We had reservations for a Wednesday night at the tiny but inviting Casa Molina on Manitoba Street in Mount Pleasant. The cozy converted house was full but not loud with dim lighting and close‑set tables for an almost home‑dinner vibe. From my visit, we shared three standout plates. The alcachofas con jamón paired confit baby artichokes with roasted onion and jamón Ibérico. It was a good balance of textures and classic Spanish seasoning. The ensalada de ajo blanco con tomates asados y atún semicurado brought a creamier, richer profile: silky almond‑garlic dressing on fire‑roasted tomatoes with chunks of semi‑cured tuna and a drizzle of ash oil that added a nice aromatic note. The arroz negro arrived with seafood mixed into deeply flavoured squid‑ink rice; it was hot, savoury, and rich, perfect with a squeeze of lemon and garlicky aioli. Service was a definite high point! It was warm, knowledgeable, and paced so we weren't rushed. Portions were generous enough for sharing among two, especially with the more substantial rice dish in play. That said, the overall meal trended toward the rich and dense, so pairing with a couple of the lighter salads or crisp wines next time would help round things out. Would recommend for for date nights, small groups, or anyone curious about Spanish flavours. Lighter eaters might want to mix in a salad or a vegetable forward plate to balance the richer offerings. read more

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Casa Molina is a Spanish restaurant located in a cute, red house. The food here is meant to be shared family style. We ordered a whole bunch of stuff. I could list them all by name but some of the names are quite long and might not mean much to anyone who doesn't speak Spanish! The Paella dishes are the filler dishes and then we ordered smaller appy sized dishes to get a little taste of things here and there. A noodle dish called Mariscos Fideua was highly recommended so we made sure to order that. On top of that we ordered 2 different types of Paella. One had chicken & rabbit in it while the other had squid ink in it. While the Paellas weren't bad, we all preferred the appetizer dishes better. There was a potato salad dish that had tuna and anchovy in it, which seemed to be quite the crowd pleaser at our table. I wouldn't have minded a larger serving of that. Whole roasted sea bass was also quite nice. There was at least one of each type of dessert on our table. A Basque Country Cheesecake, a Torrijas (Spanish style Brioche French Toast) and Ice cream. For the ice cream, some of us ordered Rum n Raisin while others ordered Turron. When we asked what Turron was, the waitress described it as an almond candy somewhat similar to Marzipan. After trying it...can't say it tasted anything like Marzipan to me. It had a nice roasted almond flavor, but it didn't taste like Marzipan and the texture was quite grainy. Enjoyed the flavor but would have enjoyed this Turron ice cream more if the texture of the ice cream had been smoother. The rum in the Rum n Raisin ice cream was very very strong! I half questioned whether it would be safe for me to get behind the wheel of my car after eating this ice cream! I have not ordered Rum n Raisin ice cream very often throughout my life so I could be wrong but my impression is that the rum should be more subtle and not quite so potent. Less potent would certainly be my personal preference even if it's not the standard around here! Still a good ice cream. Especially if you're someone who likes rum. Just a matter of personal preference. Service: Good Parking: Paid parking on the street read more

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Checked out Casa Molina, a Spanish spot, on a weekend evening. They took over the space from Mangia Cucina & Bar. Service was friendly. Their speciality is paella; $56.00 (small) to $122.00 (large). - Artisan bread ($6.00) with tomato rallado ($3.00) - fresh bread. Skip the grated tomato - Ensalada de ajo blanco con tomates asados y atun semicurado ($22.00) - small plate of roasted peppers, semi-cured tuna, pine nuts and orange. Nice sauce that paired well with the bread - Patatas bravas ($15.00) - solid filler - Carrilleras de res ($38.00) - tender beef cheek with a tasty sweet potato purée underneath - Duck paella ($68.00 small) - duck was medium rare. Paella was a touch bland - Arroz negro paella ($64.00 small) - squid ink was richer, more flavourful 3.5 stars. read more

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We came for an early dinner on a weekend and managed to snag a seat at the bar. Service was super nice and friendly. Very attentive and could tell our needs without being asked Drinks - both drinks that we got were good. Would come back for those Gambas ($17) - shrimp was perfectly cooked. Very good snap and garlic flavour was good. I would order this again Cachopo ($39) - the fried beef steak was okay but I felt like it needed something extra. Maybe a sauce. The manchego cheese was lost in the frying. Nothing oozed out when cut into. The meat wasn't super tender. Felt a bit disappointed with this dish Pulpo ($36) - octopus with puree was interesting. The octopus was tender but the puree felt like apple sauce baby food. Didn't go very well with the octopus. But it's seasonal so it could always change Overall I felt like the food was okay. Maybe we need to try the paella to get a good feel of the flavours here read more

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We ordered a bunch of dishes to share. The ENSALADA DE AJO BLANCO CON TOMATES ASADOS Y ATÚN SEMICURADO Was delicious and it enjoyed the slightly acidic taste. PATA DE PULPO CON SOBRASADA The Octopus was tender and flavorful. Served in multiples of three and priced by the piece. JAMÓN / / GAMBAS / / ESPINACAS The spinach and shrimp were my favorite. I could eat a bunch of these all in one go. CACHOPO The breaded beef tenderloin was a bit disappointing, nothing really special. VALENCIANA (CHICKEN & RABBIT) The chicken and rabbit were tender. The rabbit tasted like chicken and wasn't gamey. MARISCOS (SEAFOOD) This paella had less flavor than the chicken and rabbit one. The service was exceptional. The server took the time to answer all our questions and explain their menu. read more

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I tried the Valenciana paella and i thought it was good, but nothing mind blowing...maybe my expectations were too high. My favourite dishes were the croquetas with jamon and gambas as well as the jamon Iberico. read more

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2nd best paella in the world and it DEF owned up to the title! monthly foodie grp gathering and we decided to go spanish this month the restaurant is inside a home so def don't miss it like i did the homey feel radiates inside too - close tables, tight spaces etc. diego was our server of the night and he was amazing - attentive, knowledgeable and all ard great he was super helpful with ordering how many dishes, what wine to have with the paella etc. i also would like to announce to the world that julia has found her (other) HG cocktail - agua de valencia. where have you been all of julia's life food wise, we went with 4 dishes - we started with jamón ibérico and escalivada. you can't go wrong with the ibérico ham so no complaints there! the eggplant dish was...surprising. we thought the dish was going to be warm but it wasn't - it's more like an antipasto, which is fine but warning for others! the artisan bread that got with it for extra $$ was delish and worked well with the dish. the escalivada is on lighter side of seasoning so if you looking for stronger flavours - this isn't it. after that, the main feature came - we had the arroz negro paella. squid ink - def not a 1st date thing ok. we ordered the small size and it was perfect as we had other dishes. s found it to be too salty - "it tastes like the sea" - but i thought it was ok. the lemon and garlic aioli adds more depth to the dish. i wanted more carbs so patatas bravas was ordered - the potatoes were crispy and who could say no to more garlic? all in all, loved the dinner in this homey setting - i felt like i was having dinner at a spanish frd's house. need to come back and try the other paellas! read more

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I love Spanish food, so once I found out Casa Molina opened up, I made the first reservation I could to take my family here. I've been in the space before (when it was Mangia), and it's still the same tiny space inside a former home. We tried the following: - Salmorejo: Nicely presented. Contrasting flavours and textures. Good and worth trying but not necessarily something I would eat regularly. - Patatas Bravas: Very good. My kids loved this dish. - Paella Valenciana: Very good. The dish we craved and it delivered. Service was very pleasant and attentive. No issues with service. Overall, a very good meal. Enjoyed all the dishes, and service was good. My only real issue is that it seemed very expensive for the quantity we got. read more

Casa Molina - Paella Valenciana - Spanish Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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Just as my first time here in May, every dish still wowed me! Can't say enough how good food is here. They added a new tomato salad on their menu and I wasn't able to get what this dish is called. Picture below. Diego still remembers me and served us just like it's our first time here, except with more love. Will be back for sure. It's kinda difficult to book here because they're always busy, space is a bit limited. Knowing this, I booked last June for a dinner in August. read more

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Small plates served in a literal house! I'm glad this location was picked up after Mangia Cucina & Bar left. It's one of those settings that make you feel cared for. True to Spanish light bites /tapas style, this is a place best left to grab a few bites, enjoy some drinks and socialize with friends. I shall preface to say I didn't get any paella this time but many of not all tables had one. It's definitely a hot item on the menu. Queso Espanoles - this was the small order. Came with 8 pieces of cheese & some delicious jelly. Quite small for sharing but I also eat a lot of cheese. None of the cheeses were particularly strong nor pungent. I wish this came with some pieces of cracker or vessels to eat the cheese /spread jelly on. Artisan Bread - delicious homemade bread. Came with about 5 pieces. Croquetas - my personal favorite was the mushroom ones they had then the spinach. Wasn't a big fan of the jamon or gambas on this one. Tad too salty for me. Salmorejo - most interesting dish visually. I really liked how the cheese & chilled tomato soup paired. It's not quite ice cream ice cream but cold. Gambas - delicious. So good I wish I ordered 2. I think there were about 5 large pieces. Cheesecake- almost didn't get this as my date doesn't like blue cheese but honestly it's so light, you can barely taste it. I enjoyed this one quite a bit. It was light, fluffy and a perfect end to the meal. Overall, I find the price point a bit on the steeper side here but good is good and staff are friendly. Good place to go for drinks and a bite or two but probably not on an empty stomach. read more

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The food and service were excellent. The ambiance was warm and welcoming. First time here for our group of six and we enjoyed the food tremendously! read more

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Loved the atmosphere here, lighting and decoration are nicely set up. Food is great too but some of them are a little pricey.

Casa Molina is a charming spot founded by the award-winning Paella Guys that serves a true taste of Spain. The menu is full of Spanish favourites -- including the second-best paella in the world! Whether you're a fan of traditional tapas, or a paella full of flavour, every dish is a masterpiece showcasing the skills and passion of the Chef. Nestled in a beautiful heritage home, Casa Molina offers an intimate, and inviting atmosphere that perfectly sets the stage for an unforgettable meal. Enjoy authentic dishes with enticing aromas, vibrant flavours, and rich textures, that will make you feel as if you've been whisked away to Barcelona! - WHAT WE TRIED Artisan Bread ($9) with Garlic Aioli ($3) I'll admit, I'm not usually one to splurge on bread at a restaurant--I'd rather save my dollars for an extra appetizer or dessert. But this time, I'm glad we did. The artisan bread had a perfectly chewy crust and a soft, moist crumb that left us wanting more. We enjoyed it so much that we ordered a second portion! Jamón Iberico ($29 | Large Size) Dry-cured for 48 months and made with premium 100% acorn-fed Spanish ibérico ham, the Jamón Iberico was rich, savoury, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. A true delicacy! Huevo Trufado Con Espuma De Patata ($18) Described on the menu as "sous vide egg, potato foam, truffle, and paja potatoes," we were unsure of what to expect. However, it turned out to be an amazing surprise! The dish had such interesting textures and a delightful mix of flavours. It was incredibly creamy, rich, and wonderfully truffly -- just incredible! Croquetas ($36 | $6ea) These croquetas are a must-try! Priced per piece and served in multiples of three, they were one of the highlights of our meal. Each bite offers a perfect crunch on the outside and a creamy, flavour-packed inside. Our favourite was the gambas (shrimp), but the jamón and espinacas (spinach) were equally delightful. You can't go wrong with any of them! Pata de Pulpo Con Patata ($32) This dish of traditional Spanish octopus with Madeline potatoes, olive oil, and spicy pimentón was a delightful experience! The octopus had an amazing texture with a slight char that added a wonderful depth of flavour. While we loved the octopus, we felt the spicy pimentón could have used a bit more kick to truly stand out. However, when combined with the potatoes, it was a fantastic mix--a must-try for seafood lovers! Mariscos Paella ($62 | Small Size) Known for serving the second-best paella in the world, our expectations were sky-high for The Paella Guys' Mariscos (seafood) Paella. Featuring Argentinian prawns, shrimp, squid, scallops, mussels, clams, red pepper, onion, and seafood stock, this dish did not disappoint! The paella was incredibly rich and flavorful, packed with a generous amount of seafood, and perfectly complemented by house-made garlic aioli and lemon wedges served on the side. The prawns, in particular, were large, meaty, and absolutely delicious. Prepared using the traditional Valencian method with house-made sofrito, pimentón, and saffron, this dish requires a minimum of 20-30 minutes of preparation time. The rice, imported from Albufera, ensures authenticity in every bite. Basque Country Cheesecake ($15) Made with blue cheese, the Basque Country Cheesecake is incredibly creamy yet light. However, I wish it had been a bit more burnt to balance the sweetness with a hint of bitterness. The added caramelized flavour from a more burnt exterior would have perfectly complemented the rich, creamy interior, making it even more enjoyable. As it stands, we found that the heavy creaminess was just a touch overwhelming after a few bites. Torrijas ($15) A Spanish-style brioche French toast served with house-made vanilla bean ice cream, almond flakes, and citrus zest -- this was so much better than regular French toast! It's a heavenly treat that strikes the perfect balance of sweetness, enhanced by a hint of bitterness from the bruléed sugar top, and a delightful, subtle citrus flavour. This was one of the best (and most memorable) desserts I've had in a long time! - Yes, the prices are on the higher end (as expected in Vancouver) and the portion sizes are smaller in comparison to the price point, but you are paying for top-notch, great-tasting authentic Spanish cuisine. Beyond the food, the attentive and friendly staff elevated the dining experience and made us feel right at home. Overall, Casa Molina is a cosy restaurant with a big Spanish heart -- it's a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Spanish cuisine in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. We loved every dish and savoured every bite from our visit. If you're a fan of Spanish food or curious to try it, we highly recommend this spot. You'll leave full and happy, guaranteed! Instagram Reel: https://bit.ly/4cHw4RC read more

Casa Molina - Mariscos Paella (Small) - Spanish Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Love the atmosphere of the place situated in an old house. From the first greeting, friendly staff, service, food recommendations (seafood was cooked perfectly) all spot on. We'll be back. read more

Amazing, they have such great service, it was my partner's birthday and they gifted us with a paella spoon. Also, the food was amazing!

WOWWWW!! this is now one of my favourite restaurants. we came here with a group of 6 people, and were seated at the table in the window. it was so cute and comfy, the interior is small but it really has an intimate and cozy feel. our server was amazing - we asked him for his recommendations and ordered everything to share. We tried almost all of the starters - highlights for me were the croquetas (the shrimp one was the best) and the salmorejo (basically a cold tomato soup but the flavour is TO DIE FOR and I LOVED the manchego ice cream). The beef cheeks were also fantastic. For paellas we ordered both the seafood and the one with rabbit, I really preferred the rabbit one as it was more flavorful. Overall, 10/10 for food and service. Will absolutely be back. read more

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Great spot! Loved the vibe, the food, and the service. Great spot for a date night. We especially loved the pulpo which was perfectly prepared. Just taking off one star since they don't do modifications to any dishes - since I can't eat red peppers I couldn't try any of the paella, darn! Still enjoyed everything we tried! read more

Best paella and drinks in town ! Patatas bravas are on point! Fideo negro is spectacular but the drinks are my favorite, specially Cafe con leche read more

A great disappointment. Staff was very nice and helpful. Salad was great but the dish we were looking forward to was the Paella. When it arrived it was a grey colour with some seafood sitting on top. No flavour of the seafood in the rice and the seafood looked like it had been frozen. The next week I looked up some paella recipes and made one myself that was great. Unfortunately we will not be returning for another meal here that cost $110.00 each with only one glass of wine and one glass of Sangria. read more

The space, ambiance, and service were fantastic but I was disappointed with the quality of the food. We got the patatas bravas, the octopus, and the croquetas and three kinds of paellas, all which were average. The salads were yummy. The paellas were dry and not very tasty. It was quite a disappointing meal since we had heard so much about the paellas and also due to the price. I really wanted to like it more! read more