Going out for tapas is something that happens on a daily basis in Spain – these small plates full of flavour and variety are always served with a drink and best enjoyed with family, or a group of friends.
On Sunday June 16, prepare to get your tapas on as we celebrate World Tapas Day! These mighty morsels can be anything from paella and croquettes to ham and cheese on toast; contrary to popular belief they are not starters, you start with tapas then you end with tapas.
No one is really sure where tapas originated from – the most well-known theory is that Spain’s King Alphonso the Tenth had to have little bites of cheese, bread and ham with his wine to help keep up his strength.
Looking for somewhere to celebrate all things tapas on Friday? Here are seven of our favourites:
Speakeasy-style Tapas Dining
Discover speakeasy-style Vaquero Dining on Sandgate Road in Albion to escape the world with an intimate dining experience or a cocktail party. With an open kitchen at the heart of this Brisbane dining destination, sitting in the middle of the venue to ensure the theatre of what appears at your table stretches beyond just the plate.
Inspired by the European dining concept of share and enjoy, expect tapas dishes such as BBQ beef skewers, green harissa and dukkah, fire-roasted squid, sweet corn and nduja, or tuna ceviche tostadas, pumpkin, avocado and sesame, best enjoyed with a Charlie Chaplin gin cocktail.
Premier Wine & Food Destination
Nestled in the undulating hills just north of Warragul, Brandy Creek Estate on Buln Buln Road in Drouin is West Gippsland's premier wine, food, function and day spa destination. Take to the relaxed atmosphere of the beautifully appointed restaurant, or on the recently built outdoor deck to enjoy Brandy Creek's premium cool climate wines, including Tempranillo and Sparkling Pinot Gris.
Share tasty tapas dishes such as grilled calamari with chilli, paprika and garlic, crispy pork belly and apple compote, or meatballs in rich tomato sauce with yoghurt, with family and friends while taking in stunning views over the vineyard, olive grove and out to the Baw Baw ranges.
Neighbourhood Tapas & Wine Bar
Discover neighbourhood Spanish tapas and wine bar Una Mes on Walcott Street in Menora bringing the community together through the best food, wine and company that Perth has to offer. A rustic vibe of dark wood, ceiling beams, potted greenery and a carved door surrounded by stone awaits, ideal for sharing tapas plates and stories with family and friends.
Begin a culinary adventure to remember with premium salted anchovies, grilled sourdough and cornichons, along with baby octopus and Andalusian chermoula; heartier appetites opt for larger plates such as braised pig’s cheeks, onions, garlic, capsicum, white wine and potatoes.
Enjoy Japanese Tapas Perfection
Tucked in Mount Hawthorn away from the main drag is Ha-Lu, arguably one of Perth’s best Japanese restaurants. Like its namesake ‘spring flower’, Ha-Lu captures Japanese simplicity at its most graceful, with clean lines meeting soft finishes and warm, neutral tones. The dishes are truly authentic and served in traditional ‘izakaya’ fashion, as they’re ready, in the spirit of sharing and social interaction.
Such familiar favourites as Wagyu beef tataki with edamame and fried onion appear on the menu as starters, along with sashimi tuna, wonton crisps and slow-poached egg with soy sauce and wasabi; perhaps devour deep-fried chicken karaage, served with yuzu pepper sauce and plum mayonnaise.
Middle Eastern-inspired Tapas
A unique dining experience with Middle Eastern inspiration awaits diners at Miss Arda on Terralong Street in Kiama. Located in the heart of town, this restaurant is the perfect spot to dine when visiting the South Coast, with a menu designed to be shared, along with cocktails reflecting the flavours of the dishes, beer, wine and spirits.
A vibrant blue bar and stools beckon for lingering over a drink while intimate table settings, an eclectic mix of artwork and softly glowing lights set the scene for memorable meals; perhaps graze on lamb kofta, labneh, pickled Savoy cabbage and cherry glaze, XO prawns, burnt butter and sesame chilli, or baked halloumi, wild grapes, mint and honey.
Tempting Tapas Dishes
A long-loved watering hole in Mosman Park, Samson’s Paddock on Glyde Street is a tapas haven for local foodies. With a history dating back to the 1830s when horses rested out front while riders quenched their thirst indoors, Samson’s has evolved into a casually chic stop for a drink and graze from share plates.
Step into a warm, inviting décor of worn brick and rustic wood and take a seat in front of the fireplace, or in balmier months sip a craft beer alfresco in the paved courtyard. Diners are served up tempting tapas dishes such as Albany sardines, char-grilled chilli marinade, house pickles and grilled sourdough, along with pork belly, corn, peppers, honey and tamarind.
Meet & Eat in a Relaxed Setting
Bringing the bright flavours and exhilarating atmosphere of Barcelona to the heart of Melbourne’s inner east, Tinto on Burwood Road in Hawthorn offers a relaxed setting for people to meet and eat. With a long Spanish-style bar and dining area, as well as a small courtyard, Tinto is the ideal place for a catch-up with family and friends over a cerveza or vino.
Graze on delicious tapas offerings like prawns with confit garlic, chilli, white wine and parsley, or marinated scallop crudo, pickled red cabbage, basil oil and piparra sauce; those still hungry can opt for a traditional chicken and chorizo paella with saffron rice, sofrito and green beans.
