There’s nothing quite like whiling away the hours in a tapas restaurant – ordering ‘just one more plate’, sharing bites across the table and letting the wine flow a little more freely than planned.
Looking for Spanish food in Manchester? You don’t need a boarding pass – the city’s tapas scene is packed with authentic spots for every kind of plan, from cosy neighbourhood bars to slick, city-centre feasts. Here’s where to go for padrón peppers, jamón and gambas, done properly.
Quick picks: Best tapas bars in Manchester
Bar San Juan
Credit: Bar San Juan
A trip to the suburbs is in order for this one – Bar San Juan is a much-loved neighbourhood tapas restaurant, located on Chorlton’s Beech Road. Vibrant both inside and out, you’ll first spot its bright yellow and red exterior – a little corner of España. Step through the doors and you’ll find a cosy space, the walls lined with trinkets and framed pictures.
It’s a popular spot so be sure to book to guarantee your feast. As for the food, expect a selection of traditional dishes and modern takes on the classics. From slow-cooked beef cheeks to Galician-style octopus, each dish is made with love and care, a testament to Andalusian owners Juan and Trini. Be sure to finish with a glass of sherry for maximum effect.
Where? 56 Beech Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, M21 9EG.
Find out more: instagram.com/barsanjuan
What we ordered: Banderillas de anchoas y queso (skewered anchovies with cheese).
Evuna
With its rustic charm and dark, moody lighting, Evuna brings the spirit of Spain to both Deansgate and the Northern Quarter. Think exposed brick, wooden beams and rows of wine bottles lining each space. It’s an atmospheric setting that’s ready-made for both date night and laidback evenings with friends.
The food menu spans from tapas plates to sharing paella pans, featuring regional classics and seafood specials. Expect favourites like tortilla and albondigas – dishes guaranteed to put a smile on your face. An expertly-curated wine list seals the deal, and you can ask staff for pairing suggestions.
Where? 277-279 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4EW & 79 Thomas Street, Manchester, M4 1LQ.
Find out more: instagram.com/evunarestaurants
What we ordered: Lubina a la plancha (roasted half seabass with garlic and chilli).
Porta
Porta keeps things simple – and that’s exactly its charm. Inspired by brothers and co-owners Ben and Joe Wright’s travels to Spain and Portugal, each of their venues serves up a relaxed, no-fuss atmosphere with warm lighting, exposed brick and wooden furnishings. It’s walk-ins only, paving the way for spontaneous trips, so turn up and tuck in.
You’ll find a tight, well-executed menu of tapas classics, including Jamón Ibérico, ultra-fresh pan con tomate and their much-loved croquetas (a personal favourite). Whether you’re popping in for a glass of vino and a snack or going all in for a full spread, it’s one of the best tapas restaurants in Manchester, delivering casual elegance every time.
Where? 216 Chapel Street, Salford, Manchester, M3 6BY; 50 Greenwood Street, Altrincham, WA14 1RZ & 41-43 Lapwing Lane, Didsbury, M20 2NT.
Find out more: portatapas.co.uk/
What we ordered: Pan con tomate.
Maricarmen
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A relative newcomer to Manchester’s tapas scene, Maricarmen has quickly earned a loyal following thanks to its vibrant atmosphere and creative menu. It’s a bold affair – from its bright decor to theatrical touches like dishes arriving in flames. Throw in their El Tableo concept, where plates are £3.50 a pop, and there’s plenty of reason to visit.
You can expect a warm and authentic experience from start to finish, making it perfect for balmy summer evenings with your favourite people. Get ready for standout dishes like chorizo flambéed in brandy, mouth-watering Ibérico pork and tortilla carbonara. The drinks menu’s well worth a look too, packed with Spanish serves like the potent Agua de Valencia.
Where? 67 Great Ancoats Street, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 5AB.
Find out more: instagram.com/maricarmen.bar
What we ordered: Cachopo Asturiano – steak filled with jamón and Spanish cheese.
Canto
Credit: Canto
The flavours of sunshine-soaked Lisbon fuse with Spanish classics at this Ancoats tapas restaurant. Sitting pretty in Cutting Room Square, it’s a popular affair, especially on summer evenings when the Sangria is flowing. Kick off your weekend with their Tipsy Tapas menu – three dishes and 90 minutes of bottomless drinks for £40.
The short-but-sweet menu takes its inspiration from Portuguese and Spanish tapas dishes, serving up everything from grilled salted cod with spinach and piri piri sauce to Jamón Ibérico croquetas and Prego – a Portuguese steak sandwich topped with caramelised onion. Make sure you leave room for a pastel de nata!
Where? Cutting Room Square, Blossom Street, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 5DH.
Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/CantoMcr
What we ordered: Build your own Canto charcuterie board.
Rafa’s
El Rincon de Rafa, or Rafa’s, as it’s affectionately known, is the oldest tapas restaurant in Manchester. Owned by Malaga-born ex-footballer Rafael Cabrera-Vargas, who played for Stockport County in the 60s and 70s, you’ll find the restaurant tucked away just off Deansgate. It’s somewhat of a hidden gem, offering an authentic Spanish experience in the heart of the city.
You’ll find all the usual suspects on the menu, alongside traditional Spanish dishes like huevos rotos – fried potatoes with egg and chorizo. Our tip? Order a handful of tapas, a portion of bacalao and a bottle of red, then settle in for the night. With charming, authentic interiors and walls adorned with Spanish memorabilia, you’ll be instantly transported to the streets of Malaga.
Where? 244 Deansgate, Longworth Street, Manchester, M3 4BQ.
Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/elrinconderafamanchester
What we ordered: Gambas pil pil.
Can Petit
Can Petit is a newcomer to the Manchester tapas scene, but it’s already up there with the best. Serving up pocket-friendly tapas with genuine Catalan warmth, the intimate spot is super-popular with locals. Nip in for a few plates after work and you’ll likely end up staying well into the evening – we won’t judge.
At £5 a plate, the nine-strong tapas menu delivers big flavours. There’s Jamón Ibérico, padrón peppers with smoked salt and chorizo in cider that sizzles when it hits the table. Specials come in at £8, taking you from scallops to ultra-tender Ibérico pork cheek. And it’d be rude not to try the paella – made using a recipe handed down from the owners’ grandparents, it’s seriously good.
Where? 7 Murray Street, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6HS.
Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/canpetit_
What we ordered:The oxtail sandwich.
El Gato Negro
A King Street icon, Manchester’s El Gato Negro opened its doors back in 2016 and it remains just as popular to this day. Situated in a restored townhouse, the stylish venue is spread over three floors, from the open kitchen and chef’s table on the ground floor, to the top floor terrace with retractable roof – a must-visit during the summer months.
It’s all about tapas, with the menu split into five key sections. You’ll find all the classics you know and love, alongside creative additions like soft shell crab with prawn bisque and rice, ginger-glazed beef short rib and the delightful chargrilled baby leeks with romesco. Grab their three for £20 offer and you’ll save a few quid – it’s the perfect excuse to order even more.
Where? 52 King Street, Manchester, M2 4LY.
Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/elgatonegrotapas
What we ordered: Chargrilled octopus with capers.
