Some of the best things come in small packages: diamonds, rainbow sprinkles, and videos of young piglets taking a bubble bath. Tapas also fits into this category, and Maripili serves the best we’ve tried in the city. That makes the Galician spot a no-brainer for double dates, low-stress special occasions, or solo mix-and-match appetizers at the bar. Maripili’s menu is one big case study in thoughtful simplicity. There’s acidity in a potent tangy fish broth saucing up ling cod and nutty manchego gnocchi, richness from runny egg weaving through tortilla de patata, and frankly, there’s a whole lot of triple garlic aioli. Their Spanish and Washington heavy wine list is a perfect match for fried snacks and these strong flavors, complete with everything from a crisp cava brut to a natural txakoli rosé that sips like a poblano-blasted paloma. Even though tapas are usually had with booze, non-drinkers can partake in that tradition with exciting mocktails—so go forth and pop your gumball-sized croquetas with a zero-proof gin and tonic that possesses all the botanical essence and bitterness of the real thing. Our only complaint after any meal at Maripili is that we wish the portions were bigger. By the time we really start to enjoy a dish, it’s gone. Sure, we could feasibly order duplicates of everything, but when the tapas prices range from $4 for some marcona almonds to $65 for tinned baby eels, building a full meal adds up fast. Though, there are worse problems than having food so excellent that we want more of it. And it’s easier to come to terms with the prices when the staff is so friendly, there’s an all-around upbeat energy, and the comfortable space has plenty of room to spread out with your pals and several plates involving iberico pork. Plus, Maripili is easy to get into, unlike a lot of Capitol Hill restaurants—many of them less exciting than this one. If you’re looking to get romantic at the bar with your significant other and a pile of fancy ham, there are often a couple of open seats, while scoring a reservation last minute for a party of six is usually doable. And if your current mood requires manchego cheesecake and sherry on the patio while you people-watch completely alone, only Maripili will do.