The great thing about tapas is that it invites you to linger at the table, sharing and chatting with friends and family, which is precisely what the folks at Cascal hope you'll do when you visit this popular Mountain View restaurant. The menu is inspired by traditional Spanish cuisine, and includes dishes like grilled octopus, wild mushroom empanadas, and spiced lamb meatballs served in an almond-tomato cream sauce.

Tapas is the main draw here, of course, but don't worry if you're not in the mood for shareable small dishes. The menu includes plenty of large plates, too (Yelpers recommend the slow-roasted pork shank with black beans, rice, and sweet potatoes, or the seafood-studded paella). The restaurant itself features high, airy ceilings and plenty of natural light, as well as colorfully painted walls and traditional that keep the place bright and cheerful. Grab a few friends and visit for a lively lunch or dinner.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr katinalynn