Tapas Restaurants in Manchester

Enjoying a staycation this summer? Enjoy some Spanish cuisine without leaving Manchester

By Maisy Farren | Updated Dec 12 2022

A wooden table filled with a variety of Spanish tapas dishes, including cured meats, cheeses, olives, stuffed eggplant, calamari rings, and crostini. Plates and bowls of food are arranged artistically, showcasing vibrant and appetizing presentation. — Image © Evuna Deansgate via Facebook

Manchester boasts a wealth of diverse cuisine on practically every corner, and our favourite Spanish small plates are not forgotten. Here’s a roundup of the top spots to enjoy tapas around the city.

Evuna

A rectangular white plate holds a serving of shrimp garnished with herbs and drizzled with sauce. Behind the plate, there is a bottle with a label featuring an illustration. The wooden table adds a rustic touch to the presentation.

227-279 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4EW
79 Thomas Street, Manchester, M4 1LQ
84-86 Stamford New Road, Altrincham, WA14 1BS

If tapas and quality Spanish wine sounds like a great night out, then look no further than Evuna. Their flagship on Deansgate has been open since 2002 and was originally a boutique wine shop. They still boast Spanish wine tasting evenings and expert food and wine pairing, but their tapas are also second to none. Whilst they now have four restaurants (Deansgate, Northern Quarter, Altrincham and Knutsford), be under no impression that this is a chain. Each of their restaurants operates under the watchful eye of an expert head chef, who creates wonderful specials that celebrate Spanish flavour, whilst cooking everything fresh and using local produce. On Deansgate their signature dish is a seabass baked in rock salt, ceremoniously filleted at your table. Other tapas highlights include Pulpo a feira (octopus with potatoes and paprika), Carrillada de Cerdo (Iberian pork cheeks) and Croquetas de Jamon (Serrano ham croquets). Like any good tapas restaurant they also serve huge sharing portions of Paella and stunning Patatas Bravas. The food menu is different in each of their locations, so check out their online menus before you book.

Sticking to their roots, the restaurant offers a wide range of fine wines. Their wines are exported from family run Spanish vineyards and bodegas, selecting bottles with the highest classification in Spain. Reminisce on your Mediterranean holidays of years gone by with a bottle that’ll take you back, and bring a little bit of Spain to Manchester.

Find more information here.

Bar San Juan

A close-up of a dish featuring juicy, grilled meat cubes topped with blistered green peppers and sprinkled with coarse salt. The food is served in a dark, rustic bowl, and the presentation highlights a hearty and savory meal.

56 Beech Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 9EG

What? Tapas restaurant celebrating classic Spanish food with authentic décor and atmosphere.

Where? This little pocket of Spain can be found outside the city centre, in trendy Chorlton.

Why? Encapsulating the casual dining of the Med, this restaurant stays open until late with a laid back service, that puts good food and wine at the centre of service -- your chance to ward off the end of summer blues, but be quick, bookings fill up fast!

Find more information here.

La Bandera

A gourmet salad is presented on a white square plate. The salad includes leafy greens, drizzled with creamy dressing, garnished with red pomegranate seeds, and accented with a balsamic glaze. A wood surface serves as the backdrop.

2 Ridgefield, Manchester, M2 6EQ

What? Contemporary Spanish restaurant with a large bar area for enjoying large drinks.

Where? Just off Deansgate in the centre of town.

Why? Luxury Spanish cuisine created with local produce and incredible Iberian dishes. Get a taste for it with their Lunch Menu offer, and choose a selection of 3 tapas for £12.50.

Find more information here.

El Gato Negro

A wooden plate with a colorful octopus salad, featuring tender octopus pieces, yellow potato slices, pickled red onions, capers, and a dollop of creamy mayo. The dish is garnished with finely chopped herbs and seasoning.

52 King Street, Manchester, M2 4LY

What? Three-storey award-winning tapas restaurant and cocktail bar.

Where? In a converted townhouse on Manchester’s iconic King Street.

Why? Enjoy a snack in their bar whilst enjoying a luxury cocktail, before heading up to the restaurant or terrace with retractable roof for expertly cooked fresh Spanish dishes. Highlight? The Salt cod croquetas with piquillo pepper puree and aioli, and the Chargrilled octopus.

Find more information here.