The best Spanish restaurants in Manchester

Bar San Juan is considered one of the best places for tapas in Manchester. This eclectic venue is packed with personality and has pavement tables too. A diverse selection of tapas dishes are served – there are classics like patatas bravas and tortillas as well as innovative options. Imported Spanish drinks are an ideal pairing to a meal here.

Family-run bar and restaurant El Rincon de Rafa attracts many Spanish nationals living in Manchester. This lively spot serves authentic Basque food and is known for showing live sport – the atmosphere here can certainly get animated. Visit to sample tapas and Spanish drinks in a space that's packed with authentic decor.

La Bandera opened in 2014 and has become one of the most popular Spanish restaurants in Manchester. It's also ranked as one of the best in the country. The dining room is smart and welcoming with bright yellow furniture. Here you can sample a variety of tapas and rice dishes. Several menus are available including bottomless brunch and pre-theatre.

Located in the city centre, El Gato Negro Tapas takes up three floors in a townhouse and is an award-winning tapas restaurant. The interiors are effortlessly stylish with plants and cosy corners. There's a roof terrace here too. Diners can try traditional and modern seasonal tapas prepared with local produce, including monthly specials.

La Viña in Deansgate is a friendly and welcoming restaurant specialising in Spanish food. The surroundings feel cosy and authentic. Guests can relax here and try out Spanish small plates like tortilla, Iberian ham, cheeses, and calamari. Larger dishes like steak or rice recipes are served too. The wines available here are an ideal accompaniment to a meal.

With a couple of locations in Manchester, Evuna is a popular pick for tapas. The dining area is rustic and full of little touches that make it feel authentic. On the menu you'll notice a broad array of tapas dishes, including veggie and gluten-friendly options. Paella is served too, with Spanish wines, cava, lager, and sherries to drink.

Considered something of a hidden gem, La Torre has been serving Spanish tapas in Urmston for more than 20 years. This local venue serves unique dishes with some Middle Eastern touches, in addition to several varieties of hearty paella. A concise choice of beers and wines are also on offer. The space is simple and bustling with outdoor seats also available.

Try out Canto if you're craving tapas in Ancoats. This breezy and buzzy Mediterranean spot serves a comprehensive menu that ranges from monkfish skewers to mushroom croquetas. Mediterranean desserts, including a baked Basque cheesecake, are served too. This bright and modern restaurant is an ideal dining spot for any occasion.

Tast Catala brings Mancunians an authentic taste of Barcelona. This bustling venue includes a main restaurant, a bar and terrace, and a cosy private dining space. The setting is bright and contemporary with lots of light. Try out tapas plates and Catalan-style rice dishes, paired with something from Manchester's largest collection of Catalan wines.

Get your tapas at a trendy Ancoats venue, Maricarmen. This place has gained a reputation for its affordable and flavoursome Spanish bites, served in a bustling and cheery setting. An array of authentic dishes are available like croquettes, meatballs, and arroz nero. Spanish beers, wines, sangria, and other cocktails are served too.

Porta serves dishes inspired by Spain and Portugal. The restaurants look smart, decorated with plenty of dark wood and with outdoor seating available. No reservations are accepted and the vibe is unpretentious. The menu includes a diverse range of small plates like cheeses and tortillas. A big choice of drinks including cocktails and vermouth are served too.

Bodega in Cheadle serves food all day long. Breakfast and brunch are available here, as well as a fun bottomless brunch. The main menu focuses on tapas with some wider Mediterranean influences. Options range from baked camembert to chicken wings or chorizo. Food is served in a bustling dining room that's cosy and contemporary.

Award-winning tapas are served at Old Cross Tapas & Grill. This venue in Ashton is friendly and cosy, with the walls painted in deep and rich colours. The food is made with fresh local produce, with Spanish and Mediterranean dishes being the focus. Seafood is a speciality but diners will see a wide array of tapas dishes on the menu.

La Cantina has an evocative feel thanks to its homey and rustic interiors. Outdoor seating is also available. This place specialises in classic tapas including cheeses, meatballs, and king prawns. Takeaways are available as well as eating-in. Accompany your meal here with wine, beer, or gins from Spain.

Whether it's an intimate meal or a big get-together, Campo Blanco is an ideal destination. This Spanish restaurant is spacious and cosy but also does takeaways. Come here for a diverse variety of tapas dishes or for a roast on Sundays. A sangria bottomless brunch that you can order at any time is also available at this restaurant.

Tapas La Casa serves tapas and familiar favourites in Manchester's city centre. It's a sleek and stylish venue with tables and bar seating. On the menu you'll see Spanish plates and platters designed for sharing, as well as crowd-pleasing choices like burgers and pizza. Drinks include beers from Spain and local spirits.

Family-run restaurant The Orange Tree Tapas serves tapas and Iberian cuisine. The varied menu appeals to every taste with options like chicken wings, grilled sardines, and roasted peppers. Simple meals for children and vibrant cocktails are also available. The venue is down-to-earth and cosy.

Check out El Sapo Perezoso if you fancy tapas in Droylsden. Based at a pub with plenty of indoor and outdoor space, this lively eatery dishes up classic Spanish cuisine. Traditional dishes are on the menu, such as pan de tomate, croquettes, and rice, but pizza is also available. Dishes are available to eat in or as takeaway.

Visit Nueve Tapas Bar in Didsbury for Spanish food in a warm and appealing environment. The space looks rustic with wooden furniture and exposed brickwork. Ingredients are sourced from Spain to create a wide variety of authentic tapas dishes. Try them alongside sangria, cocktails, and Spanish wines and beers.

Spanish food and wine are served at Los Amigos Tapas in Denton. This restaurant is spacious with large windows and a contemporary but rustic interior. The main menu includes a diverse selection of Spanish small plates and platters to share. A separate lunch menu is also offered here, plus there are dishes suitable for kids.