Melbourne's vibrant dining scene is home to some of Australia's best Spanish restaurants, offering everything from traditional tapas and paella to premium jamón ibérico and Spanish wines. Whether you're planning a casual night out, a romantic dinner, or a group feast, Melbourne's tapas bars deliver the perfect combination of flavour, atmosphere, and hospitality.
From hidden Fitzroy gems to iconic CBD institutions, here's our guide to the best tapas bars in Melbourne for an unforgettable Spanish dining experience.
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No list of Melbourne's best tapas restaurants would be complete without mentioning MoVida. Since opening in Hosier Lane in 2003, it has become one of Australia's most influential Spanish restaurants, helping introduce authentic Spanish cuisine to a wider audience.
Iconic Melbourne dining institution
Authentic Spanish small plates
Excellent Spanish wine selection
Prime location in Melbourne CBD
Anchovy with smoked tomato sorbet
Croquetas
Jamón Ibérico
Seasonal Spanish specials
Address: 1 Hosier Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday and Sunday, 12–10 pm | Friday - Saturday, 12–10:30 pm
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Combining authentic Spanish flavours with one of Melbourne's most popular rooftop bars, Bomba is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. The venue serves traditional tapas alongside an impressive collection of Spanish wines, sherries, and cocktails.
Stunning rooftop setting
Modern Spanish cuisine
Great for groups and celebrations
Extensive drinks menu
Spanish croquettes
Grilled octopus
Chorizo dishes
Seafood paella
Address: 103 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Opening Hours: Monday, 5–11 pm | Tuesday - Thursday, 12–11 pm | Friday - Saturday, 12 pm–12 am | Sunday, 3–11 pm
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Located near Queen Victoria Market, El Rincon brings the atmosphere of Southern Spain to Melbourne. The restaurant specialises in traditional Spanish recipes, tapas sharing plates, and authentic hospitality.
Traditional Spanish dining experience
Family-friendly atmosphere
Authentic tapas menu
Excellent value for money
Patatas Bravas
Gambas al Ajillo
Seafood Paella
Spanish Tortilla
Address: 69 Victoria St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Opening Hours: Monday, 12–7 pm | Tuesday and Thursday, 9 am–9:30 pm | Wednesday, 12–9:30 pm | Friday - Saturday, 9 am–11 pm | Sunday, 9 am–5 pm
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A Melbourne institution, Bar Lourinhã blends Spanish and Portuguese influences into an exciting menu focused on sharing plates and Mediterranean flavours. The restaurant has been serving Melbourne diners for nearly two decades.
Iberian-inspired cuisine
Seasonal produce
Excellent wine program
Intimate atmosphere
House charcuterie
Grilled seafood
Iberian pork dishes
Daily tapas specials
Address: 37 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Opening Hours: Monday and Sunday, 12–9 pm | Tuesday - Thursday, 12–11 pm | Friday - Saturday, 12 pm–12 am
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Nestled in Fitzroy, Añada offers a modern take on Spanish dining while staying true to traditional flavours. The restaurant is particularly known for its carefully curated wine list and Andalucian-inspired dishes.
Stylish Fitzroy location
Premium Spanish wines
Seasonal menu
Authentic tapas experience
Croquetas
Chargrilled meats
Spanish cheeses
Seafood specials
Address: 197 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday, 5–10 pm | Friday, 5–11 pm | Saturday, 12–11 pm | Sunday, 12–10 pm
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One of Melbourne's newer Spanish dining destinations, Manolo has quickly developed a loyal following thanks to its creative approach to traditional tapas and warm hospitality. The menu reimagines classic Spanish dishes using seasonal ingredients.
Modern Spanish cuisine
Excellent service
Creative small plates
Vibrant atmosphere
Manchego tortilla
Tuna tartare
House croquetas
Seasonal sharing plates
Address: Shop 59/57-61 Johnston St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Opening Hours: Monday, 6–8 pm | Tuesday - Thursday, 6–9:30 pm | Friday, 5–11 pm | Saturday, 1–11 pm | Sunday, 1–10 pm
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For a more relaxed tapas experience, MoVida Next Door offers a casual yet authentic Spanish menu featuring many of the group's most popular dishes. It's ideal for a quick bite or a leisurely evening with friends.
Patatas Bravas
Croqueta
Grilled Octopus
Jamón Ibérico
Address: 164 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Thursday, 5–9:30 pm | Friday - Saturday, 12–10 pm | Sunday, 12–9:30 pm | Monday, Closed
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Located on Bourke Street, MoVida Aqui combines the quality and authenticity of the MoVida brand with a more spacious and contemporary dining room. It remains a favourite among CBD workers and visitors.
Address: 500 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday, 12–3 pm, 5–10 pm | Saturday, 5–10:30 pm | Sunday, Closed
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A lively dining bar tucked away in Melbourne CBD, Crossley St Cantina serves modern Spanish-inspired tapas and creative cocktails. The energetic atmosphere makes it a popular choice for after-work drinks and weekend gatherings.
Address: 30-32 Crossley St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday, 5–11 pm | Saturday, 12–11 pm | Sunday, 11:30 am–11 pm
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While best known for its award-winning paella, Simply Spanish also offers an excellent selection of traditional tapas. Located within South Melbourne Market, it's one of Melbourne's most authentic Spanish dining experiences.
Seafood Paella
Croquetas
Garlic Prawns
Spanish Chorizo
Address: 116 Cecil St, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia
Opening Hours: Wednesday - Friday, 11 am–9 pm | Saturday, 10:30 am–9 pm | Sunday, 10:30 am–4 pm
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Located in Reservoir, La Pinta has become a favourite among locals seeking quality Spanish food outside Melbourne CBD. The menu focuses on traditional tapas and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Address: 791 High St, Reservoir VIC 3073, Australia
Opening Hours: Tuesday -Friday, 5–11 pm | Saturday, 12–11 pm | Monday and Sunday, Closed
This neighbourhood favourite in Malvern specialises in Spanish wines and traditional tapas served in a cosy, welcoming environment. It's an excellent option for those seeking a more intimate dining experience.
Address: 191 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern VIC 3144, Australia
Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday, 5 pm–12 am
Tapas are small Spanish dishes designed for sharing. Originating in Spain, they can range from simple olives and cured meats to elaborate seafood dishes and grilled meats. Popular tapas include:
Patatas Bravas
Croquetas
Gambas al Ajillo
Jamón Ibérico
Tortilla Española
Albóndigas (Spanish meatballs)
Pulpo a la Gallega (Galician octopus)
The beauty of tapas lies in sampling multiple dishes and sharing them with friends, making every meal a social experience.
Melbourne's Spanish dining scene continues to flourish, offering everything from traditional family-run eateries to award-winning restaurants and modern rooftop bars. Whether you're searching for authentic tapas, world-class paella, or premium Spanish wines, these venues showcase some of the best Spanish food in Australia.
If you're visiting Melbourne for the first time, start with MoVida, Bomba, El Rincon, or Bar Lourinhã. Each delivers a unique taste of Spain while highlighting why Melbourne remains one of the world's great food cities.
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