Spanish tapas are rooted in communal eating—dinners that slowly unfold over shared plates, bottles of wines, and lively conversation. In Dallas, a small, but mighty group pays homage to this tradition with plenty of savory bites and ever-flowing vino. Others take inspiration from the tradition and add their own spin. Whether you’re chasing a purely Spanish wine list and cured meats with nutty cheeses, or looking for a spot to cheer on the World Cup over patatas bravas, these are Dallas’ defining destinations for tapas.
Cafe Madrid
The bright red glow of Cafe Madrid has beckoned diners down Travis Street for 35 years. As Dallas’ first Spanish restaurant, it offers a spirited immersion into Spain’s traditions with flamenco dancing, fruity sangrias, and rich, savory tapas like the albondigas andaluzas, Southern-style meatballs drenched in a deep almond-piquillo sauce. The 85-bottle wine list is a tour of Spain. 4501 Travis St., Dallas, cafemadrid-dallas.com
Barcelona Wine Bar
Low lighting, industrial charm, and a wine list worth lingering over make Barcelona Wine Bar a guaranteed hit for date night or group gatherings of all types. The menu leans into charcuterie and tapas, with an aperitivo board that covers the essentials: patatas bravas, olives, manchego, and salty jamón serrano. Pair it with a wine flight such as the New World, Old School: a trio of Cerro Chapeau Chardonnay, Saurus Pinot Noir Rosé, and Revival País. 5016 Miller Ave., Dallas, barcelonawinebar.com
Si Tapas
Part of Si Tapas’ charm is the repurposed Uptown house it calls home. The white exterior anchored by a fire-engine-red door draws diners in. An airy dining room overlooking a lush backyard and butcher paper-topped tables entice, allowing guests to sit back and relax. The best time to visit is during a major soccer match. The soccer jersey-lined bar is guaranteed to have the game on, and the energy is electric when Spain plays. Celebrate a golazo with a plate of boquerones (vinegar-marinated anchovies), tortilla españolas (potato omelette), and a pitcher of sangria. 2207 Allen St., Dallas, sitapas.com
Bulla Gastrobar
Bulla Gastrobar brings the bold flavors of Spain to Plano’s posh open-air mall, Legacy West. Enjoy a bottle from Rioja, or a refreshing Tinto de Verano, Spain’s fizzy and citrusy spin on sangria, after a long day of shopping. They pair best with pintxos, skewers of cumin-marinated pork loin or chicken. For a full spread, order the tender grilled octopus and brisket-topped montaditos with pickled guindilla peppers, before diving into an aromatic, saffron-scented arroz caldoso. The brothy rice dish takes at least 15 minutes to prepare and is packed with seafood and chicken. 6007 Legacy Dr., Ste. 180, Plano, bullagastrobar.com
Sketches of Spain
Sketches of Spain serves some of the most genuine flavors of Spanish tapas in Dallas-Fort Worth, and they have the accreditation to back it up. Recognized with the Restaurants of Spain Certification by Food and Wines of Spain, this Bishop Arts gem sits in a cozy blue bungalow bathed in warm light with wood paneling. It’s a space built for savoring and connection. Drawing inspiration from bars and tavernas in Spain’s Basque Country, the menu features a variety of paellas and small plates, including brandy-flambéed prawns, Spanish ham croquettes with jamón Ibérico, and codfish-stuffed pimientos rellenos. 321 N. Zang Blvd., Dallas, sketchesofspain.com
Selda Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar
Selda offers a non-traditional take on tapas through Turkish fare. On the border of Addison and Dallas, the hookah-friendly patio is vibrant and breezy with florals and greenery lush beneath a bulb-lit wooden pergola. The expansive small bites menu spans staples like hummus, spicy ezme (Turkey’s version of salsa), steaming kelle paca soup, and raw meatballs known as cig köfte. 606 Belt Line Rd., Dallas, seldadallas.com
Ático
From the hospitality group helmed by celebrity chef Tim Love, Ático brings Barcelona to Cowtown with a rooftop destination boasting sweeping views of the Fort Worth stockyards. Head to the SpringHill Suites Fort Worth Historic Stockyards to sip a Texas Manhattan in a plush lounge chair beneath the stars. The sharables-focused menu features catalan cocas: Spanish flatbreads topped with deer salami and jalapeño pesto, or shaved tenderloin and apple. 2315 N. Main St., Fort Worth, aticofortworth.com
Zatar Lebanese Tapas & Bar
This Deep Ellum dinner restaurant highlights the Middle East’s take on tapas: mezze. The menu splits between cold and hot plates with housemade cheese made from strained yogurt served with zaatar or herb-packed, crispy falafel. The family-style mezze is no compromise with hummus, spicy hummus, crunchy fattoush salad, smoky eggplant baba ghannouji dip, cheese cigars, falafel, and grape leaves. 2825 Commerce St., Dallas, zatardallas.com
Postino
Postino nails the spirit of snackable dining. The Arizona-born restaurant and bar is known for wine-appropriate snacks like olives and meat skewers, and the very popular bruschetta boards, with 12 varieties to choose from. Find sliced toasted ciabatta piled high with mouthwatering flavor combos like caramelized French onion or crunchy ricotta with dates and pistachios. Lean into tapas culture by pairing your picks with a glass of Spain’s Perelada Brut Nature or bright, citrusy Cune Viura. 5280 Beltline Road., Ste. 100, postinowinecafe.com
Sangria Y Cerveza Tacos & Tapas Lounge
At Sangria Y Cerveza, the vibe and menu bounce between Mexico and the Mediterranean, showcasing the global influence of Spanish tapas. This lively Plano lounge serves up karaoke nights, live music, daily happy hour and, of course, soccer on the TVs. Explore the tapassitios menu, a tapas-inspired lineup of enchiladas, skewers, flautas chingones drizzled with avocado salsa and crema, and el huarache, a thick corn tortilla stacked with refried beans, cheese and a choice of protein. 6149 Windhaven Pkwy., Ste. 140, Plano, sangria-y-cerveza.com
