Picasso Restaurant and Tapas Bar

DowntownBethesda.com User Ratings and Reviews:

• 4 Stars by Alexandra on 09/16/06
  

  I became a weekly customer when my daughter was taking a class at Imagination Stage. My first visit was with a friend and our four children. The waiter was very personable. He quickly changed a nearby tv to a cartoon show (allowing my friend and me to enjoy a glass of sangria) and brought out some tasty chips and salsa. Our food was delicious. We had the shrimp in garlic appetizer and a Spanish tortilla. My lomo was also fantastic! The kids were happy with their meals too.
  
  The atmosphere was clean but the decor is confusing. The artificial flowers on the table and mauve paint doesn't seem to go with the theme. I would envision bright yellow or blue walls with some Picasso prints on the walls. Instead, I think there were some impressionistic prints.
  
  I still believe the food is delicious and the service friendly. If it were my restaurant, I would jazz up the marketing though.

• 1 Stars by Sweetpe607 on 07/18/06
  

  Comments
  I recently went to Picasso last week after the world cup. My friends and I saw this restaurant on our walk to the bar and decided that we would give it a chance. I first impression when we came in was of complete emptiness. A sign we should have payed more attention to. Still we felt sorry for the restaurant and decided maybe since it was hidden away that is why no one could see it and that accounted for how empty it was. All five of us sat down anyways and decided to try it out. We all placed our orders and waited. They brought out tortilla chips which were so stale and oily and salsa that I was appalled they could be serving at all. When our food came out it was hardly worth it. Everything was thrown together there was barely a taste of authenticity. Chicken was bland, seviche was so tastless and was obviously not fresh. I was so disappointed in all the food and water was never refilled even with what look like a waterboy standing by the bar. The waiter hardly paid any attention to what was going on. Another party came in they looked at us as confused, but by us being there they felt like maybe they could eat here. I wanted desperately to shout out go somewhere else. The waiter could barely even handle the extra group. We were waiting for what seemed like forever when we finally got him to stop and asked the waiter if he could please split the check because I wanted to pay for my friend's poor dinner. I only had a check card. As my friend begins speaking to him in spanish (yes she's the real deal she knows what this food should taste like) all I hear is her saying "Por favor" and him turning his back and saying loudly "No" followed by what I later learned was "No we do not split checks here!". Again we were abandoned waiting for him to come back. He comes back I explained to him I didn't have a ny cash if he could please just put a portion of it on my check card. He proceeds to get frustrated and upset and writes on the table what I owe. I was shocked I had never been treated in such a manner. After speaking nicely and calmly to this man he continued to be rude. I have been in the customer service industry for many years varying from the food industry to health care and I had never felt that if someone was trying to be nice would I be rude to them. So we paid and we decided you know what he did not deserve a tip. We decided to leave $2 which I thought was very kind. To my shock he comes out as we are about to leave and counts everything again. He then turns to us and says "You need to put 15%". Hahaha..I was so surprised and you have to understand I am the one that tips 20-25% to all the waiters. I know the work is hard. But this man did not even deserve a penny. I let him have it I pointed out the poor and disrespectful service he had given us and the quality of food. This man did not even apologize. He even proceeded to talk back. I was shocked. I will never be returning to this restaurant and I will let everyone know what a terrible experience I had. So be aware if you are in the mood for anything good avoid Picassi you will have better luck at Austin Grill.

• 4 Stars by Hyder80 on 03/17/06
  

  Food is your basic Central American staples with a few Spanish dishes thrown in, but all are well done. What makes it special is the staff, which is very attentive and kind; it's the kind of place where they remember you and are happy to see you again. Good to see that business here is picking up- they deserve it.

• 4 Stars by jimtbred on 01/22/06
  

  I've been there 4 times for lunch and once for dinner taking work associates, friends, and family, and we've always found the food very good. Our favorite is the paiella.