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 Friday 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 five of our favourites:
A popular destination for locals and visitors alike, Florabel licensed café on Imlay Street is where to head in Eden for coffee, wine and modern fare. Located on the main street with large iconic round windows and a stylish alfresco area – Rue Florabel – this is the ideal venue to celebrate a special occasion or treat loved ones to a delicious meal together.
Head to the Terrace for live music and tapas plates to share, such as Florabel’s board – Mediterranean dip, smoked trout, pork and fennel salami, cheese, pickled chilli pepper and turnips, served with crispy bread.
Bringing a transformative collaboration of Japan and Melbourne to the heart of Swan Street in Richmond, head to Eazy Peazy restaurant for perfectly balanced food and drinks. Imagine the peaceful tranquillity of the rolling hills of Kyoto paired with the fun of sipping sake in downtown Tokyo as you relax in bright and breezy surrounds of potted and hanging greenery and intimate table settings.
Say arigatou to char-grilled eye fillet beef tataki, yuzu mayonnaise and mandarin kosho, or EZPZ chicken karaage, with green chilli sauce and mayonnaise, best enjoyed with a glass of sake.
Find a traditional Greek restaurant that could be in Santorini at Big Fat Greek on Rennie Road in Campbelltown. Enter to discover a rustic vibe of distressed whitewashed timber, black subway tiles and concrete floors, ideal for celebrating all things Greek with family and friends over authentic fare and drinks.
From delicious souvlaki to filling meal deals, salads and tantalising desserts, there is something here for all tastes; perhaps devour hand-rolled dolmades – vine leaves stuffed with Australian beef and rice – or meatballs and lemon potatoes.
Come and watch the world pass by at Mr Walker on South Perth Esplanade as you eat, drink and play against the spectacular city skyline. Located on Mends Street jetty, this iconic dining destination is all about fun, friends and great times; settle in and watch the action on the water as all manner of seacraft glide by.
From early until late, locals and visitors alike enjoy plates of WA grilled octopus, pickled beetroot, soft herbs and ssamjang aioli, or blow torch scallops, with bacon and calamansi, accompanied with a glass of Margaret River Rosé.
Six generations of family history are on the plate at Mandurah café Wood and Stone on Mandurah Terrace. Located in the heart of the city along the foreshore, this fun and funky dining destination has graffiti-style artwork on the walls, while twinkling lights and potted greenery add a chilled-out vibe ideal for lingering over a meal with family and friends.
Tapas plates like bacon, cheese and chive croquettes, Parmesan and citrus aioli await evening diners, along with free-range chicken skewers, cucumber, house pickles, satay sauce and lemon.
Still looking for a tapas fix? Click here for a venue near you.
