NEW ZEALAND GOOD FOOD GUIDE

Savoring Spain: A Culinary Journey Through Tapas in Australia


As the sun dips below the horizon, the allure of tapas beckons. This culinary tradition of shared plates not only celebrates the joy of communal dining but also showcases a mosaic of flavours and textures that define Spanish cuisine. From Brisbane to Perth and right through to Sydney, our selection of evocative restaurants unravels the essence of every dish, inviting you to sip on sangria and indulge in something beautiful.

Ole Restaurant & Sangria Bar - South Bank, QLD

Bringing the vibrant flavours of Spain to South Bank, Ole Restaurant & Sangria Bar on Little Stanley Street invites diners to experience the spirit of shared eating and festive energy. Warm, rustic interiors and lively alfresco seating set the scene for leisurely tapas-style dining. Expect bold and authentic Spanish dishes like patatas bravas, chorizo a la planca, grilled prawns and traditional paella, paired with an extensive list of Sangria. Dive right in with crispy pork belly with Seville orange glaze and crushed green olives, before a mixta paella with chicken, prawns, calamari, chorizo, peas, tomato and saffron rice. Whether you’re gathering for a long lunch or late-night bites, Ole delivers a sensory journey through Spain’s culinary soul, where every dish is made to be shared.

Savoring Spain: A Culinary Journey Through Tapas in Australia

Signature dishes that tantalise the palate roll out under the watchful eye of the chef, who expertly curates a menu reflecting Spain's rich culinary heritage. Start your evening with the zesty patatas bravas drizzled with beloved brava sauce or lose yourself in the robust flavours of their chorizo a la planca, where the sausage is expertly grilled to smoky perfection. The menu is an endless delight; each dish embodies a celebration of flavours just waiting to be enjoyed among friends.

Make your reservations now at Ole Restaurant & Sangria Bar.

Paripe - Surry Hills, NSW

Located in the heart of Surry Hills' trendy Crown Street, Paripe stands as the first and only authentic Spanish tapas bar in the Sydney CBD, with a strong focus on traditional products. From kitchen pantry to bar shelves, nearly every item on the menu is sourced from handcrafted producers across Spain, bringing genuine Spanish culture to life in the Sydney lifestyle. Step inside this cosy and casual venue to feel as though you are in a bustling tapas bar in Madrid, perfect for a tasty tour through regional Spain with dishes like prawns with confit garlic, fresh parsley and chilli, or mussels with white wine, lemon, garlic, chilli and parsley, all richly reflective of the culinary sumptuousness of the Iberian Peninsula.

Savoring Spain: A Culinary Journey Through Tapas in Australia

The dedication to authenticity truly shines through with dishes like the smoky Basque pork sausage seasoned perfectly with paprika and served alongside roasted green peppers. As you near the end of your meal, indulge in a delightful burnt cheesecake smothered with blueberry jam or opt for the traditional crema catalana—a sweet finale. Each dish at Paripe not only satisfies but tells a story, inviting you to re-discover the beauty of shared dining.

Reserve your seat at Paripe for a flawless Spanish experience.

Alchemy Brew House - Scarborough, WA

With captivating aromas, Mediterranean flavours and a touch of mystery, every corner whispers unique stories at Alchemy Brew House on Brighton Road in Scarborough. Step into a warm community hub where you can have a drink, brew some tea or share a few plates; this vibrant tapas restaurant delivers a modern gastronomic journey that transcends traditional flavours. Start your day with breakfast plates like delicious French duck a l’orange pâté and toast, or house baked beans, fried egg and toast; while evening diners discover housemade meatballs simmered in rich Italian sugo with fresh rocket and creamy ricotta, or sizzling prawns bursting with flavours alongside warming chorizo. Pizza aficionados will not be disappointed with the artisanal slices topped generously with mushrooms, thyme, basil and oozing mozzarella, each bite making you yearn for more.

Savoring Spain: A Culinary Journey Through Tapas in Australia

The charm of Alchemy lies in its playful approach to culinary creativity, offering diners a chance to reinvent dining norms. Couple your meal with one of their extraordinary cocktails, each crafted with intimacy and precision. Whether it's a casual post-surf gathering or an extended dining experience, this venue is a haven for like-minded food lovers.

Elevate your evening by booking at Alchemy Brew House.

Bar Ole - Iluka, WA

Share a taste of Spain without leaving Iluka at Bar Ole on O’Mara Boulevard. Indulge in a vibrant experience filled with authentic flavours, warm hospitality and a lively atmosphere at this Perth dining destination, where exposed brick, a tiled bar and copper pendant lights set the scene for inspired bites and brews. Start by sharing tapas plates such as Shark Bay King prawns, garlic and chilli, or fried paprika potatoes, spicy brava sauce and aioli; before exploring larger offerings like grilled pink rib eye with mojo rojo and sides of baby cos, fennel and radish salad and charred bread. Perhaps it's the chicken drizzled with Chef Nico’s secret sauce that steals your heart; make sure to save room for churros served with luscious dulce de leche and rich chocolate sauce for an indulgent finish, perfectly complemented by a signature glass of sangria.

Savoring Spain: A Culinary Journey Through Tapas in Australia

Bar Ole's appeal goes beyond its menu; it's a gathering place where food becomes conversation and shared laughter fills the air. It's about the pulse of community and the essence of Spain wrapped in a delightful package.

Surrender to the allure of their exquisite offerings and experience it for yourself by visiting Bar Ole.

Each of these venues speaks to the heart of Spanish dining—an ethos of sharing, enjoyment and a deep appreciation for authentic flavours. As you journey through these tapas experiences, embrace the communal spirit of dining, blend your tastes with friends and family, and let each dish inspire stories that linger long after the last bite.

Featured Locations

Spanish    $$$$$

Ole Restaurant & Sangria Bar

Bringing the vibrant flavours of Spain to South Bank, Ole Restaurant & Sangria Bar on Little Stanley Street invites diners to experience the spirit of shared eating and festive energy. Warm, rustic...

Mediterranean    $$$$$

Alchemy Brew House

With captivating aromas, Mediterranean flavours and a touch of mystery, every corner whispers unique stories at Alchemy Brew House on Brighton Road in Scarborough. Step into a warm community hub wh...

Spanish    $$$$$

Paripe

Located in the heart of Surry Hills trendy Crown Street, Paripe is the first and only authentic Spanish tapas bar in the Sydney CBD with a strong focus on traditional products. From the kitchen pan...

Spanish Tapas    $$$$$

Bar Ole

Share a taste of Spain without leaving Iluka at Bar Ole on O’Mara Boulevard. Indulge in a vibrant experience filled with authentic flavours, warm hospitality and a lively atmosphere at this Perth d...

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