Proximo

We've been to our fair share of tapas spots and all of the chef's current digs. Proximo was good, but I think it's trying too hard. The service was excellent. Our server knew everything (except what a paella was). He helped pair some fabulous wines and cordials. The cheese selections and the desserts were absolutely top notch and memorable. The other dishes were just alright. Unfortunately our ribs were a bit dry and the iberico was somewhat tasteless. The wine selection is short but unique and the lack of liquor license is a bit odd, considering their other spots have them. The price was great, but the dishes are rushed. Like, supersonic speed coming from the kitchen. I expected to spend some time there but everything happened so fast, we were in and out...not like a typical tapas. So, take that for what you will and maybe because it's a small seated area, their expectation is you come and go? Not sure, but I think they're trying something here that misses the mark. Quick Edit: I don't know what some of the reviews are saying that you have difficulty choosing dishes and couldn't order all of them. Honestly, this place is so affordable. If you're a foodie, and you're coming here to review, there's no reason you can't fit the bill to try them all. We almost completed the menu and with a bottle of reserve wine and were quite happy with the overall price.

Somehow, this new jewel of a restaurant magically appeared in the middle of the block directly across from the UNC campus, in a stretch that historically catered to either students or tourists visiting for a sporting event. Cutting to the chase: It's another excellent offering by Chef Brandon Sharp (Hawthorne & Wood, Bluebird). It's great. You should go. The details: Elevated Spanish tapas. Small plates, authentic top shelf-ingredients, thoughtful flavor and texture pairings, both authentic and re-imagined Spanish dishes, excellently curated Spanish wines, knowledgeable and friendly qait staff. Sit at the counter for the 'show' (full view of the kitchen), or in the back for cozy and dimly lit booths. Highly recommended!

A new restaurant serving delicious Spanish tapas. The small restaurant is quite crowded as there is limited seating especially for dinner. The service is very friendly and helpful. The waitress can help to pair the tapas with the drinks. Had a fantastic time trying out various tapas with my family. Will be back to try out more different tapas.

Our new favorite spot in the triangle. Truly an unexpected gem! Lots of amazing flavors and choices with great wine pairings. They have a gluten free menu for those with allergies! They were very accommodating.

Great Experience at Proximo! This was my first time at Proximo, and I had a fantastic experience. The service was impressively quick, and the ambiance was both cozy and intimate. We ordered the evening special--shrimp & chorizo paella--which was absolutely delicious. While waiting, we enjoyed a selection of appetizers, including seared cauliflower, warm olives, yellowfin tuna, and patatas bravas (not pictured). Every dish was bursting with flavor and freshness! Overall, an excellent visit--I'll definitely be back!

I want to start this review but saying what a breath of fresh air it is to have Proximo downtown on Franklin Street. The owners have done wonders with the tight space that was vacated by Ye Olde Waffle House years ago. Regarding the food and experience - our party of three ordered about 3 to 4 plates per person, which is what the server recommended to start with. We also ordered the paella special. We had so many great plates, several that were good, some were just okay, and maybe only one that was just meh. Home runs: the pork ribs were out of this world good and were garnished with some delicious pieces of peach. The yellowfin tuna was great as well and we thoroughly enjoyed the watermelon gazpacho. Our son did not share the jumbo lump crab with us but he said it was his favorite and that it deserves to be up here. Plates that were pretty good: We liked the crispy potatoes and the scallops. The olives were decent and a nice starter. We had the chocolate mousse dessert and I really enjoyed it. The Jamon Iberico was good but not great. For $19, one of the pricier items on the menu, I was hoping for more (the bread it was served with was on point, however). Misses: the only item we ordered that was a miss was the hot ham and cheese sandwich, which the server recommended for my son. He didn't care for it. He was expecting something similar to a grilled cheese sandwich. I tried it and thought it was either rushed or incomplete...something seemed off. Anyways - for ordering so many different tapas I felt that they got nearly everything right which is saying something. That brings me to the paella. I didn't catch the full name and description of the paella special as it was very loud at time we were ordering. It received mixed reviews from my crew. My wife and son weren't fans of it but it really grew on me. Besides the chorizo and shrimp this paella variety had a lot of olives.. and by a lot I mean it was more olivey than any paella I've ever tasted. Now, I love olives so I thought it was pretty damn good. Not everyone will feel the same way and I wouldn't be surprised if they serve different varieties of paella depending on the week or time of year. I highly recommend Proximo if you have a group of 3 or 4 friends and want a different experience eating out in Chapel Hill. As for myself - I look forward to going back very soon and sitting at the counter (we sat at a table in the back corner). We tried a lot tonight but there's still half the menu I haven't tried. Plus I would like some of that jumbo lump crab next time around.

Excellent! Great food. Great service. Great decor. Love the complimentary sparkling water. Many dishes surprised me. Very dark in the back. Will come back for the dishes we didn’t try. And best of all it’s a Resy restaurant so the new Amex Platinum credit will work here. This place fills up quickly so make a reservation.

Boy did this place live up to the hype. Every single dish was incredible- the attention to detail was exceptional. Sitting at the counter you get a front line view of all the dishes coming out- Brandon the chef was very cordial with us and asked how our experience was going. Our server (Madeline?) was also great- answered any questions we had about any dishes, and made sure to discuss portion sizing since it’s all tapas. Next time we go we’ll bring friends so we can order more of the menu!!