The best tapas restaurants in Manchester

Ranked as one of the UK's best Spanish restaurants, La Bandera is a great choice for tapas in Manchester. The restaurant is smart and welcoming with bright yellow furniture to add bursts of colour. A diverse range of classic tapas are on the menu, including sharing boards of cheeses and ham. Pre-theatre and bottomless brunch menus are also offered.

Located in Chorlton, Ban San Juan is considered one of the city's best tapas spots. Sit at a pavement table or appreciate the eclectic interior packed full of detail and character. The menu features a varied range of tapas, showcasing classic and innovative recipes. Drinks imported from Spain are an ideal accompaniment to any meal here.

Elegant restaurant El Gato Negro Tapas is set across three floors in a city centre townhouse. This award-winning restaurant has stylish interiors and large windows for great views of Manchester, plus there's a roof terrace and pavement tables. Traditional and modern seasonal dishes are served here, all made with local ingredients.

You'll find Evuna in a couple of locations around the city, specialising in tapas and Spanish cuisine. A wide range of tapas dishes are on the menu, including vegetarian options, plus diners can sample paella. Spanish drinks like wine, cava, sherries, and beer are served too. These venues are rustic and full of authentic touches.

Tast Catala brings Barcelona to Manchester with its menu packed with authentic flavours. The restaurant offers a curated choice of Catalonian tapasand Catalan-style rice dishes. It also has the largest range of Catalan wines in Manchester. This bustling contemporary venue is full of light and has its own bar and terrace.

Based in the Gay Village, The Molly House is an award-winning pub that serves drinks and tapas. On the outside of the building, you'll see a colourful mural, whilst inside, there's a classic and cosy look. The range of drinks includes cocktails, craft beer, and cask ales, whilst a diverse choice of fresh tapas is available.

Based in Ancoats, Maricarmen is a trendy spot to get your tapas. It has a reputation for dishing up budget-friendly and flavoursome small plates alongside Spanish beers, wines, sangria, and cocktails. The authentic choices here include patatas bravas, tortillas, and fried squid. Food is served in a bustling and cheerful environment.

La Viña has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere and specialises in tapas and wine. You'll find an extensive range of tapas dishes here, in addition to some larger plates. Dishes include classics like boquerones, Manchego cheese, and croquettes, plus there are Spanish wines. This restaurant is cosy and has an authentic feel.

A family-run bar and restaurant in Deansgate, El Rincon de Rafa is a hit with Spanish nationals in Manchester. This fun and lively spot serves an extensive choice of tapas and classic Basque recipes. Spanish drinks are available, too. The venue is also known for showing live sports—you can expect things to get animated.

La Torre has been serving tapas in Urmston for over twenty years. Its unique menu combines Spanish traditions with Middle Eastern influences. There are plenty of tapas to try, as well as several types of paella. The venue is fuss-free and bustling with diners, offering both indoor and outdoor seating.

Canto in Ancoats is a breezy spot for tapas and Mediterranean food. At this buzzing venue, diners can choose from various small plates, including desserts and meat-free options. A tapas bottomless brunch is also available here at weekends. This bright and modern restaurant is ideal for all types of occasions.

At Nueve Tapas Bar, authentic tapas are served in a warm and rustic environment. The space is decorated with exposed bricks and wooden furniture. For maximum authenticity, the ingredients used here are sourced from Spain; a wide range of dishes is available. Spanish wines and beers, sangria, and cocktails complete your meal.

Try some Spanish and Mediterranean small plates in Chorlton at Big Parrot Tapas. This is a lively local restaurant with indoor and outdoor tables. The interiors feature murals painted on exposed brick walls, plus comfortable seating. Spanish and Mediterranean tapas dishes are the focus of the varied menu, but there's also breakfast and Sunday lunch.

Try dishes from Spain and Portugal at Porta. These venues are smart yet relaxed and unpretentious, with dark wood interiors and outdoor tables. They are walk-in-only. The menu offers a varied choice of small plates, including tapas favourites like tortillas, boquerones, and Iberico ham. Cocktails and vermouth are also available.

Housed in one of the oldest surviving buildings in Ashton, Old Cross Tapas & Grill is an award-winning choice for tapas prepared with fresh local ingredients. Seafood is a speciality, but a diverse array of meat and vegetarian dishes are also served. The dining space is cosy, with walls painted in rich colours.

Bodega serves food all day, specialising in tapas with some broader Mediterranean influences. The menu features plenty of Spanish favourites like tortillas and patatas bravas and other small plates like tzatziki and halloumi fries. The dining room feels cosy and contemporary and has a bustling atmosphere. A party room for private dining is also available.

The Orange Tree Tapas is a family-run restaurant in Denton. This local restaurant is down-to-earth and has an appealing, cosy ambience. The menu includes diverse tapas to suit all tastes, from chicken wings to breaded mushrooms and grilled peppers. Kids' meals and cocktails are also available here.

Los Amigos Tapas is a contemporary and rustic restaurant in Denton. Spanish food and wine are served here, and a varied range of small plates and sharing platters is available. Dishes for children are available here, too, and there's a separate lunch menu that includes tapas and paella.

Campo Blanco is a spacious and cosy restaurant ideally suited to any occasion. Takeaways are also available. Tapas dishes are the speciality, but the venue also serves a Sunday roast and a sangria bottomless brunch at any time. The menu features a varied selection of modern tapas recipes.

Head to El Sapo Perezoso for tapas in Droylsden. This lively eatery is based at a pub with ample indoor and outdoor seating, but takeaway meals are also available. The menu features plenty of classics, like pan con tomate, croquettes, and pan-fried chorizo. This venue also serves pizza and a full range of drinks.

Try Tapas La Casa for a tapas meal in the city centre. This contemporary restaurant is sleek, stylish, and spacious. Spanish small plates ideal for sharing are available, but crowd-pleasing favourites like burgers and curries are also on the menu. A range of drinks are offered to go with the food, including gins produced in Manchester.

The rustic style at La Cantina gives the place an authentic feel. Have a meal in the homey interior or sit outside for al fresco dining. Takeaways are also available. Classic tapas is the speciality here, with choices including croquettes, meatballs, and tortillas. Alternatively, diners can sample pizza, tacos, and fried chicken.