The 25 Best Spanish Tapas to try on your next visit to Andalusia
The 25 best Spanish Tapas can easily be found in Seville, Spain. Spain’s southernmost region of Andalusia is a true paradise for food lovers. Renowned for its rich culinary traditions, Andalusia offers an incredible array of Spanish tapas that will delight your taste buds and provide a genuine taste of Spanish culture. Whether enjoying a cerveza on the Alameda de Hercules in Seville or relaxing on the quaint Plaza Bib Rambla in Granada, knowing and trying these Spanish tapas will make your gastronomic journey unforgettable.
The Origin of Spanish Tapas
The origin of tapas is shrouded in mystery and folklore. One popular theory suggests that King Alfonso X of Castile ordered that taverns serve food with drinks to prevent drunkenness. Another tale claims that bartenders past would cover drinks with a slice of bread or ham to keep flies out – with a tapa (a cover). In some cities like Granada, you get a free tapa with each drink order—a delightful custom not as common in Seville. Tapas vary in size, but generally, they are small dishes meant for sharing. For example, an order of croquetas might include three to five pieces, depending on the venue.
Whatever the origin, tapas are here to stay in Andalusia, especially in Seville, Spain. There are over 4000 bars in Seville! That’s about 1 bar for every 180 of its inhabitants. The oldest bar in Seville is El Rinconcillo, which opened its doors back in 1670 and remains an iconic spot for some active wine and tapas enjoyment. One of my personal favorites and the very first bar I visited in Seville many years ago (Bodega Santa Cruz), is in the Santa Cruz neighborhood which may feel very touristy at first but as you will soon see, is a local haunt. You wondered why Let’s Eat The World selected the Andalusian capital for its Culinary Holiday, Let’s Eat Seville? For the food & wine, of course!
If you want a deeper dive into the fascinating history of tapas, check out this brief history of the world-famous Spanish tapas.
Here are the 25 best Spanish Tapas you must try on your next visit to Andalusia.
25 Best Spanish Tapas
Everyone has their favorites here and sometimes as locals, we disagree on who has the best what but is this not what is so great about taste? You can decide for yourself who the champions are. I provide a lovely guide to some of my picks to my clients as part of their tour kit so if you’re signed up, you are in for a treat. Once you decide where to eat and drink in Seville, it’s time to decide what to eat without stress or worry. Good news – I have you covered.
After getting through the list, read our tips on Spanish restaurant etiquette to help you feel and act like a local.
Fish and Seafood Spanish Tapas
1. Pescaíto Frito
Crispy, golden-fried fish that’s a staple of Andalusian cuisine. Usually made with small fish like anchovies, this dish is perfect for seafood lovers.
2. Albondigas de Choco
Cuttlefish meatballs in a savory sauce. These seafood delights are unique and flavorful, often enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon.
3. Tortillitas de Camarones
Crispy shrimp fritters made with chickpea flour. They’re light, crunchy, and packed with shrimp flavor, typically seasoned with parsley and onions.
4. Boquerones al Limón
Fresh anchovies marinated in lemon juice and then lightly fried. They’re tangy and delicious, often served with a sprinkle of parsley.
5. Mojama de Atún
Cured tuna loin that’s thinly sliced and often served with almonds. It’s a delicacy you won’t want to miss, known for its intense, salty flavor.
6. Cazón en Adobo
Marinated and fried dogfish, is known for its tangy and flavorful bite. The fish is marinated in a mixture of vinegar, garlic, and spices before frying.
7. Pavías de Bacalao
Golden-fried cod fritters that are light, crispy, and utterly delicious. These fritters are often marinated in a saffron-infused batter before frying.
8. Gambas al Ajillo
Sizzling prawns cooked in a rich garlic and chili oil often served in a small clay dish. This dish is aromatic and perfect for garlic lovers.
Vegetarian Spanish Tapas
9. Espinacas con Garbanzos
A healthy and hearty option, this dish combines spinach and chickpeas with garlic and spices. It’s both nourishing and delicious.
10. Salmorejo Cordobes
A thick, creamy tomato soup from Córdoba, garnished with hard-boiled eggs and jamón Ibérico. Refreshing and flavorful, similar to gazpacho but richer and creamier.
11. Papas Aliñas
A simple yet tasty potato salad dressed with olive oil, vinegar, and fresh herbs. It’s a light and refreshing tapa, often enjoyed with a sprinkle of chopped onions.
12. Tortilla
A classic Spanish omelet made with potatoes and onions. It’s a staple you simply must try, often served at room temperature in thick slices.
13. Ensaladilla (Rusa)
A creamy potato salad, usually made with peas, carrots, and tuna, and typically served with breadsticks. It’s a versatile and beloved tapa, sometimes garnished with olives or pimientos.
14. Gazpacho
A cold tomato-based soup that’s refreshing and perfect for hot Andalusian days. This vibrant soup is often garnished with diced vegetables and a drizzle of olive oil.
15. Berenjenas Fritas
Crispy fried eggplant slices often drizzled with honey. A sweet and savory treat that balances the bitterness of the eggplant with the sweetness of the honey.
16. Pisto
A Spanish ratatouille made with tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini. It’s a vibrant and healthy dish, often served with a fried egg on top.
17. Patatas Bravas
Crispy fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce. A classic and beloved tapa, often accompanied by aioli or garlic mayonnaise.
Meat Spanish Tapas
18. Croquetas
Indulge in these creamy, breaded morsels filled with jamón (ham), gambas (prawns), or puchero (stew). Each bite is a taste of heaven, with a crispy exterior and a creamy interior.
19. Menudo
A traditional tripe stew that’s rich and flavorful, often enjoyed by locals as a comforting meal. It’s typically cooked with chickpeas and a variety of spices.
20. Chicharrones
These crispy pork belly bites are irresistibly crunchy and savory, perfect with a cold beer. They’re often seasoned with a touch of lemon juice or smoked paprika.
21. Montaíto de Pringa
A delightful mini sandwich filled with a mixture of slow-cooked pork, chorizo, and black pudding. It’s a savory delight, often served in small, crusty rolls.
22. Rabo de Toro
Braised oxtail stew that is tender, rich, and bursting with flavor. A true culinary masterpiece, usually slow-cooked with red wine and vegetables.
23. Jamón Ibérico
Thinly sliced, cured ham from the Iberian pig. It’s a luxurious treat that melts in your mouth, often served with breadsticks or olives.
24. Serranito
A hearty sandwich with grilled pork loin, jamón, green pepper, and tomato. It’s a satisfying and delicious snack, often accompanied by fried potatoes.
25. Solomillo al Whisky
Tender pork loin cooked with a whisky sauce. It’s a rich and flavorful tapa that pairs well with a glass of Spanish wine, often served with fried potatoes.
Restaurant Etiquette in Spain
The Drinks first
When you walk into a Spanish restaurant, the wait staff will often start by asking you, “¿Para beber?” (What would you like to drink?). There’s no rush to decide what you want to eat right away—take your time. “No hay prisa” (there’s no rush) is a fitting mantra in the relaxed dining culture of Spain. This is the time to request your copa de “vino blanco” (glass of white wine” or “tinto” (red wine), “seco” (dry), “dulce” (sweet), or “semi-dulce” (medium sweetness). Try to keep in mind the things I’ve already told you about in Discovering the Best of Spanish wines. If you are a beer person, ask for “una cerveza, por favor” (a beer, please). And if you’ve already joined us in Jerez de la Frontera where we dive deep into the world of sherry on our bodega visit, you are now well-versed on the different types of sherry and can order your Fino or Palo Cortado if they have it. Once your drinks are served, you can then move on to ordering food.
The food comes next
Now remember that you have time, so no need to order everything at once. I know it is tempting but just start with a few things and if you are still hungry, go with some more. The food will still be coming as long as the kitchen is open.
The time to pay
As the time to go approaches, and your waistband can extend no more, you can ask for “la cuenta por favor”, and they will bring you the check which you can pay “con tarjeta” (by card/with a card), or “en effectivo” (in cash), but definitely don’t do a “simpa” (slang for sim pagar – without paying) 😬.
