The inside looks like any restarAunt to go go, I think the outdoor seating just adds fun to the restaurant and gives it a funner experience. Def sit outdoors on. Nice summer evening
(5)Michele F.
The food was yummo. The bacon wrapped dates were my favorite. I went with a large group and was surprised how inexpensive the evening was even with 2 glasses of sangria.
(5)Vivian H.
Came here with the boyfriend for a fancy Sunday brunch. There were SO many choices, with paella and cheeses and everything but I guess because it was largely a buffet style, they couldn't control the quality of the food as well, or the temperature. It was still good though :) It unfortunately started pouring while we were there and there were a lot of people seated outside, so they had to somehow fit everyone indoors, which took a long time. It was actually a fun experience and we got to meet some people and mill around picking at all the food.
(4)David C.
The food and service are excellent. We tried several cold and hot options and they were all delicious. Make sure that you do make a reservation. We had one for our last visit but they were not that busy yet. About 20 minutes later it was packed so without a reservation you will be waiting. It was a great evening. I would highly recommend it. Also the red sangria is top notch.
(5)Sue H.
Excellent service! This was the first time my husband and have been to Mason Sabika and Pete, our server, was great. He was timely, without being over the shoulder. He was very knowledgable of the menu and even took care of a plate my husband and I did not care for even though we told him it was our fault for ordering. I can't wait to go back and try more of their tapas! Next time we will bring friends so we can share the yumminess!
(5)E B.
I don't get the five star reviews as we thought it was ok. We went through about ten dishes between a group of four. The bacon dates and empanadas were good. The paella was pretty bad and the garlic potato salad was so overpowering that it killed the palette. It was reasonably priced and the service was excellent.
(2)Bob S.
location and style were very good, food was just okay. After all the raves on food maybe my expectation was too high. The bar was great!
(3)Judith S.
8/24/15 I have dined here before, but this time was disappointed. Our waiter was very disorganized. We had to ask for everything. He forgot to take the dessert order and never brought back to the table the leftover paella that we were taking home. The food was just OK, and didn't do justice to Spain. Not a great dining experience, and I won't return.
(2)Inshu K.
Have has numerous dinners here, brunches, birthday celebrations- consistently delicious !!
(5)Justin E.
Sunday Brunch at Mesón Sabika is as good as it gets. Highly recommended... don't take my word for it though, give it a try yourself. Very busy, so you'll need reservations. About $35 a head... but the atmosphere and two rooms of delicious grub is well worth it.
(5)Andrea M.
This is the best place to go sample a little bit of a lot of different especially tasty dishes. I love the tapas idea and I love the atmosphere. It looks like an old house (I think it is) and the servers are superb. You can NOT go wrong. It is a great place to go when you have a big group that would like to share their experience -everybody can eat EVERYTHING. Yum!
(5)Terry I.
Have tried plenty of the menu dishes, come here many times and have never walked out disappointed by the food, service, or pricing. Great place to go to for any occasion.
(5)Julie H.
While the food was good, the accessibility was not. Ate on patio and after having to go thru the whole place to get there, the ramp to the patio was extremely steep and scary for anyone with a walker or wheelchair. The bathrooms might as well not have been marked accessible... my walker would not fit thru the stall door and a wheelchair would never fit. An older bldg. but still..
(2)Iryna K.
The best haircut and style that I have ever had. I will be going back for sure. Everyone is so friendly and they really know what they're doing. I would highly recommend this salon to everyone! Thank you Brynn!
(5)Alex P.
Great location, nice facility but food is so-so and prices are above average.
(3)Angie E.
Beautiful place. Tapas style, wonderful service- the host asked if we were there for an occasion and we were, so they served us complimentary drinks! The tapas were all really nice- baked goat cheese, beef tenderloin, empanadas, lamb loin... But the best was definitely the flan- today's flavor was orange flan, simply beautiful. And we also got the cream cheese pound cake with berries- very very rich and delicious. Of course the atmosphere was perfect, romantic, elegant just like people said. Will definitely be back during the summer so we can try the patio! Also- we were STUFFED and our bill didn't even exceed $80!! No complaints.
(5)Alison V.
Great tapas for the suburbs. I have been to Barcelona, and these don't hold a candle to the real deal, but they are tasty nonetheless. And the ambiance is great unless you sit in the bar, as I noticed a slightly musty odor there (the building is really old). I have had the following: Papas Bravas (Spicy potatoes topped with Manchego cheese) 4/5 Berenjena Con Queso (Chilled grilled eggplant and goat cheese) 4/5 Gambas Al Ajillo (Grilled tiger shrimp with garlic lemon butter) 4/5 Vegetarian Paella 3.5/5 Drinks: Red Sangria 3/5 White Sangria 2/5 Lemonade 2/5
(4)Michael B.
Ate there once years ago and loved the ambiance. I have heard the food isn't super awesome but it's a cute place. Made reservations for Monday night at 6:00. Drove an hour to get there, asked to sit outside, and was told that we would have to wait an hour. I understand that I didn't specifically make reservations for outside, but damn. They have all of that space, wtf. There was barely anyone inside, throw a table in one of the gardens, I'll eat there. We left and went to a place down the street and ate outside and enjoyed the evening.
(2)Ashley A.
I've been coming here for a few years and just recently attended a wedding here. I love the location, ambiance, and food. And the service is usually very friendly. Being seated on a weekend evening is always cramped since it is always busy. It would be nice if they took a few tables out since I feel like someone is about to elbow me at any moment. The food is always DELICIOUS! Not a bad plate and their sangria is to die for. The food we had attending the wedding was equally delicious and fresh. I like to come here every now and again but it is hard to resist in the summer.
(4)Jaded C.
I'm very biased as I've been coming here for years now and almost had my wedding reception here a couple of years ago in the recently built pavilion. I've also have come here almost every year on Valentine's Day for the past several years, so there's more of an emotional investment for me when it comes to this place. I can simply be satisfied by this joint just eating their Patatas Con Alioli all day, the best I've tasted in Chicagoland. Cant get enough of that tangy garlicy goodness!!! I wonder if they still have that Spanish dancer performing through the rooms on the weekends....
(5)Melie M.
MMmmmm...tons of tiny tapas and delicious sangria. What's not to love? This is such a beautiful restaurant...especially in the summer when you can take advantage of the outdoor seating and ambiance. The indoor bar is pretty small and tends to get very crowded when people are waiting for a table. We shared a number of lovely dishes, including the bacon wrapped dates and stuffed mushrooms. I also had both the white and red sangria, ya know just to mix things up. I would absolutely recommend Meson..however, be sure and make reservations in the summer or you'll be sharing a stool in the tiny, hot indoor bar.
(4)Chad P.
Food was great, very nice looking inside and out, sangria was flowing good! Prices are very reasonable, if you dint order 10 things for 2 people like I did!
(4)Lori H.
Love the sangria...love the goat cheese dish, and crema de chocolate. Backyard area is beautiful in the summer. Little pricey but good and avoid the second floor (short ceiling).
(4)Melissa M.
This place is beautiful. I have been to weddings, showers, birthday parties, and many regular nights out to dinner and I am rarely disappointed. The only time I'm disappointed is when I order something I don't like because of my own personal tastes. I try a few different things each time I go and sometimes that backfires but mostly it's great. The martinis and sangria are great... I love the olives and bread they give you. Definitely try the bacon dates and my favorite is the steak with horseradish sour cream... so good!
(4)Anpan W.
Do not drive out to Naperville for this place. If you already live in or near Naperthrill, well, I am sorry. And it is not inexpensive. Why no love for Sabika--bc of the blandness.
(2)David G.
Went for rehearsal dinner. Beautiful atmosphere for outside seating, surrounded by trees well lit-up at night. Great food, and and very cool building. Food and service were also very good.
(4)Morris N.
We never tasted the food and probably never will. We were having a late Sunday lunch. I saw the great yelp reviews and decided to try this place. The sign outside showed they were open until 2pm for lunch so we went in which was 1:20pm at that time. The hostess told us they were closing in ten minutes and seemed more interested in getting off work than serving customers. They may have a nice setup but I wasn't impressed with the customer service.
(1)Jen M.
This is a tapas restaurant, so the menu is slightly different. Tapas are a Spanish tradition - essentially small plates meant to be shared. The menu is divided into cold and hot tapas. With a group of 4, we normally order 2 cold and 2 hot. Food - Diverse menu to accommodate picky and plain eaters. Fresh ingredients, cooked well. Nice presentation. Price - Expensive. You are paying for the experience and atmosphere. Atmosphere - Romantic and family oriented at same time. Cramped. In an old house. Service - Excellent!
(4)Tracie S.
My favorite! Spanish tapas done right. There's nothing better than sitting outside on a summer night at Meson Sabika drinking sangria and eating Spanish tapas!
(5)Bill D.
This place is pretty cool! It looks inside and out like an old mansion. If in Naperville and have a hankering for Spanish, GO! The Paella is great, cooked just right and full of great stuff. Service, for as busy as it was, was good and attentive. I had the chance to eat out side one warm Illinois night with a party of about 10 and the atmosphere was great. If back in the Naperville area again, I will go back.
(4)Justin C.
Food is fantastic, prices are reasonable, service is great! I've eaten here dozens of times and I never had a dish I didn't like,
(5)Florence G.
The restaurant doesn't look like a tapas joint but after you sit down it doesn't matter at all. Great service from the time you check in at the front desk to the time you walk out the door. Many options on the menu that is sure to please anyone in your party. Some of our favorite dishes of the night was the shrimp with spinach, peppered beef tenderloin and grilled squid. One cool feature that I have not seen at other tapas restaurants is that they leave a stack of plates on your table so you can easily change plates so you don't mix flavors. It's a must try if you are in the suburbs.
(5)Carina M.
Loved this place. After moving to the burbs I was worried we would need to make the trek to cafe babareeba for my tapas fix, luckily we spotted this place. I'm in love with this place and we will be back. Bacon wrapped dates, patatas bravas, Spanish olives and sausages. Yum!
(5)Ashley G.
This place is the best spot for tapas in Naperville hands down. I love tapas and have tried pretty much every tapas restaurant in the Naperville area. The food and sangria are wonderful every time I go there. If you are in the area I highly suggest this place. The only downside is that it can get a bit noisy if you are there on a busy night.
(4)Steve B.
Excellent food. So much fun. Loved the bacon date tapas. Slightly expensive but worth it. Charming location and view. I will be going back.
(5)Yvette L.
We have celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary this past Spring at Meson Sabika. The wait staff remembered us and we received a champagne toast with cookies for dessert. This is our annual treat and we always order what was served at the reception in the pavilion. Thanks for making this our special place.
(5)Yocelin S.
My husband and I celebrated our anniversary here and it was exactly what we expected. We made reservations through Open Table and were promptly seated upon arrival Friday night. We sat on the 2nd floor in a small corner with a window overlooking the courtyard. The property itself is lovely. The tapas were all amazing- the seafood was fresh, the duck confit was delightful, and the paella- I'm still savoring it now. The patatas bravas were so tasty- we got an extra plate to go. We will surely be back for special occasions. The prices were fair for the quality and service. Truly outstanding.
(5)Judy H.
Came here yesterday with my fiance and future in-laws. Here's the quick synopsis: Service - good. Our waiter was very professional and pleasant. Thumbs up for that. Environment - okay. Beautiful mansion on the outside, but a little stuffy on the inside. I guess the grandma doily feel is the spin the place is going for, but didn't do much for me. Food: (1) Tostada con Centollo - tasty, but not impressive and too small to share beyond 2 people. Probably wouldn't get it again. (2) Patatas con Alioli - very, very garlicky, which we actually enjoyed, but a little heavy on the mayo for my taste. (3) Mariscos Paella - just okay. Ample amount of seafood, but the rice was a little mushy in texture for my liking. Didn't get a distinct saffron taste. The tomato and bell pepper taste was more overpowering. Probably would get it just to be full..by far largest portion. (4) Salteado de Hortalisas - actually enjoyed this quite a bit. Vegetables were cooked well - still tender and the sauce had a bit of heat, which I LOVE. (5) Vieras Albarino - 3 large, fresh scallops on a bed of cous cous. This one was delicious. Would recommend it. I think it had a touch of cumin in it so be wary for those who aren't a fan. (6) Cordero al Pastor - great flavor, but sadly the lamb was dry. Not juicy. The grilled onions and mushroom were good. Pricey - for what each tapas was priced, just expected a little bit more.
(3)Jie S.
Pretty happy with this place for the Mother's Day brunch. Althought it was kind of on the expensive side, but having the chance to try out all the dishes with a fixed amoutng was quite a draw for the families. We made the reservation two months before the date. About one month before the date, we were not able to add 3 more people as they all booked. Quite a popular place. We don't see much garden estate type of restaurant around here. I won't be not surprised that this is the popular place for weddings and celebrations. We were seated out at the huge open pavilion. I'm usually not a fan for the buffet but this time I got some great suggestions on this place so I'm able to focus on the selected items along the huge buffet choices. Personal favorites are jumbo shrimp, bacon wrapped dates, and fresh fruits. Yes, I got the fruit listed as they were juicy and tasted excellent. Really, everything was really good. We, mothers got treated with mimosa and rose. Services were pretty good but not outstanding. Large crowd at the queuing line at the buffet table. I'd like to try the regular table service next time.
(4)Sheila S.
The next best thing to hopping on a plane and heading to Southern Spain and most certainly the top restaurant in Naperville. To start off, ambiance is spot-on: a gorgeous historic mansion sets the scene and makes it perfect for nicer nights out with the family, a date with your significant other, or brunch with the ladies (or gents, I don't judge). Actually, I highly recommend the brunch for seasoned veterans looking to see another side of Mesón. There's a variety of shareable tapas, including some stellar hot ones like patatas bravas, queso de cabra, and champiñones. Bonus: the extensive menu marks vegetarian and gluten-free options. Portions are just right and just like sushi, you can always order a few more. Then there's dessert. Oh, don't even get me started... Although it's on the higher end of restaurants, it's not terribly pricey. My only complaint is service leaves a bit to be desired. It's not bad, just not at the level it should be for the type of place it is. But hey, I didn't buy my ticket to Spain, did I?
(4)Kevin W.
Came here with family for Sunday Brunch, it's clear that this place is dedicated to good food and good service. Our server was extremely helpful and accommodating, offering to give a quick tour and constantly checking-in that everything was up to par. Very professional and explained the whole dining experience quite well. For Sunday Brunch, the food was exquisite, with variety and quality combined. There's something here for everyone, whether it's seafood, tapas samplers, breakfast food, even a kids table! There were over 20 dishes, all of which exceeded my expectations for a 'brunch buffet'. Everything was hot and ready, and I have no complaints! The atmosphere is great, interior is slightly stuffy, but everyone had a good time and we'd love to come back.
(5)Teri C.
We recently used Meson Sabika as our wedding venue. The space is absolutely beautiful and the service is wonderful. The waitresses really hustled! They even brought the appetizers outside to make sure the bridal party got some. The food was amazing. Coming from an Italian family and marrying into a Greek family one of the biggest concerns with serving tapas was the quantity of food. Rest assure there was plenty! Everybody loved the food and were happily full at the end of the night. I would definitely recommend Meson Sabika.
(5)Christian C.
Sunday brunch is the best Mediterranean flavors and traditional breakfast dishes the Sunday brunch at meson Sabika is a must try, my company had there Christmas party there too and the food was just as good I would recommend it to everyone
(5)Hyunsoo S.
Had our wedding here 6/23/12. Everything was great from Lauren (event planner) to the staff working our wedding. The venue is beautiful, the food is amazing and we couldn't have asked for a better set up for our reception. Highly recommend for a wedding.
(5)Ryan N.
Moving from the city to the suburbs has its pluses and minuses, but the quality non-chain restaurant selection is definitely one of the largest minuses for my wife and I. Meson Sabika was a very pleasant surprise, and lived up to its Yelp reviews. Highly recommend their dates, empanada, and stuffed mushrooms. The lamb was also good, but we will probably try something else the next time we are there. Overall, one of the top 3 tapas restaurants I have been to. Only complaint is that the sangria was merely solid and did not stand out.
(5)Joe I.
It's popular because of the location. The food is just ok. I suggest drinking Sangria and sitting outside in the warmer months.
(2)Jennifer E.
Just celebrated my grandma's birthday here yesterday (Feb. 24th) and it was just perfect. The food at brunch was phenomenal and the service was impeccable. They catered to every single age group even my picky little niece and nephew. I want to throw another party just so I can go back :)
(5)Rex L.
One of my favorite places. I have been going here for years and I'm surprised I haven't reviewed it. Overall, it's a great experience, it just misses a little on different points each time, otherwise it would be a 5 star. This time the service was a little off, the salad wasn't very good but the rest of the food and drinks were great. The toast points with crab meat and the grilled pork medallions were my favorite. The tuna cannelonis are always good. We had a pitcher of sangria and finished it with dessert and a sherry flight. Get the Sherry flight and with dessert...you won't be disappointed.
(4)Amanda C.
Delicious! We had a birthday day date. This has been the first time I made reservations online and they made our date perfect. I added it was a special occasion with us celebrating husbands birthday and they came out with a cream puff filled with vanilla ice cream and chocolate drizzle! We had bacon wrapped dates and the shrimp was amazing. We had other tapas dishes that were all perfectly made. Thank you Meson Sabika for making it a special day!
(5)Lance C.
Outstanding! The food, the service was all impeccable. If I were to complain and I'm not it would be about the size of our dining space but I don't mind being a bit cramped if quality is to be received at this high of a standard otherwise. I would recommend this gem ten times over. The first tapas bar that actually reminded me of my trip to Spain. Best Tapas place in Chicagoland and a great date night intimate location.
(5)TJ C.
My fiancé and I went there on a friday night. Good atmosphere. Service was great. Food was awesome. They have no problem offering suggestions and pairings. Very easy to make a reservation on open table as well.
(4)Nishu S.
Very unique style of dining, being it tapas style. It was nice to order a few different plates and share them. They are in small portions perfectly sized for sharing, but not too much where there are leftovers. There are cold and hot tapas and our waiter informed us that the hot ones are a little heavier. Our cold tapas plate turned out to be the heaviest and the only one where there were leftovers. Overall a great restaurant and definitely a place I would visit again
(5)Ryan M.
Best restaurant in the western suburbs... and this coming from a guy that doesn't usually enjoy tapas. We've been here dozens of times and always have a great experience. The food is consistently excellent. The service is usually good, but we've had some off nights. The ambiance is incredible. Outside of the city, it's hard to find restaurants with character. This place over-delivers. It's an old plantation style mansion with a cozy outdoor patio. We love going in the summer and sitting outside. They have an excellent Spanish wine list, and great assortment of cold and hot tapas. I also find Meson very reasonable for the value.
(5)Rich P.
This place ROCKS! I have eaten here several times but just now getting around to a review. I suggest sitting outside on their beautiful patio and I also suggest a pitcher of Sangria. Everything we sampled on the menu was delicious. It's tapas so you can sample quite a bit. Service this last visit was good, not great and our waitress appologized for a couple little delays and blamed it on being short staffed becuase they are not fully staffed yet and had not planned on 80 degree days in March which I can fully understand. My past visits had flawless service. That being said the dealys were minimal and gave more time for enjoying the Sangria. Highly recomended
(4)Nora X.
Delicious tapas! I've only come a few times with friends after I've skipped enough starbucks/jamba juices to have some cash. It's certainly not cheap, esp in the mindset of a college student, but boy is it good. Service was a little sketch, and our waiter was a little pushy. But the paella is soo yummy.
(4)Jordan T.
I have to say that Meson is a certain type of dining experience that you have to be in the mood for. The food, generally speaking, is wonderful. But, I always feel a bit ackward given that the establishment is a mansion turned restaurant. It's actually not my favorite Tapas place in Naperville. I think it's actually a bit over-priced for what it is and the service has been slow the past two times we've been there. If you want really good tapas, a trendy establishment, great sangria for a good price go to Tango. If you feel like eating good spanish food in what feels like someone else's home go to Meson.
(3)Ingrid B.
Yum. Yum. Yum. From beginning to end-olives to profiteroles (and everything in between)-it was sublime. Will return as often as I can.
(5)Clarence S.
Service was impeccable, and at the same time didn't bother the table much. Bussers came consistently for water and bread. The food was spot on with the descriptions on the menu. In regards to the atmosphere, it was really clean and had an "at home" feel to it. I didn't feel "hovered over" by other customers. This place is a legitimate, traditional tapas restaurant. So if you're a fan of contemporary, fusion tapas restaurants like me, this is definitely a change of scenery. However, I directly compared the taste of the food to that of Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba's version of it downtown and I found Ba-Ba-Reeba's flavor to be a bit more enticing. For a restaurant in the suburbs, it was a great experience. I wouldn't mind staying there, chatting, and eating for at least two hours, and of course having a great time.
(4)Oreste G.
I had my parents in town and was looking for something a little different. We sat on the back patio and had a wonderful evening. Drinks were mediocre, but all the tapas were excellent and the flan was exceptional.
(4)Patrick L.
My dinner here was pretty good. I didn't try any of their specialty listings but we had a good variety if items. Everything was satisfactory. They menu is definitely large though so in fairness I think it takes a few times to get a good feel. Just didn't have my socks blow off by anything. On the plus side, all the food came quickly. On the down side, our waitress was a little hit & miss. I think she was being stretched a little thing over a few rooms. Definitely worth a try though. The food was good & the prices were right.
(3)Jeff N.
The detail orientation was very admirable. Bianca was everywhere and directed the staff throughout the evening. The food was great. The service was very professional. The facility is beautiful and the landscaping Is perfect for picture taking. The wedding reception set up was exactly what we wanted.
(5)Anita W.
Whether it was planning a huge baby shower or coming here for lunches and dinners, this place has always been a wonderful experience. The food has always been delightful and delicious. Sangria GREAT! The brunches are AWESOME! My experience with the staff has been extremely positive and attentive. One of my favorite places in the Western suburbs!
(5)Laura V.
Great atmosphere, love the variety of tasty food ! This wonderful restaurant values educators as well. If you are a teacher or Para-pro of the 2 area districts, you get a nice discount on your meal! At the time of posting, if you can show a pay stub or an ID you get 40% off your check for parties of four or less! Great food, great atmosphere, and the added perk of a nice discount are unbeatable! The outdoor dining is relaxing during summer months.
(5)Miss B.
Been here a couple times. The first time the service was great, and the food was delicious. Went here a second time, the food wasn't as good, and the server was kind of a jerk and not that great anyway. Asked repeatedly for things, and never got them. This place is very expensive in my opinion. The grounds and the building are very nice, but there's nothing that's special about this place. Definitely a place for an older crowd, and good if you have upwards of $100 to blow on some small plates of food for 2-3 people. Not too impressive.
(2)Steven M.
Aces to the brunch. The potato salad was with the price of admission. As was the prime rib. I went down the line of meats a couple of times. The duck was a bit dry, but the mimosa's took care of that. Everything was very fresh. They had the whole deal. Breakfast offerings, lunch and something for the kids. The service was poky at best. We had a table of three and the plates were piling up. We had to ask for them to be taken away and for more drinks? Otherwise great food at a great price.
(4)Carolyn R.
Absolutely gorgeous historic home. Was there last Saturday for a Bachelorette group dinner with 12 other people. We all had a great time and left stuffed! Worth the drive out the Naperville (and being a true city gal I don't say that lightly).
(4)Margaret S.
WONDERFUL!!! I had my daughters Bridal shower at Meson Sabika in the pavillion. Just a faboulous venue. The food was wonderful, the service was great, the staff was friendly and accommodating. Every guest was impressed with Meson Sabika. They made our special day a memorable event
(5)Min C.
I've done studies. 90% of the time, it tastes good every time.
(5)Britt B.
Let me just say that I'm not a big potato salad fan and I really do not like olives at all but I enjoyed both of those immensely. In fact, everything I put into my mouth here was quite amazing. I had the white sangria, which was perfect--light and not too fruity. I felt like I was back in Spain with the relaxed atmosphere.
(5)John B.
Love this place. Great place for a date. Tapas are fresh and delicious. Dinner in a mansion, ya can't beat it. The variety of tapas is great. My favorite is the baked goat cheese and the bacon wrapped dates. Both are so flavorful and delicious it will be hard to not order them twice....seriously. I really want to try their paella but everytime I get in there I go right for the tapas and with all the variety of flavors it makes deciding painless. I also suggest getting the mango sangria...excellent. They have flamenco from what it seems on the weekend which is cool, it does make it difficult to converse while it goes on but hey when in Rome...I mean Spain wth.
(4)David L.
I'm one who enjoys quality and quantity so when my wife suggested going to a tapas restaurant, my first thought was that I better eat before we go! To my surprise, the food was reasonably priced, very tasty and if you order right you will be very satisfied and not have to spend a lot of money. We sat outside on a cool Saturday night in early October and it was very pleasant. The wait staff was good, not great but overall we had a nice experience and we'll be back.
(4)Joe B.
Excellent menu selection...something for everyone. Very good service and atmosphere. Highly recommended.
(5)David R.
Great setting.. service..not so good, food..just ok. Went here with a party of 8 people, and the waiter brought out a stack of plates.. distributed them and left. They were dirty! I mean... visibly dirty (still had crusted food on them). We re-stacked them and asked for new ones, only to have the manager come over to question as to why we needed new dishes! when we showed them to him.. he apologized, but.. we never saw him again. food wasn't anything special compared to other tapas restaurants i've been to, but higher priced. drinks were small and weak. Sngria was ok.. same as anywhere... presentation bland! for the cost and experience, will not return.
(2)James D.
Tapas is a great option for a group of friends/colleagues to share great food and try different things and this is the best place in the area for Tapas. The mansion is great and the atmosphere is comfortable and cozy. While there are issues with the consistency of the wait staff, the food has always been enjoyable and the specials are worth trying. If Tapas is too intimidating for you, ask for help and sit back and enjoy. Lastly, this place is much more fun for 4 or more people so grab a group and have a great time.
(4)Janine K.
I wasn't going to let a little rain come between dinner reservations at this establishment this past weekend! They only had a reservation for 8pm, and that was fine. After the monsoon, the parking lot was rather flooded so there was a guy directing us where to park - why don't more places have this??? We made our way inside to a pretty packed place - including the wedding reception going on. We were seated upstairs, it was a little loud with conversations going on at the other tables, but we adapted quickly. My friend and I split a pitcher of red sangria - soooooo good!!! We ordered one warm tapas and two cold - after splitting three plates, we were surprisingly full, but had just enough room for dessert...two of them! :) I wasn't stuffed to the max, but pleasantly full, I'd say... it didn't even seem like that much food but I think the bread with our dishes filled us up enough. I seriously wanted one of every dessert on the menu...we settled on the white chocolate mousse and almond/pear pound cake to split - both were delicious! The service was great, the food was sooooo great... we cannot wait to come back here!!! On our way out we grabbed "to go" menus, this way we can plan ahead and not spend so much time going through the menu. I cannot wait to come back and dine outside, the grounds here are beautiful.
(4)Kelly J.
Great food!! Unfortunately had 2 used utensils dropped on me with a white garlicky cream sauce. There was an apology but no napkins given for clean up. Human error, disappointing but highly recommend the food. Very busy
(4)Heidi K.
I came here for Sunday brunch with my sister and her husband, my husband, my father and his wife. It was the Sunday after Christmas and we managed to snag a 10:30 a.m. reservation a few days prior so we arrived before things got crazy crowded. We arrived and were brought to a room upstairs, which seemed to be for people with small children (my one year old nephew was with us) as the downstairs rooms were full of adults and older children. We were seated at a table that had dead flowers (nice) and the room was ice cold. A basket of bread was brought out, but no butter. Eh..... Our waiter was very nice, but I cannot remember his name. He explained how everything worked, and then took our drink order (mimosa for me, Bloody Mary for the hubs) and omelet order (cheese and chorizo) and then we made our way downstairs to the buffet. Everyone raves about the bacon wrapped dates, but I was a bit skeptical at first. I've never tried dates, as I assumed they were like big raisins and I hate raisins. But I was brave and tried one. It was.... okay, I suppose. It was way too sweet; I could hardly detect the bacon on the thing. I felt like I was eating a sweet potato drenched in maple syrup. Oh well, I tried. The calamari was excellent, as was the ceviche (I had three large servings of it). I also probably consumed a pint of raspberries on my own. The bacon was cooked perfectly and I am not ashamed to admit that I consumed at least 15 pieces. Garlic potato salad= uh MAY zing! Soooo garlicky, and addictive! I tried the paella which was okay. Chorizo links, cheeses, a couscous dish, fresh fruit.... all great! I know there was plenty more that I tried but I can't remember it now. They also have a carving station but I didn't partake in that. There was just so much food to sample. The brunch is about $30 a person which is a fair price, given the variety of food and the quality of same. It was a nice time spent with family and I enjoyed the experience.
(3)Victoria B.
Great place to celebrate an event or for date night. Pretty pricey but the food is worth it. Tapas style small plates rich and savory. Love the bacon wrapped dates always a crowd pleaser! The desert was ok we had the flan of the day which was orange flan yummy and bananas foster but it tasted kinda burnt Carmel sauce. We sat outside this time the chairs were sticky!!! Omg we had to move to another table because it's from the sap from the trees above! Service was nice and bus boys were always attentive to refill our water.
(4)Jim L.
this place has amazing food. I am definitely a fan. Just not a fan of the prices but then again it is an upscale restaurant, not a fast food place. I would recommend this place for a great atmosphere and great food.
(4)Ashley F.
Birthday dinner here was wonderful. I recommend a early reservation if you don't want to wait. If weather permits sit outside its beautiful. As far as the food try the goat cheese it's fabulous!
(4)Cindy L.
I really wanted tapas and I usually find all the tapas places in the city, but I was meeting up with a friend in Naperville. I went on Yelp and found Meson Sabika and it sounded really great. We had a hard time finding the place but I'm so glad we eventually found it. The entrance was very pretty. There was a nice flower garden and mini fountain setup. It was raining the night we went. I wish I got some nice pictures of the outside. We were about 20 minutes late to our reservation, but they were so friendly - we were seated right away! The service was very good. I really liked their dishes too. There were some very unique dishes with great flavors. I loved the Datiles con Tocino (bacon wrapped dates)! I really liked the Vieras Albarino (sea scallops with couscous). The Gambas al Ajillo (shrimp) was tasty. The Calamares a la Plancha (squid) was good. Obviously I love seafood since that's the majority of what we ordered haha. For seafood, it is important that the sauces are flavorful because that helps to bring out the seafood. For meats, if it is seasoned too heavily it will be too salty and you cannot taste the natural meat flavor itself. I did order one other meat dish (besides the bacon wrapped dates) - the Chorizo y Morcilla. The chorizo on the plate was very, very salty...too salty, but I did like the blood sausage. We also ordered a salad - the Ensalada Gabriela (arugula and watercress salad with apples, pecans, raisins, with Muscatel sun dried tomato olive oil vinaigrette). Honestly, this salad was probably my favorite plate. The sea scallops were my second favorite. It was really delicious. I really could eat that all day. Pair your dishes with a glass of their sangria. For dessert, we ordered the Tarta de Chocolate y Caramelo. Overall, this was a very nice dinner. If I am ever back in Naperville, I would go back!
(4)Marilynn P.
I truly love Meson Sabika! Although, I've been here several times and none of my experiences have been as good as my first time. The first time I went, we went during an off-peak hour in the middle of the day. Food was presented fresh & hot, and the service was impeccable! All the other times I've visited have been much busier. The food didn't taste as fresh/hot by the time it reached the table, and the service was good but not great. I recommend most of the hot tapas! The paella was good, but be prepared for a long wait.
(4)Krista H.
Tapas has to be my favorite type of food especially when you can enjoy great tapas paired with killer sangria with great people! My favorites are the skirt steak with the peppers and onions the bacon wrapped dates baked goat cheese and basically everything else. If you live near Naperville you have to try it!
(5)Eric Y.
I love tapas and chef Emilio always turns out a good product and a good time! I love the setting - a house dating back to 1847 with a beautiful yard and gardens and some very enticing vintage charm. There's a banquet hall addition too - it looks very inviting. I prefer the food and beverage program at Emilio's Tapas in Hillside - my favorite escargot tapa is not offered here (so sad) and the wine/sherry list is much more comprehensive at the other place. Nevertheless, dining here is a homey, low key experience filled with a lot of good times and plenty of good food.
(4)Courtney H.
I was really disappointed with my visit here this past Friday evening. We made a reservation, which was good because they were packed. The restaurant itself is beautiful and there grounds look gorgeous even though it was snowy out. However, I just wasn't impressed with the food and I was surprised because people can't stop raving about this place. I started with the smoked salmon, since that is my favorite appetizer anywhere I go. It was ok..a bit too cold. And way too much cream cheese. Café BaBaReeba does this one better. I actually think everything here that can be pre-made is. The food comes out very fast and we asked for something to be made without nuts and were told it was already made so..yeah. The bacon wrapped dates were pretty good, except it came in a weird sauce. I tried my friend's goat cheese appetizer and that was tasty. We also got the pear, goat cheese and spinach empanada (the thing that came with the nuts). This literally had NO TASTE at all. We each took 1 bite and we were done. The garlic potato salad was good as well, but VERY garlicky. We would go back in the summer to try the brunch, and hopefully that changes my mind.
(2)Cynthia B.
I live in the city and work out in Naperville and I am not a real foodie but I try to go to different restaurants and experiment with new foods. As part of my work gatherings, we often go to Meson Sabika and I think the entire experience is very good. I also go to two neighborhood tapas restuarants and Meson Sabika is way better than either of them - ba ba reba or iberico. The food is superior and the prices are very reasonable. I also love going to Tapas Gitana in Northfield (which is a notch above Meson Sabieka in my opinion) - I guess I am fond of Spanish little plates. I know there a lot of dining options in Naperville but if I lived out there, this would be one of my go to places.
(5)Sara B.
Love the bacon wrapped date and patatas bravas! Very good sangria as well. The patio is great in the summer for relaxing with friends.
(5)Chrissy W.
Bacon. Wrapped. Dates. All. Day. Long. We came for brunch and brunch we consumed. I seriously just want to eat my weight in bacon wrapped dates. Not joking. The cold food buffet was served on the patio (you know, before it was below zero with the wind chill), and it was amazing. Cheese. Veggies. Fruit. Amazing creations that made me immeasurably happy. The hot food buffet was pretty good, but the paella was AMAZING. Definitely a must-try on your brunchy visit. I didn't get anything from the carving station, but I was stuffed harder than a build-a-bear. The eggs benny was REALLY good (I think they use homemade English muffins and make those babies to order - yes with a perfectly poached egg). First glass of champagne/mimosa is free; second glass is half price. I switched to a bloody Mary and DAYUM, it was delicious. Let's talk ambiance here, people. Brunch in an old mansion? Did I mention the cool old mansion? Yeah. That. Get yourself over there. And make reservations because they get BUSY.
(5)Brianna L.
I just can't say anything bad about this place.
(5)Amy R.
I always feel super bogus giving a lower rating to a place that I notice ALL of my yelp fraaands adore. Like did I miss something? Am I culinarily inept? Come on the wrong night? Sigh. Well for me, Meson Sabika is a three star affair. I came here with ALL of my cousins for dinner on a weeknight and of course, we had a reservation (I have a very large family, plus now that we're marryin' age, we've doubled). We sat at a huge round table in one of the rooms of this enormous mansion, and I loved the beautiful interior, but it is BUSTLIN. I mean loud, crazy, bump my chair seventy times, crowded, bustlin'. Since we, also, were an enormous group, it's fine and I get it, but it's also overwhelming. We tried SO MUCH STUFF, and honestly not a lot stood out to me, I loved the baked goat cheese, but didn't love the red sauce it was baked in. The shrimp were good, but not great. Also, coming here with a large group is NOT a good choice - you get to sample maybe one or two bites of the teeny tiny tapas, and that's it. We even ordered 2-3 of some of the tapas, and it wasn't enough. I left honestly HUNGRY and hubs is not afraid to admit he made a Taco Bell run later that evening. Oops. Almost everyone at our table had sangria and loved it, but I don't really drink and I sat that out. Finally, it's crazy expensive. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to drop a ton of money on a delicious meal, but I need to leave satisfied and/or drunk, and I need to be impressed. Sadly, that didn't quite happen. I may try to come back with a smaller group and rock out small plates again, someday, but for now, Meson Sabika is just a-ok.
(3)Katlyn E.
Amazing! After a long & arduous search, I have finally discovered THE Best Sunday brunch in Chicagoland. Service is excellent, the ambiance is UNPARALLELED, and the food blew me away. Definitely coming back with friends. (Thank you so much to management for fitting us in despite our incorrect reservation)
(5)Jody D.
Yes, there is great food in the suburbs! I love this restaurant. The food is amazing, the staff is great and the setting is wonderful. Everything you need for a fantastic night out. Start by ordering a few plates and then continue to add more. I think about the sea scallops with apple coucous for days after eating it....darn it, now I'm hungry again! I have given gift certificates to several family members and friends and they have all become regular customers.
(5)Alexandria R.
This place has it all!! Great food, service, staff, owners, ambiance. They are always accommodating and never fail on providing delicious, authentic food. We even recently hosted my garden themed baby shower here. It was BEAUTIFUL. Their staff provided excellent service to our party and worked with us wonderfully! Love it here!!!!!
(5)Ed B.
We have been here many times over the years but this is my first review of it. This place is 5 stars based on the quality of food, service and atmosphere but it is not a 5 star restaurant in the classic sense. It is located in an old mansion. The surrounding grounds and the building itself speak of a time gone by. The charm and class of this place truly gives a sense of comfort and relaxation as soon as you step out of your car. There is also a banquet hall for the Sunday brunch and weddings or special occasion. A beautiful room. There was a wedding taking place here yesterday.There was a horse drawn carriage giving rides around the grounds that just added even more class and charm to the happenings all around. Besides the charm of the place I can say that most of the rooms in the house where you dine are a bit small and can feel somewhat tight but as soon as you taste the food you forget about that. The service here is excellent. We like to dine outdoors here when the weather permits. The outdoor part of this establishment is huge and much more open so you are not at all cramped. Nearly all of it is shaded by huge old trees and umbrellas. Every time we come we are in a group of 4 to 10. It is always a party as it was again last night outside.You are never rushed here and the 3 hours we spend each time we come here just flies by. As for the food it is Spanish tapas style. So small portions to share.There is a large variety of fish, seafood, meat, and vegi. dishes to choose from. With all of the different things we have tried, and we have tried nearly everything, no one in any of our visits have ever complained or not like anything. The menu does change from time to time based on some seasonal things and items do come back. There are some of the signature items like figs wrapped in bacon and robust garlic potato salad which are always there. You have to try these. Figs wrapped in bacon? Yea they are awesome! There is a full bar, house made sangria's and a large list of after dinner drinks and coffees to accompany your top notch desert menu. I have left here many a time wishing I could get wheel barrow service back to my car. Yes just wheel me out and flip me into the seat until I come back again next time to do it all again!
(5)Tina D.
This place is delicious, the service was great! My husband and I went for our anniversary and they gave us complementary champagne, which was very sweet. They seated us per our reservations and didn't make us wait and they seated us on the second floor overlooking the courtyard which gave the evening an extra romantic touch. They had many veggie options and were able to make the tapas spicy upon request. My husband liked all the meat dishes he got as well. Everything we ordered was great. The prickly pear and peach sangrias were amazing! I can't wait to go back and eat some more yummy tapas.
(5)Kevin E.
This might be the only truly great restaurant in Naperville. I have nothing but praise for it.
(5)Angela P.
Meson Sabika, I've seen it all! I've dined here with my husband a few times. I've attended one wedding indoors and one wedding outdoors. I've attended an office Christmas party. I've dined inside the beautiful mansion, and I've dined on their patio. The patio is gorgeous, but it can get nasty with mosquitoes in the evening. My feet and butt are proof. Most recently, I dined with four other friends. I've seen Meson's many faces, and they are all gorgeous, flawless faces on teeny tapas plates. Located in an old mansion, Meson offers an atmosphere that is like dining in someone's home. Someone's crowded, bustling, noisy home. It seems that no matter the time of the day, there is a crowd. Reservations can be made easily only a few days in advance. Reservations are a must, but they are not hard to come by. Meals must be started with the Queso de Cabra (goat cheese) and the Bacon Wrapped Dates. Must. I'm also a fan of the steak with blue cheese, the tiger shrimp, the chicken & chorizo skewers, and the apple & duck confit crepe. Chug a pitcher of that red sangria. Repeat. Naperville School District employees receive a 40% discount, and since I'm married to one, I'm wondering why we aren't here more often! (40% discount is NOT valid on private parties/weddings - I tried). Weddings are on the pricey side here (they charge $14/person on TOP of whatever food/drinks you are paying for, JUST to rent the space), but both I have attended were beautiful events with amazing food. This is a perfect date spot; we've celebrated a few anniversaries here. It's also a nice place to go with another couple. I don't think I would go back in a group of six, because some of the small plates are TOO small to share with a group that large. Perfect for two. Nice for four (you can try more things), but difficult with six.
(5)Shana M.
When I want a fancy night out with a unique atmosphere I go to Meson Sabika. The restaurant itself is a old mansion. The staff is very knowledgable of the menu so definitely ask them for suggestions. I love the sangria, and bacon wrapped dates.
(5)John S.
Not much to say about this place, it is obvious that it's excellent. My recommendation is to eat outside on the patio. I had no idea they had one until yesterday.
(5)Nick B.
I was taken here for a Sunday brunch. All I can say was it was amazing and I left in a food coma. For the brunch you get to try a bunch of different hot and cold tapas. Also a free champagne drink to start brunch off wasn't bad either. I had 3 big plates of all different types of brunch tapas. Everything was amazing. You can't go wrong with anything you pick. The setting was nice, A manor restaurant. I wouldn't advise to bring children along as it does get rather cramped. Overall I cannot wait to go back for brunch. Amazing and words cannot describe how much your stomach will thank you.
(5)Cash P.
My family loves this place! The food is scrumptious. Go with a group as tapas are ment to be shared or go to Sunday brunch so you can have a little of everything. Sunday brunch reminds me of the high end Las Vegas buffets. Holidays book up so make reservations. They offer kid friendly foods on the buffet presented on tables at child height. We love sitting outside on the patio during the summer. Their chocolate matini is creamy with just a slight sweetness. My mom says their sangria always reminds her of being in Spain. It is a little dryer than most American versions.
(5)Joe Z.
How many more times do I have to rate Meson Sabika (happy to do it team). Awesome place, awesome food, awesome service and all in a atmosphere this is upscale and just nice. You want a place to take your mom (or other well heeled adult) then this is the place. The food is awesome and the presentation is as well. The plates are small-ish (ive been to places where they are even smaller) and well prepared. The hot comes hot and the cold comes cold. Caution on the garlic potato salad . . . they use a LOT of garlic so everyone at the table needs to take at least one bite so you're not killing each other later on. Good stuff, and that's not a complaint it's just how they make theirs and it's awesome. Favorite is the Skirt Steak with onions and blue cheese . . . . mouth watering to go get some right now. I've been there a ton of times and I'll be going back. Quality and consistency are top notch. Don't ever stop what you're doing Meson Sabika, I love ya.
(4)L J.
We went to the Sunday brunch the first time we ever ate at this restaurant. All I can say is "WOW" Everything was delicious, service was great, gardens were beautiful. Can't wait to eat there again!
(5)Jessica O.
First time eating at a tapas restaurant. Many options cold and hot. Ordered mostly hot ones. Lamb, beef, duck, shrimp and lobster They were all good but nothing outstanding. I think it was a good meal overall due to the variety of the dishes. The place is charming but since it's an older mansion/house the place has limited space so you are very close to other tables and it can get loud. The deserts and drinks were really good.
(3)Bill O.
I really always considered tapas to be a casual meal, and I've always enjoyed the small portion/solid spicy red wine/sangria/uniqueness of it all. However after Saturday night's meal at Maison Sabika In Naperville, I realized that tapas can be elegant and is very well complemented by excellent customer service. After walking through the grounds of this 5 acre mansion dating back to the 1800s, we were immediately seated and introduced by our waiter, Kyle. Kyle was comprehensive in his explanations of the food And he selected a awesome glass of red wine that he explained very well. Later he told me that the wine representative for Maison was there yesterday, so he had fresh memory. He also let me know that they had Hendricks gin. Had a martini and had three awesome tapas: one. Garlic potato salad two. blood sausage and chorizo three. Skirt steak After celebrating my friends birthday that night at her selection of a unique restaurant that is Maison Sabika, our waiter Kyle approached myself and my wife and let us know that it was a pleasure to serve us. This really gave our visit the X factor makes me want to come back again. Nice job Kyle, and nice job Maison Sebeka.
(5)Jodi L.
Excellent dining. This is one of my absolute favorite tapas restaurants. The outdoor seating is so romantic and quaint and it's the perfect place for a date or an anniversary. Make sure you try the Sangria - it's the best drink on the menu. 5 stars!!!
(5)Ellen G.
Went here for brunch, which was disappointingly ordinary. Wanted true tapas. The paella was Spanish rice with some shrimp and scallops added. Sliced vegetables and prime rib as per most decent buffets. Dessert was standard from a commercial bakery and was a little stale.
(1)Mike C.
Great selection variety and great tasting food. My review would be five stars but it is a bit of a walk from the parking lot for cane users and limited handicap parking. Also, the tables tend to be a little too close and the restaurant a little too noisy for my taste.
(4)Amy S.
Far exceeded any expectations any of us had in our party of four. Definitely sit outside if you can in this unique venue.
(5)Derek B.
We wanted to get out and try something new that didn't disappoint - we found the right place. Made the reservation online which was easy. The host was very polite. The decor is dated but it adds to the restaurant. Our waiter was Mitchell who was great and had awesome recommendations. We split a pitcher of red sangria (not a huge pitcher, but very good) and it was a little pricey. It is a tapas style place so we tried 3 small cold and 3 small hot dishes and all were done very well. We will definitely be back!
(5)Sibylla O.
We just had our Bridal Shower here the service was first class, the atmosphere lovely and the food excellent Just perfect!! I can highly recommend this place
(5)Jacqueline D.
Pollo a la Gabardine - Sauteed & lightly breaded chicken breast, served with mushrooms & a goat cheese sauce -This item was ok, it taste just as it is, similar to a lightly breaded chicken strip Valenciana - Chicken, shrimp, mussels and clams - this was good, i had the mussels replaced with squid, though the squid was a bit tough Patatas con Alioli - Robust garlic potato salad I have had better tapas, maybe I should have tried more small plates. The service was great and the place was beautiful. There was a wedding taking place and everyone seem to be having a good time.
(3)Cory H.
This taste of this place was one of a kind. My wife raves about it constantly and we finally went just so I didn't have to hear about it anymore. It was delicious. With just the two of us, there wasn't exactly enough food but we made it work. The service is excellent and very quick and the dessert was amazing. You wouldn't be able to share with more than two people and I would recommend ordering everything for yourself and only sharing if you absolutely have to.
(5)Wendy P.
I really cannot understand the high ratings. I must have gone on a catastrophic night. The dining room was freezing cold. We ordered some cocktails which was for me a decent Manhattan and then we waited, swatting gnats while perusing the enormous menu, which seemed a bit too big for fine dining. We ordered the Cogollo de Tudelo, which was a disappointing mound of lettuce soaked in a bland creamy dressing with tiny bits of shriveled mushroom and slivers of heart of palm. This was accompanied by both the Pulpo ala Feira and the Piquillos de Mariscos. The pulpo was chewy, tough and overwhelmingly salty. while the Piquillos were doused in the same creamy dressing that coated the salad and the fishiness of the overpowered the sweet-hotness of the peppers. 0 for three at this point when we moved onto the hot tapas. By this time I had finished my drink but not before at least 5 gnats had met a grim watery death in my martini glass. We started with the Pipirrana de Buey, a skirt steak with blue cheese, ordered medium rare came well done, unseasoned and plastered in a 1/2 inch crust of blue cheese. This was followed by teeth-curlingly sweet Datiles, which lacked any heat or anything to balance the sugar. Finally the Montaditos de Cerdo, the pork medallions, which were another big mistake. The Patatas Bravas, the spicy potatoes were the only thing that reminded me of my time in Spain We left most of it, corked our wine and left before the open bottle before more gnats died. Really terrible and memorable for the wrong reasons.
(1)Blondie B.
Food, Service, Quality, & Ambiance is what I am looking for in my ratings. This Restaurant is always a sure bet! Reservations are strongly encouraged. Food is always spot on perfectly cooked and presented, I have never sent back a dish. Service is mainly consistent, quick and very attentive. Truly authentic Spanish tapas with wonderful Paellas Mariscos. You will feel very at "home" here at Meson Sabika. Beautiful grounds, in a beautiful vintage home. Great restaurant and do not forget to have a Sangria!
(4)Anna N.
An excellent tapas option for the western burbs. After moving from downtown Chicago I have yet to find a decent tapas option until Meson Sabika. They have a HUGE menu with a lot of great options to choose from. I suggest trying their specials since those were some of my faves. The inside is like an old home and cozy. Came here for my b-day dinner and was not disappointed. I love that they also provide bread for the table since so many tapas dishes have great sauces that I literally want to lick the plate clean and having bread helps me do so! Serving size was good and quality of food was appropriate for the price. My only complaint is that some of the dishes could have used a touch more salt, or I would have liked some salt at my table to do so myself, but that could just be me and my pregnancy preferences! I'm looking forward to coming back!
(5)Alyssa J P.
A gorgeous restaurant with incredible sangria and a very vegan-friendly menu. Just ask for things on the vegetarian menu without the cheese or sauce. I was very pleasantly surprised about how vegan-friendly they are, actually, because sometimes fancy restaurants won't rise above pretentiousness to serve people with dietary restrictions. Great place to bring a date! Go in the summer or early autumn and dine on the patio.
(4)Jim C.
Such a quandary. When a reservation is made for a party of 25, is it unreasonable to expect decent service with adequate staffing? I don't think so. But apparently Meson Sabika does. Witness the dinner our party had after high school graduation. 25 people spanning 3 generations. We had one waitress who had never handled a group this size, a couple of random bus boys who picked up the dishes and filled water when the spirit seemed to moved them. And a kitchen that was painfully slow on getting the orders out and wrong dishes delivered regularly. But the food itself was awesome. Tasty, crunchy, interesting, flavorful and downright scrumptious. But it wasn't enough, for me anyway, to offset the annoyingly disinterested service. I would have at least expected the manager to pop in and make sure things were okay. He or she didn't. Although someone in my party said some manager type made an appearance before I arrived but I was there for at least 90 minutes. I guess my bottom line is its a good choice for a date but expect to wait given the service experience I had. For a large group though I'd look elsewhere despite the food.
(2)Gary D.
I've been wanting to try this place since moving here 2 years ago and we used Naperville restaurant week as the excuse. It was fantastic. The setting is this old mansion that's been updated to a restaurant and it's very well done which really contributes to a great atmosphere. The service was impeccable even though the waiter was Spanish and didn't speak good English it just added more to the ambiance of a Spanish tapas establishment. The wine list is limited to Spanish wines only but after explaining what we liked in a wine the server suggested a Spanish wine which was close and good. The only reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 was we took advantage of the prix fixe menu for restaurant week and the selections were good, but not GREAT. I will definitely go again though as the regular prices were reasonable anyway. Besides how many places do you find that serve splits of cava!
(4)Dauer H.
Absolutely delicious, just a bit hefty for my budget and a bit far out of the city, but if you want stellar Spanish food, this is the place to go! You'll never get comida this caliber in Cafe Iberico or Cafe Ba Ba Reba! Great atmosphere! Intimate yet cozy...def get the Montadita con Langosta (lobster in saffron sauce). Veggie selections compliment the seafood choices.
(4)Alan L.
Totally did agree with these ratings. If you have ever had real Spanish tapas you will immediately understand that what is served here is not authentic. Like many ethnic restaurants it has been adjusted to cater to the tastes of the local customers, which does not reflect authenticity
(1)Janelle C.
Meson Sabika never disappoints. I have been for birthday celebrations, Sunday brunch and lunch with mom. The food is always good, especially meat dishes. Meats are always flavorful and cooked to perfection. The most classic tapas are nowhere near as good as they are in Spain, but the best you'll find in Naperville. My faves are the bacon wrapped dates and duck confit. The wine list includes lots of good Spanish wines.
(4)Rupa N.
Delectable tapas meant to be shared, flowing Sangria, a boisterous crowd, and of course a beautiful setting in a renovated Naperville mansion originally built in 1847. Meson Sabika surely ranks as a must-visit in suburban Naperville. I've been here a few times and I "always" order the garlic potato salad. The price has gone up in recent years and the staff has tempered the garlic (shucks) but it's a cult classic to be sure! I always say - If you can get the taste of garlic out of your mouth in less than 24 hours.......................it isn't garlicky enough. Spanish wines are spectacular but we're really stuck on their red sangria. A pitcher goes for $27 but it pairs up really nicely with the food. I've sampled sangria in Barcelona and Seville and Meson's my favorite. A platter of bread along with a small bowl of marinated olives start the evening. We love the olives here and always order another bowl which is one of the cold tapas offerings. The bread isn't much to talk about but takes a life of its own when dipped in olive marinade! Their paellas are quite nice and filling but limits the number of tapas that can be ordered. This go-around, we noticed some nice daily specials that caught our eye so we decided to forego the paella. My favorite down-pat was a cold special of the day, a mushroom dish marinated in olive oil, topped with mozzarella cheese, accompanied by asparagus. So much going on in this dish. We also tried a hot tapas special, montaditos de sol, tender beef tenderloin wrapped in bacon accompanied by a sweet sauce accompanied by pears I think. The patatas bravas were too reminiscent of my favorite Barcelona to pass up, potatoes with spicy manchego cheese. Good dish but I wasn't in awe. The dud of the night were the veal meatballs. It was either the meatballs or the sausage dish and I opted for the former since it was a special of the night. This was a pretty bland dish. We were quite full but I convinced my husband to share Tarta de Chocolate y Caramelo with me. This was blissful, warm chocolate and caramel custard baked in a hazelnut tart crust with vanilla ice cream. Oh Yum. I've tried Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba for tapas in Chi-Town and it doesn't hold a candle to Meson.
(3)Therese C.
Best place in the suburb for tapas! I have been enjoying Meson Sabika for 20 years from a quiet dinner for two to a large group with children on the patio. Good wine choices, consistent tapas favorites and always new plates to keep us coming back. I have not tried their brunch, but have heard only good reviews. I have ordered pans of paella for buffet dinner party at home. Never disappointed. Management and staff are proffessional and friendly. Always an enjoyable dinning experience.
(5)Steven K.
Loved it. Party of five. We ordered salads, 5 cold tapas, 5 hot tapas, and 3 deserts. Plenty of food. Everything was excellent! Haven't traveled to Spain in over 10 years, but the food brought back some great memories. Good, well paced service. Unique atmosphere. It's in an elegant old mansion, and very american traditionally decorated. Two pitchers white sangraia added to the fun.
(5)Charlie S.
Courteous, attentive service, great food and delicious sangria! What could be better?!?!
(4)Allison A.
My husband and I recently came here for our second wedding anniversary per suggestion from our friends. It was delicious! They were very gf friendly for me, which made my life a ton easier. Woo hoo! We sat outside on the patio and it was gorgeous. I would love to sit out there again. We started out with a pitcher of red sangria. That was great on a hot day. We also had the dates, potato salad, chicken skewer, seafood paella. My husband got a few items off the regular menus, which he really enjoyed as well. All of the food was great. My husband usually doesn't like tapas restaurants because he says he is never full after. Well we ordered a total of 6 things plus the paella and we were stuffed and even had some to take home. I am looking forward to going back with some friends to try even more things!
(4)Suzanne Z.
I would like to give this place a better review and admit I need to go back. I've only been here for a wedding. We were in their side venue, so I didn't get to see the main house. I don't know if I recommend tapas for a wedding... everything I tried was good, but sharing small plates with a big table did not make for much of a meal! We left starving. I did enjoy their sangria, and the staff running the bars were fun and friendly. The room the wedding was in was nice and large with a dance floor area. I can't wait to go back and eat a full meal here, I will update my review then and will definitely give more stars, based on what I saw from everyone else!
(3)Kaye D.
Having a reservation via open table led us to being immediately seated in the restaurant. With the restaurant being in a home/mansion from the 1850s, the ambiance is cute and quaint. It is as if you were invited over for dinner at the home. Our waiter was attentive and knowledgable in explaining certain tapas dishes beyond the description included in the menu. There was a generous selection of cold and hot tapas. We didn't feel rushed to order everything all at once, nor pressured to finishing our food quickly. Our current favorites are the bacon wrapped dates (datiles con tocino), stuffed mushroom caps (champiñones) and grilled lamb medallions with onions and mushrooms (cordero al pastor). The red sangria was pretty fanstastic. It was fruity, flavorful and you felt the kick of the alcohol without it being too overwhelming in each sip. We tried the banana mousse for dessert. It was pretty good - whipped and airy, along with tiny chocolate shavings. I'd have it again. The flavor choice for the mousse (the banana) was different from anything I've had as far as mousse is concerned. As far as prices go, they're pretty moderate. Each tapas dish ranges from about $5-$15 depending on what your stomach is craving. Overall, it was a relaxing and fun experience.
(4)Maya T.
The place is beautiful. It's expensive... but I had a Groupon deal for the small plates during lunch. Good food.
(4)Michelle S.
Meson Sabika is a beautiful place to have a wedding. The staff was top notch and the grounds were lovely. The owner even made a point of talking to us and wanted to make sure everything was just right. The food was delicious and the environment was better.
(5)Kristen H.
What a disappointment! I had been literally dying for almost a month to dine here for my birthday, after reading all of the reviews and looking at how gorgeous the establishment is. I'm not sure if those pictures are photoshopped, because the outside exterior is beautiful but once you walk into the mansion, the inside is not attractive, just a standard crowded restaurant. I had made a reservation for fifteen people, however as in most birthdays, most people do not show up exactly at the reservation time. So, I arrived with four other people. Immediately, we were greeted by our waitress, who began automatically making rude and blunt comments about where was everyone else. I informed her that they were running late. Eventually 12 people came, so we only had three seats open, and she still began making comments, such as "that's all of the people who are going to be here?!". It was not as though I had reserved a table for fifteen and only three people were there. Don't worry, your food is incredibly expensive, that you will still receive a large tip! The sangria was watered down, there was way too much ice inside of it. For a well known and recognized establishment, you can afford to add the booze inside of the sangria. I ordered the escalvida con queso and salteado de hortalisas.. My escalvida was phenomenal but I could have made a better salteado de hortalisas at home with fresher vegetables. I would have given this restaurant a three stars, almost four for their food. Yet, our server obsessed with her tip and completely demonstrated this throughout our entire dining experience. At the beginning of our meal, I did ask about separate checks, and she stated that she would not be able to do that but could take up to as many payments as possible. I find this odd that a restaurant with this much money could not do so. I used to work at Bakers Square and we could do separate checks; I feel that some places do this in order to receive larger tips and bills. Well, of course between fifteen people and a bunch of tapas and drinks, we were short on our bill and were having difficulty in figuring out who owed what, and our waitress actually rolled her eyes. This ruined my dining experience and made me wish that I would have gone to Macarena Tapas in Naperville instead. I will not be returning, which is unfortunate because once you make a tapas fan of me, I will forever be a loyal and returning customer.
(2)Hannah P.
I had a birthday dinner here 2 years ago and I loved it. My birthday is at the end of Sept so we got to sit outside on the deck. It was beautiful. There was a wedding going on in the front, so it was kind of crowded...but once that died down it was great. Food service could have been faster; it takes awhile for the next round of dishes to come out in some cases. But typically it was worth the wait...everything was delicious for the most part!! Obviously these are tapas style meals so you're not going to get a huge mouthful of everything; definitely "taster" size portions. The staff was courteous, the mansion itself is gorgeous. Definitely a place everyone should go at least once!
(4)Kyle C.
Meson Sabika is a very interesting restaurant. They serve Spanish tapas which are pretty small plates that everyone is supposed to share. The food itself is not bad, but it is pretty pricey for what you get. The staff is very formal and not very personable or attentive, which I would expect at a higher end restaurant like this. The atmosphere is actually what really make this place as it is in an old mansion which is really cool. I would go for a nice light formal dinner, but anything else I might consider elsewhere.
(3)Scott F.
Was there last night with a party of 8 for a friends girlfriends birthday. First let me start by saying I don't love tapas or necessarily hate tapas, but it is what it is; you go in hungry and u leave hungry with no money. The service was interesting. I understand the whole tapas dining experience being drinking, sharing plates and visiting with friends over a long period of time but it seemed our waiter would disappear for long periods of times. I noticed no one at our table had their water refilled including mine throughout a 2 1/2 hour dining experience. After we all decided what we wanted to taste the waiter pretty much took over the check and decided how, what and when we all would be tasting the foods without acknowledging anybody at the table. Very interesting. All said and done the service was below average. The food was mediocre. It was an interesting menu with lots of choices and on paper it all sounds really good. But upon receiving and tasting u can tell everything was prepared earlier in the afternoon and was just slopped on a plate with a few garnishes, also under seasoned (If u aren't going to have salt and pepper on the table the food that leaves your kitchen better be on point chefs) I think the people that rate this place so high and love it so much get caught up in its location, concept and the ambience of this restaurant and don't understand good, cooked to order, seasonally prepared dishes. If the service was exceptional for my experience I could look past the mediocre dishes and understand why people loved this place so much...but sadly it wasn't exceptional. Now I am in the food industry and am a chef so u can take my review for what it's worth to u. Oh and get some new flatware meson sabika.
(3)Ellen M.
I've given Sabika a few more chances, and they deserve a ratings upgrade. I've been especially impressed with the Salpicon, a cold seafood dish with peppers and other vegetables - it's fresh and delicious, and with the exception of some wonderful aromatic oil, it's a low-sin food. The calabaza acorn squash soup was also amazing. Also, I thought I was losing my mind when I ordered the Pama sangria (pomegranate flavored), but it turned out I was perfectly sane. Delicious, inventive drink.
(4)Anahita L.
My favorite Spanish restaurant when i am not in Barcelona ...I love the food ..the ambiance and the service ..
(5)Agnes L.
Making the mood: Loved how the mansion setting created a more unique atmosphere. It felt cozy with different rooms and floors, yet formal with the linens, decor and on-point service. Savoring the food: Because it's tapas, my husband, friend and I enjoyed a wide variety of dishes and leisurely lingered. We didn't feel rushed and the server gave us honest suggestions. Overall, the quality and pacing of the food was just right. However, the combos of ingredients were nothing new/different compared to other tapas restaurants I've visited. My favs of the night were - *Jamon Serrano - little open-face sandwiches are always an addiction for me and the hubby *Datiles con Tocino - hard to go wrong with the sweet-savory combo of classic bacon- wrapped dates *Pippirana de Buey- hearty skirt steak with blue cheese on potato *Empanada de Buey - another hearty dish with beef in a puff pastry and a little slaw and sour cream on the side
(4)Christina D.
Being a longtime Meson Sabika lover there is very little I do not like about this restaurant. Seeing as though my husband I love this place so much, it's where we got married several years ago. We've gone to other weddings subsequently and every time we're there it's incredible. The ambience is really what grabs your attention when you first walk in. The old historic plantation style home is so gorgeous. The landscaping and grounds of the restaurant are so beautiful. When you first walk in you're always greeted by the host. Next, the drinks are incredible. The key lime martini is to die for. I get it every time. On to the food. There's not one thing on the menu I don't enjoy. Queso de cabra, the datiles, pincho de pollo. I could go on. It's a staple of naperville and you must try it!
(5)Hayley H.
I wish they would remodel, not only the interior, but also the menu. I know they have been serving tapas since before they were cool, but their stuff is a bit outdated. Who HASNT had a bacon wrapped date? I can go to any ol' tapas place and get that. With such a pricetag, it should have a little more ingenuity. And better desserts. Yuck. Plus, there are too many children. Sorry, but NYE is for grownups, not kids. Go home. Get a babysitter. So selling your prix fixe menu with a free kids food tag in it is silly. Also silly, having a "special menu" but really just adjusting the amounts each person gets. Instead of 3 scallops, you get 2. Nothing special. Nothing memorable. If modernized, this place has the bones to be a landmark. Not only in Naperville, but also in the entire Fox Valley Area. Currently, its below the radar because its mediocre. Meh. Will not return unless remodeled and revamped.
(3)Chloe H.
This place has always been a special treat for me. It's not very close to where I live, but it is easier to drive to than somewhere in the city. I went here for the first time when I was in high school for a Spanish field trip. Since then, I have returned about every 6 months or so. There is something about the intimacy and feeling of comfort I get every time I go there that keeps me coming back. I do have to say though, the last time I went, the noise level was very high compared to prior visits. My sister and I were seated by a large AND lively group, so I'm not surprised. But I was shouting to her like I was at Fox & Hound. Anyway, despite the change in the usual ambiance, the waitstaff was attentive and food was served quickly. Here are some of my favorite foods there. Queso de Cabra: goat cheese over garlic bread; I am a sucker for goat cheese, and this does not disappoint. Vieras al Albarino: scallops served over couscous in an apple butter sauce; this is probably my #3 favorite food of all time. Calamares a la Plancha: squid in a delicious olive oil/lemon juice concoction; sometimes the simple stuff works best. Tostada con Ternera: a sort of bruschetta with tomatoes, olive oil, a pinch of spices, and thinly-sliced veal on top. There were too many tomatoes on for my liking, but those were easily scraped off and I enjoyed the rest. I usually like paella, but it was my least favorite dish here. the Paella Mariscos had mussels that were extremely gritty, and I could hear the sand grinding against my teeth. But despite this setback, I have enjoyed pretty much every dish I have tried there. I leave satisfied about eating 2-3 dishes.
(5)Sanjeev m.
still a great setup, but not impressed with the food or service.
(2)Samantha B.
This place blew my mind. Its beautifully decorated, the service is amazing and the food was outstanding! I still dream about the bacon wrapped dates and stuffed mushrooms. This was just a really great tapas place. Went there with two of my girlfriends a few weeks back and we stayed there for over 2 and a half hours ordering different tapas and slamming pitchers of delicious sangria with fresh fruit. I only have two slight complaints...I went around noon on a Friday and it was extremely loud. The seating is pretty cramped so you have to yell over everyone else. Maybe it is more quiet on week days. Secondly, the prices were pretty expensive. The pitcher of sangria was 27 dollars (which we did not know until we received the bill)! It was good sangria...but not 27 dollars good. I guess teachers receive 30% off the bill and naperville teachers get 40% off. That was pretty cool because our bill total dropped immensely. Overall, great tapas. Will definitely go again.
(5)Brian O.
Visited 4-5 times- exceptional small dishes & paella. Great white & red sangria. Terrific service. And, the atmosphere is among the best I've ever experienced (depending on the specific room you are placed in- this is essentially located in a mansion). Bacon wrapped dates are top notch. I'm not prone to hyperbole & tend to write long reviews for bad restaurants. It's funny how little you have to say in regard to the best restaurants. Be prepared to wait or get reservations well in advance- there is a reason this is so crowded- it excels in all regards.
(5)Jonathan G.
Excellent food! The decor is nice and plenty of tables so no long waits. Very good sangria and the tapas menu has a great selection.
(5)Chicago G.
People clearly come here for the atmosphere. Food is barely ok. Not at all worth the calories. Beautiful setting and beautiful patio. That's about it. If you have to eat here the best things to get are the skewers and the empanadas.
(1)Tamara K.
I absolutely love Meson Sabika! This restaurant is one of the best if not the best in Naperville. The tapas are out of this world. I love coming on Sunday for their brunch where they have a buffet style selection of some of their best tapas and allow for your choice of omelet and mimosa. Great for special occasions as well! Famous for their garlic potato salad, and delicious paella.
(5)Bob R.
Heard about Meson Sabika from a friend. Made a res. through Yelp. Showed 20 minutes early to see about getting seated early. Was shown to the bar and informed they would be back. Bar had very good energy, was able to step up and the bartender was right there even though the bar was very full. Shortly after, the young lady who showed us to the bar was walking through looking for us. Food was great, service was excellent will definitely be back!!
(4)Rachel K.
My family and I come here a few times a year and usually come on my birthday. This past week, we made reservations to celebrate my birthday and the meal started out wonderfully. The server started great, we put in our sangria and cold and hot tapas orders and that was when things went south. Cold tapas came out great and as expected. Hot tapas all came out except for one dish which we had to ask about repeatedly which ended up finally coming out about 20 minutes after we had finished our meal. My mom ordered a separate drink and after 20 minutes of not receiving it and after asking our server about it twice, my mom went to use the restroom and saw the server just then asking the bartender for the drink. She told her to not bother since we were done with our dinner. We weren't too mad- we were all servers at one point and understand that things get really busy but we were pretty annoyed when she came back up and blamed it on the bartender. Just apologize and don't throw your other coworkers under the bus when you clearly forgot. We then had to call her over because she for some reason didn't feel the need to come and speak to us anymore...we asked for a coffee, some waters, and two desserts to split. 30 minutes later...no waters (after asking her twice more) and no desserts. The manager then started making her away around to check on tables and came and asked us how we were doing. We said it had been great at the beginning but then turned bad and we just wanted our check so we could leave and to not bother with the desserts we ordered 30 minutes ago-she assured us she would remedy the situation and get our server to give us our check immediately. Server comes BACK into the room twice, goes to every table but ours and does not bring check so we get our jackets and go downstairs to get the manager. Normally we see the owners and say hello but they were not there tonight (maybe that explains the poor service). Both of the managers spoke to us and were finally able to get us our check. They didn't have any answers as to why our service was so horrible and just kept saying sorry and trying to give us a gift card that we didn't want. We paid and left and mailed the gift card back to the owners with a note as to why we will not be eating there again. Really disappointing as it had been one of our favorite restaurants.
(1)Meera V.
Its an amazing place especially for a date! Its not just the food, but the ambience is awesome too. Apparently its located in an old house and its beautiful. We went in summers when the outdoors is open too. Its really nice and well maintained. Staff is nice too, service ia fast. Nice variety of wines. All in all a very good experience. One of the best restaurants I have been to so far!
(5)Lorrie K.
One of my Favorite places. Even if the food wasn't great I'd go because of the great garden and beautiful building. Flamenco dancing and spanish guitar, tapas and sangria. It's a mini vacation. Try the bacon wrapped dates yumm.
(5)Molly C.
Best service and food ever! My first time here and my server explained everything to me with was very nice. Alot of veggie options. Everything was amazing, I loved the olives that were on the table! The cake with caramel sauce was so good we took some Togo.it was effortless service with amazing food
(5)Cori B.
Food was great! The dining room was a little small.
(4)Brian G.
It's alright. Honestly, it's not the greatest and never will be, but it's alright. I'll go back if someone plans an event there but I won't go out of my way to come here. The food is bland - I said it, go ahead and mock me. It's bland. Perhaps I went on an off day for the chef or maybe I made poor choices, but the food is bland. I was looking for some pop - a zip and kick to my food. It all looked, smelled and tasted the same to me. No, I wasn't sick - I swear. The lay out is nice, the service was great overall and the options were plentiful. I simply did not like the food. Why else would you go to a place like this? It's not an upscale bar where you can relax with your friends with rough scotch or martini. It's simply a place to go and eat. So my rating of 3 is only due to the creativity and layout of Mason Sabika as well as to the fact that it's not some God awful chain that's on every main street corner. If this was based purely on food then they would have received a 1. I dread hearing that family and friends want to come here.
(3)Victrix V.
It's pricey, and quite simple for a tapas restaurant, yet this place has ambience and freshly baked desserts to offer. Great sangria, delicious desserts and truly yummy but not amazing knocks your socks off tapas. Too basic, too small for the price, too uninspiring-- I get bored eating here...Meson Sabika sticks to what it knows! I've never had bad food here, but I've never been completely impressed...it's inconsistent for 5stars and worth a pondering for 4 stars at time as well! It's for sure worth a go to try:)
(4)T H.
Meson Sabika is definitely one of my favorite restaurants. I had never had tapas before, and did not know what to expect. I wanted to try something different, so chose Meson Sabika for a friend's birthday luncheon. I was pleasantly surprised. Our waiter was very nice and very helpful. He suggested some dishes, and they were all fabulous. I have to say, the garlic potato salad was phenominal. I don't do seafood, but my friend was really happy with her choice of tiger shrimp something or other. If your looking for a nice, clean, inexpensive dinner, this is the place. I cant wait to go back!
(5)Karen G.
awesome, but pricy as always!
(4)Mallory L.
If you live in Naperville and haven't dined at Meson Sabika, it's a must have for dining. The tapas are amazing and the sangria is always a great pair with the meal. My favorite dishes are the Pato Confitado, Pipirrana de Buey, Salmón Curado con Queso and the Patatas Bravas are among my favorites.
(5)Rashi B.
LOVE this place. Every time the whole family is in town, we inevitably end up at Meson Sabika at least once! Love the live music and dancer and bar none best tapas around! Love love love!!
(5)Vivek N.
The choices are great, grilled chicken and bacon was excellent. Best shrimp in quite sometime! Excellent ambiance.
(4)Kate D.
Meson Sabika is okay. The mansion concept is cool, and I like having a solid tapas option in the western suburbs. Prior to last night, I had only been in the beautiful special event space for the Yelp Summer White Party in maybe 2009 or 2010. My book club dined in the main restaurant yesterday and I wasn't particularly impressed. The host staff were very friendly and attentive - they deserve 5 stars. We didn't eat a ton, but what we had was very good. Papas Bravas and Gambas Al Ajillo were particularly delicious. The menu is very heavy on goat cheese. I've never seen so many goat cheese-oriented dishes. They must buy it in bulk or something. Hey, I like goat cheese, so not a problem. The interior just feels cramped and musty to me. I feel like it's a family Thanksgiving dinner and Grandma had to set up tables in the spare room to accommodate everyone. Yes, they're doing the best with the space they have. But I wouldn't describe it as romantic simply due to the "eating in the living room" vibe. I'm sure I'll be back though, and I'll do what I can to end up on the patio. That may change my opinion of the ambiance. Our waiter, Chris, was inconsistent. Sure, he was attentive, but he lost any good will that garnered when it was time to pay. A member of our group is a Naperville teacher, which comes with a discount at Meson Sabika. When Chris presented the bill, he made a HUGE deal out of showing us the pre-discount check and instructed us to tip on that amount. WTF??? I get providing us with an extra check so we're aware of our pre-discount total, but what kind of presumptuous, patronizing waiter thinks it's okay to INSTRUCT diners how to tip him? His remarks were rude and unprofessional, and cost him that precious extra tip money. Yeah, I'll probably be back. I do want to give their patio a test drive. But it's just not the kind of place I'd go to for a special occasion.
(3)Nicole L.
I've been here for 2 weddings and 2 dinners. The food is delicious and the decor is beautiful. The mansion rooms are quiet and intimate but it can be a little too intimate. We were bumping into each other when we were trying to manuever around the table. All in all though, great food and delicious sangria. =)
(4)Alegna G.
Best sunday brunch ever! Well atleast that I've had. Amazing food, drinks, atmosphere. We sat outside on a gorgeous day. Beautiful outdoor patio. Our server was great. She was very friendly and attentive.
(5)Kalena G.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in the area- especially in the summer. The restaurant is beautiful and it's great to sit outside here in the summer under the trellis and have some prickly pear sangria. Among my favorites are the bacon wrapped dates and the scallops.
(5)Christopher B.
Had a lot of fun here! The Sangria was great! It helps if you love Tapas of course. I found the place to be very romantic...a great place for a date....or to get married!
(4)Trisha B.
Beautiful mansion turned restaurant. Came here 6 yrs ago for a reception. Couldn't remember the food. But the food I had tonight was delicious. Tapas is the way to go for a couple girlfriends just relaxing and catching up. So many things to try. All dishes we tried were amazing. The taste was unique and made you wish there was more. The dessert we ordered was a simple pear pound cake served with ice cream. It sounds simple but it was decadent melt in your mouth delicious. And if you are into sangria, the mango sangria is amazing. There are many rooms filled with tables so plenty of seating. But make a reservation. We made a 6:30 reservation and the couple standing in front of us did not and there wasn't a table available until 9:30. The one negative thing I can say is that the room we were in was very loud and all the conversations were echoing. Tapas is a nice way to try different spanish dishes. But this is a bit pricey so plan on spending a bit more for dinner. A must try if you've never had tapas.
(4)Max M.
3.5 Stars The drapes don't match the carpeting. Beautiful Victorian Mansion serving Tapas. Hmmmmm. Tapas falls under the shared/small plates trend that is so popular these days. Part of what is fun about small plates is the pace and energy that is characteristic of this style of dining. This is where there is a slight disconnect for me kinda like serving champagne from a food truck or serving whole roasted chicken at your local town's watering hole. For me, it's often about the food though. If this had been the best tapas I've ever had, then I wouldn't care if you served me in a laundromat. Alas, the food was respectable but it definitely didn't take me to Spain. There's no doubt that the venue is unique and quite lovely, but they pack em in here and it feels, at times, like you're in a Cheesecake Factory in Colonial Virginia. It's still deserving of another try.
(3)Rich P.
The food was decent but the service was very poor and the waiter was borderline rude! Also, I had made reservations for my girlfriends Birthday and they completely forgot to bring out the "Special Birthday Dessert" they promised me when I called to make the reservations and the waiter was clueless. I also called to complain since it was a special occasion and the Manager did apologize but never sent the gift certificate he "Promised he would send"! When I called to follow-up he claimed he placed it in the mail over a week prior but doesn't know why I didn't receive. So, I gave it another two weeks or so since he claimed he would resend but still never received! I mean I don't live out in the middle of nowhere (in fact, only about 10 miles away!) or anything and have no problem receiving all my other mail so not sure why he couldn't get it to my residence- or maybe because he never sent it! Also, when we sat at the bar for a few after dinner drinks the bartender was quite rude, didn't acknowledge us for at least 10 minutes and then didn't even speak a word to us and just about threw the drinks at us! I felt disrespected and don't deserve to be treated this way, have no desire to go back!!
(2)U J.
I have mixed feelings about Meson Sabika. Ideally I would love to love it, because their outdoor patio is fantastic, and everything about this place screams amazing. It's situated in an old mansion (supposedly haunted), it's gorgeous, and service has always been good. Foodwise though, there is nothing here that makes me want to go back for more. My husband and I have been here several times now due to living in Naperville, (and planning a wedding in Naperville a year ago, which meant lots of dinners out here during the process) and most recently last Friday night. We ordered 2 cold & 4 hot tapas and none of them were very good. Additionally, there is a chance that one of the appetizers had a piece of hair in it (I never say for certain as I understand it could have been my own too). Either way, my interest in this place has disappeared.
(3)Casey W.
Delicious tapas in a gorgeous setting with a truly philanthropic owner. Definitely check it out in the summertime patio area!
(5)Erin K.
Just fantastic...my friends wanted to lunch here to celebrate the start of summer. Having been for the Yelp event a few years back, I thought I might be let down to just have a few people at a patio table...how I was wrong! I really hadn't been to the patio side and in the shade of an umbrella it was a perfect afternoon setting. There were others there but it wasn't crowded. As I remembered, the food was amazing. There were even choices that pleased both my meat loving friends and my vegetarian friend. We eight tapas between us, a pitcher of sangria and 2 amazing chocolate raspberry desserts. I would easily recommend anything we tried. This maybe my go-to place for special get-togethers...just beautiful!
(5)Sopla R.
You know how sometimes when you know you've not had stellar food? But you had a good overall experience? This was that for us. When you first arrive here you think. Southern plantation! You may also think you are in for an over the top experience to match those columns outside..and in a way you are.. Just not exactly in an authentic Spanish tapas culinary-way you'd think. The best way to describe this food? Decent banquet food. We tried 2 cold first. Carnes del Pueblo and Pulpo a la Feira. These were both underwhelming. We then ordered 4 more warm tapas. Our strategy after the cold because we thought maybe if we stuck to only the hot ones we'd have better luck. Most notable of the warm for us were : the Pipirrana de Buey and the Datiles con Tocino. Honestly, who can deny bacon wrapped dates? or any beef with blue cheese right? I forget what the other 2 were. Service. Both at the bar and table side were friendly and attentive enough..we asked (he didn't automatically offer up) what the specialties were since we'd never been) and then he took his ink pen and quickly told us/ ran down the menu and starred the ones he liked) it made me laugh that he did that. They were ready to refill (this time without asking) all non alcoholic beverages as well. he also recommend a decent Spanish wine by the glass so beverage wise our experience rocked! Conclusion: We enjoyed the kitchy ness/decor/ which can actually feel somewhat romantic with the fireplace and cozy rooms. I'd recommend coming here for the overall experience to try it at least once. Also, if I were ever in the area in the summertime I would def come back on a hot day and enjoy some sangria on that massive outdoor patio!
(3)Rose D.
This is my favorite place to go for a special occasion night out. The food, and I've tried just about all of those tapas, is amazing! Add a pitcher of sangria & you are set! It will be difficult, but try your best to not stuff yourself and save room for a dessert or two to share. So worth it! I really love the look of this place. A nice stately white house, big columns, lovely landscaping set back from the road. When we take friends here for the first time they usually miss it because it was a home at one time and doesn't look like your typical restaurant. If you can, don't let them seat you upstairs. I understand the place gets busy & there may not be a choice but it's definitely not as nice as the main dining area & patio. When it's nice out I like to sit on the patio under the twinkle lights. The last couple of times we've been here the volume of the patrons chatter was LOUD, though. I'm used to this place having more of a romantic atmosphere so I'm not sure if it's just the Friday nights we've been here when it's loud or if that is the new vibe of the place.
(5)Cass V.
We went here for Sunday brunch, first impression a bit mared by the fact they sat us between a walkway at a table for 6, there was 4 of us, normally no big deal except for the fact people had to keep squeezing past us to get to the buffet. We were moved to a second room that was much roomier. So on to the food, we started with the cava mimosas, I had the chorizo Benedict, which I was not a fan of, didn't care for the conistency of the bread they used it was really mushy, I would have prefered on traditional English muffin; Good: Spanish olives, garlic potato salad, tuna cannelloni,bacon wrapped dates, mushroom cap w/Spanish cheses, tiger shrimp Not so much: paella, mussels, grilled squid- very overdone The dessert were okay none were really noteworthy, tried: profiteroles, orange flan, hazelnut mousse, and some type of coder cake which b/ t all deserts was probably the best.
(3)Marta S.
I've been here twice, once for dinner and once for lunch and both times I was pleased. I enjoyed the sangria. I loved the scallop couscous tapas-they scallops were cooked perfectly. I also think the hazelnut dessert as well as the creme brûlée are delicious desserts. The chicken on a skewer was a little dry and not very impressive. Something's are alright, but the good things are delicious. Service was great too.
(4)JT L.
It was ok... ordered half a dozen tapas at lunch - cured meats and cheese were good... crab was nice but all just kinda ok. Went back for dinner, order sangria and a dozen plus tapas - kinda the same... best in Naperville whatever that means
(3)Raymond M.
Wow didn't expect a place like this in Naperville! An old mansion renovated to be a tapas restaurant and one of the best looking bars in Chicagoland. We held a colleagues Bday here which she requested and now I feel the need to bring my wife so I don't talk about it without making her jealous. Considering my wife and I lived off of tapas on our honeymoon and I feel the need to bring her here is telling to say the least. Cannot wait to come back (with the Mrs. of course!)
(5)Howard L.
We returned here for a family holiday lunch, and this cozy, quaint place makes that easy to become a tradition for us. The food was for the most part good as usual, particularly the beef tenderloin tapas and lunch entree we had. The bacon wrapped dates and beef tenderloin dishes were the highlights - the "sliders" lunch entree (bocadillo de solomillo) as well as the tenderloin with sweet potato (solomillos con moniato). The latter dish was pricey at $16.95, but very good. The garlic potato salad was also quite good and refreshing. The valenciana paella (chicken, shrimp, mussels, clams) was a bit off - as the rice was overcooked, and the dish on the salty, soggy side. We also had the garlic bread with goat cheese, but it was pretty skimpy on the goat cheese. The service was also a bit off today. It was on slow side, and water service was dismal as I had to ask for more water once, and gave up another time, which is unusual in my experience here. Overall - about 4 stars for today's lunch.
(4)Cristie F.
Meson Sabika is the hidden gem of Naperville. And although it has been some time since I have dined there, it's always at the forefront of my mind when deciding on where to have dinner. Unfortunately I always opt for something in the 'hood instead. ((Gas is, what? $4.55+ a gallon right now?! Sheesh....)) Meson Sabika resides in the Willoway Mansion that was built way back in 1847. So yes, it's historic, vintage, and down right gorgeous. I love the entire feel of the place. There isn't that feel of dining in a restaurant where you're just another patron there to eat. At Meson Sabika, you're treated as if you're a special guest in their home. In my experience, service has always been exceptional. The food is no different. Served tapas style, you have your option of cold or hot tapas, soups and salads, or paella. Everything is delish, and the staff as always been accommodating to my dietary needs. But, before you dig in and start to order half the menu, a pitcher of sangria is a must. You have your choice of the classic Red or White, Cava, Pomegranate, Mango, Strawberry, or Pear. Not that the other flavors aren't good, but I'm a big fan of the classic red. As for the tapas, here's a few of my faves... :: Quesos Españoles ((Assortment of Spanish cheeses and apples)) :: Berenjena Con Queso ((Chilled grilled eggplant and goat cheese)) :: Patatas con Alioi ((Robust garlic potato salad)) :: Empanada De Buey ((Beef puff pastry)) :: Pipirrana De Buey ((Skirt steak with Cabrales blue cheese sauce)) :: Champiñones ((Stuffed mushroom caps)) :: Solomillos Con Moniato ((Grilled beef tenderloins with sweet potato, cherry tomatoes & red wine sauce)) ::Crepe Rellena ((Crepe of spinach, goat cheese, almonds and apples)) :: Datiles Con Tocino ((Roasted dates wrapped in bacon)) :: Vegetariana Paella And let's not forget about the desserts....Mousse De Abellanas ((Hazelnut mousse served on top of cocoa sponge cake with strawberry sauce)) -- Swoon. The desserts are decadent and to die for. Meson Sabika is also a hot spot for weddings. I've never been to one there, but friends of mine who have, have done nothing but rave how gorgeous it was and how wonderful the food was. I can only imagine how picturesque it must be in the spring and summer with the gorgeous greenery and flowers. ((And if I were dumb enough to get married again locally...chances are, it would be here...)) I love Meson Sabika, and I miss it. So, with all that being said, I think it's time I make myself a reservation.
(5)Mary C.
Everything here is so good. Recommend the bacon wrapped dates, gambas marinadas, tostada con centollo, Pipirrana de Buey, potatas bravas and many more. The patio is great when it's warm and Sunday brunch is awesome. Favorite dinner place by far.
(5)Katie D.
The ambiance is definately different and good. However, was not pleased with the spanish tapas, I can say there are definately some good tapas places and Meson Sabika does not stand out. The food was decent but little pricey. Overall, worth trying it.
(3)Sharan K.
I have visited this place for their Sunday brunch buffet and it was a delightful experience. They featured champagne (or sparkling wine as the server likes to call it) or mimosa (which is champagne mixed with orange juice) - the first one is standard part of the brunch and subsequent ones are a little cheaper. Tea, coffee and juice are included with the buffet. The place was crowded and it was wise to make reservations prior. You get to choose one of 3 styles of omelet, one of 2 soups and 1 of 4 (or sometimes 5) desserts from the kitchen via your server. You get unlimited breads with butter on the table and of course they have a longish table with hot tapas choices {stuffed mushrooms, pork, beef, chicken, sausages, all with grilled vegetables} . There is another table with cold tapas {salmon, caprese topped with sardines, tuna filled cannellonis, etc) . They also have something more "American" traditional for the little ones like hamburgers and fries. Also added to the Sunday buffet are 3 seafood hot preparations and 3 meat preparations (beef, chicken and pork). There is even a carving station! Then there are several fruits, including papaya, watermelon, honeydew melon, strawberry, cantaloupes, etc. I almost forgot they always have the dates wrapped in bacon, drizzled with something, works like a dessert in itself! I think they call it Dátiles con Tocino. The placed is housed in a mansion and has a separate large hall (for banquets). They have very nice service and the little touches, which in my humble opinion - make this place classy. Such as a large mirror just outside the restrooms (signs marked Senores and Dames, make it easy to figure them out), so you can check yourself prior to returning to your table. Even the cups are curved in the right way, something I have not seen elsewhere, so when they touch your lips, it is easier to sip. The service is excellent over all. I shall be back for sure.
(5)Olivia B.
The food was good. The experience was poor. We had a reservation but had to wait for a table. That's fine, though we passed a large room full of empty tables on the way to the bar... After 10 minutes, we realized most people at the bar were being seated in that room, our table included. Then a red flag went off: every table in that room was filled in about 15 minutes. My instinct was right...my table of 4 ordered 3 tapas dishes at a time and we unfortunately received one about every 20 minutes. That means we each had a bite of food, 2 bites tops, and then sat for 20 minutes. That being said, I was hungry! I've never eaten more bread in a meal than I did here. At least they kept the bread coming... And with the slow food service, the whole meal took a long time. The reservation was at 8 and we left at 10:30... Also, the menu is so large it was overwhelming. My table agreed it would be easier if these paper menus were similar to a sushi place, where you mark off what you want!
(3)Michelle G.
We finally went here for Valentine's Day after living in the area for 12 years. The mansion is gorgeous - great ambiance (we ate upstairs). The menu was prix fixe but had a great variety. We loved the bacon-wrapped dates and ordered more. I'd love to come back in the summer to eat on the patio.
(5)Dema A.
Been here twice so far and we love it. Definitely be back for more. All their tapas are delicious and you cannot go wrong with any of the warm tapas, we haven't tried any of the cold ones yet. Good wine selection and a great service.
(5)Amy H.
Our wedding in June of this year was damn near perfect thanks to the hard work, attention to detail and genuine concern of Katie, our coordinator, and the day-of wedding staff at Meson Sabika. Not only were my husband and I tremendously happy with the venue itself which allowed us to have a lovely outdoor ceremony and an elegant reception, but the food could not have been better. Everyone we talk to post-wedding has complimented the food at our wedding and you would think at least one or two were just being nice had we not been equally impressed. The beef tenderloin was cooked perfectly, not dry or overdone like you often have at weddings. The quality of food was a huge deal for us when we were shopping for venues and MS did not disappoint. Our guests were also delighted to find sangria on every table and we were delighted to have a unique event. Thank you Meson Sabika!
(5)Jaime R.
New Years dinner- 39.95 a person. Disappointing to say the least. The bacon wrapped dates were too sweet and not enough saltiness to balance. The salmon wrapped asparagus was good and the potato salad was the highlight (yes really the potato salad). The scallop and shrimp crouton was good although not memorable. For entree - dry medium to medium well filet fell flat but the lobster tail was done well. And the biggest disappointment was the dessert. We had a table of four and they brought out a random selection of dessert. I thought we were each going to get a dessert per the menu. In fact, we did not and only each got ONE dessert. This would have been ok (although the way the menu is printed - this is still highly misleading) if the server had asked us which dessert we all wanted. Instead we have two lactose intolerant people and got two cheesecakes and one sorbet for four people. What in the world?? Terrible I expect so much more than this from our regular Sunday brunch spot. Would never do their NYE again.
(1)Sabrina C.
I really like this place. The restaurant is basically set up in a mansion - and the decor is far more Old World than Spanish... but it's great, and the people are wonderful and the menu is extensive and the food is awesome. (Phew.) They have a great mix of hot and cold appetizers - I wish I had written this review at the restaurant so I could have listed all the things we'd eaten (over a few trips there now, I'd say we've legitimately tried at least 2/3 of the menu.) I will say the cold potatoes with aioli were basically potato salad and just ok, but that's the only thing I haven't LOVED here. The bacon-wrapped dates are an absolute must. The shredded duck (a hot tapa) was also amazing. Skirt steak with blue cheese... yup. Killer. Reservations are definitely needed; I think most Napervillians realize that because there was literally no one waiting when we arrived, but they were PACKED. (One thing worth noting: While this didn't apply specifically to us nor impact our experience in any way, I did note the struggle another couple was having with the limited handicapped options. The second time we were there we also dined upstairs because the lower dining rooms were full - so I'd recommend letting them know in advance with your reservation that you may require additional assistance and a downstairs table. The bathrooms are NOT handicap friendly. Very small and narrow.)
(4)Laura S.
This place is super cool. It's tucked away and you would never know it is a restaurant. There is a building for wedding receptions on-site that looks absolutely beautiful and the actual restaurant is in what seems to be an old house. There are tables set up in each room and it feels very authentic. The food was GREAT. Both the strawberry and peach sangria were wonderful. I don't think I tried anything that I didn't like. The Queso de Cabra was easily the best item on the menu (or best item we ordered!). Our waiter was very attentive. My only complaint is that our table was small and we felt packed in like sardines. Obviously this is not unique to just this restaurant, as most restaurants try to squeeze too many people in one place.
(5)Beth M.
the lamb was unbelieveable and the outdoor space is quite pleasant. We weren't huge fans of the sangria.
(4)Amanda S.
Ohhhh, tapas. Why are you so expensive? I first fell in love with tapas in Spain, where most are free (yes free!) when getting a drink. They are the perfect size for sampling and sharing. I went here on a Friday afternoon with some girlfriends and we put down. I was surprised at how loud it was, I don't know if it is the shape of the rooms and it effects the acoustics, either way it was loud. We chowed down on multiple tapas but my favorite was the goat cheese with tomatoes. I could have had that and bread all day. We also enjoyed a few pitchers of Sangria but man is that stuff pricey. It'll cost you $27 for a pitcher of that stuff, so don't get too hooked. It was good, but I don't think it's worth the price. The tapas are good it's worth going on a nice occasion because the building and grounds are beautiful, but for a better deal go to Macarena's tapas. They have just as good food AND a Groupon regularly!
(4)Stefanie W.
Favorite place...so much so that we're at risk of over-dining here. Where do I begin? The Food ~ The big draw is the tapas but they have some fine paellas too. If you don't know, tapas are little plates. Each is like a little almost appetizer of a particular dish. Dinner for two might consist of 5-6 plates. I think I've eaten everything. All is good but there are just a couple that to me I'd say not worth it. My favorites are for cold dishes, the marinated shrimp with the trio of sauces, the garlic potato salad and the Spanish ham with cheese on toast points. That last one I never would have tried had it not been for the recommendation of our Spanish exchange student. Seemed too simple to be good. I was wrong. My favorite cold dishes are the bacon wrapped dates, the skirt steak with blue cheese and the sausage combination of chorizo and blood sausage (oh, quiet and try that one! You don't go to this place to bore your palate!) The dining experience... Nibbles on the table consist of marinated olives and bread and butter. A LOT of people love their sangria - and it IS good - but for the price ($25 a pitcher) I'd prefer to have a nice bottle of wine. Service is generally great. My preference is to come here with no more than four people because beyond that makes the dish sharing a bit much. Surprisingly this is a good place for kids because the kids meals are terrific without being horribly expensive. Nothing worse than going out for a nice meal and having to play $6.95 for frozen chicken fingers. Here they offer a nice skirt steak among other meals. Atmosphere ~ You have your choice between the various dining rooms, the bar and the patio. Meson Sabika has, by far, the BEST patio dining around. Just lovely. The bar is high energy and gives you a front row for the weekend entertainment. There are 3 tables for four and 2 for two in there as well as the bar seats. The dining rooms are all very nice with upstairs being quieter than down. Dress ~ I have seen everything from too casual to wedding attire but it tends to be on the nicer end of things.
(5)Karen C.
Always a wonderful meal and event! The family is so giving....... Meson made our 2015 Distinguished Service Awards one of the best yet! Thanks for all you do! -The Naperville Jaycees
(5)Jennifer N.
Excellent food and service! Their tapas menu is quite extensive. The atmosphere is wonderful and the setting is beautiful. This is the place to go for tapas in the suburbs!
(5)Brittany B.
The ambiance and staff are great, but honestly the food is nothing to write home about. For the price of our dinner ($100 for two), I expected better.
(3)Meghan M.
I love this place. It's great for a celebration with a big group, or an intimate dinner for two. My favorite dishes are the queso de cabre, bacon wrapped dates. They always have great service. The sangria pitchers are pricey, but very good. Overall, I would recommend this place for great food and awesome ambience.
(5)Jean Z.
It is one of our favorite restaurants in Naperville. All the tapas are good to try. I also had an over 30 person birthday party. The food and service is very excellent.
(5)Shin M.
I read that this place was in a really big mansion but when I got there, it wasn't as extravagant as I had expected. The inside just looked like each room was a really nice dining room. Nothing special. The staff were friendly but could have been friendlier... My friend and I came here and I THINK the following is what we ordered: Strawberry lemonade: It was OK, a little watered down. Too much ice. Queso de Cabra- (oven baked goat cheese with garlic bread) The oven baked goat cheese came in a tomato bisque-like soup with garlic bread on the side. I loooooved the goat cheese in the bisque-like soup. It was really creamy and delicious. However, I wasn't a big fan of the garlic bread. It had really hard, dry, and had crispy edges. Even the appearance of it was unsatisfying- it was green so it looked moldy even though it wasn't. Gambas con Espinacas- (Sauteed tiger shrimp atop spinach with a white wine honey pepper sauce) This was really tasty! The white wine honey pepper sauce made this dish delicious! FYI- there were two servings of this. Gambas al Ajillo- (Grilled tiger shrimp with garlic lemon butter) This was just OK. There were maybe 6 shrimp with garlic lemon butter drizzled over them. Nothing special. Vieras Albarino- (Grilled sea scallops served over Mediterranean couscous with apple and tomato butter sauce) As delicious as this sounds, it wasn't. This was my least favorite dish. The sea scallops were just tasteless. The couscous was also tasteless. There just wasn't enough sauce on the sea scallops or couscous. FYI this comes with 3 scallops. Cazuelita de Chocolate- (Soft-centered, warm chocolate cake served with caramel ice cream) This was very similar to a warm gooey brownie, but not as good as a brownie! Tarta de Chocolate y Caramelo- (Warm bittersweet chocolate and caramel custard baked in a hazelnut tart crust with vanilla ice cream) This sounded deeeelicious, but again, it failed to deliver. People should just stick to making lemon tarts- chocolate tarts do not work out. Overall, this place was okay. I would be willing to go back and try more dishes one day.
(3)Brook B.
Yummy Sangria and great food. Perfect place for a girls night out. Have been here multiple times and have never been disappointed. Tip - bring a friend who is an educator with proof they are and you will receive a 40% discount on your bill.
(4)Allison K.
After years of hearing that I HAD to go to Meson Sabika I finally tried it out this weekend! The servers are professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. Ben was a joy. Funny, handsome, and I wish I was 15 years younger! The food was spectacular (bacon wrapped dates, need I say more?) and each tapa I tried was better than the last. Try the spice and ice if you want to feel healthy while you get drunk.
(5)yoku s.
The food is good, prepared well, and we've been customers for a long time. We recently did carry-out twice, and I found that experience to be confusing. Nobody updates me on where my order is / how long I have to wait. I literally stood there and people-watched until my order showed up. I also purchased gift certificates here when they offered $20 gift certificate for every $100 purchased. I did not know there would be a limited time to use it, and you cannot use multiple in one sitting. Restaurants really need to let people know these 'fine prints' beforehand.
(4)Nicole S.
Okay.. so the reason I am giving only 3 stars is because although I went to Meson for dinner and it was AMAZING!!! I went back the next day for brunch and it was horrible. My husband and I went to Meson for dinner on a Saturday night and it was great. Our server was very nice, knowlegable of the menu, and made sure we had everything we needed. He also offered us discount coupons to return for the Sunday brunch which we were happy to accept. The next morning we grabbed our kids and headed to Meson. If I could give dinner 5 stars and brunch 1 star I would. The brunch was one word "gross". The food was not even mediocre it was just bad. After paying nearly $40 I left Meson hungry. I also didn't like that there were absolutely no menu options available and the only thing you could order custom was an omelette which was folded eggs with a couple of pieces of meat and a slice of cheese. It was a total dissapointment and definitely not what you would expect after having their amazing lunch or dinner menu. Meson needs to step it up fast!
(3)Lindsay D.
I love everything about this place. Great food, amazing service and a nice ambiance- especially if you can get a spot outside. Keep up the great work, Meson Sebika!
(4)Sam T.
Real tapas are free! While that culture will never fly in the United States, this place does have amazing Tapas dishes for a price. Food: Sangria - Refreshing Paella - I've had better but not bad Duck Confit - Best dish we order! Moist with a darker flavor. Lamb Medallions - Without the game taste. Done right. Bacon wrapped Dates - Interesting... Service: Friendly enough to give us a tour and recommendations. Fairly attentive staff. Environment: Felt like I was in a colonial mansion in the Mideast. Wait....that's exactly it..... Price: Didn't pay but it didn't look cheap. =) Food: 4 Service: 5 Environment: 4 Price: 3
(4)Rick S.
All the food is phenomenal it's okay to try anything here. However getting everything off the menu will set you back. The service is impeccable! Wish we could dine here more often.
(5)Michael S.
Amazing everything. Paella is worth the wait and come with an open mind as to what to order and eat. The more variety you can order the more you will enjoy the Tapas. Remember this is Tapas and small plates are the norm.
(5)James N S.
We went Here for date night and it was wonderful. There was live music/dancing and it was so much fun. Food was excellent and service too. :)
(5)Holland H.
My favorite was was the Montaditos de Cerdo (pork medallions). The frutas con mousse blanco was a great light dessert. Amazing food. Anything you order will not disappoint! We will be back!
(5)Rosa C.
Great place to eat tapas and taste a little bit of everything. The service is good. Gourmet style, price is high.
(3)Meghan H.
Wow. Best meal I've had out in a LONG time. Went here on a Friday afternoon around 4 PM for a "late lunch". Restaurant is in a cool old mansion. We were seated promptly and greeted promptly by our server. Started off with three tapas, including two chilled tapas and one hot. The chilled ones were Tostata con Centollo and Gambas Marinadas. Hot was Piperrana de Buey. They came out very quickly. Tostada con centollo is toast points with advocado relish and Alaskan King crab. Holy cow. I would eat this all day long. Two pieces come in an order, and we ordered a second order. Tons of crab on top. Gambas Marinadas was marinated shrimp with a trio of sauces. The marinated shrimp was awesome on its own. Five shrimp. Garlic sauce was the best. Also a cumin sauce and another sauce (not sure what). Piperrana de Buey was skirt steak sautéed with onions, peppers, and potatoes. With a blue cheese sauce, not my favorite, but good. On the second round, also got a baked goat cheese. Served with garlic bread. Good, but not amazing. Service was fantastic, drinks and wine were good. A bit pricey. Wanted to go back here again our short stay, but didn't make it. Highly recommend.
(5)E M.
I found this place on "Open Table" and decided to give it a try... absolutely loved it. have been there several times and it doesn't get any better. The ambiance of the old mansion, the bar, and the food is fantastic. The staff very friendly and the food fantastic. They have a great array of food choices for anyone from vegetarian, to gluten free to carnivore palate. The tapas are decent size and can be shared b/w 2-3 people. And most important, they taste delicious... especially when shared with great wine... I love this place :) and can't wait to go back.
(5)Cathy R.
Monday night, my husband and I were in the mood to go out and came across yet another place we haven't visited in the neighboring burb - Meson Sabika. We haven't had tapas in a while since we moved out of the city, so we were excited. The place was beautiful, as most of the other reviews have commented. It was a mansion turned into a restaurant/banquet hall. The service was good, they were always attentive and made sure our water glasses were full (that's always a big deal for me). What we ordered: Pincho de Pollo - chicken tenderloin and chorizo with cumin garlic mayo - tender and flavorful. Would I order it again? Maybe...but there are so many other things on the menu to try.. Pipirrana de Buey - skirt steak with bleu cheese sauce. - A MUST. Definitely the winner of the night. So savory and delicious. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Calamares a la Plancha - grilled squid in garlic lemon olive oil - nice and clean taste. Can't really go wrong with it at all. Mariscos Paella - filled with a variety of seafood - loved the flavor and texture of the rice, but the seafood itself was slightly overcooked. Still very tasty, and honestly when you order a bunch of tapas and are still hungry, the paella will help to fill you up. We ordered one more tapa that I cannot seem to find on the online menu - smelt on a bed of tomatoes and lettuce with some avocado- the smelt was very good, but there was so little of it that we didn't think it was worth it. We were so full that we didn't have the chance to try dessert. We do plan on coming back to try many of the other options, as well as the sangria. Can't wait to visit again!
(4)Derrick T.
It's late evening on a Monday, and the wife and I are looking for a meal we can enjoy together that's Paleo friendly. We pull up to a mansion of a place (literally, a mansion) that has phenomenal atmosphere, and super friendly staff even though we arrive 1 hr before they close. Eating out on Paleo is doable but difficult at times... especially as a foodie who appreciates things like rice (semi-Paleo), cheese (primal, not paleo), and cakes/tarts/flans (totally not Paleo). Regardless, Meson Sabika actually had some great paleo and primal options! 1. Started with olives, no bread. Simple, tasty, enjoyable! Green olives were great. 2. Skirt steak with blue cheese and onions - Holy smokes. This was the best tapas we had all night. Get this! (primal) 3. Pincho de Pollo - The sliced chorizo was delicious. The chicken, tender and good, but only one skewer (four bit sized pieces) and one slice of chorizo... tasty, but definitely won't fill you for the $7. (paleo, forgo the mayo) 4. Calamares la plancha - Grilled quite perfectly, and a respectable quantity. Worth getting, especially when you add a squeeze of lemon across the top for a little bit of acid. (paleo!) 5. Mariscos paellea - We ordered this to help fill our bellies up... seriously, at tapas, without a good rice dish, we typically find we have to spend a lot more to feel full. No different here. A huge plate of well seasoned paella for $15. (semi-paleo, depending on how your body reacts to the grain) 6. White smelt, tomato, avocado - This was one of their specials. The smelt was phenomenal, with two pieces per serving (3 servings). Each serving had a slice of tomato topped with two smelt, then covered with avocado... when it first showed up, we didn't even see the smelt (avocado cuts were large, smelt were small). While tasty and fun to try at least once, I don' t know that we'd re order this again... Verdict: It's not cheap, it can be affordable if you order the right things (paella, potato dishes, etc), but really the focus here is the quality of ingredients and the atmosphere. It's a beautiful spot for an evening out, date night, etc. with great service to back it up. The quality of ingredients are excellent, and at some point, we'll be back to try the sangria. Very tasty, and worth a revisit!
(4)Rachael Z.
I have been here more times than I can count. With the exception of one horrendous experience (not worth exploiting, but bad enough to knock down a star), this is one of my favorites (if not THE favorite) in Naperville. Wonderful, fresh food and sangria. Beware: the sangria has brandy so it will knock you on your butt! I've been to weddings here and even my own bridal shower was here. Biggest piece of advice (other than reserving a table): do NOT leave without trying the bacon wrapped dates! Also: the brunch is incredible!
(4)Harris N.
The venue is definitely first rate. It's an old mansion that has been renovated to be a restaurant. It's set on a large lot and has a room and the parking for large parties. Tables are small and the dining room is intimate. You'll need to make sure they keep clearing the table to make room for more food. The food is good, but not great. We had a lot of their tapas. Serrano Jamon, Tostada con Piquillo, Mariscos Paella, Gambas con Guindillas, Pato Confitado, Champiñones, Queso de Cabra, Patatas Bravas, Pincho de Solomillo and Cazuelita de Chocolate. Most of the tapas were well done with good taste. The Paella was a little soupy for Paella. It needed to be cooked a bit more.
(3)Kristine H.
Best sangria in town! Excellent service, ambiance and food choices. Would visit again.
(5)Katie L.
Hadn't visited here in a while, but came for Valentine's Day this year! We had a 9:30 reservation and were seated early, which pleasantly shocked me! They were offering a prefixed menu for the holiday in addition to the regular menu and it seemed like the better deal, so we went with that. It was $42.95 per person and offered 6 different kinds of tapas, some cold, some hot, filets and lobster tails, and two desserts! Definitely seemed worth the money for all of the variety for two people, and it allowed my husband to try a little bit of everything since it was his first time. Our favorite dishes were the potato salad, shrimp and scallop salad, bacon wrapped dates, filet, lobster, and the white sangria! Thanks for making our date night so special!
(5)Heidi P.
I thought the food was fantastic and the old plantation house had a great feel.
(4)Michael J.
Without a doubt, one of the best restaurants that I've ever been to. My ONLY complaint, and I mean ONLY, is that it is EXTREMELY loud. If you are looking for intimate conversation over a meal, this is not the place. Both times that I have eaten here, the atmosphere has been the same: chaotic. Aside from the massive horde of people eating here on the weekends, they have an in-house Spanish style dancer who goes from room to room clapping some sort of noise maker. The food is out of this world, though. Just down some extra sangria to counteract the noise (it's delicious).
(5)Hungry M.
A great place all the way around, but, I still miss Francois Sanchez in the kitchen.
(5)Clint K.
I probably should have written this review much sooner! I have been to Meson many times and their service and food never disappoint! My favorite hot tapas is Queso de Cabra and theirs is one of the best I have had at a Tapas restaurant. Never had issues with reservations and anyone I have brought has been extremely happy with the choice! Thank you Meson!
(5)Bob Z.
Some friends and I met here for an after-work get together. The landscape and architecture is just beautiful. We came back during the holidays and they make it a magical view. The food is great. Lots of old and new flavors. The only down side is the rooms don't match the cuisine. The rooms have beautiful decor, but more old world ballroom feel. Service and food is awesome. We'll be back.
(4)Stephanie R.
This place was great! Went here for a girls night, and we loved it! The food was incredible. I loved all of the different meats and the bacon wrapped dates! The sangria was okay, nothing to write home about. We enjoyed the Latin dancers, but they did make it hard to talk. It seemed like they moved around a bit, because they were only by our table for about fifteen minutes. Yes, it's expensive. But it's worth splurging on every so often. I will definitely be going back!
(5)Eric S.
I hadn't been to Meson Sabika for several years, but their Sunday Brunch exceeded my memories as well as my expectations. The brunch buffet offerings were plentiful, varied, fresh, & flavorful. The service and ambiance were excellent as well.
(5)Anonymous F.
Love this historic little scene. Tapas are amazing! dessert - best Cake i've ever had! cons- confined space, not for children/strollers. Almond cake was the best cake I've ever had in my entire life.
(5)Jennifer L.
I had heard great things about Meson Sabika for a long time and I was really excited to finally get to try it, but was very disappointed by my experience here. I met a group of people here for a friend's birthday dinner. The first red flag was when our server (Davi) asked if everyone had arrived. When we said that most people had arrived and we might be expecting one or two more, she made a face and asked, "That's it?!" Lose the attitude, it's not like there were 3 people sitting at a table set for 14. She at least appeared to be organized in taking our multiple orders. My fiance and I ordered several dishes: tomate y queso, jamon serrano, empanada de buey, queso de cabra, and crepe rellena. The jamon serrano and queso de cabra were actually very good. It took 45 minutes for the empanada de buey to come out and it came only after we asked for it again. We also had a couple glasses of sangria, which were only okay. The best part of the night came when it was time to pay the bill. Davi claimed that she wasn't able to split checks (which was not indicated anywhere on the menu that I could see). Due to our own disorganization, we didn't keep good track of who ordered what, so it took us a long time to figure out our checks. We thought we had it all figured out, but it turned out we were still short. At one point, she walked in to check on us while we were still trying to sort out the issue, realized we weren't ready, and actually made a face, rolled her eyes, and walked out. Way to represent your restaurant! The food was okay, but not something worth coming back for another visit if this is the kind of service I can expect to receive. We had been considering planning our wedding at Meson Sabika, but immediately let go of that idea after this unfortunate visit.
(2)Plumeria B.
One of my most favorite places to go when in Naperville. Outstanding food, service and atmosphere. Each time I visit I am never disappointed. Tapas is perfect and if you get a chance to indulge with the Sunday brunch do it! Don't be sour about crowds cause this place is always packed! No wonder! 5 Stars from me. :)
(5)S P.
If you like tapas you'll love this place. Too many great dishes to elaborate. Just go there and you won't be disappointed. The service is also very good. Would've given 5 stars if the chairs weren't so uncomfortable. I know it's a strange detail to comment on, but they missed this detail.
(4)Mo L.
The outdoor patio is really lovely. We went here for Fathers Day dinner and will definitely go back! Great red and white sangria. The tapas was delish! The shrimp in white wine sauce was great, baked goat cheese tasty, very nice kids meals. We will go back for sure. I definitely recommend asking to sit outside to get the full relaxed experience.
(4)Rajani P.
Best place for a lazy Sunday brunch. It's not something I can afford to do a lot, but whenever I want to indulge myself, this is one of the places for me.
(5)Charlotte W.
Big white mansion, crystal chandeliers, Spanish dancer and guitarist, lots of different dishes, classy bar, giant lovely patio, various dining rooms, Naperville... what can be better?! Love this place! If you're up for some variety in your diet, check out this Spanish tapas place for sure. Price of the food, which may seem a little on the higher side, is equal to the deliciousness and quality of the food. If you're the "I-want-my-food-to-stick-to-my-bones", this may not be the place for you since you order several small dishes for sharing (can become a bit more complicated with larger parties, but still manageable) rather than one big ol' half a cow. This is typically a place that I like to wear at least a nice pair of jeans, nice shirt, and a pair of heels, but there doesn't really seem to be a dress code, I've seen casual to wedding attire. Seriously people, it's in a mansion, get classy! In the summer, the patio is the best! Make reservations or you'll never see a seat! It is huge, with lights strung from the trees that overhang the tables. There is also a portion that is on the deck under roof cover but still open. Bar is nice for the best view of the entertainment, and is also busy usually. There is of course lots of dining room seating too, but I prefer either bar or patio. Service is generally good, and even if it's really busy and service is sketchy, I honestly don't care too much because it's a lovely atmosphere. Food is delicious! There is cold tapas, hot tapas, and complimentary Spanish olives and bread brought to the table. For the cold tapas, I love the Jumbo tiger shrimp which come with 3 sauces, the very garlicky potato salad, and as for the hot tapas, the skirt steak is the bleu cheese sauce with onion is good, the bacon-wrapped dates, and plenty other dishes as well. Desserts are phenomenal, though I was disappointed to find out that (at least for now) one of my favorites is off the menu (which does change). But still, get one! They do have kids meals which are a good price for some good options. Can't order myself a drink yet, but lots of wine selections, beer, mixed drinks, and their ever-popular sangria will no doubt suck me in in a few more months!
(5)Erica H.
Great place for tapas. My favorites were the dates and mussels. Most of their menu is gluten free which is great for us Celiac folks. Will definitely return to try out more!
(4)Claira V.
So many good things to try! Love the queso de Cabra,bacon wrapped dates,empanadas,chicken skewers, and tostada con centollo. It's a great place to share a meal with a date or a small group and share items.
(5)Kathleen M.
I just had a glorious day with not one but two quilt activities. Can a day get any better? Yes, as a matter of fact it can. You can have an early dinner at Meson Sabika. In between my two slices of quilt heaven, I met a friend here at 4:15 and we basically had the place to ourselves and it is HUGE and gorgeous. We sat on the back porch and looked out over the lovely grounds. I had a great salad with hearts of palm, lettuce and other delicious ingredients plus the Gambas al ajillo. They were both incredible but very slow to come out. I imagine the kitchen was just getting going but it did take an awfully long time. We finished up by sharing the pear dessert which came out quickly and a Cappuccino which may have been the best I've ever had, it was a caffeine junky's dream. Plus, when the bill came my friend showed her Naperville School District Teacher I.D. and we got a very nice discount. How is that for showing teachers some love. It made me want to hug the waiter and find the owner and hug him or her. I have never seen such a wonderful gesture. Why has it taken me so long to come here? The return trip will be much quicker! Not only because one of my quilt fun activities is monthly but because I love this place as much as they love teachers. No more, I love it more!
(5)Karli K.
Always a fave- I've moved but always go when back in naperville. Garlic potato salad!!!!! Olives, calamari, salmon-you name it it's great! Best thing is the beautiful home and property/restaurant. Consistently good and sangria is yummy too
(5)Jaime G.
Dude. A tapas place in a mansion? In Naperville? Yes. So great here. Best is the bacon wrapped dates followed by the duck confit. For wine, try the Raimat Vina cab. Spanish wine that creamy and bold. For dessert, try the cazuelita de chocolate...a warm chocolate cake with caramel ice cream. Great for a special occasion and worth the trip to Naperville.
(5)J.W. W.
This was the first place I went to when I came to Naperville and I have been back many times since. A unique experience.
(5)Lori T.
I've been here several times. It is an amazing experience. The only bad thing about this place is that it has ruined tapas for me at every other place I've tried them. Definitely a gourmet food and because you are ordering small plates you can try so may different things. I would never say no to a trip to Meson Sabika. Just try everything - its all good.
(5)Sacha T.
Service was great, food was pretty good well. I lived in Spain and found the seafood in the paella to be perfectly cooked but a bit bland in flavor (Usually can taste the garlic and saffron). Everything else was excellent. Croquettes were great, Morcilla Awesome, and Patatas Bravas very authentic. Overall a great meal.
(4)Carol K.
As a girl who loves the "back story" of historic buildings, the building that houses Meson Sabika is rich in history. Located near downtown Naperville, originally, the Willoway House, a Georgian colonial, was built in 1847 and sits on 4 gorgeous acres. Tapas served in a historic house in Naperville? What is wrong with this picture?? Well, right or wrong, this place is lovely. From the time you pull into the lot- to making your way to the front of the mansion , to having a drink at the bar in the bar or outside at your table, this is a great experience. Perfect for that date night with someone special or a night out with the girls, the people here will take good are of you with a high level of service and great tasting food. On this visit- we sat outside and had appetizers and drinks before moving indoors to an upstairs dining area. We sampled an array of their offerings with each one being better than the one before it. And the servers were personable and friendly. While I don't get to Naperville very often- it will definitely go on my "visit again" list when I do. Perfect for everything from a date to a larger affair!
(4)Rich P.
Excellent service, fantastic location and ambiance. An excellent Tapas restaurant comparable to that of Emilio's for those living in the southwest suburbs. Price is high but it coincides with the quality. Selections and freshness of the seafood were excellent. Great experience and worthwhile visit for special events.
(4)Insun M.
Came here for my engagement party. For a big party they did not allow tapas but instead plated meals..which kind of defeats the entire point of going to Meson Sabika. Words of advice, don't come with large parties because the plated dishes were average. The best part of the meal were the tapas we ordered as a passed appetizer.
(3)Julie T.
Wonderful New Year's Eve venue. Arrive at 10pm, great sampling of hot and cold tapas, all delicious but the bacon wrapped dates were outstanding. Filet and lobster were tender and tasty. Flamenco dancer added great atmosphere and celebratory feeling. Champagne and party hats at midnight. Service, food and atmosphere were fantastic and a great place to bring in the new year!
(5)Basia C.
Very good food. I've always loved the way tapas is served, in many small sample plates. They have a great selection. Prices are very reasonable as well
(4)Deanna D.
Meson Sabika is one of my favorite restaurants in the Chicago area. Probably the best al fresco dining in the 'burbs. Mouth-watering food. A menu of dishes with variety enough to please everyone in your group including those who are vegetarian, gluten-free, or paleo. Usually efficient, if not occasionally rushed, service on busy weekend nights. By this I mean that the servers seemed rushed, they do not rush diners. Unique atmosphere. The restaurant is in a restored mansion which dates from 1847 and is situated among century old oaks on four acres of land. Flamenco guitar and dancer on the weekends. Perfect sangria. My husband and I have been dining at Meson Sabika off and on for two decades. The restaurant has had its ups and downs in terms of food quality and service, but I'm happy to report Meson Sabika is currently as good as it's ever been. We can never pass up the Queso de Cabra (oven baked goat cheese in a pool of zesty tomato sauce served with garlic bread) or the Datiles con Tocino (Bacon-wrapped roasted dates in a -- I think -- roasted red bell pepper / butter sauce). I often have the latter for dessert! Other favorites include Gambas Marinadas (marinated shrimp with three sauces -- can I remember? -- cumin, mild garlic aioli, and slightly tomato-y salsa rosa), Salmón Curado (cured salmon with dill sour cream and toast points), Chorizo y Morcilla (grilled pork/smoked paprika sausage and grilled blood sausage), and of course Jamón Serrano (delectable dry-cured ham), Aceitunas Aliñadas (marinated Spanish olives which are sometimes complimentary), Quesos Espanoles (Spanish cheeses) and anything made or served with Cabrales blue cheese. We've had beef, duck, lamb, pork, chicken, fish, lobster, shrimp, cheese, artichoke, mushroom, and potato dishes. We've never been disappointed. We never leave room for dessert. Several varieties of paella are also available, but we love eating small plate style so much that we haven't tried the paella in many years. There are a variety of sangrias to choose from, but I am a traditionalist and prefer red. The only way to have as good or better traditional sangria is to make it yourself. Meson Sabika's red sangria does not taste watered-down, too sweet, or like a child's powdered fruit drink mix. Not the case at other restaurants. You can taste the wine, brandy, and fruit. If sangria is not your thing, Meson Sabika has a selection of Spanish wines including cava (sparkling wine). My knowledge of Spanish wines is limited, but the servers have never failed to make spot on recommendations for me. Do not miss the very large, oak tree shaded, red brick terrace in the warmer months. The furnishings are comfortable and the tables are comfortably spaced. It's really the perfect spot to spend a summer evening. Your food and wine will seem to taste even better on the terrace! Your experience inside will vary a bit by where you are seated. It is an old house after all so tables and chairs may be configured only so many ways. That is to say that seating can sometimes be cramped. In addition, to me some rooms feel more away from the heart of the restaurant than others. This does not deter me from eating in the mansion, I only wish to inform your expectations. My husband and I would dine at Meson Sabika much more frequently except that we cannot manage to rein in our spending when there. We tell ourselves that we will order only so many small plates and only one glass of sangria each. Lies! We can't do it and I doubt you can do it either. Just one more plate, you'll say, and we'll split it. We really should try the _____ while we're here. Just one more glass of wine to go with my plate of _____. Three digit dining. Know this going in and enjoy.
(5)Lucas W.
I'm honestly surprised At the hype Meson Sabika gets. Yes, it's a gorgeous house, but that doesn't mean it has to be a great setting for a restaurant. Honestly the house is laid out somewhat strangely and you could end up sitting in some random room in the back or right next to the front doorway. And the carpet upstairs means anything that falls on the floor sticks on the floor. Most importantly: the food. I've had tapas in Spain and at a number of other restaurants in Chicago and I have to say, this was honestly bad tapas. One or two decent dishes - a good duck dish - but otherwise, nothing to really write home about. And some of the hot dishes came out cold - how do you let that happen? And as is all too often the case with Tapas, it's overpriced. The whole idea behind tapas is to try a number of small inexpensive dishes. But, like so many other places, they shrink the amount of food on offer but don't shrink the price. Hard to keep ordering dishes when I'm spending 10+ on each one. And that's not how tapas should be!
(2)Jenn N.
We are fans of Meson Sabika but did try the New Years Eve dinner for the first time. It is a nice way to try some new things, but honestly I prefer just eating there instead. I love (love, love) the garlic potato salad and wished we had more than what they served. I did not like the bacon wrapped dates - but it did give me the chance to try them when I normally would not order it. They were so sweet and there was not enough salt on the bacon to counter. There were 3 cold and 3 hot tapas so not liking one out of nine is not bad. The entree was good- filet was cooked fine and so was the lobster. I too thought the dessert was per person, not per table. Nonetheless, we did forgot to make reservations until New Years Eve morning and so the fact that they had a spot and it is kid friendly (upstairs) for $39.95 for the adults (kids meal free) we were not disappointed just not blown away like we normally are. Still love it there but will opt for non fixed menu next time.
(4)Matt W.
Service Excellent-food even better-have to try out their Sunday brunch for a good sample off items.
(5)Mary S.
Ate here with my mom, sister and brother and had a great time. Our server was Caitlyn and she was VERY informative about all of the wines even though she is newly 21, as she informed us. I also learned that they have six different flavors of lemonade, but I chose the non-alcoholic sangria. Five stars for offering that! The four of us ordered 12 or so various dishes and each one was absolutely delightful. We ordered so many because my mom works for district 204 and they receive 40% off, excluding alcohol. It was a VERY nice treat. Of the dishes we had, the most memorable was the duck and lamb. Both were very tender. My only complaint is there being too many items on the menu. Weird complaint, I know but it just seemed a bit overwhelming. To end the evening, we shared three desserts, my favorite was the chocolate and carmel cake... I wish I remembered the name! I will be back, Mason Sabika!
(5)Ellery R.
Meson Sabika or "Sambo," as my husband has taken to calling it for reasons unknown, is one of my favorite places to eat. Now usually, I get somewhat bored of repeat restaurant visits; I become disinterested in the entertainment, the manner of service, the menu starts to bore my stomach . . . but not here. I've dined at this tapas restaurant more than I could ever count. My husband even took me here the night we got engaged. Once seated you will be greeted by a server bringing bread, butter, and most importantly a complimentary small bowl of Spanish olives. These are excellent. The menu, you will notice if you frequently come here, changes everyday. Although I enjoy re-ordering the incredible dish I had my last visit, there's always something new for me to sample as well. The daily specials feature both hot and cold dishes. The wine list is also excellent. I'm partial to ordering by the bottle, but even a nice pitcher of sangria will set the evening off nicely. The service quality varies. In the dining room I find it to be adequate enough, when on the patio it's usually much slower, and in the bar if it is very busy it may take some time. But who's here to rush anyways? I find this is the only restaurant where I can receive bad service and still be completely satisfied. Maybe it's the wine . . . The atmosphere is excellent. This old white mansion still has a very housey feel to it which I find to be very romantic and cozy. If it is summer, sit on the patio for the most lovely of times. The bar area is probably my favorite if the patio is closed. Very woody and intimate. It's not unusual to see a lovely Spanish dancer whirling around on the hard wood floor as diners either casually take notice and appreciate (the regulars) or watch with delight as the live spanish guitarist accompanies her every move. The food itself is flavorful, unique, and delicious. I find that I try at least 3 new tapas dishes every time I'm here. It's hard to be disappointed (however last week I did order an asparagus and chicken casserole tapas dish and it was terrible, but they took care of it for me. Don't get that one). If you are not familiar with tapas style dining, get familiar. This should be the only way to eat. Once you have eaten far too much, overdo it. Dessert. Meson Sabika has a killer dessert. It doesn't really matter what you order, it will be good. Prices are somewhat high, however I find that the value matches the food quality. I rate this restaurant at five stars for its exceptional flavors, variety, atmosphere, and for all the good times I've had here.
(5)Raphael D.
This place kicks ass and if you ever have to trek out to the Naperville area to meet people for dinner or drinks you should definitely make a reservation here. I'm a city guy but I made several trips there and had my 21st birthday dinner in a private room with 12 people and the service and food were delicious. Their sangria is a great balance and doesn't taste too sweet or sappy. Most people find morcilla (blood sausage) pretty gross but if you've ever wanted to try it their version is delicious and not too greasy. I always get the salmon on toasts points too. I recommend you stick to tapas on your first visit. The paella is good but pretty loaded.
(5)Jeanne L.
The weekend brunch is soooo good! Great selection, and they have a huge selection of fresh fruit too that is always so sweet and ripe. All the food is great, and they have a little area for kiddies too that want french fries and burgers (though i've gone with adults who also wanted the french fries :p). Non-kiddies can of course, also partake in that area of the buffet. They have this shrimp toast thing that is just so good, and so many other great things. It's better in the summer since you can sit outside, but i've gone in the winter too and it was great. Seating is just a bit more limited, and you may have to be seated upstairs (I don't really like risking a food spill - I am a bit of a klutz). Your brunch comes with mimosas and a regular drink, made to order omelets (which are not that good - don't get them; the buffet is good enough already), and dessert at the end. I always get the profiterole (so good....). We'll be back again and again!
(5)Ken J.
This is one of my favorite spots: the food is very tasty and the atmosphere is great. It is an old mansion from the 1800's. Years ago was called WIlloway Manor. It can get loud in the main dining rooms at peak times. I particularly like their seafood based tapas, the Gambas al Ajillo (grilled shrimp in lemon butter), and Calamares A La Plancha (grilled squid), I have these on every trip. The Red Sangria is made on site and is very good, better than the white. Service is most always good. Not a cheap place to go, but fun when you have a couple extra bucks in your pocket....
(5)JR W.
This review is for their pavilion service. My friend had her wedding here recently, and the pavilion was really new and beautiful. The powder rooms and the waiting rooms for the wedding party were also clean and nice. The service was swift and continuous throughout the night. My only complaint is that they ran out of some sweets at the dessert table early on.
(4)Alex A.
What?! I hadn't written a review for this place yet! Delicious Tapas food! Great service! My wife and I had our rehearsal dinner here, and everyone raved about the food. The food is fresh, and you can sense the delicate effort put into the preparation. The Queso de Cabra is my fav! This place has a lot of character, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a romantic dinner or even a feast for the family!
(5)Tony K.
This place is freakin GREAT! Nice ambiance. Great service, very good food. Good parking. The only thing is, the prices are high. But Im still give 5 stars because the prices are still worth it. Fun AND romantic place. If you dont get laid after takinfg her here you are doing something VERY wrong.
(5)Eric S.
The food was average but has nice ambiance. Came here for their Sunday brunch. The tapas served were average at best. Most of the meat appeared to be overcooked on their buffet line. However, the rice in the paella was under cooked.
(1)Steve L.
Cant get better tapas. Service can sometimes be off and if its busy you might get stuck at a very small table. Those are the only reasons I don't give it five stars
(4)Dana B.
I have been hearing about this place for quite sometime now and wanted to try it out myself. I made a reservation on open table and was seated exactly at that time. Our waitress, Susan, greeted us almost instantly. She was very nice and extremely knowledgeable about the menu. After looking over the menu for a few minutes, we placed our order. Susan assured us that our items would come out at separate time to fully enjoy them individually. We waited 50 minutes until our waitress came back to see how are food was....however, we never received anything yet. Once she went to go "check" on our order, we received all of our items at once about 10 minutes later. The food was all quite delicious but when you are so hungry it is hard to enjoy. I just thought it was funny that people that sat down way after us were almost finished with their meals before we received any of ours. I feel that first impressions are very important especially when it entails food service. It's hard to say if I will be coming back here again.
(2)Anna H.
LOVE this place! great for date nights with your significant other and meeting up with girlfriends. =) Most of their dishes are small plates and portions intended for you to share. In some cases, if you have a big group, I would recommend ordering 2 of each of your favorite places. Dishes recommend: - garlic mashed potatoes (my favorite! gots to be a big garlic fan for this one though because . . . it's really garlic-y) - beef tenderloin - scallops - dates wrapped in bacon (SO GOOD!) - mushroom caps There's a lot more on the menu, but these are just some of my favorites. =) Also, if you come here on a date night or girls night, make sure to get the sangria. . . it's so YUMMY! On Sundays, they also have a buffet brunch with I think it's $30 per person or something like that? Included in that they give you free mimosas! yummy.
(5)Gerry H.
Pardon the lack of profundity, but consistency is the key to restaurant success. I've dined at inumerable establishments that have been great on one occasion and terrible the next. I've been a fan of Meson Sebika since it was called Emilio's. The service is always excellent, and I'm in love with the consistently great food. It was my wife's birthday yesterday, and we haven't dined on tapas in some time, so she chose Meson Sabika. The one negative that I would report is the hostess' poor choice of table for us. In honor of the occasion, I asked for a very special table. She chose to seat us on the second floor, which required climbing a very narrow, steep stairway. No problem for us, but we have a three year old daughter. It was a little challenging. We pre-ordered a vegetarian paella, and it arrived 10 minutes after we were seated. It was very good, and honestly, it's the best value on the menu. Additionally, we partook of the pincho de solomillo, the queso de cabra, the entrecot de jamon, the calamares a la plancha, i.e. Brochette of beef tenderloin, goat cheese and garlic bread, ny strip with serrano ham wrapped asparagus, and grilled squid with lemon garlic olive oil respectively. Everything was delicious and beautifully presented. I chugged a few Spanish beers ( dark Alhambra), as I'm want to do. It's excellent and very reasonably priced. No dessert due to an extremely unruly daughter. This place is great, and you really get a good dining value. Also, you can't beat the cool setting.
(4)Elizabeth W.
I think this restaurant is one of the better tapas places in the suburbs. I went for dinner with my husband recently and we ate the pork medallions which were very tasty and so tender for pork, the tortilla espanola a Spanish classic, the patatas con alioli which were awesome for those garlic lovers, and the duck with orange which was by far, the best tapa I had there. The meat fell off the bone, the sauce was simple and sweet, and the mushrooms were a perfect compliment to the dish! The wine list is vast, there were too many I wanted to try, and there is of course very good Sangria. The restaurant is in a charming mansion in Naperville and you can be seated either downstairs or upstairs. If your are claustrophobic the tables are very small and close together, but did not pose a problem for myself or my husband. Reservations are definitely needed but to my surprise, we were seated right when we came, a half hour before our reservation time. The service was excellent and our tapas came very quickly, we hardly ever had to wait for a bite of our food. The price is moderate and about $5-8 dollars per tapa. They also offer a brunch on Sunday that I am dying to try.
(4)J W.
Our favorite Naperville restaurant...we love it. The food is incredible & the setting is amazing - especially the patio in the summer.
(5)Matt T.
I have never really had a bad experience at Meson Sabika. It is a perfect summer date spot. I always ask for the patio. If there is ever a wait to be seated they have a small bar inside to grab a drink at. But getting a reservation is recommended. It is a popular spot all summer. This is a great choice if you want a fun romantic spot where you can talk casually and take your time eating. It is perfect if you plan on heading to downtown Naperville for drinks and dancing after. They have there own parking lot right on premises and so you don't have to worry about that before dinner. (It isn't walking distance too downtown though, you will have to move your car.) The Tapas selection is very good and everything tastes great. I highly recommend the Queso De Cabra - (Oven baked goat cheese with garlic bread). Expect diner for two with drinks to run you about $70. Not bad at all considering the quality of food and atmosphere.
(4)Beth S.
I give this place 5 stars! YES!!! The location of this tapas-style restaurant is absolutely gorgeous. This is a great date spot. The restaurant is in a mansion, on some gorgeous grounds. I encourage you to take a walk prior to ordering, or afterwards. Very romantic and special. The food is delicious. Their garlic potato salad is a big fave with my friends and I. We get plates of it every time. My other recommendations are: bacon wrapped dates, escargot, chilled tiger shrimp (yum), and the stuffed mushroom caps. Even if you are not an adventurous eater, try this stuff out. The flavors are absolutely wonderful. Their Sangria is also highly recommended.
(5)Kay R.
Amazing ambience - set in an old house that has been converted to a restaurant. Great food and sangrias! always a good time. One of the best restaurants in the western suburbs! Highly recommended!
(5)Josh S.
You should probably eat here. At least once. Probably more. I took a date here recently and we enjoyed the entire experience, starting with the walk from the parking lot. The property itself is very unique and if I wasn't so eager to get out to the patio (it was the first nice weather weekend of the year) I would have explored a little bit. I did enjoy the fountains, landscaping and the feel of the place on the exterior and interior. Something is romantically different here. We were seated on the patio, which was candle lit and spaced out well enough for some privacy. Our server was attentive, made some wine suggestions and had a lot of helpers who gave us attention. Our wine glasses never got low before someone was refilling them and before you know it.....my date was extra smiley for some reason ;-) The tapas menu itself was pretty standard. Nothing too risky in my mind. I didn't see anything that made me say "oh weird, I'll have to try that". Bacon wrapped dates are played out, move on people. I will say that one of the hot tapas that we got is just 1 of the reasons that I will be going back to this place. I almost wanted to end the date early, so I wouldn't have to continue to share the dish. It's called Pipirrana De Buey. It reminded me of the show on the Food Network: The Best Thing I Ever Ate, because I was talking about it after every single bite. I've never had anything quite like it and it was definitely a guilty pleasure. The description in the menu does not begin to explain the awesomeness delivered in this small plate. Write down the name of it right now and when you go there, order it. For me, please. I would recommend this place for a nice lunch or dinner with someone special. It could be a date, your mom, or a close friend. It's versatile enough for all of your peeps. I'll check out their brunch someday this summer and spend some more time scoping the joint out. Property - 5 stars Staff - 4 stars Ambience - 4 stars Food - 4 stars Price - 5 stars
(4)James R.
I went there last night with low expectations since no one in the USA seems to be able to get the tapas concept down. I was very happily surprised by the quality of the food, sangria, and service. A little more high brow than I would have preferred, but, still the best experience I have had in a restaurant in a long time. Had a very bad experience in a restaurant the night before, so this restored my passion for good food. Plus it was not as expensive as you might imagine.
(5)Jennifer O.
We had a great lunch here last week. The staff was super friendly and knowledgable about the food. The prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is very charming. The sangria is a must have!
(5)Angelina K.
My favorite tapas restaurant in the Chicago area. Every time I come here , it feels like holiday... I love the location, very cute restaurant, with great landscape. Very cozy inside, has that " old world" feel. Excellent tapas, so many great choices. I really like brunch there too... Excellent place...
(5)Vick C.
I think, improvement is needed for Meson Sabika. This is a beautiful mansion link with a banquet hall, absolutely gorgeous! side walk along to the restaurant is so elegant. They provide you a romantic environment, I have no complaint of this, summer time they will open the patio, good time to have drink and good food with friends, just if you don't mind it's too loud. Tapas just standard, not good but not bad, no surprise. Service is kind of bad, last time I was waited in the line fro 20 minutes to be seated even I got on time on my reservation. Then another 20-30 minutes to catch the waiter to order the food. It was a nightmare! But it still a good place to go since the mansion is very nice, especially it's located in suburb area.
(3)Matt Z.
EVERYTHING is amazing!!! The Baked Goat Cheese is insane, the bacon wrapped figs are to die for, the Scallops are awesome, the beef is delicious, I seriously might choose this restaurant if I only had one place to eat before i died. The Sangria is intoxicating!
(5)Lee and Katey W.
I was very excited to try this place based on yelp reviews. It was as many have said in an interesting place and it felt like we were eating dinner at someones house with a bunch of strangers! The sangria was tasty and they had a nice variety of tapas. At the time, I really liked the food. Looking back on it, and after trying other tapas places, this place was just OK. It was priced well and I agree with other yelpers, a good date place in the suburbs. I would go back for an occasion but would hope for some new tapas. They didnt seem very fresh and I would have liked more authentic flavors.
(3)Jaime C.
The ambiance, food and entertainment is first rate. My wife, friends and I have gone back four times since 2011. This is a wonderful experience.
(5)Matt W.
I have eaten at many tapas restaurants in the Chicagoland area but none have come close to the quality of Meson Sabika. First of all, the place is very beautiful and has outdoor seating in what feels like a large garden or country club. The food is amazing. I had the flank steak with blue cheese, and it was very tender and delicious. The mahi-mahi with asparagus was cooked better then I have ever had it. The marinated shrimp came with three delectable dipping sauces. The lobster with citrus tasted great. The wine selection here is impressive. For under $20, you can get a wine flight of four tastings that are all delicious. The staff was very friendly, courteous and knowledgeable. Meson Sabika is a wonderful place for a romantic dinner, a family outing, a banquet, party or other special occasion. My only complaint: There were too many little bugs flying around outside! One ended up in my wine. At least he died happy. I look forward to going back to Meson Sabika, hopefully soon.
(5)Felicia S.
I have been to Meson Sabika numerous times over the years and have enjoyed it every time. I just visited a few days ago for my birthday and my entire family was there. The weather was perfect for eating outdoors and they have payed as much attention to detail on the outside as they have on the inside. A really beautiful location to enjoy the company and food. I always get the red sangria. Make sure you have a lot of ice -- it makes a difference and should be well-chilled (outside the ice melts quickly in the pitcher). We had a party of about 8, so we ordered quite a bit of food. Everything was delicious - in true tapas style. The service is hit or miss -- for example we ordered a final round of entrees before the server brought my special (complementary) birthday dessert -- a wonderful ice cream profiterole with chocolate sauce YUM! Unfortunately 2 of those final entrees came out AFTER dessert, and we were finished by then. Still, the service was good otherwise, and the decor and food were the same high quality we have come to expect at Meson Sabika. I'll keep going back & continue enjoying myself every time :-)
(5)Heather S.
Excellent food and nice service. The service is very relaxed so don't be in a hurry. Was surprised by the excellent quality of food.
(4)Rong G.
The shrimp and Crab is delicious.
(4)Shelly A.
Yummy blue sangria! Oh, and the food's good too. Just kidding, but for real, this place is great! A little pricey, but you kind of expect it in Naperville at a "dainty" location like this. A great place to hold special occasions, and literally, something for everyone. We had a great time and I would definitely go back the next time I'm in town.
(4)Roz C.
Am I missing something? BF and I went in this past Sunday and the restaurant was bustling at 7pm. We thought this was a promising sign and were excited about trying tapas in the suburbs (we usually get tapas in the city). Our waiter was super friendly, but definitely cheesy. I mean, everything he said was full of BS and the boyfriend and I laughed every time he walked away. The tapas came out in a timely manner, but man...we should definitely stick to the city for tapas. We ordered: -the baked goat cheese: this was actually super-delicious. The red sauce was rich and the goat cheese was creamy. We really enjoyed this. And then... -the grilled chorizo: uh, hello? it tasted like eckrich farm sausage that you can get from the jewel-osco. AND it was totally BURNT. gross. -garlic tiger shrimp: these were okay. plain, but okay. -beef empanada: gross, gross, gross. the boyfriend actually gagged. the ground beef had a really weird taste and the empanada crust didn't make up for it either. -patatas bravas: along with the baked goat cheese, this is an always-order dish at tapas restaurants. we were really disappointed in these. they weren't crisp on the outside at all. the were soggy under the sauce and the manchego cheese and it ruined the texture. (best patatas bravas? cafe ba-ba-reeba!) the sauce had some kick, but left a strange aftertaste. For dessert, we had the bailey's chocolate cake. It was not good. The ice cream tasted freezer-burned and the strawberries promised from the menu? Well, there was one...on the side. Looking back, the boyfriend and I decided that we should have taken the environment as a sign. Meson Sabika is inside this old mansion and it was like two totally polar ideas competing against each other. Spanish food and random Victorian-inspired decor? So weird. Oh yeah, and the food was overpriced...smaller portions and bigger prices than tapas from the city? Huh? Needless to say, we won't be back.
(1)LOIS B.
I have been here a number of times and leave just as hungry as when I arrive. This is not a place for a meal or to go hungry. Sorry, there are way too many better places to eat in Naperville. I avoid any affair held here.
(1)Ben M.
Best Tapas in all of Chicago!!!! My wife and I have been close to ten times and never been disappointed. -The atmosphere is great (the restaurant is an old mansion) -The Garlic potato salad is one of my favorite dishes on the planet. Every time I go I take a huge container of this stuff home! - Great for a date night - Not the best for children, but it can work.
(5)Pete R.
This is a place that you MUST try if you like varying flavors and want to have a different dining experience. The tapas are great. i won't even go into all of the details as there are plenty of other reviews. I have about 20 or so that I rotate through. My wife and I usually pick 5 or so each visit. The only repeat every time is the garlic potato salad. And if you plan on enjoying the sangria that night, ask for a table downstairs. They catch up to you quick. Coming down the stairs on my last visit was an adventure. Go, have fun, and enjoy the grounds. Cool place.
(4)Caitlin G.
I was very excited to try this place. The food was just okay, but the problem was with sound. It was so loud in there you could not have a conversation. It's a shame because it looks like a great place to go on a date to, but only go if you don't want to be heard.
(3)Stef F.
I got to pick dinner and I had a craving for Tapas. What better place to go than here??? I was a newbie here, and we had a great time. Overall, the grounds are lovely and enchanting (perfect for all those weddings they have) and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. While wines by the bottle can get pricey-- in the $$$ price range, I ordered the pomegranate sangria at $6.50. It was just okay. It didn't wow me. So, I had a mojito next at $8.95, which was pretty tasty. However, 2 drinks each for us came to $40 alone. Yikes. I need to drink at home more. i can't remember any of the fancy names... But here's the low down on what we ordered... and my star system to boot... ~Black bean soup with chorizo (4) ~White bean soup with serrano ham and bacon (4) (They forgot to bring these out originally, so we got the Gazpacho soup also to try for free) (Maybe that soup is good normally, but I'm not a fan of melon flavoring so it really wasn't my cup of tea) ~COLD TAPAS ~King crab with avocado (5) ~salmon with dill sauce something or other (4) ~Garlic potato salad (5) ~HOT TAPAS ~Grilled Squid with lemon sauce (1) ~Red peppers stuffed with cheese and black beans (5) ~Crab meat fritters with aioli (3) ~DESSERT ~Rice Pudding with citrus zest (4) ~Creme Brulee sorta dish with chocolate chunks (4) So, overall... Food was great and it was fun to try different things. My absolute favorite was the potato salad, it was so garlicky good. I also loved the stuffed red peppers, very Spanish inspired. My favorite favorite dessert in the whole wide world is creme brulee and I think this was called crema de chocolada?? Or something similar. Huge portion. Very good. Just wish the vanilla custard portion had been warm? It was cold and normally creme brulee is never like that. It at least is usually lukewarm. But ah well. Our server recommended the squid to us, asking if we liked calamari. Well, we love calamari--and agreed with his recommendation, but it was too rubbery and I couldn't eat it. I've had squid before that was more tender. And I about gagged at the mini squid and something that looked wormy/snail-like. When the pieces are breaded, I at least pretend. I was waiting to throw one of them at the fridge and watch it flip back and forth all sticky downward. Even my fiance about gagged and he eats anything. But the server graciously took it off our bill, even though it wasn't his fault and we never complained about it. We just wanted it off the table. lol. Which is why we ordered the dessert. :) Check it out. We ordered too much food. Expect to spend $$$, and now that I've been there once, I'll order less next time. I think 3 tapas each are more than enough to fill a person up. I think on avg. a couple would spend anywhere from $60-$120 on a dinner here, depending on what's ordered. And that's without tip. Or the expensive wine.
(4)Kathleen M.
I really excellent meal in a beautiful setting. We had most of the recommended dishes: the garlic potato salad (loads of garlic!), bacon wrapped dates, serrano ham on toast points. All really good. We enjoyed everything we had. Service was attentive without being overbearing. Mojitos and sparkling sangria very refreshing. Highly recommended.
(4)Jody Y.
The atomosphere was fun, but the food was fantastic. It didn't matter what Tapas we ordered; everyone raved about every item!!! I would go back in a heart beat. It looks like a nice place to eat outside once the weather warms up!!!
(5)Candice G.
The food was still fantastic but the service was not the 5 stars it has ALWAYS been in the past. We went at about 7:30 on Friday night and wanted to sit on their patio outside. The hostesses told us that a table outside wouldn't be opening up until 8:30 but when walking past, we saw at least 25 open tables outside (they have a very large outside patio). I understand that they may not have had enough staff for the Al Fresco dining, but certainly not enough tables. We decided to wait at the bar and get some sangria but were notified less then 10 minutes later that a table was ready... along with several other couples who did not have reservations. I think they were trying to get more people to dine inside than out- I think the outside staff may be temporary employees and understandably they want to fill the inside restaurant for their own employees but I don't think giving an outrageous wait time is the right way to do it. Then, when we were brought out on the patio, the hostess had us doing a back and forth dance- up, down, across, and around the many open patio tables when deciding where to sit us. It was awkward, I had heels on, have bright orange hair, and really it was quite a funny scene for the rest of the patio diners to see us being walked backwards and forwards for several minutes. Not their most professional moment. Beyond that, the service was not very attentive and definitely not personable. We're used to 5 star, impeccable service and knowledge from the folks at Meson Sabika and this not simply did not meet our expectations. Also, they need to update their outside tables. They're all pretty rusted over and our table had a really old, smashed piece of gum stuck to it. We didn't complain or ask to be moved to one of the other 25 open outdoor tables but we did feel like it should have been obvious when the table was set up with place settings. We will be back and will most likely be upping the star rating but for the most recent experience, I can sadly only give a 3.
(3)Bridget D.
Meson Sabika is my favorite restaurant in the suburbs! It's the best tapas place in the Chicagoland area. The old mansion is beautiful, the food is fresh and seasoned perfectly, the staff are professional, knowledgeable and courteous, and they have an excellent selection of Spanish wine and desserts. Don't miss the garlic patatas alioli, white sangria, croquetas, and dates with bacon.
(5)Zee B.
Obsessed. The tapas are to die for - ALL of them. I've been here many times, but my most recent experience encouraged me to write a review. I had a New Years Dinner here with a few friends and we had one of the last reservations for the night. Tapas appetizers were amazing as usual. When it came time for the entrees we all ordered filet mignon. However, when we received it our side vegetables were not what was listed on the menu. We were literally given two slices of a potato and one cherry tomato. When I asked the waiter about it he apologized and said that the cooks probably ran out. I wasn't happy but didn't complain any further. Minutes later the manager came to our table and offered us other tapas and apologized for the inconvenience. I only asked for an alternative vegetable side which he immediately provided. What surprised all of us is that once we received our check we saw that two of our 4 meals were comped. That wasn't necessary at all, but the fact that it was done confirms why this place deserves a 5 star rating! Other than the mouth watering tapas, they truly care for their customers. I love this place!
(5)margo f.
Have been here so often, I have lost count...and each time I love it still! My favorite tapas (small dishes) are the queso de cabra , a goat cheese in red pepper sauce, the pincho de solomillo with carmelized onions, the grilled calamari and the garlic potato salad. Of course don't ever, ever, leave here without trying their flan of the day! Really, make room for it . Atmosphere is pretty amazing too. If you can, try to make it on a Friday or Saturday night when the flamenco dancer and guitar player are there. Fun, somewhat festive place in an older, converted, beautifully renovated, mansion. Want to impress your boss or inlaws? This is the place to go. If you do go on a weekend night, be sure to call ahead. This place is a hot spot, especially during the summer with their outdoor brick patio dining. If you are traveling with kids, I would recommend coming for Sunday brunch. There are plenty of kidfriendly foods, but also some great items for adults to try. Price wise, this place is all over the map. You could easily do a simple lunch for two for under 30 dollars or go all out and spend 200 with their excellent wine choices. Save up if you must, but be sure to give this place a try. 5 stars all the way.
(5)Louisa D.
So disappointing. Service was horribly slow. It took 45 minutes to bring out COLD tapas. I don't even know how long it would have taken to bring out hot tapas; hot tapas are what I really wanted too. What a shame, the cold tapas were good and so was the red sangria, but the wait was not worth it.
(1)Dan N.
I really love this place. It may be the most charming building and grounds I have ever eaten in. The Old mansion and beautiful gardens greatly enhance the experience. Luckly the last time I was there was with a big group and I didn't have to pay so there were no limits and we got to order allot of food. Noting was jaw dropping but everything was good to great. This is simple food and it was all done very well no missteps that we seen. The most memorable were a few of the hot items the Beef tenderloin with Blue Cheese and the Montaditos de Cerdo (grilled Pork). On the cold side the King crab with avocado and toast points were awful tasty. The Menu is dived into Hot and Cold Tapas and works really well that way. I could see this being a bit of a let down if you dont go with a group and are able get several items to sample. Most items are like $5-$10 so its not a cheap night out but the food, atmosphere and fun are well worth it.. Try to sit outside, its a really special space.
(4)Bobby C.
Year in, year out Meson Sabika is excellent at what they do. Hosein is the perfect restauranteur. He truly cares about his patrons and his product. Food is consistent. Decor is tasteful. The al fresco dining is beautiful. I am particular about Spanish wines and I have come to find the the wine list to be consistent and fairly-priced. Highly recommended.
(5)Richie D.
Who would have guessed that such a restaurant would exist in Naperville?!?! Four of us celebrated Valentine's Day here last night and had an amazing time, even though I was very skeptical at first. Why skeptical?? Allow me to step on my soap box... 1) I've been to Spain several times and have experienced "tapas verdaderas." 2) Tapas are meant to be eaten in a more communal and laid back ambiance such as bars and pubs...not a ritzy restaurant (unless it's touristy, of course). Often they even come free in its homeland with a beer or glass of wine/champagne and aren't the price of an average American entree. 3) It's in the Chicago suburbs, not city. 4) Walking in made me want to walk right back out the door. You enter the gorgeous mansion's doors and your eyes focus on the painted ceilings and...You've entered the Playboy Mansion! The hostesses all looks like over-tanned whores with super short, bright pink skirts and revealing shirts. Arg! For such a fancy restaurant, I don't think it's necessary even if they all plan to spend their tip shares going out after work. Now on the other hands, I'll admit that I was BLOWN AWAY after being served (and not by those hostesses)! Here's a list of a few of our favorites... Recommended Tapas: *Well these are to be accompanied with red Sangria, of course... ~Pato Confitado (everyone's favorite dish that had a citrus kickin' gravy and caused the marinated duck to melt in your mouth) ~Patatas con Alioli (super garlic-y to perfection) ~Pincho de Solomillo (grilled steak kabobs with a delicious goat cheese/horseradish yogurt and marinated onions) ~Queso de Cabra (this was definitely a winner due to the garlic toast with a sweet tomato, goat cheese paste) ~Datiles con Tocino (the thought always turned my stomach upside down, but I sampled it and enjoyed the sweet flavor and crunchy texture) ~Vieiras al Albariño (the BEST scallops I've ever had and if I say that it means A LOT. Not my cup of tea usually, but they were perfectly buttery [lemon tomato butter sauce] with a good portion of thick cous cous balls) ~Tortilla Española (I'm usually not a fan due to its blandness, but I liked it more than in Spain itself due to its sherry vinaigrette and balanced mix between onions and potatoes) If you're still hungries: ~Jamon Serrano (not my favorite dish anywhere, but fairly good) ~Gambas al Ajillo (nice sized shrimp with a buttery lemon garlic sauce but nothing unique or out-of-this-world) I'd like to go back for Brunch (perhaps Easter?). This next time I'd definitely try out the Sangritini (Sangria Martini) due to its uniqueness and the fusion between two yummy yet dangerous things. Three Recommendations For Your Visit: ~Reservations practically required!! ~Dress is semi-business casual and up. Jeans are probably not acceptable (even though my entire party had jeans on yet we were only kept from being out of place by wealthy people's kids). ~Do NOT miss out on the desserts. All were amazing. Really there's no point in recommending any specific one because it would depend on your taste buds and you can't go wrong no matter what. Meson is a perfect place for a unique, cultural wedding that gets away from food that all tastes the same. Now, go, Go, GO see for yourself!
(5)Gwin C.
Went there for Easter brunch with in-laws and family. Food was good in terms of selection. Well organized egg hunt for the kids. The service was a bit on the slow side but I think it was just our server as I watched other tables get better more prompt service. I'd recommend coming for their usual Sunday brunch which has better execution. Worth the $40 per person though!
(4)Joseph R.
After reading some good reviews and following my love of Spanish food, I decided to take my wife for San Valentine's day to Meson Sabika. Unfortunately, my first time at M.S. was a bit disappointing. We arrive just before 9 pm. My first impression of the place was a good one. The restaurant is on a beautiful mansion built on 1847, definitely the perfect setup for a romantic night. Being Valentine's day it was pretty packed as expected. We had to wait around 15 minutes on the bar, which is pretty normal in our experience. Once on the table, our server went over the menu. Unfortunately, he was not very knowledgeable about it. He struggle a bit while trying to explain the different choices. I felt bad for the guy; maybe he was new on the job or something. We ordered the night special which included a combination of cold and hot tapas plus dessert. Our first tapa arrived around 20 minutes after we sat. It was a Crepe of spinach, goat cheese, almonds and apples. It sounded delicious but, to our disappointment, it was just OK. After around 20 minutes the server came back with about 4 tapa plates. Once again we were a little disappointed with the food. We're not picky eaters but, I sincerely didn't like it that much. We have had tapas in other places and with every tapa we just looked at each other thinking; "It's just Ok, had better". After that, there was a stretch of about 30 minutes of just waiting for the main course. The server never came to our table to explain the delay or to check on us. It was around 10:40 pm with the restaurant being mostly empty, when finally our course arrived. I immediately told the server to please box it up to go, including the dessert. He said sure and never apologize for the delay, he probably didn't even notice. Before leaving the restaurant, we made sure to talk to the manager about the experience. He apologized and we left the place. Around five minutes after, I received an email saying that my open table reservation was cancelled. I though it must have been an honest mistake. When I got home and I log in into my account and look for the reservation, I notice that because it was cancelled, I could not leave the review. The bottom line is this: Food was OK, Service was Bad, Ambiance was Good and the building was great. Would I return, probably not.
(2)Amanda S.
Great ambiance, unique environment. Awesome for dates! The prices are a little high on some items, but the plating technique and presentation is worth it. I recommend the cous cous or scallops. The sangria is a must.
(5)Arnaud L.
Great food. Decent wines. Better to go there with many friends to share many courses. I will go back there for sure
(4)J. R.
I was here with a large group for a birthday celebration. (My first visit.). We had a variety of tapas and most were good. I particularly liked the chef special tenderloin with grilled asparagus wrapped in jambon (ham). The scallops were excellent, served with aioli. The chorizo was not liked by our group and the pork tenderloins on croutons were disappointing, but the spicy potatoes were good, the paella was OK (Valencia?), and the stuffed mushrooms were good. The bacon-wrapped dates were excellent! The kids with us enjoyed the kids meal and the regular tenderloin (with sweet potato puree) was excellent. The sangria wasn't bad and the Spanish beers were a nice touch. I would come back again for a special occasion!
(4)Teddy B.
I'm no stranger to Spanish food... even Valencian in specific. And while I have not had the paella here -- a Valencian classic -- I've had a number of their tapas here and similar ones at other Spanish restaurants around the U.S. On the plus side, the place is white-tablecloth nice. Good, attentive service and a historic, somewhat elegant location. A decent selection of wines and OK sangria options. As for the food, I expected better. I've had better. But it's still quite good. Flavorful plates, but nothing overly memorable. Disappointed by the classic patatas bravas, as by using a sauce on it the fried potatoes lose all their crunchy texture (why do restaurants sabotage themselves like this?). And for a Valencian place, I'm surprised their desserts offered nothing in the way of the finer Valencian pastries. Maybe that's more for breakfast, but they seem to lose the plot a little at the final course.
(3)Justin L.
Food and service were both excellent, especially considering the group of close to 20. Service... for a group of our size, they were very accommodating. They put us in a private dining room upstairs, and our waitress was always available and the flow of food was fairly constant. There were a few slip-ups with some dishes coming out much later for our group, but with tapas style, the impact was low. Food... very good food, though I'll admit that I lowered my expectations a bit from what I've experienced over six weeks in Spain. The more noteworthy items: bacon wrapped dates and a seafood and mayo mix on bread (can't remember the name). The items I thought were less impressive: their paella valenciana and the potato bravas were good, but a bit of a let down. Venue... great venue! I love the old style home conversion. The upstairs dining was private, quiet and intimate (probably better for the other patrons to be away from us). Overall... definitely a great pick for tapas in the suburbs, will need to go once or twice more for a better impression!
(4)Chuck Z.
Liked this place so much we had or wedding reception here! Always a great staff and consistent food. My family and I enjoy coming and is a great time.
(4)Sara L.
The grounds are outstanding. One of the most aesthetically pleasing restaurants it have ever been to. We were seated in the room marked Granada and had a great table. Our server was attentive and friendly even though she was super busy. We started off with some cava and tapas. The cava was amazing but the salmon I ordered was very fishy and less than fresh. My husband was very happy with his ham/cheese platter. Then came the patatas bravas. They were pretty good. Finally the dish I had been waiting for, mariscos paella. All of the shell fish was way over cooked and of very poor quality in the first place. The rice was ok, but reminded me of a paella you would make out of a box and not so much of the real authentic Spanish dish. Last came our dessert. This was the highlight of the meal. We ordered two cappuccinos, the banana Carmel sauce and vanilla ice cream, and hot chocolate cake w caramel ice cream. This course was the highlight of our meal by a mile. Overall, it seems like they need a new fish guy because their seafood is disappointing, but I would definitely go back for cava and dessert!
(3)Osiris V.
For my food review of this place please visit yelp.com/biz/yelp-eats-2… Any who, this place is lovely: a big mansion transformed into a restaurant/banquet. When we went there was a wedding reception taking place. Very cute. We got sat outside without being asked which was kind of a bummer because we were the appetizer for many different bugs in the hot humid weather that day. Although the trees outside were amazing, it gave the place an even greater WOW factor. They have a LARGE patio area. The food was great and the drinks were spectacular.
(4)Panda B.
What a gorgeous place! It's like a plantation where the restaurant is on the right and a detached private dining area on the left for special event. Their patio up front is beautiful, especially if they have blooming flowers and a few elegant decors. Though, the place can be easily missed since they only have a tiny sign very low to the ground. The food was delicious. We liked all the tapas we ordered. We ordered about 3 per person like the waitress suggested. It was way too much food, and felt extremely stuffed afterward lol. My favorite was the duck special and least was the crab cake special. Also, it was my first paella, and I loved it! It had loads of seafood and good sauce. They also had a huge wine list, and what the waitress suggested hit the spot. Overall, I enjoyed this place and do recommend for others to try.
(5)Irene S.
This is one if my favorite restaurants. Consistently high quality food. Great wine list and the service is always friendly.
(5)Lourdes A.
This is my favorite place when I travel to the area. The food and service are always great. The space is different for a tapas/Spanish place but I like it. It is definitely one of the best tapas places I've been to.
(5)Elizabeth O.
As I've grown older, I've realized the importance of making sure that moral, good people are supported by the community, and that greedy, immoral people are not. I'm writing this review to ask you, the reader, not to support what I feel is a terrible restaurant. I got engaged over the holidays and, in a rush to try to marry this year, found that there were only two places left available in the area: Meson Sabika being one of them. I researched their events online, inquired about availability for my event, and confirmed pricing using their online pricing guide. The event coordinator, Katie, confirmed the pricing advertised online in an email, also confirmed availability, said I could have the venue and set up an appointment to contract. I was incredibly excited. I took off work for this, and went over. Upon arriving, Katie informed me that the owner had over doubled the cost of my event... it went from a $5500 minimum and $8 pp fee to $13,000. I tried to remain polite and work this out, but this remained firm (slipping only to $10,000 + tax + gratuity in verbiage, which is practically the same thing). Katie tried telling me that this was because the restaurant is closed on Sundays, and the cost was for the place to be open only for me. As you can see online, this is false. She admitted to lying, later, "because she was told to". But it gets better. To add insult to injury, Julie, another event manager, called me back after I'd left and said she'd heard my story via voice mail. She was profoundly sorry that I'd been mislead both in writing and verbally. She said to "go home, drink a margarita, and rest assured this would be taken care of" -- I'd hear from her the next day to get this squared away. Again, I was relieved and very happy. I didn't hear from Julie. About 3pm I called and left a voice mail, which Katie responded to. She held firm with the near doubling of the cost of my event. She then asked if I'd like to speak to the owner. I barely got to speak, as he yelled at me, and told me that "it's like a car dealer... car dealers can advertise a $120,000 car for $40,000, but that doesn't mean they have to sell it for that price." Terrible, In the meantime, the other venue got booked. There are no reception halls left to have my wedding at, and they've turned a time that should be happy and exciting into a major downer. Why? Greed? Bait and switch? Just terrible.
(1)Jeremy L.
Really nice spot for an intimate dinner or a large group. Love the feel of eating in at someones house. Used OpenTable for reservations, party of eight, no wait. The service was great and the food really good. Some of our highlights included the Piprrana de Buey (skirt steak), Empanada de Buey (beef filled pastry), Gambas con Guindillas (shrimp) and queso de cabra (goat cheese with garlic bread). If you debate between red and white sangria, go with the red sangria. Happy eats!
(4)Britney B.
I dined here with parents and had an excellent meal and charming experience. I've also attended a wedding hosted in this venue and it was beautiful. There front yard is green and colorful, and the vows were presented there. Then, everyone walked to the interior of Meson Sabika and ate promptly, followed by drinks and dancing. The food is delicious but not very memorable.
(4)Carl A.
Have eaten here several times. A couple times with kids, others times for date night. Great value for money. Delicious little shareable samplings. Beautiful location inside and out.
(5)Michelle C.
Wow-ee! This place is the bee's knees! A group of us came here for my friend's birthday last night (Friday). We had reserved a table ahead of time (thankfully, the place was packed!) and were seated right away. Our waiter came over pretty quickly and took our drink order and the staff made sure we had ice water refreshed all night (a huge plus when you're drinking all night!). Our waiter was a young guy and and did a great job in being attentive to our table, plus he was funny and really accommodating. However, when we would ask him direct questions about wine or the menu, he would give, "It's all good" and "I don't have a favorite" type of answers. I tried to ask for a recommendation on a sweet white or blush wine and it took me probing him for recommendations and suggestions until he finally suggested that he bring out two wine samples for me to try. The same thing happened when we asked him for suggestions on dishes he liked, or that were good to try. "I like everything" was his typical answer. What we really wanted was an idea of what's a hit and what's a miss. The food...INCREDIBLE! By the end of the night, we felt like we'd ordered almost everything on the menu. We got the garlic potato salad, Atlantic salmon, shrimp with couscous, lamb chops, squid, Spanish cheeses, ...and I'm sure there's even some I'm forgetting! Absolutely everything we tried was delicious! We were "mmm" -ing and "ahhh" -ing all night long. The waiter was sweet enough to bring out a dessert (comp'd) for my friend to celebrate her birthday. He even joined in when we sang Happy Birthday to her (made up for all his earlier shortcomings). Near the end of our meal, the entertainment came around. A man playing a guitar and a woman who was dancing with finger noise makers (I wish I knew the proper names for it!) made a great addition and a nice break from the night of stuffing ourselves! The entire place is beautiful, the service is really wonderful and I love the ambiance. I would return here in a heartbeat!
(5)Tiff T.
I have never had tapas before and already love it due to visiting this gorgeous place. I've driven by this place several times and had no clue what a gem this place really is. Great service, atmosphere, and food! Would love to come again, either with friends, family, or significant other. Would also make a perfect wedding reception, birthday celebration, girls night out or brunch, or just a celebration of any kind.
(5)Benjamin T.
Naperville has a ton of restaurants, but so many of them are chains. Meson Sabika has individuality and is one of only a few tapas options west of Cafe Ba Ba Reeba. After attending CYSO's "touring" concert (a stellar Also Sprach Zarathustra included), this was a good post-music dinner. We shared a 5-glass sherry flight, sangria, and Salteado de Hortalisas, Pipirrana de Buey and a few others. No paella - I've had some good ones, including in Andalucia -- but often feel that rice is not as festive a dish as enthusiasts claim. Anyhow, Sabika is a good choice for tapas, solid if not spectacular. I would definitely return.
(4)Davin L.
Wow. Just wow. Beautiful decor, excellent cuisine, generous portions, and all the ambience you can handle? What's not to like about this place? Even though it was over an hour out of my way, I'm definitely coming back so I can try the paella. I recommend the Croquetas de Jamon y Pollo (ham and chicken croquettes) and Vieiras Al Albariño (grilled scallops over Mediterranean couscous with apple and tomato butter sauce).
(5)April K.
I should have written this review months ago! My life has been crazy. Anyway this restaurant has hands-down the best tapas I've ever eaten. The thing about tapas is that sometimes you get tons of variety (which is awesome) but you forfeit some taste of quality. O'm usually super excited about the menu and then disappointed after the meal. So not the case with Meson Sabika. We had 2 soups. One with chicken and lemon one with potato and chorizo. Both were absolutely amazing. The cold tapas section yielded my least favorite menu items. The grilled eggplant w goat cheese was so/so, and same for the canneloni filled with tuna. BUT, the Tortilla espanola was amazing!! I want one right now just thinking about it! We had the Paella valenciana which was delicious. Soooo much meat and fish and really great flavor! For hot tapas we had: Pincho de pollo (SO tasty chicken skewers) Sautéed tiger shrimp with peppers and mushrooms (Not bad but I liked our other shrimp dish better.) Skirt steak with blue cheese sauce (Fantastic) Tiger shrimp w lemon butter (This is the shrimp dish I loved! Fabulous.) Pincho de Solomilli (Delicious beef dish) Bacon wrapped dates (MMMMMMMmm. I make some pretty damn tasty bacon wrapped dates at home and these were better than mine. Out of this world!) Parades bravas (Spicy potatoes with cheese - delicious) We also had a pasta with a goat cheese tomato sauce that was super tasty. For desserts they brought a plate of the best little almond butter cookies to our table for free, then I ordered a trio of sorbets... It was huge and it was tasty (that's what she said) but the best dessert was the definitely the platano con helado- it was not pretty (it kind of looks like a turd on a plate actually) but it was a party in my mouth for shizzle. Let's see, the service was good, especially since we had a pretty large party. They had those delicious after dinner mints that melt in your mouth which I took a whole handful of. The only downside was the atmosphere indoors. The grounds were beautiful but the layout in the room we were in was cold, impersonal, and I didn't care for the decor. Still I wish it was in Los Angeles. I'd be there constantly. I'm hoping to get the chance to go back when I'm back in Chicago over the holidays.
(5)Hilda C.
I have been wanting to try this place since I moved to Naperville over 2 years ago. All I can say is wow. The place is beautiful. The staff was friendly and the food delicious. The Cava Sangria was delicious. I highly recommend this place. I can't wait to go back during the summer.
(4)Joyce A.
This restaurant was mentioned in a Yelp email recently- and I checked it out...glad I did! I was looking for a special place to celebrate John's birthday. The setting was certainly different- a beautiful mansion from 1847- we came prepared with a camera to take pictures of both the grounds and the interior - and were very happy that we came prepared. I chose the Sunday brunch so we could pick and choose from many of their offerings- and tapas style- try a little of this and that.. ****Newflash****the paella with shrimp and mussels was BETTER than what we ate in Mijas Pueblo in Spain last year! Big yummy shrimp - and lots of them. Everything we tried was very well made, presented and prepared. Also lots of fresh fruit and shelled pistachio nuts for dessert.. We also ordered from the dessert menu- but frankly, it wasn't necessary after the food and fruit and nuts! And this from a sugar addict..... To sum it up: picturesque, lovely setting, great food well presented and good service, too- it gets my 5* s and a 25% tip!
(5)Dee C.
Pasta con Hortalizas: vegetarian pasta with tomato goat cheese sauce....tasted great. Was one of my favorite. Pastel de cafe: espresso soaked layers of almond cake, coffee butter cream, and white and dark chocolate mousse topped with chocolate glaze, served with raspberry sauce. It was very good, but it was also very rich. platano con gelato: sauteed banana with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. This was good. I love anything with ice cream anyways Queso de cabra: oven baked goat cheese in tomato basil sauce with garlic bread....also one of my favorite....I wish they have more bread than 5 pieces. Crepe rellena: crepe of goat cheese, spinach, pine nuts, and apples. This was something different from the ordinary. It was different. That's all I can say about it. Patatas bravas: spicy potatoes topped with Machengo cheese: good....but I wish there was more sauce to it because it was a little dry Vegetariana paellas: seasonal vegetables. Our had squash, artichoke hearts, green beans, and green peas. It was different than the paellas I have had in the past. I liked it.. Red sangria was GREAT. Nice and strong...just the way I like it! Totally coming again!
(5)Eleonora P.
Really good food and service. Perfect for sharing different dishes, good quality ingredients and good wine.
(3)Carlos B.
I went to this establishment last Friday and I must admit my expectations were high, considering the restaurant is in a fancy mansion with perfectly manicured gardens. We had a party of about 12 people. I ordered a pitcher of sangria and it was very water down and it lack that thickness you are supposed to get from a traditional Spanish sangria. My pulpo a la feira and croquetas de Jamon were bland. The queso de cabra was okay although the bread should have been a little crispier and more toasted. I definitely recommend the datiles con tocino. They are amazing! The dates are sweet and the bacon is crispy and both favors go well together. The pipirrana de buey was okay but some pieces were chewy. Our waitress Davy was kind and very enthusiastic at first but then as the night proceeded, she seemed to be annoyed by us asking for bread. After that she did not come to our table as often to see if everything was okay. She seemed to be annoyed by people asking her questions about the food. Also she got annoyed when one of our friends came late and wanted to order. I traveled all the way there from Wilmette , IL and I would definitely not go back to that place. I was not satisfied and wasted money on bland food and bad service.
(1)Ray K.
What happens when you combine a passion for service, attention to detail and a love of spanish cuisine? Meson Sabika. Very knowledgeable and friendly servers, willing to offer their suggestions of menu favorites - and a great selection of gluten free items too! We love going here for the incredible variety and great food and service - kudos to the management and all who work there!
(5)Kristin C.
Meson Sabika is one of my favorites. The sangria is the best around. Love their outdoor dining patio.
(5)Jennifer S.
We attended the Duncan-Rotter Wedding at Meson Sabika on Saturday July 23, 2011. The ceremony was held outside on the cobblestone/brick patio and it was beautiful! Someone was thoughtful enough to put large pitchers of ice water out on a side table that were definitely appreciated by the guests in attendance. I wish someone (a Meson Sabika employee) would have suggested a place indoors that the twenty-some of us standing outside in the sweltering heat could have waited for the forty-five minutes before the ceremony. It was a hot one and it didn't look like there was anywhere to go and wait inside. After the perfect ceremony, we moved the party into a large, beautifully decorated banquet room. It didn't feel "banquety" though. There were large windows all around. The material draped across the ceiling (which I think is there permanently) helped to make the room feel very majestic and special. There was plenty of room between the tables and the open feeling encouraged guests to walk around and mingle during the cocktail hour. The wedding cup"cakes" were setup on a tiered table in the middle of the dance floor bringing the whole room together. The staff was very discreet. They weren't overbearing and whisked in and out without causing a ruckus. I appreciate when staff members move about swiftly and quietly. No one is there to see them and they did their job quite nicely. On to the food... There were four butler-served apps. A grape tomato and fresh mozzarella ball on a skewer, crostini with a goat cheese spread, crostini with an olive tapanade and cold veal and finally, a bacon-wrapped date with a spicy sauce. My hubby and sister tried the tomato and mozzarella and the goat cheese crostini. They were fans of both. I loved the cold veal on the crostini with the olive tapanade! I have never tried anything like it before and found it to be refreshing with some interesting textures. After many years of bacon-wrapped water chestnuts, I found the date concept to be a bit mushy for my liking. The sauce was perfect though! Once we sat down, there was warm bread served followed by a cold appetizer. It was a tuna cannelloni. Yum! YUM! YUM!!! Tuna wrapped in pasta covered in a cold white cream sauce. It's one of those things that I would probably never order if I saw it on a menu, but it was sooooo good that I will be searching it out again in the near future. A simple salad with candied walnuts followed. I stole/borrowed the hubby's walnuts...it's a good thing that he loves me because those were really good and I don't think he would have shared if he knew what he was missing. Finally, we moved on to the main course. A large chicken breast covered in a spicy sauce with asparagus and red peppers accompanied by a potato-onion cake. Favorites included the potato mixed in the spicy sauce. I would order this again without hesitation. Meson Sabika is a beautiful facility with a stellar staff. Don't hesitate to visit the next time that you are in Naperville! p.s. Congratulations Kate & Landan Rotter! Here's my Yelp shoutout to the supercouple of 2011!!!
(4)Vince A.
This place is beautiful no doubt. When we walkedup there was wedding in progress in thegardens. Very nice setting for that. We stepped to our table and got a great garden view. Started with sangria and a glass of Rioja. Sangria was very light. Instead of going through the order - will break it down with the Good and Not So Good Good: Bacon Wrapped Dates Goat Cheese in Tomato/Red Pepper Sauce Beef Tenderloin on skewers Flourless Chocolate Cake Chorizo/Morcilla Not So Good: Garlic Potato Salad Rock Lobster on Squash (better eaten by itself) Definitely will be back.
(4)Jennifer Z.
One of my favorite restaurants to visit whenever I'm back home in Chicago. Having grown up in the surrounding area, I remember plenty of trips there for special occasions (graduations, birthdays, etc). The location, decoration and service always make you feel like a valued guest. I think I recognized it on TV once in a reality show on TLC I think- because their banquet/catering hall right next to the restaurant is quite popular especially for weddings. I've tried quite a number of dishes on their menu over the past 10 years and my favorites are below: Jamón Serrano - I seriously CANNOT get enough. Having made a trip to Barcelona this past summer I can honestly stay...this ham is quite comparable with other I've had while I was in Spain. I have to admit- usually one order is not enough for me- especially when eating with large parties as there's only 4 "portions" with each order. Datiles Con Tocino - I love the great blend of sweetness and saltiness in this dish. So delicious! Calamares A La Plancha - The squid is seriously so tender and I love the flavor. Much better than fried calamari you can get at other places. The garlic lemon olive oil is also absolute amazing. Tilapia Marinada - SOO fresh and tender. Always a must every time we come. A pitcher of sangria is also a must every time we come :)
(5)Sarah D.
I normally enjoy this restaurant, It is fun and I like Tapas. However, I recently attended a wedding reception there. They ran out of everything, even coffee. There wasn't enough staff to service the event. Plus they were rude. We even cleared our own tables. The food was mediocre at best. The setting is beautiful even if all they give you is a salad fork, knife and napkin as a place setting for the entire meal. Serving utensils were sparse also at the buffets. No large spoons, just prongs to be shared among 4-5 dishes. I am not making this up. We just laughed. What were we going to do other than cry for the family who had to pay for this?
(1)brian l.
Love it here. The place seems like a big old house with a big reception hall added on the side. The food is tapas style and I have only had good experiences with the food. Beer selection is just okay.
(4)Montrew N.
Went for our anniversary. It was fun! Pomegranate sangria was good. We rely liked the escargot and scallop dishes. Beef tenderloin was good but salty. The spicy potatoes and grilled veggies complimented nicely. Lots of yummy garlic. The server was good. Would go again. Lots of good flavors. I didn't like the cheesecake. Tasted like the box if that makes sense... And I like any cheesecake. But the hubs ate it?
(4)Patrick T.
Went here for dinner and had the Paella and the Gambas Marinadas, a couple of hot and cold tapas. The food is nothing to rave about, unless you make it a point to write about uninspired dishes. Nothing was bad - it just wasn't great. The ambiance, however, is gorgeous, unique, and quaint. Service was good, and as most everyone mentioned - sangria was really good too.
(3)Melissa E.
This is one of my very favorite restaurants. The shrimp in garlic butter is divine, and I always get the goat cheese. I had the rehearsal dinner for my wedding here, and I got a lot of compliments about the beautiful decor and the delicious food. I spent a month in Spain a few years ago, so I'm very familiar with tapas. This place is the most authentic Spanish restaurant I've been to in the states. The servers are always accommodating and friendly, even when I have my young children with me. My older son asks for this place by name: "Mommy, can we go to Messabica?" (That's how he says it.) His favorite is the sirloin beef tips. My husband loves the potato salad, and orders it every time, but I think it has way too much garlic.
(5)Shradha A.
Beautiful mansion!! Great event coordinator! Good food! Helpful staff! Clean bathrooms! Flexible bar! Elegant decor! Private parking lot! Great picture opps! Great venue for hosting an event! Highly recommend!!
(5)Donna P.
Definitely a unique location. The food was pretty good. Nothing special. We tried several dishes and the stuffed mushrooms were the tastiest. I recommend coming once to experience the atmosphere of the old mansion.
(3)H J.
Service was great! Group of six and we literally ordered about three different plates each. The lamb was exceptional! Great tasting experience. We also ordered a main dish for everyone to share and it was also delicious.
(4)Mayra K.
We came to Meson Zabika for brunch celebrating my birthday and it was excellent!! The food, the service everything was excellent!! We were not disappointed at all, we are even thinking about having our son's First Communion here!! We will definitely be back ;0)
(5)Jimma J.
By far, the best tapas I've ever had! There is dedication and effort put into every dish that comes out of the kitchen. I've come here always for special events and the servers really care and make the experience well worth it. that being said, you have to expect to spend quite a bit of money while dining here. There are so many good dishes that I don't even know where to begin on recommending dishes. Just try what sounds good and you won't be disappointed. The restaurant was made into an old mansion and they've done well to preserve the old estate and property so it's very unique and intimate. Weather permitting, eating outdoors is also a really good treat as well. Well worth the price.
(5)Katie B.
Always a favorite: sit on the patio (although indoors is beautiful and unique), order a sangria on a warm summer evening... And don't forget the bacon wrapped dates! Seriously, I LOVE this place. Best tapas around. The ambiance is intimate and inviting, the service is impeccable, the food---well, if I were to have a "last meal", this just might be it. Sit on the patio if you can! This is a accommodates to weddings, receptions, dinner parties, a great date destination or time out with the girls.
(5)Julie C.
The ambiance and beauty of this location is a huge smile. Not only the quantity of selections but the quality of the food is top-notch. Shared stuffed mushrooms, wonderful paella, a crepe with goat cheese, spinach, pine nuts and apples were out of this world. The roasted red peppers stuffed with three kinds of cheeses and served in a black bean sauce will be remembered, eternally!!! Our food was served quickly, our soiled dishes removed just as quickly but was at odds with how quickly these chores were undertaken while we had to beg for water and drink replacements. Loved our waitperson. She was kind, friendly and very professional. The noise level on this Saturday night was very, very high was seemed a contrast to the mellow and gentle environment we experienced (there were five of us). Am returning Sunday night for Mother's Day brunch!!!
(5)Donna R.
Best place for tapas! And amazing atmosphere as well!! Great for a date night or in the summer with friends on their etheral patio.
(5)Mary C.
Knowledgeable wait staff and very attentive. Party of 6, and we were not rushed. We were given opportunity to order various tapas share eat and then sample more. Prices were very reasonable and a variety of choices both hot and cold tapas. Food presentation and taste was excellent. We sat outside on a beautiful summer evening and would recommend requesting the patio if weather permits. Will go again.
(5)Monika D.
I sincerely love this place. Food is outstanding. From the Spanish olives or shrimp to their goat cheese in roasted tomato sauce to their paella. You will not be disappointed. Waiters are always friendly, very knowledgable and happy to provide explanations of the menu or make suggestions. The servers are constantly refilling your water and clearing the tables. Service is always impressive. At every one of my visits a manager has always come to our table to ask about our meal. The location and facility is breathless especially in the summer. Ample parking. Cannot rave more about this restaurant.
(5)Damon B.
I went for dinner on a Thursday. I'm sorry to say that the food had me so high I can barely remember what I ate! FREAKIN DELICIOUS! We had several cold dishes as well as a couple warm. The potatoes with garlic are great, as is the salmon and toast points. Ugh... I wish I were there right now. Are they open for lunch? Anyway, served Tapas style, not one item was not followed by a euphoric groan of pleasure. It isn't inexpensive, but not over priced either. It's great for special occasions.
(4)Brianna R.
We came for the Mother's Day brunch buffet, it was delicious! They showcased all of their most popular tapas-hot and cold. Everything was the right temperature and they were grilling salmon, chicken, and steak outside. It was a great experience and we'll be back next year.
(5)Kendra W.
Meson Sabika -- the perfect way to enjoy a warm summer evening!! The mansion-converted restaurant is tucked away in the green backroads of Naperville and really reminded me of the victorian houses/restaurants in New Orleans' Garden District. The place was popular even on a Tuesday evening (but not packed). My friend and I were grateful for the temporary sun and warmth during an otherwise volatile-weather week, so we sat outside. It was perfect...but shortlived! Within seconds after getting our first tapas, it started POURING dogsh*t. The waiter quickly helped us moved inside. Anyway, both the outdoor and indoor seating has it benefits. The inside, though cramped and a bit musky, feel exactly as a victorian home would. The server was nice and was happy to recommend her personal favorites, which we ordered: --Pitcher of Sangria ($24.95) -- Sangria was so so. Pitcher was more than enough for the two of us. --Patatas con Alioi ($5.95) - their famous potato salad...OMG so spicy!!! I would not get it again b/c it 'scompletely overbearing -- but others seem to like it, *cough* masochists *cough*! --Pipirrana De Buey - ($8.50) Our favorite dish. Beef was super tender and well marinated. If you don't like blue cheese -- dont worry, it is not apparent. --Buñuelos De Cangrejo - ($7.95) Crabmeat fritters -- good portion size and lots of crab meat. I do think they over-flavored it as it was hard to taste the natural sweetness...but yummy nonetheless --Queso De Cabra - ($7.95) -- Baked goat cheese. Cheese was of very good quality, but it dish was more of a tangy tomatoe sauce in a bowl with a dollap of fluffy goat cheese...not what i expected but good. I really enjoyed my meal at Meson Sabika. I think food could be improved in ways -- but as a package -- 5 stars!
(5)Anton E.
I have been to this restaurant at least seven or eight times but the last few were very disappointing. Service was very slow but more importantly the food dishes were less than spectacular. Had marinated Artichokes that were so hard and old they were completely indelible. Hot dishes were cold, poor plating, and overall lack of care to the food was most prominent. Sad to say one of my favorite restaurants in Naperville I will not be visiting again.
(1)Pat F.
Great place to grab a few tasty bites. I remember loving their mothers day brunch as a kid. Also, their outside seating is great during the summer months.
(3)Kevin C.
My family likes to come here for special occasions, because raping buffets is kind of an ongoing hobby for my parents. We come here for Sunday brunch, which comes with a mimosa, an omelet, and as much cheese as you can stuff into that fat face of yours. Meson Sabika offers a huge variety of food, but it's a buffet so the quality can really vary from dish to dish. There's a huge meat/cheese/fruit station, a bunch of hot food stations, and usually some kind of roast that's carved for you by a glowering chef with very sharp knives. This place earns a fourth star because they offer these gay little crab cakes that taste so good that I'm guaranteed to leave the restaurant feeling terrible and too full of seafood and mayonnaise. Eating 49 tiny crab cakes is not what normal, well-adjusted people do, but it's what happens when I go here.
(4)Jacob J.
Thanks to Jo C. for sharing the experience on her big birfday. Four awesome people shared six flights of cold and warm tapas and eagerly downed them with fruity sangria pitchers. Four merry gentle people shared four additional flights of yummy tapas and downed them with more smile inducing delight. At the end, a couple more glasses of sangria and two flights of desserts. Whew, what a grand ride. Bacon wrapped dates is a must. I can't remember much of what else was eaten but we covered many spectrum's, the sangria induced a nice buzz-worthy feeling. What a grand spot to have tapas and drinks at. A mansion which once served as a family's estate is now a place to house cheers and smiles across many faces. This is that place to take your date to impress her or that place you take your S.O's parent's to pop a question. Or a place to check out the hotties at the next table, cuz' come on now, how often does a group of well dressed dudes go out for a night of great tapas. Dudes, it's worth a bookmark. Service could have been better, maybe it was too busy. I'd be willing to check them out again on a weeknight instead.
(4)Rebecca L.
Really a 3 on the food scale but a bump for being a gorgeous place with friendly staff. June 15 2012-rehearsal dinner for my best friend's wedding. We were a party of about 20 people and I would say they did a fairly decent job of serving us once the food started coming out. Took a bit long to get going but it was Friday night, they were busy and we were a big party--my sangria came promptly and much is forgiven upon its arrival. We had a pretty fair selection from the whole menu and I have to say that it was all good. Nothing really stands out as being amazing other than the seafood salad. The bacon wrapped dates were good, but lets be honest--who has met a bacon wrapped date that they don't like? The bacon does all the work so I can't hand out extra stars for that. All in all on the tapas scale I would say this was as good as Babareeba and though not the best I have ever had--nothing was bad. But no awesome "I have to eat that again" surprises. Extra: they had several fun sangria options. I went with the classic red as I don't like super sweet wine. Others got the pear and raved. Also-maybe because we were a wedding party--there was a dancer and guitar player and they were pretty cool. It added to the event. Note on price: I have no idea how much this place costs because of it being covered by the family---if the tapas are around $9-$15 a plate-they are at the right price point (obvious upgrade on better cuts/types meats/seafood). If the sangria was $8 or less it was rightly priced as well.
(4)JoLynn W.
Meson Sabika is one of Naperville's hidden gems! The staff has mastered the art of being friendly without being overly chatty, and they maintain a humble presence which adds to the fine dining experience. This is a great location for special occasions. Weekends can get a little loud, so I recommend week nights for a more intimate setting. Meson Sabika is a little pricey, but it's totally worth it.
(4)Zoe E.
We had a rare Sunday morning free with no obligations so my husband and I looked at each other and thought: BRUNCH!!! And since we heard great things about Meson Sabika's brunch, we decided this was the perfect opportunity to try it. I had been here before several times for dinner with girlfriends. This was the first time with my husband and three little ones. First of all, the restaurant and the setting is really quite lovely. You can see why it's a popular venue for special events and weddings. It's a Victorian mansion that was converted to a restaurant and you really feel like you're having a meal inside someone's home. The host and wait staff were really friendly and attentive. We were seated upstairs, which was kind of a bummer considering the fact that brunch was served on the first floor and I was nursing a broken foot. But, this was a last minute reservation, so we had to just deal with it. I do have to say that our waiter saw me limping down the hall and was kind enough to show me an alternate route down to the first floor rather than the main steep flight of stairs. How nice! Onto the food... Mimosas / champagne, made-to-order omelets and desserts were all part of the brunch package. After placing our respective drink and omelet orders, we headed down stairs. I have to say that I was quite impressed with the spread they offered. In addition to a few traditional brunch items, there was a wide selection of hot and cold tapas. The hot stuff was indoors while the cold stuff was displayed in the adjacent outdoor patio area. There's even a small table set aside at the end of the hot tapas selections for the "ninos". Cute! I intentionally skipped the traditional offerings and many of the pasta selections and went straight to the Spanish food b/c, c'mon, that's what we were here for! Some of the hot tapas I sampled included: seafood and chicken paella, bay scallops with mediterranean couscous, sausage empanadillas, tiger shrimp with alioli on toast points, bacon-wrapped dates, stuffed mushrooms (can't remember what they were stuffed with...). Cold selections I sampled: smoked salmon, salad of tricolored peppers and medley of seafood, cantaloupe wrapped with prosciutto, spanish olives. Back at our table, we were served our mimosas and omelets. We finished the meal with 2 desserts: profiteroles and a bittersweet chocolate terrine with raspberry coulis and candied walnuts. My children claimed they were too full to finish their meal but as soon as dessert showed up, they devoured most of it and left just a few spoonfuls for me and the hubs. The only thing that made me raise an eyebrow was that there was no waitstaff/attendant overseeing the cold selections in the outdoor patio area. What am I getting at? Although beautifully displayed on a lovely 70 degree day, the food was at the mercy of potential bugs (and birds!) that were flying around. (My husband: "Did you see the bird that was perched on the tree next to the table!") The only item I was a bit underwhelmed with was the chorizo and manchego cheese omelet. Otherwise, most of the food is really pretty tasty and our overall experience was very pleasant. We will most definitely make another visit here in the future and it is on our list of brunch options for the western suburbs.
(4)Ke M.
This is a beautiful venue for literally any event. The food is delicious, there are a ton of options, and the staff does a great job whether its dinner for 2 or 20. The event planning team was very responsive and flexible and the price point is very good for the value you get. I would definitely go back again for dinner or the next event I need to plan.
(5)Bonna M.
Our first visit to Meson Sabika was a good experience! We'd heard from a lot of people how wonderful their food is and how beautiful the restaurant is and we couldn't agree more. I was a little concerned that my 9 year old wouldn't find anything to eat but he really liked the dates wrapped in bacon, the bread and butter, the calamari and of course the desserts. My husband and I both ordered a glass of sangria. He got the red and I ordered the white. He really liked his sangria but I wasn't wild about mine. My daughter ordered the non-alcoholic sangria which was absolutely awesome. For one of our cold appetizers we ordered the Tortilla Española which is almost like a cold quiche with potatoes, onions and egg. They top it with some sauce and it's served with greens. We really enjoyed it. We also ordered the toast points with king crab and avocado which was a big hit. My husband is crazy about Paella so we ordered the seafood paella which had clams, mussels, scallops and shrimp. He really enjoyed it, my daughter and I liked it but I'm not sure I would order it again (my husband would). I think I really liked the smaller plates better. For dessert we ordered the vanilla flan and the chocolate cake with caramel ice cream---yummy!!!! It is really a beautiful place and can be as reasonable or expensive as you want to make it. We will return soon.
(4)Steve S.
For the food, I give it 3 stars but for the ambience of the restaurant, I give Meson Sabika 2 stars. Group of us went for a birthday and we each ordered a selection of tapas. Some were hits and some were misses. The queso de cabra was good but I have had better cheese dishes at non-Spanish tapas restaurants. The salmon creda was good, but once again, nothing spectacular. The pollo al curry was very popular. However, not a being fan of mayonaise based dishes, I opted not to try it. The highlights were the chicken tenderloin and skirt steak. Both had good flavor combinations. The roasted dates were the lowpoint though. They were way too sweet and just didn't work. While the food is decent, the whole restaurant is weird. It's like you're eating in your grandmother's house. We sat upstairs in a small room with four other tables. It was like we were sitting in the back room of an old house. And while it was still light out when we sat down, it became obvious the whole upstairs had really bad lighting. The whole place has the feel of your great aunt's favorite restaurant.
(3)Egdbert D.
We went for the brunch and the food was ok. With all of the outstanding reviews, I was expecting more. There's a lot of variety but tasted like most buffet food. The sangria was underwhelming. It would behoove them to get some real utensils and not use the cheap stuff. The restaurant is unique though and set back from the road. It's a romantic setting in a large mansion, so it's worth checking out at least once.
(3)Malynne S.
Why has it taken me this long to write a review about this place?! I give this place 10 stars if i could. Here's a break down: BRUNCH BUFFET: ***** STARS This has gotten very popular and morning bruch is very busy. They have a variety of cold and hot tapas and they also offer children breakfast buffet or eggs, bacon and pancakes. VENUE FOR PARTIES: ***** STARS I helped host a party at Meson Sabika. We were given the ground floor room in the front because it was a party for less than 50 guests. I decided to do the brunch buffet with drinks (mimosas and iced tea) and dessert. Everyone loved the food. We were able to put up some decoration and parking was plenty and free. We were accommodated well and service was great. OVERALL: EXCELLANT! NEVER A BAD EXPERIENCE
(5)Linsey J.
Always a sure thing! Gone here for lunch a couple of times and the food is always spetacular! Fresh and unique. It's a tough place to beat. The olives they give you when you're first seated are SO GOOD! I wish I could buy some and bring them home. Marinated in some vinegar and spices. They're addictive. Sign up for their email list and you'll get $10 coupons each month.
(5)Brandy W.
This place is a great place for dinner with friends--fancy style. It's a romantic place for couples, but when ordering tapas, I feel that life is so much richer when shared with friends (and your love). We went with two friends on a Wednesday evening and sat in the room on the right. It's a converted home/mansion and is really elegant. There were plenty of people there for a Wednesday! It was recommended by our friends who had previously been there. The exterior was full of gardens and a ballroom looking structure. It's obvious that the place is used a lot for weddings and other events. If I were getting married (again, that'll never happen... best husband ever!), I'd absolutely look into having my reception at this gorgeous location. The sangria were a bit weak. The fruit was small and I wouldn't consider it to be the best I've experienced... though I didn't even order one. They bought a pitcher for the table, but I only ate the tiny slivers of fruit from my husband's glass. The tapas were awesome. I think the amount was reasonable. We ordered about 2 tapas per person... about 1 cold and one hot. I also had the gazpacho which was excellent. I'm a vegetarian, so I had the spicy potatoes (hot), grilled vegetables + asparagus (cold) and the meat eaters had a variety of other items including a Spanish cheese/fruit plate. Overall, we were really pleased and content at the end of our meal. It's nice eating slowly as you go... that super full sensation just doesn't exist! I'd highly recommend this place. I'm excited to go back in a few months.
(5)Velina L.
I love that the restaurant is actually in a mansion, with a nice little waterfall in the front. It makes you feel like you're in someone's house in the south. The menu is pretty extensive, including a good selection of vegetarian options and a pretty good list of Spanish wines, listed by region with a short description of the flavor profiles. They also offer wine flights as well as a sherry flight, if you want to try several. Overall the food was pretty good, and best shared with some friends. My favorites of the night were the skirt steak with cabrales cheese sauce, crab fritters with creamed leeks, and the morcilla sausage in the chorizo and morcilla plate (but I've always loved morcilla!). The scallops with couscous and stuffed piquillo peppers were pretty good as well but my least favorites of the night were the gambas al ajillo, the vegetarian paella (a little bland), and the sangria, although I have very high standards for sangria after having some amazing ones in Spain. For dessert, we shared a dessert platter, which included 5 desserts from their menu. I don't have a huge sweet tooth so it wasn't the highlight of my evening but I did think the flan and the almond cake were pretty good. Service was great, and they made some good recommendations for both food and beverage. I will definitely return.
(4)Hans C.
Meson Sabika is a different dining experience. I don't know how else to explain it. It's a tapas restaurant and bar and banquet hall set in an old mansion in the middle of a Naperville neighborhood. The service and atmosphere are great. The food, in my opinion, is kind of hit-and-miss. Mostly hit, though. On my tapas gotta-try list: scallops, skirt steak with bleu cheese, stuffed mushrooms, spicy potatoes, and empanadas. Other tapas I tried were just so-so like the chicken skewer, which was kind of bland. The mariscos paella did not impress me at all. As a self-described master paella chef myself, I did not enjoy theirs. The rice was too wet for my liking, the mussels and clams were tiny, and the entire thing was way too salty and lacked the distinct saffron note which is the defining factor that separates paella from other rice dishes. The desserts I tried were okay, like the chocolate cake with caramel ice cream and the pumpkin cheesecake. I could see myself coming back here again to check out the dishes on the tapas menu I haven't tried yet.
(4)Tony K.
Don't forget to order the figs wrapped in bacon
(5)Jess F.
The good here is great, I'm not going to lie. Buuuut I went here with my parents after we dropped off my younger siblings at summer camp. My mom was really upset earlier that day because they've never been away from home. We went out to relax and were very very dissapointed. It was 6:00 on a friday and we didn't make a reservation. The place was empty but we were told there was an hour and a half wait.. really? But that we could eat at the bar if we didnt mind.So we sat at the bar for dinner, not thinking anything of it. The bartender was clearly pissed we were eating dinner at the bar and gave us so much attitude and was super super slow. When we ordered our last round of tapas the bartender (who could barely speak English) said ' I guess you Americans aren't so good in the kitchen' WTF, rude! My mom (who is a great cook and goes out to eat once a week max, usually cooking at home) broke down. She had already had a rough day and then this asshole pushed her over the edge. My dad spoke to the manager and all she did was shrug. Real professional. I won't be coming back.
(2)Liz K.
First let me say that I have been to several tapas restaurants (my favorite food next to Mexican) and their sister site Tapas Valencia. This place is beautiful!!! It reminded me of an old plantation house. It is a mansion so there are many different rooms. Each room is different...we were in a darker room more intimate room. Because of the look of restaurant I had high hopes for food!! Service was great...as soon as I thought I wanted something or water....there it was (Surprisingly since it was a Saturday evening and the restaurant was jam packed). We wanted to order our tapas two at a time because in the past we order them all then they bring them all in and our table gets overwhelmingly crowded. Chicken Curry Salad: Great! Pisto Manchego: Refreshing cold vegetables Tortilla Espanola: I always order this and it was one of the best I have ever had! Bacon Dates: A must!! You cannot leave without ordering this! Stuff Mushrooms: Mushrooms were cooked just right. Crabmeat Fritters: a bit dry but the leaks were yum!!! Then of course we order the patatas bravas because it is our #1 tapas dish we like to compare. They were good...not our favorite but definitely second choice between the places we been. :-) Our Suburban Tapas hunt felt successful. Definitely plan on going back. And it really wasn't as expensive as I thought. We ordered a pitcher of sangria....peach...but we never tasted the peach. Then at the end of the pitcher we realized all the flavor was stuck in the bottom....so make sure to mix your pitcher up.
(4)Allyson R.
Meson Sabika is absolutely charming! The ambiance and outdoor grounds are delightful and pleasant on a warm summer night. My party of seven and I enjoyed some celebratory sangria - try the prickly pear! We ordered a good number of various tapas which were all delightful, but none stuck out in my mind enough to recall the names. Of the seven or eight different items, all were quite tasty. One thing that is slightly inconvenient if you go with a larger group is that you cannot split the tab and do separate checks. The waitstaff was nice enough to handle a multitude of various credit cards, however. All the staff was polite and efficient with the water. I appreciate that we were not rushed out the door after paying and sat outside to chit-chat and enjoy the surroundings. All in all, the food was good, the drinks were fun, and the atmosphere was by far the most enjoyable aspect. I would return and definitely suggest a visit!
(4)Chirag K.
Fantastic food. Sangria, paella, shrimp marinadas, scallops hot tapas were fabulous. Not over the top costly. Will come back for sure and leave some space for dessert :)
(4)Wanda S.
Lovely and large outdoor dining area. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Menu is lots of fun, especially for sharing. Great for our special occasion.
(5)K M.
Mason Sabika is one of my favorite Naperville standards. They're tapas are among the best I've had at many restaurants, and who doesn't like a cool glass of Sangria? I've tried a number of dishes but some of my favorites are the goat cheese in tomato sauce - everyone loves it, the scallops with couscous, a crepe-like dough rolled with apples, cheese, and other goodies, and the bacon-wrapped dates are worth ordering 2. If you are thinking of doing a brunch, it's a great spread. The price is a bit high, but you'd pay the same for a lot less in many other local brunch venues. They offer breakfast and tapas along with a glass of champagne. All my favorites in one place! Can't wait to go back.
(5)Paul K.
Simply put, not one bad dish. Olives in a vinegar, garlic, and cayenne pepper dresssing with bread to start. A wonderful selection of Granachas, Tempranillos, and Riojas. The bread was warm with the proper texture and delicious. Black bean soup with chorizo and shrimp bisque. Both were incredible. The toast point with king crab and avacado had just the write hint of vinegar for proper acidity. The must dish for me was the roasted dates wrapped with bacan in a tomato sauce that had a great cumin finish. My wife had the vegetarian pasta dish which was creamy and absolutely perfect. The potatoes with cheese was the heaviest dish and great as well. Desert was a chocolate lave cake and carmel ice cream. A great dish on cold evening. If you want to take that special someone for a great meal that won't break the bank, then this is the place for you. A wonderful setting with impeccable service, Meson Sabika is a must for all Tapas lovers!
(5)Princess D.
I've been here a number of times over the years and this is one of my favorite places to get good Spanish cuisine. The ambience is wonderful and the restautant itself is very charming and clean. The food is consistently good and they have a wonderful selection of tapas (that can be shared) or individual entrees. The grilled calamari is cooked to perfection with just the right amount of seasoning that gives it a delicious flavor. The salmon a la plancha is delicious along with the jamon Serrano, salmon curado, Solomillos con Moniato, patatas bravas and mariscos paella. They also have a lovely lunch menu. The sangria is not the best, a little on the wishy washy side. I would opt with a glass of wine instead. This place will not disappoint you, from the attentive service to the delicious food.
(4)Ailie T.
Meson Sabika is a great tapas place!! My boyfriend and I have been to many tapas places before, and this one stacks up well. The patio is great during the summer, and the building is very charming and pretty. The Datilles con Tocino (bacon wrapped dates) are amazing, as is the Queso de Cabra and stuffed Portabello mushrooms (forget exact name...). We also had the red wine sangria. It was good, but not GREAT.
(4)Katherine B.
I love this place so much. The sangria is so good and their choice for different tapas is awesome. I'm never disappointed with what I get.
(5)Lan T.
I ate lunch at Meson Sabika. I think it's oddly located for such a nice place. I'm not from the area, so you're driving from strip mall to strip mall, passing Walmart, Target, dozens of Starbucks and fast food places, and a hand full of Jewel-Oscos. You turn on some street where you expect to see more new homes being built and a ton of SUVs and minivans....yes...we are in the 'BURBS!!!! Then all of a sudden, you turn into a huge parking lot and you're warped into the 1920s or something. Meson Sabika is located in a historic mansion. I've been to Spain and so I was a tad confused because I knew we were going to a tapas place, but the location had more of a southern feel to it. It was really nice...the atmosphere was calm and relaxing. It was a nice day so I opted for the outdoor seating...not only because it was a nice day, but the inside had a weird old smell to it. The house is historic and beautiful, but it seemed to clash with the whole tapas menu. Anyway, we sat outside and we had our share of bees/flies/ant visitors. Not the restaurant's fault at all!!! On to the food! We ordered the grilled calamari, skirt steak, dates wrapped in bacon, patatas bravas, and SANGRIA! All of the dishes were really good! My favorites were the grilled calamari and the dates with bacon. Please note: they serve you all parts of the squid for the grilled calamari so if you're not used to seeing the tentacles, you might not enjoy it. It tastes good though! I've had better dates with bacon, but these were still very good. Let's just say that I might have had the BEST and these were a good runner up! Meson Sabika doesn't serve it with almonds in the middle (if you're familiar with the ones with almonds), but the restaurant definitely does the dish justice! I would order it again! The skirt steak was also very good. The only drawback to it is that when you see it, you think you're getting a lot of steak, but once you dig into it, you realize that the bottom of the bowl is filled with potatoes and onions. The steak is good, but I didn't expect to see a lot of "fillers" to make the dish look like it was "filled" with steak. I always order patatas bravas at all Spanish restaurants I visit because its the staple dish. ALL Spanish restaurants should serve it (aside from paella), so in my opinion, its a good side-by-side comparison. Therefore, we got the patatas bravas. The menu indicated that it came with spicy sauce. The sauce isn't that spicy....but then again, I LOVE spicy. So what's spicy to me, might be FLAMING to someone else. I thought the sauce was good on the patatas bravas, but I would of liked them to be a tad bit crisp. If the potatoes were crisp with the spicy sauce, that dish would have been a winner. Unfortunately, the potatoes weren't crisp. Overall, 4 stars. I would go back. For the suburbs of Chicago, this place did Spanish tapas some justice. I took one star off for the patatas bravas and the skirt steak. Oh! As for the service...the servers were nice. They were also very communicative to each other. I would hear them yelling to each other as to what tables they served and what they haven't done yet. For example, I would hear one server yell, "I served them water, they need bread and butter!" I think they should have tried to keep their voices down a bit because it made them seem a bit disorganized. I think its fine in a diner to yell across the room to your colleagues, but this was definitely not a diner. Either way, I'd go back. P.S. There were two of us, so the 4 dishes were definitely enough! Also we had the peach and pomegranate sangria. Both very good and each glass is strong enough for an afternoon buzz! Enjoy!
(4)Robert S.
Ive been going to Meson Sabika for over 20 years. That said I can say that everything I'm going to write is the same now as it was when I first starting visiting this fine restaurant. This is the pinnacle of Spanish tapas fair. The food is generally always delicious. I say generally because once every 1 or 2 years the garlic potato salad is not as garlicky. Recently the Spanish olives did not taste the same as they always had? Why these inconsistencies exist I do not know, but other than that the food is is always great. You have to love being able to eat many different types of dishes until you find a favorite and even then there is always something new to try on your next visit. Also about the food I once entertained some customers from Argentina and brought them here for lunch. We ordered the paella and they all agreed that it was great. It does take a while for it to be prepared, so just relax and order a few pitchers of sangria or some of the other nicely prepared drinks. In the summer sit outside on the patio and pretend you are out of the country on vacation. In the colder seasons eat inside the restaurant, which I believe is a home that was built in 1914. While dinning outside is festive, dining inside is elegant. This is a place you take that special someone and not just any one. Speaking of which this place is great for Valentine's day, but make a reservation early and get ready for a romantic evening. And yes you can actually have a conversation here without shouting. A rare thing for a restaurant in Naperville. Finally brunch, generally served upstairs, I can tell you is buffet style with mimosas for everyone. There is a nice sampling of breakfast and other standard Meson fair. Beyond the inconsistencies with two of the dishes I will always recommend taking that special someone to Meson. Just remember it will be hard to top this with a better and more romantic place to dine.
(4)Mike B.
Had our anniversary dinner at Meson Sabika. Restaurant was very busy but service was still quite good. Enjoyed a variety of tapas with our favorite being the bacon wrapped dates.
(4)Michael M.
We were their for a wedding in their pavillion and I must say the food and service were excellent. The servers were unobtrusive, the bartenders were pleasant and even engaging which is unusual for a banquet bartender in my experience. The food was delicious from the hand-passed hors' douerves to the filet mignon which was nice and medium. A beautiful location to hold any private event and the staff adds to it.
(4)Renee S.
This was my first experience with tapas & I had no idea what to expect...I was actually quite nervous about it upon reading the menu. I can sometimes have the appetite of a picky 4 year old. I was pleasantly surprised. Our waiter was incredibly helpful with suggestions & patient with us newbies. We ordered the empanada, stuffed mushrooms, beef tenderloin, & my husband got the calamari. Everything was excellent. And the restaurant itself is beautiful. I would definitely recommend & plan on going back again soon.
(4)Angela D.
Fantastic place. We went there for the first time last night, and everything was wonderful -- food, staff, ambience and prices. We were initially seated in the downstairs dining room, but it was very loud. When I explained to the hostess that I'm pregnant and a little ill, that the noise a bit overwhelming, they very graciously re-seated us in a cozy dining room upstairs. Our waiter was helpful in guiding us through our first tapas meal. Everything was fresh and delicious (try the lamb medallions!). We were stuffed when we left, and the bill was just under $80. I expected to pay more. The grounds and building are spectacular -- not a single complaint. Highly recommended. Enjoy when you go!
(5)Drew C.
Homemade sangria and bacon-wrapped dates. The two reasons I have been coming here for years. I should probably try new things, but I can't help myself. Creature of habit. Always amiable service, too.
(5)Rolly Z.
This place is amazing! We have been there a few times, including a wedding and the food and service is fantastic. The atmosphere of the place is great. A nice romantic setting. The tapas are fantastic. Try the beef tenderloin and the shrimp! Both the red and white Sangrias are very tasty. If you have not been, it is definitely worth a try!!
(5)Aileen G.
I always have a good time at meson sabika. The mansion-turned-restaurant has its own large parking lot, a beautiful garden for outdoor seating, and a wonderful selection of tapas that are the perfect size so you can get all the choices you're deciding between. Some favorites: Bacon-wrapped dates: perfect ratio of bacon to dates so you can enjoy both the crunchy savory taste of bacon and sweet softness of dates in each bite. I hate it when one taste overpowers the other in some tapas places, but meson sabika always makes sure that doesn't happen. Rib eye: very juicy, tender, and surprisingly flavorful. Say goodbye to the salt shaker! The meat is marinated with all the flavors you'll ever crave in prime ribs. Coconut Flan: they have their "flan of the day" and I don't remember which day coconut flan day is, but if it is offered while you're there, I'd highly recommend it. The flan is soft with a very smooth texture, and the coconut flavor isn't overpowering at all--just enough to give it that special sweet taste. Come here for a casual summer date outdoors, you won't regret it!
(5)Sade C.
Meson Sabika is one of my favorite restaurants & I love introducing it to friends who haven't experienced the joy of tapas before. The ambience is perfect for a romantic date, birthday celebration, or get-together with your friends. These are my must-haves: Pipirrana De Buey: skirt steak with Cabrales blue cheese sauce - my fave, & I don't even eat blue cheese. the steak is so tender, flavorful, & everyone always asks for another round of it. Gambas Al Ajillo: grilled tiger shrimp with garlic lemon butter - I wish there were more shrimp on the plate, & the butter sauce is delicious. Patatas Bravas: Spicy potatoes topped with Manchego cheese - Spicy, cheesy, creamy goodness. Don't forget to get a glass (or two) of sangria. A nice healthy buzz always makes the food even better.
(4)Jenny R.
I went to MS for the first time this past weekend with 4 friends. The place is charming as balls, and it was so cozy. It felt like thanksgiving dinner (a spanish thanksgiving) with friends. We made a reservation but still had to wait about 10 minutes for our table (that is really my only complaint) Our server Bianca was super knowledgeable and willing to give honest opinions about which tapa was tastier when we were stuck between two options. She also suggested the spanish beer, Estrella which ended up being a hit at our table. Even I liked it, and I'm a beer snob. In the end, it seemed like we ordered the whole left side of the menu, we couldnt MOVE. The bacon wrapped dates and the spicy taters were some favorites of ours. (but bacon wrapped anything is pretty much a perfect little food group in itself to me.) We had a pitcher of red sangria, and enjoyed EVERY drop. Next time I'd like to try one of the flavored options when I make hubby take me there on a date. For dessert we had some chocolate cake with ice cream which was typical, no party in our mouths. HOWEVER, the caramelized banana dealy was HEAVENLY. Party in your mouth times 100. I am definitely going to return :)
(3)Leang E.
I came here for a wedding, and it was fabulous. There were draped cloths that were hung from the ceiling and numerous chandeliers that made the place look simple and elegant. Sadly, I passed up on the sangria trying to stick to my no carb diet. After seeing the appetizers and what was on the menu I decided that I had to have a cheat day. The bacon wrapped dates and the croquettes were delicious, and so I had several. We also had the grilled duck medallions with apples, oven baked goat cheese, pincho de solomillo, and a puff pastry. I had chosen the white fish for my entree. If only all weddings could be so delicious! I will certainly not pass up any future opportunities to come here.
(4)Richard O.
Very Impressive entrance mansion building with a banquet and a restaurant. A nicely decorated trail leads you to the entrance. I made a reservation for 7:00 on Sunday. When we arrived we were asked to wait at the bar until our table was ready. We waited ten minutes to get a table with a reservation. We were finally seated as we witnessed a couple groups just walk in and be seated right away. We waited about ten more minutes at the table before our server came by the table. He took our drink order and started walking away I had to keep him there and place our full order soup and 4 tapas knowing he might not come back for a while. The soup was very good I had the cream of broccoli arrived in a good portion and quite flavorful. Then 2 of our Tapas were brought out the steak strips in blue cheese and grilled shrimp in butter sauce. At this time we still did not have our coffee drink order I had to remind him to bring the drinks. After this point the service was Ok however I was still unpleased with how the service was from the hostess to the server below standard. The plates started building up quickly the table is small and they did not have anyone coming by to clear the table. Our server was not attentive enough. The remaining Tapas were mushroom caps and Chicken in garlic tomato sauce. The mushroom caps were just ok and the chicken was alright. Not too impressive with the presentation the taste was good. Overall I liked the food the atmosphere is great old school dining. The quality of the service was poor and they were understaffed there is no excuse for that no matter what economy we are in. They can make many improvements mainly providing an exceptional dining experience relative the image they present when you arrive at the restaurant.
(3)Christina C.
Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmy! I went here the other day with my family for my birthday brunch. It was everything I expected and more. We started the brunch off with some mimosas, but I wasn't in the mood to drink any because I was hungover from the night before. LOL. I got the coffee which was absolutely delicious. I am pretty sure there is cocaine in their coffee cause I am not a coffee drinker and I loved their coffee. The food was delicious and fresh. I started off with the fresh fruits and cold tapas they had. I loved the garlic potato salad. ORGASMIC. The fruits were perfect. The shrimp and the sauce was good too. Next, moved onto the hot tapas. They all tasted good, but the BACON WRAPPED DATES were to die for. I tried the prime rib which was pretty good as well. If you have little ones, they have a table with hotdogs/hamburgers for them to eat. WARNING: stay away from the bread as it will fill you up to quickly! The only reason I gave this place 4 stars was because the dessert was very disappointing IMO. I got some kind of chocolate cake which was REALLY dry. I took two bites and I was done. The rest of the desserts were kind of really sad too. All in all, I would def go back here for their great food (minus dessert) and great service. Thank you Meson Sabika for a great birthday brunch!
(4)Jaime S.
Came here for a 60th birthday party for a sunday brunch. The brunch buffet was my own worst enemy--I have no self control when it comes to buffets. I especially wore my tightest jeans to hope that they would restrict some of my eating, but, surprise surprise, they didnt. Some faves: Tomatoes with white anchovies(one of my friends works as a cook at the Penninsula and told me that white anchovies are AMAZING, as I was expecting the cheap kind that come on pizzas), Seafood Paella, and of course the desserts! Next time i'm around this area, I will see if I can stir others to come here with me!
(4)Kasia L.
Have been here many times and love coming back. I love that it feels like your in a mansion with the different rooms and the house is beautiful. There is a wide variety of food and I enjoying trying something different each time.
(5)Joe M.
We've been coming here for years, mostly for special occasions. Want to impress an out of towner, bring them here. Meson Sebika is an old mansion that has been converted into a tapas (Spanish small plates, appetizers) restaurant. The decor is amazing and the entire place is an experience. I recommend going with friends to sample each others plates. Tapas are served hot and cold which is reflected in the menu. Some standouts are the garlic potatoes, the dates wrapped in bacon, beef with horseradish, and toast points with goat cheese. Their service is amazing and the staff is very knowledgeable about the food. Bring a date or a a group they're great for both. I also hear they do an amazing brunch and special events sadly I haven't been to either.
(5)Christopher A.
Best sangria in town! This is a tapas restaurant so small portions are to be expected. The genius of this place is their consistentcy, they offer numerous hot and cold tapas, and there all great! Most restaurants struggle to pull off a few good dishes, this place is killing it 10 fold.
(5)Shannon M.
I chose this as the place to go for my family birthday dinner; my parents aren't the most adventurous eaters, but after I explained the tapas concept and they looked at the menu, they agreed, and I'm happy to say that we all enjoyed a very nice meal. The restaurant itself is beautiful, in a mansion just west of downtown Naperville. Our initial concern was getting to the front door, because it was snowing and my grandmother was with us, and it wasn't evident that you could drive up to the front door, so she ended up having to arduously walk from the parking lot at the side to the front. (After dinner we learned that we could drive up, which made it easier). When we got inside, there was a lot of water (melted snow) on the wood floor inside the door -- again, a hazard for Grandma. This is inevitable in the winter, but needs to be kept on top of anywhere for everyone's safety. Once we got settled into one of the small, dimly lit dining rooms, things began to smooth out. We had already looked at the menu online and had an idea of what we wanted to order, and with the help of our smooth, Antonio Banderas-esque server, we got the dishes rolling. Everyone started with white sangria (light and fruity, with apples and citrus), then the Sopa Aromatica, onion soup; served in a shallow trencher, it had a strange funk to it and did not come with the advertised cheese and croutons. Certainly not the best onion soup I ever had. After that, the plates of tapas started arriving. The flow was good; we ordered 7 items for the table, and they came in two "flights" (3 and 4), so we weren't overloaded or lacking dishes at any given time. The surprise favorite of the night were the bacon-wrapped dates (which I only ordered because everyone on Yelp recommended them, so thanks!). The gorgeous smoky bacon married beautifully to the sweet dates, which had a lusciously soft texture, yielding voluptuously to the bite. Another favorite was the Pipirrana de Buey -- skirt steak is often chewy or charred beyond recognition; this was not, and the salty Cabarales blue cheese sauce offset the grilled beef superbly. We also liked the Pincho de Solomillo -- the beef tenderlion was tender and flavorful, though the horseradish threatened to overpower the beef's flavor. The rest of the dishes were fine (nothing was bad) but not outstanding: Gambas al Ajillo (the lemon-garlic-butter shrimp were tasty and not tough or overcooked, but just not thrilling); Patatas Bravas (despite spices and cheese topping, these potatoes seemed to be lacking some element. Salt? One would think cheese would provide that, but something still seemed to be missing); Crepa Rellena (the crepe was light and crisp, but its filling of goat cheese, spinach, pine nuts and apple seemed homogenous; one could not discern the separate elements); and Pechuga de Pollo (the least exciting dish. Just grilled chicken. Nothing wrong with it, but nothing special. Did not detect the advertised herbed white wine sauce). Desserts did not wow me; we split two from the specials menu. The ginger-spiced cheesecake tasted like pumpkin (maybe because we're more accustomed to these spices as part of pumpkin pie?). The hazelnut sponge cake supposedly soaked in Frangelico was dry and the layers instantly fell apart, and the fruit coulis on the plate didn't seem to go with the flavors of the cake (the menu said there would be a caramel cream, but I didn't detect that anywhere). Our server stayed on top of our needs, and extra kudos to the bussers, who worked efficiently to remove emptied plates as the rounds progressed. Overall, a nice special occasion destination.
(3)Patty S.
Great place for Tapas and Sunday Brunch! Last night was my third time coming to Meson Sabika and my husband, baby and I had a great time catching up with friends on the outside patio. If I had to name a few of their best things on the Tapas menu, one would definitely be the dates wrapped in bacon...the perfect amount of sweet with salt. Another would be the eggplant and goat cheese...this dish was so light, but had many flavors. You could taste the gently sauteed bell peppers inside the delicately wrapped eggplant. Lastly, I really enjoyed the mushroom caps. The paella was delicious and the one serving fed 6 people for one round of tapas. You could really taste the saffron in the dish. And it isn't the saffron that you buy at the supermarket. It is the real-deal! I had the warm chocolate cake with caramel ice cream for dessert. One of the best desserts I had in a long time. Hot chocolate sauce oozed out of the cake and helped to melt the ice cream. I topped it off with a decaf espresso and we called it a night. The reason I gave it four stars and not five is for the slow service. It was a pretty normal hot Chicago night and although we ordered pitchers of Sangria, our water was barely replenished. We asked for knives multiple times and only got them some of the time. We noticed that the tables around us were also asking for water and knives, so it just wasn't our party. I must mention that I did spot actress Amy Adams at the restaurant! So, look out...you, too, may spot some Hollywood Heroes here. Clearly, the word has gotten out how good this place is!
(4)lauren f.
I just got back from brunch at Meson Sabika. We ate oustide and it was so beautiful, I felt like I was on vacation in Spain. The variety of tapas is fantastic, both cold and hot. I love that the items are all listed in Spanish with translations underneath. The wait staff was friendly, professional and attentive. I highly recommend the experience!
(5)Chester R.
the patio is the place....the inside looks so so. pretty good food....a tad overpriced.
(4)Tricia D.
i've found the offerings at Meson Sabika to be hit or miss. Likes: the veal served on toasted crostinis, solomillo with horseradish sauce, garlic shrimp, and sangria! Dislikes: the croquetas which taste like mini hot pockets(!) and the fact that the bacon wrapped dates are inconsistent. I like the dates prepared with crispy bacon, rather than soggy bacon which is too similar in texture to the dates. I'll come back from time to time, but I'll no longer say MS is my fave restaurant in Naperville.
(3)Tom H.
Can't say anything bad about this place. I keep going back... The Sangria, the bacon-wrapped dates, the garlic potato salad, the chicken, beef and steak all exceptional. The setting & ambiance very relaxed. As a side-note, my younger brother had his wedding reception here and the food was stellar and had people raving. The room was very nice and the large numerous windows made for a memorable and elegant evening!
(4)Christopher K.
After years of driving past this place I finally went. Look, this is a tapas place, so I am not going to fill this 176th review of the restaurant with a long list of what we ate. Order what looks good to you, the squid was good, let's leave it at that. The food was great and we were pleased with everything we ordered. It was one of our 100 degree Chicago days, so too hot for outdoor seating, but we were seated upstairs where it was warm and they had fans going. It was a pretty authentic Spanish experience if you ask me with the heat and the incredably helpful friendly server who worked us through a long slow evening. We rolled the dice on a pitcher of the mango sangria and were completely happy. So get out there this summer and enjoy a warm night with food and drink perfectly suited for the climate. $60 for two without tip and including the pitcher of sangria. Seemed busy for a weeknight, so I would recommend reservations.
(4)Tak-seng L.
Been here twice now and going this coming Sunday for Easter (should be INSANE then). Once for their brunch and once for dinner. Both times everything was amazing. This place really has it all: food, unique layout (used to be a home...which is crazy to think about), staff that works hard and is helpful/friendly. Dinner was really flavorful and the portions were more than enough. The brunch buffet though...that's another matter. I was impressed with what I saw inside but when I stepped out to see what else they had I about crapped myself. I mean wow...some really good stuff! I could go into a lot of details but really, you just have to check it out. My only suggestion is try to be laid back if it's really busy. Especially if you're upstairs cuz the servers and runners are literally running their asses off.
(5)Andrea R.
I'm not such a fan of bridal showers, but if all the showers I attended took place at a gorgeous restaurant like Meson Sabika I'd be happy to go to one every weekend. Oh wait, I pretty much do go to one every weekend...but this was a good one! The mansion this restaurant is located within is absolutely gorgeous! We were in one of the private rooms, which was the perfect size for the 20 or so people I was lunching with. It was a little cramped while we mingled and sipped some very tasty sangria, but as soon as we sat down it really was the perfect size. There was a set menu: salad, choice of salmon or filet, and some sort of banana dessert. The salad wasn't anything special, but the rest of the meal was delicious! The salmon had a huge chunk of goat cheese on top of it, which makes any dish tasty! And as for dessert they topped a banana with lots of caramel sauce and ice cream...making this healthy fruit oh so fattening and delicious! I'll admit I don't make it out to the burbs too often, but knowing there are places like Meson Sabika out there almost makes me want to broaden my horizons.
(4)Courtney S.
Took my mom here for her birthday (and first experience with tapas!) and she adored it. Although it was early in the afternoon and on a weekday, the service couldn't have been better. The waiter was overly attentive and accommodating: he noticed I wasn't touching my food and practically insisted on making me a fresh, CUSTOM dish! It's rather pricey, but for special occasions, you can't go wrong. The grounds are stunning: the stately mansion is filled with nooks and crannies, details and hidden gems. The fountain especially is breathtaking.
(4)Michelle K.
My boyfriend took me here last Saturday night and we had a fantastic experience - Meson Sabika continues to be one of my favorite restaurants in Naperville! We started the night off with a pitcher of red sangria and two cups of the Crema de Gambas, a creamy shrimp bisque. Very satisfying. Then we tried that night's cold tapas special, the Tostadas con Caviar, toast points spread with cream cheese and sour cream and topped with three different types of caviar: flying fish, salmon, and what our server said was "squid ink caviar," or something similar, which I haven't ever heard of before. They were all good, although the salmon roe was a bit fishy. We ordered my favorite, the Datiles con Tocino (bacon-wrapped dates - I would eat this every day if I could), followed by the Vieras al Albarino: grilled sea scallops served over Mediterranean couscous with apple and tomato butter sauce. This dish was very light and mild; the scallops were perfectly cooked and the apple pieces were a sweet and delightful textural contrast to the couscous. We finished the meal with the Brazo de Chocolate, a chocolate sponge cake rolled around strawberry mousse (delicious), and the Platano con Helado, a sauteed banana over caramel sauce, sprinkled with crushed pistachios and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a chocolate dish. A perfect way to cap off the evening! I've always had good service here, and this time was no different. We never had a finished plate sitting in front of us for very long, our water glasses were never low, etc. etc. I can't wait to be back!
(5)Travis B.
great food and service. a true taste of Spain. A must for any foodie or group dinner.
(4)Sara D.
I had a really tasty meal here over the weekend - perfect weather, too. We ate outside in the garden/patio area and shared about 7 or 8 dishes, including: Tostada de Centollo (crab on toast), garlic potato salad, crab fritters, chicken casserole, Solomillos Con Moniato (grilled beef with sweet potatoes and red wine sauce), and bacon wrapped dates. While I thoroughly enjoyed all of the dishes, probably the winner was the grilled beef, and my least favorite was the crab fritters. Despite the fact that the crab fritters were cooked perfectly, there was an unusual spice that I wasn't fond of. The raspberry mojitos were done just right - not too sweet or minty, just the perfect amount of both. We will definitely come back for another meal or to try the Sunday brunch.
(4)iddells E.
Such a beautiful, elegant mansion-turned-restaurant. I went here with the family and boyfriend yesterday for Sunday brunch. It was a buffet brunch serving hot and cold tapas....there was also a cute little table, about 2 feet high, with more kid-friendly options. The tapas selection is quite extensive and is a great way to sample the many different kinds of tapas for only $26.95 a person!! Also included in the buffet is your choice of omelette and dessert, both of which you order. The food was delicious. The hot tapas follow the cold tapas, so be careful not to get that much food in the beginning, otherwise, you'd be stuffed and realize that you've only tried half of the tapas...like me! The service was great. The servers are friendly and attentive....never was there a moment when my glass of water was half full. Definitely make reservations!! I think they have a mother's day special coming up. If you want to spoil and amaze your mother, this place would definitely be it!!
(5)Carly H.
I had my wedding at Meson Sabika and I give the planning committee and all the help Patti was on the big day deserves 5 Stars - they simply went above and beyond to make my wedding a success!. I could have not asked for a better location( ok if they could but this smack in the middle of the city then the would be AMAZING!!) With great entrees, appetizers, and drinks, we had all our guest say how great of a time they had. And as a bride with way too much on her plate ( planned/had the wedding in 5mo after the engagement i appreciated all the HELP that they were. Noushin was an angel sent from above to help me overcome anything that came up that day, Had it not been for her I probably would have not been able to have the blast that i did at the reception. David, her husband and former employee at Meson, was also very amazing. He was just simply there to hear our all my concerns and or ideas. He also had good contacts and vendor information. I LOVE the Meson Sabika Team.. simply AMAZING! I will recommend you to everyone I every meet. I was unable to eat the h'orderves when they were being passed around because I did not feel well , but Patti brought be an individual serving of each..WOW-- They all tasted marvelous, they took all my suggestions from the 2 tastings that I did ( 1 for entrees and the other to finalize the h'orderves, I wish they would have not charged me for it ( ~150+ just in h'orderves jeez!! but what can you do!! ).. I only had one little gripe.. I thought the chicken was too dry - had amazing sauce to make it less, but still would have liked for it to have been cooked right... :'( LOVE YOU: Patti, Noushin, and David XO Carly and Kevin June 4th 2011XO
(5)Cynthia C.
If you love tapas you will love this place . If you never ate at a tapas restaurant they will explain it to you after you are seated. We went there with a group of six and seated upstairs. Our waiter was so helpful and answered every question we had about our selections. The manager came around to each table to ask if everything was to our satisfaction. The food awesome, we had about 20 items and I loved each and everyone. The scallops were out of this world. So if you're looking for a place to go with friends and have a good time make this a must.
(5)Jessica D.
ALthough this started as a very high end restaurant, with adorable surroundings (especially the outdoor seating area on a cool Spring or Summer day), it has become obnoxiously busy during special brunches and some evenings. However, the reedeeming qualities are above average service, excellent dishes, and the fun concept of tapas and an old, well-maintained mansion. If that doesn't cinch it for you, try the desserts and wine sangria -- musts!
(3)Mia L.
The restaurant setting is in this mansion that reminded me of a wedding reception hall. It was nice and elegant with an old-world feel. It was refreshingly different from the trendy tapas cafes in Chicago. The food was excellent. The Salmon Curado really stood out. I loved it. The service was great, considering that we were one of the two couples there for lunch haha. Overall, I had a great experience here!
(4)Mehran M.
We went to this place with clients a few months ago - and I've been back twice since. I don't even live in the Chicago area! I have to say that my first experience there was definitely the best, although the rest have continued to impress. The chefs do a great job of creating interesting dishes with high quality ingredients. My meals there have helped me appreciate the term "dining experience". Not only was the food itself good, but I really appreciated the order in which they brought the foods out. It was not as if they brought out foods in the order they were ready, but it really seemed like they took an effort to consider the sequence and pairing of the various foods. The service was very personal, although given the size of the restaurant, and the number of staff working, I can understand some people not having as nice an experience as we did. The following two meals there were great as well - although we over-ordered to the point of excess on the third visit. My recommendation is to order about 3 tapas per person at the table to start, and then add a few more at a time. Don't overdo it. And remember to share!
(5)Chris W.
Over rated and a bit over priced for the portion size. The quality of the food made me feel like it was on a buffet in the back room and they just brought it out. Not overly fresh.
(2)Mike G.
Bacon wrapped dates, Steak, Lamb, spicy potato's, sangria are a few of my favorite items on the menu. This place is awesome inside. Watch out or you'll pass it up buried behind those trees. But once in the parking lot, WOW, what a place. I went there with a group of friends. There were 5 total. We were seated pretty fast and was seated in a room upstairs. It reminded me of someone's bedroom. Interesting, but very cool. The wait staff was very good. Helpful, and recommended a few things to us. The sangria was delicious. I am an ice chewer and I even loved the ice they used. We has about 3 rounds of orders until we were pretty full. I think in total, we had about 11-13 tapas served. There was not one tapas I didn't like. The ones mentioned about really stuck out in my head as the winners though. Price was lower than I expected. There were two couples and a friend. The bill was split 3/2 and I paid $60 for My fiance and I including tip.
(4)Brian M.
Went here a few weeks ago for a dinner celebrating a friends birthday. Just so happened she was a teacher in the naperville district, giving us 40% off our bill. That is one of the nicest things I've heard for a discount for teachers. Had a few of their tapas and a paella, along with a couple deserts. The good: the Paella, we ordered the chicken and shrimp Paella, this was really packed with flavor but a little dry, it was still good, but not great. The great: Pretty much everything else, bacon wrapped dates, skirt steak with blue cheese, goat cheese marinara, desert profiterole, and the chocolate hazelnut pie. I would go here every week if it I lived in the area, it was a great night there. It reminded slightly of a lower end Girl and the Goat, the menu wasn't as explorative but almost as good with a more traditional spanish twist.
(5)Dora W.
(Food - 5 stars, Service/Overall Experience - 3 stars) I've been to Meson Sabika several times now over the past few years. It really is the food that keeps me coming back, despite some complaints I have about the overall experience. All of the tapas I've tried have been simply delicious, and I love that there are so many vegetarian options. Sometimes when I dine at Meson, the experience is perfect. Last year, for example, we had flawless service and our meal was enhanced by the Spanish guitar and flamenco duo performing that night. Other times, there are some minor issues, probably caused by the size of the restaurant/large number of patrons. My most recent trip to Meson was this past weekend for an anniversary dinner for two. We were initially seated in the middle section of a very tightly packed downstairs room. Within a couple minutes of sitting down, I was bumped into by two different people (both MS staff, neither of which apologized). I hadn't had to sit in that area before, and it was clearly not the best place to be. I wouldn't normally ask to be re-seated, but I did feel like this was going to put a damper on our evening. The hostess was very accomodating and re-seated us upstairs. There were a couple of other missteps. We ended up with red sangria instead of the white that we ordered and one of our plates was cleared away in a flash before we'd finished eating the food. Our server, who was very friendly, got us a complimentary replacement dish. We decided to stick with the red sangria, because it still tasted good and I had honestly hit my complaint threshold for the evening. ;) Now that I've vented a bit, let me get to the good stuff! I'm a vegetarian, so I can only speak to those dishes. My favorites are the pimientos del piquillo (the black bean sauce is to die for!), queso de cabra (best tomato sauce I've tasted), and the crepe rellena. On our most recent visit, we tried a new special - a hummus-esc garbanzo bean spread (very mild flavor, but tasty). The vegetarian paella is also good.
(4)Scott S.
Caveat: I only dined here once, and that was 12 years ago. This review is, therefore, dated. Emilio's Meson Sabika is a charming, quaint tapas restaurant set in an old Naperville mansion. The setting can be very romantic - I had a wonderful date here and she absolutely loved the experience. The flavors of the various tapas were anywhere from good to sublime - I was stunned at how good a *Naperville* restaurant could be! (Note that this was back when Naperville was still a combination commuter suburb and farm community.) The selections weren't lofty experiments in nouveaux tapas - more fundamental, traditional tapas - but done with an excellent touch and great flavor profiles. The sangria was very refreshing as well. Since at the time I lived in Naperville, finding this place was akin to a coup. Even now with the entrance of Hugo's Frog Bar and other great restaurants, I wouldn't hesitate to try it again.
(4)Chris M.
I've been here several times over the years and they have never disappointed. Love the bacon wrapped dates! Perfect date setting.
(5)David G.
It's hard to go wrong with a Zagat rated restaurant. I didn't know this restaurant was Zagat rated until I saw the sign on the way out. I had the: Jamón Serrano - Shaved imported Serrano Ham served atop thinly sliced tomatoes and toasted garlic bread. I should point out that the ham was actually served underneath the bread and tomatoes and not "atop" as the menu describes. Alcachofas Marinadas - Marinated fresh artichoke hearts topped with baked fennel, garlic and imported Cabrales blue cheese, drizzled with balsamic sherry vinaigrette. Crepe Rellena - Crepe filled with goat cheese, pine nuts, spinach and golden delicious apples, accompanied by a pimiento sauce. All the dishes were excellent. I think I might try to return on Sun to try the Sopa de Alubias - Spicy black bean soup with chorizo.
(5)Al G.
Great potato salad and olives. Good atmosphere and service. Tried the cheese platter for the first time and it was very good. Sign up for the mailing list to receive coupons and special offers. Don't forget the sangria. Ref beats white!
(4)Sue M.
We've found the food can be a little inconsistent but overall it's a fun place to go. Like the sangria. Do not pass up the profiteroles!!
(3)Brian C.
Place is great food is great was able to try many things with great service and dinning in that old house was nice
(5)Nick H.
Great Tapas! The bacon wrapped dates are a must. We always end up getting several for the table. It is a great place to go on a regular day but they really come into their own on Father's day and other holidays with a spectacular buffet.
(5)Tom F.
The first thing you notice from the street is how massive the building and property looks.. great curbside appeal. The food is always top notch. What we enjoy is that there are so many great items and they are small enough portions to be able to enjoy 3 or 4 of the cold tapas before moving on to the hot tapas. Price here is unbelievably reasonable and service is absolutely terrific. You also have to try the Sunday brunch it's out of this world.... now that the weather is improving you can enjoy your brunch, lunch, dinner or just a relaxing cocktail outdoors... the side patio is tucked away surrounded by big old trees and flowers.
(5)Kelly M.
We recently had our wedding in the pavilion and it was outstanding. From the very beginning of us choosing this venue to the time we left after the reception was over, everything was perfect. The food was delicious, the staff was fantastic and I cannot say enough about it. Highly recommend for dinner also.
(5)Xaxa H.
Outstanding food every time! Only 4 stars because I always seem to get the same bitchy waiter. The garlic potato salad is fab and one of their more popular dishes!
(4)Ashley V.
5 stars for the history 5 stars for the food 5 stars for the atmosphere. History When I was a kid my mom and dad used to go here on special occasions together. They always talked about how beautiful it was and they would stay out for long nights filled with sangria, paella and bacon- wrapped dates. They told me that tapas was very adult and I had to wait until my 13th birthday to experience this place. On my 13th birthday I got all gussied up and put on my best adult behavior for one of the most memorable meals. Thanks to Meson Sabika (formerly Emilio's back in the day) tapas is now my favorite type of food. Food I went back a few weeks ago for my dad's 50th b-day dinner and it is still absolutely amazing. The food was outstanding and the service was great. My recommendations for the classics we can't go there and not order. Goat cheese marinara (duh) Bacon Wrapped Dates (duh) Portobello Relleno Ternera Asada (cold thinly sliced veal MMMMM) Patatas Con Alioli (garlic potato salad ---will stay with you for a week) Cordero Al Pastor (grilled lamb in a rich flavorful sauce) I also recommend a pitcher (or two) of their red sangria. They look deceptively small but they seem never ending with the pours. Overall this is a must try for a special night out, a nice date or a great place to catch up with a group of friend or family. Bring your appetite, taste buds and try something different. You will not regret trying this place.
(5)Andie W.
Besides entering into the parking lot, while walking up you feel as though you're having dinner at a friends house, a rich friend at that =P. As you enter, you truly feel as though there's a dinner party going on. We checked in with the hostess, and were directed towards the bar to enjoy cocktails as we wait for our table. The bar area was beautiful, it felt as though you were in Napa Valley, very old world. We were seated not too long after, and were shortly greeted by our waitress. She was knowledgeable, and didn't mind when we asked what tapas she would suggest. After our food arrived, we were didn't realize how much we ordered, I guess when you 're dealing with tapas you tend to think to order more because of the small quantity, I suggest ordering maybe two at a time. Everything was absolutely, amazingly delicious!! I totally recommend this place, especially if you plan to eat with several friends. Overall- Ambiance: A Cleanliness: A Food: A Prices: B Service: A ---------------------- Grade: A P.S. A wedding was going on while we enjoyed dinner in the outside tent, from the looks of it, it was very beautiful!
(5)Jason S.
Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. There is nothing better than the fantastic outdoor tapas patio on a nice summer evening. We went here with a large group of friends and had such a great night. The food was great. The ambiance and restaurant grounds were spectacular. The friends were perfect. We can't wait to return!
(5)Kristen J.
We love Meson Sabika. The food is authentic with a twist and its one of our favorite local restaurants to have a date night at. Our favorite dish is this squid heavenly buttery tapa they have...it is so fabulous we usually order it twice! Their desserts are also very good and the service is wonderful, they keep the food coming as dinner goes on. We have yet to go there for brunch, but we've heard lots of good things. We also had our wedding reception there--but I think this is where you review the restaurant itself not the venue?!
(4)Amanda Z.
!Ay, que fantástico! Translation: This place is fantastic! This was one of my first tapas experiences (after Emilio's)...and I became hooked! I used to go to college nearby, and this was the place I used to go for special occasions. And thus where my love affair with sangria began... The food is wonderful and the ambiance is even better. The property is gorgeous. Indoor seating in an old-fashioned white mansion, private rooms for parties, patio...something for everyone here. The service is friendly and helpful without being intrusive. On weekends, they have flamenco dancers, which just adds to the experience. I recommend the Jamon Serrano, Quesos Espanoles, Patatas Con Alioli, Datiles Con Tocino, Pincho De Solomillo ...I could go on for days! I also had the opportunity to attend a dear friend's wedding here in February. The banquet area is a new addition (wasn't there when I first discovered this place ten years ago). What a gorgeous wedding! She had both the ceremony and the reception here...the passed hors d'oeurves were fantastic (but I learned my lesson as to eating anything veggie that you have to bite into...yikes! Watch out for the Tostado de Pisto Manchengo), the entrees were spectacular (marinated tilapia...mi versión del cielo!), and, as I experienced in the restaurant, the service was wonderful. I recommend a trip to the 'burbs for dinner here...!es una experiencia, no justo la cena!
(5)Jennifer C.
Meson Sabika has such a wide variety of fantastic food. You can be adventurous or stick to your classic tapas favorites (love the dates and bacon!!) and either way you will be delighted. My new tastes for this visit were the Rollito De Buey-Beef tenderloin wrapped around with blue cheese, dates and portobello mushroom and the Gambas Marinadas-Marinated shrimp and a trio of sauces. Both were excellent cold tapas for a warm stormy evening. Thank you!
(4)Sara D.
I've been here twice for dinner. The food is excellent and there's almost too much to choose from. It's great for a medium-sized group, although we kept running out of room for all the dishes.
(4)Rahul I.
Went there on my wedding anniversary with my wife. Tapas are good.
(4)Tracy V.
I've been to Meson Sabika three times now. Once for dinner and twice for brunch (one of these times was for a private party in the dining room). I love the goat cheese! Don't much care for the potato salad and I must say that I just don't get the bacon-wrapped dates. Service is good, food is good, drinks are good, atmosphere is good. I absolutely love the outdoor seating and view. Something that's helpful to note is that the stairs leading to the second floor are STEEP and can be hard to navigate when juggling brunch plates (or after a few too many glasses of sangria). If you're making reservations, ask to be seated on the first floor if the stairs are a concern for anyone in your party. The staff is very accomodating. I'll definitely be back for tapas!
(4)Jennie P.
I held my wedding reception here just last month and it was AMAZING. Not because it was my big day so of course I think it was wonderful but because Meson Sabika was top notch. We held the reception in the Pavilion and it was beautiful inside. The staff at Meson was incredibly helpful, polite, generous, and accommodating to our families/friends and my husband and I. Our final meeting before the event was very friendly and clear and I left without a worry. It's stressful to leave your reception in other people's hands and hope for the best because you're too busy that day to run over and take care of things, and we couldn't have been more pleased. The food was SO good and people are STILL talking about it. The staff was very responsive to my e-mails, questions, and concerns. 5 stars all the way and highly recommend if you're looking for a unique/whimsical feeling venue to hold your wedding reception.
(5)Hector C.
Come with a thick wallet! Leave a happy camper. All the tappas are great here. Don't come with a picky person though, they might not enjoy the food. The service is always great here and the food comes out quick. The sangria and flan a must to top off the dinner.
(4)Mike R.
I have eaten here many times always good. This place is one of Napervilles best places to eat
(5)Seven S.
Well, I could change my review after each visit. Meson is a hit or a miss. Food is always good. Service ranges from great to you better fuckin help yourself. Not sure what's up with that. Wine is pricey. Tapas are tasteee and priced fair. Sit on the patio during the summer and sip some sangria with friends, or people who you thought were your friends. Getting married soon? They have added a pavilion for events - which takes away from the Historic Mansion. Try talking your bride who dreamed of having her day in the mansion - to now having it some modern pavillion that overlooks the, um, parking lot. See you in divorce court within two years buddy!
(3)Karla W.
Love this restaurant! Atmosphere: excellent. Set in an old mansion with individual rooms. Unique. Beautiful. Food: Amazing. A great mix of cold and hot tapas. Favorite dishes: Garlic potato salad, tuna cannelloni, spicy potatoes, bacon wrapped dates, tomato with goat cheese. I have eaten here several times but had the Sunday brunch this morning for the first time. An excellent assortment of tapas and non tapas dishes. Wonderful. Highly recommend
(5)Crystal L.
Before diving into my food critique, I want to mention that the mansion and grounds are quite beautiful. It's perfect for weddings and receptions. In fact during our visit there was a reception being held in the pavilion. I had heard good things the sangrias here. I ordered the red and my friend ordered the white and both were pretty strong. I think sangria at Olive garden is better. For the tapas the three of us shared the following: Crepe Rellena - I'd give it 3 stars Pipirrana De Buey (strips of skirt steak) - 3 star Pasta Con Hortalizas - 4 star Buuelos De Cangrejo (crabmeat fritters) - 3 star Berenjena con Queso (eggplant topped with goat cheese) - 2 star For dessert: Platano Con Helado (banana with pistachios & ice cream) - 3 star Crema De Chocolate (creme brulee with chocolate) - 4 star Pera De La Abuela (poached pear with cinnamon) - 2 star Overall, I just didn't think the food was particular tasty. The tapas portions were very small too. I've been to other tapas places that served more.
(3)Erik M.
The brunch was great. Very high quality food, salmon, prime rib. Great ambiance. The brunch is every week and well worth it.
(5)Nicole V.
When the special man in my life suggested we go to brunch in Naperville for Spanish tapas with his Madre, I was not sure what to expect. He said the food would be delicious and that they offer an incredible buffet at Meson Sabika, but I couldn't get that typical suburban dining experience (I am accustomed to having) out of my mind. I was so wrong! First of all, this place is a mansion! I had no idea as we rolled up to what looked like a miniature White House, that this was what I had in store! The grounds are so pretty and the house so regal looking. As you enter there is a warm buzz in the main hallway where the staff greets you before escorting you off to one of the many rooms in the mansion where your table is waiting. We were brought up the stairs to the second level and then over to one of the rooms in the back. I was peeking into all of the different spaces as we were led to our table. Each room has its own atmosphere, very formal without being pretentious and the decor is slightly old world Spain but with chandeliers and other sweet little charms to add a bit of sparkle. But enough about the decor, upon being seated we were given the brunch menu. I looked it over, and for a reasonable price you are able to get unlimited hot and cold tapas (including prime rib), a mimosa, an omelet and a dessert (if you so choose)! As we ventured down to the buffet all of us were overwhelmed with the options. The good news, all of the dishes were described on little cards. We all started with a plate of cold tapas and then came back for a second round of hot tapas. Some of my favorites; apple pork medallions, garlic potato salad, bacon wrapped dates, stuffed mushrooms, paella to name a few. We opted out of the omelet and decided to instead save room to indulge in dessert. Each of us ordered a different dessert; flour-less chocolate cake w/raspberry sauce, puff pastries filled w/ice cream covered in bittersweet chocolate and a chocolate pecan caramel pie also paired w/raspberry sauce. All three were delicious! The uniqueness of the space combined with the quality of the food makes this place a definite new favorite on my list. I have already recommended it to my family and friends and I'm looking forward to my next visit!
(5)Michael W.
Nothing anyone can place before you on a plate inside can top this tapas lush layout with towering trees and verdant views. Yet the food is worthy of taking a break from the natural beauty of this wonder of suburbia. Meson Sabika never fails to attract couples and good friends who love little bites of heaven and embrace the Sangria. Oh Lord, let the fruity blood wash over me. Over years I've been to Meson with a variety of people always leaving full and happy and sometimes falling back drunk from the drink of the gods. This is probably a great second date spot. The food is decent but on the pricey side. Is that a surprise given your dining on a plantation flying the colors of Spain in Wonder bread Naperville? Speaking of wonderment, just when did the Spanish conquer the Western suburbs? And why did they build so many strip malls?
(4)Jason P.
Wow. It's a good thing the food is so good, because it makes up for the fact that the bar is so tiny and uninviting. We came here on the Saturday before Valentine's day and it was packed. We had 8:00 reservations, arrived at about 5 to, and were seated by about 5 after. During that 10-minute gap we were told to wait in the bar, down the hall, to the right. So we headed down the hall, to the right, and stood around because the bar seems like it was pretty much an after thought when they finished the restaurant. There are probably 3 or 4 tiny little tables, enough counter space for maybe 15 people, and then a common walkway that most everyone else waiting for their table is forced to mill around in. Would have liked to have had a drink while waiting, but the area was so poorly designed, that I didn't feel like fighting the crowds to get one, and then stand in a high-traffic area while drinking your beverage. So yes, that was a minor annoyance, but if you put a lot of stock in that sort of thing, deduct as many stars as you wish. I, personally, am more concerned with the food and the service, both of which were fabulous. Knowing they were going to be busy this weekend, they had a special Valentine's dinner that they were pushing in addition to the regular menu. It seemed like a decent deal, but we had a good idea of what we wanted, and it wasn't on the special, so we just ordered from the menu. And we ordered. And we ordered some more. In all, we had the following: Bacon Wrapped Dates (amazing, actually had two orders) Chicken and Chorizo with Cumin-Garlic Mayo (another amazing dish, the mayo is great on both the chicken and the sausage) Scallops on CousCous (very good, nice, large scallops, plump, substantial couscous) Grilled Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce (another very good seafood selection, creamy sauce over 5 or 6 large shrimp) Lamb Medalions (good, but could have been skipped) Chorizo and Morcillo(sp?) Sausages (chorizo was great, the other sausages were also very good, with a bit of a curry flavor, a little cinnamony) Spicy Potatoes with Manchego (addictive taste, but wished they were a little crunchier) Baked Goat Cheese with Garlic Bread (standard dish, good, but nothing remarkable). For dessert we ordered the creme chocolate (creme brulee with a chocolate bottom), and the warm, soft-centered chocolate cake with caramel ice cream. Both were outstanding. The service, especially for being Valentine's weekend, was top notch. Our server never missed a beat, and even when we thought he had passed us up, he would circle back around and make sure we had everything we needed. We absolutely gorged ourselves (just look at what we ate) and each had two drinks (champagne for my wife, white sangria for me), followed by a couple of diet cokes. The total damage, before tip, was about $120. Considering how much we ate, the quality of the food, and the caliber of the service and the location, and I would consider that a great deal. I would much rather pay that, for everything we ate, than double that at a place like Morton's.
(5)Valoria R.
Went to buy a gift certificate for my coworker cause it's his fav place and then I got hooked! Beautiful mansion and setting. Fantastic bar. Nice wait staff. Good food. Best tappas I've tasted. Stuffed mushroom caps are the bees knees.
(5)Brett C.
My wife and I were just married here! We got married in the rose garden in front of the mansion, which is beautifully landscaped with eye-popping greenery, elegant fountains and nice little coy pond that we took pictures by. We were going to head to downtown Naperville for pictures, but we couldn't bear to leave this abundance of beauty. There couldn't have been a better place to capture our wedding day. The newly constructed pavilion, where are reception was couldn't have turned out any better. The window covered perimeter made our reception feel open, and allowed the art of the outside landscape to seep in. We had a vegetarian/Vegan wedding, and the staff was more than happy to accommodate both. I've never heard people rave about food at a wedding, but we received so many compliments about the paella, stuffed mushrooms, epanads, ok really everything. The staff even went out of their way at the reception to make something custom for me to eat, which I didn't ask them to do. I had a delectable marinated portobello mushroom dish with an almond sauce with roasted peppers and water chestnuts. Totally unexpected, much appreciated. I expect nothing less of the restaurant itself. The staff and food are worth making the trip out to no matter where in the Chicago area you are from. Highly recommended!
(5)Kata T.
Definitely one of my favorite (if not overall) restaurants not only in Naperville but in the entire Chicago area. I developed a love of tapas while studying abroad in Spain in college and can definitely recommend Meson Sabika as having pretty authentic tapas fare. The red sangria is great (not overly sweet, which is a fault I usually find elsewhere), and I've yet to try anything that I didn't think was at least great. My favorite dishes are always well prepared, and the tortilla and patatas alioli taste just as they did in Spain! I also love the queso de cabra. Meson being my favorite place, I've been there numerous times with various people and have yet to hear anything negative from anyone in my group about the food. Another great thing I love about Meson is that in keeping with Spanish tradition, I've never felt rushed - we've stayed there many times for much longer than we would have felt comfortable in a more typical restaurant, leisurely ordering tapa after tapa as we felt like trying something else. It is a rather elegant atmosphere (with prices to match), but I ranked its attire as "casual" only because I typically go after work or even in jeans and have never felt out of place. When the weather's warm, I recommend eating out on the patio for an even more enjoyable experience. And if I remember correctly, on Friday (and Saturday?) evenings, they have a flamenco guitarrist and dancer. After talking so much about Meson, now I want to go!
(5)John O.
Great food! Great environment! A beautiful house and yard but a little pricy. They've got good stuff to choose from and it serves up a good dish or should I say dishes. When your restaurant is on a large lot of land (I'm sure it's not cheap to finance) it's gonna raise the price of the food. I've been there for a wedding too and that I was impressed from. Would I go back? It wouldn't be my first pick but I'd go if someone else suggested it and maybe if they were paying too.
(4)Rich K.
Love this place. I have gotten drunk here so many times I have a hard time remembering what I ate. The sangria is the strongest I have had in the state.
(4)Malea I.
I have been here several times with large groups and for intimate dinners and have really enjoyed myself with both. Last night my husband and I went in for a nice dinner. The place is beautiful! We sat next to a fire place and the details of the room are amazing. We had several tapas which were all good. Our favorites are the goat cheese and tomato sauce, the bacon wrapped dates, and we tried a cheese and meat tray with toast points that was fantastic. My husband and I are normally chocolate lovers, but have found the dessert menu lacking a bit. But I ventured out and tried the tart of the day which was a rum/caramel flavored tart with an almond crust that was very good. I only have one complaint about the restaurant. I have found that the tables are very close, and the waiters are still using trays. At one point last night the waiter for the table behind me was inches from my head with his tray. He did not say anything and if I would have moved it would have been a mess. The waiter behind my husband was the same way.
(4)Mary J.
UPDATE 6/23/07 They have remodeled and built a pavillon/banquet area. The pavillon (as our server called it) is a separate building right next to the restaurant. According to him, the neighbors were complaining about the noise from the tent. The building looks very nice and there is some new landscaping in front which includes some fountains. Inside the restaurant, the walls have been painted and new window treatments have been added. It was raining last night so we didn't get to sit on the patio, so I can't tell you what's changed out there. You have to eat on the patio! I've always had a good time here. This restaurant is housed in an old mansion and it just adds to the dining experience. I've eaten in all the rooms - upstairs and downstairs and the patio is the best! If you've never had tapas before, it's like eating a lot of appetizers at a cocktail party. You order stuff and pass around the dishes. Get some sangria to go with it. My only complaint about this place is when you walk in. Even if you have a reservation, the person behind the desk is always on the phone and you have to wait to talk to them. They really need 2 people working the front desk. If you have to wait, they have a good bar and sometimes on the weekends they will have a server walking around with tapas for you to sample. They also have a flamenco dancer on certain weekend nights. They do have lots of receptions here in the summer. They'll put a tent on the front lawn and it seems like most of the staff is dedicated to the private party. Not a problem in the summer when you're hanging on the patio!
(4)Lisa K.
Meson has beautiful landscaping, I would love to take a visit in the summertime and walk around the grounds. I went on a Saturday night so it was very crowded and loud. The Victorian mansion that it was in, had various small rooms where people were seated. I think the ambiance just doesn't match the food. It puts me in a certain mood, I think more of a tea house than tapas from the decor. The food was OK, pretty much like an average tapas restaurant anywhere you go. I think the prices are over rated for what you get. The food doesn't stand out to me and make me think WOW! That was great. I might go to check out the yard but I have better tapas in the city without the drive.
(3)Jillian D.
i never thought i would pair the words "quaint" and "mansion" in the same sentence, but here i go... this past friday, i had the pleasure of dining at meson sabika with my mom and brother. i had driven past the old manse many times over the years, never realizing the charm and wonders within. outside, it's palatial, set back from naperville road upon a large green lawn. once inside, it transforms into a charming home, with intimate rooms throughout, named after the regions of spain. we ascended the stairs to dine in andalucia (which just so happens to be my favorite region of spain. coincidence?). for the majority of the meal, we had the room to ourselves. quaint, like i said. our waiter was very sweet and, in the european tradition, allowed us to savor our food, never rushed us and truly helped us relax and enjoy the evening. the menu, while featuring the gold standards of tapas (marinated olives; tortilla; bacon wrapped dates; queso de cabra), introduced me to new flavors that equally pleased the palette. one of the hot tapas in particular truly stood out - piquillo peppers stuffed with goat cheese atop a black bean puree. omg!! the sangria was nothing special. although they do offer an array of exciting flavors (we stuck to a pitcher of the red). the dessert menu is more extensive than any tapas restaurant i've visited before. the only problem was, after ordering round after round of rich and delicious tapas, i had no room to sample the sweet stuff! maybe next time.
(5)Tina E.
Why it's taken me so long to write also I'll never know. I think it's because words can't not explain how good it was. I've had this place on my to-do list for a couple of yrs now. I was shopping in downtown Naperville and it's really just around the corner. Here's the picks:Crabmeat fritters,Empanada,Ensalda de Pollo,& tarta de pera for dessert. All were excellent! I was blown away by the chicken salad and still dream of it nightly.Can I buy it by the pound? I took off 1 star only because they passed me around on the phone. This was my 1st Tapas experience and certainly won't be my last.
(4)Yvonne M.
I used to love Meson Sabika, years ago... I still come here a couple of times a year, when I can afford to spend (at a minimum of) $120 for two people for dinner including drinks. There is a lot to consider when rating Meson Sabika. Ambiance--the outside and inside of Meson Sabika is positively wonderful. Everything looks beautiful! Service--this is a mixed bag. Some times when I have gone there, I have had outstanding service but more frequently, I have a waiter who is dry, not at all friendly and short. Food--Food is also a mixed bag. I've been there several times and found all of the food outstanding! But then again, I've also been there when everything was mediocre at best. One are of complaint is the small portions... I realize these are tapas but when you're spending almost $10 a plate, you expect a bit more than a tablespoon of goat cheese. Value--the price of everything is, quite frankly, high! Tapas are great unless they're $10 a pop and you need 10 of them to get even remotely filled up. If the prices were dropped a tad, I'd be more inclined to dine there more frequently.
(3)Matt P.
Attended a wedding reception at this fine restaurant ... great tapas, and the lamb chops are to die for. I'm typically not a big fan of tapas, because I never feel I get enough to eat, but like most GOOD tapas restaurants, it has fine Spanish wine and beer selection ... so what you don't eat, you just drink to fill up.
(5)Bruce B.
I've gone to Meson Sabika many times and have found it to be quite enjoyable. Yesterday I took my wife to Meson for her Birthday dinner date. I was not impressed. I foudn the tapas selections to be bland as best. To start we had the garlic potatoe salad. I had difficulty determining where my fork ended and the potatoe began, flavorwise. It was so bland, my wife asked for salt and pepper to tivk it up. It was followed by the Tuna filled cannelloni with creamy white wine vinaigrette. I felt that, again the delicacy of this dish was totally lost. Reluctantly, we ordered two hot tapas. We ordered one of the specials, a chicken croquette with ham. Again, the two were indiscernable, taste wise. The sauce was well adequate but I wasn't sure what it was supposed to do to the dish. Finally we decided upon the date wrapped with bacon. Far too sweet. Yikes! Our dessert was a Flan and it was good. Will we go again? maybe. BTW, the server was prompt efficient, attentiive and knowledgeable. It was a very disappointing experience.
(2)Jeff M.
Went on date night with my wife and had a wonderful meal as usual. We had our wedding reception here in '06, so it is always a fun night out for us. Tonight may have been my favorite tapas combination yet, but I think I say that every time I leave there. Our waitress tonight was especially knowledgeable and picked out a great bottle of wine for us. Highlights tonight were the serrano wrapped asparagus over grilled tomato with melon relish and the cheesecake with almonds, bittersweet chocolate, and caramel. Mmm.
(5)Kathy O.
I had been to Meson Sabika like ten years ago with friends. It was delicious then, but thought I would treat my family and go there again now,. Still very impressed. The atmosphere is comfortable. The service is great, smiles everywhere you look! Had the Pomegranite Sangria this time and it was so good! Had so many different tapas, all hot except the salad and dessert was like a banana foster but even better. We left with filled tummies and happy faces! Definitely will be going back again!
(5)Tiffany D.
Delicious! Came here two weeks with ex (then boyfriend) & family for his brother's birthday :] It was absolutely DELICIOUS!!! i swear we had, like, half the menu!!!! :] MUST. TRY. EVERYTHING!!!!! The meats are tender and delicious.. and I even LOVED the lamb :] The place is gorgeous and the staff is really really nice...
(4)John O.
Very inconsistent. Sometimes the food and service are very good, other times not so much. That said, great venue for outside dining on a summer night with a pitcher of Sangria.
(2)Susi D.
you know, everyone i know says this place rocks. it is very beautiful, i will say. the grounds are lovely, the mansion is gorgeous. i think i just wasn't in the mood for tapas when i went though, because i just felt like meson sabika was going to change my life and it didn't. the food was perfectly fine, the wine was good, the service was nice. maybe i was just crabby? anyway i plan to go again because i left there feeling i should tell Meson Sabika "It's not you...its me........"
(3)bob j.
good time great food, setting and service
(4)Jenny M.
4.5 stars overall (5 stars for the tapas & service; 2 stars for the paella) Meson Sabika was the first place the hubby & I managed to go to alone since our daughter was born (thanks mom & dad for babysitting!) We love tapas, so we're excited that Naperville has such a fabulous option. We've spent the last year living in SF & downtown Chicago, so I was shocked when I was able to make a dinner reservation on a Saturday at 7:30pm one week in advance. I hope this is this case all the time! Service is great even at peak busy hours. The service team constantly refilled our drinks & replenished our plates & silverware throughout our meal. It was taking longer for the cold tapas to be prepared so our server sent our warm tapas out first, which was fine with us. Better that than to have all our tapas arrive at the same time or to sit without food! For our tapas, we ordered the Spanish hummus, bacon wrapped dates, the pork tenderloin, chicken & serrano ham croquettes, & crab fritters. We were pleasantly surprised at the size of the tapas, which was much larger than what you get at Cafe Bababareeba. All the tapas were delicious, especially the bacon wrapped dates, but what doesn't taste good wrapped in bacon? Unfortunately, our paella didn't wow us. Flavor-wise, the paella was okay, maybe a little bit more saffron than necessary, but it was fine. We were sadly missing the yummy crunchy rice bits that you associate with paella. Maybe the paella needed to be cooked longer in the pan? It was more of a glorified rice pilaf than a paella. When we visit next time, and there will definitely be a next time, we plan on just ordering tapas!
(4)Vamshi N.
Superb place!!! Great food!!!! great ambience!! Great service!!! Will go again- What I have tried there?the tiger shrimp ,chicken casserole, dates with bacon, the saffron rice with veggies and chicken. All good food
(4)Jamie H.
Awhile back, my sister had her wedding rehearsal dinner at Meson Sabika. Personally, I didn't care much for the paella, the sangria was a bit dry and overly fruity. For years, I've driven by wondering what the inside looks like. I don't think I'll go back unless there's an event or something.
(3)Jay m.
Great atmosphere, yet outside was not romantic. New server was humble and learning. Food was spectacular and very reminiscent of the real thing. See you again soon.
(4)Aunkur A.
The estate is absolutely gorgeous. It's a great place to eat a nice outdoor summer dinner. The food is another story. Maybe I'm a bit of a snob after 10 years of living in San Francisco but the tapas really can't hold a candle to some of the hole in the wall places you find in SF. They were good, but not commensurate with the ambiance of the setting. Disappointed.
(2)Liz L.
Great place, amazing food, beautiful surroundings. The online menu is not inclusive, so don't judge the menu by what you see on their website. The actual menu in the restaurant is extensive and they are extremely observant if you have any allergies or sensitivities. This is well worth the often-congested Naperville area traffic. Reservations are necessary even on non-weekend days, though.
(5)Brianna N.
WOW! After recommendations by friends, my boyfriend and I decided to check out Meson Sabika on a Thursday evening in May. I'm glad we made the trip because the food was excellent and the atmosphere delightful! We were seated in the main dining room of this old Spanish-style mansion at a table for two in a corner nook by a window overlooking the gardens. Talk about ambiance! The lighting was warm and the noise level very conducive to intimate conversation. (Although, I would also love to check out the outdoor patios now that the weather is warmer.) Our wait staff was extremely friendly and allowed us to order and eat our tapas at our own pace. We enjoyed a pitcher of sangria, patatas con aioli (a garlicky potato salad), gambas al ajillo (lemony garlic grilled shrimp), pincho de solomillo (tenderloin with caramelized onions and creamy horseradish sauce) - but my personal favorite was the queso de cabra (baked goat cheese with a tomato basil sauce and charred bread - MMMM, my mouth waters just thinking about it!!) and the dessert liquor called Liquor 43...our waitress gave us not only some in our coffee, but also on the side! Aye aye aye! I will definitely be going back to this quaint Spanish gem...it'd be a great place for another romantic evening or intimate gathering of friends! Enjoy.
(5)Roberta T.
My favorite place. I take clients here, I eat here for pure enjoyment, I would eat here every day if I could. Phenomenal food- everything has so. Much. Flavor. Beautiful venue, friendly service...and the Sunday buffet????? OMG. Don't think. Just go...after a two day fast. Eat, talk, enjoy...this is what fine dining is supposed to be!!!
(5)D H.
Everything a wonderful dining experience should be-great food, beautiful ambiance, lovely music. Hands down bar none, best tapas ever. I had the beef tenderloin and the spicy potatoes both of which were delicious.
(5)Teek S.
OMG everything is excellent. First time Tapas diner and my experience was great. Great place to have events at also. Will definitely become a regular dining location for me.
(5)K L.
In one word - awful. Our server was nice but way too busy. The food was warm, not hot. Each of our seven dishes were bland. Even the goat cheese lacked flavor. Every vegetable tasted like it was from a can. It was extremely loud to the point it was difficult to hold a conversation.
(1)Matthew H.
This is my favorite restaurant in the world. Great Spanish style tapas, great service, great wine. That's it.
(5)Rachel J.
Meson Sabika was a special place for me-----my then-boyfriend and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary there, and later made the decision to get married there. I booked the west side yard to have the ceremony, and the back patio for my reception/dinner. When I went to drop off a payment two weeks before my wedding day, I was totally horrified. The side yard where I was to be married was a giant mud pit, and under some major construction. All of the roses were gone---the archway was gone-----there was a 4 foot trench dug out, and nothing to block this ugly mess. It was the first thing a guest would see when they arrived. I was so sad. I had no chance of booking a new place for my ceremony, as I only had 2 weeks notice, and it was a June wedding. When I asked where (on Meson Sabika's property) I could get married instead, the event coordinator showed me the new archway, under a great big tree. It sounds nice, but it was about 15 feet from Aurora avenue, with no noise barriers--so instead of hearing the ceremony, you would hear cars and motorcycles go by. Bleck! I finally got them to agree to let me have the entire patio for no extra charge. They explained the layout, and how everything would work. The back half of the patio is totally shaded by a huge tree, so that is where I wanted to have the reception. I figured my short ceremony would be fine in the sun, as I kept it down to about 25 minutes. On my wedding day, about 10 minutes before I walked down the aisle, I was informed that I was getting married in the shade, and the reception was in the sun. There was nothing I could do, so I just rolled with it. Everything turned out nicely, and I enjoyed myself---but some of my guests got completely roasted in the sun!! I was very concerned about everyone's comfort, so that made me feel bad. I was never told about any of these little surprises until it was too late. The managers made an effort to hide from me every time I stopped by, called, or sent e-mails.
(2)Mike T.
We taken family and friends to this restaurant and it is a great place to dine. It is a big place, with a separate party/reception room. I think it can seat quite a few people in various rooms. It is a strange place because it is like an old house converted into a restaurant, which makes it a unique place to eat. The tapas dishes are very good, lots of good cold and hot dishes to try. We enjoy the garlic shrimp very much. All of the other seafood tastes fresh as well. The last time we went, we were there for a friend's birthday and it is ideal for a fun group of people.
(4)Michelle I.
This Spanish tapas restaurant is a definite treat! A great date place! Renowned for exemplary service, delightful ambiance, and distinctive Spanish cuisine, Mesn Sabika brings tapas to a new echelon. Opened in 1990 this four-acre estate, originally built in 1847, has been meticulously renovated and offers an unmatched dining experience. Dine indoors and enjoy the grace and charm reminiscent of a European villa with original oak woodwork, lace curtains, and hand painted ceramics. Or enjoy the ultimate alfresco experience on the brick terrace underneath the 150-year-old oak trees of the estate. A different spin on the everyday eating. Located near downtown Naperville. Try the Datiles Con Torino: Baked dates wrapped in bacon, served w/red pepper sauce, a definite must! You'll have more than one order!! Try their Sunday all-you-can-eat brunch- to die for! For $26 per person you can taste most of all the tapas that are normally on the menu, a great deal!
(5)Jessica D.
I have lived in the Naperville area for over 5 years and had never once even pondered going here. Mostly it was because from the road it doesn't really look like a restaurant. We finally went with a couple friends who had good things to say and I am sold. It does get insanely busy, so make sure to have a reservation. Ours was at 8:30 and people were walking in and getting quoted an hour wait at 8:45. We finally got sat around 8:50, as there were 2 wedding receptions being held there which limited the amount of regular seating available. Our server was very polite and made sure to serve the ladies first, which is something you never really see anymore. The red sangria was very good and not overly sweet. The four of us polished off 2 pitchers. Don't be put off by the tiny ramekin of seasoned olives that are delivered to the table immediately. I typically don't care for olives, but I took a chance and tried one. The olives were extremely flavorful and not at all what I expected, just be careful of the pits. A member of our group is vegetarian and it was nice to see the generous selection of veggie entrees. The stuffed mushroom caps are a must for veggie and meat-eater alike. They also had a very good cold plate of eggplant rolls stuffed with diced peppers. My favorite veggie dish was the Piquillo peppers stuffed with goat cheese and topped with black bean sauce. As for meat dishes, the beef was phenomenal. I am normally put off by anything with bleu cheese, so when my friend ordered skirt steak with bleu cheese sauce, I just assumed I would pass. With some urging from my boyfriend, I took a small bite only to find that it was delicious. The steak was tender and juicy and the bleu cheese was a perfect compliment, and did not overpower the dish. The filet with sweet potatoes was also incredibly good. The filet was cooked to a perfect medium rare. Another unexpected surprise was the cured salmon with toast points. The salmon was shaved perfectly and paired with crispy toast topped with a dill sour cream sauce. The salmon was further complimented with a generous garnish of capers, red onion, and fresh chives. Somehow we also managed to get through dessert as well. We ordered and shared the chocolate cake with caramel ice cream, the pecan cheesecake, and the profiteroles. My boyfriend is not a chocolate lover, but loved the cake. I could not pick a favorite since they were all very good. Overall, the dishes seemed well thought out and were perfectly executed with high quality ingredients. My one small complaint was the noise level. Every surface around us was hard resulting in a low to moderate roar the entire time we were there. It will also get a little warm when they are busy. Very much worth the minor discomfort for such a great meal. The service was quick, friendly, and not overly attentive. I will definitely be back.
(5)Jolene H.
This has got to be the most authentic and value-for-money Spanish tapas restaurant in the state of IL! Sabika is housed in an old white mansion, tables packed closely to one another, in a cosy, bustling environment. The service is great and the food, especially the seafood, is always fresh. (I've been there twice and have never been disappointed). Try the mussels and the prawns! And have a sangria with it. The meats are wonderfully cooked (not to raw, not overdone)- try the lamb. Although the food selection is quite limited compared to other places, its good enough for me that every thing I've ordered has been great. The total cost for 2 people and 2 very full stomachs came up to approx $70 (including drinks and tax). On Fridays they have Flamenco dancers to entertain you. Nice touch.
(5)Justin W.
I love this place. My girlfriend loves this place. You'll love this place! They built this beautiful restaurant in a renovated mansion in Naperville. They've had tents in front for weddings, events, etc, but now they're even adding a permanent structure to replace that! Anyways, this place makes for a great date spot or a place for a large group of friends. With a date, you can share individual dishes, and the wait-staff *always* provides very informed and friendly service! If you go with a group, you can try many different things, but not feel compelled to commit to any one. Both times the bill exceeded $100 for two people, but with the experience and the quality, I gladly forked over that and a 25% tip. I went there this last Saturday and despite having to show up an hour late for the reservation (I estimated incorrectly due to my girlfriend working for her charity's telethon), the manager himself seated us within five minutes. I love them and I loved our server Patricia. Awesome, hands down.
(5)andy p.
This place is a great place for drinks and tapas! I feell like we went with the right party for this place to accompany. We went with a rowdy group whome the restaurant accompanied by putting us ina room with a very similar type of aura. There was dancing provided by the "well-fed" spanish dancer singer group as well as great tapas!!!! I recommend the fish and the potatoes. The way to get the best is ask the waiter for his/her pics and i am sure you will find it. Place has amazing sangria and various spanish drinks as weell. Def must if your in the area and it is located in an old school mansion as well so take a camera great for pics!!!!!
(4)Karan V.
One of the best dining experiences I have had in Naperville. It is one of the more unique places in town, and it does not disappoint. Walking onto the property, you feel like you went back in time 75 years when you see the mansion and the grounds. The outdoor seating area is also excellent, and very bustling on a Spring evening. The food and service were top notch. I highly recommend the bacon-wrapped dates for dessert, and any of the beef/pork dishes for dinner.
(5)Rebecca K.
My favorite local restaurant. The old mansion is warm and welcoming and the food is delicious. I love it more with each visit
(5)Pam N.
Wow, I can't believe no one has reviewed Meson Sabika yet! I would say the food is only worth 3-4 stars. The food itself is not better than anything you would find in the city. And personally, for authentic tapas and a wide selection I prefer Cafe Iberico or maybe Emilios. What is so great about this place: it's gorgeous! It's a huge, like, MANOR or some shit. Beautiful. They have outdoor patios, too (I can't wait to check it out in the summertime). The mansion really makes for a unique dining experience, but be aware... they really pack you in here! It's always busy; expect to wait. Not a quiet dining experience by any means. Once you are seated, the service is fantastic. I always end up here w/ a bunch of spanish-ignorant suburbanites, and yet somehow, the waitress manages to understand the orders of "Yeah, I want that one, with the shrimp... and there's some lemon kinda flavor... and maybe I think a sauce too..." And the food comes out quickly and well-timed-- key to tapas dining. Have to try: Datilos con Tocino (bacon-wrapped dates), grilled shrimp-lemon-butter thing, both types of potato salad (the traditional garlic one is spicy!) ... the tuna w/ angel hair pasta if they've got it (it's a special) .... and the banana mousse for dessert! here's the best thing about Meson Sabika: they have a teacher's discount. 40fucking%!! One of my boys has a teacher for a mommy, so she takes us here every time we visit.
(5)Isabella W.
Love the food, the ambiance. Perfect tapas place for a big group. Worth the drive to the burbs. We went with a party of 7, of which 2 had never tried tapas before. Service was attentive and helpful. The Jamon Serrano cold tapa is delectable - even better than the standard prosciutto: they serve it with a piece of toast, garlic clove, and tomato. You rub the garlic & tomato onto the toast, and then place the jamon on top of the toast like an open-faced sandwich, with a drizzle of olive oil. DELICIOUS. The Queso de Cabra (goat cheese) with garlic bread was also amazing. These were the top two dishes of the night. We also tried the Valenciana paella (chicken, mussels, shrimp), and the Paella special (king crab), Championes Rellenos (stuffed mushroom caps) which was delish; the remaining sauce was also good for bread-dipping, mussels (which unfortunately had a LOT of sand in it), patatas bravas (have to always try the spicy potatoes), which was decent, but not as good as the ones at Bravo Tapas (in Wicker Park). We skipped on dessert and headed to Joy Yee's on Ogden for some bubble tea. Overall, a good dining experience, and I would go back again to try more dishes.
(4)Eldhose S.
Not the best Tapas I've had but a close competitor to the best. Add in the ambience and suddenly you have a new winner. This was a unique experience. Excellent service and great food.
(4)Char Y.
We had bacon wrapped dates, empanada de buey, pato confitado, crepe rellena, and patatas bravas. They were just ok, similar to Cafe Iberico downtown. However, our waiter forgot to give us our food so the whole meal took over 1 1/2 hour.
(2)Amanda R.
Tonight was my first time going here but I will definitely be going back. First off, we had a reservation for 6pm on a Saturday (for 7 people). We were seated promptly. It wasn't too busy, just a few tables and some private events going on, but you could tell it picked up as the night went on, especially the bar area. We all decided to each order 3 plates we were interested in and passed those around as they came. The service was excellent. Our waiter was very helpful. We basically gave them a list of 20 or so tapas and they paced them out for us, cold tapas first. All of the waitstaff were very good about clearing plates and making room and refilling drinks. We never waited for anything. I can't remember everything that we had, but some of my favorites were the Jamon Serrano and the Tostada de Centollo (avocado & crab meat) from the cold tapas. On the hot tapas menu I liked the roasted dates wrapped in bacon, Queso de Cabra (oven baked goat cheese with garlic bread), brochette of beef tenderloin.and the grilled pork medallions. As far as atmosphere, it's an old Georgian mansion so it is very much set up like a house. We were eating in the main dining room. We didn't have enormous table space, but it definitely feels cozy in a good way. I would recommend this to anyone. Sidenote - The dress code is "upscale casual". We dressed nice, not super formal but not jeans. I don't think they're very strict about it because we did see people in jeans and casual clothing but don't be those guys! Dress up and make a night of it!
(5)Ellen D.
the food was good. the service was ok. the sangria is a rip-off. they water it down and load your glass with ice so it looks large, but it is not. we ordered the pitcher of it, and it is heavy because it is all pottery. order wine instead. I thought I was drinking kool-aid. we may go back to try more food, but it is still over priced.
(2)Sara S.
Best restaurant in Chicagoland! Excellent food! Love the patio!
(5)Rachell E.
I recently went to Meson for the first time and I I must say I enjoyed the experience. With Meson, it is an experience, they should call the wait staff tour guides! The tapas that we chose were all fantastic. I'm a big fan of tapas and Meson is one of my new favorite restaurants. The WINE FLIGHT I had was AWESOME! The 'old mansion' feel was great, I felt like I was having dinner at a friends house. If you like tapas try Meson Sabika!
(4)Lover Of Food And Culture Z.
This is one of my favorite places to eat! Good wine list and everything is super delicious...Love Tapas!
(5)Jerry W.
My wife and I stopped for a week day lunch at Meson Sabika in Naperville. It is a beautiful old mansion. The building and grounds are well kept. The staff is very friendly. It was very clean, that is important in a restaurant and the decor was really nice. The food was very good. I would definitely go back for the food. Kuddos to the Chef! I just think the price tag was really high though. Especially in today's tight economic times, do they offer a stimulus menu (just kidding). I think we may go back for a special occasion but without our kids, too expensive.
(4)Frank M.
I'm not even sure I know where to begin... Let's start with the positive; the grounds are lovely. Now, unfortunately, on to the food... I should have known when the hostess was escorting us to our table upstairs and we passed the kitchen and I caught a smell of the fish, I should have listened to my nose and hightailed it out of there. I mean honestly, this city is on a lake for gods sake! Why is decent fish so difficult up here??? But I digress; after being seated in an overheated section of the dining room, the real ordeal began... The meat and cheese plate was about the only thing edible (other than the bread) the entire meal. The baby artichokes were not cleaned properly; leaving the remnants of spines in my throat and I'm still not sure what the "creamy vinaigrette" actually was. The lamb medallions seemed to have been seared and left to finish cooking under the salamander; the accompanying mushrooms had been obviously frozen in a prepackaged assembly of hatred for fresh food, but this theme seemed to be the norm for this restaurant... the onions atop the mushrooms seemed to have been cooked with sugar leaving a very unpleasant taste in the mouth, but hey the artichokes need company right? the sauce swear to gods!) tasted like Campbell's cream of tomato soup with butter that was congealing and separating on the plate even as I watched it... To make matters worse, the sauce was also repeated in with the "cheese crepe" plate. I put the dish in parenthesis because using a store bought spring roll wrapper is not a crepe! nor should a crepe be crunchy!!! The grand finale, however, made the rest of the meal seem like Michelin Star quality in comparison... I am still trying to figure out just what the hell they did to the alleged duck confit other than serve it with a gelatinous mess of canned gravy!! By the end of the meal I felt like my palate had been mugged by a leering Murphy Artist with a dull Santoku in one hand and ladle of greasy canned sauce in the other... This place has as much in common with Spanish Tapas as Taco Bell has with Mexican food.. Actually I take that back, Taco Bell is better than this place...
(1)Melissa H.
One of the best Paella I have had. This place is so good and its pretty inexpensive for its atmosphere. The mansion is really pretty but can be somewhat cramped, depending on the room you are in.
(4)Eric H.
A fantastic place to take clients and friends. There's great variety on the menu and you can always find something to satisfy every one. The deserts are expecially good. The service quality has dropped a little since they changed owners (from Emilio's Meson Sabika), but the food is just as good. It's a little pricey and reservations are a challenge. But, you cannot go wrong here. I always take my special clients here. Especially local ones. (Sullivans gets old after a dozen times.) .
(4)S K.
I could live on the bacon wrapped dates alone!
(4)K G.
Make a reservation well in advance, especially in the winter! Everything is wonderful, I've tried almost everything on the menu. I love how you can eat some many different things in one dinner. The atmosphere in every part of this beautiful mansion is wonderful, any time of year. The service has always been great, even when we have really badly behaved children dining with us.
(5)Wonton S.
I've been hesitant to try this place out because everyone I've spoke with said it was great but super expensive (I'm a little cheap:), but I was pleasantly surprised by the bill. The tapas are a little bit on the small size, but that makes the whole experience more fun, you can have lots of little tastes. The wine list is a little overwhelming, lots of Argentinian and Spanish selections. The best bet is to ask the waiter. We relied on him for lots during the meal. The service was amazing, the table was cleared and the attention was dolled out perfectly. I never felt rushed or neglected - my main complaint about the other big tapas restaurant in Naperville, Tango. I can't think of a single complaint about Mason Sabika, other than I can't eat there every night for dinner.
(5)Justin H.
One of the top restaurants in the area. Amazing food, great drinks, beautiful building, flawless service. The only issue is that it is quite expensive, but probably worth it.
(5)Amanda G.
We met up with 6 friends at Mason Sabika for brunch. Being a Spanish Tapas restaurant, most of the offerings tended to lean that way. However, there were a few traditional favorites sprinkled in. Starting at the beginning, the cream of leek soup was surprisingly flavorful. Next was an astonishingly great selection of fresh and dried fruit, along with nuts. In the cold tapas line; the vegetable strata, lox, and tuna rolls were most notable, although the garlic potato salad and asparagus with feta are worth a mention. But the main attraction was the line of hot tapas. Dates wrapped in bacon; I had to go back twice for them. As well as twice for the stuffed mushrooms and the butter infused escargot canapés broiled with a dollop of hollandaise - Decadent! Scallops with couscous, paella, grilled calamari, and a shell fish mix in a béarnaise gave a great representation from the sea. Chorizo in a roasted pepper sauce, a Spanish stew and a lovely prime rib at the carving station represent the land. Several other things were very good as well, but not enough room here to talk about them all. Made to order omelets were available from our attentive and omnipresent waiter. So were choices in desserts. The selection of sweets was limited, but we didn't miss having more. There were enough choices and the quality was on the spot. I especially enjoyed the hazelnut mousse and the pear tart. My only recommendations for improvement would be to serve the caviar with salmon mousse on a crouton. There isn't enough sweetness in the mousse to balance the bitter endive it was served on. The prosciutto was wrapped around cantaloupe. I like the idea, but would have preferred a milder melon to showcase the ham. And perhaps with the escargot; back off on the butter just a little. The toast was fairly saturated. I would have liked a little more room around our table, but I understand why it was a bit tight. I would not have wanted to sacrifice the ambiance of this beautiful old building. All in all, everyone at our table was very happy and satisfied with the meal. Our group was so inspired; we have vowed to meet every second month to try a new brunch spot. It will be quite a challenge to find a better place than this, but we'll see.
(5)C G.
I've eaten tapas at a lot of places, but Meson Sabika had by far the best tapas I have ever had! I loved every single dish that we ordered. The menu was extensive. The stars of the show, for me, were the dates wrapped in bacon and the cheese stuffed peppers. But the beef skewer, chicken & chorizo skewer, and tortilla espanola were also delicious. I finished off the meal with some yummy profiteroles. The service was good, and the atmosphere was nice. We were in one of the side rooms, which was a little quieter and perfect for our anniversary dinner. The bigger, brighter room seemed a little more on the loud side. We also found the prices to be very reasonable. Most of the tapas was around $6. I highly recommend this place and can't wait to go back!
(5)Darlene L.
This is a place I would like to return to during a week day. Our dinner for four at 7:00 P.M. on a Saturday resulted in a very noisy experience. First of all, we arrived on time for our reservation and were quickly escorted to a terrible table between the bar and door to the kitchen. When we asked for another table, the seater said they were fully booked, but she would check. She never returned. The door to the kitchen or outside was left open creating an unpleasant breeze throughout dinner. Ordered a red sangria to start; waiter brought white. He exchanged it recognizing his error but it took a while. The drink was good. Meanwhile we embarked on tapas heaven. We enjoyed a variety of small plates consisting of tuna, potatoes, chicken, paella, and a fabulous chicken salad. Gazpacho was also terrific. Waiter was a bit overwhelmed as he frantically moved about and had to be reminded to remove the extra charge for the white sangria off the bill-which he graciously did. Prices are reasonable and the place is a spiffed up old farmhouse. Good spot to try but avoid prime time weekends.
(4)jamie p.
Ok has anyone who has ever eaten here had real tapas? For the price of this place take yourself out to the city and eat real tapas it will be a better experience then this place. First of all the "sangria" tasted like syrup, the steak dishes taste like they got the last of the meat from the butcher that was 1/2 price and the chicken was so overcooked it was like eating string. The dishes have no flavor, they are all bland, tapas is suppose to be a flavorful experience. Don't get me started on the empanadas...they were so hard you needed a steak knife to cut. And the atmosphere is so uppity, tapas is about talking and enjoying everyones company, this place feels like a library. The only good thing about this place is the grounds are absolutely beautiful its just such a shame they put this horrible restaurant on it. Do you self a favor go down the street to Macarena Tapas its half the price and 10 times better food! You wont be disappointed!
(1)Joedel G.
We went to this restaurant on friday, it was a special day indeed because it was my wifes birthday. We've heard this place before but it was our first time to dine at Meson Sabika. Mmmm, what can I say, of course we tried the sangria as recommended by our server, very refreshing chilled wine with a very little kick. I tried the tostadas de caviar which is very good, it blended well with the mojito which my wife ordered, although she didn't like it 'cause it a little bit stronger as what she expected. We also tried a variety of hot Tapas like Salmón A La Plancha, Queso De Cabra ( my kids love this so much ), Patatas Bravas, grilled squid, vegetable paella, etc. We ended our dinner with two kinds of dessert, Flan Del Meson Sabika and Crema De Chocolate. One thing I've noticed though that our server did not take down his notes while we were ordering, so he had two mistakes, one was giving us baileys? instead of Mojito and we were served an extra paella, which we returned it of course. But it was really a great experience and despite of a little confusions, we gave our server a decent tip since he deserve it. Oh before I forget this retaurants structure is amazing, it's like a mansion converted into a restaurant, check the photos in their site. To complete the spanish ambience they have a Spanish guitarist with a flamenco dancer, Ole !!!... Strongly recommended.
(4)Suzanne V.
My first Yelp event tonight...food, drink..service was great! Music was great! Beautiful night!!
(5)Jen D.
I have been a patron of this establishment for better part of 15 years; well before it was called Meson Sabika. The tapas is excellent but I feel the need to post the lack of customer service we experienced along with the large error in our bill that remains uncorrected. When the large group of us paid the bill, I gave my debit card with instructions to charge $20 to the card. The receipt I signed appeared to say $20. Imagine my surprise when my bank alerted me that the ENTIRE BILL had been charged to my bank! I approached the manager who did not help and did not credit the amount because he didn't "have a code" to do so. I have never experienced such a shady exchange with any restaurant. He refused to assist in any way and offered no solution to credit me as deserved, he defended his wait staff and said, "he said he did not enter this amount". My bank has a cease charge and will be investigating Meson Sabika. I warn you to not hand your debit card over to this establishment. Meson Sabika has no problem taking my cash without my permission and I'm sure they will do the same to you.
(2)Emi D.
They are in an old mansion and absolutely gorgeous. I recommend Sunday branch sitting patio under sunshine with good food. It is so beautiful time. The service and staff are great too.
(4)Chris H.
Meson Sabika has jumped the shark. It's a shadow of what it used to be. 15 years in Naperville, going to Meson Sabika several times a year, and after tonight's visit we decided we're not going back. Had a reservation, seated right away, then waited almost 15 minutes for a server to come to our table. Finally flagged down the manager to get a server, and when he arrived at our table, he was literally dripping with sweat. Eww. The service was so slow, and the dining room so incredibly loud, a couple seated behind us canceled their order and walked out! The tapas are still good, but trust me when I tell you, they have gone downhill. My son's Ginger ale was delivered with a good-size bug floating in it, and we battled little gnats all through our meal...and we were seated inside. After the Ginger ale episode, the manager came over and gave a little speech about how the bug in the drink and the time we waited were "unacceptable," and "dessert was on them.". Well, the bill came (2 hours and 10 minutes later!) and guess what? Charged full price for everything. I made a comment to the manager on the way out, and he spoke to me as if I were an idiot, telling me that it listed the items that were comp'ed on the bottom of the receipt--as if I couldn't read. I replied that no, it said no such thing--because it didn't--and he smiled at me as if he were humoring a child (I'm about 20 yrs older than this schmo) and said he could check on it "if I wanted." I replied that all I wanted was to leave the place as soon as I could.
(2)Shirley M.
Our family's first choice is Meson Sabika if we're looking for a special night out. We ask for Servers Patti, Max or Herbert when we dine there. We each have our favorite dishes but have found that the servers always make excellent recommendations when it comes to food or drinks. The owner appears to be a charitable individual ~ participating in fundraisers and hosting a special Thanksgiving dinner for people who need a place to gather on that holiday.
(5)Mark S.
My wife loves this place. I balk because I go out to eat to get away from having to make decisions. I want to order and be done with it. But the food here is great. Go with a group so you can try lots of stuff and maybe no one will notice if you zone out on sangria and let others do the ordering.
(4)Sheila Y.
I thought this place would be amazing and sadly it was not. I was also not super impressed by the decor, which I thought looked a bit shabby. I did not venture over to the bar which looked like it could be a great place to chill. I would definitely head back for that reason if the Sangria was a little bit tastier (amazingly the Sangria at Weber Grill is the best I have had so far...hands down). The group ordered up a ton of tapas and I will quickly touch on the ones I remember. Both of the soups (Gazpacho and Shrimp Bisque) were actually quite tasty. The Gazpacho had a great nuttiness imparted from ground almonds. We ordered four things off the specials of the day menu and I was disappointed that a few came out on top of mildly flavorfull tomatoes. The white smelts were decent and the asparagus wrapped in proscuitto was tasty. I think the grilled calamari was prepared nicely and the bacon wrapped figs was nice. One other general observation was that many of the dishes came to the table resting on a creamy tomato-based sauce which was special the first time around but after two or three lost its oomph. For dessert we had a poached pear and something chocolatey. Since I can't really remember them its a bad sign. Overall, this place is decent, but I will not be making a return trip with the precious Chicago time I have left.
(3)Daniel W.
great place for Tapas and non-alcoholic Sangria (is that possible?). The atmosphere etc is great. very romantic.
(4)charlotte s.
being that it's not in a big city, i'll give it a higher rating... but had this restaurant been in a metropolitan city, then they would have had to tweak their skills a bit more in order to survive... the family came here for new year's dinner which was a tasting menu. none of the dishes were particularly 'creative' or unique... felt very culinary school textbook-like... but at least everything was fresh... the servers and bussers seemed to try and do their best but there were still communication issues between them as they seemed to have a difficult time with the timing and coursing of each item in the tasting menu. the pacing was off and the food seemed to start overlapping each other with less and less time between the food. at one point we had two courses almost at the same time.... that should be a no no... if they saw the people still eating their food, they should just take the plate back... oh well... and i will not go into their inability of 'pre-setting' for each course... they had a flamenco dancer perform which was a nice attempt but with the bad acoustics as well as the genre of music, it didn't quite come out right... i know it's a tapas restaurant, but flamenco just didn't seem like the right kind of music to play for this atmosphere... the location where this restaurant is located is beautiful. an old house with beautiful grounds... the private party space next to the old house looked nice too but kinda interesting since the party had a DJ spinning... definitely a different vibe from our flamenco music... haha...
(4)Nelson S.
This is a great place to go with friends, order a bunch of different tapas and pass it around. The masion is very romantic and has a very elegant touch to it. We had great service and was very happy with the experience. Always look forward to coming here!
(4)