Have a hearty Spanish feast this Winter!
¡Barriga llena, corazón contento – a full belly, a happy heart! Embracing the true spirit of this Spanish saying, these 11 Spanish Restaurants are just what you need to fight the winter blues and mid-year stress. Treat yourself to delicious, authentic foods and you’ll see, winter isn’t that bad when there’s a little bit of Spain in Sydney!
1. Encasa
Translating to “At Home”, Encasa transports you to Spain without a flight! Regardless of whether you go to their restaurant on Pitt Street or their deli take-away chain on Bathurst, you will be treated with the finest Spanish cuisines. Dishes such as their Salchichon Board (dry cured white pig sausage), Gambas al Ajillo (peeled king prawns in sizzling garlic oil and chilli) and Mejillones a la Marinera (black mussels in fresh tomato sauce with fresh basil and chilli) are said to be some of Sydney siders’ favourites.
Unlike many other Spanish eateries, Encasa also hosts a De Caldero(from the pot) menu excellent for groups and families (reservations highly recommended for large groups)! Fun and comfortable, this family-friendly Spanish joint is truly a home away from home right in the heart of Sydney’s CBD!
Price Range: Approximately $40 per person
Address: 423 Pitt Street, Haymarket NSW 2000
Website: here
2. Tapavino Tapas Bar
Named one of the top two Best New Bars in 2013 by the Sydney Morning Herald, Tapavino Tapas Bar is not to be missed. With an extensive Spanish menu that includes seafood, meat, salads and, of course tapas, you can pop in anytime of the day and have the ideal meal. As Australia’s first sherry bar, you’ll also want to try their impressive range of cocktails and wines; a local favourite being the Jerez Sour.
Although no deliveries or take-outs services are available, their jazzy interior completing their electric, coven-like intimacy is worth the trip. The upstairs seating welcomes large groups and functions and their outdoors area offers a little quiet escape from the energy inside. Because it’s a bar, it might not be the best place for children (of course, they are still welcome!) but it’s perfect for a parents’ date night! As long as you choose your company to bring to this city treasure, Tapavino will always bring you superb Spanish savours!
Price Range: Approximately $40 per person
Address: 6 Bulletin Place, Sydney NSW 2000
Website: here
3. Picada
Owned by two food-loving brothers-in-law, Picada delivers Australian food combined with a Latin American twist. With an enticing menu that outlines an elegant three-course meal, every choice is the right choice! If you’re at a loss though, try their signature entree the calamari with poached saffron pear and morcilla for starters: .
As per Spanish tradition, their menu includes vegetarian friendly options. The pair’s unique culinary and cultural infusion is reflected in their olden-style décor. Their stone walls compliment their wooden furniture, an in-the-wall fireplace is used as a mantelpiece and their silver utensils and wine glasses add a sparkle to the whole scene. It’s a picturesque scene for couples, especially for an occasion, but also invites families and close friends for a long overdue catch up! If you’re coming in from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour, the ferry ride will rightfully build up your excitement and you won’t be disappointed! Definitely putting the ‘main’ in Balmain, there is no better pick than Picada!
Price Range: Approximately $35 per person
Address: 55 Darling Street, Balmain East NSW 2041
Website: here
4. La Sangria Tapas
Bringing the rich flavours of Barcelona to Balmain, there is no way La Sangria Tapas could’ve gone unmentioned. Sporting a menu that is 95% gluten free while still giving you a 100% guarantee of truly local flavours, you can indulge in their seafood, vegetarian or meat dishes and have a marvellous time! Some of their specialties include seafood or chicken paellas, Pincho de Cordero Marinado (grilled lamb loin skewer in Spanish marinade) and Gambas al Ajillo Picantes (garlic and chilli prawns in olive oil and parsley). With that said, Balmain locals know to always ask for the chef’s selection and always trust their choice!
Just as bright as their menu, their atmosphere is cosy, friendly and very animated. It’s great for friends, families (especially with kids) and couples alike. Their colourful walls and cutlery hint to the vibrant personalities of each staff. Whether you’re here for a well-deserved end-of-a-stressful-week dinner or a mid-day catch up with friends, you’re sure feel warm from food and from love.
Price Range: Approximately $20 per person
Address: 317A Darling Street, Balmain NSW 2041
Website: here
5. Alegrias Spanish Tapas
Bringing you the Spanish experience from the kitchen and the dance floor, Alegrias is nothing short of a night well spent. From the kitchen, this Balmain gem delivers Spanish specialities such as Cazuela de Queso de Cabra (oven roasted goat’s cheese with a thyme infused fresh tomato sauce), Tortilla Espanola (Spanish potato omelette with onions and green olives, served with three dipping sauces) and Carrillada al Rioja (Slow braised tender beef cheeks in rioja wine, served with tequila carrot puree).
From the dance floor, exquisite flamenco dancers add to the glamour of the tavern-like interior as they perform to the live band. Sometimes, there are interactive performances where patrons are invited to do the Macarena! In this fun-filled yet intimate atmosphere, this bodega is sure to become a regular. If you’re looking for a place to host a memorable function or a dinner date for two, look no further! To quote, Chef Javier Sevilla declares their tapas to be “enjoyed with family and friends over great conversation.”
Price Range: Approximately $45 per person
Address: Shop 9, 332 Darling Street, Balmain NSW 2041
Website: here
6. MoVida
Adding a little more life and a little more Spain to Sydney, Movida is the go-to for a dine-in, a quick bite and even casual drinks. The minute you walk in you’ll see their fancy yet comfortable set up that makes this venue resemble both a bar and a bistro. As your eyes take in their décor, the aroma of spices gives you a hint of what you might taste. The bustling sounds of the eager utensils tap dancing on plates as customers relish their food is a clue to the enjoyable experience that is Movida.
Dishes like Cecina (air-cured Wagyu beef with truffle foam and poached egg), Cigarillo de Queso (goat’s curd and quince cigar), and Pintxo de Pulpo (Galician style octopus with pomme puree and parika) are said to be some of their must-trys! Their variant menu is a perfect match to their drinks list, making them the ideal pair for your dining needs! Cosy enough for families, casual enough for friends and intimate enough for couples – Movida greets everyone for all occasions. It’s a serious business but one that extends a friendly offer to a culinary adventure with every bite you take!
Price Range: Approximately $40 per person
Address: 50 Holt Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Website: here
7. Despaña
With a play on the words De España (from or of Spain), Despaña truly brings you the flavours of this ever-exciting country. The moment you step in you’ll notice the bullheads on the walls, a bow to their cultural spectacle of bullfighting. The stoned brick walls, wooden tables, large barrels and colourful outdoor stools are a pleasant representation of the elegantly simple style of Spain’s more traditional architecture. Even more so, their well-lit, open-aired scene with lively music is every bit in relation to the friendly, laidback and approachable nature of Spanish people.
As you feast on the fantastic set up, make sure you also feast on their dishes such as the Croquettes, Spiced Cauliflower Fritters, and Veal and Pork Meat Balls. Their Tortilla of the Day is always worth a try as well! This café is great for casual meet up with friends, a refreshing family get together, and even picture-perfect dates for couples. Very much embracing the positive attitude of “Que será, será”, at Despaña you’re sure to be happy, satisfied and a regular at Despaña!
Price Range: Approximately $40 per person
Address: 101 Glebe Point Road, Glebe NSW 2037
Website: here
8. Bodega
With two of their Chefs of the Year in their kitchen, Bodega is one place you do not want to miss! Some of their well-deserved award winning dishes and local favourites are their fish fingers and chicken and corn toast from their Tapas menu, as well as their buttermilk pancakes and mushroom and fontina dumplings from their Share Plates menu.
Not only are their dishes tasteful, their groovy wall decorations accompanied by the funky colours of the café are full of life and fun. Whether you’re here with friends or family, the combination of a bubbly ambience, sociable staff and authentically flavoursome cuisines, a tremendous time is guaranteed. But with their always happening, they have a policy where groups over five people require a reservation and tables are reserved for walk-in diners with four or less. Don’t let this turn you down though; a full restaurant is a quality restaurant!
The same owners run their more Argentinian counterpart, Porteño, and the more drinks-only venue, Gardel’s Bar, both on Cleveland Street. But before you head there, Bodega comes first!
Price Range: Approximately $40 per person
Address: 216 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Website: here
9. La Tapas Guapa
Hidden just behind Sir John Young Hotel, La Tapas Guapa has definitely earned a spot on this list. This homespun bar sports a modest decor that add to their rustic-vibe, everything worth appreciating but nothing enough to distract you from their outstanding tastes!
Authentically Spanish, their Salmón a la Pancha (grilled salmon fillet topepd with black olive past, served with roasted potatoes and vegetable skewer), Empanadillas de Chorizo y Temera (pastry filled with chorizo and beef deep-fried and served with roasted capsicum dipping sauce) and Paella de Marisco (seafood paella) are said to be their more popular dishes! There’s even a kid’s menu for patrons with children.
There is always a crowd of friends or a group of colleagues at La Tapa Guapa, especially on Fridays, replacing their weeklong endeavours with hearty meals and good company. Looking as sensational as they taste, “guapa” is definitely the right word for this eatery!
Price Range: Approximately $40 per person
Address: Sir John Young Hotel, 557 George Street & corner of Liverpool Street, Sydney CBD NSW 2000
Website: here
10. The Spanish Fly
With an intimate, orange glow from the inside, The Spanish Fly is one delight you’ll be attracted to just by walking past! Their storefront eating area is just a sneak preview of their warmth and friendliness, and invites you to see the animated food lovers inside!
Surrounded by smooth timer furniture, an impressive display of wines and an inviting ambience, you’ll see excited customers, basking in the quality of their food and company! Some of these foods might include the menu’s Haloumi Cheese, John Dory Fillets and Murray Valley Pork Belly; dishes that are said to hit the spot! The location makes this restaurant a perfect place to grab pre-movie tapas and cocktails, as The Ritz Cinema is just next-door. Even if you aren’t going to the movies, bring your friends, family, date here and you’ll see what the buzz is all about! An absolute delight, this is one fly you’ll never want to get rid off!
Price Range: Approximately $40 per person
Address: 35 St Pauls Street, Randwick NSW 2031
Website: here
11. El Bulli Spanish Tapas
Stepping into El Bulli, the first thing you’ll notice is their extravagant display of furniture, lights and cocktails. Their long rows of couches and tables will remind you of Hogwarts with a little Spanish twist! The spacious seating arrangement is ideal for large groups, friends or family. The classy lights add to the mystery and magic of the place, the mystery being what you’re going to order and the magic being ending up with the right choice regardless of what you choose!
Some of Eastern Suburbans’ well-chosen dishes are the Patatas El Bulli (deep fried chat potatoes served with emulsion of fritas and bravas ressing), Zarzuela (prawns, mussels, calamari, baby octopus, baby clams, fish pieces served casserole style in a salsa picante broth) and the Lomo Adobado a la Pancha (chargrilled eye fillet marinated in chimchurri).
To spice things up even more, El Bulli always has something on: $20 Special Paella Sundays, Tuesdays to Friday Lunch Specials and even band appearances! Most of these events need bookings though but that can be done on their website or over phone! Trust us, you don’t want to miss out!
Price Range: Approximately $40 per person
Address: 504 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Website: here
Viva Espana in Sydney!
With great food and loving company, the cold isn’t too bad! Call up your family, grab a friend or even ask that one person out you’ve always wanted to and head to one of these restaurants! Let us know in the comments if there are other Spanish places in Sydney worth a try!
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