There are a few different theories about the origin of the delicious snack known as tapas. One such theory says it started when the King of Spain made it law for bars to serve food in an effort to curb excessive drunkenness, so a piece of bread with a simple topping was served on the rim of your wine glass. Another theory says it was initiated by bartenders who would lay a piece of ham on top of the glass to keep flies out. Both are plausible given the word ‘tapa’ means ‘to cover’ in Spanish, so take your pick.
Fast forward a few centuries and tapas is now a cuisine in its own right. What's more, you can get the full tapas experience right here in Melbourne thanks so some charmingly authentic restaurants that will transport you right back to that adorable little European wine bar you loved so much.
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If you're ready to channel some big European summer energy, keep scrolling for the best tapas Melbourne has to offer in 2025, according to Urban List:
Añada
197 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
Image: Añada | Supplied
If a refined tapas experience is what you’re looking for, Añada is your spot. Inspired by the peasant food of Andalusia in Spain, they offer a range of tapas available a la carte like the Gordal olive with anchovy and peppers or the seared scallop with spicy sausage and finger lime. Also on the menu are more favourites from that part of the world like patatas bravas, paella, and Basque cheesecake. Their vino list is worthy of any budding sommelier, featuring wines from around the world categorised by flavour profile. It’s the perfect spot for a bit of romance and a lot of tapas.
INSIDER INTEL
- $9 wines from open until 6pm every day.
- Their date night menu includes a tapa or two, paella and dessert for $49 per person.
- The wine list rotates seasonally, so you can always try something new.
Mr Mills
130 Russell Street, Melbourne CBD
Image: Mr Mills | Supplied
Mr Mills is an Iberian-style subterranean restaurant taking inspiration for Portugal and Spain, tucked away beneath Melbourne Place. It’s a sultry, intimate spot equally suited to after work drinks or late-night outings. Tapas and light snacks include grilled padron peppers, garlic prawns, tomatoes on toast, and Spanish cheeses.
INSIDER INTEL
- Happy hour runs from 5pm to 7pm Tuesday to Friday, with $10 wines and $8 beers.
- Live DJs every Friday and Saturday night.
- The apple margarita is trending, and for good reason.
MoVida
Various Locations
Image: MoVida | Supplied
We simply could not make a list of the best tapas Melbourne has to offer without including MoVida. With three venues in the CBD—MoVida, Movida Aqui, and MoVida Next Door—this venture is a staple in Melbourne’s Spanish food map. Since starting in 2003, these folks have been using Australian ingredients to produce authentic Spanish flavours, from cult classic tapas like their anchovies with smoked tomato sorbet to new creations like mackerel with cod roe and maruca atop a potato terrine. When it comes to the best tapas Melbourne CBD has to offer, you can’t go past Movida.
INSIDER INTEL
- There are plenty of tapas and aperitivos on the menu, or be tempted with some raciones if you’re after something more substantial.
- The vegetarian tapas don’t disappoint.
- Sherry, madeira, vermouth — get ready to explore Spanish and Portuguese sips.
Manolo
57-61 Johnston Street, Fitzroy
Image: Manolo | Supplied
Manolo is a sleek Spanish tapas restaurant serving up traditional tapas with a modern spin, made from seasonal produce. Tortilla de manchego, croqueta de mozilla, and tuna tartare are some of the morsels you can expect on the tapas menu. Of course there’s also larger sharing plates, bocadillos, mains, and plenty of desserts. We recommend pairing your dessert with a Spanish digestif for the perfect ending to your meal.
INSIDER INTEL
- Get two complimentary sangrias when you spend $50 or more.
- There are $10 Spanish wines from 5pm to 6pm, Sunday to Thursday.
- Make sure you book through OpenTable to take advantage of any drink offers.
Tinto
555 Burwood Road, Hawthorn
Image: Tinto | Supplied
Tinto is your local neighbourhood tapas and wine bar in Hawthorn. It’s an ambient little spot where you can settle in and enjoy the entire dining experience. Run by friends-turned-business partners, German Rincon, Giuseppe Lantano and Luca Balbo, the team have recently given the joint a new look and menu. The tapas menu involves bechamel croquettes with jamon and porcini, glazed lamb rib with artichoke chips, and roast celeriac with cashew cheese.
INSIDER INTEL
- Spanish wines, spirits, or sangria are the perfect accompaniment to your tapas.
- Feeling hungry? Get the chef’s menu for $85 per person.
- Stop by on Tuesday for $30 paella and sangria.
El Rincón
69 Victoria St, Melbourne CBD
Image: El Rincón | Supplied
A huge portrait of the charismatic Salvador Dalí greets you as you enter this traditional tapas bar. From the decor to the charcuterie bar to the genuine hospitality, El Rincón is legit. They’re the only venue in Melbourne where you can find Running Bull Sangria on tap and their menu uses fresh ingredients from the Queen Victoria Market every day. Short of travelling to Spain, this is as authentic as it gets.
INSIDER INTEL
- This place is only open on Queen Vic Market days, plan accordingly.
- Their Spanish dessert wines are worth investigating.
- The tortilla de patatas might just be our fave tapas.
Snack Monster Bar
Little Elgin Street, Carlton
Image: Snack Monster Bar | Supplied
Snack Monster is the quirky sister venue to Carlton institution Jimmy Watson’s, which has called Lygon Street home since 1935. The newer venue opened in 2023 in the old cellar of Jimmy Watson’s, and it’s serving up some of the best tapas Melbourne has to offer. It’s rustic, homely, and there’s a rooftop for when the sun is shining. Each day you’ll find a selection of homemade pinxtos for $4.50 each. Other menu staples include pickled giardiniera vegetables, a plate of warm mixed mushrooms, pork and sage meatballs, and duck liver and pancetta pate.
INSIDER INTEL
- The wine board changes monthly, the perfect excuse for regular stop-ins.
- Cocktails include a Lygon Street Bloody Mary, Limoncello Mojito, and a Mandarin Spritz.
- It’s the perfect spot for drinks and snacks before seeing a movie at Cinema Nova. Date night sorted.
Bar Lourinhã
37 Little Collins Street, Melbourne CBD
Image: Bar Lourinhã | Supplied
Dining at Bar Lourinhã is the kind of experience you wish you could bottle up and save for later. Thankfully, you can visit this Iberian and Mediterranean inspired tapas restaurant whenever the mood strikes. Daily specials are conceived each day using locally sourced organic produce, and hand written on simple white paper or on the wall hung blackboard. Think zucchini flower stuffed with queso fresco, grilled brisket pintxo with romesco sauce, and yellow tail kingfish ‘pancetta’ tostada.
INSIDER INTEL
- They’ve received a Good Food hat every year since 2006.
- The team takes wine seriously, you’re in for a treat.
- Feeling like something more substantial? Stop by on Sunday for $35 paella and a tinto verano cocktail.
La Central
South Melbourne Market, South Melbourne
Image: La Central | Supplied
Pull up a seat at Spanish deli and bodega, La Central. Located in the South Melbourne Market, this tapas joint is all about using high quality ingredients to create simple and delicious snacks. Tapas include toreras, white anchovies, tortilla de patatas, and meatballs with tomato sauce. There’s also an impressive array of platters consisting of a variety of meats and cheeses.
INSIDER INTEL
- Stock up on your deli and gourmet goods while you’re here.
- Check out their Instagram for inspo on making tapas at home.
- Pop in for a Serrano ham cone to snack on while you stroll the markets.
Heart Attack And Vine
329 Lygon Street, Carlton
Image: Heart Attack And Vine | Supplied
Inspired by the European neighbourhood cafe bars that seamlessly transition from day to night, Heart Attack And Vine is an ode to warm hospitality and high quality food. You can stop in for breakfast or lunch, but it’s the night menu that’s going to capture your attention. It’s based around a Venetian style of tapas called cicchetti. You won’t find a menu, simply take a look at the food on display and order whatever catches your eye.
INSIDER INTEL
- All cicchetti cost between $4.50 and $8.
- The white miso infused tiramis for dessert.
- Their wine list is up there, but if you’re in the mood for a cocktail you need to try the Buena Cappucciana.
Main image credit: Bar Lourinhã | Supplied
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