From bustling laneways to neighbourhood favourites, Melbourne is packed with Spanish restaurants that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean. Feast on tantalising tapas, mouth-watering paellas and dreamy desserts that will enchant your senses. Feel captivated by the best Spanish restaurants that Melbourne has to offer, and start your gastronomic journey by going through this list.
1. Bar Lourinhã
On the Paris end of Collins Street, you’ll find Bar Lourinhã. This intimate eatery has shared Mediterranean and Iberian flavours in Melbourne for almost 20 years. Find seasonal and local produce in a menu created by Chef Matt McConnell. Graze on an assortment of tapas, from spicy cheese croqueta to terrific tostadas. As for the raciones, indulge in larger options like wagyu shin or yellow tail kingfish. Don’t forget about dessert! The pomegranate crema with almond praline is particularly lovely. Pair your meal with a fine assortment of Spanish wines, as well as cocktails and beer. If you’re celebrating something special, there’s also an exclusive space upstairs for private functions.
📍37 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
2. MoVida
Feel the vibrant pulse of Spain in the heart of Melbourne at the iconic MoVida. Step into the original venue on Hosier Lane, and admire a showcase of Spanish flavours with seasonal Australian produce. Start with bread baked in-house, and continue on a culinary adventure with plenty of tapas and sharing plates that are cooked to perfection. Try favourites like anchovy on crouton with tomato sorbet or air-dried wagyu beef with truffled potato foam and poached egg. If you’d like a taste of what MoVida has to offer, pop into MoVida Next Door for drinks and snacks, like swordfish skewer with salsa verde. Otherwise, head to MoVida Aqui on Bourke Street for heavier dishes, like pork cutlet cooked over charcoal or paella with cuttlefish and squid ink.
📍1 Hosier Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, 164 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000 and 500 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000.
3. Bomba
Choose between a delightful restaurant or a bustling rooftop bar at Bomba. Located in Melbourne CBD, this Spanish restaurant has a range of options for any occasion, from a quick Workers Lunch to a Bottomless Lunch on Saturday. Find irresistible offerings, with charcuterie, montaditos and tapas that will delight your senses. Feast on dishes like melt-in-your-mouth braised beef, charcoal grilled quail, oysters and more. Then, head upstairs to the rooftop bar for gorgeous views, delectable drinks, snacks and even DJs on Friday and Saturday nights.
📍103 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
4. Crossley St Cantina
This laneway bar combines the best in Spanish cuisine with local produce. Open until late, this inviting space has a range of tantalising flavours that will satisfy meat lovers and vegetarians alike. Try a bit of everything with their range of tapas, and feel delighted by chicken or spinach croquetta, grilled chorizo and morcilla, salmon tartare, truffle polenta and more. There’s also a range of cured meats and cheeses for you to try, and larger bites like twice cooked duck maryland. For dessert, choose between Basque burnt cheesecake or vegan chocolate bites. At Crossley St Cantina, you’ll feel spoiled for choice with their vast range of drinks. Sip on an extensive variety of gin and tonics, served in a Spanish goblet, or try one of their excellent cocktails. Unwind with a nice glass of Spanish wine.
📍30-32 Crossley St, Melbourne VIC 3000
5. Simply Spanish
In the heart of Melbourne CBD, and at South Melbourne Market, Simply Spanish brings the vibrant flavours of Spain to your plate. Don’t miss their famous paella, which has repeatedly won awards for being the Best Paella Outside of Spain. If you don’t feel like paella, there’s also a range of tapas and raciones for you to try, like pork belly chicharron or Iberian lamb shank risoni. Relax with wine, cocktails and beer while you’re there.
📍Shop 10/555 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000 or 116 Cecil Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205
6. Las Tapas
Las Tapas in St Kilda is perfect for aficionados of Spanish cuisine. Relax inside the cosy space, and find something new with daily menu updates. This authentic tapas bar uses seasonal ingredients, and you can look forward to flavoursome bites like succulent garlic and chilli prawns, enticing seafood paella, chorizo on the grill and more. Perfect for lunch or dinner, complete your experience with beer or wine.
📍100 Chapel St, St Kilda VIC 3183
7. Añada Bar & Restaurant
This culinary haven on Gertrude Street is based on the peasant fare and flavours of Andalucía in Southern Spain. At Añada, you’ll enjoy tapas, charcuterie, paella, and tasting menus made with traditional Spanish cooking techniques and Australian produce. This neighbourhood establishment has a diverse range of delectable dishes, like pumpkin paella, braised beef cheek, and guindilla & manchego croquetta. The drinks list highlights incredible Spanish and Australian wines, sherries and spirits, with refreshing cocktails like sangria to keep the party going.
📍197 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
8. Remy Bar de Tapas y Vino
Remy Bar de Tapas y Vino is a truly vibrant establishment that will whisk you away to Spain. Their extensive tapas menu caters to every palate, with categories for vegetarians, seafood fans and meat lovers. Their à la carte menu also shines, with main dishes bursting with authentic flavours. Don’t miss the chance to savour their famous paella, and pair your meal with Spanish wine and their own sangria. On select nights, they keep the party going with live music and flamenco!
📍191 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern VIC 3144