About US
Welcome to SER Restaurant
At SER, we serve authentic cuisine from Spain in a casual, friendly setting. Dining with us is a gastronomic journey and cultural adventure through every region of our beloved Spain.
Think of us as your foodie friends from Spain — with a professional kitchen, sharp cooking skills, and a comfortable house where you’re always welcome, day or night.
“SER” stands for Simple, Easy, Real — the way we believe food and life should be. Inspired by the traditions of Spain and the warmth of home, we prepare honest, flavorful dishes meant to be shared around the table.
Whether it’s paella on a Sunday, tapas with friends, or a family celebration, SER is a place to laugh, connect, and enjoy the simple pleasures of good food and good company.
Welcome home to SER — where everyone feels like family.
Enjoy!
Christiana & Javier
JAVIER CANDON
Proprietor & Chief "Make it Happen" Guy
Javier oversees front and back of the house operations at SER. He has more than 20 years of experience with both casual and fine dining establishments. His previous experience includes international work with leading hotels and world-renowned restaurants throughout Europe and the Caribbean, including the Hotel Melia Sevilla, Taberna del Alabardero, and Casa del Duque Vinoteca and Restaurant in Spain; Hotel Relais & Chateau Mas D’Artiny in France; and the Hotel RIU Melao and RIU Palace Macao in the Dominican Republic.
Javier graduated with honors from Europe’s prestigious Escuela Superior de Hosteleria de Sevilla. A native of Spain, he is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, French, and English. In his spare time, he fervently watches Real Madrid games, seeks new adventures with his two children and enjoys wine-ing and dine-ing his wife, Christiana, and hosting dinner parties for their friends and family.
CHRISTIANA CAMPOS
Proprietor, Publicist & Creative Director
With 20+ years of experience at top global PR agencies, Christiana puts a touch of sparkle on everything she touches at SER. From planning unforgettable events to creating buzz with media and partners, she enjoys working behind the scenes to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests.
Her love for hospitality started at a very early age, helping her mother host fabulous luncheons and dinner parties. That passion for entertaining still lives on today at SER and in her own home, where she’s known for creating cozy, stylish spaces that make everyone feel like family.
Whether it’s flickering candles, fresh flowers, or a carefully curated playlist, Christiana believes the little details make a big difference. She wants guests to feel at home when they step into SER.
DAVID SIERRA
Culinary Director & Executive Chef, Our "Picasso" of the Kitchen
David was born in Madrid and at an early age discovered his passion for the kitchen while cooking with his mother. He studied culinary arts and spent ten years working in Spain alongside renowned chefs and restaurants before making the journey to the United States in 2009, where he worked at several of DC’s most prestigious restaurants, including the classic Spanish restaurant, Taberna del Alabardero, and the critically acclaimed Fiola Mare. David’s creative and imaginative personality comes to life on the dishes showcased on our menus at SER. He believes that the food he prepares is a way of providing guests with a look into his heritage and a culture that treasures breaking bread with family and friends.
When David isn’t working, he loves exploring new restaurants, visiting the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, and discovering quiet, serene spots where he can escape from the noise and rigors of city life.
DAVID CARDONA
Chef de Cuisine and All Around “Do-Gooder”
Born in Honduras, David learned from a very early age that food is an expression of love and a vehicle to create unforgettable memories, all centered around a table and home cooked meals. Growing up, he adored spending time with his mother in the kitchen, cooking, and experimenting, and making his own creations (despite his mother’s failed attempts to shoo him away!). His passion for cooking finally turned into a profession when he moved to the United States and started culinary school while also completing high school simultaneously.
Upon graduation, David started with Jose Andres as a dishwasher, working his way up to a Junior Sous Chef at Oyamel and Executive Sous Chef at Jaleo. David remained with Jose Andres for 12 years before moving to Miami to become the Executive Sous Chef at Bulla Gastro Bar, one of Miami’s most popular Spanish restaurants.
When David moved back to DC, he joined SER as Chef de Cuisine where he puts his unique twist on our traditional family recipes from Spain by combining classic cooking techniques with new ones. Like a true artist, he believes in using the finest raw materials to prepare dishes that burst with flavor and visually explode off the diner’s plate.
When David isn’t creating magic in SER’s kitchen, he enjoys spending time at home with his family, volunteering in his community and watching Real Madrid soccer games.
