La Vieja Castilla

“The food is fantastic, the owners make you feel at home and they were open on Thanksgiving which...”

The food is fantastic, the owners make you feel at home and they were open on Thanksgiving which was awesome and convenient. This would be great place for a date or meeting friends and family.

Jeff Figaro

Nov 2025

“Great service, I felt like I was eating at my family's.”

Great service, I felt like I was eating at my family's. The food is also full of flavor, will be back. Delicious hidden gem in blue island, check it out.

Sade Luna

Sep 2025

“Very appropriate for the moment.”

Very appropriate for the moment. Very good food, appreciated service. Thank you to the owner and the staff, we are from Canada, via Chicago to home, first time trying Spanish cuisine it was delicious.

H W.

Aug 2025

“A Flavorful Escape to Spain (with a Hint of Ecuador) at La Vieja Castilla – Blue Island, IL ...”

A Flavorful Escape to Spain (with a Hint of Ecuador) at La Vieja Castilla – Blue Island, IL Nestled in the heart of Blue Island, La Vieja Castilla offers a rare and delightful fusion of Spanish tradition and Latin American flair. From the moment we walked in, we were enveloped by a cozy charm—the interior may be older, but it’s thoughtfully decorated, evoking the warm rustic elegance of an old Castilian tavern. The Paella Valenciana was easily the crown jewel of our meal. Overflowing with an incredible bounty of seafood, it surpassed any other version we’ve tasted—generous in both portion and quality. Each bite carried layers of flavor that hinted at a Latin American twist, likely an Ecuadorean influence from the cook, who masterfully wove in spices reminiscent of Ecuadorian cuisine. It was savory, slightly smoky, and vibrantly spiced, standing out as a reinterpretation of the classic while still honoring its roots. The empanadas (beef and chicken) and croquetas echoed that same beautiful blend. While clearly inspired by Spanish tradition in their crisp texture and rich fillings, their seasoning and finish carried subtle but unmistakable Latin American notes, giving each bite a touch of originality without straying too far from the authentic. The lentil soup was hearty and comforting—perfectly seasoned, brimming with earthy depth. It served as a perfect counterbalance to the rich flavors of the other dishes. And the stuffed mushrooms? Decadent and satisfying, with a bold savory stuffing that danced on the palate. Of course, no Spanish outing is complete without sangria. Our pitcher was strong and superbly blended, featuring brandy that elevated the flavor to a more authentic and robust profile than most American interpretations. It was refreshing, potent, and perfectly paired with the warmth of the food. Service was top-tier throughout our visit—attentive, personable, and genuinely passionate about the food. That hospitality, combined with the layered flavors and generous portions, made it easy to sink into the experience and savor every moment. In all, La Vieja Castilla is a gem: a restaurant that respects Spanish culinary heritage while embracing the unique spices and spirit of Latin America. It’s rare to find a place where both influences complement rather than compete. This was a memorable visit, and we’ll absolutely return. Bravo to the chef and the team—this was a flavorful journey worth repeating.

Art Arellano

Jul 2025

“Absolutely the BEST food!”

Absolutely the BEST food!! Blue Island’s hidden gem 💎 We ordered one of each of their empanadas,so delicious! I especially recommend the chicken ones. The Albóndigas de Jerez paired perfectly with the Galicia bread,mouthwatering! The cheeseburger was massive and totally worth it. And the Paella de Mariscos? Incredible! 🤤 10/10! The portions were generous, the drinks were great, and the staff made us feel so welcomed. They even surprised us with a few complimentary dishes, which was such a sweet touch. Truly a top-tier experience,I’ll definitely be coming back. Highly recommend!

Vanessa Angel

Jul 2025

“A magnificent meal and the warmest, most accommodating hosts — we’ll definitely be back.”

A magnificent meal and the warmest, most accommodating hosts — we’ll definitely be back. Spanish tapas done right is hard to beat.

David Stejkowski

Jun 2025

“La Vieja Castilla is a great little spot in Blue Island.”

La Vieja Castilla is a great little spot in Blue Island. The place feels really cozy and welcoming, perfect for a relaxed meal. The seafood paella was amazing—super flavorful—and the empanadas and flan were just as good. You can tell they put a lot of care into their food and service. The staff was friendly and attentive, and the vibe of the restaurant makes you want to come back. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area and craving some good Spanish food.

J.C. Chavez

Jun 2025

“Came with my sisters for dinner and we had a wonderful time sharing food and Sangria.”

Came with my sisters for dinner and we had a wonderful time sharing food and Sangria. My recommendation, try everything! We didn’t have a single dish that wasn’t good. I recommend the Sangria, not too sweet, smooth and inviting with every dish we ordered.

TheBigBandWolf

Mar 2025

“An incredible paella in a spectacular place.”

An incredible paella in a spectacular place. You must try the garlic bread, which is exquisite and also the soup of the day is very tasty. I also recommend the fried calamari or if you want, the meat "pincho" are very good and also the empanadas which are delicious. And their house sauces are unique.

Mario Morales (El Buen Mario)

Jan 2024

“Nice welcoming atmosphere.”

Nice welcoming atmosphere. Very friendly and efficient service. Went on Sunday afternoon and tried the empanadas and croquettes which were amazing. Best empanadas I’ve ever tasted. We will definitely be back to try other things on the menu.

Maria Dailey

Sep 2023

“I have to say this has to be one of the best restaurants my girlfriend and I have been to, not only...”

I have to say this has to be one of the best restaurants my girlfriend and I have been to, not only because of the food, but because of the service. We were actually coming out of three sisters antique mall when we stumbled upon this restaurant. We've never had Spanish food, so we figured why not try something new. Upon entering you are greeted with a smile. Our waiter was very patient and helped us with recommendations. We felt very welcomed. The chef even brought out a portion of our meals with a warm smile. The food WAS AMAZING, from the lentil soup to the empanadas. We were smiling throughout the whole meal. The empanadas were golden brown and smooth, crunchy on the outside and tender and delicious on the inside. Any restaurant can have great food, but what stuck out the most from our experience is how the restaurant felt like HOME and that's what will make us come back

Jose Huerta

Sep 2023

“La Vieja Castilla is a cozy and charming restaurant located in Blue Island that offers a delicious...”

La Vieja Castilla is a cozy and charming restaurant located in Blue Island that offers a delicious taste of traditional Spanish cuisine. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted with a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel at home. The menu at features a variety of traditional Spanish dishes, including paella, tortilla de patatas, and Empanadas. The food is prepared with the freshest ingredients resulting in dishes that are bursting with flavor. But One of the standout dishes that is a must-try on their menu are the home made empanadas. They are a perfect blend of savory and spicy flavors wrapped in a crispy, golden pastry shell. The filling is made with high-quality ingredients and features a variety of options including chicken, beef, and vegetarian options. Each empanada is generously filled, providing a hearty and satisfying meal and with each bite full of flavor. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the dish is large enough to share with a group. In addition to the food, the service is excellent. The staff are attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. They are always happy to make recommendations and provide information about the dishes. La Vieja Castilla is an excellent restaurant that delivers a taste of Spain in the heart of Blue Island. With delicious food, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and excellent service, Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a full meal, it is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic Spanish dining experience. This is definitely a restaurant to check out.

Moises Treviño Garcia

May 2023