On Friday, February 28, Macarena will open its doors in Downtown Palo Alto, marking the launch of Macarena Restaurant Group’s first venture in the United States. Founded by husband and wife duo David Linares and Elizabeth Reviriego, alongside Spanish chef partners Toni Santanach and Sergio Box, the restaurant is set to bring a classic yet contemporary Spanish dining experience to Silicon Valley. Housed in the former Bird Dog space at 420 Ramona Street, Macarena brings Spanish culinary traditions, deeply rooted in the art of gathering, sharing, and savoring exceptional food.
Named after the spirit of Spanish culture, Macarena is a love letter to Spain’s vibrant heritage—one that has shaped its gastronomy for centuries, blending history with a modern sensibility. Inspired by the timeless image of the flamenco woman, Macarena embodies the passion, elegance, and strength of Spanish culture—not just in its bold flavors but in the artistry, movement, and soul of its people.
At the heart of Macarena’s identity is a fictional yet deeply symbolic Spanish woman—an homage to the generations who have preserved and elevated Spain’s culinary and cultural legacy. She represents tradition and modernity, heritage and reinvention—capturing the essence of Spain’s past while embracing the spirit of today.
“At Macarena, we cook with our hearts rooted in the traditions that have always defined us—the flavors of our childhood, the meals we grew up with, and the ancestors who passed down these recipes.” said Toni Santanach, Executive Chef/Partner in a statement.
Guided by Chef Sergio Box and Toni Santanach, Macarena’s menu is an ode to Spanish tradition, reimagined through high-quality cuisine featuring tapas, paellas, and seasonal specialties that celebrate the country’s diverse flavors. Santanach states, “Together, we’ve crafted a selection of traditional tapas that honor our roots. We’re not here to reinvent—we simply want to share what moves us and connect you to our story, preserving the flavors that shaped us. This is Macarena—a heartfelt journey to bring the essence of Spain to every table.”
The menu is divided into three shareable sections: Classic Tapas, Paellas, and ‘Las flores’ (vegetables), followed by a selection of main entrées and desserts. With a commitment to offering something truly valuable for vegetarians and those seeking healthier options, Macarena highlights the richness of Spain’s seasonal produce in the ‘Las flores’ section. These thoughtfully crafted vegetable-forward dishes provide an authentic taste of Spanish cuisine while ensuring a well-rounded dining experience for all guests.
Serving a selection of classic tapas, including Croquetas de Jamón, filled with 100% jamón ibérico; Churros Bravos, a unique twist on patatas bravas with crispy potato churros and brava sauce; Gambas al Pil-Pil, tender shrimp in garlic sauce with roasted garlic cream; Buñuelos, traditional Manchego and Parmesan cheese balls; Tataki de Atún with orange marinade; and Cocotte de Rabo de Toro, slow-cooked to perfection. Additionally, a tableside Iberian charcuterie experience, led by a professional Jamón carver, will visit each table, serving hand-carved Jamón Ibérico de bellota alongside a selection of traditional cured meats.
There will be five variations of paella to choose from, including a classic Paella ‘del Senyoret’, made with squid, mussels, and octopus, with shellfish for easy eating; Paella de Presa Ibérica, highlighting the special shoulder cut Presa Ibérica and chickpeas; Paella Negra con Vieiras, a squid ink paella with scallops, mussels, and cuttlefish, brushed with saffron sauce; Vegan Paella, prepared with seasonal mushrooms and vegetables; and Rossejat de Fideuà, a traditional seafood noodle paella with squid and shrimp.
Macarena’s vegetable-forward dishes highlight the beauty of Spain’s produce, featuring Artichoke Flowers, confit artichokes topped with parmesan snow; Lettuce Flower, a vibrant salad with baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, baby zucchini, and radish; and Blooming Onion, served with romesco sauce, among others. The featured entrées include Salmon en Papillote, Grilled Presa Ibérica Pork, oven-roasted lamb shank, Grilled Sea Bass with peas in a Jamón Ibérico sauce, and a char-grilled Dry-Aged Ribeye.
No European meal is complete without dessert and Macarena is opening with four standouts including Macarena’s Classic their Sacher Chocolate Cake with apricot jam and crispy praline, Gorgonzola Cheesecake with red berry coulis, Tiramisú de Melindro a traditional Catalan sponge cake with Marscarpone cream and coffee, and Saquets de Crema a crispy pastry with vanilla cream and melted chocolate.
“This menu is a celebration of emotion and memory. The paellas, deeply ingrained in my upbringing in Valencia, reflect more than just a dish; they embody family, Sundays, and the slow art of cooking over an open flame. The desserts are Toni’s true passion—since his youth, pastry has been his way of transforming simple ingredients into unforgettable experiences.” – Sergio Box, Chef/Partner
Macarena’s cocktail program, designed by Cristian Hornos, is an extension of its modern and immersive epicurean experience. A visionary in mixology, Cristian has spent over two decades redefining cocktail-making with his adventurous spirit driving his passion for pushing the boundaries of mixology, offering cocktails that are meant to be tasted, felt, and experienced.
Signature cocktails include Ay, Macarena!, a Mediterranean blend of Nordés Galician gin, thyme saccharum oil, fresh raspberry juice, and grapefruit soda; Agave Bleu, featuring blanco tequila, orange liqueur, house-extracted blue cheese essence, and lime juice; Melón con Jamón, an Amontillado fat-wash with Iberian ham, reposado tequila, and house-made melon extract; Palo Cortado Sour, crafted with Pisco, Palo Cortado sherry, fresh lime juice, and white truffle; Flor de Azafrán, a reposado tequila infused with saffron, orange liqueur, fresh mango, and ras el hanout; Coconut Sherry, a smoky mix of mezcal, Fino sherry, coconut juice, and grilled pineapple; and a classic Carajillo, made with vodka, coffee liqueur, 24-hour cold brew coffee, and coffee foam. All syrups are house-made extracts, ensuring bold, natural flavors in every sip.
Reimagined by Adean Studios to bring Art Nouveau and avant-garde classicism to life, Macarena’s design transforms the space into a sophisticated, immersive experience, balancing Spanish tradition with European charm in a modern, elevated setting. The restaurant unfolds in three distinct areas, each offering a unique ambiance. The bar is a striking showpiece, the main dining room is anchored by a majestic olive tree, surrounded by toffee velvet banquettes and rattan bistro chairs, blending warm textures with timeless style. The private dining room evokes the charm of an antique Spanish living room, complete with a large fireplace and vintage hanging lamps, creating an intimate, nostalgic setting. Outdoors, the décor takes on a softer, more inviting approach, with a classic awning and warmer tones that entice passersby.
The space draws inspiration from the folkloric traditions of the flamenco woman, translating classic Spanish aesthetics into a contemporary, sophisticated dining environment. Lush hues, fluid textures, and organic shapes define the space, reinterpreted through a modern lens. Mixed textiles, shimmering gold accents, and vintage-inspired elements create a timeless yet fresh ambiance, while muted green and wooden paneling offer a warm, inviting feel. Live greenery breathes life into the restaurant, complemented by bright chandeliers casting a soft, atmospheric glow.
Mixed textiles and shimmering gold accents evoke a timeless yet vintage ambiance, while muted green paneling, mustard-yellow velvet seating, and woven bistro chairs create a warm and inviting setting. Live greenery breathes life into the space, complemented by bright chandelier lights that add a soft, atmospheric glow.
The seamless indoor-outdoor layout immerses guests in the vibrant spirit of Spanish cities like Madrid and Sevilla, where leisurely dining is a cherished tradition. The ambiance evokes the lively charm of a bustling Spanish terrace—warm, inviting, and effortlessly chic—while embracing a refined, contemporary edge. More than just a restaurant, Macarena is an experience—a place where Spain’s rich traditions blend with the dynamic energy of Silicon Valley.
Macarena is located at 420 Ramona Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301.
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Thursday 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Friday 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
