I will forever be grateful for the amazing chefs and restaurants we have in Atlanta. From the staples that have been here for years to the new ones popping up each week, we’re pretty lucky to have such an incredible culinary scene. But I often struggle with the menus. And it’s not because there aren’t enough tasty options- it’s quite the opposite actually! It’s because so many things sound delicious that I get stuck on what to order.
Cue tapas-style restaurants: the answer to all of my problems! I love ordering a ton of small plates and sharing them with my friends and family. It allows everyone to taste a ton of different dishes without getting insanely full. So I’ve decided to put together a list of the top five tapas restaurants in Atlanta. Enjoy!
Barcelona Wine Bar
Barcelona Wine Bar has some of the best tapas I have ever tasted. With its first Atlanta location in Inman Park and a second location in Westside, Atlantans have two great options when choosing to dine at this Spanish-inspired spot. The staff is incredibly friendly and the food is always delicious. The menu changes periodically, but they are great about keeping the staples around. The fresh meats and cheeses, chorizo and fig and sangria are all musts when you dine with Barcelona. And if you’re looking for a great spot on a Friday or Saturday night you’ve found it! Barcelona’s bar is always packed with people having a great time.
The Iberian Pig
The Iberian Pig is one of those places that is impossible not to love. Owned by a family-run restaurant group, this Decatur spot is a master of modern Spanish cuisine. The cheese and charcuterie boards are beautifully decorated with delicious accompaniments, and the tapas menu is as extensive as it is tasty. The bacon wrapped dates, or B.W.D. as they’re called at The Iberian Pig, are an absolute must. The sweetness of the fig and the saltiness of the bacon pair perfectly. Another favorite is the pork cheek tacos, made with braised pork, grilled corn salsa, avocado créma, cilantro and lime. And fun fact: The Iberian Pig will be one of the amazing restaurants at the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium!
Saltyard
Saltyard holds a special place in my heart. It is the place where I spent my first birthday after moving to Atlanta and it is the place where my boyfriend and I had our first date! But all of those fond memories aside, Saltyard has an unbeatable menu. The vibe is rustic and welcoming, making it a great spot for a date, dinner with friends or special occasion. I don’t remember a time when I ordered something on the menu I didn’t like, but the salmon poke tacos and the grilled corn are two of my favorites! And definitely order a cocktail with your dinner– you won’t regret it! Saltyard’s beverage menu is as delicious and unique as its food menu.
Eclipse di Luna
Eclipse di Luna has maintained its reputation as one of best tapas restaurants in Atlanta for 20 years. And after trying many of its delicious tapas at both of its locations, I couldn’t agree more! Eclipse di Luna has many yummy staple items on the menu, such as the tasty Empanada de Vegetales and the savory Patatas Bravas. The restaurant even has seasonal items to keep your tastebuds on their toes all year round! Their live entertainment, fabulous cocktail menu (I highly recommend the Mojito), and flavorful tapas are the perfect ingredients for an amazing atmosphere and dining experience.
Cooks & Soldiers
Last but certainly not least is Cooks & Soldiers. Located in Atlanta’s Westside neighborhood, Cooks & Soldiers’s menu focuses on pintxos, which are the Basque answer to tapas! Spain and France make up the Basque Region, so you’ll find a fusion of both countries in the food at C&S. The pintxos traditionales are served on two pieces of toast, and each is more delicious than the last! But to me, the ultimate menu item is the Bikini, white American cheese with jamón ibérico and black truffle on white bread– basically the best grilled cheese you’ll ever taste.
Have you been to any of these tapas restaurants? Which did you like best? Let me know in the comments below!