Tapas are Spanish small plates served appetizer-style, usually to make an entire meal consisting of different flavors and tastes. Although not immensely popular in Philadelphia, we think that the tapas restaurants that do exist are among the top tier.
You’ll find that many of the tapas restaurant are very romantic. With dim lighting, neutral palettes, sleek decor, and candlelit tables. Bar Ferdinand is no exception. On the outskirts of the Piazza, this restaurant provides a lot of options including brunch, dinner, full bar, and a prix fixe menu. Our favorites include the flatbreads, octopus with salsa verde, and crispy pork belly. (see pics below)
Tinto may be the favorite of the bunch; perhaps because it’s slightly underrated. It’s located next to a sister Garces restaurant, Village Whiskey, on 20th and Sansom Streets. Our recommendation is to try the tasting menu – it’s totally worth it. You’ll be able to taste all the chef’s favorite flavors of cheeses, olives, meats, and fish that changes regularly. The beauty of the dishes is that most are very simple but very well balanced.
Similar to Tinto, Amada is also a Garces tapas restaurant. In a prime Old City location on 2nd and Chestnut, this tapas restaurant has been a staple in the community for years. While the two restaurants are similar in nature, their styles are very different. Many dishes at Amada have much bolder flavors, such as lobster and seafood paella, squid with saffron, and truffled chicken.
From the queens of Midtown Village, Jamonera is a quaint Spanish wine bar by Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran. Featuring dishes with a lot of flair, Jamonera has a nice variety of tostas and some excellent plates to share including their meatballs and spicy shrimp. Every Sunday, they have a 10-tapas tasting menu for $40/person. (see pics below)
These Spanish-inspired restaurants are perfect for happy hours and large groups where people can pick at each plate a little. Plus, they each feature some fabulous sangria and delicious cocktails! Tell them Philly PR Girl sent you.
