With its dynamic and ever-evolving food scene, Brisbane offers a plethora of Spanish restaurants that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Madrid or Barcelona. From cosy tapas bars to ravishing rooftops, each establishment adds its own unique twist to the vibrant local Spanish cuisine, with Aussie produce only enhancing the rich traditions of Spanish cooking. Whether you’re hoping to sink your teeth into a mouthwatering plate of paella, indulge in the delicate flavours of jamón ibérico, or sip on a refreshing glass of sangria, the recipe remains the same: round up your friends, loosen your belt, and get ready for a fiesta of a feast at these Spanish restaurants.
1. Olé Restaurant
It’s a taste of Spain at South Bank when you visit Olé Restaurant, although with the golden yellow expanses of paella on offer, you’ll be forgiven for thinking it’s Valencia rather than Brisbane. Those who don’t want to commit to a full paella – I can’t understand you, but I’m sure you exist – can dabble in an array of tempting tapas such as croquetas del dia and calamares that are best shared over a robust bottle of red. On a sunlit evening here, you can close your eyes with a bellyful of Spanish food and almost feel you’re in the Mediterranean.
📍Shop/B12 Little Stanley St, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia
2. Moda
Local ingredients meet Spanish style at Moda, as the likes of Fraser Island crab, Scenic Rim vegetables, and Brisbane Valley quail are transformed into Iberian-inspired fare. Meat lovers will appreciate the restaurant’s wood-fired grill, which does a roaring trade in flame-licked steaks and chickens, whilst the succulent octopus is a popular choice. For the full Moda experience, the tapas banquet or Javier’s table experience menus will whisk you through the highlights of the menu, all selected by the chef to deliver bags of flavour in concert with one another.
📍61 Petrie Terrace, QLD 4000, Australia
3. Botellon
Having opened in 2019, Botellon is one of the newer Spanish restaurants in Brisbane. But that’s not to say it’s lacking in any department; the rookie has quickly established itself as a go-to spot in Graceville, where a seat at the bar puts you at the heart of the action. Natural Spanish wines are plentiful here, and the attentive staff are happy to advise which bottle will pair best with your meal. A lively atmosphere and good reputation means you’re advised to book in advance, but once you’re in, the likes of lamb albondigas & punchy paellas will keep you highly satisfied. Round off the meal with a Pedro Ximénez sherry, and you’ve got a dining experience that will leave you eagerly anticipating your next visit.
📍1 327Honour Ave, Chelmer QLD 4075, Australia
4. Iris Rooftop
Pulling double duty as one of Brisbane’s best rooftop bars, as well as a Spanish culinary treat, Iris Rooftop is the views and tapas double-threat you’ve been searching for. The Fortitude Valley spot boasts a vibrant ambiance and breathtaking views, but the food has to stand out too – and happily it does, with sharing plates like seafood paella and roast suckling pig standing out amongst an array of carefully-considered options. Grilled pulpo with a side of rooftop views? We’ll happily take that!
📍Atop Hotel X, 458 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia