Amelia HallI tried “tapas night” in a small town that shall remain nameless (to protect the innocent) and got a plate of cold fries labeled “patatas bravas” and a bowl of olives that tasted like they’d just escaped a jar of pickle brine.
And the “chorizo” was, I kid you not, sliced hot dog. My friend tried to be positive: “At least the sangria is authentic!” It was Sprite with red wine.
After that night, I zeroed in on Vancouver’s tapa scene. Now, after many delicious meals, I’m sharing my top picks for tapas in Vancouver that will make you want to dance a little flamenco between courses.
1. Bodega on Main
– Media credit: bodegaonmain
Address: 1014 Main St
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 12 Midnight
Phone: +1 604-565-8815
Price: $$
Bodega on Main is for anyone who appreciates authentic Spanish tapas. The space itself is inviting, with custom leather seating, hand-carved bar stools, and vintage Spanish art.
When it comes to food, I always start with the Tabla de Quesos—a generous board of Spanish cheeses, fresh fruit, and nuts. It’s perfect for nibbling while you look over the menu.
If you like something bright and refreshing, the ceviche is a must. It’s packed with fresh seafood, lemon, and herbs, and has that perfect balance of tang and crunch from the red onion.
For something heartier, the Pincho Moruno—grilled skewers of marinated AAA beef—are tender, juicy, and full of smoky flavour.
| Pro Tip: Don’t leave without trying the Bombón de Higos. These brandy-soaked figs, filled with almonds and mascarpone, then dipped in chocolate, are the kind of dessert you’ll remember long after you leave. |
2. Como Taperia
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Address: 201 E 7th Ave
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 4 PM to 11 PM
Phone: +1 604-879-3100
Price: $$
If you enjoy standing at the bar, chatting with friends, and sampling a variety of bold, flavourful bites—just like in Barcelona’s Poble Sec or Madrid’s La Latina—this is the place for you.
The vibe is focused on all things Spanish, from premium gins mixed with unique tonics to traditional tapas.
I always go for the Tostada Matrimonio, which layers boquerón (white anchovy) and anchoa (salted anchovy) with onion and mojama (cured tuna). It’s salty, savoury, and balanced, showing off the kitchen’s respect for classic Spanish flavours.
And if you want to treat yourself, the Cinco Jotas Jamón Ibérico de Bellota is as good as it gets—nutty, melt-in-your-mouth ham that’s worth every bite.
| Pro Tip: Grab a drink at the bar, and you’ll get a free tapa with your order. |
3. Espana Restaurant
– Media credit: espanayvr
Address: 1118 Denman St
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Phone: +1 604-558-4040
Price: $$
España Restaurant is best for food lovers who want to experience Spanish tapas in a cozy, neighbourhood setting.
One of my favourites here is the Chicharrones—crispy pork belly with honey and smoked paprika. The pork is perfectly cooked, with just enough sweetness from the honey to balance the smoky spice.
If you’re in the mood for something classic, the daily paella is always worth trying. It changes regularly, but it’s always packed with fresh ingredients and that signature saffron aroma.
| Pro Tip: For dessert, don’t miss the hand-rolled churros. You can order them with rich, thick hot chocolate or go for the half-and-half option with dulce de leche and house-made yoghurt. |
4. Pax Romana
– Media credit: paxromana.vancouver
Address: 1670 Commercial Dr
Hours:
- Monday – 5 PM to 11:30 PM
- Thursday & Sunday – 5 PM to 12 AM
- Friday & Saturday – 5 PM to 1 AM
Price: $$
Pax Romana is the perfect spot for anyone who loves Mediterranean flavours and wants to experience a creative twist on classic tapas in a stylish, Roman-inspired setting.
I always start with the house-made tuna belly in olive oil. The confit Pacific Albacore is silky and rich, with bright notes of orange and lemon that keep it fresh and light.
The house-made mussels in escabeche are also worth trying—pickled Salt Spring mussels paired with blistered tomatoes and a tangy escabeche that brings out the best in the seafood.
| Pro Tip: Go for the Chef’s Choice Menu. It’s a curated selection of tapas and seasonal specials, so you get to try a bit of everything and discover new favourites along the way. |
5. Cuchillo
– Media credit: cuchilloyvr
Address: 261 Powell St
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Friday – 5 PM to 12 AM
Phone: +16045597585
Price: $$
Cuchillo is for anyone who loves bold, inventive Latin American flavours. The décor is edgy and stylish, with a lively vibe that makes every night feel like a celebration.
The Blistered Shishito Chillies are a great way to start—served with coriander hummus, nutty Morita chile salsa matcha, dried black currants, and crunchy plantain chips. It’s a mix of smoky, spicy, and sweet that keeps you reaching for more.
And if you’re craving comfort food, the BC Beef Shank Sopes deliver—tender mole madre-braised beef shank atop organic blue corn sopes, with white beans, BC yellow plum chimichurri, and a sprinkle of queso cotija.
| Pro Tip: Don’t skip dessert! The Dulce De Leche is worth every calorie: ancho chilli-dusted churros, tamarind butterscotch, caramelized pineapple, whipped cream, and sponge toffee. |
6. Social Corner
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Address: 891 Homer St
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 12 AM
Phone: +16044286111
Price: $$
Social Corner is the go-to spot for anyone who loves Italian and Spanish cuisine. The menu is a showcase of fusion done right.
The Wagyu Beef Carpaccio is my usual first pick. It features paper-thin slices of Snake River Farms, drizzled with Parmigiano-infused EVOO and balsamico di Modena. It’s also served with grilled oregano flatbread. It’s delicious with a hint of smoke and tang.
The Charred Iberico Chorizo is a must-try if you want more punch. The handmade Spanish chorizo de bellota is grilled to perfection and served with a refreshing kaffir lime mint yogurt and forno flatbread—an irresistible combo of smoky, savoury, and cool.
| Pro Tip: Swing by for happy hour every weekday from 2 PM to 5 PM for great deals on drinks and bites. |
7. Noah’s Cafe
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Address: 1096 Denman St
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 5 PM to 11 PM
Phone: +16045591096
Price: $$
Noah’s Cafe is for anyone craving Japanese tapas.
The Aburi Zuké Tuna Tataki is umami-rich and beautifully layered. The marinated albacore tuna sashimi is lightly blow-torched for that perfect smoky edge and topped with pickled shallots. It also comes with a hit of fresh horseradish wasabi.
For something more authentic, try the Omelette Hayashi Rice. I always savour every bite of the fluffy sautéed mushroom omelette over rice. It’s smothered in delicious Japanese Hayashi hashed beef stew and finished with Parmigiano Reggiano.
| Pro Tip: Take advantage of their happy hour. It’s from 5 PM to 6 PM daily and again from 9 PM to close. |
