Paripé

Tucked down Chippendale's buzzing dining strip, Kensington Street, Paripé is a pint-sized tapas bar bringing a slice of Spain to the inner city. It may be small, but what it lacks in size it well than makes up for in charm. It feels as tapas bars should—casual and cosy. 

You'll undoubtedly want to dine al fresco, with the majority of seating out on the laneway and covered by large, festive red umbrellas. However, if you'd prefer to sit indoors, you can pull up a stool at the bar and sip an aromatic vermouth as you snack on pintxos, jamon, and 6-month aged manchego. Got a small group? There's also a room next to the kitchen that acts much like a private dining room. 

The decor is simple, with light blue paint walls, collages of framed photos of various Spanish scenes, the odd neon sign, and a Pop Art-style poster of Salvador Dalí watching over the bar.

On the menu, you'll find boquerones (anchovies in vinegar), cheeses, sardine-topped toast, mini chorizo croquettes, garlic prawns served, meatballs served with bread, and Spanish staple, patatas bravas, among other tapas plates.

As for the drinks, you'll want to start by ordering a glass of vermouth—Paripé has five to choose from. Then, you could move on to a cocktail, jug of sangria, or some vino from the concise wine list.

Image credit: Paripé