Top Tapas In Philadelphia
Popular in Spanish cuisine, tapas are small plates that are similar to snacks or appetizers. While they can be ordered as a first course before a main entree, it's also common to enjoy several as a meal. They're perfect for when you just want a small bite to accompany a drink and also a fun way to dine with friends or on a date. Going out for tapas is a casual way to share plates and try a variety of dishes at a restaurant. CBS brought you a list of the best tapas in Philadelphia before, but with this style of restaurant growing in popularity, it's worth revisiting.
Bar Ferdinand
1030 N. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 923-1313
www.barferdinand.com
The casual chic atmosphere of this Northern Liberties spot makes it suitable for everything from after-work drinks and snacks, to date night, to a group dinner party. The food consists of both traditional and modern Spanish-style tapas, offering dinner and late night menus daily and a fantastic brunch on the weekends. Favorite dishes include the grilled octopus, crispy brussel sprouts and paella at night and the spicy potatoes and Spanish tortilla during brunch. Regardless of the time of day, you'll want to pair your food with a pitcher of sangria for the table.
Related: Top Boozy Brunches In Philadelphia
Tinto
114 S. 20th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 665-9150
www.tintorestaurant.com
Tinto is a wine bar and tapas restaurant inspired by the Spanish Basque country that borders France. Chef Jose Garces has put together a menu that highlights the flavors of this coastal region with favorite plates such as braised short rib bocadillo (small sandwich), duck confit canape, spiced meatballs and grilled octopus. For the full experience, a chef's tasting menu is available with two options – priced at $55 or $75 per person. (Wine pairing is also offered for an additional charge). Visit between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays to enjoy happy hour specials including $5 select tapas and sangria as well as $7 house wines.
Jamonera
105 S. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 922-6061
www.jamonerarestaurant.com
Jamonera is one of several Midtown Village spots from partners Valerie Safran and Chef Marcie Turney. Here, the menu focuses on rustic Spanish small plates. A few of the best dishes include the crispy eggplant fries, manchego-stuffed meatballs, salad with fried goat cheese and papas fritas. To really get a feel for the full menu, visit on a Sunday and opt for the "Tapas Tasting" priced at $40 per person for 10 tapas. And night owls will love the late night menu offered Monday through Thursday from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. with $2 tapas and drink specials.
Tredici Enoteca
114 S. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(267) 928-2092
www.zavinohospitalitygroup.com
Offering an alternative to Spanish tapas, Tredici is an Italian wine bar and restaurant serving sharable small plates with a Mediterranean influence. The Midtown Village spot is a "sister" to Zavino (located across the street), and has already become popular since opening in late 2015. While the diverse wine list (and generous pours at reasonable prices) might be the main draw, the food is also getting a lot of praise. Current standout items include mushroom toast with crème fraiche, spiral zucchini with mint pesto and pistachio, bacon-wrapped dates, lollipop lamb chops and three types of crudo (tuna, yellowtail, and Madai snapper).
Amada
217-219 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 625-2450
www.philadelphia.amadarestaurant.com
Chef Jose Garces knows tapas. And as his first restaurant in Philadelphia, Amada is where it all began. This Old City spot offers modern versions of traditional Andalusion-style small plates. Amada is open for dinner nightly, lunch Monday through Friday and brunch on Saturday and Sunday. (Plus, happy hour is offered Monday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. with $5 select tapas.) A few highlights include the goat cheese with garlic dulce de leche, bacon-wrapped dates, crab-stuffed peppers and lamb meatballs. Two chef tasting menu options are offered at $55 and $65 per person. (Also available with wine pairing.) Amada is known for its sangria, with three varieties available, so you'll want to pick your favorite to pair with your food.
Michelle Hein is the social media editor for a women's fashion company in Bucks County by day and a self-proclaimed food and drink fanatic by night and weekend. She enjoys attending wine classes, trying new recipes in the kitchen and going to old favorites and new restaurants alike in the Bucks County and Philadelphia area.
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