These days it seems like Instagram is full of people posting their aesthetic Euro summer photo dumps, full of pasta, pizza and paella—whether it’s actually summer or not. If you’re craving a taste of escapism without the expensive plane tickets—seriously, people? It’s a cost of living crisis, where are you getting the money?—our beloved BrisVegas has some pretty solid options to keep you from draining the bank account. Here’s where to find the best Spanish restaurants in Brisbane.
Botellon
Chelmer
After a friendly neighbourhood tapas and wine bar for your chill-ish date nights? Look no further than Botellon. They serve up Spanish eats all night long—or at least until their 9.45pm closing time. The menu includes seafood paella stacked with octopus, prawns, chicken, and chorizo, saganaki cheese with pineapple and white wine jus, and confit duck cooked for 10 hours. Yep, 10 whole hours. Top it off with a red or white sangria to really sweeten the deal.
Alba Bar & Deli
Brisbane City
Brooklyn? San Sebastian? Nah man, it’s just Alba Bar & Deli. This Basque-inspired laneway joint comes straight out of a 90s hip hop movie. With a range of conservas—tinned fish—served with garlic confit and house bread, even the smallest dishes on the menu look good. If seafood isn’t your style, splurge for a sirloin with chimichurri or braised lamb ribs. To quench your thirst, check out their ‘Taste The Rainbow’ cocktail list—it may be a skittles knock-off, but we’re not complaining.
Olé
South Bank
We hope you have a few fellow sangria and paella-loving friends, because everything at Olé is designed to be shared. From salmon ceviche, to tortilla de patatas, to slow roasted lamb shoulder, there’s something for everyone. Share some gossip over a jug of watermelon and lime sangria to really have a night for the books. Vibes? Unmatched.
Paella Y Pa’mi
Coorparoo
Look, if you can’t guess what Paella Y Pa’mi serves just by looking at the name, you’re on your own, kid. And no, it’s not parmis. The fairy-light laden restaurant is home to a range of paellas, including the Valenciana (rabbit, chicken, and green beans), the Marysol (chicken, tiger prawns, mussels, calamari, and chorizo), and the Arroz Negro (squid ink, barramundi, baby calamari, squid, and mussels). If you’re after something other than paella—weird but ok—they’ve got you covered there too, with empanadillas, spanish ratatouille, and albondigas up for grabs.
Moda
Brisbane CBD
Located in the heritage-listed precinct that is The Barracks, Moda is a dark, chic, and mysterious spot for your next date night. Inspired by a blend of French, Catalan and Italian influences, their menu includes cauliflower panna cotta, Brisbane Valley quail, and pure black angus sirloin, cooked on Moda’s Spanish-made charcoal oven, which provides a unique ‘over embers’ taste. Pair that with a classy wine and you’ve got yourself a romantic meal.
Black Fire
Brisbane City
Need a place for a hot date? Try Black Fire—pun intended. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this restaurant is here for all your dining needs. Grab huevos rotos for brekkie, grilled chorizo bruschetta for lunch, and top the day off with some six-hour wagyu brisket. Sounds like a pretty lit day to us—sorry, we couldn’t help it.
Spanish food not enough to curb the travel fever? How about taking a round-the-world trip and trying some Greek fare next?
Image credit: Botellon, Alba Bar & Deli, Hayley Williamson for Urban List